by Willa Alders
“In fact there are things that aren’t as they seem. I am not just not a normal human my dear. I know things, I’ve seen the battles before in the past, and I’ve seen futuristic battles that have yet to take place. Your battle on the other hand is one I haven’t seen though. Trust me though people and things are not always what they seem to be. Those who you least expect will be the ones out to destroy something or someone that you care about. The one you love will hurt you; you will learn though that it is not that he or she meant to its just that they were pawns in someone’s game. They were out to gain freedom, at first and then eventually they break rules and fall in love. Either way the game is played someone will get hurt, but if you chose to overcome and fight hard, the love will remain, and you and your family will come out alive. You maybe bruised but at least you’ll be alive. At the end of the day coming out of it alive and having good ones around you is all that matters. So trust me, when I say that you will figure out who the couple is.” He said kissing my forehead.
“Wait there’s more to you then being immortally young? How come no one told me?” I asked.
“Timing, it always comes down to timing. Everything always does and now is the right time for me to tell you about some of my story. There’s more to it but I can’t reveal it all today. I’m what you would call me a guardian angel kind of. That is what a human would call it. Now come on it's getting cold out.” He smiled, holding his hand out and I nodded. I said another chant and we swirled landing back in his kitchen.
“Well kid it is nearly eleven it’s been quite a busy weekend, and I imagine your training will begin tomorrow. So it’s probably time you head out.” Sam smiled at me.
“Yeah I guess. The only plus side is I get to train with Avery he's probably the best to train with.” I said back.
“Yeah, when he isn’t being overprotective and trying to fight Archer. Don’t you worry, you’ll be ready.” Sam said as I got up off the chair.
“Yeah I know see you tomorrow maybe if Avery doesn’t kill me first.” I smiled and pictured where I wanted to be and then I swooped to my house.
My landing was very rough as I knocked some books off my bookshelf in my room and they hit the floor making a boom. Caleb and Carmina came upstairs at the sound. Both their heads peered into my room to check on me. When they realized I just landed into my shelf their heads shook.
“Hey, I saw them again.” I said.
“We know Sam called.” Carmina said to me.
“What was it this time?” Caleb asked.
“Well they were at the bluffs and the bears lunged at the girl this time, then it stopped. I am starting to think that it’s someone I know. It may have been me I don’t know if I didn’t get to see her face. Anyways I casted a chant, and Sam and I found the spot. It is his buffs. Just in more of a secluded spot. Plus Sam told me the Kintana chose him to keep our secret.” I shrugged.
“Yes, they did sorry we couldn’t tell you sweetheart. He had to do that on his own. Yes they did choose him. ” Carmina said sitting on the bed next to me.
“Yes, well you need to get some rest because we’re getting you out early to train, and to practice. Then the next day you will be off school as well. After training each day, you are to hang with Archer, and see if he is behind any of it or if he knows who is. Lona told us to tell you if you see it again say her name and she can see what you are seeing as long as you open your mind. If it happens too quickly tell us and we will tell her.” Caleb smiled, in the doorway.
“Ok will do.” I said lying down as they left.
I laid there for a little while before grabbed a book to read. I was getting texts all night from Archer. He kept telling me that he had a good time and couldn’t wait to see me tomorrow morning, which made me feel good. The night went by quickly then I was getting ready for school. After I got dressed my keys were laying down on the table when I went down, Carmina smiled. I knew she wasn’t mad anymore or Caleb said something to her, it was definitely one of the two. I walked outside it was kind of chilly, so I decided to take the Charger to school today. I started it up turned on rock and backed out the drive. I headed to school, there was no traffic out but I did see a shadow upon the hill in between the trees. It moved quickly before I could figure out what it could have been. I thought maybe a deer or other animal.
I got to school early and parked next to Archer’s car. He was standing there waiting on me. He looked hot as could be today. His hand was up on his face, and he had on another black t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and a leather coat over it. I was beginning to wonder how many black t-shirts a guy could have. Obviously a lot of them
“Good morning beautiful.” He said kissing my cheek. I grabbed his hand in mine.
“Good morning.” I smiled as we headed into the building. Shockingly enough he had got his classes switched so they were all the same as mine.
“I’m glad you are wearing the necklace.” He smiled at me as we took our seats.
“Of course I am.” I said back. Kilyn was sitting behind me. She tapped my shoulder. I turned around when she mouthed how it was.
“Extremely good, I’ve fallen for him.” I whispered to her as the teacher started lecturing. “We will talk in the bathroom.” I finished off and she sat there.
She leaned forward once more. “We need to go to the stores or the mall and get a dress for the formal that is coming up soon.” She said.
“What about Friday right after school then I can meet up with him later and help him get the color to match?” I asked and she nodded.
Good we had a date to hang out, and it wouldn’t interrupt my training or my time with Archer. The next couple of classes went by quickly, and then I got a note from a teacher at lunch that stated I was to leave to go to a doctor’s appointment.
“Bye beautiful I will see you later.” Archer said and I smiled at him.
I texted him, that I would get a hold of him afterwards to see him. He texted me back that was good. I drove up to my house, and went inside to grab a different jacket; I didn’t want to get a good one messed up. Then I imagined the top of the hill in the woods, and swooped to it. That was where I was training. When I got there; Avery was standing there, along with Carmina, and Caleb.
“About time you arrive.” Avery snorted out.
“Yes, yes it is. Aralynn it is very key that you arrive on time especially when we have someone else training with us as well.” Carmina smiled.
Today she didn’t look like me. She looked like her normal self which was very pretty. She had her curly brown hair pulled up in a bun, and her green eyes were the color of the trees today.
She was in a pair of jeans, shirt, and high heel boots; she definitely was going to be training with us today. I wondered who was training with us when he stepped out of the shadows.
“Good Afternoon Miss Aralynn, how are you today?” Orion said stepping out of the shadows.
His stature was still huge eight foot. His wings were tucked beneath a shirt this time. He had on black dress pants and shoes. He too didn’t look like he was going to train anyone. At least not dressed like that.
“Good thank you.” I smiled.
“Aralynn, you are going to train with Orion today on working on your premonition abilities, and he is going to teach you how to channel your mind to become open a bit more. He may teach you how to better freeze things this time around.” Caleb said as he, Carmina, and Avery left.
They left me, next to this big man who was part of something with wings of an angel and guard I guess, and part human. I felt so little standing next to him. One hand would throw me for miles if he got mad. I made a mental note not to make him mad.
“You’re premonitions seem to be developing well young one. Are you able to focus in on any of it any better since our last talk?” Orion asked.
“Yes I am, I was able to make out the location, and now I am able to hear the characters talk, I hear their voices.” I said looking up at him.
“Good young one, come on
grab my hand, show me where this place is, you have to trust me.” He said.
Reluctantly I grabbed his hand he wrapped his arm around me and he took his shirt off and popped his wings out. I told him where it was and he flew me to it. When we got there he sat me down gently.
“This place?” Orion asked politely. I nodded. “Good since we know you can see it when you’re with him I want to try something else. I want you to close your eyes, while I do something. Then when I am done I will tell you to open your eyes, you are going to go to the spot I say, touch it and close your eyes and see if anything happens.” He smiled at me and I closed my eyes.
After about five minutes he pointed I went over and touched it nothing happened. I shook my head. He motioned for me to do it again. Still nothing happened. He had me close my eyes again, when I opened them he pointed toward the log that was in the movie reel.
“Touch it, like run your hand along it, eyes closed young one. It should work.” He smiled.
I walked over to the log, put my hand on it and ran my hand down it. About halfway through my eyes flashed, I became frozen. I saw a boy who was normal. He was taken at a young age, grew up with some tall characters. Then eventually became a guard then his wings came out. I opened my eyes and stood there shocked out of my mind.
“That’s you.” I muttered out as Orion walked over to me.
“Yes young one you saw how I became what I am today. Good. That was rather quick. I had to make it where some significance was present. Now I am going to do something, I want you to concentrate really hard on me, and only me. You touch me and tell me what I am going to do here shortly in the future.” He smiled.
I nodded I was still shocked that I could see all of this so quickly too I might add. I went up and touched his arm it didn’t work. So I grabbed his hands and closed my eyes briefly and flash. He was going to dive off the cliff with me and fly me back to my house. I smiled because this was easy.
“You’re going to dive off the cliff with me and fly me home.” I smiled at him.
“Yes young one, you are moving quickly. The Kintana was right you’re harnessing your abilities with one shot on being shown. You are a great ally.” Orion said very gentle.
Despite his massive size Orion was very mild and gentle mannered. He was not eager, he would let you ask any question and wait patiently which was good considering I tended to mess up at times. He didn’t seem to mind if it took more than one shot. I was glad to be training with him.
“Yes, but why can I do it better with you?” I asked him sitting next to him on a rock.
“I’m showing you how to channel it, you just have to close your eyes, touch whatever it is you are concerned with and if it has any precedence on the future it will show most of the time. Big or little, you may not get it, but haven’t you noticed each time you see the couple your with Archer is it?” I nodded, “Yes you are with him, and your eyes are closed. You’re not thinking about getting a vision but it happens. Now that you know how to channel it or focus on it, you should be able to do it with anything. Like for instance in the vision what the girl is wearing and seeing more. Maybe if you find a shirt like hers, you can channel it and touch it. Then see what happens next just for example. The less you strain on thinking about it the better the premonition comes in. Just as an FYI. Do you want to try it a few more times?” He asked me and I nodded.
He went and grabbed his shirt and did something with it. I closed my eyes and touched his shirt. I saw him getting stabbed and healing quickly. Then I took a rock he touched, and I saw him throwing it off the cliff before he did it with my eyes closed. Then he handed me his necklace I held it and went forward with my eyes closed, I saw him handing it to someone, but didn’t see who.
“The girl is Lona. She is my mate.” He smiled at me. “You haven’t given it to her yet.” He said. “But you got the idea anytime you want to work on your ability you call me ok. I think you are doing well just a few more times with someone else like Avery, Carmina, or Caleb will do some good. Want to move on?” he asked.
“Sure Orion. What next?” I asked.
“Hmm let’s see here how about channeling. You have the ability to let anyone see certain things. Like Lona she sees pictures. So if you see the couple all you have to do is think Lona’s name, she can peer into the picture and just the picture that you are seeing now, or seen recently. She sees it and that’s that. Let’s try it. Picture anything; let my name cross your brain.” He smiled.
I thought of the bears and the couple but decided not that. I flickered to the bruises and scars Archer had, then his face, and then the amulet that he gave me. I stood there thinking of everything significant he told me about the amulet. About how it was his mothers and I thought of the picture. Orion I thought at the same time.
“You’re thinking of your other one, the amulet he gave you, it was his moms’, and the beauty of it correct? It’s the one on your neck.” He pointed to it.
“Yes, that’s totally cool Orion. That’s all I have to do?” I asked.
“Yes young one, either say that person’s name before or after the thought and you got it. They will then see what you saw. The amulet means strength and power, it is said that pink, purple, and black amulets like yours means strength, and will allow you to harness your powers better. Plus heal you and others you love quicker. That’s the saying anyways. Your partner was smart to give you that.” Orion said looking at the intricate detail of my necklace.
Smart, I thought. Archer had said that the necklace was supposed to bring strength, and it was his mothers’. I didn’t have any intention of taking it off, but decided I really wouldn’t now especially because I knew I would need my strength and power to fight off whatever or whoever was behind the battle I was going to be forced with. Plus if it healed my loved ones quicker that would mean it would heal Archer quicker if his sister got a hold of him.
“Tomorrow young one we will start with freezing things. You did very well for one just one day. I think we are done for today. I will take you home now so you can see the other half of you now.” Orion smiled and I thanked him.
We jumped off the cliff; I was locked in him, as we flew toward my house. The whole time I hoped the necklace worked, and that it protects him. I thought too that now I know how to control the premonitions maybe I would be able to get it down, and figure out who the couple was next time I was with Archer. That was what I hoped.
CHAPTER 9 ARCHER
Kilyn texted me as I was sitting there with Aralynn going over our project. She wanted me home now. I looked at my phone shut the screen off then looked at Aralynn. She looked gorgeous even though she didn’t want to be doing this project I could see it in her eyes, she would much rather be doing other things like just enjoying my company in front of a movie or something. Then she was plagued about the couple again.
She had seen them when she was kissing me after I gave her the amulet. I knew what she had seen, because every time she saw them when I was with her and if she was kissing me I saw every detail of the scene. I saw the bears go after her…….this time…. That was something I hadn’t seen before, before they were supposed to target just both of us. They weren’t supposed to lunge at one person in general. They were created out of thin air, there was no way they could do that. Unless someone had programmed them too, I sighed knowing all too well that Kilyn had programmed them to do that. Great I thought to myself, I have to tell her soon. I wouldn’t let my sister destroy her. Of course she had done that.
Then I smiled though at the same time because I watched her steal glimpses away and looking at the amulet I gave her. I smiled at her because I saw the happiness ring out in front of her, something so delicate made her happy. That made me happy all because of such a simple gift I had given her. I hoped my mom was right, as long as she wore it I would heal quicker from Kilyn’s wrath.
“I have to go beautiful. The amulet is gorgeous just like its new owner. Last night was amazing we will have to do it again sometime.” I s
miled rubbing her hand in mine as I kissed her when we reached the door.
“Yes, we will, and thank you. I don’t want you to leave, but I will see you tomorrow. Please don’t let her hurt you.” She said with a bit of sadness in her eyes as she hugged me.
“She won’t not as long as I can think about you, and you wear that necklace I will be ok beautiful.” I whispered into her forehead as I kissed it.
“I won’t take it off. I promise.” She whispered kissing my cheek, and then I headed to my car.
I revved up the engine and drove down the winding roads, looking everywhere for the bears. I caught a glimpse of a creature but I couldn’t get up the hill quicker even if I tried because the creature was gone just like that. Poof into thin air, I wouldn’t know if it was a bear or what. Oh well, I would have to figure out another way to trap them I thought.
I drove the roads to my new house, my personal hell where Kilyn was. I got there in no time, and when I went in Kilyn and Carter were asleep in their room. Good I thought I escape the wrath once more. I put my stuff down in the bed, and I texted Aralynn good night. Then I undressed and got in my bed. I tried to sleep but couldn’t so I flicked on the TV, then let my mind wonder. It wandered to the movie reel characters, she would figure it out soon I knew that. Then I thought about the last night, how it was absolutely perfect and amazing. Then I thought about telling her I loved her. She gave me a feeling I had never felt before.
Then I started thinking about my mom, the glow she came in, and everything she had said to me about how I needed to tell Aralynn. Then that Aralynn would forgive me and understand why I couldn’t tell her sooner, but she was right I did have to tell her soon. Then my mind raced to the amulet I had given her. The smile on her face was everything that I needed to know that I could tell her my secret. Then I thought back to my mom to what she had seen and said to me. Thinking about that must have worn me out, because the next thing I knew my alarm was buzzing at me.