Destiny Rising

Chapter 19

“No!!” I screamed as the blade plunged into his stomach and Troy released him to let him fall to the ground. I released Jasmine and ran to where Michael lay on the ground with blood spreading over his green t-shirt like a blooming flower. “No, no, no. How is this even possible? I thought he was immortal?” I asked in confusion.

“Oh, he is,” Dante answered, crouching beside me as I frantically tore off the black hoodie I was wearing over my white tank top and pressed it into the wound in an attempt to slow the bleeding. “But this blade, you see, is coated in a toxin that is fatal to immortals like myself and your boy.”

“You are a monster.” I seethed as I gently cradled Michael’s head in my lap with my hoodie bunched up on his stomach, soaked with his blood.

“Guilty as charged.” He replied and rose to walk over to Darci. She still had the gun aimed at Jasmine, who was leaning on the rocks behind me. “Now stand, so I can end you and claim what rightfully belongs to me but has been denied for so many years.” He said, handing the bloodied dagger to Darci and pulling that crystal sword out from the sheath she handed him.

“Sapphire,” Michael rasped “You can’t let him get them. I believe in you.”

“You're right,” I told him as I smoothed his bangs back from his sweaty forehead “I can do this.”

“Just focus.” He coughed out

“Jasmine? Can you come sit with him?” I asked over my shoulder.

“Of course.” She replied and stumbled over to take my place.

“Everything will be okay again Michael, I promise,” I said as I placed my hand gently on his cheek as I stood. “You’re going to be sorry you messed with my family and friends,” I said to Dante as I turned to face him and channeled all my anger into my powers.

“Oh really, what are you going to do? Scratch me with your nails?” He laughed

“No, but how about this?” I asked as a wall of water suddenly hit him on the side and knocked him off balance.

“You’ve learned some control, I’ll give you that.” He sputtered and wiped the water from his eyes.

“Not all I’ve learned,” I responded and lunged at him. Using the water to momentarily blind him, I went after his sword. It worked, and I prayed that it would work as well. The sword was heavier than I had thought it would be as I hefted it in my hands.

“Give me my sword girl.” He roared when the water had disappeared.

“Make me.” I retorted back.

“Insolent girl.” He lunged and backhanded me into the cave wall. I was briefly disoriented and had dropped the sword. Then he was on me with his hands wrapped around my neck and choking me. Unwilling to give up, I threw my head forward, to headbutt him. It worked, and his grip loosened a bit, but not nearly enough, so glancing to the side, I summoned the water. It formed into a big ball and smashed into Dante’s side with enough force to knock him off of me. It took me a moment to catch my breath and scrambled over to grab the sword from where it had fallen when I dropped it. Moving as quickly as I could, I grabbed the sword and thrust it through his chest. His screams echoed off the cave walls as a bright light engulfed his body, so bright that I had to look away. When the light disappeared, so did Dante and Darci Flame. Taking a deep breath, I turned and saw Kiara and Troy waking up from whatever sort of trance they had been under. Then my eyes fell on Michael and Jasmine.

“Michael!” I cried out as I scrambled over the rocks to him. He was so pale, and his hands were like ice as I held them in mine.

“You did it. I knew you could.” He rasped out

“Michael, don’t leave me, please. I need you, please don’t die.” I cried as I held his hands close to my heart.

“Your safe, my job is done. Just remember I will always love you.” He whispered and struggled to inhale the air.

“Michael, I’m so sorry,” I whispered as tears began to slide down my cheeks in twin paths. “I love you.” And laid my forehead down on his chest as his final breath left his body. I felt someone lay a hand on my shoulder and another try to hug me. But none of them even registered with me. Michael was gone. Gone, as in never coming back, gone.

“Sapphire,” Someone gasped. “Look.”

I looked up and gasped myself. A pale blue light was emanating from under my hoodie that was still covering Michael’s wound and surrounding everyone. Looking around, I saw everyone had mixed reactions. Bianca looked on in understanding. Kiara was curious. Jasmine in amazement, and Troy. Well, Troy looked like he was going insane. My hand that had been lying on Michael’s chest began to move, and I looked at his face in surprise to find his eyes open and his gaze on me.

“Omg, Michael! Your alive!” I gasped and launched at him. He caught me in his arms and held me tight for a moment.

“Yes, but how?” He asked, baffled.

“Sapphire’s love.” A voice came from the beach beyond the cave. In unison, we all turned to see Mrs. Dyan and Ms. Toomer.

“My love?” I asked, confused by Michael’s coming back alive and by Ms. Toomer being here.

“Yes, it’s very rare and a powerful bond. But I’m afraid there was a slight catch. While Michael is alive and still retains his memory, he is powerless and mortal now.” Mrs. Dyan explained.

“I’m sorry…” I said, looking down.

“Don’t be,” Michael said, lifting my face to look at him. “I’d rather be mortal and with you than have powers and immortality.” He told me sincerely, then kissed me.

“Um, excuse me,” Troy said, clearing his throat. “Could someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Ms. Toomer said and snapped her fingers. When she did, Troy fell asleep standing. “We had better get him home and remove all memory of what has happened here today and in the past weeks, Gloria.”

“Take care, Michael,” Mrs. Dyan said. “You’ve only got one life left to live now. Live it well.” She smiled and then she and Ms. Toomer disappeared in a flash of light.

When they were gone, only Bianca, Kiara, Jasmine, Michael and I remained.

“Um, does somebody want to fill me in here?” Jasmine asked, and Bianca explained everything to her and Kiara.