Embracing the Flames (19 page)

It was something I was not willing to let go of. Not since Astral had strictly forbid it. Astral had hidden things from me and in return, we were slammed with a mess. This was another one of the things he wanted to hide. He was set on me leaving the prophecy alone. Why? 

I was beginning to think that maybe they had given up on me when Zane finally spoke. “Soothe isn’t in this realm.” 

“That’s beside the point. What if the answer lies with the missing piece? We still don’t know all of it.” I looked over at Fenn, waiting for it to sink in.

“Missing piece?” I heard almost everyone question quietly.

“The prophecy.” Fenn gasped.

“Soothe has the missing piece. We need him in order to move forward.”

“But Astral said to stay away from that thought,” Zane said.

“Wait, you’re not thinking about going back to the other realm are you?” asked Myrdinn, his tone disapproving.

“That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” I responded, trying to keep my aggravation under control.

He chuckled darkly, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he spoke in a low voice, “especially the part about bringing Soothe back. He doesn’t want to come back, Aurora.”

I sucked my teeth and folded my arms across my chest. “Seriously?”

He must have been serious because he started pacing the rug in front of the fire. Two steps forward, turn, two steps back, repeat.

“Will you stop?” Lexi told him, miffed. “Seriously. You’re going to wear out the rug.” He ignored her. “Why are you so stubborn?” she added icily.

He stopped mid-pace to glare at her. “Don’t talk to me about stubborn, young lady,” he retorted before continuing his pacing.

“Honestly, Aurora,” Gabe interjected. “Let me talk to Eve. She may have a better idea about how to get what we need from Soothe.” His eyes were such a pure green, coaxing me to trust in him. How could I not? He was my mentor’s most trusted friend. I tried to avoid the pang of remembrance that came with that thought.

“That sounds like a great idea,” I agreed with a grin. “Let’s go ask her.” I took a step in his direction, but Lexi’s sarcastic laugh drew me away from my pursuit.

Her gaze went flat as she threw Gabe a challenging glance. He seemed lost. “Yeah, well, I’m going back to my room. You guys have fun trying to talk to her.” She stood from her seat and left without a second glance.

Fenn pulled me down to his lap while Zane took a seat across from us, staring dubiously into the fire. With Lexi gone, the room filled with an awkward silence.

After a long moment, Myrdinn stopped pacing and plopped into a seat near Zane, once again pinching the bridge of his nose. He scooted forward, apparently struggling with what he wanted to say. “Aurora,” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “Eve’s very ill.”

“What do you mean, ‘very ill’? Is she alright? I mean honestly, if she’s so ill, then why are we even out here talking? Shouldn’t we be attending to her?” I paused. “Why can’t I see her?” Anger and annoyance started to brew, but I knew those feelings were on the surface. I was really battling with the deeply-rooted issue of why she was dodging me. Was it because of Fenn? Because of our relationship? Did she think I wasn’t good enough for him?

Gabe sighed heavily, crouching down next to us. “She’s highly contagious and is quarantined to her room. She’ll be better in a few days. I’ll find out if maybe she could inform you tonight with her suggestions.”

I placed my hand on his arm, warming to him. “I appreciate your consideration, Gabe.”

He smiled reassuringly and stood, heading for the front door.

“I’ll be in my room,” Myrdinn said dolefully, trudging back down the hall. I watched him go, staring blanking at him.

I looked at Fenn and knew he was thinking what I was thinking. “A bunch of bologna,” we both said in unison.

“Bologna?” asked Zane, bemused.

Fenn chuckled.

“It’s a meat in the other realm made out of all the animal parts you wouldn’t want in your mouth,” I explained, trying not to gag at the memory.

“It’s not that bad,” Fenn laughed, shaking his head.

Zane’s face scrunched. “Why would you even create something like that?”

“Long story, I’m sure,” I replied dryly, standing up. Both Fenn and Zane stood when I did. I felt my face flush. “I guess all we can do now is wait,” I said quickly. They continued to stare at me, waiting. “Gabe better have an answer tonight,” I continued, trying to sound composed. “We don’t have time to sit around and wait, and I’m not partial to taking the reins myself.”

“What else could we possibly do, Rory? We don’t even know how to get back to the other side,” Fenn pointed out.

“Not true,” Zane clarified with a knowing smile. “I’ve crossed over twice.”

“For evil, murderous purposes. Mwhahaha…” I mimicked in my evil voice. They both shook their heads. “But thank heaven,” I added seriously, “because at least if we do need to cross on our own, we’ll know how to get back.” I winked at him, grateful for the death warrant that had originally led him to the other realm.

“Let’s plan on meeting around midnight in Rory’s room after Gabe tells us what my mother has to say,” Fenn suggested.

“Sounds like a great idea,” Zane agreed. He stood and regally bowed, turned, and then disappeared behind the high-backed chair.

“Want to come with me to check on Lexi?” I asked Fenn. I stood up and lent him a hand. He went slack, playfully acting as dead weight.

A laugh ripped out of me as I realized what he was doing. Then I locked a better grip with his hand and picked him up as if he were a mere child. “Dragon strength, loser.”

“Psh, whatever,” he laughed off to the side. Throwing an arm over my shoulder, he pulled me into him as we headed down the hall. Lord knows what we would find. Honestly, I just needed to kill time until tonight. Any distraction was welcome to keep me from thinking about why Eve had been avoiding me.

Chapter 14

The Midnight Trip

THE VISIT WITH LEXI DIDN’T last long because our conversation quickly went from talking about how Brohm was actually pretty funny into discussing how Logan was going to tag along when we crossed over so he could go home.

“I guess it’s time I’m honest with you then,” Lexi said, her mood turning somber.

“You think I didn’t know?” Logan asked, his Morbit picking through his hair. He was clearly annoyed by the fact that she spoke about Brohm in front of him.

“Know?” she asked innocently. I leaned into Fenn, wondering if we should sneak out to give them privacy.

“You have feelings for that guy you went out with. I’ve known ever since you came back that night. And you know what? I’m totally fine with it. It wouldn’t have worked any way.” He swatted at his Morbit to stop him from picking, his face fixed into a permanent scowl.

Lexi placed her hands on her hips. “And why wouldn’t it have worked?”

“Lexi, come on,” Fenn started in, but I grabbed his hand to stop him.

“We all know I don’t belong here. I don’t want to be here. I miss television and cigarettes,” Logan said with a huff.

It took Lexi a moment before she spoke. The silence felt like it dragged on forever. Why was this so hard for her? It was clear that she was over Logan long ago.

“Fine,” Lexi finally said, her voice quiet. “Get out of my room, please.”

Fenn walked Logan outside so I could curl up with Lexi in her bed. “Lexi, you knew this day would come,” I eased.

“I know. But he acts like it doesn’t even bother him.”

“What do you want him to do? Cry? That wouldn’t be very fair.”

She sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. “You’re right,” was all she said.

I waited a moment and then added, “This is a good thing. The person you were promised to, turned out to be a really good guy. You have to look at it like that.”

She looked over at me and gave a half smile. “Yeah. I’m just being emotional, I guess.” We both laughed. “I guess I should go apologize to him for freaking out.”

I followed her out of her room and walked into the living room where we found Logan and Fenn talking about a show that used to be on when we were younger. I didn’t have to say anything for Fenn to catch on that Lexi and Logan needed time alone.

I headed back to my room where Fenn and I cuddled, waiting for my dad to show back up. We spent hours talking about everything, watching the moon slowly rise to the center of the sky. I taught Fenn what Astral had shown me about harnessing our energy. We both practiced calming ourselves. My energy outlasted his, surprisingly.

Myrdinn finally knocked at the door, sending a jolt of adrenaline throughout me. “I hope he has good news,” I said to Fenn who was already heading for my door.

“Me too,” he agreed, opening the door for me.

“So?” I asked as everyone sat together again around the fire. Everyone minus Eve, of course.

“Just hear me out, Aurora, before you jump to conclusions,” Gabe began.
Great way to start
off, I thought as I rolled my eyes. I caught my dad’s face, eyeballing me in the midst of my huff.

“I’m listening,” I said brusquely.
There’s always plan B
, I thought smugly.

Gabe’s face was already apprehensive. “Eve doesn’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to cross over right now.” He approached the topic lightly, and I felt that he was easing into the real message Eve sent. “Every time you cross, the barrier grows weaker, and Soothe is insane by now, driven mad from the silence inside his head. I’m sure he doesn’t remember the missing piece. All of the damage that could happen far outweighs any good that might result. Eve said that if you give her some time, she will come up with another way.” His jaw tightened as he waited.

I frowned. “But there is no other way, Gabe, we all know that. The rules are the rules. No other can hear a prophecy that is given to a Seer. And with Astral gone, there’s no hope,” I insisted, willing with all my might for Gabe and my dad to agree with me.

Myrdinn shifted, taking over the argument for Gabe. “Aurora, I understand what you’re saying, and it really is a good idea,” he stalled, “but we are still the ones left in charge, and that means you must do as we say,” he finished, totally killing the hope brewing inside me.

My face drained. “Oh come on,” I bit off.

“Myrdinn, I understand your concern for her well being, but you have to be practical. With that missing piece, we could potentially put ourselves a step ahead of my father. And right now, we kind of need that,” Zane said in my defense, a glimmer of a smile peeking at the edges of his mouth.

“Gabe can go with us,” Fenn added, making our attempts seem desperate. “We could get there, grab Soothe, and be back before you know it.”

Gabe’s eyes narrowed on Fenn. “I
can’t
go to that side, Fenn. I’m bound by Zordon. He would know the minute I left this realm. It’s better that you all stay here and wait for Eve’s plan. She is a Seer, after all.”

I stood, pacing in front of the fire, then stopped and looked at Fenn. A spark of mischievousness flared in his eyes. I let a tiny smile slip in return and then re-furrowed my brows. I stomped over to my seat, trying not to overdo it, and plopped down.

“Fine,” I huffed, playing into the tantrum gig. “We’ll wait for Eve.”

My dad squinted at me, and then he asked, “So you’ll wait it out and continue your training?” He seemed unsure of himself.

I exhaled sharply, looking away as I answered. “Yes. I need to read up on a few things anyway.”

He stared at me in profound relief and let out a huge breath.

“Great, then it is settled,” Gabe declared. “Eve will be glad to hear this.”

“I’m sure she will,” I muttered under my breath, biting my lip to hide my smile.

“I must get back to her. Your mother sends her love,” he said to Fenn. “Please make sure Lexi knows that.”

“She’s going through a rough time right now. She could use her mother,” I added, emphasizing the need for Eve to be around.

Gabe winced, his back turned to us, before disappearing through a portal.

“So, tomorrow then,” Myrdinn began, “we’ll sit down and try to come up with a better plan.” He stood, indicating that it was time for bed.

“Really?” I tried to sound surprised.

“Really,” he answered with a chuckle. “Your willingness to compromise was impressive. I’m proud to call you my daughter.” His hand pressed against my shoulder as we walked down the hall towards our rooms. I felt a pang of guilt for deceiving him.

“I’ve got to grow up at some point,” I replied half-heartedly.

We stopped outside of my bedroom. He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “Goodnight, Little Flame.”

“Night,” I said, my eyes closed tight.

I sighed with my back to the door. “It’s for the greater good,” I convinced myself.

I put the vials back around my neck and went over to my dresser, grabbing what I thought I would need. My  Oraculus was hidden in the middle drawer between my pajamas. I quickly shoved it into a bag and glanced around. Anything else I would need could be conjured.

Something caught the corner of my eye. On top of my dresser, the flames from a candle flickered against a round object. I walked over to it and picked it up.

It was the port key from the night of my return to this realm. My face twisted in puzzlement as I turned to orb in my hand, looking over the symbols. It had gone back to the Hall...so how is it on my dresser?

I threw it into my bag with the odd feeling that someone was watching. Someone that I knew but had never seen.

As I zipped up the bag, I tried to zip away the guilt of tricking both my father and Gabe. I had to make the harder choices. Astral was no longer here, and any chance of finding him had to lie with Soothe.

Around midnight, Fenn, Zane, Lexi, and Logan crept into my room, bags slung over their shoulders.

“So we’re really doing this?” Fenn asked, giving me the chance to back out.

“I think it’s for the best,” I replied firmly, searching Zane and Lexi’s faces.

“Okay then, let’s go,” said Zane, opening the portal to return to the cave. I hadn’t been back to the other realm since my return home. A conflict of emotions played around my decision. I had worked so hard to get here, back to my true home. Now I was leaving again without any idea of what the future would hold.

“Rory, you comin’?” Fenn questioned, searching my eyes for a final answer. I smiled and grabbed his hand, jumping in right after him.

We landed on the damp cavern floor. The mist from the waterfall rolled in around us, bedewing our hair with tiny droplets of water. Zane was already searching for something amongst the crystals that radiated in the moonlight.

“Logan, are you sure this is what you want?” Lexi asked, a somber expression shadowing her tone.

“Look, Lexi, I really like you and all, but I have a life, and it doesn’t include
this
.” He grabbed the Morbit off his shoulder and held it out as if it were rabid.

“Just checking.” She turned away from him, and headed towards the back of the cave.

I leaned into Fenn and whispered, “What’s going to happen to the Morbit?”

He shrugged, struggling to adjust the straps on his backpack. “Not sure,” he said, disinterested. “There are bigger things to worry about.” I smacked his hand away and adjusted the straps for him.

“Found it!” Zane shouted from behind a crystal near the back of the cave. He ported over to us and conveniently landed inches away from my face. Fenn threw his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into him and away from Zane’s face.

Zane smirked.

“This here is what I used when I first came over to find you,” he said. In his hand he held a dented-in bronzed ball the size of a golf ball.

“What is it?” Fenn and I both chimed in unison, leaning in to get a better look.

“It’s a Tracer,” he said matter-of-factly. “You put an item of the person you are trying to find into it and then slam it onto the ground and it explodes, ripping a tincture into the air that you can weave a portal through. It will take you directly to the person you’re looking for.”

“Two questions,” I said, “One, what of mine did you possess? And two, I thought you had to use the port keys to open a port to the other realm.” Lexi walked up and stood behind me.

“No, Rory, remember how I told you that you needed port keys on the other side since it was a non-magical realm?” She waited, her eyes rose in question. I quickly nodded. “And remember how I told you that it would take strong magic on our side to cross over?” I nodded again. “This is the strong magic I was talking about,” she said plainly. “I didn’t want to explain it then because you already had enough to digest.” Her gaze remained empty.

“Point taken.” I smiled half-heartedly and then turned to Zane who had cleared his throat.

“Before she,” he gestured to Lexi, “interrupted me, here’s the answer to your first question. I’m not sure what was in the Tracer. The only thing my father told me when he gave it to me was to use it here, in this cave.”

My stomach twisted in knots. Where would Zordon have gotten something of mine? I didn’t want to think about it.

“Wait,” Fenn said, his face paling, “we need something of Soothe’s in order to return to the other side?” The edge in his tone twisted the knots in my stomach even tighter.

“If that’s where you want the port to take you,” Zane answered smoothly.

“But I don’t have anything of his,” I admitted, my tone vacant. I started fidgeting nervously. I was beginning to feel like a huge let-down. I should have been taking charge. I should have had all of this worked out.

“I do,” Lexi spoke up from behind me. I let out a huge sigh of relief. “That first day when we met, when he ported out of his apartment, I went down to poke around while you were in the shower,” she recounted evenly.

I remembered that day, finding all those pictures of my childhood plastered on his walls. Every moment that I thought was my own, stolen and pried open. I felt so disgusted and invaded, I needed to take some time to absorb everything that was spiraling out of control around me.

“That’s right. I remember you telling me you had gone through his place.”

“Right,” she replied, nodding her head, “well, when I was in his room, I found this.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a photo.