The Diamond Bearers' Rising

by Lorena Angell

  Irene asks, “What is expected from the clans that choose to unite?”

  “They will help with a pressing issue; a foreseen cosmic blast will hit in a little over one year, containing a power so disastrous that if precautions are not taken, the world as you know it will end in a century and a half.” I hear several people’s thoughts, wondering what the power will be. I say, “The power will bring the ability to harness the elements: fire, wind, water, and ground. We’re calling it the Elemental power.”

  Arthur says, “How do you know this? I’m a Seer and I don’t foresee this.”

  “I have a stronger power than you from the Sanguine Diamond. Leading up to the blast date, we need to organize an evacuation of pregnant women in Portland, Oregon, those who will be in the stage of alteration. The more individuals we can prevent being hit with this power the better. That will be one less person with powers the Reapers can extract.”

  “But if we get involved, it will expose our powers.”

  How can I say this better, so they’ll understand? “I don’t think that can be helped at this point. In the aftermath of the cosmic blast, and when the alteration matures, the whole world will know about cosmic powers. We could at least be viewed as people who want to help and protect, rather than as—”

  Beth cuts me off. “Don’t say what you’re about to say. They don’t like it.”

  I look down at her hand and see the prism she’s still holding. “Thanks,” I say. I’m glad she stopped me from calling them “cowards who can’t admit the world is changing.” I know I’m losing my patience. I need to get them to see my intentions are good. I take a deep breath and say, “Look, if a clan wants to unite with the group to prepare for and fight against the Elemental power, they will receive a multi-powered prism. Regardless of whether or not the clans unite together, each clan will be given these quartz crystals corresponding to their clan’s power,” I point to the bags of quartz, “as each one represents a member of their clan who lost their power and these belong back with them.

  Andrew Stuart speaks up. “Are you saying those quartz will give healing power back to our members who’ve lost it?”

  “Yes.”

  “I know of at least five people from our clan who were taken against their will, held for a time, then released, powerless.” He turns and motions for a woman to come forward.

  A middle-aged female emerges from the crowd. I can tell in an instant she’s Unaltered because of her aura. She bows her head slightly; her long hair falls in front of her face. “Ms. Courtnae, my name is Rhonda. I was a Healer until I was taken and run through the machine.”

  “I’m sorry this happened to you, Rhonda.” I feel like the crowd needs to hear one person’s experience to appreciate the full scope of what’s going on. I say, “Would you tell us what happened?”

  “The abductors came to my house and grabbed me when I opened the door. They put a cloth over my nose and mouth that had some kind of powder on it. I wasn’t knocked out, but I couldn’t use my powers anymore. I felt a strange confusion about how to use my power even though I still had it. They also put a bag over my head so I couldn’t see where they were taking me.”

  I remember hearing from Chuang how it felt to have the powder in the body. Not-quite-obsidian.

  She continues. “They drove a short while, then took off the bag and led me to a building with black rocks cemented to the outside. Once inside, they took me to a room and performed medical type tests. They told me I was being relieved of my power. I begged them not to take it, but they didn’t listen. Afterward, they loaded me in a van with eight other people I didn’t know and drove us to a deserted parking lot where they dropped us off.”

  I ask, “Were the others in the van Healers as well?”

  “I don’t know. We didn’t talk to each other that much. Before getting in the van, they told me I was the only person with powers from the group. I figured the regular people would think I was crazy if I complained about losing my healing ability.”

  I shake my head. “They probably told the others the exact same thing. The fear of being discovered and ridiculed, or worse, was a powerful tool to use against you.”

  “Once we were dropped off, we walked to a gas station and called the police. The nine of us were transported to the station where we made our statements. Of the nine, I had the shortest abduction time of less than twenty-four hours. Some of the others had been missing for several days.”

  “You must live in Denver, then.”

  “Denver, no. I live in Charlotte, N.C.”

  “What? Not Colorado? When did this happen to you?”

  “Three weeks ago.”

  A sudden coldness chills my entire body. “You lost your power only three weeks ago?”

  “That’s right.”

  I look over at Beth and don’t need to read her mind to know she’s aware of what this means: there’s another active power-removing machine in the U.S. This whole situation just escalated by leaps and bounds.

  “Rhonda,” I say, placing my hand on her arm, “thank you for sharing your experience.” I open the bag with Healer quartz and remove one. “Here. I hope this works as well as the power that was taken from you.”

  She takes the quartz and smiles brightly, then rejoins the crowd. Those near her huddle around her, asking questions.

  I raise my voice and say, “Rhonda’s story reveals a new threat: an additional machine we didn’t know about. We have to assume there’s probably more, too. I know it’s hard to imagine the new cosmic power but try for a second to visualize what would happen if the Reapers got hold of the Elemental power. The impending cosmic blast needs preventative measures taken and follow-up action after it hits. We must unite for our own safety, for the safety of your children, and for our future.”

  Robert Yates asks, “How are we supposed to fight against these Reapers?”

  I say, “We pull together and form a network, sharing updates and warnings. We put our best minds together and strategize on how to handle upcoming situations. And,” I say, glancing over at Beth, then at the prisms. She holds one up high again. “We fight against the Reapers with these. Unite with me! One person from each clan will have all the powers plus Brand’s new ability to experience ten seconds of time before it happens. This is enough time to avoid being killed, or to prevent someone’s death.”

  Andrew Stuart says, “The Healers will join you, Ms. Courtnae.”

  “Thank you. Would you be willing to host the new cosmic powers in your compound? You’d need to expand your buildings.”

  Andrew and Robert talk quietly amongst themselves, then Andrew says, “We are willing to accommodate, but we’ll need financial assistance to make the renovations. How much renovating are we talking about and how much time do we have?”

  “I’m sure the financial end will be taken care of. But for now, I don’t have the answers to your other questions.” I glance around at the other clan leaders. I turn to Beth. “Would you give a prism to the Healers and instruct them how to use the Repeating power.” She nods. “Will anyone else unite with us?”

  Steven says, “The Readers will have to contemplate on the decision. Can we have time to think?”

  “Yes.”

  Irene asks, “Who exactly are you talking about when you say ‘we’?”

  I’m caught off guard by the question. “What do you mean?”

  She adds, pointing to Clara and Beth, “Are you three the leaders? Are we joining the Runners to prepare for the coming cosmic power?”

  Other voices in the crowd join in. “What about Maetha?”

  Another, “I read on the Internet there are two with diamonds. Is that true?”

  I raise my hands in front of me to quell the questions. “Irene, when I say ‘we’ I’m talking about Beth, Clara, Maetha, and more. If you want to know who else, you’ll just have to join up and help us save humanity. And yes, there is another person with a diamond.”

  Arthur asks Clara, “Do you have a diamond?”<
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  “No. But I am joining with Calli to minimize the fallout of the Portland blast. The Runners are joining the cause. Will the Seers join, Arthur?”

  “I need to discuss it further with my clan leaders.”

  People begin talking over each other, asking questions about the second diamond like who has it, where did it come from, and does it hold the same powers as the Sanguine Diamond.

  I respond with, “The answers to these questions will only be shared with those who choose to help with the upcoming cosmic blast. Join me and I’ll answer as many of questions as I can.”

  Huntress steps forward and takes charge. “This meeting is adjourned.” Huntress leads me off the platform and down to the crowd. Beth remains at my side ready to defend if needed. The group spreads out a little, talking in small circles. The Healers experiment with the prism, and Clara is given one for the Runners’ clan.

  I feel thrilled that the meeting went as well as it did. As I observe the others, an unfamiliar constricting sensation twinges in my chest. I notice Rhonda the Healer walking toward me.

  “Calli, can I talk with you a moment?”

  “Sure.”

  Beth moves closer to my side.

  Rhonda says, “I think I can feel your diamond.”

  “Really?”

  Beth jumps in. “Let’s move this conversation away from the group.” Beth leads us around the corner of a nearby cabin, then asks Rhonda, “Are you sure you’re not just imaging Calli’s diamond? I mean, you already know she has one.”

  Rhonda focuses on my body. Again, the slight constricting sensation moves up my body in correlation with Rhonda’s eyes—the same feeling I felt moments ago. Why haven’t I felt this before when Crimson or Maetha healed me? Perhaps because I was too busy writhing in pain from injuries to notice the subtle sensation I’m feeling right now.

  “No,” Rhonda responds to Beth. “Her body feels different than yours. You are definitely a Runner. Calli’s body holds no cosmic power, just an emanating force coming from her heart.”

  Beth asks, “Have you tried to feel inside your own body?”

  “Oh, Healers can’t heal themselves.”

  “Have you tried with the quartz?”

  Rhonda shakes her head, closes her eyes, and pauses. A subtle smile begins to form. “Yes. Yes! I can feel my own heart.” She opens her eyes wide. “How is this possible?”

  Beth turns to Rhonda. “Would you let me hold your quartz to see if the powers work with me?”

  Rhonda hands the quartz to Beth and Beth focuses on me. I’m quite nervous. Not to have Beth feel my diamond, but to find out if both Unaltered and Altered humans are affected the same way with the quartz.

  The same gentle constricting feeling moves through my body. My eyes meet Beth’s. I don’t know whose eyes are wider, hers or mine. Beth hands the quartz back to Rhonda.

  Rhonda says, “Thank you so much, Calli, for giving me this stone. I’ll treasure and protect it.”

  I force a smile, and say to Beth, “Would you take Rhonda and give her more information about the quartz?”

  “Sure.”

  They leave and I walk away from the crowd, away from the buildings, and sit down on the forest floor. I realize just how bad this situation really is. The Reapers aren’t merely taking powers from people, they are making those powers immortal and resistant to obsidian, but for what purpose? More importantly is the fact that both Rhonda and Beth can sense my diamond with the quartz. That means any Reaper with a Healer quartz could do the same thing. Is it possible the Diamond Bearers might be targeted and taken out? I’m thinking the obsidian bullets, grenades, and the mysterious powder were designed specifically for rounding up Diamond Bearers.

  I try to communicate with Chris. I need to talk to you. I wait for his response. Nothing. I try to bi-locate to him but can’t push my energy past the ceiling of the bubble. This place feels like a fortress . . . or a prison. An intense need to get out blasts through my system. I no longer feel comfortable. I can’t tell if it’s my imagination or if I’m having a premonition.

  I don’t feel safe.

  I stand and hustle back to where I last saw Clara.

  Chapter Twelve - Bullseye on his Back

  After a quick request to leave the bubble, Clara leads me outside the perimeter.

  Clara asks, “Are you all right?”

  I take a deep breath. “I’m just a little panicked. I need to meditate. Would you stay near me?”

  “I have to or else you’ll be affected by the confusion enchantment.”

  “The what?”

  Before she can respond, Chris’s voice enters my mind.

  Calli, what’s happening?

  “Confusion enchantment,” Clara continues.

  I rub my forehead. Too many things all at once to address. “Hang on Clara. I need to meditate.”

  I walk over to a tree and sit with my back against the trunk. Clara sits as well. I close my eyes and focus on Chris’s diamond.

  Chris! Oh you don’t know how relieved I am to hear your voice.

  Don’t come to me. I’m not in a secure place.

  Okay, I won’t. However, I have some distressing information, Chris.

  So do I. What’s yours?

  There’s an active power-removing machine on the East Coast.

  What?

  A former Healer was abducted three weeks ago, zapped of her power, and released in under a day. Today, I gave her a Healer quartz. I pause a moment. Chris, she was able to detect my diamond using the quartz.

  Oh no. That’s not good.

  I know. Beth tried it and could feel my diamond too. You are at risk of being discovered, Chris. Keep a sharp eye on your future. I hope no one with a Healer’s quartz realizes they can detect us. All Bearers are going to have to be extra vigilant scanning their futures. What’s your news?

  I almost don’t want to tell you, but I’d better. Max has resurfaced on the Internet.

  Oh, great! I push my head back against the tree trunk. What’s he talking about now?

  The diamonds.

  Did he name me and Jonas?

  No. He’s trying to get some bigger entities to pay him for his knowledge.

  The government?

  No. Vorherrschaft.

  But, I thought he was already working for them.

  Apparently not.

  Chris, I think they want the diamonds, all the diamonds. We’ve got to find Max and shut him up. I’m so frustrated I lost his location in Norway.

  Jonas is on it. He’s the one who found the new material on Max’s site yesterday.

  Yesterday? Why didn’t you tell me?

  You had the big gathering to prepare for. I didn’t want to burden you with this. Besides, there wasn’t anything more you could do that we couldn’t.

  I’m going to get the others and head back to the hotel so we can look up the website.

  Okay. Let me know when you’re there. I love you, Calli.

  I love you, too.

  Our connection ends and I open my eyes. My senses return, bringing the peaceful sounds of the forest around me.

  I jump to my feet and look down at Clara who seems alarmed at my sudden movements. “Clara, when we arrived here, you used a rock to get through the bubble. You said the rock was a key.”

  “Yes.”

  “A moment ago, you used the words ‘confusion enchantment.’ How does the bubble work, exactly?”

  “This bubble was designed by a Spellcaster. I don’t know the exact mechanics of the enchantment. I only know how one is set up.”

  “I think there’s a bubble around Max’s hideout. When I tried to take people there, I couldn’t find it and became confused and disoriented. Is it possible to break through a bubble?”

  “No.” Clara stands and takes me by the arm and leads me further away from the bubble. She speaks softly and with great care. “Let us take a walk.”

  I feel restless, but her tone makes me believe she will tell me something important.
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  We make our way into the trees. Clara points to one and tells me its name and what the bark is used for. She does the same for a bush. I try to pay attention, but my thoughts are on Max and how he’s making my job extremely difficult.

  We stop walking. Clara plucks a wild flower and turns to me. “Look at the flower as if I’m talking about it.” I do as she instructs. She continues. “I didn’t want to have a sensitive conversation too close to the boundary. They are Hunters after all.”

  I nod, knowing that Hunters have enhanced senses for tracking, including hearing.

  Clara continues. “The placement of the perimeter rocks around the bubble is important. Bubbles curve up, connecting side-to-side and at the apex. It doesn’t go down into the ground unless the rocks are buried, in which case the bubble begins further down, but still rises and curves to the center. If Max is in a building and the rocks are on the ground, a tunnel underneath, like the sewer system or duct work, could get you under the protection.”

  “What about making a key?”

  “Without knowing exactly what the Spellcaster used to make the bubble, I wouldn’t dare.”

  “Wait. Does that mean Max has a Spellcaster working with him?”

  “Maybe, or it just means one set it up for him and has nothing to do with his actions.”

  I pause a moment, then say, “We need to get back to the hotel. Max is working his blog again.”

  “Oh dear. All right. Let’s go excuse ourselves. I’ll tell the clan leaders to communicate with me when they make their decision.”

  “While you’re doing that, I’ll speak with Huntress.”

  We enter the bubble again and return to the gathered group.

  I pull Huntress aside. “Thank you for opening your home to us, but we must leave. I hope you’ll consider joining us in this cause. If so, please let Clara know. By the way, those arrowheads you wear with confidence will not work on Reapers other than to injure them. Reapers have quartz, which is immune to obsidian. Your defenses are outdated, Huntress. You need to unite with us so you can have a prism to help protect your clan.” I don’t wait for her response as I have more-pressing issues to deal with and I need to get back to the hotel.