Rise of the Sons

by JD MITCHELL

  “Are you asking me on a date?” Jessica asked dumbfounded.

  Red’s features tightened. “I thought you might give me another chance?”

  “You’re an idiot,” Jessica said, but she smiled as she hobbled towards him.

  Red grinned. “So, yes to dinner?”

  She gingerly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. “Yes.”

  Ali watched, her affection for Red returning as Jessica’s eyes lit. At least something good came of the last few days. Everything else had turned to shit.

  “Does this mean we can go home?” Ali asked.

  Red pulled away from Jessica, his tender eyes still probing her face. Finally, he glanced at Ali. “For now. There will be an inquest, but they approved your return to school.”

  “An inquest?” Jessica’s brow tightened.

  “Once the dust settles, they’ll want to understand how these events unfolded,” Red said.

  “Why are they waiting?” Jessica asked, full lawyer-mode engaged. “They can have my statement now.”

  Red scratched the back of his neck. “These things take time.”

  “I take it Dub and Dother are still awaiting trail then?” Jessica asked.

  Ali’s ears perked. She’d heard nothing since they’d confined her to the palace.

  “That will also take time.”

  Her stomach churned at the news. Ali had hoped the decision was finalized, and the Sons were dead. It would have made her own feelings easier. She was anxious they were alive, and yet anxious at the prospect of their execution.

  “I don’t understand why the Tuatha de Danann are delaying,” Jessica said crossing her arms.

  Red shoved his hands in his pockets. “For the same reason they’ll question us. They want answers.”

  Jessica’s brows knit. “Then we’ll stay until this is over.”

  “Please, let’s go home,” Ali blurted.

  She wasn’t keen on resuming school, but she wanted to leave. Especially if the TDD would take months to sort this out. The last three days of nothingness had been unbearable, and Ali couldn’t stomach the thought of enduring months of nothing but waiting. Her old life, while unappealing, was preferable to listlessness. When no one else spoke, Jessica sighed. “Fine. What about Sawyer?”

  Ali glanced at her sleeping friend. She told him yesterday she’d always be a phone call away, but she also thought they had more time together.

  “He’s going with Scott and Eva,” Red said.

  “What?” Ali asked surprised.

  “Leigh insisted, so Scott and Eva offered to take him for a few weeks,” Red said. “It’s a temporary solution.”

  If Leigh was around, Ali would have kissed him. She hugged Sawyer and his eyes flew open at the touch.

  “Did you hear Red?” Ali asked.

  He wiped the sleep from his eyes, sitting upright.

  “You’re coming home with us,” Ali said grinning.

  Sawyer stared at her, his face tightening as his eyes watered. Suddenly she feared Sawyer might not want to stay with them. But he launched himself towards Ali, embracing her.

  “We’ll leave in the morning,” Red said.

  “I am disappointed to see you go,” Aengus said, strolling into the theater from the empty hallway. “However, we will undoubtedly reunite sooner than you wish.”

  Back to wearing billowy shirts and spouting flowery language, Aengus seemed restored to his former self. Behind him stood a woman, her skin the color of coffee framed by raven hair. She wore a blue floral print dress and sandals, looking like she was on a beach holiday.

  Ali peered around Aengus, attempting to get a better look at this stranger. Familiar no-nonsense green eyes stared back at her.

  “Malvina?” Ali felt her jaw slacken. Malvina looked the same, but human.

  “I have arranged for Malvina to accompany you home,” Aengus said. “She’ll be staying with you until this ordeal passes.”

  Jessica was the first to speak. “Why?”

  Aengus’s grim smile didn’t reach his eyes. “A precaution until the Tuatha de Danann conclude their investigation.”

  Ali understood Aengus well enough to know there was more to the story.

  “Tell them,” Red said.

  Aengus sighed, and his voice fell. “I wished to spare you further distress.” His gaze flicked to Red. “I don’t know what conclusions the Tuatha de Danann will draw. Malvina stays with you until the Sons are dead and the inquisition is over.”

  Clearing his throat, Red looked apprehensively at Jessica. “You and Ali should stay with me for a while.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

  Red sighed, clearly expecting a fight. “So, I can keep an eye on you and Ali.”

  Jessica’s lips pursed, but she nodded. “As a short-term solution.” Then she looked at Aengus sounding annoyed. “Just so we’re clear, I’d like to know what you’re expecting.”

  “Honestly nothing,” Aengus intoned. “However, we’re not taking chances.”

  An image of Leanan floated through Ali’s memory. Was Aengus overly cautious or was there something to fear from the TDD?

  Jessica exhaled through her nose but said nothing further.

  “May I have a moment?” Aengus asked Ali.

  “Me?” Ali asked surprised. She glanced at Jessica who shrugged. “Okay…”

  As they exited into the hallway Malvina passed Ali, making her way to Sawyer. Ali wondered if Malvina asked for this assignment. She seemed overly protective of the kid.

  “I’ve had this conversation with Red and Leigh already,” Aengus said disrupting her musings about Malvina.

  Ali’s nerves set to a low simmer.

  “When the Tuatha de Danann question you, only answer what you are asked. Do not elaborate.” Aengus’s eyes darkened. “Especially about the Tunnel. You were never there.”

  Ali swallowed. “Do they even care about me to ask?”

  A sad smile formed on his lips. “You operated a drone, so we have footage of your involvement.”

  “What?” Ali asked, her stomach sinking. “We recorded the battle?”

  Aengus nodded. “I’ve agreed to turn it over this afternoon.” His lips flat lined. “I assure you nothing we turn over will paint our actions in a bad light. The Fae have scrutinized every minute.”

  Ali wasn’t fond of the way Aengus phrased his answer, but she didn’t like her drone footage open for analysis either.

  Aengus lightly tilted his head and sighed. “But, that’s not the entirety of my reason for speaking with you. I’m afraid the Tuatha de Danann will take a special interest in you. Particularly in why your father never disclosed your birth.” He rubbed his eyebrow. “Let them focus on that line of questioning rather than your interactions with the Sons.”

  “Is my existence a bad thing?” Ali asked, suddenly fearful for her future.

  “It happens occasionally that a child is unannounced,” Aengus said. His jaw tightened. “They will intend to help you but know their efforts may run counter to your own wishes.”

  Ali suddenly realized what Aengus insinuated. “I’m not leaving Jessica to join a cult of druids.”

  He smirked, his lips twisting with amusement. “It may not come to that.” She didn’t believe him. “I’ll fight them.”

  “I expect nothing less from you.”

  Ali turned to leave, her gears spinning on how to handle the next threat. She wouldn’t allow the TDD to tell her what to do. She had enough of their bullshit world.

  “Ali,” Aengus said.

  She stopped, looking over her shoulder.

  “You don’t trust me, and with reason. But I am your friend.” A sad smile gently curved his lip. “If you ever wish to find Galvyn, I will make it happen.”

  A mixture of emotions ranging from uncertainty to gratitude swirled around her brain. She still didn’t want to see her father but appreciated the offer. “Thank you.”

  ***

  That evening Grace’
s funeral was held in the arboretum. Her body wasn’t there, they hauled her off to the otherworld to rest in her family plot. In her place was the spear of Lugh, resting on a silk pillow.

  All across the arboretum groups huddled, each celebrating the life of a deceased friend or family member. Some groups held lanterns, other’s lit small bonfires. Candles and flowers were chosen for Grace’s service. The mourners huddled over the spear, each sharing a memory.

  It surprised Ali to find Nash in attendance. The service wasn’t the traditional Tuatha de Danann custom, which would take place in the otherworld. Leigh explained this ceremony as a Fae tradition, but mourners across races–Tuatha de Danann, Pixie, and Fae–took part. Nash stood silently over the spear, declining with a shake of his head when it was his turn to speak. A slender man in a navy suit rested a hand on Nash’s shoulder, then stood. He had gray hair and sharp features and spoke with the fluidity of a politician. When he mentioned Grace’s strengths as a mother, Ali realized the man was Nash’s father.

  When it was Ali’s turn, she drew a deep breath and looked at Nash.

  “Grace was fearless. I wish I possessed half her bravery and strength. I barely knew her, but I’ll never forget her.”

  Nash didn’t meet her eyes, but his face constricted in reaction to her words.

  The ceremony lasted another thirty minutes. Several Tuatha de Danann–more politicians Ali surmised–spoke of Grace as a community leader, as the wife of politician Bartley Laebach, and mother to Nash and Bryan.

  At its conclusion Ali made a beeline for the door, Jessica in tow.

  “Ali wait,” Nash said stopping her in her tracks.

  “Hey,” Ali said awkwardly, looking to Jessica for support.

  “Can we talk?” Nash asked.

  Again, Ali looked at Jessica.

  “I’ll find Red and meet you by the door,” Jessica said.

  Before Ali could protest, Jessica disappeared into the wandering crowds.

  “What’s up?” Ali asked, cringing at her choice of words. They were attending his mother’s funeral, so she knew ‘what was up.’

  “You were, uh…” He swallowed, then made eye contact with her. “You were with my mom when it happened.”

  Ali’s stomach tightened. She didn’t want to talk about Grace’s death, let alone with Nash. The entire situation was horrible. Ali had dreamed about Dain snapping Grace’s neck every night since she died.

  “I was with her,” Ali whispered. “I’m so very sorry.”

  Nash nodded. “Was she really fearless at the end?”

  She felt the heat behind her eyes as tears welled. “Yeah, I thought she would take on an army in her last moments.” Ali smirked as she wiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek. “She was a battle goddess holding that spear.”

  Nash sniffled, his eyes reddening. “Thank you. I needed to know she was…” He took a sharp breath. “That she died for something.”

  Ali was at a loss for words, so she changed the subject. “Are you going to the otherworld?”

  “For a while. Dad is on the council and part of the inquest.”

  “Oh,” Ali said wondering how the proceedings would work. She wanted to skip it. Part of her hoped they’d just forget about her, but she knew from her conversation with Aengus that wouldn’t happen. “We’re flying home tomorrow.”

  “I heard.” Nash looked up again, wiping at his cheek. “Tell Leigh and Red bye for me?”

  “Sure,” Ali said taking a step towards the exit.

  “Take care,” Nash said. He turned and made his way to where his father spoke with the other politicians.

  She scrutinized them. They seemed no different from the politicians she saw on television; except they wore matching navy suits over sky blue shirts with mandarin collars. Ali thought it was a dress uniform of sorts since the female politicians wore the same thing.

  Leigh’s parents joined their conversation, both wearing the navy suits and giving their apologies. Ali supposed the TDD might not be all evil, Leigh’s parents had been nice enough.

  “Ready?”

  Startled, Ali looked up to find Leigh gesturing towards the exit with his head. She nodded, but a nagging memory had her twisting to look over her shoulder at Eva.

  “Did your mom know I was an Ollamain?”

  “Huh?” Leigh asked with an odd smile. “How would she?”

  Ali remembered the flicker in Eva’s eyes when she first saw her. “She seemed to recognize me.”

  Leigh brushed off her comment. “You probably looked familiar because of school.”

  “Yeah,” Ali said, but she wasn’t so sure.

  Thirty

  Red’s front door slid open revealing the house was in shambles. Ali forgot about the questing beast three weeks prior. Scorch marks scarred the walls, half of which were covered with fresh paint.

  Ali dropped her suitcase on the foyer floor.

  “Oh hell,” Red said as he ran into the house.

  She followed behind him, confused. They rounded a corner to find food strewn everywhere. An awful odor of rot hung in the air, reminding Ali of dirty diapers. Red ran around, throwing windows open. Dirt smudged every surface of his kitchen, except for a pristine keg which sat in the center of the room.

  Red threw up his hands and rested them on his head.

  Leigh walked into the kitchen and snickered.

  “What’s funny?” Ali asked.

  “Porter blew the Keg,” Leigh said with a wide grin.

  Ali gaped, remembering Leigh’s warning to her. Porter kept the house clean until he ran out of beer. “Porter did this?”

  “From the look of it, he stopped repairing the house first.” Leigh pointed to the scorched walls.

  On cue, Porter materialized on top of the keg, arms crossed. His bare foot tapped impatiently.

  Red rolled his eyes and then grasped his car keys. “I’m going.”

  Jessica walked inside, holding her bags. Her eyes widened. “Oh, wow.”

  Red stormed past Jessica, grumbling on this way out of the house. Malvina barely made it inside before the door slammed shut.

  Everyone stared after him. Leigh started snickering again.

  “Okay,” Jessica said sharing a confused glance with Malvina. “On that note, I’m claiming a bedroom.” She disappeared upstairs, moving slow to accommodate for her back injury.

  Ali examined the house again. She’d steer clear of Porters nasty side.

  Malvina walked into the kitchen and tsked. Porter immediately vanished, and Ali smiled inwardly. Their interactions would be entertaining. Malvina’s disapproval was obvious, but porter was a formidable force.

  Pursing her lips, Malvina approached the refrigerator and inspected it with a raised eyebrow. She pushed the lever for ice before Ali could stop her. Cubes crashed from the dispenser scattering across the floor. Alarmed, Malvina looked ready to strike.

  Ali stifled a laugh which came out in the form of a gargled snort.

  Malvina’s stern gaze shifted to Ali, before she moved onto the microwave. She opened the door, shut it, and then began punching buttons.

  “That heats food,” Ali said as the interior light flicked on and the plate inside began spinning. “I’ll show you later. Maybe we can make popcorn.”

  “Popcorn?” Malvina asked, as though trying out the word.

  “You’ll like it,” Ali said grinning.

  Their entire trip back to the states had been one technical marvel after another for Malvina. Aengus had kept up with human technology, but only to an extent. It was a constant amazement to Ali what Malvina did, and did not, understand. Toilets? Not a problem, indoor plumbing was a familiarity. Headphones? Ali was confident Malvina considered them to be the devil's work. She hadn’t liked the way the sound was ‘implanted directly into her brain.’ Nor had Malvina been a fan of the way headphones blocked all other noise. She wouldn’t be able to ‘hear the enemy approaching.’

  “You should get settled into a room,” Leigh offered
to Malvina. “Red only has four, and I bet Jessica already snagged the guest room with the king-sized bed.”

  Malvina didn’t seem concerned with room assignments but acknowledged the request. “I shall do so. Will you then show me the popcorn?”

  Ali smirked. “Yes.”

  With a nod, Malvina headed into the foyer, grabbed her small suitcase and rounded the corner up the stairs.

  Ali spun on Leigh, beaming. “This will be fantastic.”

  “Malvina?” Leigh asked with a knowing smile.

  “Oh yes,” Ali said. She glanced around the kitchen searching for her goblin-like friend. “And Porter. I’ll be honest, I wanted to go home. But Red’s house should be amusing.”

  “Uh, Ali?” Leigh asked, disrupting her scheming thoughts.

  She turned to see him leaning against the countertop.

  “Yeah?”

  “Since you’re crashing with Red, I thought you’d need a ride to school tomorrow?”

  She considered the annoyance that was high school and frowned. Her friends would demand an explanation for her disappearance, then the rumor mill would be out of control. They were trivial irritations, and she preferred to ignore them. She stopped. It occurred to her she didn’t really care. They were trivial annoyances. After slaying dragons and engaging in battle with supernatural creatures, high school didn’t seem so overwhelming.

  Before her, Leigh looked expectant. Did he care about the rumors?

  “If you drive me to school, everyone will assume we’re dating,” Ali said finally.

  Leigh shrugged, closing the distance between them. Ali’s pulse quickened as she inhaled his sandalwood cologne. He cusped her cheek and leaned in. She met him halfway, standing on her toes as his other hand found the small of her back. This time, his soft lips where gentle as they found hers, the tingling sensation rushing across her arms and toes. He pulled away first, but the thrill remained.

  “Would that be terrible?” He asked with a coy grin.