Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) (8 page)

Chapter 9

It was two days before Summer's eighteenth birthday.  Between the time they found the writing and now, not much had gotten done. The school had been on lockdown. No one could leave and no one was allowed in.

And of course the one getting the most attention was once again, Summer. This time not all of it was positive or even politely curious. The whispers around the halls were the she had brought all of this into the castle. Basically the blame was being put on her and she hated it.

However, none of the trash talking could trump what she had seen. The mutilated body in the corner of the classroom with its cold eyes staring at her was enough give her nightmares for the rest of her life.

Tracy came into the room, followed by Ash. They sat on opposite sides of Summer and watched her like she was some fragile piece of glass about to break.

“No clues were found in the classroom,” said Tracy.

Summer looked over at her. “Why are there classrooms here? isn't this is just a training camp?”

“We used to teach English, some history, and let students finish out high school here,” answered Ash. “They would study and get their GED.”

“Why English?”

“We used to have wielders from all over the world come here. Some countries more than others.”

Summer furrowed her brow. “There are wielders that aren't trained?”

Tracy leaned forward. “There are wielders who are killed for what they're born with. People call them witches.”

Summer bit the corner of her lip. “So what happened to all of them?”

“The magic dwindled and so did the students,” said Ash. “They just stopped coming but, there are training places in other countries. Australia, London, China, and Germany have big ones.”

Summer's eyes grew big. “Crazy,” she whispered. “I didn't even think about that.” She leaned back against the headboard and looked over at the phoenix. “Why is this happening?”

“What?” asked Tracy. “All of it? None of us have a clue. The council is vague. We just know the balance of magic is thrown off and it's going to take some miracle to fix it.”

There was a knock at the large door that startled everyone. Tracy stood up and walked over to it. She opened it a crack and peered through.

“Jasper?” she asked.

“Yes. We need your help.”

Tracy walked out and shut the door behind her. The silence that followed made Summer uncomfortable. She somewhat trusted Tracy but, still wasn't sure about the others; especially Ash. He didn't say much and always seemed to be looking over his shoulder. What was he hiding?

“You can go,” said Summer.

Ash shook his head and folded his arms. “Orders are to watch you.”

“Just leave. I won't tell anyone.”

He stared at her for a brief moment before directing his gaze to the phoenix.

Summer tapped her fingers against the side of the bed. “Do you think that message was really for me?’

Ash frowned. “Maybe. We won't have a clue unless we catch the person who did it.”

“But if there's no evidence then that's impossible.”

“Yeah,” replied Ash. He turned his gaze back to her; his purple eyes looking mysteriously bright under his dark, curly hair.

Summer admired him for a brief second. If she didn't focus on his odd personality, then he really was a good looking guy. His muscular physique was subtle but there and his tan skin looked like a guy who spent all his time outdoors. He was tall too and despite being so angry she could see kindness in his eyes. That was the most important thing.

“What?” he asked.

Summer blushed and turned her head. “Nothing.” She peered back over in his direction. “Do you go home for the holidays.”

“No. Normally everyone stays here until their two years is up.”

“Oh. Do you miss your family?”

Ash looked slightly irritated. Summer was about to apologize when he surprised he by actually answering.

“I’m from Michigan. It's ridiculously cold there so I stay here. My mom and younger brother don't care.”

“I'm sorry they don't-”

“It's not like that,” he said, interrupting her. “They miss me but, want me to be where I'm happy.”

Summer raised her brow. “This is you happy?”

Ash offered her one of his rare smiles. “This is me being able to live my life without hiding who I am.”

She returned the smile. “Make sense. What about your dad? What does he think.”

Ash's eyes darkened. “He was lost on a mission trying to find the elf Prince. They found the Prince but, he got separated in the mountains from the elves. A bad storm came and he was gone.”

Summer reached across the bed and rested her hand on his arm. “I'm sorry. I know what it's like to lose a parent.”

Ash looked down and frowned. “I didn't know him that well so it doesn't matter."

“Alright,” she nodded, pulling her hand back. “So how much longer are you going to stay at this school?”

“What's with all the questions?”

Summer folded her arms. “Since you insist on hanging out with me then we might as well pass the time by talking.”

Ash looked up at the clock and grumbled. “I'm thinking about teaching here.”

“That's cool.”

“Most of us stay for two years,” said Ash. “When your two years is up where will you go?”

Summer opened her mouth and then closed it again. She hadn't really thought that far into the future. Her life had always consisted of her focusing on the present. Where was she going to sleep that night, what was she going to eat next, would the police find her, would today be the day the dark wielders caught her?

She shrugged. “I never really had a chance to think about it but, if I survive this school and become a good wielder then maybe I'll work for those elves. I'm not going back into the real world. I don't fit in.”

“The elves and I don't really get along,” said Ash. “And with the magic dwindling the entrances to their world is getting harder to find.”

The door lurched open and in stepped Tracy. Her eyes were distant and scared but, she seemed composed as she walked towards them.

“The boy was a light wielder. His name was Christian. I got to see his parents when they came down.”

Summer patted the bed next to her. Tracy walked towards them in a zombie-like state and sat down.

“This has never happened before,” whispered Tracy.

“What?” asked Summer.

“A death at the training facility,” answered Ash. “There was an accident a long time ago but, never a murder. What now?”

Tracy let out a long breath and began twisting one of her red and black braids. “Jasper wants us to keep quiet about this. He thinks all students will be pulled and this place shut down.”

“So we just pretend like nothing happened?” asked Summer.

Tracy nodded without looking at her. “Yes.”

Ash zipped up his sweatshirt and stormed out. Summer looked back and forth between the two of them and in a split second decided to chase after Ash.

She grabbed his wrist just outside of the dorm. “Wait.”

He froze. “What do you want?”

“Do you really think I might be the answer to all of this?”

He turned around, a dark storm brewing in his eyes. “You're our last and only answer.”

“Then help me,” she begged. “I'm terrible at everything. I can't even run two miles without getting winded.”

“No. I don't do that. Ask Tracy.”

“Please,” she said, giving his arm a squeeze. “You have more experience, you're powerful, and you scare people.”

His eyes lightened as the last words left her mouth. “Are you scared of me?”

Summer thought about it for a moment. “No, I just think you're weird.”

Ash stared at her for a while before breaking out in a full grin. “We train at six in the morning starting tomorrow.”

She let his arm drop and clasped her hands together. “Thank you so much!”

Ash nodded and rushed off down that Hall. After what Troy had told her, she was sure that Ash was about to go argue with the council. She didn't blame him. Having someone murdered that brutally was not something to take lightly. She felt like Jasper was trying to brush it under the rug and that was wrong.

Summer was about to walk back into her room when she heard frantic, angry whispering coming from around the corner. She couldn't help but be curious and try to see what was going on.

One thing she did learn on the streets was how to sneak around without being heard. It was necessary to survive and something she had mastered quickly.

She eased her way towards the edge of the wall and cursed herself for not having something reflective to see with. She was about to leave when her eyes landed on a black vase that was sitting on a table. The reflection was hard to make out but, she definitely knew who it was. Fay had Troy up against a wall, her hand around his collar, and was obviously angry.

Summer tried to listen but, they weren't speaking loud enough. Instead, she decided that she would be nice and save Troy from an inevitable beat down by an old lady.

She looked at the ground and kicked a few loose rocks. Fay immediately dropped her hands and backed up as Summer rounded the corner.

“Hey Troy, Fay,” she exclaimed and wanted to kick herself for sounding overly cheerful.

Troy offered her a grateful smile. “Hey Summer.”

“Summer,” nodded Fay. “I'm sorry you had to see that poor boy’s body.”

“Um thanks.”

Fay looked like she wanted to say something more but, smiled at them both and left. She was just about to turn the corner when she spun on her heel and pointed a finger at Troy.

“You remember what I said!”

She disappeared before Troy could answer. Both of them sat in silence until the footsteps faded. Once it was silent Troy leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath.

“Are you okay?” asked Summer.

“Yeah. Fay can just be...intense.”

“Seems like it. The head of the light wielders is-”

“An old, stupid, naive man,” snapped Troy. He smoothed his hair back with both hands and smiled. “Sorry, I was headed to get something to eat. Want to come?”

“I’m exhausted. I think I'm going to go to bed early since training starts again tomorrow.”

Troy patted the top of her head. “Good idea. See you tomorrow.”

She waved bye and watched him round the corner. Once he was gone Summer let out a sigh. She hated that she was bound to this place in so many ways and it was still hard to trust people. After the slaughter of that poor kid she was definitely going to be more cautious.

The last person she trusted had broken her and made her realize that the only person who would ever look after her was herself. No matter how many friends she continued to make she would always remember that.

Summer headed back to her room and one thought kept ringing loudly in her head. Geoff had said that in darkness you would find light and in light you would find darkness. What did he mean and why couldn't she stop thinking about it?

Summer changed into her pajamas, curled up into bed, and let the blanket of stars tuck her in just like they did every night.

Chapter 10

Summer stood nervously outside the fire wielders dorm. Ash had told her to wait there for him instead of the field because he didn't want to take the chance of her being caught out in the open by herself. There was no arguing that with him. She agreed that everyone should have a buddy to walk around with even though Jasper claimed it was safe.

The loud echo of footsteps had Summer squinting down the hall to see who it was. The messy, curly hair was the first thing she saw. Then the purple eyes came into view. They were always so different than the other wielders. Intelligence and kindness were constantly present even though she still didn't trust him completely.

Ash was wearing black track pants and a long sleeved, grey shirt. Basic clothes that hugged his body and showed just how powerful he was. Summer was starting to regret asking.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Maybe I should practice a bit more.”

“Isn't that what we're doing?”

Summer folded her arms. “I think it would be better if we started tomorrow. It's my birthday and I'll be stronger.”

Ash shook his head. “No you won't. Your power will be but, that has nothing to do with how well you can control it. Let's go.”

She sighed and dragged her feet after him.

“Besides,” said Ash, over his shoulder. “You had me wake up early and I hate mornings.”

Summer rolled her eyes when he wasn't looking and tightened her ponytail. After being here for almost three weeks and eating a good amount of food, her hair had started to come in much thicker. It was starting to frustrate her.

“If you drank some of that elusive coffee then you might like the mornings a bit more,” said Summer.

“Maybe I'll try it tomorrow.”

Summer blinked a few times. “Really? I thought you were mister follow the rules?”

Ash narrowed his eyes at her. “Is that what everyone thinks? It's the opposite. I hate all the petty rules that the council has but, I follow the ones I think are important. New wielders do not need caffeine to make them jittery when they're already nervous. It's just a suggestion. I truly don't care what anyone does.”

“Then why are you helping me?”

“I...don't know. You might be our answer and I'm willing to take a chance with you.”

She had only been talking to him for five minutes and he had managed to surprise her twice now.

Ash must have realized what his words meant because he grumbled and continued ahead of Summer.

They walked through the doors that led to the field and a cool mist hit Summer in the face. She inhaled deeply, taking in the surrounding fog. The sun had barely begun to rise and hadn't quite yet made it over the walls and into the field.

Ash walked over to an open spot, away from all other equipment, and gestured for Summer to stand next to him.

“Being able to wield an element should come as easy as moving your arm or blinking. It should be natural and never forced.”

“The only time my power ever comes naturally is when I'm cornered and scared,” answered Summer. “Then I don't really have to ask. It just kills everything in sight.”

Ash held his palms up and produced two small, black and purple balls of energy. It was mesmerizing to look at as the colors danced together.

“It's because you are so stressed here and are trying to force it. There should be no forcing.” He increased the size of the energy. “All of this should happen with a quick thought.”

Ash closed his palms and they disappeared. He walked behind Summer and pulled her hands up so they mimicked his.

“Call to it. Don't be angry, upset, or even anxious. Empty your body of all feeling and just push the power forward.”

Summer closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She peeled back each emotion until her body felt raw and vulnerable.

Ash put his hands under hers. His hot breath was on her neck as he spoke.

“Relax and think of what you want.”

The only thing she could hear was the slight breeze gently brushing the blades of grass. Her body was so focused and in tune that every sense was heightened. It was then that Summer felt the familiar tug of her power. She let out a breath and called it forward. To her amazement her hands became warm. When she opened her eyes two flames were hovering in her palms.

Ash stepped back and smiled. “Great job! It's impressive that you can use your power without the help of nearby fire.”

“Thanks,” she said, as sweat dripped down her temple. “Now what?”

“Try and make them bigger.”

She concentrated and felt the energy being sucked out of her like some kind of power leech had attached itself to her.

Ash carefully approached her again and rested his hands under hers. “Breathe,” he said.

His calm voice broke through her exhaustion and she gave her body a push as the flames grew bigger before diminishing completely.

Summer collapsed to one knee as Ash released her. She sat there, head lowered, and took in ragged breaths. A long moment of silence had passed before she had the energy to stand again.

“You did good, Summer,” said Ash. “Now try again.”

“I don't know if I can.”

He stepped forward and forced her hands up. “Don't waste my time or yours.”

They continued out on the field for at least an hour until they saw one of the council members head to the tower. It was Tolai and he seemed angry by what he saw. His nostrils flared as he stormed past them; refusing to even acknowledge that they were there.

“Why don't we call it a day?” asked Ash. “You need to eat and then work out with the other wielders today.”

Summer laughed and patted his shoulder. “No.”

“You have to work-”

She smiled and winked. “I'm going to shower first and then do the rest.”

“Great,” he said, sticking his hands in his pockets. “I'll head back with you.”

Summer didn't have the energy to protest. She didn't have a clue how she was about to make it through the work out. Her only saving grace was breakfast and some coffee that Troy always gave her. Hopefully a full stomach would give her just enough energy to make it without dying.

“When does this get easier?” asked Summer. “And why are people staring at us?”

She was tired but, not tired enough to not notice the prying eyes. The other wielders weren't even trying to hide their over-the-top stares.

“Because I don't like people,” answered Ash.

Summer chuckled. “Then why stay here longer than you should? Seems like you enjoy punishment if you force yourself to be around these terrible things you call people.”

“It's important that the few people who are born wielders have the right training.”

“I guess. Still seems silly to me.” She pulled her ponytail out and shook her hair. “So you're doing me a favor so I get the right training?”

Ash nodded and stopped right outside the fire wielders room. He reached down, grabbing onto her wrist with his calloused hand.

“At midnight you'll get your tattoo here,” he said, tracing his fingers across her wrist. “It'll burn for a second and then be done.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled, looking down at his hand. “Can I go now?”

Ash let her hand drop and walked away without saying another word. She waited until he was gone before leaning heavily against the door. Her body hurt so bad that even blinking was painful.

The door slid open and Summer almost toppled over.

“Whoa,” said Tracy as she grabbed her arm. She led Summer inside the room and sat her down on her bed. “I was just about to come looking for you. Where did you go?”

“Building some extra muscle.” Summer flexed her arm and winced. “That was a mistake.”

Tracy grinned. “You're crazy.”

“Probably,” nodded Summer. “I need to shower.”

“Hurry up,” said Tracy. “I’ll wait.”

Summer quickly showered, put on some comfortable clothes, and hurried back into the room. Once again, the hot water had helped tremendously with her aches.

“I'm ready to eat everything,” announced Summer.

The two of them headed into the cafeteria where Summer loaded her tray up with as much food as she could. There was jam mixed with eggs and potatoes mixed with oatmeal. She didn't care.

They sat down and she didn't bother acknowledging anyone until at least half her plate was gone. When she finally looked up to breathe, every person at the table was giving her a different look. Tracy was disgusted, Petar horrified, and Troy amused.

“What?” mumbled Summer as she shoved a piece of toast in her mouth.

“You're eating like the pigs on my grandpa's farm,” said Petar.

Summer grinned and bit a piece of bacon. “They must have a good appetite.”

“I heard you were training with Ash this morning,” said Troy. He slid a cup of coffee towards her. “How did that go?”

“It was hard but, I need it.” She finished the coffee in one long drink. “He's a good guy.”

Troy rolled his eyes. “Because he's so dreamy? Ash is an idiot who thinks he's better than everyone.”

“Really?” asked Summer, furrowing her brow. “I didn't get that impression.”

“You'll see it soon enough,” said Troy.

She just shrugged and went back to eating her food. Summer always had her guard up but, she also let people show her their true character. So far Ash was decent person. She would continue to believe that until he proved otherwise.

As they were leaving the cafeteria Summer glanced up to see the cook looking at them. There were several people working in the kitchen but, the head one was called Thomas. He was an older gentleman who rarely said much and always reeked of cigarettes.

“How do they get food in here?” asked Summer.

“Deliveries are at night by the front gate,” said Tracy. “Him and his crew load it into the kitchen.”

“So strangers could get in at night possibly a few times a week?”

“Umm,” Tracy glanced at Thomas. “Maybe. I never thought about it.”

“I'm sure Jasper looked into it,” said Troy with a touch of irritation in his voice. “He knows what he's doing.”

“He is not so perfect,” said Petar in his heavy, Russian accent. “If he was then the boy wouldn't have died.”

“See,” said Tracy. “Petar knows the truth.”

He beamed down at her. “Thank you Tracy.”

She blushed and mumbled something before turning her attention back to the field. There was, what looked like, an obstacle course set up on the grass.

“What is that huge trap of death?” asked a horrified Summer.

Petar scratched his head. “Something we do on Friday.”

Summer raised an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“We do a group challenge on Fridays. This is one of the challenges,” said Tracy. “I'm guessing they're worried about the death and want to make the training a bit harder. Push us more.”

Summer didn't like the idea of having to train extra hard today when she had already put in an hour's worth of work this morning. It also didn't help that the students were still shooting her accusatory glares. She wasn't sure if it was the rumor that she brought the danger in, training with Ash, or a little of both. Either way, she definitely wasn't a favorite in her short stay here.

Summer happened to glance up just in time to see six figures walking towards them. As they came closer she was able to make out Jasper and the rest of the council. Mario was already there and standing off to the side.

“Do they always come out to watch?” whispered Summer.

Tracy shook her head. “Never all of them. This is weird.”

Summer wasn't sure what normal was but, now that Tracy confirmed that this wasn't common she was starting to worry.

Tracy kicked her leg and gestured towards the right. Standing near the furthest wall were two figures, completely concealed in long, brown cloaks.

“Who is that?” asked Summer.

“No idea. This is the first time I've ever seen that.”

Jasper stopped in front of the students. He ran his hand down his beard and rested the other on his large stomach.

“You might be wondering why the course is set up on a day where we usually work on strength,” boomed Jasper. “You might also be wondering why the whole council is out here.”

There were collective mumbles and nods. Even Ash, who normally kept his cool, was shifting uncomfortably from side to side.

"As much as we tried to keep Christian's death a secret, it is obvious that most students know and are rightfully upset. We,” he said, gesturing to the whole council, “Have decided that these attacks are hitting too close to home. If we don't start to take the training seriously then it might be too late.”

Jasper stopped and looked over the crowd, his red eyes glowing. “We want to bring trainers in that have more expertise than us but, they want to see that we're capable of handling their work.”

Summer glanced at the council to judge their reactions. None of them seemed happy. It must have taken a lot of convincing to get them to agree to this. She wondered what exactly Jasper had said.