“Allie, I’m not that far ahead of you, so what I can do might not be as flashy as some of these other guys, but if I can borrow your phone, I’ll show you my best.” He set his phone beside hers.
She watched as Graham closed his eyes in careful concentration, touching an index finger to each flickering screen.
“Done,” he announced a moment later.
“What’d you do?”
“I reprogrammed your operating system to be less stupid, and I shared pictures, ringtones, apps and games. I also made your line untraceable and I um, upgraded your internet speed, increased your data plan, and gave you a supply of free downloads,” he added in a rush.
“Graham Xavier Loukas! I’ve warned you about stealing!” Daniel growled.
“Just for the show, Dad, won’t happen again.”
“How does it work?” Allie asked.
“I can communicate with just about any electronic device. I just sorta ask and they comply.” He shrugged. “I’ll hook you up with some special apps—”
“Graham!”
“Free apps, Dad!” He rolled his eyes, but Allie’s phone blinked silently with a new message.
Graham: I’ll come over soon and overhaul your gadgets.
It took her a moment to realize he’d sent the text without typing it. He also somehow managed to do it on silent.
“Graham! That’s totally flashy! You’re just a few months ahead of me and you’ve made so much progress.”
“Well, that’s all I’ve got right now.”
“Don’t let the little guy fool you. He could build you a GPS with a toothpick, a pen, and a shoestring,” Quinn said.
“Well, I’ve always loved playing around with things; taking them apart to see how they work and putting them back together. It might be turning into something more, just not sure what that is yet.”
“Aw! You’re our very own little tech geek.” Allie enjoyed teasing him.
“Did you just call me ‘little,’ and ‘geek’ in the same sentence?”
“And handsome,” she added with a smirk.
“That’s better.”
“I’m actually starting to worry. I haven’t noticed anything yet.”
“Sweetheart, your power is still manifesting,” Ming Lao said. “It could be several more weeks before anything surfaces.”
“It happens slowly, Allie. I’m really not that far ahead of you,” Graham said. “Sasha, on the other hand, is much more advanced.”
“Alright Sash, it’s about time you showed me what you can do.”
“My gifts are a bit flashier than Graham’s, but not nearly as useful.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ll start with the latest.” She closed her eyes and tilted her head back in concentration. Everyone waited expectantly until an odd humidity swept across the deck, instantly chased away by a blustery cold wind. Sasha laughed and the wind died just as suddenly as it arose.
“That was you?” Allie gaped. She wondered what kind of power it took to manipulate the weather.
“Yeah, I don’t really know what that’s all about yet, especially the temperature thing, but it’s a good party trick.”
“Don’t be modest.”
“It’s interesting to see how her gift resembles her father’s,” Jin said. It really was amazing how much she took after her adoptive father in that way.
“You’re going to love this next one!” The sparkle returned to Sasha’s eyes.
Allie watched intently, waiting for something spectacular to happen. She was utterly unprepared for the curious raccoon that scrambled onto Sasha’s lap and stared at her in total adoration.
“Hey there, little guy. He’s curious about the marshmallows. Give him one. I’ve told him you can be trusted as long as he doesn’t bite you.”
Graham carefully held his hand out to the raccoon.
“Aw, he really likes them.” She laughed as he gobbled up the first marshmallow and snatched another. “He wants to take some back to his den mates.”
“Sasha? You’re talking to him?” Allie asked in awe.
“I can see their emotions and desires as images in my mind and they seem to understand me in a similar way. He’s young but tenacious. I think I’ll call him Mallow. He’ll come see us next time we’re here.” Her smile was exuberant as her new friend clambered off to join his den mates in the forest.
“Allie, it’s like this gift defines me,” she said passionately. “And I’ve recently learned I can heal animals the way Aidan heals humans.”
“Yeah, but she’s much better at it,” Aidan said.
“My patients aren’t nearly as complex.”
“My big sister is extremely talented. She can sense a target so strongly, she never misses and she’s wicked strong. Unfortunately for her, she gets stuck in my shadow. If it weren’t for me, she would be the shining star of this group.”
“Little brother.” Sasha rolled her eyes. “You know that’s never been an issue. But enough about me. It’s Aidan’s turn.”
“I already know what he can do,” Allie said.
“Now wait a second, Red. I might still have a few tricks up my sleeve. Pass me your drink. This is something I’ve been working on for months and I’m finally making progress.”
She handed him her bottle and watched as he held it briefly before returning it to her.
“Whoa! That’s ice cold!”
“One more time?”
This time, her drink was scalding hot when he returned it.
“That’s a useful little trick,” Allie said. “Hey! That’s how my coffee’s always piping hot!” She smacked him on the shoulder, again much too hard, and his chair flipped over.
“And we’re at four. Alexis Ann, I think we’re in an abusive relationship,” he groaned.
“I’m so sorry! It is getting a little ridiculous, isn’t it?”
“When we start sparring, I will get my revenge.”
“Give her a few weeks and I bet she’ll wipe the floor with you,” Quinn said.
“So, what else can you do?” she asked. All this talk of fighting made her nervous.
With a wicked grin, Aidan sat back and the fire raged into a tall pillar, making everyone jump in surprise before it snuffed out completely.
“I learned that about an hour too late.” He scowled, as the fire came back with an innocent flicker. “And I’ve hurt enough people with it.”
“Mom healed and Kayla is making a full recovery,” Sasha said softly.
“What happened to Naeemah?” Allie asked.
“Oh, I set my mother on fire,” Aidan said dryly.
“It was an accident right when the gift first surfaced,” Sasha explained.
“It shouldn’t have happened,” Aidan insisted.
“Aidan, you are young, and far too hard on yourself,” Jin said.
“He’s almost as good a shot as Sasha.” Quinn rushed to change the sensitive subject. “And he’s the only one who’s stronger than she is, although I’m a little scared of you now that you’ve knocked him on his ass twice.”
“Don’t forget the crushed hand and she shoved me off her tower.” He beamed proudly. “But, I think it’s time Quinn shows us what he’s got. He’s the oldest and most advanced.”
Allie watched her friends join hands and she was about to ask why, when they all disappeared.
She stared blankly at their empty seats, not sure if she was seeing what she thought she was seeing.
“Nice vanishing act.” She nearly jumped out of her skin when they reappeared.
“I just made you think you couldn’t see us, and it took my whole concentration just to dupe you for a few seconds.” He sounded impressed. “And I’m not so sure you bought it, which is crazy considering Aidan is the only one who can see through my gift.”
“How does it work?”
“Your eyes see me, but they just don’t tell your brain I’m here.”
“So how did you make everyone disappear?”
“If we create a circui
t, I can extend my ability to include others.”
“Another diminished shining star,” Aidan muttered.
“No one cares about that shit but you,” Quinn said.
“Allie, some of us possess gifts we’d rather not. You should know how dangerous I could be if I lost control. I can influence mortals—and some Immortals—in a way that leaves them in a mindless stupor. They’ll follow my instructions. No matter what. But I can take it even further, to the point of death through mere thought. I have to maintain constant, perfect control of my thoughts. It’s like holding back a dam that’s about to burst, every single day of my life. School is exhausting.”
“Quinn, I had no idea you carried such a heavy burden.”
“I’ve struggled with my ‘gifts,’ which manifest in such evil ways, while I watch my friends heal and create wonderful things with their emerging talents.”
“The only way your abilities could ever be evil is if you used them maliciously and I’m sorry, but you don’t have it in you,” Allie said.
“Yeah, Quinn, no one cares about that shit but you.” Aidan shot back.
“Thanks, guys,” he said. “I do have one new gift that’s really cool. Come with me.” Quinn vaulted over the railing to the yard below.
“Why use stairs when you can leap around like a lunatic?” Allie shrugged and followed his lead. She watched as Quinn placed his hand flat on the ground and the earth churned until chunks of rock rose to the surface.
“This one’s magnesium, and this one’s iron.”
“How did you find them?” she asked.
“I called all the loose particles together.”
She arched her brow. “Any gold down there?”
“No.” He laughed as they returned to their seats. “Not too much gold in this area. I tried. As a kid, I was always good at science, but I’ve struggled with this gift for years. I’m only just beginning to understand it, although I can’t see how it could ever be useful.”
“This time in your lives is crucial,” Jin said. “Your training is the most important thing any of you will do for a very long time, no matter what gifts you possess or how useful they may or may not be.”
Allie let her mind wander as she regarded her talented friends and noticed Chloe seemed a million miles away.
“What about you, Chlo? I know you aren’t manifested yet, but you train just as hard as the rest of us.”
“Thanks, Allie.”
“Actually, we’re very anxious to see what the future holds for Chloe,” Jin said. “She’s an anomaly as a second generation natural born on both sides. She could inherit characteristics from Ming and I, as well as her grandparents.”
“We’re working with her to pinpoint anything that might be a potential gift,” Daniel added.
Allie could tell by her timid little smile that Chloe was thrilled to be included.
“Over the past several weeks I’ve started remembering things in sharp detail, almost like eidetic memory. It could manifest as hyperthymesia, like my Scholarly grandfather. The latest possibility is a little more impressive. I’m starting to sense things around people who have an important decision to make. It’s very subtle, but it’s almost as if I can see which path they should choose. Like Dad with his probabilities.”
“Wow, Chlo, I had no idea,” Sasha said. “You’re going to be so awesome!”
“Thanks! But it terrifies me that I might be a Scholar.”
“Why?” Allie asked. She’d learned enough about them to know they were greatly respected.
“If Chloe does manifest as a Scholar, she will need mentors who can teach her their ways,” Daniel said sadly. “She would need to go live with her grandparents in Vancouver.”
“No!” Allie felt tears spring to her eyes at the thought of her friend leaving.
“I would be proud to be a Scholar, but I would miss you all so much. The idea that I would drift away from my family scares me more than anything.”
“I can relate to that,” Allie said. “But I really don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“It is a very real possibility, I’m afraid,” Ming said.
“Chloe, you’re already figuring out your gifts,” Allie insisted.
“My memory—I retain so much already, just like my grandfather.”
“Yes, but you can see the path of least resistance, and that’s so much like your dad.”
“The path of least resistance?” Jin mused. “What made you choose those words?”
“I dunno.” She shrugged. “Chlo, couldn’t you be both?”
“I don’t know if that’s possible.”
“Listen, I know the waiting must be terrifying, but you’re not leaving us.”
“You seem so certain,” Daniel said. “Sounds like some kind of Clairvoyant instinct guiding you.”
“You know that crap freaks me out, Daniel.” Allie attempted to hide her discomfort behind her humor.
“You guys are all so amazing,” she said. “You remind me of Eiselynn and Ían’s story and the prophecy about the new generation of Immortals ‘with the strength of their ancestors.’”
“I am reminded of that story every day as I watch you all learn and evolve,” Jin said. “You are isolated here, but I truly believe you are the best and brightest of your generation and it’s a pleasure to teach you.”
“Alright, it’s getting late,” Ming announced. “I know you’re all chomping at the bit to run amok. Just try not to destroy the island.”
“Sorry, Chlo!” Graham vaulted over the railing after his brother.
“Chloe…” Allie trailed off uncertainly, watching Sasha’s graceful handstand just before she turned into a dive off the deck.
“It’s okay. I’ll join you guys someday soon. Right now, I’ll just hold you back.”
Allie ran after Sasha who was climbing like a jungle cat up the rocky path. “Race ya!” She took off, chasing after Graham who was a blur in the distance.
Allie followed but soon found herself alone in the forest, the sounds of her friends fading.
“What are you waiting for, Lex?” Aidan grabbed her from behind.
“Stop!” She wiggled from his grasp.
“Come on.” He grasped her hand, and they were running again.
“What’re we doing?”
“Tracking the others. Shhh, listen. Quinn’s not far. He’s with Sasha. I just can’t tell which direction.”
“What happens if we catch them?”
“We beat the crap out of them.” He grinned wickedly, as if he couldn’t wait.
“So they’re ‘tracking’ us too?” she asked in amusement
“Yeah.”
“So we’re playing hide and seek?”
“No! Well, maybe, but it’s awesome!” He took her hand and they were off again.
“Wait! They’re back the other way.” She stopped.
“How can you tell?” He tugged her down into a crouch.
“Sasha’s scent is stronger back there.”
“Really? You can tell that already?”
“Yeah, let’s go.” She grabbed his warm hand, following the subtle jasmine and freesia scent that was Sasha.
“Be careful, she has ears like a bat.”
Allie struggled to move swiftly and quietly, but she knew they were getting close.
“What’s that? Shit! RUN!” A mass of black winged creatures exploded onto the path and Allie stumbled. The bats flew all around them as Aidan pulled her to the ground where they hunched together.
“I’m going to kill her!”
They could hear Sasha’s peel of laughter nearby.
“She’s so dead!” Allie grinned, getting to her feet.
Aidan laughed as they headed into the night.
~~~
“That was amazing!” Allie searched through the tree for her missing boot.
“Best night ever.” Aidan brushed leaves from his hair.
“Sun’s coming up.” Quinn nursed the last of a bloody nose.
“I’m starving!” Graham winced as he got to his feet.
“Cheers to that!” Allie jumped back to the ground, both boots securely on her feet and her hair a tangled mass of knots and leaves. She wiped at the dried blood on her face from a nasty cut that was almost healed.
“How am I going to explain the singed jacket mom just bought me?” Sasha glared at her brother.
“It was an accident!” Aidan insisted.
“Can’t we do this every weekend?” Allie asked as she and her friends watched the sun come up from their cliff-side view over the water.
“Unfortunately, we don’t get to play often.” Aidan draped his arm around her as they headed back toward the cabin.
“Will they freak when they see us?” She took in their rumpled blood stained clothes and various half-healed injuries.
“Oh, they expect it,” Quinn said.
“Seriously, guys, that thing Sasha did was—”
“Shhh!” everyone hissed as they approached the cabin.
“I’m just saying—”
“Dude, you’ve seriously got to stop forgetting they can hear you!” Graham rolled his eyes.
~~~
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
“You’re adjusting so well,” Emma said. They’d spent all afternoon in self-defense training and Allie was hoping for a quick escape, but that didn’t seem likely. “I’m sure by now you realize your training will be the focus of your life for a very long time.”
“Never ending, you mean?” It was Friday afternoon, and Allie was desperate for a normal night out with her friends. There was a football game later, and she would just barely make it at the rate they were going.
“I know it’s frustrating, but you are working toward a goal. It’s time you understood that goal. There will come a day when you will reach another important milestone, and you must be ready for it. The Proving is a continuation of your Awakening—an even more difficult rite of passage. When you achieve your Proving, you will be deemed a fully trained adult. It can happen at any age, but it occurs most often after the first century of life.
“I’m guessing this is no written exam?” Allie asked dryly.
“No,” she sighed. “It can be rather violent, but you have a lifetime to prepare. You need guidance, Allie. Someone to take a special interest in your training. It would be my honor to be your mentor, if you’ll have me?”
Immortals of Indriell- The Collection Page 15