Ascension

by Natasha Brown

  The vision faltered and then he was at an opening in the sandstone: a crack in the mantle of the rock large enough for him to fly through, which gave passage to a water-filled cavern. Light poured through the opening above and illuminated the green water. He flew up to a smooth ledge, twenty feet above the shiny surface, and rested. The wrapped item in his talons dropped onto the rock. His pores tickled as his form changed from a feathery bird to an enormous, hairy humanoid.

  He leaned down, picked up what he’d dropped and turned around. A circular passage led deeper into the earth and he followed it. The further he went, the darker it got. He reached a dead end, his hands felt along the ridges of stone and he pushed with a grunt along the right side. It gave way, rotating inward. Not a lot, but a good six inches. The leather wrapped satchel remained in his hand as he shifted once again. This time into a much smaller mammal. A furry tail flipped over his shoulder as he walked sideways through the opening.

  Again, the vision faltered and now he was walking through a dark passage. His short furry body moved through an opening that dipped down into a wide grotto. His long feet splashed into the water and he waded across the waist-deep section to some rocks which rose out of the pool at the far end of the space. Small beams of light came through tiny cracks in the wall, illuminating shiny objects piled on top of each other. Glints of gold, jewels and valuables were mounded in piles all around.

  Safe on the dry stone, his narrow fingers opened up the leather bindings to reveal a large ruby ring, encrusted with sparkling diamonds. He set it in a small wooden chest that contained many other rings and necklaces.

  Among an overwhelming amount of golden coins, stamped with various designs from different cultures, a box caught Chance’s attention. He recognized the designs etched into its surface. It was the very golden box Daemon had found in Nikator’s room. His monkey fingers lifted the lid. No longer were there cedar blooms, but the phoenix pendant shined dully from within.

  The memory faded away from his thoughts, leaving only the hope of finding the lost relic. Chance blinked. Mac was leaning against one of the glass windows in the sunroom and was staring at him.

  “Well?” Mac asked. “Did you find it, or did Daemon reveal his secret soft spot for puppies?”

  Chance took a moment to digest what he’d just witnessed. Did he recognize any of the landmarks? He wasn’t sure.

  “Well, it looks like Daemon‘s kept up with his thieving roots. He has a stockpile of treasure hidden away, including the phoenix necklace. I saw it for sure in a golden box, but I don’t know where on Earth it is.”

  Mac walked to the door and called into the animal sanctuary, “Hey, Batukhan. Have a minute?”

  Within moments, Batukhan joined them in the sunroom. Mac said, “Chance just had another memory from Daemon. He saw his hiding spot, but isn’t sure where it is. I’ve traveled throughout the world and I know you have too. Two minds are better than one. Try to describe everything you saw.”

  Mac turned his attention to Chance, who rubbed his hands together and sighed. He closed his eyes, replayed what he’d seen and described it for them.

  Mac and Batukhan exchanged a glance. Batukhan spoke first. “Was this river very long? Did it look like it kept going or could you see its end?”

  Chance thought about it. “It seemed to keep going, no matter which way you went. There were lots of tributaries that led away from the main body though.”

  “You said sandstone?” Mac asked. “And a large arch?”

  Chance nodded.

  Batukhan folded his arms. “Zion? Powell?”

  Mac nodded. “Very possibly either, although it doesn’t sound like Zion if the river goes as far as the eye can see. Grand Canyon went through my mind, but that doesn’t sound right either. The Orange River is quite long, but wouldn’t be described like that.”

  “What about Lake Nasser and the Nile?” Batukhan interrupted.

  Mac answered, “That’s a possibility. It truly is a long river, but the only area with so many tributaries is around the lake and it just doesn’t sound quite right. Chance, was the river or lake very wide from your viewpoint?”

  “It had so many different sections. It didn’t look like a wide lake though. It had quite a few lake-like areas, but the amount of rivers and canyons that twisted around were never ending.”

  “I have a suspicion,” Mac said. “I think Jordan will come in handy today. He did offer to help you. I think it would be good if you looked at some images. The Internet does have its uses. If we pinpoint the location, then it sounds like we’re going on a trip.”

  As pleased as he was about seeing the prospective resting place for the mysterious pendant, Chance was worried. If they actually went to the trouble to find Daemon’s hideaway, would the pendant even help Ana? Could there really be some kind of remnant of a phoenix in the mineral glass? Leaving Ana’s side wasn’t something he was willing to do unless it held the promise of saving her.

  “I’ll go too. I’m pretty good at keeping an eye on you,” Batukhan said. “Chance, you look concerned.”

  “I just know how wicked Daemon is. I’m afraid to leave Ana, but I’m afraid of doing nothing too.”

  Mac wore one of his brightest grins. “Yes, both choices are dangerous, although only one of them guarantees Ana’s death. She will be protected with Lifen, Derek, Jordan and Gabby. Beyond that, life is worth fighting for I think. This is why I like you and why I’ve sacrificed my own lifetime to protect the innocent.”

  “I still don’t get why you’re so happy about death,” Chance muttered.

  Mac laughed to himself. “It’s not death I’m happy about, but its gift of appreciation. Without it, life would have no value.”

  “Enough of this, let’s get him inside before people, like your soon-to-be wife, send out a search party.” Batukhan clapped his hand on Chance’s shoulder.

  On his way back to the house, Chance waved to Lifen, who was still perched on her roof. He passed Derek, who was carrying the armload of fabric he’d seen him with earlier.

  “You would not believe the list of things Gabby’s got for me. If you get a minute today, I’d love the help and company.”

  Chance forced a smile. “Sorry man, I’ve got some things cooking. Not sure if I’ll have the time.”

  “You don’t cook—must mean you’re up to something. Just don’t leave me out of the action. Shout if you need anything. Oh, and Gabby wanted me to remind you to have your vows written and ready by go-time.” Derek pressed him before continuing up the pathway.

  Inside, Chance hurried to the kitchen in search of Jordan. On to a new dish, Jordan was busy hovering over a cookbook. He straightened up with a wooden spoon in hand. “You’re back. New news?”

  Chance peered down the hallway and across into the dining room, checking for Gabby or Ana. Neither were in sight, so he rejoined Jordan and quietly informed him of his most recent memory. He tried to be as detailed as he could, not leaving anything out.

  “Sounds like the Utah and Arizona regions they mentioned, but I can look it up and we’ll see what looks familiar to you. I just have to set the timer on the oven and then I’m free for a couple hours.”

  Chance breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

  “One question,” Jordan asked. “If we find the location, are you prepared to leave?”

  He’d been thinking about it since Mac and Batukhan had offered to join him. Time wasn’t on Ana’s side. The only cure to her ailment and the only way for him to track down the curious pendant was if he went in search of it. If he stayed, like Mac had stated so casually, Ana would most certainly die.

  Chance looked over his shoulder again. “As soon as we’re married and I believe beyond a reasonable doubt I know where the location is, I’m leaving immediately. Mac and Batukhan will join me. I have to try to save her as much as it kills me leaving her again.”

  “I wouldn’t let anything happen to her—I’ll help keep her safe,” Jordan said. His
brown eyes twinkled with innocence and Chance was struck by his sincerity.

  “Thanks, man. Don’t say anything to her though. I don’t want her hearing it from anyone but me.”

  Jordan set the wooden spoon on the counter. “I wouldn’t do that. I’ll come find you when I’ve got something for you to look at.”

  Chance left the kitchen, resolved. With support, he hoped they would be able to change Ana’s fate. He went to write his vows and prepare for his day.

  After showering, Ana got dressed and went to get breakfast. When she passed by the living room, Gabby saw her and squealed, “The bride! How did you sleep? You look rested, no bags.”

  “Fine, I slept fine,” Ana said with a shrug.

  Derek was on the floor with a notebook, looking overwhelmed. His eyes were wide as he watched Gabriella scurry over to Ana with her arms open. He cringed, scratched his head and asked, “When did you want me to go get the flowers? You know it’s a good forty-five minute drive in to Banff, right?”

  Gabby gave Ana a hug and she noticed that her friend’s makeup, clothes and hair were perfect, as usual. With a roll of her eyes, Gabby said over her shoulder, “Remember sugar, I got them to deliver. I need you here to set up the wedding site. You cannot get out of it that easy.”

  Derek jumped up so fast, it surprised Ana. He came up behind Gabriella and dipped her backward. Her eyes flashed with shock and a little scream escaped her lips. Derek kissed her mouth, silencing her.

  After setting her upright again, he said, “Woman, I’d do anything for your sugar. What are your orders?”

  Ana couldn’t help but laugh. The sight of Derek and Gabby together, two strong personalities at play, made her happy. She was glad he’d found someone who wasn’t frightened of his animal side.

  A slight blush was visible on Gabriella’s cheeks when she responded with attitude, “Hush, this is not your day—it is Ana’s. Ana, you look like you could use breakfast. Go relax and have some tea. I will help you in a minute. You just be you and I will get these boys in order.”

  There was no way Ana was about to question her marching orders, so she left the two in the living room to find something to eat. Sweet and savory smells filled the hallway. She followed her nose into the kitchen.

  “Morning, Ana,” Jordan greeted her.

  He was busy at the stove preparing something she couldn’t identify. Everyone seemed hard at work, which only made her sad that she couldn’t pitch in and help. It had been at her insistence that she’d wanted to get married. At the very least, it seemed nobody minded. They appeared happy to pitch in and focus on something else. Everyone, that is, but Chance.

  “Hey, Jordan. Smells great—makes me even hungrier for breakfast,” she said as she opened the fridge.

  Ana made herself a sandwich and a cup of tea. Enough to keep her happy until she got hungry again, which was likely in another hour or two.

  “Hey, I’ve got something for you.”

  She turned around just as something was placed in her free hand. An apple rind, curled into the shape of a rose sat in the center of her palm.

  Jordan beamed with pride. “You can eat it if you want.”

  Ana kissed his cheek. “Of course I will! You really are amazing.” She wandered to the doorway and paused to say, “I can see you’ve got a lot going on here, so I’m gonna get out of your way. Thank you for everything. You are all making this day special.”

  She knew he wasn’t one for heartfelt sentiment, but he stopped to look at her. His cheeks lifted into a smile. “I’d do anything for my friends.”

  In the living room, she pulled a chair away from the table so she could face the windows and the beautiful view outside. The sparkling turquoise lake that she’d dreamt about over the summer was now only a white plane at the base of the jagged mountains. It seemed a long time since she’d been able to look at the landscape through shifter healer eyes. The beauty of the energy moats curling up from the earth was breathtaking, but not breathtaking enough for her to risk her life.

  She lifted the mug to her lips. The tea burned a trail all the way down her throat to her stomach, warming her from within. While she ate her sandwich, she thought about Chance and the worrisome trace of stress which was obvious to her. Would he be able to enjoy the day? Probably not, she thought. If the tables were turned she would be just as anxious. Ana hated that she couldn’t use her powers to help him, to soothe him. At least Lifen was there to take care of them all. It was a great opportunity for teaching Gabby many new techniques.

  Before she knew it, she was done with her food. It was already a bright day, but it had grown even brighter. It was then she noticed the light wasn’t coming from outside, but from within. Her hands and arms were illuminated.

  This wasn’t all that shocking at this point, since it happened at least once a day when she went too long from the last energy puncturing. Lifen would often do it in the middle of the night while she slept and a few more times through the day and evening. It appeared she’d gone too long once again.

  She heard the front door open and shut. Moments later, Lifen’s soft voice echoed through the room. “I felt your energy from outside. It seems like you could use my help.”

  Before Ana could answer, she felt the familiar sensation of energy flowing out of her. She’d experienced heartburn only a few times in her life, and although this was very different, it was the only thing she could compare the rush of energy to. When Lifen tapped her power, it was soothing and a relief after the burning tingle throughout her body.

  “Thank you,” Ana whispered.

  She felt Lifen’s fingers rest on her shoulder. Her mentor said, “I looked at the stars last night. This is an auspicious day for a wedding. All will be well. But for now, I must return to my lookout. Later, I would like to do your hair, if you would allow me, and I have a special gift for you and Chance.”

  Ana turned around in her seat to look at her mentor. With a tear in her eye, she answered, “I would love that.”

  Lifen’s eyes creased when her cheeks lifted into a gentle smile. In a blink, she moved across the room to the doorway and left.

  For the rest of the day, she tried to find amusements in reading, but it was hard; she was too excited for the evening to come. Whenever she offered to help with something, she was shooed to her place on the couch, and whenever Chance threatened to come near, he was escorted elsewhere by Gabby, who stayed close at all times.

  Weeks before, she’d written her vows to Chance. It was really a poem, a simple article to communicate her love. That was the only assignment she’d been given and it was done before the wedding had been agreed upon.

  Finally, the time came when Gabby helped lift her off the couch and lead her to her room to get ready. Everything was waiting for her. The dress was laid on the bed like the first time she’d seen it. The Rainbow Moonstone necklace Chance gave her for senior prom sat on her pillow, along with the golden hairpiece from Balam. Earlier in the day, Gabriella had collected both rings. Soon, the silver band would rest on her finger again, but this time in the bond of marriage.

  Lifen was wearing a colorful dress and waited in the room with her hands clasped around a flowing bouquet of white and blue orchids. Her eyes crinkled when they entered and she said, “We would like to help you get ready.”

  Ana was struck silent. The moment had come that she’d daydreamed about. This was what she’d been holding on to, needing it to happen before her end came near. The care and attention everyone gave her, like they were family, humbled her. All she could do was nod her head as she wiped away tears.

  She stood at the foot of her bed while they helped her from her clothes. The dress was lowered over her head, its fabric tickling her ankles and hugging her abdomen. Her arms were bare, but she wasn’t cold; heat radiated from her chest and flowed throughout her body. They had her sit down and their hands moved around her with precision, Gabby focusing on makeup and Lifen working on her hair.

  Gabby mumbled, “Your eyes ar
e puffy now. Ah well, nothing a little foundation can’t handle.”

  Ana managed to answer, “I don’t usually wear heavy makeup—”

  “I know,” Gabriella said with a note of disappointment. “Keep your eyes shut for now—Miss Gabby will make it all better.”

  Figuring it was easier to simply give in, Ana closed her eyes and put her trust in them. She quickly relaxed when Lifen began brushing her hair out. She lost track of time, sitting so still on the bed, but she knew they were done when they both stopped and Gabby hummed in approval.

  “Beautiful,” Lifen said.

  Ana looked at both of them while they appraised her with pride.

  “Can I go look?” Ana asked.

  “Si,” answered Gabby.

  “Wait,” Lifen said and handed her the delicate orchid bouquet.

  Ana eased off the bed, flowers in hand, and walked to her bathroom in her slippers. She stood in the dark until the light switch was flipped. What met her eyes threatened to bring another round of tears.

  She hardly recognized herself. Her hair was lifted away from her face to the back of her head. Balam’s gift, the golden hair piece, held it back. Her locks curled down her back and a few blue orchids were pinned to the twisted waves. Initially concerned that Gabby would overdo her makeup, she was relieved to see her natural approach. Ana’s emerald eyes glimmered in her reflection.

  “One more thing,” Gabby said while she lowered the Rainbow Moonstone necklace around Ana’s neck and fastened it.

  Ana exhaled slowly, not wanting to get caught up in emotion after all of their hard work. Her skin prickled and grew paler until it glowed with a soft light like a paper lantern.

  “Lifen—” Gabby said from the doorway.

  Heat radiated through Ana, her cheeks flushed and her pores burned. She felt like climbing into a cold shower to cool down, but luckily didn’t have to. Moments after it had begun, Lifen defused the buildup. The pressure that escalated tapered off after a few minutes and she was left panting with her hands braced against the bathroom counter.