“Hey Val,” he called “good to see you.” The boy spun in mid-air clearly showing her what he was capable of and came to standstill a few inches away. Val smiled, relieved. “So what brings you here?” he asked.
“Big problems and time is running out. Could you please take me to Enoch? By the way, where’s the camera?”
“There.” Alsom pointed to the floor under Val. She had been standing over it all the time. She would have been embarrassed if her life wasn’t falling apart.
Alsom moved with ease over the surface, Val not so gracefully. Taran was waiting by the door to greet her, his arms wrapping around her waist. She returned the embrace. “I need to go, but I promise when I can, I will come back and see you, ok.” Taran nodded, releasing her. She ran up the grey hill towards Enoch’s. “Alsom, tell him I’m coming,” she called out as the boy spun away from her.
By the time she had reached the top, Enoch was heading towards her. “Val, what’s wrong? Why are you here?”
“Shane’s - dying.” The words came out between gasps for breath.
Enoch grabbed her arm, helping her to stand on his level. “How can we help you?”
“I need Sam and Wendy. They are on the Prison and I can’t go back there at the minute. Sam can cure him; he did it for me before.”
“Val, the only way I can get Sam is if I go onto the surface, and they are under attack.”
“I know I’m asking you to take a huge risk, but I really need them,” Val pleaded.
Enoch nodded. “Of course I will. Shane and Elizabeth have given us so much in the past. I can’t tell you how long it will take, I can only hope for success. Go and be with your friend, I will do my best.” They said their goodbyes and Val followed Alsom back to the door.
“Good to see you again,” he said and was about to close the door when Taran appeared. There was something about this boy that Val couldn’t resist. He was so innocent.
“Please give a message to Shane for me,” he called. “I need new crayons, my red has all gone.” He waved as the door slowly shut and Val crumbled inside. She grabbed her bracelet ready to return to the others and to wait for Sam and Wendy.
The landing was too quiet for her liking. There was no noise. If people were screaming or talking it meant they were still alive. She walked towards one of the bedrooms not knowing exactly where Shane was. Opening the door she found Daniel lying on the bed. There was no one in the room with him, but a bowl with steaming water and a towel showed someone had been there recently. He lay motionless, his head in a bandage, yet she could just make out his chest rising and falling. She made her way over to the side of the bed. “I hate you,” she whispered fighting back the tears of loathing she felt for him. “Why did you come here? Why couldn’t you just stay in the past?” She knelt down at the side of his bed, “I didn’t lie to you. Wendy IS alive and she’s coming here to help Shane.”
“Val,” Daniel rasped.
She stumbled backwards.
“Val,” he spoke again.
She had no choice but to respond. “What?”
“Wendy,” he coughed.
“Yes, she’s coming here, to help Shane.” She needed him to know that.
He laboured to open his eyes; the sheer effort was clearly draining. “Can the Dellatrax heal Shane?”
“Yes, but we don’t have it.”
“I do.” His voice was getting weaker.
Val just looked at him. Was he seriously going to do this to her? “What’s wrong with you? Aren’t you happy enough with almost killing my friend that you now want to taunt me with something that could cure him?” She stood up.
“It’s at your parent’s house…” His eyes shut, scrunching with the pain he was suffering.
“Nice try, along with an ambush.”
Daniel took a huge breath as if it was possibly the last he was going to take. “Look in your room. It’s with the gold shoes. I just wanted to see Wendy…” The words faded and his body seemed to slump deeper into the bed.
Val knew exactly what he was talking about. She had a hideous pair of gold shoes her Mum had brought her. They were in her ‘don’t go there’ box. Surely he wasn’t telling the truth. But could she take the risk? She had made that mistake before when Wendy had told her she was her guardian. She quickly left him, making her way down the landing pushing each door open until she found them all. Jason was sitting on the floor as close to the bed as possible, without actually being on it, holding Shane’s hand. Fran was grasping onto his arm and her uncle Julian was monitoring his patient. Zac was standing with Mike in the corner. It was as if they were frozen in time, like a painting.
Fran spoke breaking the grave picture. “Any news?”
“I’m working on it; just keep him alive.” She signalled to Zac to follow her.
“Yes?” he asked, joining her on the landing and closing the door behind him.
“We need to go somewhere.” This time she took his arm and they left.
Trouble seemed like a bland word compared to what she would be in when she went back to the Prison; with all this teleporting and rule breaking she knew she was going to be extracted, but she was past caring. They arrived in her hallway. She saw her jacket hanging on its usual peg. It was like stepping into a bubble, everything was familiar, but she felt like a stranger in her own home. Sadly it no longer felt like the place she had grown up in.
“Why are we here?” Zac asked.
“Daniel said he left the Dellatrax in my room.”
Zac sucked in air. “Clever move.”
She shrugged her shoulders. They moved quickly, but cautiously. The front door was closed, but still had marks where Lailah and the others had attacked. A pile of post lay on the floor, unopened. It didn’t seem important right now. She made her way up the stairs towards her room, pausing to extend her sword outside the door. If this was a trap, whoever was waiting for them would come off worst.
Zac grabbed her by the arm. “Do you trust him?”
Pushing the door gently she looked through the crack. “Bit late for that question.” Unless there were invisible aliens in her room they were clear to go. They move in to the room, and she switched on the light. Her bed was still made, everything how she had left it. Her poor mum and dad must have wondered why they had a teenage girl’s bedroom, but no teenager. Edging towards the wardrobe she saw her reflection for the first time in her new gear. “Heck! I do look like cat-woman,” she exclaimed. Opening the wardrobe door she knelt down next to the box her dad had made her. This was it. If this was a trap they would soon find out. She placed her fingers around the lip of the lid. Lifting it gently, she peeked inside. To her shock, filling the box were her Dellatrax, all of them. She sat back. Daniel had been telling the truth, but why? Why in her room?
Zac began pulling the volumes out. “You need the healing book, the one Wendy used on you. We can come back for the others later.”
“But they all look the same.”
“But they don’t feel the same.” He handed her one of the volumes.
Val placed her hand on the top. She wasn’t the best at this, and the person who was, wasn’t with them. However, it was only a few moments before she felt the book, like a tingling sensation under her fingers. Like it was talking to her in waves of energy. “This isn’t it. Hand me another.” Zac pulled out another one. “No, another.” She had sensed at least five when she hit on the right one. She knew it was the book. A feeling of wellbeing washed over her. “This is it, now what?” But she wasn’t going to have to wait. A noise from outside the door told her that someone was about to join them.
“They must have cast some spell on the house. They know we’re here,” Zac said, grabbing at the books. Val followed suit.
An explosion rocked the bedroom, the door disintegrated, sending shards and splinters all over her bed. In the still smoking doorway stood Lailah, her hands glowing a deep purple, which spread half way up her arms. She looked crazy with anger. “How long did you think you could
hide them from me!” she yelled at Val.
“Odd that. I didn’t. It was Daniel.” Val clutched her books, knowing Lailah was getting her power back. She had to get the Dellatrax back to Shane. Now was the wrong time to fight, but Delta entered behind Lailah and Val needed to make her feelings known. “By the way, Delta, the whereabouts of the Dellatrax were Daniels dying words…,” she added and was about to embellish his painful passing, when Zac, who was holding as many copies as he physically could, took her arm and they were gone.
Val landed clumsily, dropping the books along the landing as she ran. She didn’t care; she had the one she needed held tight to her chest.
Zac was following with more style. “Why did you feel the need to tell them Daniel was dead?” he asked her as they arrived at Shane’s door.
“I wanted them to hurt like we are.” She barged in. Sam and Wendy weren’t there, but she had the next best thing. “Belinda I need you to do something.”
“What’s that?” she asked as Val shoved a book at her.
“Zac, tell her how to make it work. Uncle Julian, step aside.”
“Belinda these books are a life force, very much like your trees.” Zac took Belinda and guided her towards Shane. “They can sometimes heal people if the connection is strong enough.”
“But Zac, I don’t have a clue what to do.”
“Belinda, I will guide you don’t worry. You are the only person here with the right intuitive skills.” Zac knelt down at Shane’s side. “Hold the book out and place it on his chest.”
“Won’t that hurt him?” Fran asked.
“Nothing could hurt him more than he’s suffering right now,” Zac reassured her thoughtlessly.
Belinda held the book above his body.
“I need you to search for your healing powers. Like Wendy, you have been focused students for many years, you more so, as you are clearly old. All I want you to do is tap into that river of power.”
She looked at the book, and across the bed at Jason whose eyes pleaded for something – anything to help his dad. She laid it to rest as gently as she could on Shane’s body. He coughed, a gurgling sound in his chest, making them all hold their breath.
“Place your hands on the book, Belinda.” She followed Zac’s instructions. “Now focus. The book will tell you what to do. You must listen with your magical senses not your human ones. As you are the mother of Wendy, then this will be strong.” Belinda closed her eyes and, as Val had predicted, the book knew what she was and started to create its holograms. Lightning blue images rose up from the cover. They wove up her hands and circled her arms. It was such a mesmerising image, beautiful yet painful at the same time. The air in the room was still and they could have heard a pin drop. They climbed and climbed and then, to everyone’s horror they stopped. Like someone had switched out a light.
“What’s wrong?” Val asked.
“It’s not enough,” Zac replied. “She’s not had enough practice we need…”
“Me. You need me.” The door was open and in the entrance stood Wendy.
“Wendy,” Val hugged her. “Is Sam with you?”
“He’s coming,” she reassured her.
“Please help us. You know what to do,” Fran pleaded. Belinda moved aside to give room to her daughter. They smiled briefly at each other; there would be time for reunions later. Wendy knelt down placing her hands on the book. It only took a few seconds for the holograms to start lifting into the air once more. They were vibrant blue floating out into the room. Wendy was obviously doing the best she could, but nothing was changing.
“Wendy come on,” Val urged.
“Please Wendy, save my Dad,” Jason pleaded.
A familiar voice broke the air of desperation. “Let me through.”
Val twisted. “Sam, where’ve you been?” She wanted to hug him out of relief, but knew it wasn’t the right moment.
Sam looked at the holograms. Then, to Val’s surprise, he reached out, catching one in his hand. It floated in his palm for a moment as he observed it, then faded away. “Wendy, you need to stop. It’s too late.”
“What exactly do you mean it’s too late? You can save him. Use whatever you used to save me,” Val insisted.
“His injuries are too severe.” Sam moved past her, and her body went from hopeful to defeated in a second. “Jason, look at me?” Sam knelt next to him at the bedside.
“No, save my Dad. I don’t know what you two have done in your time, but you owe him this. Please save him,” Jason said, still refusing to take his eyes from his dad.
“If I could, I would have already done it. I do owe him my life, many times over. I won’t take this time you have left. Don’t waste another breath on me.” Sam kissed Jason’s head and stood back.
“You’re lying,” Jason sobbed.
Wendy stopped, the holograms faded away and she lifted the book gently from Shane’s body.
Shane’s eyes opened. “Son.” Wendy had done enough to allow him to return to consciousness.
“Dad, hang on, I can get you to a hospital. Let’s get him in a car.” Jason’s voice was hoarse his throat closing with the pain as he attempted to stand.
“Stop, listen to me.” Shane’s voice was faint. “This is out of your control son. Sam’s right, he can’t heal me.” He took a laboured breath. “Before I go, you need to know the facts. I don’t have much time, so just listen.” He coughed, blood coming from his wound. Val was now crying openly and Susan pulled her in close.
“I’m a soldier son, I’m a fighter and so are you. I’ve lived a life beyond imagination.” He reached for another deep rasping breath and Val could see how much pain he was in just trying to hang on. “I have fought with Sam to keep this planet safe for you, son. I’ve faced Death and he’s missed me far too many times. Sam will look after you now.” Jason’s head rested on his dad’s chin as he cried uncontrollably. “Val, come here.”
She moved over, almost scared to reach out for him. “Yes?” the words seeped from her lips almost as quietly as Shane’s voice.
“It’s been an honour. Keep fighting, Val. A soldier never asks why, they know in their heart that they were meant to protect those who can’t do it for themselves.” He reached out for her as she knelt next to Jason. “I’ll see your Mum soon son. I bet she’s just as beautiful as the last time I was with her. No more paintings. I love you boy.” Shane closed his eyes as Jason cried out in pain.
“Stay with me, Dad, I don’t want to be here alone.” Jason hugged Shane, blood soaking into his shirt.
Val stood, her world smashed to pieces, her heart broken and unable to deal with what she was watching. Her dad walked up to her, but she couldn’t cope with this. She walked out past them all. Why Shane? He’d never hurt anyone. It was her fault, but blame wasn’t what she needed right now. Now she wanted revenge. She would capture Lailah and anyone else who stood in her way in the process. She walked downstairs towards the front door. Pulling it open, she stepped out into the dark.
Her pain filled body burst into flames, lighting the garden as she bellowed, “COME FOR ME COWARDS!!” Her heat burned her tears into vapour before they fell. She closed her eyes and there was darkness.
CHAPTER 10
Coffee Then Revenge
The tattoo parlour was lit only by the street light outside its large front window. Val’s flames reflected off the barber shop floor as she walked over to Shane’s work chair. In her mind’s eye she could see him tattooing the beautiful girl with the Rock’n’Roll red hair Zac had been so taken by. Kneeling down next to his chair, she allowed her flames to die out, sobbing uncontrollably until it felt like she would drown. She felt so full of pain and confusion. No one could tell her this was ok, that taking Shane was something that was just one of those things, that she didn’t have the right fight to back. They were going to taste their own medicine.
Pulling herself up she headed towards the swing doors. As the air rushed through, she could smell his aftershave. She remembered the firs
t time she and Delta had been here and Shane had joked about Bruce Wayne. She had known him for such a short time. How could he be gone? Would he still be alive if she had never come here? As she walked into their space, the stunning pictures of Elizabeth filled her with sadness. ‘No more paintings’ he’d said. She wandered over to the coffee maker. It was filled and ready. She pushed the button and sat down at the glass table, passing her hand over its soft cold top. One more word, that’s all she wanted, one more chance to say she was sorry. But death was so final.
The coffee whooshed and glugged. Val went to get a drink. It seemed like a good plan: coffee first, then she would hunt them down and imprison them all. Yes, she would have a drink then go and deal with Delta.
The hinges of the swing doors gave her the heads up that someone was coming, but she had no fear. No one else would take anything from her today.
“Hi.” Sam greeted her. Walking over to the percolator he poured himself a drink and sat down. “Just taken your uncle home and thought I’d find out what you were up to.”
She glanced at him. “You won’t stop me.” She took a sip.
“Doing what?”
“You know what. They can’t get away with killing Shane.”
“I agree.”
“I know you’re going to tell me it’s not right to want revenge, and that I’ll be just as bad as them if I do something stupid. But I’m not going to stop until I capture them because they didn’t think about Shane when they took him.”
“Yup you’re right. Jason wants revenge as well. He’s going to hunt them all down, and he has no powers, so ‘best of luck’ I said to him.” Sam took another sip glancing at Val from the corner of his eye.
She sat up straight. “Are you crazy? He’ll be killed, stupid idiot. Where’s he gone? We need to get him.”
“Why? Everyone wants justice here. What makes you think you’re hurting more than Shane’s son? Let him get on with it. You seem to be doing ok on your own.”
Nyteria Rising (The Thirteenth Series Book 3) Page 9