by CJ England
"Yes, he can die.” Danolas frowned a bit. “But it does take a lot to kill a wizard. They are protected in many ways, and evil can be very strong."
"Danolas.” Kira's voice was soft and her eyes were worried. “You are an immortal. Can you die?"
"It would take a lot to kill me too. In that, I am not so different than Koran. Faerie are immortal, but under certain circumstances can be slain. It would take a being of great power to destroy either of us. Of all of us, we would be the hardest to kill."
Patrick looked around the table. “Other than myself, of course. I'm already dead."
Koran gave a chuckle. “In your present state, you are as immortal as Gallegar, Danolas, or I.” He looked over at Kira. “And we do not know exactly what Kira is yet. But I believe she, too, will taste immortality."
"She received it through your flesh and then through four joinings.” Gallegar took Kira's hand in his again. “She is immortal. This I can feel."
"So I guess it's just the Suprahuman and I who aren't,” Lucas said slowly, as if he had never thought about it before.
Danolas shook his head. “At one time we might have thought that. But you and Benjamin have joined with someone who is immortal. You have shared her life force. You also have linked with four other immortals. Who knows what powers you have been given?” He hesitated a moment, before continuing, “You also have taken blood from a vampire and that gives you special abilities."
Benjamin stared at Danolas, his black eyes wide in amazement. “You think we may be immortal, too?"
Danolas smiled. “What I am saying is we don't know. You and Lucas are both the strongest of your kind. Your powers are many and growing. Who knows what may be the outcome of all this?"
Lucas shook his blond head in shock. “So ... what about the wizards?
Gallegar cleared his throat to gain their attention. “The wizards have a stronghold here in the Lower City, as do any other supernatural being. The leaders change quite frequently. They do not have the loyalty of their followers."
"Who is the leader now?” Koran served himself up a piece of cheesecake. When he caught Kira's hungry eye, he got one for his sister as well.
"I don't know. My people have an uneasy truce with the wizards. Or at least we did until the other night. Now, I do not know what we have.” Gallegar felt Kira nudge him and turning, saw a forkful of cheesecake coming his way. He didn't often partake of sustenance other than blood, but for her he would try. With a smile he licked it off her fork, his eyes caressing her as he did.
He smiled at the color that rose in Kira's cheeks and turned back to the others. “I have never tried my power against a wizard's. They have never given me reason to. I do not know if I would come out the winner in a battle between our kinds."
"Do you know anything, Koran? Lucas?"
Koran frowned. “I know nothing. Again, my father's policies make it difficult for me to help us. All I know is what wizards’ magick feels like. Other than that I am lost."
"My kind don't truck with wizards,” Lucas offered, staring hard at Gallegar and Kira. “Elijah got in a knock-down-drag-out fight with one about three years ago."
"What was the fight about?” Gallegar felt the weight of Lucas’ stare and he realized he was touching Kira more than he normally would. For the sake of the company, he should back off a little. They sure as hell didn't need any jealousy worrying them when they went to the Gates tonight. Carefully, he moved his chair away from Kira's.
"I don't know for sure.” Lucas’ keen eyes picked up on Gallegar's movement and his face relaxed some. “It had something to do with money. I thought at the time Elijah wanted the wizard to work a spell for him. Either he did and it didn't work, or the wizard wanted too much money for it. It was before I was in the inner circle."
"Either way, I find it interesting Elijah once dealt with a wizard. Goes to his character,” Danolas thought out loud.
"Yeah. He didn't stop associating with them because he thought they were evil. He just didn't like feeling cheated."
"We still haven't answered the biggest question.” Kira's soft voice drew their attention. “What would a wizard have to gain by shutting down the Gates?"
"And if he is working for a demon, why does the demon want the Gates closed? Damn it ... Hell is where most demons reside. I would think they would want as many lost souls as possible.” Patrick sounded as frustrated as they all felt.
They were silent for a long moment. The answers were not coming to them and it baffled them. The silence was broken by Kira's little sigh.
"That is why I wanted a library,” she stated to no one in particular.
"My Lady?” Danolas said blankly.
"We have nothing.” Kira got up from the table and began to pace about the room. “Here I am ... the Peacekeeper. I am supposed to help your people, Patrick. But I don't know how. I thought if I could find the Words of Death for wizards in a book, maybe I could contribute something."
"Wait a minute.” Lucas rose from where he was seated and walked over to Kira, stopping her in her paces. He stared at her, his silver eyes snapping. “Are you telling us you feel like maybe you don't have a reason for being a part of this?"
Kira stared up at him, her mouth partly open in shock. “How did you...” She recovered herself. “I do not know things to help us."
Lucas just stood there staring at her. Kira looked around at the others for help, but she found them all looking at her with the same stunned expression on their faces. Finally, after it seemed like a very long time, Lucas began to swear. He swore long and hard—a stream of profanity that would have made a sailor blush. Kira, her eyes wide in disbelief, stood frozen until he was done.
"Well...” said Gallegar, his lips twitching in amusement. “That says it all."
Patrick was more vocal. “For God's sake, sugar. Y'all are the reason we're here. How could you think such a thing?"
"By the Power, sister ... are you crazy?” That came from Koran.
"Look at what you have done for us already, sweetheart.” Benjamin seemed outraged she could even think such a thing. “Just because you aren't doing something right this minute doesn't mean you aren't necessary. God's teeth. Where did you come up with such an idea?"
Danolas just started to laugh. He laughed so hard, he had to lay his head down on the table. His mirth was so contagious, even Kira herself joined in. Lucas pulled Kira back to the table and sat her down on his lap. As the laughter died down, he gave her a hard hug.
"You are the reason for it all,” he said quietly. “Never, ever think you aren't necessary. You are our mission. Your power makes us what we are. Without you, we would be just six ordinary supernaturals going on about our lives. You changed us. You brought adventure and love into all our lives. You have given us a purpose. Remember that."
"My brother,” Gallegar said quietly, as he watched Lucas wipe tears from Kira's eyes. “I believe your eloquence speaks for us all."
"I am sorry.” She looked at each of them. “I was being foolish. Sometimes it gets to be so overwhelming. I still do not know my full purpose here and it frightens me."
"We are all here for you, honey.” Lucas tucked a stray hair back into her braid, his silver eyes adoring. “We're a team ... remember. Think of the other night. Just like the musketeers. All for one—"
"—And one for all!” Benjamin broke in, his face glowing. “That's one of my all-time favorite movies. You just gotta see it, Kira."
Kira smiled and sniffed the last of her tears away. “I guess that means I will have to go buy one of those VSRs, right?"
Danolas put his head down and pounded it gently on the table as the other Chosen laughed. Benjamin patiently corrected her. “VCR, sweetheart. VCR."
* * * *
They headed to The Haunted House once they had finished dessert. The consensus was they needed to find out more about what was wrong with the Gates before they could decide what to do next. Kira rolled her eyes at this brilliant piece of deduction, h
aving said many times they needed to do that very thing. All the Chosen thought it best to just ignore her.
"Will you put the wardings on the house before we get started?” Gallegar wanted to know as they drove up and parked in front of the house. It was just the six of them again, Patrick having opted to travel in his normal fashion. Two other cars followed behind them filled with Gallegar, Danolas, Benjamin and Koran's protectors. Lucas was still wrestling with the decision to bring others into his secret and Patrick's people were already at the house.
"Yes,” answered Koran as he got out of the car. “It won't take much time and I think we will all feel better once it is done."
"While Koran and I set the wards, you can go inside and start poking around. Maybe you will find something.” Danolas handed a box to Koran and then pulled his glowing staff from the backseat.
They left the two magick wielders outside to do their jobs. Their protectors stayed with them, but Benjamin and Gallegar's came in the house as well. Once inside, they were all hit with the same feeling of claustrophobia they had felt the time before. This time they knew it was due to the copious amount of Ethereals that were trapped inside.
They were met by Patrick at the door. He led them through the crowds of shades to a smaller room off to the side.
"Do you know where the Gates are located?” Kira asked him, her mind already on the job ahead. She looked trim and fresh in the beautiful jumpsuit.
"Yes, the locations of the Gates are no secret to my kind, but are off limits to all others.” Patrick looked worried. “There are those who are not happy with the fact I am showing them to ya'll."
"Are you saying we will need to guard her from your people?” Gallegar automatically pulled Kira back into the protection of his arms, making Lucas frown in annoyance.
"It is possible. I wanted ya'll to be forewarned. Luckily, the rebellion seems to be limited to a few.” Patrick looked at Kira and sighed. “I may be calling for your help again, sugar."
She put her hand on Patrick's arm. Even in his ethereal state she could still touch him. “I am here for you, Patrick. If you need me, I will use the words again."
Gallegar brought their attention back to the matter at hand. “Where are the Gates, Patrick?"
He waved his hand down the hallway. “The closest one is the Gate of Heaven. We'll go there first. Remember, keep your eyes open. I don't want any of ya taken unawares."
"Lead on, Patrick,” Kira said, taking him by the hand.
The Gate of Heaven was located in a large room that had been the library at one time. Empty bookcases stood from floor to ceiling and the room looked as if it had not had a good dusting in many years.
"I can't wait to get this place cleaned up,” Kira muttered to herself. She walked around the huge room. “To allow this beautiful home to be in such horrid disrepair is a crime."
"With so many Ethereals around, maybe it's best it's not fixed up yet.” Patrick walked over and stood next to Kira as she gazed out a darkened window. “Some of the spirits are a bit rowdy, closed Gates or not."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You mean you have some ghosts ... sorry, I mean shades who want to cause trouble?"
Gallegar gave a little chuckle. “Remember how Danolas said there were good vampires and bad vampires, just as there are good humans and bad humans?"
"Yeah,” Lucas recalled. “If you were a bad human and got changed, you usually wind up being a bad vamp too."
Patrick nodded. “The same goes for my kind. If you were a good guy when you were alive, chances are you are a good shade. But if you tended to be on the wild side as a human, you can bet you will show the same side as a spirit."
Kira's face was pensive. “That means there are some shades out there that should be in Hell and they are not. Are they causing trouble here on earth?"
Patrick nodded, his face a grim mask. “I do what I can to keep them in line, but shades are unpredictable. I can't control them all. I worry one of these days the humans will find out and all will be lost."
"Then we had better find a way to get these Gates opened quickly,” Gallegar said, determination coloring his voice. “That way we can get the amount of shades down to a more manageable level."
"Then let me show you the Gate, sugar. Only a shade can see it, but I think because of the joining and linkings, ya'll will too.” Patrick closed his eyes and stretched out his arms in front of him. They watched as his hands started to glow. Trails of power began falling from his fingertips.
"Show yourself..."
The command was a soft whisper. Patrick sent an arrow of power toward one of the bookcases. Immediately, the bookcase took on a soft glow, growing brighter minute by minute. A whirling vortex of aquamarine fog came slowly into view. It took up the entire side of the room and stood as high as the ceiling. Shadows danced in its depths and flickers of unworldly light shone out like rays of sun shooting through dark clouds.
"It is so beautiful,” Kira said in awe. “No wonder people want to go through it."
"Only those who have the right may pass through this Gate,” Patrick said quietly. “There is great joy when someone is invited through. There is a celebration in Heaven that can be heard all the way here on Earth."
Patrick's voice was so wistful Kira went to him and took him in her arms. “Your time will come,” Kira said, looking up into his face. “But until then, I am so very glad you are here with us.” She gave him a quick hug and then pulled away. “I must get closer to the Gate. I may be able to sense something."
Gallegar frowned and took her arm. “That may not be wise, A Ghra ... We don't know what will happen."
Kira patted his hand. “I know you are concerned, but I must investigate closer. You are all here if something goes wrong.” Saying this, she walked up to the edge of the Gate. The four men followed close behind, Gallegar still frowning strongly.
Stepping as close as she could to the swirling whirlpool, Kira put out her hand and tested the Gate with her power. She got a sense of coolness and peace, but not much else. Emboldened, Kira touched the edge of the vortex. Her power allowed her to feel the edge, a Jell-O-like substance that sucked lightly at her fingertips without really holding on to her. She tried pushing through the gelatinous mass, but her hand just pressed in, taking the edge with her. Then, with a snap like a rubber band, it sent her hand back out, causing her to stumble back into Gallegar's arms.
"Are you all right?” he asked, as he steadied her.
"Yes, it won't let me through, but I can sense some things about it. I want to try again."
"A Ghra ... ” Gallegar warned.
"I am all right, Mo Chridhe ... It will not hurt me. The Gate is inherently good, not evil."
"But we don't know what closed the Gate, sweetheart.” Benjamin ran a worried hand through his dark hair. “It could have been something evil. I'm with Gallegar on this one."
"I will be careful, I promise.” Kira took a step back to the Gate and stood again at its edge. “I just want to see if I can sense anything else.” Carefully, she placed her hand back on the edge of the Gate. Closing her eyes, she willed her power to search out anything that might help them. She again felt the cool peace of the Gate and saw flickers of what could have been spirits swimming in the beautiful blue. She felt frustrated she couldn't go to the other side. Something about it drew her closer. As she reached out further, she noticed darkness on one side of the Gate. Moving to it, she sent her power over the dark flaw.
Immediately, her power was forced back. She gave a little gasp as the darkness was exposed for what it was. Impressions flowed through her mind, and she was knocked to her knees by the knowledge.
Chapter 4
"Kira.” Lucas went to his knees beside her, his face worried. “What is it?"
Gallegar knelt down on her other side.
"Adrian. I can sense his magick. I ... I need Danolas to see this. I may not be seeing this correctly. Get me, Danolas.” The words came panting out of her lips.
"
Danolas!" Gallegar sent a swift message out to his friend.
"What is it?" Danolas sent back. He could hear the concern in Gallegar's voice.
"How long until the wards are done? Kira has need of your vision."
"Not long now. Give us just a few more minutes."
"Is Kira all right?" Koran's worried mind-speak interrupted.
"She is well," Gallegar calmed him. "She has just discovered something she needs her Seer to take a look at."
"We will be in as soon as we can." Danolas mind-spoke his agreement.
They waited in silence for Danolas and Koran. Kira closed her eyes and tried to make sense of what she had seen. If it were true, things were even more serious than they had thought.
"My Lady.” Danolas swept into the room, with Koran right behind him. They knelt as well, and Danolas took her hand in his. “What is it?"
She said nothing, but just pointed at the Gate.
Danolas turned and looked, his sapphire eyes gleaming with curiosity. “The Gate of Heaven?” he asked. At their affirmative nod, he stood and walked toward it.
"Have a care,” Gallegar warned the witch. “It can repel you if you come too close."
Danolas walked to the edge of the Gate and Kira stood to join him. Danolas shut his eyes, and concentrating with Kira, he easily slipped into her mind to stand beside her on the psychic plain as she looked deep into the Gate. He saw the darkness in the corner, and watched as Kira once again sent her magick over it. Then, just as she had done before, they both hit their knees.
Gallegar and Lucas caught Kira as she went down and Koran and Benjamin leapt in and grabbed Danolas. After both of caught their breath, Danolas looked over at her.
"You were right, my Lady. It is as you thought."
"Can someone tell us what's going on, now?” Lucas demanded, his voice rising. “I think we'd all like to know what you saw."
Kira placed a quieting hand on Lucas’ strong forearm. “Hush, my wolf. It was Adrian, as we thought. His magick is all over the Gate."
She tried to stand and was helped shakily to her feet. Gallegar kept a strong hand under her elbow, as she looked at all her Chosen, her eyes tragic. Then she turned to the shade.