Emerge: The Awakening

by Melissa A. Craven

  “Four hours? Sounds like torture.”

  You’re not far off, Aidan said.

  A little warning next time?

  I didn’t think you’d get here so soon.

  “I’m sorry, Red, I know I’m asking a lot,” Gregg continued, “but your seventeenth is just around the corner and we have to stay a step ahead of your progress.”

  “I can handle it.”

  “That’s my girl. Capoeira will teach you total control of your body.” He moved to the mat to demonstrate.

  Allie watched as Gregg manipulated his body into impossible contortions, balancing his weight on one hand, holding the stance for several moments, still as a statue.

  He slowly moved into a new form, keeping his body parallel to the mat where he held the position before moving seamlessly into an even more difficult one. He finished the form with a carefully controlled handstand, bringing his legs down slowly beneath him.

  “Control. Unwavering control of every muscle in your body is what I’m going to teach you.” Sweat dripped from his face, a telltale sign of the effort it took for the demonstration.

  “We’ll begin with a simplified cartwheel. First, take your right hand and place it on the mat, keeping your legs straight and your left arm extended like this.” He demonstrated. “Next, we’ll move into a measured handstand using core muscles to project the movement. Keep your lower body still, feet together at the apex where you will pause in a handstand with little or no movement, then you’ll slowly follow through with the cartwheel. This is where you’ll need to reach for your power to give you the added strength for endurance, but we won’t worry about that today.”

  She saw how hard this was going to be as Gregg guided her through the movement. It took several attempts to get it right, her muscles quaking as she tried to hold the handstand. By the end of the first hour, she was drenched in sweat and her arms felt like Jell-O.

  “Excellent! I’m not going to push you any further today, so we’ll move on to the sai for a bit, but no more practice blades. I’m afraid it’s time to release the Kraken,” he said dryly.

  “Har, har, funny guy.”

  “You’re doing very well, actually.” He grinned. “But it’s time you learn how to spar with real weapons.” He absently chose a huge, two-handed claymore from his toy box. The blade was huge. “Any questions before we get started?”

  “Um…I know I can’t actually hurt you, but are you going to cut me to ribbons with that thing?”

  With an arrogant smirk, he flicked the sword with frightening speed. She choked on a gasp as the blade quivered against her throat.

  “No, sweetheart, I will not hurt you.” He dropped the sword to his side.

  “I think I just peed a little.”

  “Up on the beam, Red!” he snorted.

  “Aw, can’t we stay on the nice flat ground?”

  “Absolutely not!”

  This is going to hurt! It was the first time she’d used real weapons in training—sharp ones anyway.

  I’ll bet you my trust fund he won’t even knick you.

  I’ll take that in large bills, please. She gingerly went through the motions of a few practice elements, but her heart wasn’t in it.

  “You’re no bloody fun. Red! Come on, let’s ditch the gym. I get better results out of you in the Yard anyway.”

  Allie loved training in the huge terrarium they used when they really wanted to be outside. Located in a large cavern, the “Yard” was a collaborative effort, with tall grasses, wildflowers and trees brought in by Hélène, and bright sunshine from Emma. The puffy white clouds were Gregg’s contribution, while the rolling hills and boulders were Ming’s, and a babbling brook was Jin’s: the many other details were contributed by numerous friends and family.

  They started slowly as he showed her how to block his huge sword with her smaller weapons. Her blades began to sing when they finally picked up speed.

  “Why do they do that?”

  “I’ve only heard them sing for Kassandre and her mother. They’ve been silent far too long,” he said sadly. “They recognize the true gift of clairvoyance in you.” He reached to gather his own sai.

  “They both had it?” she asked, eager for more information about the previous owners.

  “Aye. Focus, Allie. Keep your lead blade up.”

  For the last portion of their session, she mimicked Gregg’s movements as they marched through the tall grass, brandishing their weapons in sweeping, cutting, and thrusting forms. They moved slowly and carefully at first and then faster as she gained confidence.

  “Nice job, Allie, but one last thing before you go,” he said when they returned to his office. “You need to arm yourself tonight.”

  “For the ball?” She rolled her eyes.

  “Aye, for the ball! You’re venturing out into the real world without us!”

  “What did you have in mind?” she sighed patiently.

  “I thought you might like to have a set of sai.” He had that mad, “I-love-shiny-weapons” glint in his eye.

  “They don’t really match the dress.”

  “I made you a concealable set.”

  “Of course you did.” He showed her the slim miniature sai, sheathed in a soft pale leather belt that would blend with her gown.

  “Strap the belt to your left thigh—and I trust you will not be letting Vince or my son near them?”

  “Gregg!”

  “I’m old, Red, but I’m not dead.” He chuckled. “Should you need them, grasp the hilts and as they’re unsheathed, the blades will lengthen. Imogen added her special brand of concealment. No mortal will see them until it’s too late.”

  “Awesome!” She admired the slim, elegant weapons.

  “I’m slowly winning you over to my side.” He dismissed her with a wink.

  She rushed off for her next session, but as she reached for the door to Emma’s office, she felt an oppressive weight constrict her chest and was suddenly gripped in the horror of her nightmare.

  Breathe, Lex.

  Daytime now? How is this still haunting me? She closed her eyes only to see the confines of the caves.

  It was a traumatic experience. If I’d known, I’d never have made you go. She could feel the immense amount of guilt he still carried for that.

  Hey, none of that, she said. I didn’t know I would react like that either.

  I feel so helpless every night, listening to your silent screams.

  Not last night. I slept like a baby, thanks to you. I just need to deal with my fear.

  <><><>

  “We’re going to be late!” Chloe bristled.

  “She’s hurt!” Sasha rushed over to a row of benches along the city square. They’d just left the mall at Terminal Tower and were running late for their appointments at the salon in Tremont. Sasha crouched beside the dove struggling with a broken wing.

  “We don’t have time for this! It’s just a bird,” Chloe said.

  “You wouldn’t say that if you knew how she felt,” she said in an injured tone, reaching for the bird with a practiced hand.

  “I won’t hurt you. But you know that don’t you, girl? Aw, she’s just a baby!”

  “Sasha, not here! We can’t draw attention to ourselves and you out here talking to a bird isn’t exactly staying incognito!” Allie hissed.

  “You cannot heal that bird, Sasha!” Chloe cried.

  “No one’s going to know what I’m doing, and it’s not like anyone can hear us. I’m not leaving her like this. She trusts me, and I won’t betray that trust.” Sasha stroked the broken wing. “It’s okay, girl, it’ll be all better soon.”

  Lex, stop her! What is she thinking!

  She’s not listening to me.

  Use your authority!

  What?

  You are immeasurably more powerful than our friends. They will obey you!

  I’m not ordering anyone around!

  She ignored Aidan, watching in awe of Sasha’s power as the broken wing flexed and mende
d. Allie just wasn’t so sure her claim that no one would understand what she was doing was all that accurate.

  “You should see your faces.” Sasha giggled.

  Chloe managed a tight smile and shrugged her shoulders.

  She can be so reckless.

  Don’t worry; when I get my hands on her, she’s dead!

  <><><>

  “What the hell was that, Sasha?” Aidan advanced on his sister the moment they arrived at Kayla’s house to change for the Springtime Ball. Dressed in his tuxedo, he was formidable with unbridled anger flickering in his eyes.

  “What was what?” She took a fearful step back.

  “You know what I mean.”

  “You told him?” Sasha rounded on Allie.

  “She didn’t have to.”

  “You guys have a stronger bond than you let on, don’t you?”

  “You know better than that! Why would you be so irresponsible? I should send you home and let Dad deal with you!”

  “Please, the ball!” she cried. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

  Allie couldn’t believe her eyes. Aidan was disciplining his older sister as if he were one of her teachers.

  You really are in charge when the adults aren’t around?

  A responsibility I would be delighted to share with you.

  I don’t think so. She couldn’t stand the thought of disciplining her friends.

  Neither can I. He stormed out of the room.

  <><><>

  CHAPTER

  THIRTY-NINE

  Aidan took the stage to kick off the Springtime Ball with his signature version of Vivaldi’s Spring—much to the delight of the crowd. Later, Allie cheered for his rock rendition of Bach’s Chaconne. He played throughout the evening, most often choosing her favorite songs. But every time he left the stage and returned to Kayla’s side, she felt rejected.

  You can’t have it both ways, Lex.

  How do you do that? Sometimes he could see into her deepest thoughts no matter how hard she blocked him.

  You wear your feelings on your face. It’s not mind reading.

  Aidan, I just—

  I know. It’s okay.

  Save me at least one dance?

  Of course, I was merely attempting to give you and Vince some space tonight.

  <><><>

  Halfway through the evening, Headmistress Miller took the stage to announce the Springtime King and Queen. Allie and Vince watched with their friends as the hopeful girls crowded the stage, waiting with baited breath for the announcement.

  “I so don’t get this ritual.” Allie wrinkled her nose in disgust.

  “It’ll be you up there,” Vince said.

  “Watch your mouth!”

  “Well I voted for you. And by the way, I’m digging this backless thing,” he murmured appreciatively. Chloe outdid herself with Allie’s dress. Her skirt was a flouncy, ball gown in a tattered silvery gray fabric, and her top was a simple backless halter. She was tempted to wear flip-flops, but Sasha threatened to chop her feet off if she didn’t wear at least three inches.

  He’s got a point, you look hot…and I kinda voted for you too.

  I’m throwing punches if I hear my name!

  To no one’s surprise, Aidan was crowned King. He took the stage with his typical cool arrogance, but she knew he loathed the attention.

  “Our Springtime Queen is—Alexis Carmichael!” Mrs. Miller announced to the cheering crowd.

  “No!” Allie cried. Vince pushed her toward the stage with a quick kiss to her forehead and a grin that said he knew she was pissed.

  Prom Queen?

  Get your butt up here, Red. I’m not doing this alone.

  Allie slowly shuffled up to the stage; her face flushed with embarrassment she hoped would come off as excitement.

  I’m such a freaking cliché! She winced when Mrs. Miller placed the crown on her head and someone shoved a bouquet of red roses into her arms.

  Be nice.

  At least you were prepared for this!

  Lex, you’re popular, nice and hot. How is this a shock?

  Oh…shut up.

  They’re just responding to our power. We’re intimidating but somehow still fascinating. I think they see us as the unattainable; something they know they’ll never be.

  Allie just wanted to disappear. She and Aidan were leading a slow dance under a single spotlight, their cheap tinsel crowns glittering in the light.

  You do realize this means even our peers think we should be together? he smirked.

  You’re already on my list, buddy.

  I seem to stay there, babe. Relax, in a hundred years, we’ll still be young and beautiful and they’ll all be dead, so none of this high school crap even matters. His eyes danced with amusement.

  Dead? She looked around the banquet hall at all their friends. That’s so sad. Her eyes filled with tears.

  Sorry, bad joke. I forgot about your mortal brain. Let’s make the most of this, shall we? He gave a curt nod to the DJ and the music changed.

  Aidan whirled her around the dance floor to the sweet melody with a lyric that spoke of his concern about her dreams. He chose the perfect song, and it was comforting, hearing his gentle reminder that they really were just dreams.

  <><><>

  “Where’s your crown, Short Stuff?” Vince teased as they strolled through the gardens just beyond the ballroom. The city lights twinkled all around them, but the street noise was distant beyond the walled garden.

  “Stuffed in a planter back there with my shoes.” She gestured over her shoulder. “I’m just glad I had the foresight to bring flats.”

  “The look on your face was priceless,” he laughed as they took a seat on a bench. “I know you’re about ten minutes away from stuffing that fancy dress in a planter. Let’s get out of here soon? I’ll even spring for cheeseburgers and shakes.”

  “Cheers to that! I love you,” she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “Love you, too.”

  “I owe Aidan one more dance, then let’s go find this girl some jeans.”

  “I promised Kayla a dance, too.”

  “I’ll be in soon.” I’m just going to rest my feet for a minute.”

  Sorry about that. Ever since the Naomi incident, she felt guilty whenever she and Vince had an intimate moment.

  Hey, you love him. He shrugged. It’s kinda hard to deny it since I have a half-crush on him myself thanks to our shared brain.

  Sorry, she laughed as she headed back inside. She halted at the door when she noticed a strange, but familiar, flickering. Quinn and Sasha were locked in a shocking embrace; so distracted they didn’t even notice her. He was using his gift to hide them, but Allie could easily see through his cloak.

  I’m so stupid! She stepped back, not wanting to disturb them. In all the months of their close friendship, she never once suspected there was anything between them.

  Am I so self-absorbed I didn’t even notice? She ducked into the alley and headed around the building to the front entrance.

  They’ve been head over heels since they were kids, but they don’t make the best couple.

  They obviously love each other; why resist it?

  Is that supposed to be a serious question, Alexis Ann? Can we not talk about my sister’s love life? I, like all of her brothers, prefer to pretend she doesn’t have one.

  Sorry. She giggled.

  Lex, where are you?

  “I knew I’d catch you on your own eventually,” a woman’s voice rang out from the shadows.

  Allie knew she was in trouble. She didn’t recognize the woman as Coalition by her appearance—she just knew it.

  Aidan! Get the others and get out of here!

  We’re not leaving you!

  There was something vaguely familiar about the tattooed woman. She was beautiful, despite her piercings, smoky eyes, and evil sneer. Dressed all in black, she would have blended with the night if it were not for her white blond hair, braided tightly to
reveal her shaved head beneath.

  It can’t be! But she was the girl with Vince at the beach party so many months ago. She wasn’t alone, either. A man had followed as Allie wandered down the alley so lost in thought with Aidan she hadn’t even noticed.

  Don’t let them near you! He rushed from the dance floor, snarling at Graham to stay inside to protect Chloe while he searched for Quinn and Sasha.

  In the gardens, Allie said absently, staring at the man with a strange circular weapon at the ready.

  Distract them, and so help me, you better fight back! He reacted as if he were her commanding officer, which she supposed he was. Quinn’s coming around from the front. Sasha and I are behind you. Be careful!

  “Jon, is it her?” the woman asked.

  “I can’t be sure, Ella, but this one is definitely not on record. Livia will be pleased even if this isn’t the girl.”

  “We’ll gather the others, too, just in case. Get this one collared. How many total?”

  “The three girls for sure, but maybe as many as six. I couldn’t get a clear read on the boys.” Jon flicked the magnetic collar open and took another step closer.

  Do not let them get that thing near you, Allie!

  She felt something primal rise up within her and knew she would not hesitate.

  That’s my girl! You’ve got this!

  Aidan, what are they talking about? What girl?

  No idea.

  “Don’t come any closer!” Allie snarled, stopping the man in his tracks.

  “Jon! I’ve never seen you waiver like that! What’s wrong with you?” Ella rolled her eyes.

  “This one’s different. She’s strong.” He took another wary step.

  Allie watched as Jon fought the instincts that told him to keep his distance. He knew what she was and it left him more cautious than most.

  “Stop!” Allie’s command rang out loud and clear. Her tone brokered no argument, but the sound of gunshots distracted everyone.

  “Idiots!” Ella hissed.

  Aidan!

  We’re fine. There are two more back here, but we’ll handle it. Focus on what’s in front of you. That’s a seasoned agent, and he’s confused by your power. Use it to your advantage! He slammed a solid block against her, stronger than ever before.