Cyrosphere 7:: The Gathering of Forgotten Tales and Lives Interwined

by Deandre Dean

  She hugged Aaron, Yvette and Peter. Stacey had crashed already when she decide to open a portal home. Transporting would have been faster but a portal was safer when she was tired and drained.

  So tired that once Ginger went inside the apartment, she was too drained to change or write. Collapsing on the bed in her clothes too tired to change as her eyelids felt heavy as she drifted off to sleep.

  The next morning, a knock on her bedroom door zapped Ginger awake. “What?” she thought.

  “Would you like some coffee, Ginger?” she heard Adorsa ask.

  “Yeah sure, that’ll be nice,” Ginger mumbled in reply.

  She hadn’t bothered to check a mirror or wash her face when she opened the door. Totally forgetting Mark was here. He sat on a stool by the kitchen counter drinking coffee and eating scrambled eggs with a fork.

  The smell of bacon hit her. Someone had a goodnight to cause Adorsa to cook. Gretchen was in the sofa, feet kicked up in living room on table. Book in hand and not a care in the world. If only, thought Ginger.

  Ginger ran her hand through her hair and Adorsa looked up from filling a mug with steaming hot coffee. She handed it to Ginger and responds, “Don’t worry. It’s only Mark, no need to be shy.”

  It took all of Ginger’s willpower to ignore the snide comment and took a sip of the hot beverage to calm herself. Something Ginger could not or didn’t feel like dealing with Adorsa’s humor. Days like today, why had she decided to move in with her? Sure Gretchen was a godsend. Who would have thought!

  Before Ginger could think on her decision, she received a plate of bacon and eggs from Mark with a sympathic smile. Ginger thanked him and went to the living room to enjoy the quiet that Gretchen seemed to be taking advantage of.

  Eating in silence as Ginger waited for Adorsa to get ready for work. While she showered, Ginger did busy work by doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen.

  It shinned from mopped floor, sprayed every surface with disinfected and the appliances were sanitized. She went to shower after Adorsa abandoned the bathroom. It had been a while since she went hiking, maybe she’ll see if Lupio is free. Sitting at her desk, Ginger got wrapped up with her new book concept.

  Chapter 13:

  About an hour later, Mark lightly knocked on her door. Once she opened the door Ginger hadn’t realized that Adorsa and Gretchen cleared out while she had been working. In the past, being alone with Mark would have been a recipe for instant attraction.

  Their chemistry was undeniable but ever since she met Lucas that had changed. It was probably too early to call it destiny or fate, but they just seemed to fit together.

  He complemented her. She felt intertwined with him like two halves of a whole finally coming together. Ginger smiled up at Mark and his talk frame filled the doorway. She took a step toward the living room to leave the comfort of her bedroom to the communal space.

  She no longer felt compelled to this man so why have him in her room. There was no need to confuse things or give the wrong impression. They sat and she didn’t beat around the bush. No point.

  “What did you see when you went through her memories,” Ginger asks.

  He huffs and states, “A lot. That woman has been through a ton of traumatic events. All I know is she has no parents. She is like Malcolm, made by powerful people with their own agendas without regard to human decency.”

  Shaking her hand, Ginger nodded and replies, “Do you know who made her? Was it Spider or another elder?”

  “I know who made it. It wasn’t Spider or any of the elders that I know of. It was a woman. She is a powerful mean spirited creature. She would kill us all without a second thought,” says Mark.

  “That’s encouraging!” states Ginger

  Mark answers, “Exactly what I was thinking.”

  “So this Alpha made Delia to seek revenge. When?” asked Ginger

  Mark smiled and responds, “Start from the beginning to problem solve. Gotcha! I see living with a family in law enforcement has improved your dedicative skills.”

  “Such as sweet talker Marky,” states Ginger.

  He rolled his eyes as they head to Creston Time Ristlo to speak to Aaron.

  Chapter 14:

  Like always when Ginger traveled through a portal, she could feel time opening and expanding to accommodate her magic. It was interesting to feel magic flowing through her and sense how it affected other aspects in the universe.

  And having Hannah’s blood flowing alongside Jensen’s made Ginger felt energetic. Yes Ginger was powerful, but never saw herself as a God. That was the major difference between her and those that tried to rule with force.

  Walking toward the glass doors as the sliding doors opened from the retina scan. The new system that Aaron implemented was impressive. There was a second desk alongside Felicia’s desk.

  Felicia Sayhria Silvers was the pixie- fairy running the reception area with ease and accuracy. Next to her was a name tag for Toby Queen. Toby could be short or tall, Ginger couldn’t tell with him sitting. She did know he had a set of pearly white teeth and dimples when he smiled.

  Toby had curly brown hair to his shoulders, a nice green button down that enhanced his chocolate brown eyes. He waved and Ginger instantly liked his warm and welcoming aura.

  Toby says, “Hi, welcome to Legacy. Sure you passed our new security system without trouble. I am sure you been here before. Felicia here is amazing. Oh, by the way I am Toby.”

  Ginger smiled, he looked older but by his friendly demeanor she couldn’t place his age based on that. He radiated magic so she assumed he must be a witch. Ginger was trying to avoid telepathic easy-dropping or other evasional information.

  “We’re here to see Aaron Darkholme,” Mark states.

  Toby looked worried he should make up an excuse or say he is busy. Felicia saved him by standing and informing Toby, she’ll escort them up there.

  Once out of Toby’s ear shoot. Felicia smile seems less tense as she states, “Toby is way too energetic for my tastes. I don’t know what Mr. Echolls has in mind with new staff. I am surprised Leo hasn’t killed any of the new recruits.”

  “That bad?!” Mark questions

  Felicia sighs and informs us, “Just so needy and eager to please. Like where are the slackers or pessimistic workers.”

  Mark chuckles and Ginger can’t help but laugh.

  “That’s for the Toby break. See you guys later,” Felicia walks away once they were outside his office.

  Chapter 15:

  Aaron looked tired as we sat across from him in his office. I had no idea all the changes and long hours were affecting him so much. Ginger wanted to give him a big hug but not now. Her phone vibrated.

  Probably Lupio checking about hiking, or Lucas to see if I had any plans for lunch. I’ll check once I leave here. Ignoring the text messages waiting in my jeans. Ginger looked at Mark, as he explained he needed all their files on Aiden Bretton.

  Wait, what? Ginger was curious about the rogue indigo helping Piper but was not the time for this. Maybe he was on to something that she just wasn’t seeing.

  Aaron looked unexpected at Ginger who nodded she was okay regardless of this change of course.

  “Okay, I’ll get this put through now. Give me a second,” Aaron states. He starts typing on his laptop and he looks up with a smile. Once finished, we walk back to the entrance to open a portal back to earth.

  Nikki Spaulding walks over with two files on Aiden. Wow, that was fast and efficient; the new system must be working really well.

  Nikki announces, “This should be useful. No light reading for you two. Always amazes me that Stacey entered the Academy but you haven’t. Maybe one day.”

  Ginger smiles as she grabs the folders and walks out with Mark by her side. Once they are back on earth, she looks at the texts from both Lucas and Lupio. Guadalupe and she are going to go night hiking tomorrow.

  Mark left with his file as Lucas came over with lunch. He made a tuna salad and fresh smoked tilapia
. They ate at the apartment since Ginger had cleaned earlier, and it was her home. Spending time today with Mark reminded her that he and she could still be friends.

  After lunch, Ginger and Lucas had a quick roll in the hay before he had to go back to work. The day ended with Ginger writing after visiting Stacey and Judy. She decided not to worry about Aiden into tomorrow. Getting lost in her writing was the best to spend the night.

  Chapter 16:

  Refreshed from a good night’s rest without worry or anxiety of impending doom, Ginger did her yoga after using the bathroom. Since she was going hiking tonight, there was no point in doing a strenuous workout.

  Ginger mostly stretched and put on a core workout before she had to start working on the file. Opening up the manila folder to see Aiden Bretton mean-mugging at her. The list of crimes started at 15 when sent to juvie for assault and battery.

  His list of crimes started to escalate from there. Stealing, breaking and entering to recently becoming Piper’s bidding. He was powerful and his known powers only worried Ginger at who else Piper hired.

  Luckily for Ginger that Adorsa and Gretchen change before any true damage could be done. She saw the consequences of powerful people on the wrong side. The dark entity could feed off all their insecurities or other negative emotions. What was worst is that this Alpha wants to destroy humanity.

  Maybe that was a bite drastic, but what Delia seemed to be hinting at. It looks like a Dr. Naomi Alverez suggested a transfer from juvie to a psychiatric faculty where Aiden’s behavior suddenly changed.

  Wait, he got caught stealing but can slow down time momentarily. Was someone able to make indigos? This thought scared Ginger profusely. Before all the implications could set in, she quickly dialed Mark to see if he might have discovered anything from this file.

  The news she found was terrifying.

  Chapter 17:

  Mark didn’t pick up. She left a voicemail, before sending a quick text message as well to try and reach him. Not bothering to wait, Ginger went to look at the old files she had on MaryAnne. If what MaryAnne wanted to create genetic abilities from scratch, this might be the way.

  Someone had taken MaryAnne’s theories and perfected them. This might be how Delia helped the Alpha. An army of indigos against Legacy and all it stood for. The perfect distraction while the Alpha tired to rule humanity.

  Today was not looking well, she heard someone knocking at the door. Could that be Mark already?

  She looked down at her phone before sending a quick text to Jensen to call her. Jensen and MaryAnne could help her piece together this mystery faster.

  Ginger answers the door to see a smirking Guadalupe. Lupio relays, “Got off early babygirl. Benefit of being the boss and Stephen wants to go out tonight so I came.. Oh, shit! What’s wrong?

  The misery painted on my face gave away the predicament I was in. Ginger took a moment to go over everything she knew and her possible discovery. The matching look of despair affirmed Ginger might not be so far off.

  Her phone lite up in her hand, the ringing and vibrating startled her. She saw the picture of Jensen Saunders and answered. She asked him to come to the apartment. Lupio waited before asking the game plan. Hope that MaryAnne had the solution to their hiccup.

  There was no way around this. MaryAnne needed to atone for all her crimes and this would be a great way to fix most of them. Help her stop the Alpha from killing Spider since he thinks he won’t be around for long.

  That must mean that Spider was in the way. The Alpha needed an army of indigos to control like Piper has, but that made no sense. Delia works for the Alpha and had tried to kill Piper. So Piper was also a variable in this master plan to rule the universe.

  Chapter 18:

  “What?” Ginger wondered.

  Lupio smiles and answers, “I love watching you work out a problem. I just stand back and wait for you to figure things out. Glad I am on your side.”

  That little vote of confidence made Ginger laugh. She needed that to get through the waiting for Mark to call her back or Jensen to pop up. Before she could blink, Jensen and MaryAnne were in the living room beside Lupio.

  “You’re fast,” replies Lupio.

  Jensen looked at him before answering, “You sound worried so we came as soon as possible.”

  “I got to say it. This is weird as shit she is on our side now,” Lupio declares.

  Ginger could second that but didn’t voice her concern. She had to allow him to make this mistake if MaryAnne betrayed him. Sure Ginger saw how much MaryAnne loved Jensen, but that wasn’t enough for her. Trust was the most valuable thing a person could give.

  “I’m here, aren’t I,” snarled MaryAnne.

  True. Ginger had to give her credit. She did seem to be trying and Ginger wasn’t exactly welcoming.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I should try harder. Have a seat and lets discuss this,” Ginger responds.

  Guadalupe, MaryAnne, and Jensen sit around the kitchen counter on stools. Ginger stands as she goes over the file and her theory. Ginger watches MaryAnne’s reaction when Ginger states that PHD may have perfected a serum to duplicate indigo’s abilities.

  This was her pet project that might have cost her parents their lives. Doctors was involved from all over the world to help make this possible. Someone in PHD had finished what she started when unable to give Feltus unlimited powers once he was cloned.

  “We have to go in there and get answers,” demanded MaryAnne

  Both Jensen and Lupio looked skeptical.

  “I have a better idea,” Ginger states.

  Chapter 19:

  Something that Ginger had kept to herself, that she knew the identity of the presidents of PHD. A set of twins, Jesse and Nora Flowers live in Glendale. She had her friend Aung Blackwood look into them. He gathered intel and she had their home address.

  The names didn’t ring any bells for MaryAnne. That was strange, but not so unusual under the circumstances. If wanted to keep things secret then not letting others know their identities was key.

  Lupio and Ginger turned invisible watching outside their house on a sunny day. Both were lounging around the pool, but that isn’t what she found strange. Neither gave off brain waves or a static wall like vampires. It was as if they simply didn’t exist at all.

  She looked at Lupio and communicated mentally to try and inhabit one of their bodies if he could. Nope, she couldn’t feel the affects of his powers and knew these two were different. It was time to leave if immune to their abilities.

  Back at the apartment, they told them what happened. The twins were soulless ghouls that could not be read telepathically or other psychic connections. That didn’t sit well with any of them, when Lupio’s phone went off.

  Apparently it was Kurtis Delmare, the guy he hired recently. The carpenter he hired was a great asset to the company. Kurtis was a pixie-nome that also became Lupio’s accountant. He was as a good as Frost. Speaking of whom, she hadn’t talked to in a while.

  Time had separated the bestfriends. Lupio had to go. He had a client come in with a big order. He seemed happy as he left. Before Ginger could call Frost, MaryAnne had another idea. Ginger and she could go confront Travis Hauser, the VP of PHD.

  Travis was easy to intimidate and Ginger could do it alone, but was trying to give MaryAnne the opportunity to change. If Jensen loved her, then as his blood daughter, ginger can try harder.

  They went to Silicon Valley to the huge mansion that Travis purchased recently.

  “I’ll be happy to interrogate him, if you don’t mind,” asked MaryAnne.

  Ginger smiled and answers, “Not at all. Lead the way.”

  Chapter 20:

  Travis answered the door when MaryAnne pounded on it like she was the police. Before he could respond, Ginger pushed the warlock inside to prevent him from running. Before he could turn and ran, MaryAnne stood there smirking with her arms crossed.

  “We can do this the easy way. Well, it is all my way so it’ll be
easy for me,” MaryAnne states.

  Her tone sent a chill down my spine. I see why Shalice Kincaid had to hide from this woman. Being on her bad side could mean a lifetime of fear and coercion. Now I understood the phrase keep your enemies close because this woman gave me the he-be-g-bees.

  Travis looked caught between trying to lie his way out or just surround, either way he had few options at this point.

  “Lets make this easy on both of us,” MaryAnne grins as she repeats his only option.

  Ginger says, “I’d listen to her if I were you.”

  “Not like you giving me any other choice,” Travis spits out.

  MaryAnne laughs and states, “We all have choices Travis. I told you this the day I hired you. So don’t give me that bull because she’s here. Her presence won’t save you from my wrath.”