by Cici Wickens
As I stood between all my friends though, with them watching me in confusion and worry, I fall apart again. I manage to tell them everything, but I cry the entire time. The only thing I keep to myself is the night where the woman was killed because of me, even if it was indirect. I avoid meeting their eyes and wait in silence for them to say something afterwards.
“So, the dreams you told me about…they were real?” Ron said slowly. “And shown to you by…an Angel?”
I look at him, grateful that he isn’t angry. “That’s right.”
“The Supernatural really exist?” Jen inquired, seemingly interested.
“Yeah.” I say with a small smile. “I’m living proof.”
“You’ve known what species you were this entire time and didn’t tell us?” Minerva asked angrily. “And you’ve been training in secret with Trace!”
“I’m sorry.” I say and stare at the ground.
“This is why you’ve been pushing yourself so hard during training then. You inherited a kingdom. All this time…and I didn’t have a clue.” Trace folded his arms, looking irritated with himself. Then he gave me a solemn look. “So you’re adopted.” I silently nod.
Thomas started to laugh all of a sudden. “Wait, so you guys are actually believing this? You’ve got to be kidding me!” He said incredulously.
“You think she made it up, idiot?” Blaze snapped. He stepped forward and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I’m gonna’ go ahead and tell you all this because I don’t want to get to the point where she was just at. I’m a Shifter.”
I’m happy that he took the spotlight off me. I get the feeling that he had done it purposely.
“What do you turn into?” Ron asked. Jen and Trace leaned forward too, expectant.
Blaze’s neck turned red from the sudden attention. “A dragon.” He said.
“Whoa!” Trace yelled. “That’s cool man.”
Jen eyes widened to the size of saucers. “That’s…amazing.”
“I always knew I saw a fire burning in you.” Ron joked. “Can we see?”
Blaze’s smile faltered. “I only change out of necessity.”
Minerva raised her hand. “Okay, my turn. Even though Iris kinda spoiled my big reveal when she talked about the drawings, I’d like to say that I’m a Seer.”
Trace shrugged. “I’m a Waic. The water is my turf.” I hadn’t told them what he was, only that he had been training me.
Minerva arched her eyebrow at that one. “Really? Wow. Didn’t see that coming.”
“Right on man.” Blaze muttered.
Thomas shook his head in denial. “You’re awake? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“No!” Trace yelled, frustrated by the confusion. “I’m a Waic.”
“I thought he said awake the first time he told me too.” I tell Thomas. “Don’t feel bad.”
“Well, since we’re all telling our species…I’m Human as far as I know.” Ron said.
“Me too. Although I always wished I was a Pixie. You’re so lucky.” Jen gushed.
“I wouldn’t call it that.” I mumble.
“I’m definitely Human.” Thomas stated, still looking at us all in disbelief. “You guys are all nuts.”
Blaze cocked his head to the side, giving Thomas a smirk. “Somehow I knew you’d act this way.” He remarked.
“Same.” Minerva said.
Trace’s gaze shifted over to the person standing beside me. “And what about you? Are you Human?”
All of our eyes land on Cam. He’s the only one who hasn’t said anything. His eyes have turned bright green. He won’t look at us head-on though and appeared uncomfortable.
“Whoa, dude. Weren’t your eyes just blue?” Blaze questioned.
“It’s an emotion thing.” I answer for Cam, remembering what he told me last time.
Minerva stepped closer, intrigued. “It usually doesn’t happen that fast though!”
Cam still won’t say anything.
“Well?” Trace led on.
“It’s an emotion thing.” Cam finally answered, sounding strained.
“You’re Human then?” Thomas asked again for confirmation.
“What do you think?” Cam asked, his tone letting on that he was just as disbelieving as Thomas.
Trace narrowed his eyes at Cam. “Why are you answering a question with a question?”
“I thought my answer was obvious.” Cam remarked.
“And what exactly was your answer?” Trace questioned further.
His eyes widened. “I-I…”
“You can’t lie!” I exclaim, shocked from the realization. I should’ve noticed it sooner. “That means…”
“He’s Fae.” Trace folded his arms, satisfied with figuring it out.
“Why didn’t you want to tell us?” Jen asked quietly.
Cam ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’ve never told anybody that. It’s not something that I’m proud of.”
“What do you mean?” I can’t help but ask.
Ron put a hand on my shoulder. “Every man has his secrets.”
Thomas raised an eyebrow at Ron. “Oh really?”
Ron flashed him a bright white smile. “I can’t tell you everything Thomas.”
We all laughed, save Cam. Leave it to Ron to lighten the mood.
Thomas turned to me. “If you want me to believe this, you’re gonna’ have to show me.”
Blaze snickered. “What happened to live by faith, not by sight? I had you pegged for the religious type.”
“Good one, bro.” Minerva patted her brother on the back.
Thomas gave the sibling duo a dark look. “It’s not the same.”
Trace clapped his hands together. “I think it’s a great idea! Show them what we’ve been working on Iris!”
I nod my head. “Okay.” I wasn’t surprised that it had come to this. That’s exactly why I dressed in shorts and a tank this morning. Honestly though, I had expected for Ron and Jen not to believe me either.
“Just sit down on the lake. It’ll blow their minds.” Trace grinned and plopped down in the sand to watch my demonstration.
I submerge myself in the lake first, allowing the cool water to comfort me in a brief rush. Within the first few days of training, Trace and I figured out that the markings were caused by total immersion. When I break the surface of the water, my friends on the bank stare back at me with stunned faces.
Thomas covered his eyes in his hands. “Holy crap.”
“Those tattoos are sick!” Blaze exclaimed in appreciation.
“I thought you were gonna’ turn into a Mermaid or something.” Ron said, sounding disappointed.
“I wonder what they mean.” Jen said in awe.
“Holy crap.” Thomas muttered again.
“Not bad girl.” Minerva gave me a once over. “You look awesome.”
“This is even cooler.” I say, my spirit lifting. “Watch.”
I press my palms on the surface of the lake until the water condenses beneath them. I heave my upper body out, and then my legs, sitting crisscross-applesauce in the process. The water keeps me afloat, softly acting as a polar-opposite.
“Not bad, grasshopper.” Trace complimented.
“Holy crap.” Thomas paced away from us and came back.
“I think someone’s in shock.” Blaze whispered loudly, motioning in Thomas’s direction.
“Let me handle it.” Ron grabbed his best friend by the shoulder to go speak with him in private.
I get out of the water. I’m refreshed and content now that I have no more secrets. The weight that had been pressing on my shoulders all this time had finally been lifted.
I focus on the water droplets that beaded along my skin for a second, visualizing it soaking into my pores. I shiver when the process is done. With a light laugh I say, “That’s probably the handiest thing I’ve learned.”
Thomas and Ron come back. Thomas looked embarrassed. He walked up to me and gave me a warm hug. “I’m sorry for not believi
ng you. And I’m sorry that you felt like you couldn’t tell us.”
I hug him back. “Yeah, me too. And hey, I probably wouldn’t have believed me either.”
He tensed and looked uneasy. “Wait, so if all this is real. That means that there was really an evil king in my home.” He dropped his hands. “You should’ve told me this sooner. All this time I could’ve been killed…my little sister—”
“I know.” I stop him, tearing up at the anger that had begun to lace his voice. “I know, and I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry. You’ve got to believe me. I had no idea he was going to do that.”
“Yeah, I guess I can’t exactly blame you.” He muttered. But it’s easy to see that he’s still upset with me. He had every right to be.
“What now?” Jen asked.
“I think we should all go talk to my mom.” Minerva suggested.
“I think that’s a good idea.” I agree.
Ron shook his head. “From what Iris said, your mom sounds kind of scary.”
“Nah, she’s just crazy.” Blaze said with a shrug.
We all started walking up the trail together, and eventually came to the vehicles.
“How’d you get here Jen? I don’t see your car.” Minerva asked slyly.
Jen’s cheeks turned pink. “I came here with Ron.”
“What were you two doing alone?” Minerva teased.
“We got breakfast before we came here.” Ron said.
“How long has that been going on?” Blaze pointed between the two of them.
“This is our first time. It just started.” He rolled his eyes but grinned.
“They went to the movies the other night.” Thomas revealed.
“Shut up man!” Ron punched him in the shoulder.
It seems I hadn’t been the only one keeping secrets. “Aww, I’m happy for you two.” I beam. I’m glad that I told them. That I had gotten everything off my chest. It was stupid of me to think that they’d treat me any differently if they found out. They were my friends after all.
Chapter 49
7+2=9
Iris
The drive to the Prophet’s house was short, but awkward. Waves of tension seemed to be emitting from Cam’s soul. I shift uncomfortably and roll the window down.
“So, you’re Fae?” Of all the secrets, his surprised me the most. It had caught me off guard, and I wasn’t really sure how to take it yet.
“I thought we had established that earlier.” He muttered darkly, leaning his head against the window.
“What kind are you?” I ask slowly.
It takes a moment for him to respond. “Fervor.”
“What is that?”
“You and your friends sure do ask a lot of questions.” He left it at that.
“Why are you so angry?” I pry.
“You ever think that maybe I wasn’t ready to tell people about that? You could’ve at least given me a heads up.” He bit out.
“Well how was I supposed to know that you were Fae in the first place? How could I have given you a heads up?” I ask disbelievingly. I couldn’t believe he was trying to turn this on me. “It’s not like I invited you there to be exploited! I only wanted to tell you the truth. The meeting just sort of turned into a truth-circle for everyone.”
He sighed loudly, holding his face in his hands. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve kept it secret for so long, and today it just came out. It’s in the open now, and I can’t take it back.”
“Why would you want to though? I think it’s cool that you’re a Faerie.” I say more calmly. I realize that there’s more to the reason behind him acting this way. Something must’ve happened to make him be ashamed of being Fae.
He wouldn’t meet my eyes. “I can’t tell you yet. I don’t want you to…think differently of me.”
“Cam, you can trust me.” I place my hand on top of his while I drive.
“I know. But will you trust me to tell you what happened when I’m ready?” He intertwined our fingers, causing my heart to flutter. I nod my head in understanding. “On another topic though, you’re really going to another dimension to restore balance and rule a kingdom?”
I let out a long breath. “Apparently so.”
“Are you going alone, or…”
I hadn’t thought about that. How would I even find my way in another dimension? It’s not like I could use a GPS for directions. “I don’t know.” I answer truthfully.
I can sense Cam watching me as I drive. “I can go with you…if you want.”
I raise my eyebrows, keeping my eyes on the road. “I don’t think you fully understand what you’re signing up for.” Surely, he can’t be serious.
He shrugged. “It’s not like I have anything better to do. I want to go with you.”
I smile shyly. “Hm.”
✽ ✽ ✽
My friends and I sat together and sipped on lemonade and water. Ron and Thomas were eyeing George, alarmed by his intimidating size. Jen was studying Janelle closely, no doubt picking up on how ageless and otherworldly her eyes looked. Cam and Trace were watching Janelle too, as if they could sense the Supernatural vibes coming off her. Blaze munched on some spicy chips that he wouldn’t share with anybody, not even his dad.
I had already told them about how Minerva and Blaze’s parents were both Prophets, though I knew that it’d take them some time to adjust. Being a Prophet didn’t change too much of the physical appearance of course, but you could tell there was something off about them—those ageless eyes that sometimes looked haunted, and the way Janelle often repeated things.
I decide to begin the conversation. “Janelle, I was won—”
Janelle interrupted. “I know why you are here. And since there are no more secrets among you all, there is something I would like to tell you.”
That got everyone’s attention and we leaned forward, drinks forgotten, waiting for her to continue.
“I have foreseen pieces of your journey, and I am aware that you have been wondering who will accompany you on this. There will only be nine of you. The seven of you now and two others. I have foreseen pieces of your journey.” She paused a moment and her eyes glazed over. Thomas and Ron, even Jen, gasped. I could feel Cam tense up beside me. “The two that you have yet to meet are male and will look the same but have different names.”
“Twins?” Minerva guessed.
Janelle nodded. “You and your brother met them when you were younger. Although they were much older than you, and still are.”
I hold my hand up. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. The seven of us now? They’re all coming with me?”
“No.” Jen shook her head. “There are eight of us. One of us isn’t going.”
“Very clever.” Janelle said. “The Waic will remain here.”
All eyes turned to him. “I planned on it.” Trace admitted. “That’s not my calling. I’ve got my whole life ahead of me here. I’ve already been accepted into the college that I wanted to go to. I’ll gladly continue to practice with you until you leave though. And if you need anything just ask.”
“Thanks, but…I don’t think any of you should go with me. It’s too dangerous.”
“It is not your choice, it is Fate’s. He put each of them in your life for a reason. It is Fate’s choice.” Janelle said. It did not go unnoticed that Janelle referred to Fate as if he were a person, and not just a force of nature. “Cato will train you all.”
“So, are you saying they don’t have a choice in the matter either?” I ask angrily.
Thomas put his face in his hands. “Holy crap.”
“You’ll make sure we go down in the history books, right?” Ron asked me.
“I want to do it.” Jen said.
“I already planned on going with her.” Minerva said with a lift of her shoulders.
“If she goes, I go.” Blaze said between a bite.
I look at each of my friends. I had already lost my mom. With the way things were going now, I could barely even protect myself. Much less them too. Bringing
Humans to another dimension just screamed bad idea. I don’t want to lose them. I feel like this isn’t their fight.
Cam put a hand on my shoulder, as if sensing my troubled emotions. “Everything will work out.” He said with surety.
“I hope so.” I direct my next question at Janelle, “When exactly is Cato going to be here?”
“Tomorrow. I will have Minerva text you all the details.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Tomorrow huh?”
“Yes. Tomorrow.” Janelle confirmed.
“Where are we supposed to find these twins at? Are you sure we can trust them?” I ask.
“They are like nephews of mine. Very trustworthy. They will be arriving a week after your graduation, as they are currently in Mexico.”
“What type of Supernatural are they?” Jen inquired.
“You will see.” Janelle said vaguely.
Jen slumped down in her seat a little.
I suppress a scowl. Janelle sure was wishy-washy when it came to revealing things. I’d never understand her.
“I know you are probably all filled with questions, but I have got a few loose ends to tie up before your practice tomorrow. We are going to have to cut this conversation short. I have got a few loose ends to tie up.”
I stand. “We’ve got to get back home anyways. I don’t want our parents to get worried.” I motion between the two of us.
Cam nodded his head, looking like he’d completely forgotten we told them we wouldn’t be long. Of course he had.
“You’re coming over to my place, right?” Thomas asked Ron.
“Yeah. I’ll be over right after I drop Jen off.” Ron answered.
“Keep me posted.” Trace said and opened the door. We all followed him out.
“Later.” Blaze said, and Minerva waved us off.
Cam and I discussed how we were going to try and convince his parents to let him stay at my house so that he could train with us. Yeah, he’s old enough to make his own decisions, but they still pay his bills. Since we couldn’t come up with a good excuse on the ride back, he told me that he would have something figured out by morning.
Chapter 50
The Mean Breeze Machine
Iris