"Yep!" He jumps up from the table and runs to me. "Bye Wello! You read me a story tonight, right?"
The sun is starting to rise, better illuminating the canteen. It also makes Sebastian’s eyes more noticeable. While the neon yellow is still extremely odd it doesn't take away from his absolute adorableness. "It's a date!" I ruffle his curls.
"Eww, Wello. No date, we just hang out. K?" His grossed out expression makes my mom and me laugh.
"Deal." I smile and give him a hug. He gets a little too enthusiastic and hugs me until I let out a little grunt.
"Sowee." He shyly smiles up at me.
"It's okay. I’ll see you tonight." I give him another hug and he heads off with my mom to his class.
I take a look around the large eating hall. Most everyone's eyes are on me. Some look curious, some look disgruntled and others look afraid. My cheeks flush at all of the attention and I quickly avert my eyes.
Someone scoots closer to me and I look up to find Tony. "Don't worry. They’ll realize soon enough that you aren't dangerous. You’re just the new commodity around here, that's all."
"Commodity?" I raise my eyebrow at his strange word to describe me.
He shrugs his shoulders. "It's been a while since anyone with another power has been around us. Most of them...Well, most of them aren't with us anymore." He looks sorrowful.
I nod my head understanding what he means. I can't help but wonder who he may have lost.
"So, how old are you Willow?" He changes the subject.
"I just turned sixteen." The memory of spending my birthday with Alec comes to me and I quickly store it away. This isn't the time to be emotional. "How about you?"
"I recently turned eighteen." He answers.
I look up at him. I don't know why, but I imagined Tony was a bit older than eighteen. Maybe it's the way he carries himself or perhaps it's all of the pent up emotions that show as turmoil in his bright yellow eyes. "How long have you been fighting?" I ask.
He looks away at first and seems to take a few seconds to contemplate his answer. Finally he responds, "I've been fighting beside your mother for two months now. She saved my life."
I raise my hand up to my heart and ask, "Really? How?" Pride wells in my heart thinking about my mother being a hero.
"It's a long story, but the short version is that my parents tried to inject me with the red shot. Your mom got to me just in time and saved me from becoming a Reaper. I've been indebted to her ever since." His features turn stoic but the hurt is still noticeable in his eyes.
There is no way to mask the horror that flashes in my expression. "That had to have been...I mean...I'm sorry Tony." I whisper the last part not sure what to say.
"It is what it is. No time for pity now though, we've got to go. Your mom asked me to get you outfitted for the trip. Are you ready?" He stands up and takes my tray and his. I still had some grits left on it but I don't complain. I stand up and follow him to the trashcan.
I block him as he starts to head out into the hall. "I don't pity you by the way. You are very strong."
He raises an eyebrow and his lip turns up at my statement.
"I mean, of course you are strong...You have that ability..." Get it together Willow! I do everything in my power not to slam my hand into my forehead. "What I'm trying to say is that inside, you are strong. I would never pity you. You've been through something horrible, but I can tell that you are the kind of guy that will use that for good." I mumble out quickly, feeling thankful that I was able to get my point across. "Anyhow, thank you for telling me your story."
"Thank you for listening." He smiles.
With that, I step aside and allow him to head out into the hall. I follow him down to a large meeting room where a crowd of around twenty people have gathered.
"I'll be right back." Tony tells me leaving me in the giant room with these people.
I look around the room. I can't help feeling a bit creeped out by the sight of all of them harboring military grade weapons. Some carry large guns while others have opted for machetes and scythes. They look like a low grade militia, what with their grim, tired faces and stunning yellow eyes.
I swallow rather loudly and look at the floor. Tony comes and stands next to me. I jump a little to the side when I see the large gun he’s got strapped to his chest. Goosebumps form along my arms. The size and amount of their weapons gives me a hint as to how dangerous life really is out there.
The random chatter stops immediately as my mother walks into the room. Everyone stands at attention; all eyes on her. I look around at their faces and see nothing short of ultimate respect and loyalty. My heart races at the sight; I couldn’t be more proud.
“If I could have your attention please,” as if she didn’t already. “As you have probably heard, my daughter has come to join us. She came from inside.” A few gasps and murmurs wave through the crowd of people. I’m guessing the gossip must have either not reached them, or they didn’t believe what they heard.
“Most of you are probably wondering how she got out.” My mom pauses as heads begin to bob in acknowledgement. “What I’m about to tell you has to remain top secret…it is of upmost importance.” She looks around the crowd. It amazes me the way she seems to be looking at each person individually.
“My daughter, Willow, has been exhibiting multiple abilities for some time now. We haven’t had much time to discuss all of her abilities yet, but I will tell you that the abilities that she possesses are both rare and of great importance to us. At all cost, we need to protect her and keep her safe. I have already spoken with Tony in private yesterday evening and he has agreed to be her protector, always staying by her side when we are on the outside.” My stomach does summersaults and my cheeks turn an unnatural shade of crimson. I didn’t realize I needed my own personal bodyguard! The thought makes me feel weak and vulnerable. I try not to let it get to me though…I know my mother only wants the best for me.
Tony gives me a sideways glance and I quickly look away embarrassed.
“I know you all must have many questions for Willow about life on the inside.” Again, murmurs surface from the crowd. My mother turns towards me. “Willow, honey, would you mind coming up here? I’m sure there are a few questions these people would like to ask you.”
I swallow the bowling ball that’s lodged in my throat and make my way up to the front. As I pass through the crowd people move aside making a clear path for me.
When I reach my mother, she wraps her arm around my shoulders and gives it a squeeze. “Go ahead and introduce yourself,” she whispers in my ear.
I take a deep breath. “Hello,” I squeak, then clear my throat. “My name is Willow Mosby. I guess I’ll open the floor for questions.” I shrug my shoulders as everyone’s hand shoots up. A feeling of shock peruses my body as I realize these people are very curious. They must have family on the inside. I point to a man holding the least intimidating weapon. He looks to be around twenty years of age with a pointed nose and hollow cheekbones. His five o' clock shadow has come and gone and he has a permanent scowl etched across his face. The only thing bright about the man's appearance is his yellow eyes.
“Yes, Willow, can you tell me what abilities you have exhibited thus far?”
Good question. I nod my head. “Sure. As of now, I've been able to listen to people’s thoughts, go invisible, heal myself and others, pass through objects and use something I can only call compulsion which allows me to manipulate people’s actions by mental suggestion.” I hope I’m making sense.
His eyes go wide and then he furrows his brow. “So, you’re telling me that you possess all of these gifts at any given time?”
I nod my head, “Yes sir, I do. I know it seems unbelievable but what I say is the truth.”
Surprisingly he follows by saying, “Prove it.”
I'm a little taken aback by his audacity but what the heck. Why not get it over with? “Sure.” I say simply. “Would you mind being a volunteer?” I mentally laugh at
his expression. I don’t think he was expecting to become a Guiney Pig. He shrugs his shoulders and makes his way up front. I give him a small smile then I address the crowd. “I guess I’ll start with the first ability I possessed which is mind reading. I’m sorry, what is your name?” I ask turning to the man now standing next to me.
“Chris,” he says simply.
“Okay, Chris, would you please think of a number between one and a million in your head.” It doesn’t take long after I let my guard down that I begin to hear his inner voice, clear as a whistle.
“Like she’s ever going to get this one…how about 769,384.” Wow, he’s a smug one.
“769,384,” I say simply. All eyes turn to the man next to me.
“Yes,” he says addressing the crowd bewildered.
Voices are heard whispering in the crowd to one another as I continue. “I’m not really sure how to show my healing ability…” I look to my mother.
She answers, “I don’t think there’s a need for that. There were several witnesses that were there the day you saved me.”
A woman from the crowd speaks up. “I have a small burn on the side of my hand from preparing breakfast this morning. Could she heal that?”
I grin, “Of course.”
She makes her way to the front and gives me her hand. I place it in mine and turn it to see a nasty red blister running down the side of her hand. She must be trying to be tough because anyone can see this is not just a small wound like she was making it out to be. It looks extremely painful. I give her an empathetic smile and concentrate on healing her hand. Slowly, her blister begins to disappear leaving new, pink skin in its place.
She takes her hand back and runs her other fingers over the place where the blister was moments before. She looks at me with awe, “Thank you. Thank you so much!” She turns and walks back into the crowd.
Chris is still standing next to me and I turn back to him. He has his hands crossed over his chest and looks peeved. I guess the concept of multiple gifts doesn’t sit well with him. I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or what.
“Next, I’d like to show you the gift I call compulsion." I say.
Chris squints his eyes at me. He doesn’t believe in me…oh, but he will after this! I try and suppress the grin that’s forming on my face. I look into Chris’ eyes: “You will turn to the audience in front of us and do the chicken dance for ten seconds. Complete with full arm motions and sound effects.”
Chris is desperately trying not to follow orders but lo and behold his eyes finally gloss over as he turns to the crowd and completely embarrasses himself. The crowd erupts in laughter…even my mother. After the ten seconds are over his face turns an unnatural shade of white as the realization of what he just did dawns on him.
I try and suppress my giggles but fail in my attempt. He just did the chicken dance while holding on to a very intimidating gun. The two just don’t go together at all. “Thank you Chris,” I say to him. “That’s all I’ll need you for.”
He gives me a spiteful glare then disappears back into the crowd.
“This one speaks for itself, invisibility,” I tell my audience. I concentrate on becoming invisible and watch as my body disappears before my eyes. Everyone erupts in cheers at this one. I smile to myself as I become visible again. I hear people through the crowd saying things like: amazing and how does she do it? I try not to let the comments go to my head, but it’s not easy.
“The last one is the ability to pass through objects. I walk over to the closed, double doors of the meeting room. I concentrate as my body moves through the door. As soon as I’m through, I turn around and go back through it again. Claps and cheers erupt from all the people…except Chris. They huddle around me patting my back and congratulating me. I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. I’m usually not one for attention, but this feels nice. After all that I’ve been through in the past few months, it’s nice to feel this love and appreciation.
Chris walks back up to the front of the room and addresses the crowd by giving a slow thunderous clap. Once the crowd quiets down he gives me a cold look. Then with a snarky expression he says to my mother in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "So, your daughter is a Reaper."
The crowd gasps and my mother's eyes narrow. "You of all people know about Reapers. You can see that obviously my daughter is not one of those monsters."
"Yes, yes I do know very well about Reapers. They are able to take powers and hold multiple gifts. They have red eyes. They are evil." He says with a cynical tone to his voice. "Nobody can deny the red spot in your daughter's eyes, can they?" The crowd that had huddled around me suddenly takes a step back in unison.
My mouth is hanging wide open and I have no idea what to say to this man. I obviously pissed him off to the core. Note to self: don't make people do the chicken dance against their will. Could something so goofy put him over the edge? Talk about low self-esteem issues. I finally gain my bearing and start to speak up but Tony steps in front of me.
"Don't be a fool Chris!" Tony says vehemently. Then he turns to speak to the crowd. "Willow is not a Reaper. She has done nothing to threaten anyone's safety. In fact she healed her mother and just healed Sherry a moment ago. No Reaper has ever shown any compassion whatsoever. I think we can all agree that Willow is NO threat to us, or anyone for that matter."
The crowd mumbles in acceptance of what Tony said but they still keep their distance.
"Fine, believe what you all want. It's your funeral. Mark my words, there is trouble coming and Willow Mosby is going to pull us all in head first if we let her." Chris focuses his beady yellow eyes back on me. If looks could kill!
My mom faces him full on. Her posture is rigid, her hands are on her hips and she's giving him the momma bear stare down. "Your comments and assumptions are uncalled for. You have no reason other than your own fragile ego to say such things about my daughter."
Score for mom! Pride for having such a woman on my side fills me.
Chris sticks his foot in his mouth. "Exactly, she's your daughter. Do you think you have the best judgment when it comes to your own blood? Next thing we know you will be declaring her princess over this messed up world that we've been left in."
"You are dismissed for insubordination. Leave now Chris." My mom says boldly pointing towards the exit.
He arches his eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Is your hearing messed up? You do not question the judgment of your commanding officers. You are dismissed." She doesn't back down.
He gives her a look filled with menace, as he turns to leave. He walks in my direction since I'm still standing in front of the door. With his hateful glare my first instinct is to step to the side. I look up at my mom and I decide that the new Willow is going to be brave just like her. I stand up even taller and put my hands on my hips. He keeps walking towards me and I'm sure he's going to pummel me but Tony once again steps in front of me.
Chris looks him up and down and rolls his eyes. He makes his way towards the door slamming into Tony's shoulder on his way there. I see Tony stiffen but he doesn't take the bait. He allows Chris to walk out of the room avoiding the potential conflict that was brewing.
The crowd starts mumbling again. My mom brings them back to attention. "Does anyone else want to question me?"
Nobody speaks up so she finishes the meeting. "Meet us outside in the North parking lot in fifteen minutes. We will head out then."
The crowd disperses. Tony turns towards me and says quietly. "I'm sorry Willow, Chris is a punk. He's been unhappy with his position ever since his demotion. He used to be right under your mother."
"Really?" I ask surprised. Tony shows so much respect for my mom, but I saw none of that in Chris. "Why did he get demoted?"
Tony seems to be lost in thought. He runs a hand through his coppery hair then says, "His girlfriend took the red shot and became a Reaper. He tried to hide it at first. You see, they don't immediately turn into phsyco, heartless enemies. In fact, it ac
tually takes a few days, sometimes a week before they lose touch with their humanity. He hid her and didn't warn anyone until it was too late. She killed three people and took out the last and final healer we had here."
"Wow." I wonder how Chris's life was spared. I thought Reapers lose all compassion, even when it involved their own family. I would think that would cover romantic relationships too.
"Well, we better get you some weapons. Are you ready?" He asks me with a gleam in his eye.
Weapons? "Oookay." I say a bit uncertainly.
Tony smiles really big. "Don't worry. I'm not going to get you a machine gun or anything. Perhaps just a knife…or two."
Oh boy. I don't know what I'm going to do with a knife...or two for that matter but I guess it's best to have something on me if it's that bad out there. I make a mental note to get with Tony after this to train on weaponry. "Let's go."
As we walk out of the room my heart ramps up in anticipation for the upcoming search. I just hope it's successful. I follow Tony down a flight of stairs and end up in what looks to be their makeshift arsenal. It's actually the hotels laundry room. There is little light in this room since it's partially below ground and the only windows are small slits at the top of the ceiling. I nearly trip over a gun laying casually in the walkway. Tony catches a hold of my arm and rights me back up.
"So are you right handed or left handed?" Tony asks me.
"Right." I wonder if there are knives that are better suited for lefties. I watch as Tony sifts through a pile of boxes on a nearby table. "So, where did you get all of this?" Scanning the room, there are piles of outdoor gear, weapons, ammo and survival packs with food and water.
"We looted a Walmart and some other neighborhood sporting good stores." He answers without looking up from his search.
"Looted? As in stole?" I ask surprised.
He looks up at me. "Who else is going to use that stuff?"
Finding ELE (ELE Series #2) Written By: Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels Page 3