Crais (13 page)

Clearly Lucy had been having a few more of the dreams,
which probably explained all those nights she’d woken up crying.

“Why is Lucy
getting this information? She’s from Earth. They don’t have soothsayers, correct?” Lucas spoke up, his brow wrinkled.

“Lucy is an anomaly
,” Josian started. “She displays strengths and characteristics of someone not of Earth and yet I cannot determine why that is.”

She
groaned, her head still on table.

I laughed. “She
’s certainly feeling special right now.”

“I have to go.” She pulled herself up quickly and ducked from the room, hand over her mouth.

I laughed again. Quince’s effect was proving to be very similar to the tales of alcohol.

Fury tapped on the table.
“As amusing as all of this is, can we focus on these mountains? I’d like my life back and family safe. Crais cannot be destroyed by the Seventine.”

Was it
that time of the month for Fury or was she going for the cranky biatch of the year award?

“Why do you even want to save the planet
? Shouldn’t you be trying to convince us to transport everyone to another world?” I asked. “Jordan seemed to think the planet is dying out.”

“The tribes are always trying to escape their fate
,” Dune answered. “But Fury and I have accepted that Crais is our home and that way of life is all we will know.”

Fury
sighed then, a strange expression crossing her features. “And yet we sit here, breathing the cleanest air, eating food that tastes fresher than anything we could imagine, and suddenly I’m not so sure.”

She faced Josian. “Is there any way to save my people from Crais?”

My father’s expression turned serious, his eyes darkening to gold. “The worlds have a strict balance, keeping them all connected to each other. I don’t believe we could take away the inhabitants of Crais and expect there wouldn’t be a rippling repercussion that could affect every world.”

“Yeah, I never
really expected that we would get saved,” Fury said, resigned.

“But you and Dune don
’t have to return. Once we’ve sorted out the Seventine, I’m happy to establish you on whichever world you’d like.” Josian smiled.

Fury’s face lit up but Dune shook his head. “I’
m already feeling the weakening affect of not being on Crais. I need that suns’ energy to survive. It’s how the nomads have adapted.”

Fury’s eyebrows rose
and worry crinkled her brow. “Dune! Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

He shrugged. “I’
ve only just noticed; it’s a very subtle drain.”

She swung around to the table. “We must leave
. I cannot risk him, and without the suns’ energy he will fade away.”

An immediate thought sprang to mind
, as I was reminded of how rejuvenated he’d looked in the face of her fire.

“Try your power?”

“What?” She frowned.

“Your power
energizes the nomads, so maybe that’s all the charge Dune needs.”

Fury looked hopeful again. “Yes, we must try it immediately.”

“I’m not dying, Fury, there’s no need to rush.” Dune laid his hand on her arm.

But she wasn’t listening
. Within seconds she’d dragged him up and moved them both across to an open space. She pushed him a step away before she burst into blue flames. Dune threw his head back, his expression one of relief.

“Better?” Fury asked, her voice echoing with power.

“Even better than the suns’ energy.” His laughter spilled from his lips in spasm-like torrents.

“I think you might be overfilling him, Fury. Dial it back
, will you?” I was tired and ready for bed.

“Yes, super Abby, whatever you command shall be done
,” she sneered, but she did suck the flames back inside.

“You have remarkable control over your
fire power. Have you been using it for long?” Josian said, crossing his arms and looking impressed.

“That’s the f
ourth time,” she said. “But I’ve been controlling the energy inside my entire life. I just didn’t realize that was the origin of my fire until Abby told me on Crais.”

“Are we displaying the usual powers for Walkers?”
I asked.

I’d only ever seen
Walkers do the energy-ball thing and that lightning power from stalker-Walker. And since Josian had eliminated him from existence I hoped to never see that power again.

Josian looked thoughtful. “For you, baby girl, you seem to be able to
utilize all of the usual Walker powers, opening doorways, energy shots but you also have some distinctive traits that are no longer accessible by Walkers, like your ability to trace and meld.” He inclined his head toward Fury. “Fury’s fire power is unique. I know of no one who can do that. And Talina also has a few elemental water powers that are exceptional.”

“So there might be something in the combination of our unique half-Walker powers which could be useful in defeating the Seventine.”

Was I naive to start
hoping for an ending where we didn’t all end up dead?

Lallielle spoke up then. “Remember that each of you have a powerful mother as well.” She smiled cheekily. “And that half of your energy is from us.”

I stood up and kissed her on the cheek. “I believe it’s our mother’s power which will make all the difference in the final battle.”

Lallielle and I flashed Josian a grin.

He held both hands up in surrender. “I know better than most; women always hold the power.”

“Can we open doorways and walk between the worlds like Abby?” Fury asked.

Josian shook his head. “Talina couldn’t, I tried to teach her but her energy does not work that way.”

“Tell me what to do,” Fury demanded.

Josian didn’t hesitate, explaining the steps to access a doorway. We watched as she attempted to walk between the living and dining room, but just like Talina, the frustration on Fury’s face spoke volumes. So far I was the only half-Walker who could power the doorways.

After washing off in the spring, I finally got to rid myself of the tattered sun suit and change into comfortable sleep clothes. Somehow, half my wardrobe from First World had made it to this rock cave. And now it all had to go back. Before we’d dispersed for the night Josian had declared that we would head back home soon to explore the mountains. I hadn’t forgotten my mission and the deadline to find the next half-Walker, but it was also important to figure out where the Seventine were. Stopping their release was my priority for this short time. Maybe then I wouldn’t need the girls.

I padded silently into the room I’d
slept in before and groaned. Lucy was half hanging off one side, asleep, and Talina was sprawled across the rest of the bed. I was definitely not fitting in there. In that moment I was so tired that I sank down against the hard wall. I’d get up in a minute and figure out where to sleep. I closed my eyes, shifting to avoid a sharp rock. My mind drifted off.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

Dammit, I was back at the end of the golden cord, facing Bracentine.

“I’ve missed you. Why don’t you visit more?”

I glared at the beautiful
yet altered face of my mate.

“I’m tired
. Why don’t you get to the point of today’s visit so I can get some rest?”

He smiled coldly, the gold eyes shimmering at me. “Today I’ve decided to give you a gift
. Maybe then you will see that there is a benefit to our mutual cooperation.”

Before I could snort out my doubt
the Bracentine was gone and my Brace stood before me. I stared in shock, my body starting to shake. His hair was short again with black marks replacing the purple. But the part that had my breath catching in my throat and heart racing was the return of his chocolate eyes.

“Brace
,” I stuttered out. My eyes filled with tears. I blinked rapidly to clear them.

“Red.”
His voice broke.

T
he sound of the familiar nickname almost brought me to my knees. I sucked in a lungful of air.

“Brace
,” I repeated, not sure what to think.

And then before I could
pull myself together he moved and within seconds I was in his arms.

“God, Red, you need to get away now.
” He pulled me closer despite his words. “I don’t know how much time he’s going to give us, but don’t trust him. No matter what he says.”

I was cradled in his arms and for the first time in forever I could breathe again
; I could smell, taste and touch. My senses were back and they were firing on all cylinders. I leaned closer, wanting to inhale that scent which was solely his.

“You need to listen to me
, baby.”

I protested as he
dropped me down to the floor, placing both hands on either side of my face.

“He has access to all of my
thoughts; he knows the way to assure your cooperation.”

“What does he
really want from me?” I whispered.

He shook his head. “I don’t know
. I can’t break the barrier into his plans yet, but it all centers around his third brother. He’s determined to release him.”

“Don’t waste this moment, Brace.” I stood on tiptoes, bringing my face closer.

His lips hit mine, both hands tangling in my curls, and I would have to say he did not waste a second. I tried to focus as he pulled away, but my brain was muddled.

“He
’s coming now, baby.” The pain in his eyes had my face aching as I forced back more tears.

I
was reaching for him, my mouth opening to tell him how I felt, when the energy surrounding us changed. I jumped backwards.

“You can thank me now.”

The Bracentine was back.

I took a moment to calm my heart, and clear my features of any emotion.

“Tell me exactly what you want from me?”

The Bracentine had me and he knew it.

The Bracentine stood back, observing me, his expression unwavering.

“It’s simple. You help me to free my third brother and I will permanently leave your mate.”

Yeah
, okay. It was never simple with these power-hungry gods.

“Why would you leave the only vessel which can physically house you?”

He shrugged. “Once we are all released there’s more than enough power for us to form our own physical manifestations. Brace is simply convenient at the moment to achieve a few things.”

I was guessing one of those things was me being forced to
free the third.

“How can I guarantee you
’ll keep your word and won’t ever possess Brace again?”

He focused on me
. The gold eyes were mesmerizing and nauseating all at once. “I’m an ancient creature, bound by the laws of the universe. If I swear my words, I have no choice but to follow through, and if I don’t the universe will correct my actions.” He grinned. “Trust me; it’s not in my best interests to let that happen.”

“Damn, it would save me a lot of trouble if the universe would just kick your ass for me.”

He didn’t react, just continued to stare.

“Tell me what to do?” I needed
Brace back.

I was sure that they would figure out a way to free the third anyways
, and we stood a far better chance in this battle with Brace’s power.

“You need to go to the dark mountains on First World
. This is where the portal entrance is. I will find you there and together we can do the rest. It will be simple.”

There he went using that word again.
I gasped as he released the cord.

I
came back to reality, expecting to find myself with a numb butt and a stone digging into my back. Instead there was movement beneath me: someone was carrying me. Instinctively I kicked out, throwing myself free from the strong arms wrapped around me.

“For god
’s sake, Abby, calm down.” Lucas’s voice infiltrated my brain.

H
is deep tones had me fighting harder. Finally he let go and I tumbled to the floor.

Springing to my feet, I fell into a fighting stance
, my hands tense at my side.

“What the crapping crap are you doing
, Lucas?” I spat the words at him, my body still tingling from the warmth of his embrace.

“You were asleep against a rock wall
. I was just trying to move you to a bed.” He pushed back his blond hair, which was now disheveled. “Something tells me I should have gone with my first instinct and simply nudged you awake.”

I breathed deeply, shaking off the last of my sleep and
the Bracentine dream.

“I don’t trust you, Lucas,
so just stop touching me.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but I didn’t give him a chance,
storming off, determined to find a bed to sleep in. Alone.

Luckily most of the
Reds were away on some mission, so there were plenty of free cave holes. When I was finally settled onto a soft surface, covers drawn over me, more for safety and comfort than warmth, I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Over the next few days, while Lallielle sorted our return to First World, I spent my time training with Josian, Talina and Fury. Fury’s powers were unbelievable; her fire was truly a weapon, although Talina seemed to be able to counteract it somewhat with her water abilities. One thing was clear, though. Our powers were very different, along with our abilities to control and harness them. In fact, mine seemed to be the most unsure and random, something which made me very uncomfortable.

I hadn’t mentioned the Bracentine dream to anyone, not even Lucy. I knew that no one would understand
, but I needed to save Brace, and I couldn’t listen to all of the reasons why it was stupid to trust the Seventine. I already knew it wasn’t ... smart, but every day my gut-wrenching agony grew worse. Without Brace there was nothing to light the darkness of each moment. As much as I tried to avoid it, I was hooked. I was addicted and I needed him back. My life was a country music song right now, and I wanted the happy ending.

“Aribella.”

I’d been sitting with my legs dangling in the stream when Lallielle
’s voice shook me from my heavy thoughts. I turned to face her as she approached, stepping carefully along the pebbled edge.

“Hey
, Mom.”

She looked stunning as always, but for the first time
since my return to First World she wore an air of tiredness. Everything with Samuel and the Seventine was starting to take its toll. I studied her classically beautiful features; they had that perfect symmetry which people on Earth had once paid big money to plastic surgeons for. Her full lips were like my own but she rarely smiled anymore. She pushed back her long hair as she sank into a graceful sitting position.

“I know we haven’t had much time together lately
. I just wanted to check in with how you’re doing.”

My standard answer fell from my lips. “I’m fine.”

She gave me a measured look, as if she could see all the way to the cracks filling my soul.

“I may not have been with you for most of your life, but I can already tell when you
’re lying.” She sighed. “And I don’t just mean to everyone else, but also to yourself.”

As
I stared out into the darkness surrounding the underground stream, she just sat quietly beside me. She was practicing some type of reverse psychology, which was totally working.

“There doesn’t seem to be much point in talking about it
. Nothing will change, and I’ll have lost all the ground I’ve gained in locking my emotions away,” I said finally.

She reached around and
rested her hand on my shoulder before pulling me toward her. I closed my eyes, breathing in her familiar scent. It was comforting, but already my eyes ached with the effort to hold back tears. I couldn’t lose it. I’d probably never stuff all the pain back inside again.

“Don’t you see, Aribella, that you can n
ever lock away emotions of this magnitude? They’ll eat at you until they’ve made a hole big enough to escape. And then they’ll burst out with the power of a hundred storm fronts.” Her voice shook.

I angled my head so I could see her face clearly. “Are you talking about your time
when you were held captive?”

She’d spoken of it only on
ce before, but that type of experience had to have left deep scars.

She chuckled without any real humor. “No, your father is quite ... determined when he wants to
rid me of memories. And, even so, that was never the worst pain in my life. After I made that fateful decision to send you to Earth, and then lost contact with you, Quarn and Hallow, I kind of withdrew from the world for awhile. I cut myself off from everyone.” She sucked in air. “And I was numb, until Josian returned and forced me back. But the two years of suppressed emotions almost destroyed me. And I almost destroyed Samuel with neglect.” Her pale green eyes bored into mine. “It kills me that I can’t protect you from this agony. But you have to feel it, baby girl.”

H
er usage of Josian’s endearment had the tears I’d been holding at bay pouring free. It wasn’t a slow trickle but a hot gushing force that immediately obscured my vision. A sob burst from me, followed by another, until I couldn’t breathe between gasps.

“It hurts so much, Mom.” I labored over the words as Lallielle held me tight.
“If I don’t hold on to my numbness I’ll never survive. I can barely breathe.”

So
mewhere, deep down, I felt like a drama queen. In my old life on Earth I’d never loved anyone but Lucy. I wasn’t accustomed to strong emotions. Now, though, I had more people to love than I’d ever thought possible. And with that came the capacity to have more pain than any one person could deal with.

“You’
re strong. The way you survive and keep moving forward is something to be admired. I remember with perfect clarity how it felt when Josian left me. I didn’t think I could continue with that pain. It took all my strength just to get through each day and take care of Sam ... Sammy.” This time she stumbled over his name.

Bastard should be beaten to a pulp for hurting our soft
-hearted mother. I silently promised myself that I’d find him one day. This burst of anger worked to dry the tears; I reached out and squeezed Lallielle’s hand tightly.

“You’re a true survivor
, Mom. I don’t get my strength from Dad alone.”

Her smile was wobbly. “So fo
r now we push sorrow aside. It’s time to return home, to First World.” She pulled me to my feet.

I
paused, opening my mouth to tell Lallielle about the Bracentine’s offer. I couldn’t keep it inside any longer. I needed to hear someone’s thoughts and maybe assuage some of my personal guilt, but before I could speak Lucy interrupted us.

“Hey, Jos said the doorway is open and the
Reds have gone through with our things. He sent me to get you.” She looked between us, before focusing on my tear-stained features. “Are you okay, Abbs?” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me. “It’s going to be alright. I have a feeling that everything with you and Brace will be resolved soon.” She spoke intuitively and I wondered if she’d seen something.

I
returned her hug, knowing I could not live in a world without Lucy. She kept me grounded and made sure there were still flickers of light in all the darkness.

“Testing out your soothsayer powers, Luce?” I teased.

We were moving again, following Lallielle, who would know exactly where Josian was.

“Don’t knock it
. As long as I don’t have to rock the creepiness and white eyes, I’d love to have a useful ability.”

“I do hope Frannie is there when we return.” Lallielle spoke over her shoulder. “I
’m worried about that crazy woman.”

“Yes, she has a lot to answer
for,” I said quietly enough that only Lucy heard.

As I stood with Lucy and Talina within the pale pink walls of my room, I felt a sense of home and heartache. I couldn’t look at my bed without memories trying to strangle me. All of the nights spent with Brace.

“When do we head to the mountains?” Talina asked quietly
.

S
he looked tired and her emerald hair was frizzing, which only happened when she needed water.

“Go,” I said
, giving her a gentle shove toward the exit, “recharge in your ocean home. I promise we’ll wait for you.”

A joyful smile crossed her pale pink features as she bounced out of my room. From my balcony
I breathed deeply of the clear salty air, a light breeze ruffling my curls.

“Imagine if the Crais people had a chance to see the ocean
,” Lucy said as she leaned over my railing.

“I wish there was something we could do to help them.”
I hated to see suffering, but at least the tribespeople hadn’t resorted to the sort of chaos and violence that now ruled Earth.

“Maybe after we s
ave the worlds, we can try to improve their lives. Let’s focus on one thing at a time,” Lucy said drily.

I laughed.
“Word. I guess that should be pretty high on our priorities’ list.”

We both waved at Talina as she dashed across the green grass. She shed her clothes and within moments disappeared into the aqua waters.
Her laughter echoed back to us, bringing my first genuine smile in a while.

“So Fury is kind of a
bitch. What’s with that?”

I laughed at the bluntness of Lucy’s words. It was
nice to have something return to normal.

“Yeah, she seem
s to have plenty of issues.”

“And Dune.
Wow. He is kind of intense and hot and crazy and hot ...” She paused. “Really, really hot.”

“Are you
speaking literally, you know, being from the burning planet or just his looks?”

“Both
.” She smiled. “The man can stand in double sunlight, has red skin and can still look like some type of Greek god doing it.”

I threw her a smirk. “You might want to tone down the love fest
. Fury will rip your head off and then barbeque the rest of you for dinner.”

Lucy shrugged.
“Might be worth it.”

I knew Lucy was over-compensating after Samuel
. She clearly wanted to appear carefree and her usual boy-crazy self, but I could see the pain deep inside her blue eyes. They no longer shone with the same sparkle. She was forcing the lightness to return, but she wasn’t there yet.

“Well
, speak of the devil.” Lucy nodded toward the edge of the ocean.

Fury and Dune had just stepped into view.

I could see the awestruck expression on their faces. I felt a moment of joy to see their unbridled excitement.