by Cici Wickens
We quickly took our places in front of the small stage that they had set up in the middle of the gym. Dozens of gleeful parents with cameras and rambunctious children sat in the bleachers. I smile as I look around for my dad and spot him and Cam on the front row. They had likely gotten here over an hour early if my dad had anything to do with it. My mouth popped open when I saw that Cam held a big bouquet of roses and sunflowers in his hands. I can see his signature smile from all the way over here. My cheeks warm.
“Iris, better close yo’ mouth girl, they’re taking pictures!” Ron turned back towards the cameras and gave them a striking white smile that shone against his dark skin.
Following Ron’s advice, I shut my trap and smile at the cameras, which were nearly blinding me with every flash.
The microphone screeched, and in response we all turn towards Mr. Vealen. “Today is a big day for all of these young men and women sitting on the stage.” I smile, liking the adult title. “They have all accomplished one of the many stages in life…high school. The young rattlesnakes have finally gotten enough courage to flap their wings and leave the nest.” I furrow my brows, but then we all have a chuckle once we realize he was joking.
Some awards were handed out to students, and I clapped loudly when Trace was called up onto the stage to receive a sports scholarship, likely the reason why he wouldn’t be with us in Aurum. But I’m happy for him. He deserved it. Dara was given a decent scholarship to the school of her choosing. I was happy for her too. Ever since I’d nearly drowned she had eased up on me. I wouldn’t exactly say there was a friendship, but there was something like a…truce. I don’t know. Trace might’ve had something to do with it. Or maybe she had just grown tired of messing with me.
Jen scored a full-ride scholarship in recognition for her academic excellence. The lot of us went senseless when it was announced that she had the highest GPA in the class. Thomas received a football scholarship, which had his family in tears.
Despite the cheery atmosphere, I begin to feel bad. Jen and Thomas had both gotten scholarships. They had bright futures ahead of them but were now swept up in my mess. I shake my head. Today would be a happy day. We’d figure something out.
“And finally, I would like to give out the diplomas. Everyone, please hold your applause until the end.” Mr. Vealen cleared his throat.
I swallow. This is what we had practiced for. All I have to do is walk up, take my diploma, smile for the picture, and take my seat. But gosh it was nerve wrecking.
He began calling out names, “Jen Appease.” He called two other students onto the stage that I’ve never spoken to. “Ron Burley.” Ron stood up and bowed before taking his diploma, which earned a snicker from Thomas and laughter from a few kids that I assume to be his siblings. “Thomas Curette.” A little girl with wild blonde hair released confetti into the air. Her mother looked absolutely mortified, but Thomas just gave her a thumb up. Mr. Vealen continued, ignoring the interruptions. “Blaze Corvin.” I look around the gymnasium but can’t spot their parents anywhere. “Minerva Corvin…Monique Delaney.” She received an honor’s diploma like Jen and had several chords around her neck. “Todd Gainzer.”
“Iris Hanes.” I stand up and walk to Mr. Vealen on shaky legs. My dad stood also, snapping as many photos as he could. After shaking hands with the principal and receiving my diploma, I pause for the cameraman at the end of the stage, smiling just like I had practiced.
Mr. Vealen called out more graduates, sweat stains beginning to appear through his dress shirt. It was toasty out here.
“Dara Shillings.” I notice two well-dressed people stand and take pictures. “And last but certainly not least, Trace Umble.” He strutted onto the stage as if he owned the place and pulled Mr. Vealen into a hug like they were good buddies. I roll my eyes. “And now, the closing speech.”
Thomas and Ron rise in unison and make their way to the podium. I lean forward expectantly. Thomas adjusted the microphone to their height. “Hello everyone, I’m Class President Thomas Curette.”
“And I’m Vice President Ron Burley.” When I found out that Ron had been voted Vice President I felt a spark of smugness, knowing that Jen’s dad had probably felt imprudent for judging him so quickly.
There was a brief round of applause for the pair of them, and then they proceeded to give a speech worthy of praise. We all threw our caps into the air afterwards, screaming and whooping until we were out of breath.
“Okay, buffet lunch will be served in the teacher’s lounge for parents only.” Mr. Vealen announced as we started to disperse. “I’m kidding. Enjoy dinner with your families before they kick you out.” He trudged off the stage, leaving us laughing. I’m actually going to miss Shady-Pete High.
Ron walked past me murmuring, “Being an adult doesn’t feel as awesome as I thought it would.” He was soon crowded around by his family.
The little girl responsible for the confetti leapt on stage before Thomas could get to her. He carried her over amongst Ron’s family and the rest of his, being smothered in hugs upon his arrival. I smile as my two friends took pictures together.
Seeing that Minerva and Blaze’s parents weren’t able to make it, I took it upon myself to snap a photo for them. I actually take several, and some make me laugh out loud. I can see that Jen is taking plenty of pictures with her family, who seemed very proud of her accomplishments. Trace and Dara were standing on the stage posing like a good couple. I decide it’s time to find my dad.
He and Cam met me halfway. “Get your friends over here! I’ll take a picture of all of you.” My dad offered.
It takes some time to gather them all up, my feet aching by the end of it, but the picture was perfect. Afterwards, we parted ways, saying that we’d see each other tomorrow at training.
Before we left the school, my dad took a picture of Cam and I. In return, he did the same for me and my dad, who kept getting tears in his eyes. Cam handed me the flowers, pulling me into a tight hug and planting a kiss on my cheek. My heart flutters at the sweet gesture, and I thank him for the flowers and congratulations. Then, we all head home where Charley had a celebration dinner waiting.
I knew that there would likely be a party tonight, but I didn’t want any part in that. My body ached from training, and I just wanted a good meal and a soft bed.
Chapter 52
Fate Intervenes on My Troubled Mind
Iris
Cato had decided that it was time for us to begin weapons training only a few days after graduation. We would continue to work on conditioning, but he wanted us to start building skills with our weapons of choice. He said that because we were running short on time, he’d try to teach us as much as he could before the month was over. A month didn’t seem like near enough time for me, but I could bet that in Aurum it felt like ages. I felt guilty for having them wait this long.
We spent hours training, and I was beginning to tire. A sheen layer of sweat covered all of our bodies. Jen was working in the far corner. She wanted her specialty to be knife throwing, but it wasn’t going too well. I watch as Jen pulled her arm back and threw a knife. It flew in the air with a whistle, ricocheted off of the grey wall, and soared right by Ron’s head, who was actually standing beside her. Cato yanked on his beard and began showing her some techniques.
I look at Ron. He was staring wide eyed at nothing. He’s probably in shock from nearly dying at the hand of his girlfriend. Ron was practicing with some weird contraptions that worked in a pair. In the left hand he had a trigger-like mechanism that expelled ammo of different types, with a sharp blade attached to the top of the barrel. On the other hand was a grab and release apparatus that could yank opponents towards him if needed. Cato had told him he’d get him some ‘special’ ammo and upgrades. I watch as Ron pulled the trigger of the machine in his right hand. A pyramid shaped piece of metal shot out and sunk into the dummy’s chest, and Ron yanked his hand backwards. But it doesn’t recoil.
“Not bad aim. But once the device pierces t
he body, it opens inside of the target so that you can pull your opponent forward. You have to press it again to release its hold and close it.” Cato explained.
Ron pressed the trigger, slightly tilting his hand upwards from the force of the string rushing back. It popped him in the arm before finally finding its way back into the barrel, leaving a red welt behind. “Shit!” He hissed.
“You must keep your hand level to master this weapon. I invented it myself, so I know. Do not forget that these weapons are two but are used as one. Use the device in your right hand to pull your opponent forward, and then attack with your blade or gun.”
“Yeah man! You have to combo move that shit!” Blaze remarked. His weapons of choice dealt more with stealth. He wore a mechanical sheath on his arm that released a sharp dagger. He also had a pair of black throwing discs, which Cato informed us of being chakrams, for longer-range. They were beautifully made, with electric blue swirls running along the handles.
Minerva had picked a beast of a weapon. It was a tall steel baton that had long blades on either end of it. She swung it around and lodged one side into the neck of a dummy. She was breathing deeply from the effort. It was heavy, but I think she could adjust to it eventually.
Thomas was equipped with a knightly-sword that he could barely hold correctly. Having the strength to lift it wasn’t the problem. It was the form he needed to work on. I felt a bit nervous seeing him swing it around.
I look around for Cam. My eyes land on him, and I can’t help the grin that grows on my face. Cam had picked a pair of dark twin blades that were about the length of his forearm. He twiddled them around in his hands, testing them out. He caught my stare and winked at me.
“You know, some people say practice makes perfect. Are you aware that standing there makes…nothing besides a waste of air?” Cato said sarcastically.
I quickly pick up my bow and sling the quiver over my shoulder, my cheeks growing hot. Apparently, it’s a long bow. It’s light in my hands and smooth to the touch. I smile to myself. I’ve always wanted to learn to shoot a bow.
Slowly, I pull the string back, my arrow notched. Taking a deep breath, I aim and release. The string popped me on my inner arm. I bite my lip, groaning through the pain and feeling like my arm is going to burst into flames. I see that my arrow only made it halfway to the target. This is harder than it looks.
“I bet that hurt.” Cato commented.
I rub my arm where a bright red splotch had appeared, matching Ron’s. “No kidding.”
“I can tell that something weighs on you. It makes you unfocused. I get the feeling that you are trying to force the river inside of you to flow, instead of letting it carve its own path naturally. It will stop you up and prevent you from moving any further.” He gave me a knowing look.
I frown. As soon as the words had left his mouth, I knew what he was referring to. I had been pushing myself so hard these past couple months so that I would get stronger more quickly, but it felt unnatural. And yet, I can’t find it in myself to slow down. Not when so many lives were depending on me now. I owe it to that woman.
I merely nod my head to let him know I heard him. He began to walk off but then said, “Oh, and put an arm guard on.”
✽ ✽ ✽
I wake up gasping. The Prophet had been reaching for me again, begging for her life to be saved. I press my face into my pillow, wondering if these nightmares would ever stop. It’s been over three months since it happened, but I just couldn’t seem to shake her. It’s the guilt. The nightmares probably won’t ever go away.
I roll over, intending to go take a warm night shower to help me doze back to sleep, and the strangest thing happens. I literally rolled out of my body. My senses sharpened, and every nerve inside of me tingled in a way that wasn’t exactly unpleasant. I turn around, heart beating loudly in my head, and see myself lying on my bed.
“What the hell?” I shout in fright. My voice is muffled. I bring my hands up and notice that while my skin isn’t entirely translucent, it has a light bluish glow about it. I spin around and start running from my room. “Dad!” I yell, my voice growing a little clearer. “D—”
There’s a dull tug on my bellybutton and I begin to float backwards. I try and grip the stair banister, but my hand falls straight through it. I’m pulled back through my bedroom door and out of my window.
I scream as I float right over my balcony. “Zola! What’s happening? Are you doing this?” My voice booms into the night now, startling even myself.
No answer.
The tingles in my body grow more intense as I float higher, my house growing smaller and smaller. I focus on trying to breathe, only to comprehend that I wasn’t breathing to begin with. How is it that I can hear my heartbeat, but I can’t breathe? I wonder bizarrely as full-on panic sets in. And then I realize that I can’t even hear my heartbeat anymore.
I awkwardly flail throughout the air, attempting to turn around to see where I’m being pulled. My eyes widen in complete awe as I’m tugged out of Earth’s atmosphere and surrounded by brilliant stars. They were bright and warmed my body with light each time I passed one. “Am I dead?” I ask aloud. This may very well be my spirit leaving my body right now.
I look down at my belly. There was a silver string attached to my middle torso, as thin as the finest hair. That’s what was tugging me through the cosmos.
My arms raise on instinct to shield my eyes as I’m pulled through a bright white star. I feel the string give, and then I’m gently lowered onto a cool surface. I drop my hands and open my eyes.
I stumble to a stand, fascinated at the sight before me. The inside of the star had a sky of pitch black. A ginormous ethereal flower with long white tendrils floated in the middle of a strange reflective lake. I was able to walk on it without any problems, even though I wasn’t exerting any effort to do so. The surface rippled with each step I took. There’s no land from what I can see.
I feel a sense of calm settle inside of me as I stare at the flower that towered high above, it’s tendrils slowly whipping back forth, occasionally grazing the water. “Hello?” I call. My voice echoes throughout the space around me.
“Hello!” The cheery response of a child filled my ears, surprising me.
“Who are you?” I ask curiously.
“I am known as many. Chance. Fortune. Karma. Destiny. Sors…Fate. I had to intervene.” A man’s scholarly voice answered, startling me again. Where had the child gone?
“W-why did you bring me here?” A small bit of nervousness begins to creep back inside of me. I had been pulled out of my body by Fate.
A woman’s voice replied this time. Her voice was tender, yet firm. “You had begun to stray from your path. I offer you these words. I am the one who is held responsible for those who die. It is not in your meager hands. Therefore, it is not your guilt to carry. Those who sacrifice are fated to do so. It is inevitable and predestined. If it soothes your heart, you should know that while their shells may be destroyed, their spirits never cease. They are given life in other forms. In greater lives.”
I shudder at her words, and a weight is relieved from my shoulders. I needed to hear that. Gosh, I think as tears trail down my face, I really needed to hear that.
A wispy tendril reached out to wipe a tear from my cheek. I sigh and close my eyes, leaning into its caress. When I lift my lids again, I find that I’m back home in my bed. My face is wet with tears. But for once…
They’re the happy kind.
Chapter 53
Don’t Put Me down for Combat
Iris
Several more days of training pass. I had gotten swifter with drawing the bow and didn’t injure myself anymore. All we knew was trying to destroy one target after another, running, climbing, and sore muscles. Everyone was improving, growing faster and stronger. More confident.
After my encounter with Fate, which I had decided to keep to myself, things had started coming more easily to me and nightmares no longer overwhelmed me when I s
lept. I felt lighter on my feet. Even Cato had commented on my positive energy. Although I wanted to get to Aurum as soon as possible, I stopped trying to rush my departure and just focused on improving so that when the right time came I could do what needed to be done.
We all lounged around in the gym today, waiting for Cato to show up. We begin to wonder where he is after a few minutes though. It was uncharacteristic of him to be late.
“I didn’t see his ride outside.” Ron mentioned. “Then again, I never have.”
“I couldn’t picture him behind the wheel.” Minerva retorted.
“We’ll never know with that old geezer.” Blaze muttered.
“He’s usually early.” Cam pointed out. “This must be some kind of test.”
“Let’s find him.” Thomas suggested.
“Where do we look?” Jen asked.
“Some of us can search around outside, while the others search in here.” I say.
Everyone nodded their head in agreeance. Me, Ron, and Blaze searched the inside. The others looked outside. We spent a full ten minutes trying to find him, and eventually gave up.
Blaze shrugged. “Well, since he’s not here, I vote we all go home and relax.”
“Same.” Minerva said.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with them.” Thomas looked like it pained him to admit it.
“Imbeciles!” Cato’s voice echoed throughout the gym. We look around in surprise. He was nowhere in sight. All I see next is a slim figure flying down from above. His leg was outstretched, ready to deliver a powerful kick. Jen and I shrieked. There were a chorus of curses as well. We all flinched, bracing ourselves for the oncoming attack. He landed without a sound, poised in some strange stance.
“Control.” Cato grinned.
“How in the world did you get up there?” Blaze asked incredulously.