Elemental (The Keeper of the elements) (9 page)

“We will be going in for Aydan.” He said gruffly. Relief instantly flooded me and despite the aches that filled my body I threw myself into his arms. “Do not get me wrong Gemma. We shouldn’t go in for him. He will most likely not survive and we will probably be walking into a trap. But I am doing it. I am doing this because of Amelie and because you are my daughter…” his eyes welled up and I was fighting my own tears as I nodded slowly. “I understand. Thank you…” He sniffed and nodded. His eyes lingered on me a moment longer before he turned away.

I felt the first bit of relief and hope that I had since I tumbled into this mess.

Chapter Thirteen

The sun streamed in through the open window. I was curled up in a thick blanket
sitting in front of it, enjoying the light breeze. My face was warm and I felt relaxed for the first time. I could still feel the ache in my heart but I was dealing.  “Are you just going to sit there?” Ronnie startled me and I let out a squeak of surprise. “Why? Am I supposed to do “ I asked feeling confused.

Ronnie stood with her hands on her hips wearing black yoga pants, a white tank top and her hair was pulled up. Her smile was rivaling the sun. “I will be training you today” She laughed and instantly I shot up. “You need to be prepared to help rescue Aydan.” She said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Those nine words felt wonderful to me. The smile on my face grew so wide that my cheeks were screaming in protest. “Just tell me how and I will follow your lead Jedi Master.” I joked as I bowed to her. She laughed and shook her head “Oh no. I would totally be yoda. Hands down.”

I followed her out into a wide back yard surrounded by thick trees. It looked almost like someone had flew the house in my helicopter and dropped it in the first clearing in the largest forest they could find. Ronnie began stretching out like she was getting ready for yoga. “um…” She pinned me with my eyes as I started to complain. I didn’t know how yoga was going to save Aydan. “You need to center yourself before you can perform anything.” She scolded. I nodded and scrambled in place next to her. I was willing to do anything even if it meant dancing beneath the full moon naked if it meant saving Aydan.

After about an hour of twisting my still aching body into positions I didn’t know were possible, Ronnie sighed loudly, a huge smile on her face. “There! Don’t you feel so much better!” She giggled. I didn’t respond, I was too busy holding my heart. The pain was nearly unbearable. “Gemma…are you okay.” Ronnie skittered next to me, her hands lightly holding my shoulders. “My heart feels like its breaking.” I forced out. “Roland!” I heard her scream. Blackness was lingering just on the sidelines, waiting to take me if I were to fall.

“What’s going on?” Roland growled. I couldn’t focus on anything but the sudden pain that was now coursing through my body. I could hear Aydan screaming in my head, the sound making me just want to let go. “Roland what is happening!” Ronnie screamed, the terror in her voice unmistakable. “Gemma…focus on me. Focus on my voice.” I heard Roland say, his voice sounded so distant. I greedily gulped down air and fought to stay awake. “Do it for Aydan Gemma. Do it for him okay. Stay with us.” Aydan…my heart trembled at his name. I needed to stay wake for him. I fought through the fog and fought through the pain until finally I blinked and everything was clear. My heart still ached but it was bearable. “Roland, I have never seen this happen before. Not even when the other entwined passes away. This is something new.” Ronnie’s voice was quivering and her cheeks were wet with tears. “I think it means we don’t have much time left.” Roland announced, looking around at the small group that had formed. My heart nearly sunk at those words. “Then come on, you need to prepare me.” I said firmly as I looked at Roland.

Roland’s lips were set in a firm tight line as he studied me. I refused to back down. I needed Aydan and if the pain radiating through my body was any sign, then he needed me as well. Finally Roland nodded. “I agree. It’s time to train you immediately. Our time is very limited.”

I stood in a circle of people, Roland across from me and my knees bent as instructed. Roland began to circle me and I watched him steadily. “You seem to do well with wind, so focus on that first. Feel it, do you understand me?” he asked. I nodded and focused on the gentle breeze that was rustling the trees.

I closed my eyes and felt the wind brush softly against my skin. Then it felt like little electrical volts shooting through my veins. I opened my eyes  and my hands shot out at the same time Roland charged at me. The wind around us picked up, picking Roland up and slamming him against the siding of the house with a large bang. My mouth dropped open and silence surrounded me. “Well. Pretty sure you have wind down.” Ronnie said. She was right, I had wind down, but was it enough?

Chapter Fourteen

“Hey! Hurry Up!” Franco screamed from the other room. Ronnie and I had been painting our nails when his frantic screaming began. We ran into the other room and instantly I dropped to my knees. Blaze and Aydan stood side by side, wearing matching grey suits
on the television set. I couldn’t hear the words that were being said, my eyes just focused on Aydan. I moved closer to the screen, touching it with trembling fingers.

“I know Gemma wasn’t involved with Amelie Blackwell’s murder. She cared for Amelie a great deal…” My heart stuttered. I was being accused of Amelie’s murder. Hot tears sprung to my eyes. “I believe that where ever Gemma, she is safe.” Blaze’s eyes narrowed angrily at his brother’s words.

Aydan was far thinner than before and much paler. My heart broke seeing him this way. “Roland, he doesn’t look good.” I said with a cracking voice. Roland sighed and rubbed his face. “I’m afraid we will have to do this a lot sooner than I had prepared for. “

The stress weighed heavily on everyone in the r
oom. Aydan was a lot worse off than any of them had expected. Tears burned in my eyes as I struggled to listen to the plan. Basically we were going to wing it. As if that wasn’t stressful enough I had one week to prepare.

Roland pulled me aside after everyone had disbanded. “Gemma…I really don’t know how this is going to work. For all I know if Aydan dies, you could very well die too.” I nodded solemnly; I had thought that myself I just couldn’t seem to say it out loud. No one could explain the connection that Aydan and I had and all anyone knew was that it was far stronger than anything anyone had ever seen.

“I believe you are going to be the only one that can get Aydan out.” I nodded, I had known that too. I think Roland was just going over the plan to make himself feel better. He had tears in his eyes as he watched me. I was growing to love this man like a father. Roland excused himself saying that we would talk more about the plan when he had figured more out. I sat outside with my back up against a tree.

“I’m sorry Gemma.” Ronnie said softly as she came up next to me. I smiled sadly and instantly felt the lump rise in my throat. “I love him.” I said, just barely above a whisper. I glanced over and looked at her, “I always have. From the moment we met I have loved him. He is my best friend.” Ronnie snaked her arm around my shoulders and gave me a gentle squeeze. “We will save him Gemma…” She said reassuringly. I sniffed, “And what if we can’t?” The possibility was definitely there. Ronnie sat quietly and for a moment I thought she wasn’t going to speak. “Then we die trying.” She kissed my head and I smiled.

“Eli and I have been together a long time. Like a very very long time. I couldn’t imagine living so long without him.” She sighed sadly as if the very thought weighed heavily on her. “Will I live that long?” I asked hesitantly. Ronnie smiled, “Once you go through an awakening, which usually happens when you’re eighteen you gain immortality. Immortality isn’t what everyone thinks it is. We can be killed just like everyone else, it just eliminates natural causes.” She explained, waving her hands wildly. “Once you hit about twenty you stop aging completely.” I know it was import things she was telling me but the only thing I could focus on was living forever with Aydan. “Eli and I have been to so many places and have seen so many things. I truly hope you and Aydan get to experience the same.” The sympathetic tone did not go unnoticed and I smiled. I hoped the same thing.

Chapter Fifteen

“Come on Gemma!” Franco yelled angrily. My hair hung limp around my shoulders and sweat rolled steadily down my spine. “Kick me!” He yelled again. “Oh I’d really like to Franco, just not your hand.” I mumbled as my leg shot up into a high kick, hitting the palm of his hand. “Harder, again!” He demanded. I was really starting to not like this man. We had been practicing for the last two hours on defense skills and I was downright exhausted. I swung my leg up as hard as I could and smacked his palm with the toe of my shoe. He staggered back and smiled as he shook out his hand. “Much better. You may take a break.” I rolled my eyes and flopped on the ground, spreading my arms widely.

“He’s a bit intense.” The voice startled me and I looked up noticing a strange man standing above me. His hair was golden blonde and hung in thick curls around his face. His eyes were vibrant green and his cheeks were graced with dimples. He reminded me of Aydan. I sat up, “Yeah. Seems to be that way.” The guy sat down next to me, his knees peeking through his ripped jeans. He extended a heavily callused hand and smiled. “My name’s Darrington.” I snorted unintentionally and instantly covered my mouth. He laughed, “It’s okay, I get it a lot.” I nodded and smiled, “My names Gemma.” I offered, he nodded, “Yes I know, I’ve heard all about the great Keeper. I am here to train you with fire.” I groaned and flopped back onto the ground. “You were just lulling me into a false sense of security. You’re really here to just kick my butt with more training.” He laughed loudly and stood up, brushing his pants off. “You caught me and my diabolical plan. Let’s get to work; I have a day to train you.” He said, reaching down and helping me to my feet.

I stood with my back to Darrington and my eyes closed. My hands were trembling with energy. Darrington slid his hands down my arms and to my wrists. I fought the urge to pull away. As his hands slid so did a hot line of energy. “Do you feel it?” He asked, his breath tickling my ear. My heart was beating wildly as I stood in his arms. Something about the position seemed so intimate. “Yes.” I answered firmly. Darrington stepped back and came up alongside of me. “Focus on that feeling. Focus on pushing it away from you and towards your target.” Darrington’s voice drifted in and out as I focused.