by ID Johnson
“And will they continue to believe this forever?”
“Most people do,” Aaron confirmed. “There are occasional situations like the one with Jack where something else triggers a memory and they start to lose their belief in the façade Elliott has created, but for the most part they believe long enough that it just becomes part of their memory system. You know how older memories start to become fuzzier as time passes? Sort of like that.”
“How does he do it?” she asked, wondering what else she didn’t know about yet.
“Well,” he began, “if we had told you everything about the different Passels right up front, it would have been even more overwhelming so you should expect to find some things out as time goes on. But, as for this, well, here’s the situation. Many Guardians, and a few Hunters, have specific gifts. These are usually enhancements based upon something they either really enjoyed or were especially good at in life. So, once they Transform, they become even better at that skill and it sometimes becomes almost like a super power.”
“So a super power amongst the other basic super powers they already have?” Cadence clarified.
“Sure, you could put it that way,” he agreed. “Well, in his human life, Elliott was a used car salesman,” he grinned at her and she couldn’t help but giggle. “So, he’s very, very good at telling ridiculous stories and getting others to believe them. He really does know how to hypnotize the person he is talking to so that they will believe just about anything he says.”
“Wow!” she said, still laughing. “That’s crazy! I never would have pictured him as a used car salesman! And so, I was able to reactivate Jack somehow?”
“Yes,” Aaron nodded. “The spell was so powerful that you were able to get Jack back on track just by the power of suggestion and a few trigger words.”
“Amazing,” Cadence said, shaking her head in disbelief. “So, who else has a super power?”
“Well, I don’t know how much you remember from your Transformation, but Jamie was an outstanding doctor before his Transformation. He was one of the youngest doctors to ever graduate from John’s Hopkins. He is what we refer to as a Healer. I’ve only seen a few in my time, but he is definitely the most powerful one I’ve ever known about. His gift is pretty incredible.”
“That’s right!” Cadence proclaimed, the memory just coming back to her now. “He did some sort of healing thing for me when I was in such excruciating pain!”
“Yes, he was able to get you calmed down long enough for the medication to be administered. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t have been able to get it in and then, well, I don’t know what might have happened. But it was crucial that we get that second shot in to your system and his healing allowed that to happen.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t remember that!” she exclaimed. She made a mental note to make sure and thank Jamie the next time she saw him.
“That’s pretty typical,” Aaron explained. “Now that we use this accelerated method, most individuals tend to suppress the entire Transformation process so the fact that you remembered any of it on your own is pretty amazing, actually.”
She nodded her understanding. “And you gave me the shot of medication,” she remembered.
“That’s right, I did. First shot I’ve ever given anyone, and I’m extremely thankful I hit a vein or else, who knows where you might be right now.”
“That’s nice to know,” she muttered. “Speaking of where I might end up, I’ve been wanting to ask you, should my knowledge of the Clandestine Ternion change my religious beliefs at all?”
“I get that question a lot and all I can truly say is, if anything, in my experience, it should make them stronger. You just went from a God you believed had somehow managed to create one amazing species of free-willed beings when now, as you know, it’s really four—at least four that we’re aware of. So, I would say that, if you were a religious person before, this shouldn’t change that.”
That was a relief for Cadence. She had been brought up attending church and while she knew she was a sinner like everyone else, she felt better knowing that there was an omnipotent being out there watching over her.
They were both quiet for a moment as she pondered his response. He was looking away from her, and she was content to study his profile, admiring his flawlessly structured jawline, the way his nose was perfectly proportioned to the rest of his features. She knew he could feel her staring, and she chose not to care. He glanced in her direction and then looked away again, that shade of light pink that always took over when he was embarrassed just starting to make itself known. Her mother had always told her it was rude to stare, but she thought she could make an exception under these circumstances. She leaned forward just a bit as she quietly asked, “So, what’s your super power? I know you must have one.”
He looked back in her general direction and gave her a small, shy smile. “You’d never believe me if I told you,” he said.
“Why do you say that?” she asked a little offended.
“Because, you don’t seem to think I have even the slightest amount of talent in this particular area so there’s no way you’d ever believe that I’m actually better at it than practically every other individual ever born.”
She had to know what he was talking about. “Try me,” she said leaning even farther towards him.
Talking about his gifts made him uncomfortable, and he knew he was changing colors again. Though he used to struggle with his inhibition many years ago, before he became the Guardian Leader, Cadence had a way of bringing those feelings to the surface. “Well, I can actually read other people’s thoughts and emotions. I’m what is referred to as a Sensitive.”
Her eyebrows flew up. “Really?” she asked a little surprised.
“Yes, it comes in very handy. All. The. Time."
“So if you can read people’s minds why do you need the IAC?”
“It’s not quite the same thing,” he explained. “I can’t read minds, I can build understanding based on the perceptions of others. So, I can’t climb into your head and know Cadence is thinking 'Elliott is the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on,’ for example." The snickering and eye rolling was noted and he believed things did not bode well for the teddy bear. “It’s more like, I know you’re thinking about love—or lust—based on the emotions I can read coming from you, and then, build a scenario for what you are actually thinking about. Chances are if you’re looking at a puppy and I get emotions of joy and sentiment, you’re not thinking about what you had for lunch. Does that make sense?”
“It does,” she confirmed. “Especially the part about me lusting after Elliott.”
“Oh, well, then I’ll let him know,” he said grinning as she rolled her eyes.
“So, when I first met you and I thought you were an unbelievable prick, you knew that?”
“Actually, no, I didn’t. See, that’s the funny thing Cadence, I have a hard time reading you and I can’t quite figure out what it is. Sometimes I know exactly what you’re thinking—almost to the mental picture in your head—and then other times you surprise me. Like when you said I was ‘creepy.’ I did not see that coming.”
“Ha!” she laughed. She wanted to say that was a long time ago but in reality it just seemed like a long time. It was really just a few days ago. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t think you’re creepy anymore. And, honestly, I thought everything was creepy that night. Because it was.”
He wasn’t sure he completely believed her. He was fairly certain that she did think he was creepy when they first met.
“So, do you think I still consider you creepy?” she asked, sticking her toes into the proverbial water.
He knew why she was asking and what she wanted to know. “No, I don’t think you think I’m creepy.” She nodded and he hesitated not sure if he should say anymore. “I do know when you’re mad at me though, that’s for damn sure.”
“Well, stop sneaking up on me! Seriously, you do that after you train me and
I might hurt you!”
“Oh, really?” he asked, “You think you could do that?” she could tell he was teasing her and she played along, nodding her head in agreement. “Actually, you probably could. I’m anxious to see what we discover once we get you out on the training field. I have a feeling, which is my super power, that you’re going to be able to do things like we’ve never seen before.”
“Well, I hope I don’t disappoint you,” she said quietly.
“You won’t,” he said shaking his head. “I’m certain of that.”
It was getting late and they both knew it. Aaron didn’t have to sleep like Cadence did and her need to sleep would lessen over time as her body figured out what to do with all of the new energy she was able to produce. For now, however, he started to think about leaving so that she could get some rest.
Perhaps she was the mind reader just then as she stifled a yawn and said, “I think it’s just about time for me to go to bed.”
“Okay,” he nodded. “What are your plans for tomorrow? Do you want to stay with your family a bit longer or are you ready to go to LIGHTS?”
She pondered that question. She wouldn’t have minded staying with her family a while longer, but she knew some time away form her friends would be for the better. “Well, Eliza wanted to take me shopping before we went, but whatever you think is best is fine with me. I’m ready to get started.”
He absorbed that information momentarily. “Why don’t you go shopping with Eliza in the morning and then come to LIGHTS tomorrow afternoon? Do you know where she was going to take you?”
“No,” Cadence stated, “but she did say to ‘trust her.’”
“Oh, Lord,” he said, “You’re going to need a plane. Alright, I’ll set that up. I’ll also get her your phone number so she can let you know when she’s here. Sound like a plan?”
She nodded in agreement. Now would come that really awkward good-bye routine that neither of them wanted to confront. He stood first, the window he used to get in and out just a few steps behind him. She stood also, but she didn’t step toward him, in fact she didn’t move at all. She was wondering if he could tell how badly she wished he would kiss her.
He did know. It was almost as if she was transmitting the thought directly out of her head and into his, like she was using an IAC, it was so strong. And he really wanted to comply with her wishes. But he had already sworn to Elliott that he was not interested in her that way. Clearly, he had been lying and he knew that, but he also knew it was far too early in this relationship for him to complicate matters by moving ahead romantically. Still, Cadence roused feelings in him he could not remember having felt for decades and with her standing there looking up at him between those long eyelashes, it was almost impossible for him not to lean over and press his lips against hers.
Luckily for him, self-control was another of his super powers, or at least it was tonight, and he was able to resist the urge to kiss her, once again. He decided, however that a hug would be much less harmful and he opened his arms and stepped towards her. She returned his embrace and rested her head on his shoulder, her face looking away from his, which made maintaining his decision much easier.
Her hands were on his chest and she couldn’t resist the urge to feel his muscles as she slowly slid her arms around him. She knew that, if she turned her face towards his, he would probably kiss her. However, since he had not done so before, she knew there must be a reason he did not want to kiss her. Hopefully, it was just a matter of time. He was smoothing her hair with his right and, his left rubbing her back and she would have stood that way for a very long time if he had let her. After a few minutes, however, he released her and she stepped back, looking up at him intensely.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
She nodded.
“Please try to remember that, when I am your boss, I can’t be your friend. When I am a friend instead of a leader, individuals die. Do you know what I mean?”
Again, she nodded.
“Good night, Cadence” he said, gently stroking her cheek before stepping towards the window once more.
“Good night,” she said as she watched him disappear from view. She walked over to her bed and flung herself onto it, elated and dismayed all at the same time. At least tomorrow morning should be fun before the real work began. She was looking forward to training, but she was also a bit terrified that she wouldn’t live up to everyone’s expectations. She knew they would all find out soon enough.
Chapter Nine
Shopping with Eliza was a little bit like watching a cat chase a laser pointer. No matter how many times she seemed to pounce on an item and declare that she “Loved it!” there was always something else within her eyesight begging for her to pounce it, too. By the time they were done, Cadence had spent more money than she could possible imagine, needed assistance with her bags, and was developing a stress headache from her attempts to reign Eliza in all day.
But it had been an amazing experience. Aaron was correct in assuming they would need a plane, and this was not just any plane, it was a Gulfstream G550, one of the most luxurious and fastest jets available. Cadence had assumed that Aaron had just chartered it for them, but then Eliza explained the Guardian Passel actually maintained their own fleet of jets simply because, if they needed to get somewhere quickly, they had to be able to do so. She was finding out that this was really a monstrosity of an organization, and she was beginning to wonder how it’s leader had managed to spend a week of his valuable time in Shenandoah, Iowa. When she had questioned Eliza, she simply said, “You’re special,” and changed the subject. Cadence wasn’t sure if she was joking or not.
They had flown straight in to Beverly Hills, first stop Rodeo Drive. Eliza explained that her first choices would have been Milan or Paris, but since they needed to get her back to LIGHTS relatively soon, this would have to do. And Cadence was rather surprised by how many outfits Eliza was able to find that would actually be accommodating for Vampire hunting. Eliza had helped her pick out quite a few outfits for hunting and several for training as well. She said since Aaron had handed over his credit card that morning, she was more than willing to do as much damage as possible. When Cadence had asked if it was akin to a corporate credit card or if it was his actual personal credit card, Eliza replied, “It really doesn’t matter. They’re both richer than God.”
She had also bought a few casual outfits and a dress or two, in case there were any special occasions or other evening activities she needed to be elegantly dressed for. She had never spent money like this before and wasn’t sure how Aaron was going to feel about when he saw the bill, but Eliza assured her it was fine.
After several hours of shopping, they finally headed back to the plane and were on their way to LIGHTS. Cadence had told her family good-bye that morning. Her mom had cried, as she knew she would, and her sister had a bit, too. But she had been able to hold back the tears, content in knowing she had made the right decision and fully ready to start a new chapter in her life.
She had learned from Eliza that her belongings from her college dorm room had been collected and placed in her apartment at LIGHTS. Aaron had also arranged for a moving team to take whatever else she wanted from her bedroom at home to be transferred. She had made a list, including most of her clothing and personal affects. She was sure, however, to make note that they were not to bring the pink beanbag chair.
As the plane landed at Kansas City Downtown Municipal Airport, Cadence felt flutters in her stomach. She was beginning to get a little nervous, as this all became a reality fairly quickly. When they deplaned, Cadence was surprised and happy to see Jamie there with a car to collect them. She felt like a celebrity with her plane pulling right up alongside the Cadillac Escalade Jamie had driven over.
“Jamie!” Cadence said, running the short distance to where he waited. She threw herself in to his arms. Though it had only been a few days since she had seen him, it felt like much longer, and she was glad to have the opportunity
at last to tell him how thankful she was for his willingness to use his healing powers on her when she was going through Transformation.
“Hello, Cadence,” he said, as happy to see her as she was to see him. “Eliza,” he said as she also approached the vehicle.
“James,” she said in a thick British accent, as if he were her chauffeur.
“How was the shopping trip?” he asked, pulling the passenger side doors open.
“Great,” Cadence replied. She saw that Eliza seemed to be content to ride in the back so she slid into the front seat.
Eliza had arranged for all of their bags to be delivered directly to their apartments, so they were able to precede the short distance to LIGHTS without waiting on anything else being deplaned.
Jamie slid into the drivers seat and headed out of the airport. “Well, are you excited?” he asked glancing in Cadence’s general direction.
“I’m very excited,” she replied. She was looking out the window at all of the tall buildings, wondering how far they were going, eager to finally see what LIGHTS was all about. “And, I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you did for me during my Transformation. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, smiling as he made a sharp right that would have sent her reeling across the seat if she had still been a human. Apparently, Guardians did not reserve extreme driving for the interstates. “We’re excited to have you here,” he said smiling, completely unaware that his driving was anything at all out of the ordinary.