The Diamond Bearers' Rising

by Lorena Angell

  I say, “Those are the confetti bits they tossed outside the door.” I look to the ground and find another one. I stoop to pick it up. Just before I touch it, I feel a similar sensation enter my body—confusion. “If these are what caused my earlier confusion, why aren’t they as strong as before? Do they lose power over time?”

  Clara says, “I would suppose those were a component of a system. Without the other parts nearby, the enchantment isn’t as strong

  The shimmer of the fleck is like what the quartz blankets display. I face Jonas. “I want you to show these to Tod and have him analyze them to see if they contain quartz.”

  “Okay,” Jonas says.

  Brand announces, “There’s nothing more to see here. This has been a huge waste of time.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, Brand,” Clara says. “We now have some of the elements Max used to hide with. These can be reverse-engineered to create a key that could enter another hideout, if he uses the same material. Given how most of the substance is gone, I believe he will.”

  Jonas’s eyes widen. “You’re smart, Ms. Winter.”

  “Why thank you, Jonas.”

  Clara says, “We should get back to the plane so we can determine our next move.”

  * * *

  Back on the plane, Chris bi-locates to me.

  I say, “I found the warehouse, but Max was already gone.”

  Brand sits down by me and bumps his shoulder into mine. “It’s because Max was gone that you found it, Calli. The bubble was gone.”

  Chris’s displeased glare lands on Brand and stays there.

  I stand and move across the aisle and sit down. “Chris,” I pull his attention to me, “can you try to call Max again so we can see if he’s in Norway?”

  Jonas interrupts our conversation. “I can’t track a call without my computer, so it wouldn’t matter unless you can get Max to admit where he is.”

  Chris rubs his chin. “I don’t think I could ask a question like that without making him suspicious.”

  Clara says, “He’ll be well protected, wherever he is.” She holds up a piece of the confetti. “We need to study the material we found and see if we can design a key. The Hunter’s key allows me to see the perimeter of the bubble. I think if I could create a key with this I could see the bubble it corresponds with. We can only research that on Maetha’s island.

  “I guess that’s where we’re headed then,” Jonas says rather excitedly.

  Captain Rutherfield turns in his seat and says, “We have a twelve-hour delay.”

  Chris looks at Jonas and Brand, then me. “I wish I was there with you.”

  “Me too,” I answer.

  He switches to telepathic speak. I feel so helpless, Calli.

  You don’t need to worry about me, Chris.

  But I do.

  Is this about Brand and Jonas?

  No. I want to be with you. I don’t feel like I’m doing anything of value here in D.C. I’d rather be where the action is.

  Well, my future shows I’ll be heading back to Denver to do boring Denver stuff. Honestly, Chris, I think you have more consistent action than I do. Maybe I should come hang out with you.

  * * *

  “Calli,” Clara says as she stands on the Denver house porch after I open the door. “I’ve heard from the Hunters, Readers, and Seers clans. They want to join up because of Max’s blog and prepare for the Portland blast and the ensuing exposure of the clans.”

  “They are all in?” I can hardly contain my excitement.

  “May I come in?”

  I step out of the way. “Of course. Sorry.”

  Clara continues. “The leaders are. I can’t speak for the members of all clans.”

  Beth comes in from the kitchen, having obviously overheard, and says, “You did it, Calli! You convinced them to join.”

  “I don’t know,” I shake my head. “I think the pat on the back should go to Max.”

  “No, you got them thinking at the Hunter’s forest,” Beth reaffirms. “Prior to that, I think a lot of people discounted Max, and I bet there were others who didn’t even know about the blog. You raised awareness of Vorherrschaft, the Reapers, and Max.”

  Clara continues. “I’ve given the prisms to the clans and I’ve heard several stories about the use of the prism’s Repeater power. They all seem to be pleased to have such a powerful stone. I know I am.”

  Beth says, “Well that’s the best news we’ve heard all month! It’s been quiet around here, except for the neighborhood backyard bar-b-que parties that seem to happen every night.”

  The front door opens and Brand enters. “What? Did I hear someone say bar-b-que?”

  Amenemhet follows Brand inside the front room. “Calli,” he says, nodding at me. I smile back.

  Beth seems a bit rattled with Brand’s sudden appearance. “What are you doing here?”

  “Good to see you too, Beth. Amenemhet is going to insert my quartz.”

  I say, “I thought Maetha was going to do that.”

  “She doesn’t have time. She recommended Amenemhet because he’s worked with mummification in his human life. He knows all the gaps and empty spaces inside the head and face.”

  Beth looks up at Brand with a sneaky smile. “And between the ears.”

  “That’s rude,” he barks.

  “I was kidding, Brand. You’re the smartest guy I know.”

  Brand relaxes his ridged stance and shrugs his shoulders. “Thanks.”

  My eyes move back and forth between them considering the possibility that Beth may be holding a prism or maybe she’s just really happy to see Brand.

  Beth says, “I hope everything works out and you heal quickly.”

  Amenemhet says in his formal military-style manner, “It will either work or it won’t. Maetha feels things have settled sufficiently for Brand to be out of commission for a little while.”

  “Yeah, with Max basically having gone underground again, and no word on any missing clansmen or recently removed powers, perhaps we can get this done before anything new surfaces.”

  “Where is this going to happen?” I ask.

  “Here.”

  “Oh.” My eyebrows rise involuntarily. “When?”

  “In a few days. I have some supplies to round up before we start.”

  Clara moves closer to Amenemhet. “So, you’ve worked with mummification. May I be of assistance? I’m a Spellcaster.”

  “I’m aware of who you are. You’ve obviously for-gotten me, though.”

  “Excuse me?” she asks.

  Calli, Chris’s voice enters my mind. Calli, I’m ready to have my diamond inserted.

  Chapter Thirteen - Birthday Surprises

  I’m torn between wanting to hear how Amenemhet and Clara know each other and wanting to talk with Chris. I excuse myself and go into the kitchen, sit at the table, and close my eyes.

  You are, Chris? You’re not going to wait till after the Elemental blast, like Crimson recommended?

  No. After you showed me the vision while we were in Portland, I realized I could help you better if my diamond was inside me. I don’t have access to all the powers any other way.

  Okay. Have you told Maetha of your plans?

  No. I don’t want her to know.

  Why?

  Why does she need to know? Why does anyone need to know? This will be a very personal experience for both of us and I really don’t want anyone else involved. Are you all right with that?

  Okay. I guess. I wonder why he’s a bit on the defensive side. When do you want to do this?

  Next Saturday is your birthday and we’ll be together on Maetha’s island. How about then?

  That’s soon, but perfect. My parents will want to celebrate with me, too.

  I’m sure we can figure out how to divide the time so everyone’s happy.

  We end our mental communications and I’m left feeling incredibly nervous and worried to insert Chris’s diamond. What if he doesn’t heal or if his body rejects it like m
ine did after Justin died. Technically, he is the second person to receive a diamond who went through the power-removing machine, the first being his father. I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough to remove it and heal his heart if he’s not able to heal. I can’t even look to his future to see if it will be successful because his future ends when the diamond stops his heart. The greater healing power I’m able to wield should theoretically help me heal him, but I shouldn’t count on that.

  I’ve tried looking at my own future, asking when I’ll see Chris again. The only vision I get is the one of me walking toward him on Maetha’s island. I can’t tell if I’m just remembering the vision, or if the same future is still in place, meaning Chris will survive the insertion. The vision of my grandchildren running toward me doesn’t surface when I look to the future. Does that mean the future is different now? Or does that mean I’m not searching correctly? I don’t know. At least we’ll be on the island with other Diamond Bearers, including Maetha, who can come help, if need be.

  Long ago, when Freedom tried to get me to part with the diamond, he warned me of the pain I’d experience watching my loved ones die. He didn’t say how much it would hurt to have to be the one to end a life, like with Chris, then be responsible for hopefully bringing him back. Of course, Freedom wouldn’t have foreseen that future back then. Chris wasn’t an Unaltered yet.

  I know Chris has mastered the powers of the diamond. He can hold the diamond in his hand, outside of the pouch, and control the powers. He can heal using the diamond. All signs point to him being able to heal himself. I’m really only there as backup in case he can’t. But that’s what stresses me out. What if I can’t?

  * * *

  We arrive at the airport and make our way to the docks where we board the boat specially outfitted with the “key” to travel through the bubble around the island. I fully understand now how it works. There aren’t doorways. There is only a substance that parts the barrier in a small way, creating an entry point. Crimson must also have a key and that’s how she enters and leaves.

  Arriving at the island, we head directly to see my parents at their private bungalow away from the main house. We don’t stay long because we’ll see them again at dinner, but I give them both big hugs, happy that they’re safe.

  Then we stop by Jonas’s place. The door is open, so we peek our heads inside. Sarangerel is working on a laptop at the table. Jonas sits at his desk surrounded by several computer screens displaying different things. When he looks our way, he jumps up out of his chair and comes over to welcome us.

  He gives me a quick hug and says, “Hey there. Happy Birthday, Calli.” He slaps Chris on the shoulder and invites us inside.

  We make idle chitchat, but I’m anxious to settle in. Before we leave, Jonas says, “They put you in the beach bungalow.”

  “Really?” I say.

  “Yeah, kind of a birthday present, but also private.”

  Chris says, “Well, that’s convenient.”

  Sarangerel comes over and asks Chris a question. Jonas uses the moment to pull me aside, to say, “Calli, I just want you to know if there’s anything you need, anything, I’m happy to help.”

  “Uh, okay. Where’s that coming from?”

  Jonas wrings his hands. “Nowhere. I’m sort of sensing tension and I wanted you to know you can talk to me about anything.”

  “Thanks, Jonas. I appreciate that. I am a little stressed right now, but I think things will be better in a while.” Things will be sooo much better once Chris’s diamond is safely inside his heart and he’s alive and kicking. I change the subject. “Any news on the investigation of the bubble material from Norway?”

  “Not yet. Tod and Don are working on it.”

  We leave Jonas’s place and head to the main house where we find Maetha and Crimson. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a big birthday bash as what’s shaping up to happen tonight. I’m not crazy about this much attention. Never have been.

  I say, “I didn’t know you both would be here this weekend.”

  Crimson smiles tersely. “Your birthday is going to be one to remember. Besides, I would have been here anyway. A few Bearers are arriving tomorrow to discuss the happenings at the International Climate Summit.”

  Chris asks, “Who is involved with the global warming issue?”

  “Everyone, in essence. But right now the focused Bearers are Avani, Kookju, Amalgada, Ruth, and Aernoud.”

  Chris turns to Crimson. “Can’t you see the future concerning global warming?”

  “Of course. However, the more pressing issues, like the Elemental blast, need my focus. For tonight, let’s concentrate on Calli becoming another year wiser and not talk about cosmic blasts, diamonds, or climate changes.”

  * * *

  Chris and I walk on the beach, hand in hand, in a similar setting as we did in February following Yeok Choo’s surrendering. The sun hangs just above the horizon, reflecting warm colors everywhere. Chris’s skin appears golden. I want to touch him to make sure he’s real and this is not a dream.

  The whole night feels like a blur. Almost all the important people in my life were at my birthday dinner. Music, good food, and a rule to not talk about anything related to diamonds or upcoming blasts made for a welcoming break. And now a stroll on the beach with Chris. I can’t imagine anything better.

  Chris takes my hand and gently squeezes. Yep, he’s really here, not a dream, and not bi-located either. He asks, “What did you wish for when you blew out your candles?”

  “I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.” My response is knee-jerk. Everyone knows the rules about blowing out candles. Besides, I’m nervous to tell Chris I desperately wished to be able to heal him with the secret diamond insertion we’re about to do. I don’t want him to know how much this worries me. However, now that I know Crimson is on the island, I can let go of some of my concerns. Nothing is truly secret around her.

  “Silly superstitions,” Chris mutters, then drops my hand and hurries in front of me. He squats down and picks something up off the sand.

  I try to peek over his shoulder. “Another pebble?”

  “There’s only one perfect stone for my perfect girl.” He swivels around and reaches his clasped hand toward my feet.”

  I wonder what the pebble will look like, this perfect stone as he calls it.

  He removes his hand and I look down at the sand. I don’t see anything at first. I guess I thought I’d see a grey rock. Instead, I catch a sparkle of white and silver. I bend down to get a better look and see what looks like a small clear crystal sitting on the sand. I lower myself so that Chris and I are face to face. I take a closer look at the round crystal and excitement jitters speed through my body as I admire the intense light refraction, the kind that only comes from a diamond. Carefully taking the diamond between my thumb and first finger, I lift it off the sand. I soon realize the diamond is attached to a buried ring. My heart flutters excitedly against my ribs, my eyes are wide open.

  Is Chris about to—

  Is this where he—

  I can’t breathe enough air to satisfy my racing heart.

  Chris rises so that he’s on one knee. He reaches out and helps me stand. On bended knee he looks up and says, “Calli, will you be my better half, my partner, my inspiration? Will you marry me?”

  Tears burst out of nowhere and a mile-wide smile erupts. “Yes! Of course.” I fling my arms around him as he stands, embracing his body with mine.

  He hugs me back and then takes my head in his hands and kisses me to seal the proposal. I love the feelings and sensations I get when I’m in his arms and I imagine our auras are shining brightly, but I don’t want to open my eyes to see.

  Chris pulls back a little and asks, “Did you know I was going to propose?”

  “No. I didn’t have a clue.”

  “So, you didn’t try to read my mind?”

  “No.”

  He smiles and leads me up the beach to the bungalow where we retrieve a blanket from
the closet. I see that my bags have been delivered already and are sitting on the floor.

  “Wait,” I blurt out. “You didn’t waddle.”

  “Should I do it all over again?”

  “Nah.”

  We walk out the door and spread a blanket down on the sand up where the greenery ends and the beach begins. We sit down next to each other facing the setting sun. Chris puts his arm around me.

  I look down at my engagement ring and admire the brilliant shimmers and sharp glints of light as I move my finger around. “I love this ring, Chris. You have great taste in jewelry.”

  “The diamond is a family heirloom, once belonged to royalty. I chose the setting. Platinum. The band is extra special, but you can’t see it till the wedding.”

  “And when are you thinking of getting married?”

  “I’d like to be married before the Portland blast. What do you think?”

  “Before? I don’t think we’ll have time to pull that off. Besides, I’d like to be engaged to you for a little while to decide if I want to keep you.”

  “You haven’t figured that out yet?”

  I press my shoulder further against his body. “Just trying to keep you on your toes.”

  “Do you want a big wedding?” he asks, caressing my arm.

  “Actually, no.” I think about how wonderful this night was with my birthday and everyone around me. “A simple ceremony here on the island would be perfect for me.”

  “Mary told me the Bearers call getting married a ‘Coupling.’ She said some of the Bearers have paired off and coupled over time.”

  “I believe it.” I smile and snuggle closer. “When you asked me to come to the island to give you your diamond, you actually meant that you could give me one. Am I right?”

  “No. I do want to insert my diamond as well. I just wanted your diamond to be a surprise.”

  “That it was.”

  Chris pulls the Sanguine Diamond from his pocket and lays it beside the blanket, then lies back. I join him.

  “Are you ready for this?” I ask.

  “Not yet. I want to relax with you for a bit first.” He pulls me into an embrace and kisses my head.