Beyond the Between

by Anna Webb

  “Wait. Why haven’t you told me this before?” she demanded as the idea finally flared into life within her.

  “Are you really asking me that?” Jason snapped. “Between getting roasted by the sun, nearly fainting from lack of oxygen, and severe dehydration, the internal running of the Atmospheric College simply didn’t come up.”

  She ignored him, closing her eyes, and reached for the yellow threads of the Air Element, forcing and molding them into an invisible bubble around her head. The normally insignificant use of her Gift now felt like an insurmountable task, and she nearly yielded under the effort. Trembling like a sapling in a storm, she eventually managed to force the bubble closed, and then she pulled more and more Air into it, increasing the pressure until it was like a massive brass diving helmet of old.

  Allyra sucked in the wonderful, thick, syrupy air, and instantly her head cleared, and her senses sharpened. It was like waking up from a bad dream.

  She turned to Jason and gave him a brilliant smile.

  “What?” he demanded, instantly suspicious.

  Allyra reached for the threads again, forming a bubble around Jason’s head. Now that she was breathing air thick with oxygen, the effort seemed insignificant.

  Jason’s eyes brightened as she pushed more and more air around his head. Allyra reached into the backpack and grabbed the two apples in it, tossing one to Jason.

  “Get up,” she told him. “We’re finishing this thing today.”

  Jason raised his eyebrows. “Eighty-odd kilometers? In one night?”

  “Unless you think you can’t keep up,” Allyra shot back.

  Jason laughed—a rich and happy sound. “Let’s go then.”

  Chapter 17 – Allyra

  Under a vast sky filled with an infinite number of glittering stars, Allyra and Jason ran through the night, covering the distance almost effortlessly in the cool air.

  The sun was just starting to rise when the Atmospheric College came into view. The day dawned, painting the sky in delicate shades of pink and casting a warm glow over the domed buildings of the Atmospheric College.

  Allyra thought she’d never seen anything quite as wonderful. And in a final burst of energy, she lengthened her strides into a sprint and turned to give Jason a quick grin over her shoulder, the challenge clear in her eyes.

  The corners of Jason’s lips quirked up in answer to her challenge, and he raced after her. They matched each other, stride for stride, and tumbled, exhausted, into the foyer of the Atmospheric College.

  As soon as she was in the cool shade of the building, Allyra doubled over, resting her hands on her knees as she fought to catch her breath. Jason simply dropped to the ground, stretching his tall frame along the cool tiled floor. For a few moments, the air was filled with nothing but the sound of their harsh breathing.

  A side door clicked open, and High Master Radebe walked through, his expressive face crinkled into a kind smile. At his appearance, Allyra straightened, wincing at the stitch in her side. She nudged Jason with her foot, and with a groan, he got to his feet.

  “Welcome to the Atmospheric College,” High Master Radebe said. “Congratulations, you are the first ones to finish the Second Final.”

  Allyra’s eyes widened, and she exchanged a quick look with Jason, finding him wearing a similarly stunned expression. For the first time since the start of The Five Finals, Allyra felt belief bloom into life within her.

  Perhaps they might win this thing after all.

  “I’m sure you’re hungry and thirsty—there’s food and drink waiting for you in the Masters’ dining room, and afterwards, a room has been prepared for you to rest in,” High Master Radebe explained. He nodded at an awaiting Cleaner to show them the way.

  As they walked away, High Master Radebe congratulated them once more and gave Allyra a quick, but firm, squeeze of support on her shoulder.

  * * *

  The Masters’ dining room had a number of tables scattered around the room, and at the front of it was a banquet table laden with food. As hungry as she was, thirst won out. Allyra ignored the food and headed for the pitchers of ice-cold water, draining two glasses in quick succession, following them up with a glass of orange juice. It was only once her thirst had been quenched that she turned her attention to the food.

  She piled one plate with waffles and fruit, drenching the lot with sweet, golden honey, and then filled another plate with eggs and bacon. With a sigh, she dropped into a seat across the table from Jason, who didn’t even bother looking up as she sat down, his attention fully occupied by his similarly full plates of food.

  He ate with studied concentration, and impressive efficiency, clearing a whole plate of pancakes before she’d even gotten her first bite in. She hurried to catch up.

  * * *

  Allyra stirred awake, feeling human again having slept through most of the day. The room they’d been given was small and sparsely furnished, mostly filled by the two twin beds. Allyra glanced at the other bed and found it empty, filled only with rumpled bed sheets that indicated it had been occupied at some point.

  Enjoying the rare moment of solitude, Allyra lingered in bed, considering whether she was tired enough for another nap. In the end, the rumbling of her stomach drove her to get up and find her way back to the Masters’ dining room.

  Dinner had been laid out on the banquet table, but the room was empty except for Jason. After some dithering over the extensive choice of food, Allyra filled her plate and joined him.

  He had already finished his food, but he waved an open bottle of white wine at her. She nodded and as he poured her a glass, she was suddenly reminded of the week of dinners they’d shared before the Final Trial. Except now, she wasn’t dressed in some elegant and sophisticated dress, and the man sitting across from her felt less like a mortal enemy and more of something that might resemble a friend.

  He held up his glass. “To us,” he said quietly, and though she listened for it, there was no trace of sarcasm in his voice.

  She clinked her glass against his. “To us,” she agreed.

  Allyra took a sip of the wine and allowed the cool, crisp liquid to run slowly down her throat, relishing in its sharp taste.

  “Has anyone else finished?” she asked.

  Jason shook his head. “Nope, they’re all still out there.”

  The fact that twelve hours had passed and they were still the only pair to have finished the Second Final put their achievement into sharp clarity. With a wry smile, Allyra thought about Chi and how she’d have to save him a drink instead.

  It seemed only fair that a test held at the Atmospheric College would favor Atmospherics. But since few Atmospherics even attempted the Trials, never mind came second or indeed won it, meant that she had been the only Atmospheric in the Second Final. This meant that every other pair was still suffering the effects of the extreme altitude, no doubt slowing them down significantly.

  After dinner, the two of them snuck cake and more wine out onto a second-floor balcony and silently watched the surrounding desert for any sign of movement. Jason left to go to bed somewhere around midnight, but Allyra found sleep difficult to come by, and she stayed on the balcony watching for any Five Finals Competitors. Her eyelids grew heavier as night dripped toward dawn. And in the otherworldly time trapped between sleep and wakefulness, she slipped into a memory.

  A swirling, seething mass of sand and dust slammed against the dome of air created by the Assembly of Wind. The sandstorm was alive in its ferocity, writhing and pounding relentlessly against the protective barrier, searching for a weakness. It was so massive that it blocked out any light, bathing the Atmospheric College in an unnatural darkness, and beyond its savagery, Allyra couldn’t tell if it was day or night.

  She stood up and walked to the edge of the balcony. The horror of the storm took hold of her, and reflexively, her fingers tightened on the railing. Beyond it, two people were walking out to the edge of the protective dome. The first of them she recognized immediatel
y—there was no mistaking Alex’s easy grace and his endless, barely contained energy.

  Before she could take a closer look at his companion, her perspective shifted abruptly, disorientating her for a brief, stomach-churning moment. When she looked up again, she was looking straight at Alex.

  His eyes widened in brief recognition, but otherwise, he didn’t react, seemingly unperturbed by her sudden appearance. He carried on his conversation with poise.

  “You asked me here,” Alex said evenly, no trace of fear or even unease in his voice despite the raging storm that confronted him. “Can you tell me why High Master Laurent?”

  His words were directed at the tall, statuesque woman standing at his side. Her long blonde hair fell straight, held out of her face by a pair of ornate combs, decorated with iridescent pearls. Her blue eyes were so pale they were almost colorless. The signet ring on her finger identified her as the Atmospheric High Master of Alex’s time. Her face was pinched with worry, and dark circles were sunken beneath her eyes.

  “The storm has grown beyond our control, Mr. Cairns,” she said, her voice low and husky, her words carried by a musical lilt. There was presence and charisma in her voice, and with a few words, she grabbed Allyra’s attention, making her listen even more carefully.

  Allyra glanced at Alex—the Atmospheric High Master had referred to him as “Mister,”’ which meant this was before he was chosen, before he took his place as head of the Gifted Council.

  “The Assembly of Wind?” Alex queried.

  “Are barely holding on. They have sought to control this storm for almost two days now. They have managed to move the storm from more populated areas, allowing us to evacuate homes to minimize human casualties. However, the worst of the storm is gathered here, and I’m afraid they will soon reach the end of their Gifts. If the protection fails, we stand to lose the Atmospheric Great College.”

  “The college has been evacuated, has it not?”

  “Yes, but it isn’t just the college we stand to lose. Stone and mortar can always be rebuilt, but if the Assembly of Wind fails—then many innocent lives may be lost. Their Gifts are the only things controlling this storm. If they lose their lives in this fight, then the rage of this storm will be unleashed. Think of the thousands of lives contained in towns and villages.”

  Alex looked at the Atmospheric High Master steadily. “We cannot undo every storm or natural event. The Gifted protects but never at the cost of interfering with nature.”

  “I agree, Mr. Cairns. However, this is not a natural event. The Rising is behind this.”

  Allyra stiffened at the mention of the Rising. She had believed that the Rising had come into existence after the Betrayal, their purpose to find an alternative explanation for the events that had occurred. However, it now seemed that some iteration of the Rising had existed even in Alex’s time.

  “A direct attack against one of the Great Colleges?” Alex asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “That doesn’t sound like the Rising—they are no more than petty malcontents, more apt to talk than action.”

  “That might have been true once,” High Master Laurent replied with a weary sigh. “But things have changed in the past year. They have been actively challenging the authority of the Council, though never anything quite so blatant. Irrespective of the Rising’s misdeeds, you must understand—the Gifted started this, and therefore, it is our duty to end it before it takes any more innocent lives.”

  Alex nodded, his eyes fixed on the storm. “I do, but I don’t understand why you’re telling me this or, indeed, why I’m here. If you’re seeking to control this storm, there are many Elementals more experienced and powerful than me.”

  “This is not the time for modesty, Mr. Cairns. There might be Elementals more experienced than you, but it has been clear to the Council for some time now that you are the most powerfully Gifted Elemental seen for many generations. And more importantly, your brother tells me that you have equal affinity to all four Elements—a rare trait amongst Elementals.

  “As you know, even Elementals are almost always more aligned to one Element over the others. I alone amongst the Council hold an affinity for the Air Element. I have taken my stand against the storm, but it bested me. It might have been started by the Gifted, but natural wind currents have fed it until it grew to be the monstrous thing you see now.”

  She sighed and turned to Alex, the exhaustion now clearly visible on her face. “If what your brother says is true, and you hold equal mastery over all four Elements, then you might succeed where I could not.

  Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, and Allyra strained to hear her. “I’m sorry to ask this of you. It pains me that I am unable to perform the duty I have been entrusted with, that I have to ask another to my place and risk their life. I know that this is not your responsibility, and I will understand if you say no.”

  Alex smiled stoically, and Allyra knew—she knew—what he was going to do.

  “The Source entrusted me with this Gift, and therefore, it is my responsibility.”

  “Your brother Thomas has many good things to say about you. I see now that he has not been exaggerating.” For a second, it seemed as if she wanted to say more, but in the end, she simply inclined her head at Alex, making her way back to the Atmospheric College, leaving Alex to prepare himself.

  He turned to face the storm, his expression grim, his focus and concentration gathered for the task ahead.

  “Alex,” Allyra whispered, her heart pounding in her chest, worry surging through her thoughts. Even though she knew he would survive this, she didn’t know at what cost. “She doesn’t think you can do this.”

  “No,” he replied simply. “High Master Laurent is a powerful Elemental, and her grasp over the Air Element is legendary. If she couldn’t master this storm, then it might be too much for any single person.”

  “And Mandla? Where is he? Can’t he help you?”

  Alex’s lips curved elegantly into a small smile. “It’s good to know that you don’t know everything about me. Mandla can’t help me, we’re not Tethered, and without joined minds, two people working on this storm might make it even more dangerous. Worse still, two people working at cross purposes might kill one of them. That’s why High Master Laurent asked me here alone.”

  “So, you think this storm might kill you, there’s no one that can help you, yet you’re still going to do it?”

  “Wouldn’t you trade one life for thousands?”

  Silently, she nodded.

  Alex quirked a half-smile though he didn’t turn toward her. “Am I going to survive this?” he asked softly, almost ironically.

  But he cut her off before she could answer. “No, don’t tell me. I prefer not to know. No one should ever be burdened with their own future.”

  It was words spoken by someone all too often troubled by the weight of the future.

  Allyra nodded and stepped up beside him. She ached to touch him, to reassure him. But this was something he had to do alone, it was a step he had to take on the journey to becoming the Alex she’d met in the Between.

  He glanced at her. “Stay with me?” he whispered.

  “Always.”

  Together they walked to the edge of the protection. “Stay close,” he whispered, and then, side by side, they stepped into the savage fury of the storm.

  Alex created a protective bubble around them, keeping out the worst of the storm. But he was trying to conserve energy and the barrier was thin, so the howl of the wind roared around them. After the safety of the Atmospheric College disappeared behind them, Alex drew to a stop. Now completely surrounded by the storm, they were cloaked in darkness, and Allyra could barely make out Alex’s outline. He seemed to sense it.

  “Don’t look with your eyes, sense with your Gift,” he shouted over the relentless roar of the wind.

  Allyra closed her eyes.

  “Do you see it?” Alex shouted.

  Allyra nodded. The yellow threads of the Air Element were seethin
g and writhing beyond Alex’s protection. They were tangled together, constantly moving—alive. She could see no ending or beginning, no direction, no purpose—only an endless capacity for destruction. Horror enveloped her.

  “How?” she screamed, trying to make herself heard.

  “A single thread at a time,” Alex replied wryly, and she felt him reach out with his Gift.

  He took hold of a single thread, its energy flashing out in spurts of gold. Slowly he pulled on it, untangling it from the writhing mass, coaxing it to release its energy. Under his patient and skillful touch, the thread dimmed and relaxed, becoming a sole point of calm within the sea of madness.

  Without releasing his hold on the first thread, Alex reached for one more, and then another, and another, and on, and on. Time passed and drops of sweat formed on Alex’s brow, but he didn’t hesitate or falter. Later still, a small tremor appeared, first at the tip of his fingers and then working its way down the palm of his hand and up his arms until his whole body trembled with violent shivers.

  Powerful as he was, the storm was testing Alex’s limits. But still he continued, and Allyra knew he would give his life rather than give in. By now, he had tens of thousands of threads under his control, and slowly the rays of the sun broke through the churning sand, and the wail of the wind quieted.

  And yet it wasn’t over—there were still angry threads violently clashing against the ones he held. If he stumbled now, those threads were powerful enough to restart the violence of the storm all over again.

  Alex staggered and collapsed to his knees, the graceful lines of his face drawn with pain and exhaustion. Blood trickled from his nose as he fought to catch his breath.

  Allyra fell to her knees before him, desperately wishing she could help him. But her Gift had no hold in this time, and all she could offer were a few words of encouragement.

  “This is not where you fall, Alexander Patrick Cairns,” she said, each word delivered slowly and deliberately. “I know you can do this. I know you are stronger than this.”