"Jewel?" Alice questioned. I waited till the other guys were out of sight before I groaned, clenching my head between my hands. Not now. Please not now.
"Jewel? What's wrong?" I knew Alice could sense my sudden panic, but I couldn't think. No. Need to focus on finding Nixon. He's in danger. I know it.
"Time is running out, Jewel."
I lifted my head, and the cloaked man was two steps away from me, his red eyes locking onto mine.
"Who are you? Where's Nixon? Is he hurt?" I asked.
"Not yet, but you're running out of time," he replied.
"Tell me who you are."
"You know who I am, Sweetheart." Instead of his monotone voice, the familiar rich sound of my late father came out.
I stood there speechless, my eyes wide with fear and confusion. "D-Dad?"
"There's no more time, Jewel."
"Wait! Dad. Like...no...where are you? Why are you alive? Are you alive? How do I find you?!" I spewed out the flood of questions in a blur of words, both panic and relief running through me.
"Save Nixon. He has the answer. I love you, Jewel. Be safe until we meet again," Dad said and lowered the hood of his cape to reveal his face.
I stilled, my eyes pooling tears as I saw his similar dark brown locks, the bottom ends both red and purple. He had a medium beard, and he seemed utterly exhausted. His tanned skin was paler than normal, and his lips were cracked and severely dry. Regardless of how weak he appeared, I knew that he was my father; the same exact red eyes as mine stared at me with both pride and a hint of sadness.
I could feel his magic, and a part of me could feel something resonate due to his presence. "Dad, wait!"
"The key is inside you," he whispered, and I watched his image fade like little grains of sand being carried by the wind. He was gone, and I fell to my knees, trying to calm my breathing.
"Jewel! What's wrong?! Maximus is coming!" Alice exclaimed.
I tuned her questions out, my head pounding almost at the same intensity as when I'd hit my head back at the practical test with Zane and Maxi.
I looked to my left, taking deep breaths as I stared at the clear water of the pool. Just breathe, Jewel. You’ll get through this. Calm down. You need to find Nixon. You have to find him before you have a seizure. Please body, don't fail me. Pleas-
I stopped my train of thoughts when I caught a bubble reach the surface. I narrowed my eyes, knowing there wasn't a filter in the middle of the pool. From where I was I couldn't see anyone, so where did the bubble come from?
I waited, thinking I was seriously hallucinating, but another one made it to the surface, followed by another one. My gut dropped, and I cursed.
"FUCK! NIXON!" I screamed, hoping one of the guys heard me as I darted straight towards the pool.
In one swift movement, I was gliding through the icy cold water, my mind not understanding why the water felt like I'd jumped into a frozen pond when it was the school pool. My eyes immediately noticed Nixon at the very bottom of the pool, his ankles having some type of chained weights.
Nixon's fearful red eyes met mine, the black magic circles looking like they were moving, but I couldn't feel any magic vibrating from his body. What the fuck?!
I reached him in moments, pressing my hands on his cheeks. The panic in his eyes was killing me, and I realized he must have been down here for longer than a minute or two. I pressed my lips against him, giving him some of the air I'd gathered before in the two-second sprint to dive into the pool.
I pulled back and went to touch the chains, but he caught my arm and shook his head rapidly. I gave him a confused look but didn't fight, returning to face him. Maybe the weights are what is canceling his magic.
I tried to swim around to his back, putting my arms under his armpits and attempting pull him up, but he didn't even budge. Fuck! We don't have time for this!
I swam back to him, and he put his fingers in the shape of a circle. Circle....like a BUBBLE!
My eyes darted down to the weights, realizing it could be risky to have a bubble that included his feet. I swam slightly higher. My feet were at the height of where Nixon's head was. I crossed then stopped, trying to keep myself in place, lifting my legs to cross them in Yoga style.
Before my body began to sink to the pool floor, I closed my eyes and imagined a bubble that would circle all around Nixon and me, but I ensured his ankles would be left out. I squeezed my eyes shut and concentrated on my vision of the bubble, realizing it had worked when I heard Nixon cough.
My eyes snapped open, and I maneuvered myself in the small space to be on my knees. I took a few deep breaths and hugged Nixon at the same time.
"Nixon! What happened? What's with the weights?!' I demanded through pants. Nixon hugged me back, taking a moment to catch his breath before he answered.
"Logan and I got jumped. Some fucking seniors were chasing after us. We were cornered on both sides of the hallway, so we went into the classroom to try and escape. They left, but those three assholes from before were hiding behind the teacher’s desk and attacked us," Nixon explained quickly. He inhaled another deep breath before he continued.
"We tried to fight them off, but they got this fucking weight shit on me. It sealed off my magic before I could help Logan. They knocked him out with a combined spell and carried me off to the pool. These things weren't even heavy before, and I tried to fight them off when I realized they were going to throw me into the pool. I tried to stall as long as I could, but they just lifted me up and threw me as far as they could."
"If I touch it, will it seal my magic too?" I asked.
He quickly nodded his head. "Yes. You can't take it off with your hands. Unless I'm out of the water, " Nixon stressed.
I tried to reply but groaned, my vision going in and out. Ow...this isn't good.
"Jewel? Shit, did you hit your head or something?" Nixon asked. He pulled away and pressed his hand to my cheeks. I opened my eyes slowly, and I saw double of Nixon in front of me. I waited for his image to clear.
"No...when I entered here my head was pounding really bad. I mean, maybe it was before. Uhh...my dad. I saw my dad, Nixon. He said you'd have the answer. He said I was a key. I don't understand Nixon. My dad's dead. Why is he here?! Fuck, this isn't the time for this. I need to get you out, but I don't know how!" I rambled, trying my best not to panic, but my body was shaking from the cold and my anxiety.
Nixon bit his lip and pulled me into a hug as I tried to breathe. "Okay, calm down, Jewel. Breathe. Just breathe. We'll figure this out," Nixon soothed.
"Nixon, I can't hold this...this bubble for long," I confessed, my lips trembling. I could feel my magic weakening with each second due to my lack of concentration.
I leaned back, and he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Jewel. I need you to take one deep breath."
"But-"
"Please, Jewel," he urged, and I bit my lip. "Just trust me."
I stared into his eyes, and I realized he must have a plan. I nodded and took a deep breath, but noticed the bubble was beginning to fill. Oh no.
Nixon lifted my head up with his hand under my chin. "Don't worry. You can do this," he whispered. I took another calming breath and gave him a firm nod. I trust Nixon. I want to save him. Dad said to save him...and I will!
Nixon must have noticed my determination, and a relieved smile formed on his lips. He gave me a quick, hard kiss to my lips before he pulled back and started to explain.
"My parents. They were Mage Warriors. I don't know if this will work, but they were able to do a specific spell that can teleport an individual like we do in class to go from one place to another."
"Isn't that normal? Why is that special?" I asked.
"It's special because it has no boundaries. Doesn't matter if you're imprisoned, locked in a case or stuck underwater. If you have a strong connection with the individual and have enough concentration, you can teleport them to where you want to go. If my father was in a dilemma and wasn't able to get out of a place, my
mom could teleport to him and bring him back with her. I don't know if you'd be able to teleport both of us on your first time, but try to focus on teleporting me to the platform of the pool and swim back up."
"I'll try...but Nixon, I don't know if I can do both," I admitted, trying not pay attention to the water that had reached our waist.
"Try, Jewel. If you can't, hold your breath for as long as you can, and I'll come to get you after I take these off. Hopefully, it will cancel out the spell when I'm above the surface," Nixon explained.
"Alright. I'm going to try it. But...but if I fail..." I tried to speak but trailed off.
"You won't fail, Precious. You never do," Nixon whispered and gave me another kiss. "I love you," he said quietly, the shy side of him coming out.
I smiled at his confession and pressed my forehead against his, the water at our chest level. "I love you too," I murmured and closed my eyes.
You can do this, Jewel. Just concentrate. I focused on Nixon first, the urge to save him growing stronger and stronger. I envisioned the platform where I confronted my dad, remembering the exact spot.
The place deep within me that had reacted to Dad's presence rekindled, the power growing until I couldn't hold it anymore. Save Nixon!
The weight of Nixon's hands on my shoulders disappeared, prompting me to open my eyes to see him gone. I...did it?
I didn't have time to ponder, the water level already at my neck. I uncrossed my legs and took a few deep breaths to keep calm. You can do this, Jewel. Just hold your breath and help will come. The guys always come when I need them. If Nixon can't get those weights off, someone will come. I'm sure of it.
With one final deep inhale, the bubble burst, and I began to sink to the bottom. I didn't move, realizing it would take more energy from me. I just stared at the surface, my head still pounding like a drum.
I closed my eyes and waited, my dad's image coming to my mind. Dad. You're alive? How, why, where? So many questions yet there was no one to answer them. Dad, did you not want to see me? To see your family? Did you hate us?
"Do you hate me, Dad?" I whispered.
"I'd never hate you, Jewel."
It took a moment for my brain to catch up, unsure of why I just spoke when I'd been underwater seconds ago. I snapped my eyes open, and I stood in a dimly lit dungeon. The walls were filled with mold and vines, and I could smell the strong odors of body sweat and blood.
I slowly turned around to see Father kneeling down on the floor. He wore the same gold-like cape, but it was ripped, covered in dirt, and had a few spots that were stained with blood.
His hair was a mess of tangles, and his beard looked to be in similar shape. His weak red eyes locked onto my wide ones as I stood there trembling, my body dripping with water.
"Dad?"
"Sweetheart. Did you save Nixon?"
I nodded, lowering to the ground and slowly crawling to where he was. I realized why he couldn't move; old, bronze chains that reminded me of the ones on Nixon's ankles were wrapped around his wrists, and I assumed the same was done to his ankles behind him.
"Yes. I....teleported him. Dad...why am I here? What's this place? And why are you locked up but you’re able to watch me in the halls? How do you know the guys? I have so many questions, Dad."
He gave me a sympathetic look, and I reached close enough to press my forehead against his. "Daddy. I missed you," I whispered. My voice cracked as tears welled up in my eyes.
"Oh, Jewel. There's so much to tell you, but no more time. You have to go back. Don't let anyone but those boys and the headmaster know what you did. Not even the nurse. Please. I can't lose you too," Father begged.
"Go back? I was in the pool, Dad. How do I get back?" I frantically asked. A loud noise rang through the dungeon before the sound of footsteps followed. My father's eyes widened and filled with panic as they met mine.
"Jewel. Think about the guys. Think about returning to your body where your friends are," Dad coached.
"Dad...they're more than friends," I admitted, knowing it wasn't really the time for it, but I wanted to make it clear. He smiled just slightly and nodded his head.
"I know. Now go, my sweet Jewel. We'll meet again. I know we will. I love you."
"I love you too, Dad. I'll come back, I promise," I whispered. I shuffled up and went into the corner of the room, taking a few deep breaths before I closed my eyes.
Go back. I need to return to the guys. Nixon? He has to be okay. I need to go back and ensure he's okay.
Please...go back.
"Daddy!"
"Jewel? How did you get here? You were at the hospital." Dad looked at me in astonishment and moved to close the door of his office before he stood in front of me.
I looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, my little hands shaking. "I don't want to go to the scary machine. It's scary. Gabriel isn't there." I began to sob uncontrollably. I lifted my hands up, and Father sighed, kneeling down to lift me up into his arms and hugged me.
"Shh, it's okay Jewel."
"I don't want to go back to the scary machine. Please, Daddy?" I begged, holding onto him for dear life.
"How about if I come with you?" he asked.
"It's still scary," I argued through sniffs.
There was a knock on the door before it opened up slightly. "Honey, the hospital called. Jewel's playing hide and seek again and they can't...Jewel?" Mother’s eyes locked on Father and me.
"Mommy. I don't want to go," I whined, leaning back to rub my eyes with my little hands. Mom bit her lip, looking at Father before she slipped inside and closed the door.
"Jewel, how..." Mom trailed off, and I began to cry again.
"I don't want to get in trouble. I don't want to go to the scary machine."
"Sweetheart, you're not getting in trouble. Shhhh," Father whispered. Mother was quiet, looking at Father. She made her way over to us and rubbed my back.
"Shh, Jewel. Here, give Mommy a hug. I'll tell the hospital you used a hiding spell because you're scared of the machine," she soothed.
I reached out with my arms, and she picked me up from Father's hold, letting me wrap my arms around her neck and rest my head on her shoulder. She swayed me back and forth, rubbing my back soothingly until I calmed; my sobs turned to quiet whimpers.
"Cedric," Mother said in a low voice. I heard Father sigh.
"She has it, Charlotte. I didn't want to worry you."
"How strong is she? Like Gabriel's?"
"No. Stronger like mine. Gabriel had about 10%, and Meredith said when he's older it'll lessen or disappear altogether."
"Do you think hers will disappear?" Mother asked.
"No. She'll be able to do exactly what I can, Charlotte."
I listened quietly, unsure of what they were talking about, but I knew it had to do with the secret. Daddy said I shouldn't tell Mommy or Gabriel. He wanted them to be safe. Will Mommy and Gabriel be in danger now?
"Maybe she's just doing what Logan can do," Mother argued.
"Charlotte. Logan can teleport because it's genetic. He doesn't need to use magic if he wants to get to where he needs to go. I've already talked to George about it. Jewel's able to do both. She's a key."
They were both silent, the quietness of the room making me afraid. I pulled back to look up at my mother's face, noticing the tears that began to pool in her eyes.
"Mommy? Are you and Gabriel going away?"
Mother blinked, a tear rolling down her cheek before she looked at me. "Why would we go away?"
"Because you know the secret. You're in danger now, right? I'm sorry," I apologized. My lip trembled as I blinked my eyes.
"Oh, Sweetheart, we aren't going anywhere. We are not in danger."
"But I'm a key? That's bad. I won't use the magic anymore," I mumbled. Mother sighed, walking us over to the couch where she and Daddy always read to me. She sat down, put me on her lap, and gave me a kiss on the forehead as she wiped away my tears.
"You see, Daddy is a key too," Mo
ther said. I looked at Dad as he sat down next to us, a sad expression on his face.
"Daddy doesn't look like a key," I pointed out. "A key is for the door!"
Mother smiled. "It's a different key. A very special key, Jewel."
"Special?" I asked. Father reached out to stroke my head and nodded.
"There aren’t a lot of people like us, Jewel. Your teleportation powers are just one of the very rare abilities."
"Prince Logan can teleport," I pointed out quietly. He wasn't in trouble for always coming to see me.
"Prince Logan can teleport because his father, King George, can. To everyone, they think it's just magic, but to teleport is very tiring and needs a HUGE amount of magic. Logan can teleport wherever he wants because his daddy can," Mother explained.
I frowned, staying quiet as I tried to understand. Father gave me a smile, leaning in to kiss my left cheek. "Don't worry, Jewel. Mommy and Daddy will work it out."
"But, am I in trouble?"
"No, Sweetheart. Why don't we put you to bed?" Mother suggested.
"I want to see Logan," I admitted, giving them a sad look. "I miss Logan."
"I'll call and see if he's still awake. It's late. But Jewel, you can't tell anyone that you're a key. You have to promise me," Mother stressed.
"Even my Prince?" I asked, looking at them with worried eyes. Mother and Father exchanged looks.
"Even Logan. Just for a little bit. Until we figure everything out, okay?" Father suggested.
"Hmm. Okay! Jewel will be good!" I stressed with a wide smile. They both seemed relieved before there was a knock on the door.
"Mom. Logan teleported to Jewel's room again," Gabriel called out.
"I didn't. I, ummmmmm, wanted to see Jewel." I heard Logan's voice and I squealed, hopping off Mom's lap and moving to the door.
"Prince Logan!"
"Wait, what?" Gabriel asked. The door opened slightly, and Gabriel stood there with a shocked expression while Logan wore a wide smile.
"Princess Jewel. I missed you," Logan cheered.
"Me too! Hi Prince Logan," I replied, opening my arms to give him a hug. I pulled back and put my hands in his. We looked over at Mother and Father who appeared confused.
Reflections of Me Page 14