The 13th: Destiny Awaits (6 page)

After a few minutes, Ethan spoke up. “Look into the blackness and tell me what you see.”

“Dots of light.”

“Look deeper.”

Kate stared into the darkness before her and the dots started to form an image as they had so many times before. However, this time the picture in front of her eyes was much clearer than before.
What was it?

“Do you see it?”

“See what?”

Ethan sighed.

Kate could hear the rustling of clothes. Ethan was probably getting up, but she refused to open her eyes and check. She was more interested in the dots, which had connected and formed an object. It was a stick with a blade... “Is that a scythe?”

“You can see it? Clearly? ”

The image started to become more distant and blurry until it melted with the black. “Not anymore.”

“Try again.”

Kate did and the scythe again appeared before her eyes. She stared at it intently, trying to distinguish every detail of it. Dark-blue vines wound around the curved black handle and climbed up until they reached a sharp-looking blade, their leaves appearing to move.

“Can you see it?”

“Yes.”

“Now imagine holding it.”

The stick had no grips and the leaves that covered it jutted out in all directions, not leaving enough empty space between them for fingers. Kate obeyed Ethan anyway; she curled her hand and imagined the scythe in it.

Suddenly she could feel its weight in her hand and on her crossed legs. Her eyes popped open, and there it was, lying across her lap.
Impossible!

The ebony wood -- was it even wood? -- started to flicker.

“You have to believe that it's real,” Ethan said.

“Is it?” At Kate's question the scythe started to disappear.

“If you believe so.”

Kate's eyelids fluttered closed and she focused on the thing she held in her hand. After the weight returned to her lap, she opened her eyes. She examined the leaves, sliding her fingers over them. They looked delicate, and they moved under her fingertips, coiling their sharp edges or flattening themselves against the snath. “Is this like your gloves?”

“Yes.” Ethan stood up and leaned over the scythe, examining it.

Kate pulled herself up, weighing the scythe in her hand. It was lighter than it looked and it felt familiar, like she had held it her in her hand countless times. And her mind had produced it. A real scythe. She didn't want to, but she couldn't help but ask, “How do I use this?”

Ethan scrutinised her face before he nodded. “Yes, I think you are ready.” He went to the French doors and opened them. “Come.”

The house, the yard, and the garden no longer had the protection of pentagrams and salt. To calm Kate's fears, Ethan had secured the house with spells, narrow slips of paper with symbols drawn on them, ensuring her that ghosts couldn’t enter even if she might see colour lingering outside the windows here and there.

She expected to see them now, just hints of colours, but then she looked at the garden and her mouth fell open.

People floated outside, their semi-translucent bodies and features clear and sharp, and they glowed, mostly in blue and yellow and the colours in between. They looked... beautiful.

“They have been waiting for you for such a long time now.” Ethan moved aside and pushed her out.

“Why do they look so different?” Not scary at all. “Because of the scythe?” Kate watched wide-eyed as the group of ghosts lined up in a row before her.

“No,” Ethan said. “It's because the charms are gone. They were restricting your sight, and now that they are gone, you are able to see them clearly.”

“Oh.” Kate shifted closer to the nearest one, a young girl dressed like a hippie. She touched her and a weak current ran through her fingertips while images of the girl's last moments flashed before Kate's eyes. It hurt seeing the girl curl into herself and hearing her regrets as the car crashed into hers.

“My parents,” the girl said. “They don't want to let me go, even after so many years.”

And now she waited for Kate to help her cross, right? “It hurt,” she told Ethan.

“That’s because you looked into her memories. You need to distance yourself when you do that,” Ethan said. “But don’t worry, reaping doesn’t hurt as long as you keep your mind empty.”

“Yeah, right?”

“Try it. Just reap.”

“Reap?” Kate pursed her lips. “In case you don't know, this is my first time holding a scythe and just saying 'reap' doesn’t tell me a lot. Could you be more detailed, please?”

“Just swing the thing.”

“You mean like... cut her?” Wrinkles marred Kate's forehead.

“Yes.”

“Wouldn't that hurt her?” Kate glanced at the girl who waited before her with a pleasant smile.

“No.”

Could she do it?
Kate asked herself. She lifted the scythe and took a deep breath before she brandished it at the girl, ready for the pain. The blade cut into the girl's body and the minty green and lavender light that embraced the girl like a corona burst out from the cut. The light blinded Kate. She heard a soft “thank you,” and then the light vanished, together with the girl, leaving Kate with a strange emptiness.

“So, this is the reaping?” This explosion of colour?

“I have never seen it myself, but I think so.” Ethan nodded.

An old man floated forward. “Is it my turn now?”

“Yes, it your turn,” Ethan confirmed.

“Are they all tied to this world by their relatives?” Kate swung her scythe and the man disappeared in azure blue light.

“Probably not all by their relatives, but yes, they are still here because their loved ones' love and regrets are holding them in this world.  They are not strong enough to break that hold and move on by themselves,” Ethan said. “Nanael says that for the living, death represents the end, as it should, and when they weep, they weep for themselves, for their loss, for the memories that will never be. And if the weeping doesn't stop, if they remain frozen in their sorrow with their lives on hold, the dead can't move on.”

“Nanael?”

“The Keeper,” Ethan explained. Gloves appeared on his hands, and with one, he touched a boy who then faded away.

Part of her wanted to find out more about this Keeper, but... it was none of her business. “You said that you can't get rid of them.” She brandished her scythe at the little girl with the yellow halo.

“I can't, only the Soul Reaper can reap souls,” he said. “I can only awaken dormant or suppressed powers, like I did with you, and establish a connection between spirits and their loved ones.”

“What do you mean?” Another spirit disappeared under her scythe.

“Well, usually ghosts say goodbye to their loved ones with the help of dreams. When they can’t, the Stones of Awakening open a connection between the deceased and the living that enables spirits to appear in their loved ones' dreams and resolve whatever is holding them in this world.”

“Ah, I see.”

The next spirit floated closer to Kate, this time a woman. She vanished into navy blue. More ghosts stepped closer and dispersed in the light of their aura, until Kate's arms became weary and she had trouble lifting her scythe, despite its lightness.

“You will need some time to get used to it,” Ethan said before he turned to the ghosts still waiting for their turn. “I'm sorry, but this is all for today.”

Kate watched their shoulders slump as they turned around and dispersed into nothingness.

“Something smaller than this would be better.” Kate hefted the scythe. “And lighter.”

“Actually I'm surprised that you managed to materialize such a complex tool,” Ethan said. “For your first time, I expected a simple sickle. And you were even able to reap them. I'm impressed.”

“Really?”
A sickle
, Kate thought, and at that thought the scythe in her hand started to distort. The long snath reduced into a shorter handle and the blade curved into a crescent moon.

“You have so much power. I knew that, but I never imagined that you would wield it with such ease.” Ethan touched the sickle's blade. “You are going to be a great Soul Reaper.”

“I thought that I already was one.” Or so he had said. Kate squeezed the black handle of the sickle; she didn't need it anymore. The sickle flickered and vanished.

“No, not yet. There's still so much that you need to learn.”

Kate bit her lip. This would be a good time to tell him that this was as far as she was willing to go, but as she gazed at his smiling and proud face beaming at her, the words stuck in her throat.

Kate threaded through the long grass to the low fence that framed their neglected garden and divided it from its neighbour's. Using the door in the wooden fence, she stepped onto a groomed lawn where blue and pink and yellow bloomed among the green. She followed the stone path leading to the kitchen's back door.

She always looked forward to dinners made by Tyler's grandmother, Nan. That was why she wore a smile when she opened the door into the warm, brown-toned kitchen, but in the next second the smile was wiped off her face.

What is
he
doing here
? She would have spoken out loud, but she had more self-control than that. Instead, frowning, she greeted the guy sitting on the stool behind the kitchen island. “Ethan.”

“Kate.” Ethan smiled.

Kate sat on the farthest stool from Ethan as possible, her eyes on Nan, who looked busy with pots. “Where's Tyler?”

“He's showing something to Mandy,” the tall, elderly woman answered.

Since Tyler and Mandy had started dating, Nan had invited the girl for dinner here and there, and Kate often spent her evening in their company.

“I see.” Kate rested her forearms on the butcher-block top and inhaled the smells coming from the stove. Roasted chicken with rosemary. Her stomach growled. “Is there anything that I can do?”

“No, no need. Just be good and sit there,” Nan said.

Ethan turned sideways and leaned his chin into his hand. “So how are you, Kate? How's work?”

She had been evading him for the past week, using the excuse that she was working. Not that that stopped him from appearing at her side at every lunch break. And now he was even turning up at Tyler's. Was nothing sacred? “Fine.” She narrowed her eyes at him. Really, what was he doing here? And why was he acting so familiar with Nan?

“Would you care to elaborate on that?”

“No.”

“Play nice,” Nan said.

“Why is he here?” she asked Nan, her voice soft.

“Because he was invited.”

“Actually it’s more like I invited myself.”

“Why?” Kate kept her voice low.

“Your hospitality is outstanding, it warms my heart.” Ethan grinned as he put his hands over his heart.

“Oh, shut up.” Kate scowled.

“That's the best you can do?” Ethan's grin widened and his green eyes sparkled with mischief.

Kate rested her chin in her palm and scrutinised him, wishing she could see beyond his beautiful face. He was the Awakener, he said, and he was so serious about everything connected with Soul Reaper business, and so frivolous about everything else.

“What, no snappy comeback?” Ethan lifted his brows.

“Tyler invited them over because their parents are out of town,” Nan said.

The door opened and Tyler's mother, Mrs. Webster, peeked inside. “Do you need any help?”

“No, I'm fine. I already have two assistants.” Nan pointed at Ethan and Kate.

“Four.” Tyler pushed his way past his mother, Mandy behind him, a light pink dusting her cheeks.

“Very well. Call me when it’s done, then,” Mrs. Webster said before she closed the door.

“What have you two been doing?” Kate poked Tyler, delighting when Mandy's blush deepened. “Don't tell me you that you two...” She put a shocked expression on her face, leaned closer to Tyler and whispered, “You are brave, doing that with her in her brother's presence.”

“Huh?” Tyler's hand found Mandy's.

“Haven't you heard about his fighting skills?”

“I'm sure Mandy will protect me.” Tyler grinned back at Kate as he pulled his girlfriend against his chest and wrapped his arm around her waist, his fingers slipping along Mandy’s white vest, which she wore over a long black shirt emblazoned with a silver dragon.

“I'm sure she will.” Ethan appeared beside them. He leaned his elbow on Kate's shoulder.

“What are you doing?” She shook him off.

“I went to the mall yesterday,” Ethan said.

And why should she care? Kate narrowed her eyes at Ethan. He shouldn't know exactly where she used to work. She had been careful to mention it only vaguely.

“Tyler, could you set the table, please?” Nan said over the island.

“I'll help, too.” Kate rushed toward Nan, taking the plates from her and following Tyler, who opened the sliding door that led into the dining room. Since Tyler's parents often worked late and rarely joined them for dinner, the three of them usually ate meals in the kitchen, but for this occasion the kitchen island was too small to accommodate them all. She went around the mahogany table, which Tyler lengthened so that it could seat eight people, and started to set out the plates.

Ethan came behind her with cutlery. “You said you had to work yesterday.”

“Oh, yes... I... I didn't feel well, so I went home early.” She leaned over the table and put the plate on the opposite side then darted forward.

Ethan lined the knife and fork with the plate. “I was told you don't work there anymore.”

She bit the inside of her cheek and straightened. “Are you sure you were in the right shop?”

“I called Mandy to ask Tyler, just to make sure.”

“I see.” Kate moved to the next chair to place another plate down.

“You have been lying to me.” Ethan was close behind her, his voice a whisper. “Why?”

She faced him, holding the remaining two plates tightly against her chest. Maybe this was the perfect time to tell him. “I'm done with the training.”

He crossed his arms, the knives and forks still in his hands making him look like Egyptian royalty. “Oh, yeah?”

“Why are you two arguing?” Mandy joined them, carrying glasses.

“It’s nothing.” Ethan gave her a smile before he passed Kate, subtly whispering, “Later.”

It sounded almost threatening, but Kate tried to not let it bother her. She wasn't obligated to do anything for Ethan and the souls, was she? She didn't want this gift that had been more of a curse to her than anything else, bringing her nothing but trouble. And now, when she had finally found a way to shove it aside -- despite it being thanks to Ethan, she wanted nothing more than to forget about it. But the way Ethan glared at her through the dinner told her that she had a large, annoying obstacle to get rid of first.

And she was right. The next day he was hard on her heels as soon as she stepped out of the classroom for lunch.

“Could you just leave me alone, please?” she tossed over her shoulder as she hurried down the hall.

“I wish I could.” He caught up with her just as she turned around the corner and started to climb the stairs. His hand on her arm stopped her and forced her to turn.

“What?” He was standing too close. She shook him off and put some distance between them by stepping up one stair higher.

“You can't escape this.”

“You or the soul reaping thing?”

“Both.” He grabbed her hand and held it tightly, his face serious. “Listen, I won't lecture you about your duties. I'm the last person who has the right to, and I know that you would rather be left alone, but...” His brows furrowed. “But your power is more than seeing spirits and reaping. We need you. Souls need you. ”

“Is reaping a few ghosts really that important?”

“It seems so.” A smile appeared on his face and he squeezed her hand. “You should know that you are quite special to this world.”

And that should mean anything to her? She had never wanted to be special to anybody but her parents and maybe to a few people she wanted as friends. She glanced down at their hands.

“That should boost your ego. I mean, the whole world depends on you? And not just this world, the whole universe.”

“You are making fun of me now.”

“No, it's true -- well, sort of.” He released her and rubbed his neck. “Nanael said that since this world has been so long without the supervision of the Soul Reaper, the Pool of Memories has become too crowded.”

“Universe, right? And a Pool of Memories.” Should that mean something to her? Kate pinched her lips and nodded. “Yes, I'm really important.”

“I'm not kidding. Apparently, there are other dimensions out there,” Ethan said. “She, Nanael, explained to me, but it sounds so far-fetched.” He lifted his hand and admired the steel that had wound around it. “Almost as far-fetched as the concept of an Awakener and my gloves.”

Other dimensions, ghosts, reaping ... far-fetched, bizarre, strange, yes, that was how it was. That was how her life was; trapped within the charms, her promises to her mother, and showing a brave face to her father, because he would never be able to handle her fears. Kate pressed her fingers against her temples.

“There are wonders that go beyond the human understanding. It's the magic of the circle of life, Nanael said,” Ethan told her. “And we are all here to protect its stability. Nanael as Keeper, you as Soul Reaper, and me as Awakener.”

Give me a break,
Kate thought, but she didn't express her disbelief out loud. “You like to quote this Nanael, don't you? If I'm so important and special, why haven't I met her yet? Why isn't she the one training me?”

“Well, that's...” Ethan licked his lips.

“Yes?”

“There are some issues she needs to resolve.”

Kate arched her brows. “Issues?”

“It would be better if she told you that herself.”

“And how is she supposed to do that?”

“Well, we could call her.”

“Yes, of course.” Kate nodded. “Why haven't I thought of that?”

“Trying to be sarcastic, are you? It isn't working,” Ethan said then, frowning, he lifted his finger in a gesture that requested silence. He listened, then leaned backwards and tilted his head to see around the corner. He swore.

A wrinkle cut into Kate's forehead, but then girls' voices drifted to her ears, and by bowing her head, she hid the smirk that curled her lips.

“I'll talk with you later,” Ethan said as he wheeled around, tossing over his shoulder, “After school. Wait for me in the parking lot, okay? Don't forget.” Then he was gone.

Kate moved to the right so that she could watch his back as he rushed across the hallway, Sandra and her friends on his heels. So, Sandra had decided that Ethan was worth pursuing after all. Served him right. She chuckled, then climbed the stairs. She had three more classes before the end of the school day, enough time to think up an excuse for her absence in the parking lot.

#

The phone rang.

Kate scowled at the name that appeared on the display of her phone:
Tyler.
Why was Tyler calling her? She pressed the button and put the receiver to her ear. “Aren't you in the middle of basketball practise?”

“I was, but I'm on a break now,” the voice on the other side said. “Which I could be enjoying with my girlfriend.”

“So, why don't you?”

“Because a certain somebody interrupted our time together, thanks to you.”

“And that's my fault why?”

“You’re not answering your phone.”

“Then how come we’re talking right now?”

“You’re ignoring Ethan's calls. And Mandy's, too.”

But that was just because she had thought Ethan was using Mandy's phone. “So?”

“You two had some deal and you are not keeping to your end of the bargain.”

“I didn't promise him anything.”

“Call him.”

Why was Tyler taking Ethan's side? “You’re not his friend.”

“The last I checked you weren’t, either, but here he was, asking Mandy to call you because he couldn't reach you and you two had scheduled a date. So just call him. Okay?” Tyler said before he disconnected the line, the threat that he would get everything out of her later not spoken but understood.

A date? Did Ethan really have to call it that?
Kate grimaced, hoping that she would be able to dodge Tyler's interrogation, and...why should she call Ethan? She slumped deeper into the couch and turned up the volume on the telly, but this time when her phone started to ring, she couldn't ignore it. What was so urgent that he had to use Mandy as a mediator? She grabbed the phone. “What?”

“We said we’d meet in the parking lot,” Ethan said.

“No, you said. I never agreed to come.”

“How are you going to improve your skills as a Soul Reaper with that attitude of yours?”

“I have no intention of improving my skills, I told you that before.”

“Why are you so stubborn?”

“I should ask you the same thing.”

“Aren't we a team? Shouldn't we work together?”

“Work together how? Doesn’t the Soul Reaper do all the work?” And it wasn't even that hard; all she had to do was wave her scythe and admire the lights. If she had known that, she would have never fought against it as she had...

Her eyes widened. The phone slipped out from her stiff fingers and bounced against the soft surface of the couch. If her mother saw ghosts as they really were -- beautiful like glittering fairies without wings -- she would stop being afraid of them, wouldn't she? And without fear... there would be no more charms hidden under the mattress, carpet, in the clothes and everywhere imaginable; no more salt and basil, and no more rampages when those were swept away. Why hadn’t she thought of that before? It would change everything. There might even be a possibility of her coming home -- she didn't dare to think of it, even though the hope was always there, but --