by Cici Wickens
“I’ll say. Could I ask you a few questions?” I ask.
“Sprinkle away.” She replied as she sprinkled some seasoning into the pot.
“Make sure you add plenty of crushed red pepper.” Blaze told Janelle.
“No way mom, you know I don’t like hot stuff.” Minerva elbowed her brother in the side.
“And I don’t like cold stuff.” He dodged another strike from Minerva and sat down.
“Did you know I have a Guardian Angel?” I plop my elbows on their counter. “And Trolls and Dwarves are real.”
She finally looked up from cooking. “The Angels aren’t very active in this dimension anymore. I had no idea you had a Guardian Angel. And yes, I am aware that Trolls and Dwarves are real. Vampires, Werewolves, and basically any other Supernatural that you have heard or read about exist as well.”
I nod my head. I had assumed that already.
Minerva let out a little squeal. “I really want to meet a Vampire.”
Janelle rolled her eyes. “No you don’t.”
“I don’t know…I think I’d rather see a Werewolf.” Blaze said. “Yeah, that’d be way cooler.”
“I received the token.” I say after a bit more chatting.
“Where is it?” Her eyes widened.
“In a sock, somewhere safe.” I answer.
“You should keep it with you at all times. At all times. No doubt someone’s already watching you. There’s no guarantee that it’ll be there when you get back.”
I stand up straight, alarmed. “Should I go back and get it?”
“No, I can see it in your future.”
“Well then why did you tell me that!?”
“So, how many different kinds of Fae are there?” Minerva asked.
“There are two known levels of Fae. The first and most heavily populated level contains the Elementals. They were the first known Fae, and the Second Level evolved from them. There are two known levels of Fae. I’m positive that Iris will be from the first. That much I can see.”
“Yeah, but what kind of Elemental?” Blaze pressed. “Is it fire?”
I give him a look. I had a feeling that would be his first guess. “I think…my element is water.”
“Yuck.” Blaze made a face.
“Why do you say that?” Janelle inquired.
“I’ve loved water ever since I was a kid, and it always seemed like I had a certain advantage in it, especially when competing. This morning I had a strange experience while showering. I could almost taste and smell the water that was around me. It nearly seemed alive. And blue tattoos appeared on my skin. When I dried off, they disappeared. I’m pretty sure that the water activated them.”
“Tattoos…” I can almost see Janelle thinking.
“Do you know something about that?” I ask.
“Not all Elementals bear tattoos, but the Elemental Guardians are recognized because of them. They are often seen as Level Zero. Ignis tattoos are red, Lutum tattoos are brown, and Aeris tattoos are white. Blue tattoos belonged to the Aqua. However, they went extinct long ago. But if you bear the tattoos, then perhaps they aren’t extinct after all. Even so, if you’re a Guardian then I don’t know who’s going to train you. They went extinct long ago.”
“I thought Cato agreed to train me.”
“He can teach you basic combat skills, but you need someone who can teach you to harness your ability as a true Guardian in order to reach your greatest potential. There is no way that you can face Valencia without doing so.”
“I’m…a bit confused. How can the Guardians of Water be extinct?” Minerva asked.
Janelle wore a grim expression. “They were said to have all been killed during Grugen’s War.”
“What exactly can Guardians do?” I ask.
“I am not sure. The Guardians are very secretive about their abilities. Most know little to nothing about their culture, beliefs, history, or location.”
“Alright, time to go figure out your abilities. This history lesson is getting boring.” Blaze said.
“I thought you were gonna’ play video games.” Minerva retorted.
I shrug my shoulders. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”
Janelle filled up a bowl of water, and we made our way outside into the back yard. She placed it on a tree stump with a thud. The water sloshed against the container, spilling a little.
“What do I do?” I ask.
“Just try to make the water move.” Janelle motioned to the bowl.
I bite the inside of my cheek. Try to make it move, huh? Easier said than done. I walk up to the bowl and hold out my hand. I try to focus on the water, willing my senses to hone in on it, as they did this morning. A couple of seconds pass, but nothing happens. The water seems to just stare back at me. I drop my hand in frustration. I probably look like an idiot.
“I’m telling you. Your element’s fire.” Blaze muttered, crossing his arms.
Janelle stared at me until I began to feel uncomfortable.
“What?” I demand.
“I don’t know…” She faintly said.
It takes a lot out of me to keep from rolling my eyes. Of course she doesn’t. “Alright. Maybe we should just try again tomorrow?” I ask.
“Hold on! At least let us try to get your tattoos to appear.” Minerva reasoned.
Without warning, Blaze grabbed the bowl and thrusted it toward me. I try to dodge, but the water soaks my entire right half. The liquid is cold and my clothes cling to my skin. I narrow my eyes at him.
“Blaze!” Minerva yelled, shoving her brother.
Blaze laughed. “My way was faster. Hold out your arm Iris. Let’s see it.”
I do as he says. Nothing’s there. Only the hairs on my arm. I drop my limb, utterly confused. “I don’t get it.” I say, halfway to myself.
Janelle studied me. “Are you sure that you saw blue markings upon your skin this morning? You being an Aqua was a bit of a stretch I suppose. Perhaps your senses were so awry that you—”
I fervently shake my head. “I know what I saw! I even got a flash of them yesterday, at the restaurant.”
My gaze meets each of theirs. They don’t believe me. As Janelle said, the Aqua are supposedly extinct. Maybe I had imagined it. But if I’m not an Aqua, then what am I?
“That doesn’t mean your element isn’t water. You may just be a normal Elemental, and not a Guardian. That would make more sense. You may just be a normal Elemental.” Janelle told me.
I nod my head. “You’re probably right. Does that mean you can find someone to help me understand my element?”
“It certainly makes things easier.” Janelle gave me a smile. “Do you have anything else you would like to ask? I know that you will probably have plenty more questions eventually, but does anything come to mind right now?”
I ponder for a moment. “Um…yeah actually. I was wondering about something that kept happening this morning. I kept having trouble getting certain words out—”
“You mean lying?” Janelle said with a raised eyebrow.
I blush. “What? N-n…yeah.”
“In the beginning, there was darkness. You all know that story, right? Well, it was said that the Fae’s dark tendencies gave rise to the balance. Nature took their ability to utter lies and therefore took away their greatest power. However, in exchange, nature gave the Fae Light. Don’t worry though, you’ll get your silver tongue soon enough.”
I listen in awe, amazed by this creation story.
“Man, that sucks! I’m glad I’m not Fae.” Blaze muttered. “I mean I’m all about being honest, but sometimes lying is necessary.”
“Yeah, no kidding.” Minerva said. “It’s gonna’ cause a lot of trouble.”
Janelle gave me a sly look. “As I said, she will get her silver tongue.”
“Wait a second. If I can’t lie, wouldn’t that mean that I was telling the truth about the tattoos?”
“If you believe you saw tattoos, then that is your truth.” She jumped a little.
“Oh! The chili’s ready! Come on in and eat lunch children.”
“I think I’m going to head back home.” I say with a wince.
“I know you are.” Janelle said wisely.
Chapter 31
Coach Trace?
Iris
While driving home, I passed a sign directing me towards a lake. I decided to check it out, thinking that it would be a good idea to figure out my abilities by myself. Even though I’m free from the prying eyes of others, their reactions have made me doubt myself.
There are giant willow trees everywhere, their branches sloping down, just barely skimming the dark water. The sun overhead heats my shoulders. It’s a warm day. I’m grateful that the place is vacated.
The water is still. Not even the slightest ripple breaks the surface. I take a deep breath and wade into the water, shattering its mirror-like mirage. The water soaks into the hem of my shorts, then the bottom of my tank, and finally reaches my chin. I don’t go any deeper.
I wait for the blue tattoos to appear, for my senses to sharpen. But nothing happens. I wade in the water for several minutes, my frustration growing with every second. I raise my hand and slam it into the surface of the water.
The entire lake seems to vibrate, and the water splits apart. Time stands still as I watch the walls rise, droplets seemingly suspended in midair. The water concaves, and the waves force me under. Water rushes into my ears and tosses me around. A branch cuts into my arm. I gasp in pain, and liquid fills my lungs.
I’m washed onto the shore, a sputtering mess. I cough up liquid, lungs burning. “What j-just happened?” I whisper, trembling in shock.
“Shit, Iris. What did you do?”
I freeze, trying to place a name on the voice. Trace. Oh, crap. “Noth-” I clench my fists. “I don’t know.”
Trace helped me stand up. “Nice tats! When did you get those? I’m surprised you put them on your face though…”
Now the markings decide to appear. Convenient. “What are you doing here?” I ask, avoiding his question altogether.
“I usually come here to get some extra practice and clear my head. No one really comes here during the winter, even if it’s still pretty warm here in the south, so I have it to myself. I won’t have it to myself much longer since spring’s coming though.” Trace said, still staring at the blue ink etched into my skin.
“Oh.”
“There’s blood on your arm.” Trace told me.
Instinctively, I rub my shoulder, remembering the stick that had cut into me. I’m not bleeding anymore. The wound had already healed, more quickly than it ever had. “Yeah…” I mutter.
Trace crossed his arms. “I thought that you knew how to swim. You look like you almost drowned.”
“I was caught off guard.” I shrug, not willing to explain any further.
“What if I told you that I just saw what you did?” Trace raised an eyebrow.
I swallow. “What did you see?”
“I saw you part the lake like Moses and then get wiped out. Care to explain how you did that?”
“You don’t seem surprised…at all.” I sit up and look at him.
“I know someone with an affinity for water when I see them. Now stop dodging my questions.” Trace narrowed his eyes.
“Whoa, are you…Fae?” I inquire. It would make sense, explaining his speed in the water and everything.
“Of course not. But I’m going to assume that you are.” Trace said knowingly.
“I get the feeling you already knew I wasn’t Human.” I say.
“I had my doubts. But this confirmed it. This is…interesting. Fae, huh? I would think that you’re a common Elemental. Yet…the history engraved upon your skin tells the tale of an Aqua.” Trace got an excited glisten in his eyes.
“History? You mean these markings are actually some kind of language? You know about the Aqua?”
Trace sat down beside me. “An Aqua now. You. The Aqua no longer exist. And yes, my people make it their business to know of other species with the water affinity. These blue etchings are depictions of the Aqua history. I’m not sure what they mean though.”
“Your people?”
“I’m a Waic.” He told me.
“You’re…awake?” I ask, confused.
Trace looked irritated. “I’m…a…Waic.” He repeated slowly.
“Oh, I get it. Do you know what abilities an Aqua has?”
He shrugged. “The basics, but on steroids. Most Supernatural have enhanced senses, speed, and endurance. First Level Fae add healing to their list. From what I know, Guardians have super enhanced senses, healing, and a higher ability to manipulate their element than their First Level counterparts.”
I let this sink in. Trace is a Waic. According to him, I’m an Aqua. Janelle hadn’t believed it, but he does. It makes sense though. I’ve been able to heal my entire life. But now that my abilities have supposedly manifested, the healing has gotten more efficient. That’s why the scratch on my arm disappeared so quickly. And somehow…I can manipulate water, even though I don’t understand much about that yet. Parting the lake had been an accident, and I couldn’t explain how to do it again even if I tried.
“What are your abilities Trace? I know that you’re really fast, but—”
Trace laughed. “What you saw the other day was nothing. Nothing. I’m probably faster than you, even at your full potential.”
“Boastful much?” I retort.
“Hey!” Trace held up his hands. “I’m just telling you the truth.”
“Prove it then.” I dare. “No holding back this time.”
Trace kicked off his shoes and pulled off his shirt. “Watch this.” He demanded while wading into the water.
Trace submerged himself without creating so much as a ripple on the lake. It’s almost unnerving because it seemed like he was there one moment and gone the next. I stand up and walk over to the edge of the water. I look closer, trying to spot him. I see a shift in the lake from the corner of my eye, and I take a startled step back when Trace popped his head out.
“Whoo!” He hollered, shaking his head. “I just did an entire lap.”
“Are you serious? How—” I say in amazement.
“Exactly.” He floated on his back.
It’s then that the pieces all click together. “That’s why you’re the best on the team! Your abilities give you an advantage.”
Trace gave me a look. “They give you an advantage too. Come in and race me.”
I wince. “That might not be such a good idea. I don’t know how to control myself.”
“You don’t have to control yourself. No one’s here but me.” He pointed to his neck, “You see these gills? I can breathe underwater Iris. I’ll be fine.”
Curious, I inspect his neck further. There are three large slits on either side of it. They softly flutter with every breath. Am I really seeing this? I close my eyes, and then open them again. The gills are still there. “You have gills!”
“Yeah…that’s what I just said. Now come on.”
“How do you hide them when you’re swimming at school?” I pry.
“I’ll explain that in due time. Get your ass in the water. Time to train, because come to think of it, I don’t want you hurting any of our team. We’ve got to get this under control a little.”
My eyes widen. I hadn’t even thought about that. “You’re right.”
We both stand waist-deep in the lake. Trace took a deep breath and shook his arms a bit to relax. “Alright. Smack the water like you did a few minutes ago.” He ordered.
I hesitate. “Are you sure?”
“Do it. If I’m going to be your coach, then you’ve got to stop questioning me.”
When did I agree to that? “You asked for it.” I mutter and bring my hand down hard. The lake vibrates, and the clap resounds throughout the area, but otherwise nothing happens.
Trace blew out a long breath, deep in thought. “You really can’t control it. Hm…I’m going to assume that
you’ve only recently turned eighteen. Maybe earlier was just a brief surge of your power. Were you experiencing any heightened emotions? That could’ve caused it.”
I look away from him, embarrassed. “I was really frustrated.” I admit.
“That probably did it. Since you can’t control your abilities yet, I suggest that you get a hold of your emotions. For now, why don’t you practice swirling the water. Don’t make a hurricane or anything, just a tiny whirlpool.” Trace moved back a little.
I stare at him. “Can you demonstrate it first? I think that would help, because I don’t even know where to start.”
“Nope. I can’t control the element of water. It’s just my turf, which is why my senses and speed are heightened in it.”
“Great.”
“First, do like this.” Trace dipped his hand into the water and started making swirling motions. “Keep a steady pace.”
I copy him, listening carefully to his instructions.
He slowly lifted his hand from the water without breaking rhythm. The water slowly stopped swirling. “Clearly, when I took my hand from the water it stopped moving. But, I want you to keep your hand in the water until you feel like you can lift it out and retain the water’s movement. You’ll continue moving your hand, but you won’t be physically touching the water.”
“And you think that doing this will help me control it?” I ask doubtfully.
“It’s a start. You’ve got to begin with the basics. Trust me. I know water.” Trace began swimming away. “Now practice pupil. We’ve got all afternoon.”
I roll my eyes. I certainly hadn’t expected for this to happen, but I might as well make the most of it.
✽ ✽ ✽
Several hours pass before Trace decided that we should call it a day. The sun was beginning to set, and it had grown significantly darker.
I shake my head. “Hold on. I think I’m finally starting to get the hang of it.” I say, focusing on my swirling motion.
Trace watched me for a few seconds. “Yeah…you haven’t made any progress yet. But there’s always next time.”
Sighing, I stand up straight. My body aches as I stretch out. I rub my lower back. “This is so hard.” I whine.