by R. Lynn
“Give me your goods,” a low growl demanded.
Sollara turned around, afraid of who her attacker could be. She was relieved to see Andrew smiling at her and holding a banana that he had just used as a weapon and jabbed into her back. He was proud of the reaction he had provoked.
“See girlie, you need to be more prepared. I just caught you off guard. My banana could have done some serious damage if I were a bad guy. You can never drop your guard!”
“Seriously Andrew, I can’t even take a break to eat?”
“Bad guys don’t rest,” he said as he turned from her and walked over to a table of girls.
After a few moments of staring after Andrew in a state of curious bewilderment, she decided to stop procrastinating and go talk to Kai. As she walked toward his table she mentally prepared herself, trying to bring forth some hidden inner courage.
Andrew caught her eye as she crossed the room. And she motioned with her head for him to meet her at Kai's table. It amazed her at how gracefully Andrew maneuvered through the crowd to meet her. Then suddenly he froze. His eyes darted behind her. She watched his expression change from a confident grin to a determined glare. Then he shouted.
“No! Sollara drop!”
-29-
Before Sollara could register what he was saying, Kai jumped in front of her, pushing her to the ground. The shock caused her spill her bag and fruit; she searched around for her things and looked up in time to see a man slam a knife into his back.
“No!” she screamed for Kai, but she was too late. His eyes rolled back into his head as he slumped to the floor, blood dripping from his wound.
He would never get to know how she felt. Too shocked to say anything and barely able to take control of her movements, Sollara crawled over to Kai. She pulled his broken body into her arms and begged him not to leave her as she rocked back and forth.
Andrew made it to her side and created a protective barrier from Kai and the now fresh-blood hungry young Dark Ones that surrounded them. The assassin turned to leave when he realized he had not hit his intended target.
Before he ran, his eyes caught Sollara’s, “You will die next, just like the fool who tried to save you,” he shouted.
Anger erupted in Sollara. She focused her mind to summon the flames. All she had to do was follow the steps she had the last time she summoned them. Concentrating on her hand, she mentally guided the electricity coursing though her veins. The mark on her arm began to burn as a ball of blood red flames ignited in her palm.
She closed her eyes to focus. How could she project her flames across the room to reach the man she was after? An image of Mari throwing a wave of energy at her illusion and pinning her to the wall flashed in Sollara’s mind. She could shadow the ability of Mari!
Blood curdling screams echoed off the walls. She opened her eyes to see the assassin being consumed in a wall of flames. Her mouth dropped open in disbelief. It had actually worked.
“Did I...did I just do that?” she ask as she looked down at her hands. Squinting to focus her eyes, she stared at the mark of the flames. Was she seeing things or did the mark faintly glow?
Andrew nodded while he watched the fire consume the attacker.
Sollara couldn’t stand the sight or smell, so she turned back to Kai who lay unconscious. Coeus had made it to his side and was tending to him. He yelled at Andrew to keep the students back and told another to run and get Phoebe.
Most of the students had left, trying to avoid their desire to eat Kai. But the few who remained managed to overcome their thirst. And they were now helping clear a way for Coeus to carry Kai to the Medicos.
“Sollara, you have to let go of him. His vital signs are encouraging. I have to get him to the Medicos to get him stabilized,” Coeus informed.
She looked up at Coeus and then back down to her arms that clung tightly to Kai’s broken body. Letting him go, Sollara sat on the floor and watched Coeus carry Kai away.
By the time Phoebe got there, the fire was consuming the last of their attacker. Her face dropped when she saw Sollara covered in blood. Andrew began explaining to her what had just happened.
“This is terrible. How did he find them? I didn’t see him come through my shield,” she mumbled to herself. “He must be very powerful to get past my shield.”
“What are you talking about Phoebe, who found whom?” Andrew demanded.
“The Descendants,” was all she could manage to say.
“Why would the Descendants try to kill Sollara?”
“They have promised the seat of Empowerment to the first to drink an Elemental’s blood,” she clarified. “Aurora warned me of this. I thought for sure they would be safe here. I have shields; they are supposed to keep unknown Dark Ones out,” she said to herself.
The shock of Phoebe’s words held Sollara rigidly in place. Aurora knew; that's why she made her leave and took her form. She knew they were going to kill Sollara and eat her. But it didn’t make sense.
“But Aurora was an Elemental! They drained her of her blood. I saw them. Why would they still need me?” Sollara’s fears were driving her to desperation.
“Rumor has it that they drank Aurora's blood and went to claim the seat of Empowerment, but the seat would not appear. It was discovered that Aurora was not her true form when they killed her. That meant her blood did not count for the terms they signed to gain the seat of Empowerment. I know now that that is not just a rumor. There are four full blood Elementals left. You, Kai, and the twins. We must protect you. We can not risk having Mari seated on that throne.” The anger in Phoebe caused her to shake and her words to spew forth. Sollara concentrated on what she had just heard, trying to connect everything together.
“The twins?”
“Yes, and as soon as Kai is stable we must go to them. Andrew do not leave her side, I must go see to Kai.” Phoebe did not wait for his response but rushed off, leaving the two alone.
“Sollara, you better go wash up. You can't very well go around campus looking like Carrie.” Andrew was trying to lighten the mood.
“Who’s Carrie?” Sollara asked, as she kept her eyes on Phoebe.
“You haven't seen the movie ‘Carrie’?” he gasped. She shook her head, confirming his suspicions. “Well then, we will have to educate you. But first go get changed.”
Deciding it was best not to argue, she headed to her room. Hannah was nervously pacing back and forth, and when she saw Sollara she threw her arms around her.
“Don't ever do that to me again Sollara! I thought I was going to lose you. I heard Andrew scream and saw the deranged man running up behind you with a knife. What the hell was he thinking anyway, to attack you in a crowded room?”
It felt good having a friend like Hannah, someone who genuinely cared about her. She hadn’t had anyone like that since Asima. Sollara smiled at Hannah, and as she looked upon her friend, she noticed a colored marking on her cheek that had not been there earlier. She brushed off her observation, figuring she must have just missed it.
Andrew had been deep in thought as he watched the two girls reunite. “Now that you mention it Hannah, that was a bold move to attack in public like that. It must have been a distraction technique. But what were they trying to distract us from? It must be a distraction technique,” Andrew thought out loud.
“Stop that Andrew; you’re not helping!” Hannah scolded him.
“No, he is right. Perhaps they are trying to get us to think that that was it, catch us with our guard down. They must be planning something bigger. We can't stay here until Kai is better. We have to go now.” Sollara was panicking. And for good reason, the world's most powerful beings were hunting her.
“I think you’re right, Sollara. Hannah, go tell Phoebe what we think. I’ll stay here and guard Sollara. And tell them to never leave Kai unattended. I don't think the attacker realized he was an Elemental. Most likely he was told to go after Sollara because she is an easier target.”
“That's not fair!”
“Sollara, I don't mean weaker, I mean easier, such as easier to spot in a room full of people. If you haven't noticed, you do have very unusual hair.”
“Great, now my hair is going to get me killed!” She slammed her fist into her dresser and tried to act like it didn’t hurt.
“Sollara, if you’re leaving, I’m coming with you.” Hannah was insistent.
“Obviously I am too. I almost killed you with a banana today. You need me!” Andrew declared.
“Should I even waste my time arguing with you two about this?” Sollara massaged her aching fist.
They looked at each other and then looked back at Sollara, both were grinning. “I guess that answers my question.” In the short time she had known them, one thing she knew for sure was that they were both stubborn.
-30-
The warm water from the shower revitalized Sollara as it poured over her tired body. The firewall incident had taken more of her strength than she had expected. Not to mention, she was coming down with a cold as her throat was throbbing in pain.
Wrapping a towel around her body, she opened the door to the bathroom and reached her hand out into the room.
“Andrew, pass me in some clothes. Please,” she asked.
He handed her a pair of blue jeans and a grey t-shirt that had been on top of the dresser.
“Is Hannah back yet?” she asked through the door.
“No why?”
Figuring there was no use lying to him, she did the opposite and told him the blunt truth. “Well, I kind of need a bra and underwear.”
“And…why should I…Um… Where can I...I mean where do you keep those items?”
“In the top drawer and stop being such a baby. I am sure you have seen your share of girls’ underwear.”
“Hey, that may be true but this is different. Normally I am taking it off not aiding in the putting on.”
“What the heck are you two talking about?” Hannah asked. Neither Sollara nor Andrew had heard her come back in the room.
“Hannah, can you get me a bra and panties?” Sollara emphasized the word panties, trying to make Andrew more uncomfortable.
“Also, would one of you mind getting me something to drink? My throat is on fire.” she added.
There was an awkward silence, and then Hannah knocked on the door.
“Can I come in?” she asked.
“Sure. What's up?”
Hannah handed her the underwear and leaned against the counter.
“When exactly did your throat start to burn?” she asked.
“That's a weird question. After the incident in the meal room I suppose. I never got a chance to eat something and drink my water.”
“Sollara, please don't get mad at me, but I think your body is telling you that you need blood. You have used your powers a couple of times already. It only makes sense.”
“I guess you could be right. I am not opposed to it, but it still feels peculiar.” Sollara pulled the shirt over her head.
“Do you want me to get you some blood?”
“I guess I have to try it sometime. Might as well be now.”
While Hannah left to get some blood, Sollara finished getting dressed and packing her bags. She had extra time, so she applied some mascara and eyeliner and a light dusting of bronze eye shadow.
“Why do you girls do that stuff; you look perfectly fine without it on?” Andrew was being annoying again.
“If you must know, we like to play dress up. And since I have outgrown tea parties and tiaras, I settle for make up. Thank god that of the many things Mari kept from me, makeup was not one of them.” Sollara liked how she could talk casually with Andrew. Something about fighting with him made her view him as a friend and nothing more.
“I still think it’s silly,” he sneered.
Just as Sollara was ready to get into a verbal debate over makeup with Andrew, Hannah returned with eight bottles of red liquid.
“You have no idea how hard it was to find these after Kai’s little escapade, bleeding out in front of that many young Dark Ones. The school’s blood rations are like non-existent. I had to grab these from Josiah and the boys. If only you knew what I promised them in exchange,” she laughed.
Andrew watched the girls through the half open door. “I’m going to wait in the hall, all this underwear and dirty promise talk is going to my head,” he grinned as he offered them a wink and turned to leave.
Sollara wondered if he was being polite and giving her space. She was obviously nervous about her first time drinking blood. Hannah untwisted the top to one of the bottles and handed it to her.
“Do you want me to leave and give you some privacy?” she asked.
“No, I actually prefer it if you stay. It seems bizarre to think of drinking blood for the first time in secret.” She laughed nervously. “Is this human or animal?” she had to ask. She could not bear the thought of drinking a human’s blood.
“It is human, but before you freak out, know that it is donated by one of the few humans who knows of our school. One good thing about humans is that when you take their blood, their bodies make newer, better blood within a few hours,” she answered.
“Oh, is there no animal blood anywhere? I am not sure if I am ready for this.”
The smell of the blood wafting toward her caused an uncontrollable urge to down every bottle. Sollara’s eyes widened as she licked her lips instinctively.
“Whoa!” She laughed in surprise. “It seems my body disagrees with my desire to wait for animal blood.”
Cautious to steady her shaking hand, she reached forward and took the bottle from Hannah. “If I am going to do it, I might as well get it over with.” Sollara vigorously swallowed the contents of the bottle. Instantly her throat felt better and her strength started to return.
“This is disgusting,” she spat. “I thought I was supposed to like this stuff.” She rubbed her tongue trying to get the flavor out of her mouth. Hannah doubled forward holding her stomach and laughing at Sollara’s response. As Sollara waited for Hannah to answer her, she tapped her foot and glared at the way Hannah thought she was amusing.
“Tell me about it; it takes awhile to acquire a taste for old blood,” Hannah finally managed between fits of laughter.
“What do you mean old blood?”
“That was from an elderly man who works for the school. Old blood tastes the worst, but it has the most healing properties in it,” she informed.
“Well give me something that tastes better! I think I will throw up if I have to keep the aftertaste of that in my mouth any longer.”
Hannah handed her another bottle. Quickly she unscrewed the lid and downed the sweet liquid. It was shockingly good, like the rich juice from a rare steak. “I could get used to this!”
“You are a thirsty little thing aren't you?” Hannah quickly unscrewed the lid of the next bottle.
-31-
“Andrew, I want to go to the Medicos and see how Kai is,” Sollara half asked and half demanded.
“I am sure he’s fine. He needs his sleep more than anything,” he replied.
“Andrew please… ”
“Fine,” he interrupted, “go, but if Coeus gets mad, it is on your head.”
“Agreed!” She was already out the door and on her way down to visit the Medicos. Andrew had to run to keep up with her. She didn’t know if her speed was from the fresh blood in her system or her desire to see Kai, but either way she did not care.
The Medicos was just leaving his room when they got there. And they were pleased to see that Phoebe had listened to their concerns, as two of the rugby team boys were flanking his door.
“How is he Doc?” Andrew asked.
“He has forty stitches and has lost a lot of blood. But he will recover. He just needs to rest. We have him on a human blood drip to speed up the healing process.”
“Lucky, he gets to have it injected into his body, and I had to drink it— Can I go see him?”
“Yes, but keep it shor
t and keep it quiet,” the Medicos allowed as he waved her through.
Andrew waited in the hall while Sollara went in to see Kai. He was lying on an adjustable bed and had tubes sticking out of his arms. He was either still unconscious or sleeping, and it was really hard for her to see him like that. Several emotions welled up within her as she sat on the stool next to him, taking his hand in hers. The smell of the blood going into him through the tubes was heavenly, and she was thankful that she had just had her fill.
“Kai, I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I really wanted to tell you…Your family always seems to be saving my life. I owe you a great deal. I don't have much to give you but what I do have is my....”
“Sophia,” he mumbled, his hands clenching the sheet that covered him.
“Did you just call out another girl’s name?” She had hoped it was her imagination, but when he opened his mouth to speak again, her hopes came crashing down.
“Sophia!” He groaned as he called out for her.
“How could I be so blind?” She felt foolish— of course he liked Sophia. They were always around each other, and she had freely offered herself to him.
Loved and Lost.
Driven by the need to get away before her emotions overwhelmed her, Sollara ran. She sprinted out of the room and right past Andrew while he was talking to one of the rugby boys.
“Sorry, I’d better catch up to her,” he said.
Grabbing her arm, he spun her around to face him. She tried unsuccessfully to hide her broken expression by lowering her head. He pulled her into his firm chest and held her.
“It will be okay, Sollara. Whatever it is, it will be okay.”
Feeling safe in his protective grasp she lost all control and wept openly. He picked her up and started walking with her arms wrapped around his neck and her face pressed against his shoulder. She did not care where he took her. All she could do was cry. By the time they got to Phoebe's room, the left side of Andrew's shirt was soaked from her tears.
“What happened to her, is she okay?” Phoebe asked.