"Wait. Don't you need the coordinates?" I asked, midway of opening my tracking app.
"Nope. We all have it on our phones now. I decided on it when you were recovering from the pool incident. We should be able to find each other when we need to." Nixon winked.
"You guys didn't tell me that," I grumbled.
He blinked, realizing I was right and gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Sexy Jinn." His voice was quiet as he leaned forward to kiss me.
I pulled back and gave him a look. "There's cameras."
"Kissing isn't against the exam rules." He winked before he hopped down from the tree. "Be careful, Jinn."
He took off back to where we'd come, his phone in his hands. They hated each other before, and now they're best friends. Amazing how things can change.
"I agree!" Alice added, her soft voice entering my mind.
Are they moving in, Alice? I can only see one angle from where you are.
"Yes! Sorry, Koa's on the other side, but we can't get closer. There's something blocking us."
Fuck! They put a barrier up? Great. I can't wait for Brax if they're going to jump him now. Kage can't handle four people! Even if he's good at fighting.
"I have an idea, Jewel. Walk into that shop. The fashion one. Have your phone to your ear like you’re looking for someone," Alice instructed.
Okay!
I dropped to the ground and casually walked towards the store, the phone pressed to my ear as I pretended that someone was on the line.
I reached the fashion store, impressed that it was unlocked, and moved to the change room section. Alice? What are you planning?
"This!"
I froze at the deep voice, the tone sounding identical to mine. I blinked and glanced to my left to see an exact copy of me walk out of the last stall.
"No way!" My eyes widened as I studied myself—Alice.
"Yes way. Now switch back," Alice ordered.
"At least you did a good job looking like Jinn. Is my cock length the same?"
"How am I supposed to know? Stop stalling," Alice huffed.
"Are you going to explain this plan to me?" I asked, noticing a pink and gold flower dress on the rack. I picked it up and ran into the change room, pulling back my magic.
It took me twenty seconds to put the dress on and make sure my now shoulder-length hair wasn't a complete tangled mess.
I imagined comfortable pink flats with a gold bow on top of my shoes and a simple gold watch and bracelet on my wrists. A tiny purse hung on the rack of clothes, and I took it and put it on to rest on the left side of my body. Perfect!
"Yes. Go out there with your phone as you did before, and head straight to where Kage is."
"But they'll know I'm the same person coming out," I argued.
"That's what they'll think. Trust me! Go on!" Alice encouraged. I nodded and ran out of the change room and back outside, my phone pressed to my ear again as I speed walked to where I knew Kage would be.
I turned the corner and crashed right into someone, the lingering scent of Irish soap and mint hitting me. Kage!
"Huh? Jewel?!" Kage's surprised voice exclaimed. His arm remained around my waist as I recovered, opening my eyes to meet his surprised blue ones.
"Kage! I'm looking for Jinn have you seen him?" I asked, lowering my phone and pretending to hang up.
Kage looked even more confused, but he frowned and shook his head. "No. We're doing an exam right now. You aren't supposed to be here," Kage explained.
He moved back but offered his hand to me. "C'mon. I'll take you back to the school. Jinn will be there," he encouraged. I nodded, placing my hand in his and we both turned to go back the way we came, but three guys came out from their hiding places.
Their uniforms were just like the ones Nick's alumni friends had been wearing when Brax and I saw them on the evening of Kage and Zane's fight.
"Wait just a minute there, Kage Park. Who's the pretty girl? Or should I say Jinn Starfire?!" The main dude with red locks exclaimed.
"Huh? Jinn? Have you seen where Jinn is? I'm supposed to meet him," I replied innocently, looking back to see two others appear.
Kage protectively stood in front of me, turning our bodies so we could see both groups. "What do you need from Jewel? As for Jinn, he's not here. We're doing an exam, and last time I remembered, none of you guys were invited," Kage said with a harsh voice.
"Oh, don't play dumb. We finally caught you red-handed. Now Jinn, why don't you let Kage run off so we can go see Savannah and get that gender shifting checked." The redhead leader grinned.
I almost rolled my eyes at the way his tongue licked his bottom lip as he attempted to check me out. Kage took a deep breath, trying his best to maintain his cool. That's what I assumed, but the way his hands were beginning to tremble with anger proved he wasn't doing a good job.
"Move it, trash. Jewel and Jinn Starfire are cousins. You know the rules of the exam, especially if you graduated from Brighten. Get a civilian hurt, and there are serious consequences," Kage reminded.
"Did you just call me trash, pipsqueak?" Redhead huffed.
Kage cracked his neck, and I had to take a step back from the amount of magic beginning to leak off him in waves.
"I did call you trash, TRASH, and last time I checked, my ass is taller than you so who is the pipsqueak? Cause I know I'm not," Kage replied.
Alice? Um, things are gonna get ugly.
"Coming! she replied, her voice normal like before.
What's taking you so long?
"You'll see."
The redhead took a step forward as he cracked his fingers. "Why don't we make this easy. Give me Jinn, or I'll beat the shit out of you and take Jinn by force."
"Neither, Trash. I don't mind a third option though." Kage shrugged. They both were ready to pick a fight and I gulped, trying to figure out what to do.
Suddenly the ground trembled. "Huh?"
I heard fast footsteps, and we all turned to see Jinn, or should I say, Alice, running towards us. I smiled in relief. "JINN!" I exclaimed, waving my hands. He looked relieved and ran towards us.
"Jewel, dammit! Why are you here? It's exam day," Jinn huffed, putting his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
"Jinn? Where'd Nix and the others go?" Kage asked.
"They’re back at the school. Let's go! There's a fucking dinosaur here."
"Um wait, what? Jinn, are you not taking your meds for those hallucinations? There's no such thing as dinosaurs. They're extinct." I narrowed my eyes at him in fake concern. "Which reminds me!"
I took a quick glance at the other alumni guys who all wore shocked expressions, looking between Jinn and me. I pulled open my purse and grinned, pulling out two bottles of medication. Thank goodness for magic.
"Here, Jinn! I saw your mom early this morning and promised to bring these to you. That's why I came down here. I thought if I was going to see Logan, I might as well look for you. I was on the phone with Logan, but this place is a maze when you've only come around here once." I shook my hand dramatically, offering the two bottles.
Jinn sighed and reached out to grab the two medication bottles. "Thanks, Jewel, but let's go! I'm fucking serious about the dinosaur."
"HELLO!"
All three of us turned to the group of guys. "What?" I asked.
"You think we're going to believe this trick! YOU-" Redhead pointed at me. "Are HIM!" he exclaimed and pointed to Jinn.
We both blinked, looked at each other, and laughed. I walked over to Jinn and gave him a hug. "Aww Cousin, he thinks we're the same person. Doesn't he see I'm more beautiful than you?"
Jinn groaned, seeming annoyed. "Yes, Jewel. You're the prettier one. Hey, dude! Do you need some of these or did you just smoke something? Also, why the fuck are people here, especially alumni? You know the shit you’re gonna get into for disrupting the exam. There are cameras."
"We aren't going to get in trouble. Savannah’s got our- OW!" the redhead replied, but his blond friend hit hi
m in the back.
"You idiot! You're not supposed to say Savannah’s watching the cameras!"
"You JUST said it stupid!" a black-haired dude on the left declared.
"Does NO ONE care about the fucking dinosaur?" Jinn exclaimed.
"There's no dino-" the group of guys began, but the ground shook, causing me to lose my balance. Kage's arm wrapped around my waist, holding me steady, and Jinn held the wall as the floor began to tremble as if something were approaching.
"What the fuck?!" Redhead exclaimed, the guys scrambling together as we all looked to our right. Oh hell nah.
Our heads tilted back to look up at the tall tyrannosaurus that came out from the side street, its head turning to peer down at us.
"Oh shit," I whispered.
"RUN!" Redhead screamed. They ran off in opposite directions, and Jinn moved to press his hands over my ears before the muffled loud roar vibrated the buildings and street.
It took a few steps forward, and I watched the alumni scramble until I couldn't see any of them, but it didn't get rid of the fact there was tyrannosaurus in front of us. It lifted its head and roared again, the glasses of the nearby shops began to crack.
"Rex, stop roaring! Jeez, you're spooking Jewel," Kage huffed. Rex?
"There you guys are." Brax's voice came from our right, all of us turning to see him walk up to us with his hands in his pockets.
"Braxton, dinosaur!" I pointed out.
"Hmm? Oh, it's just Rex," Braxton replied. The tyrannosaurus lowered down to us, its nose just slightly poking Braxton's whole body.
"Good job, Rex. You can go back to normal now," Braxton encouraged.
"You have a dinosaur familiar?!" I exclaimed, looking at the tyrannosaurus and wondering if I could touch it. Kage chuckled, let go of his hold around me, and slipped his hand in mine.
"Wanna pet him before he goes back to normal?" Kage asked.
"Yes! Oh! Alice, come pet him too!" My body buzzed with excitement.
"Jeez. A minute ago, she was scared shitless," Alice mumbled, still acting as male me.
"I didn't know there were dinosaur familiars. Hey, tall guy. You scared me," I said with a soft tone, reaching out to pet his nose. He lowly growled but looked unbothered as I continued to pet his nose.
"You okay, Jewel? Also, why does Alice look like you?" Braxton asked.
"Um, long story," Alice replied.
"I'm fine, Brax." I grinned at him, still stroking Rex's nose.
"My brother doesn't even care about me. So much hate," Kage grumbled.
Brax huffed. "Your ass would have been fine. Stop over exaggerating."
"Rude," Kage mumbled.
I finished my moment, and we moved back. Rex made one more loud roar as if to make it known he was still around and not a joke before his body was engulfed in blue light and began to shrink. He got smaller and smaller until a small ball of blue remained.
When it dimmed, my jaw dropped, and I slowly turned toward Brax who stood there with his arms crossed. "If you want to laugh now, you can."
"Wait. So...hehe." I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to stifle my snickers. Alice walked next to me, his eyes on Rex and his shoulders began to shake.
"Oh…my...heart." He snickered.
"Why does everyone laugh when they see my familiar?" Brax pouted. Kage sighed, walking over to pick up Rex from the cement and bring him over to us.
"Because he's a BUNNY! You called your white and black bunny, Rex?! BAHAHAHA." Alice erupted in laughter. Light emerged around him and when it dimmed she was back into her usual appearance. She fell over to the floor and continued to laugh her head off, her giggles prompting me to lose control and laugh as well.
"Rex, the BUNNY! BAHAHAHAHA!" Alice cried out.
"Rex is gonna...hehe...hate us. We shouldn't be laughing. Sorry Rex, but...hehe." I couldn't finish, my giggles vibrating through me as I wrapped my arms around my waist.
"You guys are hurting Rex's feelings," Brax grumbled, and I only laughed harder.
"Brax, my 6'6" tall, long cock boyfriend who looks like he'd have a dinosaur for a familiar actually has an adorable bunny! You know how weird that is? I would have never, and I mean NEVER, guessed it." I wiped away the tears that had formed in my eyes.
"REX THE BUNNY!" Alice exclaimed. "I need that on a damn shirt!"
"Did we break your familiar?" Kage asked, looking at a still laughing Alice.
"Ya. She'll eventually calm down," I replied with a grin. I walked up to Kage leaned down to stare at Rex who looked sad.
"Aww, I'm sorry, Rex. You can just blame Braxton. It's his fault," I soothed, reaching out to pet him once more.
"Why is this my fault?" Brax asked.
"Out of all the familiars you could want, you got a bunny?" I pointed out.
He blushed and Kage chuckled. "He had an obsession with bunnies when he was four."
"Ah," I replied.
"Let's go end this exam. I'm tired," Brax grumbled, already turning around and walking away.
"Hey, don't abandon Rex," I called out, taking the cute bunny in my hands and chasing after him.
"You're abandoning your own familiar," Kage pointed out.
"She'll be fine," I called back. "Sacrifices have to be made.”
"Fuck you!" Alice called out, and I giggled. I knew Kage wouldn't leave her, and I could sense Koa was nearby.
"Brax. Rex wants a hug." I giggled.
"I'm gonna tell Diana you're teasing me," he huffed.
"Oh, c'mon. I bet your mom laughed when she realized you called your bunny familiar Rex," I argued as I reached his side. He slowed down his strides and came to a stop when we arrived at the front of the fashion store where I'd borrowed my outfit.
"She did. I just want a moment of sympathy before she agrees with you, and then I’ll have my mom and my girlfriend laughing at me."
I grinned, leaning up to give him a quick kiss. "Thanks for coming."
That made him smile. "I told you to wait for me."
"I was a little impatient," I confessed.
"Uh-huh. Pass Rex over and leave this on the table inside," Braxton suggested, pulling out his wallet and a few bills.
"You're paying for the outfit?" I asked with a broad smile.
"You look cute. When we go on our date, wear that."
"Okay," I whispered. I handed Rex, who looked like he was dozing off, to Brax, and he gave me another kiss.
"Good job, Jewel. At least we're finally done." Brax sighed.
I smiled up at him."Yes. Finally!"
We finished this exam as a team.
I placed the cash on the glass counter next to the cashier, taking a final glance at the handwritten note I made, saying the items I'd borrowed for the exam, and this was the amount and tip.
I sighed, turning around to head to the exit when my phone rang. I pulled my phone out of my purse and saw that it was Maximus calling.
"Maxi, what's up? We're about to head back."
"Zane isn't here," Maxi announced, sounding out of breath. My stomach dropped at his words as panic rattled through me.
"Not there? Where is he?" I asked.
"I don't know! I arrived and told Meredith that the cameras were being watched by Savannah. We went together to catch her red-handed and had to call the police and stuff. We went back to her office and Logan and Nixon were there, but Zane hasn't even entered the property," Maxi explained.
"Did you guys track him?! I'm on my way back!" I exclaimed, running out of the building. I looked for the others, but they weren't outside the fashion store.
"Logan already called Braxton and Kage. They're heading to the site now, but Jewel..." he trailed off.
"What? What's the problem?"
"I don't think we can make it. There's no way we can teleport there. It's off limits. We have to go around the property."
"Where is Zane?" I demanded.
"The train station," Maxi replied.
"Huh? The train station? Is he going home or someth
ing?" It wasn't making sense to me. Everything had been solved, so why would Zane want to go home? Especially in the middle of the exam when he had the rainbow flag.
"We checked the cameras. Nick..."
I groaned at the name, already putting together what must have happened. "Don't tell me Zane trusted Nick and got caught in some shit?" I snapped.
"No. From what we could tell from the tape, Zane didn't want to go where Nick was suggesting. There was an argument, but Zane got knocked out with a bat, and they dragged his body into a car and drove off. Savannah was watching the cameras and made sure that screen didn't show up for any of the professors who are also keeping track of the exam areas. Logan tried teleporting multiple times and he can't."
"Then I'll go. I mean, I can, right? I just need a few minutes," I suggested.
"We have three minutes, Jewel."
"Why do we have three minutes?!" I shouted, my anxiety spiking up. I began to run as fast as I could, but there was no way I'd get to the train station by foot. Even if I summoned Alice for help, neither of us would get there on time. It was virtually impossible.
"The train's coming," Maxi whispered.
"So?!"
"Zane's tied to the tracks, Jewel."
I came to a stop, my rapid exhales the only confirmation that I was still breathing. "What? No...no, no, no! Why can't anyone teleport there?!" I tried to keep calm as tears pooled in my eyes.
"You remember those restraints Meredith had explained organizations use? The ones Nixon had on his ankles in the pool? They tied Zane to the tracks with them, and the area is squared off. We can't even get nearby. It's like teleporting just gets canceled out. Logan and Nixon left the moment we found out, but it’s twenty minutes from the school. No one will make it," Maxi revealed.
"I'll make it."
"You can't, Jewel."
"I can! I'll just think really hard and do it!" I countered.
"Jewel," Maxi whispered, and I could hear the defeat in his voice. "Even if you're a key. Your ability works on family and people who you have a close bond with. You don't remember meeting Zane, and it has only been a few weeks since you guys got close again. Meredith...said that you wouldn’t have a strong enough bond."
I clenched my trembling hand while I tried not to break my phone that was shaking. Not strong enough. Why? Just because I can't remember. It's not my fault I can't! Why is that stopping me from saving Zane? I should just let him die?
Reflections of Me Page 18