by Willa Alders
“I’ll try too.” I thought of my bow and arrow. Just like that the guards and everyone including Avery Sam, Caleb, Carmina and Caleb appeared to have a bow and arrow. Now shoot them. I thought silently. The hybrid guards shot the arrows obediently without hesitation. Caleb, Carmina, Sam or Avery stood in place still holding their bow and arrows in their hands.
“Beautiful.” Lona smiled. “You did magnificent Archer. You definitely know how to use your control ability very well already which is very useful. As for you Aralynn, you also are controlling your freezing ability and fireballs very well. It is simply amazing how fast you two pick up on things. So enough on ability training, I want something a little more fun.” She paused as a deviant smile rose on her face. “So for the next few hours we are just going to be fighting with one catch. It’s going to be you two against all of us.” She gestured to everyone. “Now everyone! “Lona said smiling a deviant smile at us. I knew she was to something.
Like that everyone came charging toward us. I looked at Aralynn and mind spoke to her. Beautiful are you ready?
She smiled in response when she mind spoke to me: Of course! I was born ready so bring it! She grabbed my hand and I smiled.
We were looking around us to see who would be the first to attack. It was no surprise when Avery first stepped forward then Caleb and Carmina. Instantly they were charging at us with full speed. I watched Ara hold her hands up to bring up the force field around us but she wasn’t fast enough. All three of them got within inches distance of us before the force field could be finished. I stood there waiting not knowing what to expect. The punches didn’t come instead I watched Avery shimmer as he duplicated himself. Now there were two of him and Caleb had disappeared. I had no clue where he went then I remembered he had invisibility ability, and I knew he was using it. I had my guard up ready to lunge when I had the chance. Ara stood there waiting on Carmina to attack her. That didn’t happen either. I watched Carmina smile at Ara then she turned her head toward me cocking her neck slightly.
Instantly I felt out of control of my body. There was this death tightening grip around my arms pinning them to my sides. I struggled to break loose and the more I fought against whatever was happening the more the invisible grip tightened on me. I figured it was Caleb until my thoughts disappeared and I couldn’t think. I was paralyzed –I had no control of anything not even the movement of my face anymore. A dull ache was starting to take over my body as I fell to the ground. Whoever had a hold of me had released their grip. I still had no idea what happened until I saw Carmina smile. Then I knew she was the one attacking me she used her paralysis on me. No wonder Avery tried to stay on her good side I thought.
I glanced out of the corner of my eye and Ara was shaking her head. She was clearly thinking the same thing I was. This definitely wasn’t what we had in mind when Lona and Orion told us training. I could tell even Ara thought that we were going to be fighting normally with mixed martial arts not immortal ability fighting. I shot her a glance and she read my mind. If they weren’t going to fight fair neither were we.
She nodded at me which meant it was time to go. Caleb appeared instantly in front of me in a cloud of fog. Before I could react he knocked me to the ground with one swift movement. I stood back up ready. Ara was right beside me conjuring up fireballs one after another and shooting them at the Avery’s duplicate. Each fireball scorched the second Avery and within moments he shimmered away into dust. I looked over at Caleb and Carmina they were frozen in place. Caleb was in mid run unable to move and Carmina frozen standing still. I watched her as she laughed then with a twist of her hand she unfroze them. Carmina and Caleb smiled and nodded at us.
Caleb and Carmina approached Aralynn distracting her away from me. I watched Caleb started fighting with Aralynn normally now no immortal abilities just hand to hand combat. Carmina joined in a minute after. Both of them helping Ara was good except that meant only one person was left to fight me. I especially didn’t want to go to another set of rounds with him even though I knew it was the best match up. Avery was the closest match I could get to Carter. He would be the perfect training partner if that’s all this would be was training. However one quick look at Avery and I knew this was going to go beyond training.
I knew that Avery still had a score to settle with me, and I knew he was going to get even with me right now for everything. I suspected this hatred Avery had for me went far beyond him just being an overprotective brother. The way he acted towards me led me to think that there was some type of history with him and Ara or something along those lines. I knew that even if I didn’t get the answers I would at least get some good training in and maybe Avery would be able to move past whatever it was. Shaking my head, I moved my hand in a bring it on motion.
With that Avery charged toward me reaching me in just seconds. Since he had the head start he reached me before I was ready. He threw a superman punch hitting me square in the face before I could have a chance to react. I shrugged and starting throwing my own share of punches back. Within seconds we were having a full blown mixed martial arts fight right in the garden. He was throwing jabs hitting me in eyes, and I was returning the jabs right back. He’d throw a kick, and I would throw one right back. Every time I would land one or two punches he would do the same. We were matching each other up well. Avery’s right eye was swollen and he had a trickle of blood coming down from the corner of brow. I had blood on my cheek I could feel it running down. We continued taking turns throwing punches and slamming each other into things. I had the upper hand until he duplicated himself again. One of the Avery’s’ pinned me up against him and I broke free but then they both grabbed me. They slammed me through a castle wall and I ended up in a random room in the castle. They instantly had me pinned to the ground.
“Listen I’m done fighting you on one condition. You swear to me that you are not setting my sister up!” Avery screamed at the top of his lungs as his duplicate shimmered back into him.
I grabbed my neck and rubbed it a bit. “Avery, I swear I’m not using her. Hell I’m supposed to technically to gain my freedom but even from day one before meeting Aralynn I could never use anyone like that no one not even her especially not her man. I would save someone anyone even if it meant me dying. Then when I met her I knew for sure I could never kill her bro! Avery listen to me I hate the fact that she has to defeat my sister it’s a hazard a big hazard believe me I know this. I know the danger that lies in this battle, I wish Ara didn’t have to be in this mess, but it’s our destiny especially hers. Look Avery I hate the idea as much as you do. I don’t want her to ever be in harm’s way especially not because of me. Man I love her more than life itself. I want nothing more than to be with her forever, and make her happy I love her. I want her to be my wife, so you really think I could kill her?” I said sitting down on a chair across from him throwing my hands up.
Avery’s face was trying to stay hard as he ran his hand through his hair I could see he was having difficulty with it. His face softened as he saw I was serious. I knew at that point it was a turning point for us as a brother relationship. He realized that I loved his sister, and he knew that I was honest with him. What he was thinking, he said.
“I believe you man. I love Ara too, and regardless of how I felt about you in the past, I'm ready to try to go ahead and try to start over with you for her sake. I know you love her, and I know you won’t use her or at least I trust you not to. I hope I’m not wrong.” He paused, I watched his serious tone fade away when he said “Your wife huh?” Avery smiled at me.
“Yes my wife I hope.” I said laughing at him.
“I guess I can live with you as my brother. I won’t die I suppose. By the way you’re not a bad fighter.” Avery complimented me and he laughed.
“Well if you can I can. Thanks you’re not bad yourself even though I can kick your ass.” I said as he stood up.
“Suppose we should get back down. Let’s slam through the walls it’s quite reckless which of course is
my style. Plus wouldn’t want to give anyone the idea just yet about your plans or that we’ve reached truces!” Avery smiled, and I nodded.
I took off charging with him this time not at him towards the walls. They crumbled and reassembled as we crashed through each layer. We landed back in the grand yard. Aralynn was tossing fireballs around and freezing people as well. She was powerful whether she knew it or not. I looked at the sun it was slowly disappearing behind the castle walls. Had we been really training all day? I wondered but I didn’t think too long because Lona spoke.
“That is enough for now. You two did wonderfully today. We will do one more training session tomorrow. You both will be ready I know I can feel it.” Lona smiled at us as she grabbed my hand and pulled me off to the side. “The favor you requested for me to get for you is in your room in the first drawer of your dresser young Archer.” She smiled at me.
“Thank you Lona.” I smiled as I walked back toward Aralynn.
“So what’s with you and Avery?” Aralynn asked me. “It looked intense from the last thing that I saw you two were going at it like maniacs.”
“Nothing beautiful we just understand each other now. He realizes I’m not going to hurt you.” I smiled back grabbing her hand and kissing her forehead.
“I approve Ara. We’ll race you soon. You should come out later.” Avery said grabbing my hand and Aralynn hugged him.
“Thank you for the offer, but we got a date with two servants tonight and the other thing I talked about with you earlier. I want that tonight.” I smiled at him. I could see Aralynn’s wheels turning. She was trying to figure out what I had planned.
“Not a problem man. Come on Sam let’s do something. Think they got anything to drink in here?” Avery said heading off.
Aralynn and I swooped back to our room. She imagined pizza and they appeared fresh and hot from Giovanni’s. It was supposed to be the best pizza in the world according to some magazine she had read. Mariselle and John-Luc appeared right after the pizza did. We welcomed them in and popped in a movie and ate and joked with them. After a couple hours they left. Aralynn yawned as she walked toward the bed and took her hair down.
“So what is it you wanted to do tonight with me that you said earlier to Avery?” She asked sitting down on the bed.
I smiled at her and kissed her forehead. I gulped and swallowed down any second thoughts and told myself this was what I wanted. I wanted her to be my wife and rule together. That was what I wanted. I knew it and I prayed she said yes. I walked over to the dresser and grabbed out a small bag.
“This…” I paused holding the bag in my hands. “Now please beautiful close your eyes.” I said as she did.
As she did, I pulled the box out and grabbed the ring out I took her hand in mine, and covered the ring with my other hand. I got down on one knee then and kissed her hands. I inhaled and exhaled deeply. I did it again and swallowed and smiled at her sitting there with her eyes closed, knowing this was perfect. This was the most perfect moment I could have.
“Go ahead open your eyes.” I said softly.
“What is it?” she asked “What’s wrong Archer.” She said with worriedness.
“Nothing is wrong well something will be and will be if you don’t say yes! Ara I love you, and I know you love me too beautiful. You are mine, and I am yours and that is all that matters anymore. I am perfect since I have you now and beyond complete. I have you and that is all I want. You are what I desire for my future. I want you to be mine and mine for eternity beautiful. Aralynn you are my soulmate, you complete me. No one else will ever do the same only you will. So beautiful I am asking you to be my wife. Will you marry me?” I asked trying to read her eyes as I took her hand and slid the pink sapphire ring onto her finger.
“Archer, this is so soon,” she paused and I could almost hear the no in her mind but she smiled. “Of course I will. You are my soulmate too. I want nothing more than to rule with you forever as a king and queen and be married to you. Of course I will marry you Archer.” She said as a tear fell down her cheek.
I leaned forward. “Thank you beautiful.” I said kissing her.
I kissed her deeper than before and I picked her up and laid her down on the bed. The night was complete as we laid there getting lost again in each other, making love again. This time was even more special than all the rest. When we were done we fell asleep in each other’s arms and I dreamed. I dreamed of our future and our wedding. It was the most perfect moment in time.
CHAPTER 17 ARALYNN
The next morning I awoke early and not exhausted shockingly. I thought I dreamed that Archer had proposed last night and I said yes. But when I looked down at my hand I realized it wasn’t a dream. It was real as could be because my left hand had the ring on it. I stared at the intricate details. The big pink princess cut sapphire raised off the middle of the ring, and then underneath several little diamonds and pink sapphires made a small band. It was breathtakingly beautiful. A tear fell down my cheek as I wiped it away staring at the ring. He sat up next to me and kissed my cheek then wiped another tear off. He kissed my shoulder next as he wrapped me in his arms.
“Everything ok beautiful?” he asked softly hugging me.
“Yes of course just making sure I wasn’t dreaming I wanted to make sure last night was real. I love you.” I said to him.
“You weren’t dreaming it did happen we’re engaged. I love you too. Any second thoughts?” he asked softly rubbing my cheek with his hand.
“Of course not, it’s what I want too as long as you do.” I smiled softly kissing him.
“Yes beautiful it is. I want you.” He said between kissing me.
We didn’t get very far because Sam walked in as usual then. He covered his eyes and turned around to walk out then Avery walked in behind him. Great I knew we had training but couldn’t they just give us a few I thought I just got engaged the night before. I needed a moment to be with Archer and to catch my breath before they barged in. They plopped down on the foot of the bed. That moment wasn’t going to happen now obviously.
“Dude I take it you asked her?” Sam and Avery both asked him in sync.
“Yea and she obviously agreed. You definitely know how to ruin stuff.” Archer groaned.
“Well it’s our jobs as brothers.” Sam laughed.
“Yeah well, you know when I’m queen you won’t. I’ll throw you in the dungeon and throw away the key.” I paused. “Wait you guys knew? Who all knew?” I asked pulling the robe on me under the covers.
“Oh everyone.” Avery smiled. “Come on Archer.” Avery finished.
“In a minute I’ll be down.” Archer smiled as they left. He turned to me then. “Beautiful I want to marry you before the battle. See you soon.” He said kissing me and throwing on some pants and heading toward the door.
“Wait what?” I asked going after him.
“You’ll see.” He said as he walked out of the room. He was gone.
CHAPTER 18 ARALYNN
I sat there on the bed completely baffled by what had just happened. Last night was a big shock in itself. Archer had proposed to me and I said yes. I definitely didn’t see it coming so soon after all we had just hit the four month mark in our relationship I had agreed to marry someone after such a short time, that wasn’t me, and it most definitely wasn’t normal for a normal 17 year old. Except I guess the only difference was I wasn’t a normal teen, I wasn’t 17, I was 117 so I was definitely old enough, and not to mention I knew Archer was my soulmate. So that made it ok I thought to myself. I had agreed, no hesitation I wanted him more than anything. That was good because he meant everything he had said when he wanted to marry me before the battle. The battle was tomorrow that’s when I was flooded with thoughts. Was I getting married today? If I was where would I get a dress, food and everything on such short notice in the middle of nowhere? I wondered as I got in the shower. I got out and wrapped a towel around me. I didn’t have time to get clothes because Lona, Carmina, Mariselle, and about five oth
er servants walked in. Then another shorter lady followed in behind them whom I never seen before.
“Have you figured out what’s going on?” Carmina smiled at me softly. She was wearing a purple gown with pink intertwined in it like my amulets’ colors.
“Uhm kind of, am I getting married today?” I asked puzzled trying to find my voice it seemed to have disappeared in the commotion.
“Yes my dear Ara. That is if you want too of course.” Carmina smiled at me.
“Yea but I don’t have anything ready.” I said to them. I wasn’t about to get married in sweats.
“Oh no need to Miss Aralynn.” Mariselle said. “All the servants have everything ready thanks to Lona and Carmina they handled it. Look we have several dresses for you to choose from.” She said as the girls unzipped the bags.
There in front of me were six dresses each were very pretty. I found the one I wanted instantly. It was an off white color with had small lace tank sleeves covered in small delicate beading. It was a V neck with the same small beading around my chest. Then the rest of the dress was covered with lace. It wasn’t poufy, it was straight and sleek which was completely me. The back had buttons going down it to the small train. This dress couldn’t have called my name any better. The 1950’s vintage look of it was exactly what I wanted. It was absolutely perfect. I knew that it was meant for me from the instant I saw it.
“Come on help her get into it.” Lona said as the girls took the dress off the hanger as I stepped into it.
One of the girls zipped me up. I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress was even prettier on. It wasn’t the most sparkly, but it was perfect for the occasion and for me. I hoped Archer liked it. For the first time I actually felt like a queen in a castle. I smiled twirling in a circle watching my body shimmer in the reflection of the mirror.
“Now onto hair and make-up.” Lona smiled. “My magic does wonder sit still.” She said as I sat down and she clapped. “Look.” She said twirling me around so that I was facing the mirror.