Equinox Academy: Dark Prophecy

Chapter 5

July 31st...

It's been a month...

Fuck it's been more than a month...

    My eye flick between my parents trying to understand what the actual f**k is happening. I feel a buzz start under my skin and my blood begins to heat. My panic flares as I recognize this feeling. My powers... However, just as soon as it reaches my wrist a sting launches through my arm and the sensation dissipates. The burn-in my wrist fades and now I'm torn between the confusion of what just happened and how the f**k I've been asleep for a whole month. Questions batter the inside of my brain each trying to push its way to the forefront and my head throbs as another headache begins its all-consuming path. I look to my parents again and I know they can see the emotional war taking place on my face. My mind finally picks up on their appearance and reality once again punches me in the gut as pieces start falling into place. In my happiness to have them close, I hadn't really looked at my parents.

    My fierce, no-bullshit-taking, ass-kicking mother looks anything but at this particular moment. Just like Nick, her face looks drawn and weary. Her normally bright and vibrant jade eyes look dull and swollen from tears. Her usual porcelain skin looks dry and cracked. The hair I love so much is faded and lacks its usual coruscating color. She also looks thinner as if she too has lost some weight or hasn't fed properly in weeks. Don't get me wrong they are both still unbelievably striking but if you know them like I do you can tell that they are worn out and slightly aged. To be honest it's currently scaring the ever-living s**t out of me.

    Guilt hits me hard in the chest. I realize they look this way because of me. They have more than likely been going through a special kind of hell over the last month split multiple ways. First, they lose their daughter to what is essentially a coma, their bar is more than likely destroyed, and no doubt judging by the cuffs the council has stepped in which pose another large threat to both of them. This knowledge begins to settle my raging thoughts and calm the war inside my mind. I know they need me to be strong so they can tell me what's going on. Up until now, I have been so self-absorbed in what I've been going through that I didn't consider that they need me to be the girl they trained, nurtured, and loved. The conversation we need to have is going to be tough but it's time to put my big girl thong on and work through this with them. So with determination and a little fear, I set my jaw in a hard line, straighten my posture, and push my emotions deep down in my little box and lock that b***h uptight. I lock eyes with my parents who have been silently watching me prepare myself with matching looks of love and worry. I take a deep cleansing breath and start the conversation we are all dreading.

    " So now that the initial shock has worn off I'd like to say some things so we can get the ball rolling on this shitpocalypes that we find ourselves currently residing in."

    A twitch flashes on my father's lips. I'll take it. Out of anyone he gets my self-deprecating sense of humor the most. He knows that humor is another shield I use to lessen the mounting fear or frustration. Don't get me wrong I can hang with the best in the insult game but because of what I've gone through I have a morbid fascination with turning my past tragedies into jokes. Lee's not exactly a fan but once we explained she got less angry about it. They both take a deep breath and once they focus their full attention back on me I spill what I want and need from them right now. 

"I know this conversation is going be like top ten on the f****d up meter for us. I have also deduced that over the past couple of weeks while I was playing sleeping beauty you both have been drug through the underworld and back. For that, I can not express how truly sorry I am. We knew I was different and now we have to try to make sure I can make right what has gone wrong. But I can't do it without your help. So, with that being said I am about to ask you guys some hard questions and I need you guys to give me straightforward answers as best you can. I love you both so much and I know you want to protect me but it doesn't look like I have many choices but to face this head-on. So please I need the truth no matter how f****d up or scary it may be."

    After my speech I keep my eyes locked on my parents as they shift uncomfortably for a moment. Lee bites her lip worrying the already cracked skin. To prove my point, I muster all the Lee I can find in my system and give them both her signature no-bullshit stare. My mother full-on smirks and Nick chuckles softly. When Lee looks at me again I see the resolve return into her eyes and the striking jade flashing with pride at my determination. They both nod to me and I gather my own resolve and ask the first question.

"What happened when my power was released?"

Lee proceeds in their point of view.

    "We weren't really sure what was happening at first, we just knew something was wrong. While we were hugging you it felt like your skin was hot but we didn't realize how bad it was until after you said "it's happening." Then your eyes started to glow which in all my years Kass I had never seen that before. At that moment we knew we needed to do something because whatever was about to happen we were not at all prepared for it. I shouted for everyone to leave and at first everyone thought I was joking. When your skin started glowing people seem to register something was wrong. Correy and I got people moving while Nick stayed close."

     Nick steps in to fill the blanks. "You were glowing like a neon light and hunched over in pain. I could see your body vibrating and you were grinding your teeth so hard I thought you were about to dislocate your jaw. I tried to grab you but was thrown back when I came close to your body. The glow got brighter and brighter. We didn't know what we could do. It's the most helpless I ever felt in my entire life. I knew you were in pain but I couldn't do anything to help." His voice cracked on the last part and my eyes began to burn from the unshed tears building. Nick looked away swallowing hard and Lee grabbed his hand squeezing it to offer him some comfort. I knew this was going to be difficult for us but seeing my father so emotional really makes it hard to cope without crying. I will the burn down and try to push through to hear the rest. In a small voice I am not used to hearing coming from me I whispered "What happened next?"

"We had no choice but to move back you were radiating so much heat you were burning everything around you. It was like standing near the edge of a volcano just before it erupted. Your body kept pulsing hotter and hotter until eventually, you collapsed. We stood to go to you but this man stopped us and told us not to go near you and that he could help."

    Peridot's eyes flash in my head and I know that my beautiful stranger had to be the guy my father was referencing. Heat flared in my chest and a tug happened again but just like before as quickly as it happened it went away. Nick continues 'He refused to leave and we were so worried about you that we couldn't process why he hadn't. He just stood there with his eyes closed and for a while, nothing happened but then the glowing flashed brighter. We thought the worst then slowly it began to recede. We moved closer and eventually the glow just snuffed out like someone flipped a switch. We thought it was over but there was burning wood, glass shards, and melted plastic falling everywhere. We all sprung into action trying to clear the debris but when we saw you it was pretty bad kid. You had burns everywhere from the floor catching fire because of all the alcohol that dropped all over it. We thought... We thought you... Kass, we thought you were dead. It wasn't until you grunted that we knew you had made it."

    Like a phoenix from the ashes...

    The irony is real...

    He didn't need to fill in the rest I knew how it ended. What was more pressing was who this guy was because unbeknownst to my parents he is the reason I was able to get through my magic unleashing. How had he spoken in my mind? For some reason, something stopped me from asking about the mind speaking but I couldn't help asking about him and what happened to him.

"The man that helped what happened to him?"

"That's the thing after getting you the water, we heard him call an ambulance but he disappeared before they showed up."

Weird why would he save me then leave...

"The council showed up shortly before they took you away on the stretcher and against both our wishes they cuffed you with those bracers. They said it was for everyone's safety until the formal investigation into the incident concluded."

"What are these cuffs?" Both my parent's eyes widen in surprise at my question but Nick decides to answer. "They temporarily suppress magical ability. They prevent any magic wielder from accessing their magical reservoirs. They were scared you would lose control despite being unconscious."

"Do they know what I am?" Hope burns in my chest at possibly knowing my identity.

"They believe you are Pharmakeia since you didn't turn into a wolf..." Both of them look hesitant as Nick speaks and I sense heavy foreboding. 

"I'm sensing a huge "but" here..."

"Well because you were tested for DNA of the Pharmakeia and it came back negative so they aren't 100% sure what you are. Also Kass they are mainly focused on the fact that you may have elemental powers which are extremely rare."

"What do you mean rare and what are elemental powers? Why have I never heard of this in all the studying we do?"

My parents both look at me concerned but answer as best they can. "Honestly Kass most elementals are high society born and on very rare occasions a lower class gains the ability to wield an element. It's even rare in high society so most people don't know much about it because aside from glimpses in the war elementals are a dime a dozen. There is only a small handful in the world." 

Great if I wasn't an anomaly before now I'm definitely one...

    They both hesitate which causes my concern and worry to the surface but before I can ask another question Lisa returns with a cart interrupting our conversation. She pulls out a tray with a bowl of broth, Jell-O, yogurt, ginger ale, and saltine crackers. My stomach snarls again and I hear Nick snicker as my cheeks heat. Lisa smiles broadly and then pulls two more trays for my parents. To my stomach's dismay, they have heaping plates of beef tips with onions and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, a side salad, and what looks to be a strawberry shortcake. There is a Styrofoam cup of blood for Lee and sweet tea for Nick. I smile warmly at Lisa who has obviously been keeping tabs and trying to take care of both me and my parents. They both look ravenously at their plates. 

 I go to reach for my food but the bottom link of the cuffs is still attached to the bed. Lisa sees the issue and a security guard is ushered in to remove the link connected to the bed. As I stretch my arms over my head at finally being free of the restraints I glance at my parents who have begun devouring their food like they hadn't eaten in a while. It was decided that food came first and we could wait to finish the conversation after we've eaten. I grab my bowl of broth and drink it straight from the bowl. It's a beef flavor and super-rich. The heat does wonders for my aching throat and sends warmth through all my limbs making me relax a little further. I eat the rest of my food and pray they feed me something similar to my parents next time because the smell drifting my way makes me sad I don't get to enjoy some with them. Once we are finished I decided to get back to the questions. 

"So are they keeping the cuffs on because the investigation isn't over yet?"

My parents flinch slightly but I know they aren't going to hold back even if I don't like the answer. "I know this is going to be tough to hear Kass but the Counsel members are scared that you'll lose control again," Nick answers as calmly as possible but there is something about his voice that puts me on alert.

My lips pinch a bit and my teeth grit as I speak again. "What does that mean for me?"

His eyes soften and his tone eases but his words aren't reassuring. "We're not sure yet sweetheart. I have been advocating for you but due to what happened even my most trusted allies are a bit hesitant to back me this time around."

My heart stutters in my chest at this news. People are scared of my powers, hell I was scared of them at first. As I gained control my feelings shifted but I understood the destruction they are capable of especially in the wrong hands. My old fear begins to resurface but with great strength, I shove it back down in that box and re-enforce the lock. I proved I could reign in the power. I may have need help initially but the stranger only gave me advice while I manage to gain control over those blobs of energy. I could control my powers because I didn't have a choice. I know how fear works. People and Supernaturals fear what they don't understand and I was the poster child for the misunderstood. 

"So I just need to hope they are willing to trust that I can control my powers?"

Both Lee and Nick look solemn and that worries me. Ignoring their non-answers I decide to ask my last question because the food is starting to settle in my stomach and my eyes feel heavy despite the fact that I'd just been asleep for a month. I blame the information overload but I needed to ask this last question before I rested. "What is this mark underneath the bandage and why hasn't it healed like the rest of my body?"

Both Lee and Nick remain silent. I lift my heavy eyelids and try my best to focus. They look apprehensive and I know I'm not going to like the answer which isn't really surprising I just want the answer so I can move forward. So I sigh heavily and muster the last of my energy to ask again. 

"Guys please just tell me so I can rest."

Nick grimaces and Lee scowls which piques my interest. "Well we aren't sure what it is exactly but the truth is it's got some weird design to it. We are trying to research what it may mean but so far we've come up empty. So we decided to let it finish healing so that we could get a better look at it. We figured once it's completely healed the images would be easier to read and we can get to the bottom of why it showed up on your skin in the first place."

My curiosity begins to burn and I want to see it for myself but my body is lethargic and right now I know I need to rest. I have more questions but before I can voice them a yawn breaks free despite my attempts to stop it. My parents look worried but I smile and try to reassure them I'm okay.

"I'm not going anywhere again guys. I'm just tired." They snort obviously thinking about my month-long hiatus inside my mind and to be honest I'm not one hundred percent sure if it will happen again but I only seem to have the prolonged sleeping episode when I'm seriously injured. I focus my last bit of energy on my parents and reach out to take their hands. "I need to rest now and so do you two. I can tell you haven't been taking care of yourselves and if I'm going to get through the next couple of days I need you guys at your best. So go home both of you, take a shower, feed yourselves properly, and sleep. I'm not going anywhere and I promise I'll wake up when you come back. If I wake up to you looking like this again I'm liable to drag you out of here myself so "Go Home". My parents share a look and right before my eyes their genuine smiles break across their faces. Not the fake ones they've obviously been sporting but full-blown smiles that show pearly white fangs, dimples, and they shine bright enough to reach their eyes. They lean over and each kisses my forehead as my eyes drift close and I can sense their new determination as I slip into the welcoming arms of unconsciousness.

                    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Needless to say, my optimism disappeared by day two. After the happy reunion montage ended my true recovery began. I began to notice the subtle changes in my body and in my surroundings. Aside from physical therapy, I was confined to my hospital room. It was a decent room more like a suite but it felt more like a prison. The wood walls and shiny chrome didn't detract from the fact that I was nothing but a bird confined in a guided cage. The thought pissed me off because I hadn't really heard much about the council and I felt more enraged as time went on. Don't get me wrong it was nice. My last stay was all white walls and an uncomfortable gurney that felt like laying on cardboard. My new prison consisted of a memory foam bed, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a huge flat screen tv, and a sofa that morphed into a bed so that Lee or Nick could stay the night if they choose to. From the conversations that we had recently, they had definitely utilized the sofa. 

    Even with everything going on I noticed huge differences in who I was before and after my powers showed up. I thought something was different when I first heard the heart monitor but I was proven right the following day when I woke to conversations that were clearly happening outside of my room. It was like the scene from Bruce Almighty when Bruce wakes up to all those voices in his head. The only difference was they weren't in my mind they were happening all around me. What made it worse is most of the conversations I caught hold of were involving me. I heard nurses voicing their unwanted opinion about me which only made it worse when they had to come in and bring me food or check my vitals. I tried not to let it get to me but it definitely stung to know that everyone around me was either terrified of me or thought I was dangerous. 

    However, Lisa was my knight in purple scrubs. She went out of her way to make sure I was as comfortable as possible and helped me cope with my newfound abilities while Nick and Lee spent the better half of a day training me to block out noises and focus my eyesight. I was slightly stronger than the average human before my powers manifested which was why Lee and I were both convinced I was likely Pharmakeia but after spending time with the physical trainers I realize my strength has improved to beyond the typical superhuman level. My strength in my body came back shortly after the first day and I was able to walk around with no assistance by evening. The trainers went to work trying to build strength in my arms and legs but we were unprepared for my abilities to be so profound. I was able to lift more than usual, run faster for longer periods of time, and even after a strenuous test of strength I barely broke a sweat. To be honest I had to feign being tired because I started noticing the trainers were sharing worried glances. 

    Plus we, unfortunately, had the elephant in the room to worry about the most. Tension only grew worse because of the Council's investigation looming over our heads and they were taking their time coming to a decision. Though my parents had taken my advice they were both really stressed about what was going to happen to me. Nick grew so impatient that he attempted to reason with the council on multiple occasions only to be removed from the premises because of his personal biased opinion on the matter. It didn't stop him from flexing his weight around the community and getting people who frequented the bar to vouch for me.  

    After a week I was completely recovered and ready to leave. I had been getting antsy to get back home and away from all the judgment and curious stares. Lee and Nick showed up about mid-day and both looked stricken. Lee lacked her usual fire once again and Nick had a resigned expression which set me on edge. Lisa comes through the door with her usual smile and announces we have visitors out in the hall. Lee and Nick flinch and I know that my fate is dependent on what is about to go down in the next hour. Before I can truly prepare myself two people walk into the room. The male is tall and built like my father but wears more of a grimace than a smirk. He looks like he pumps iron for fun but his clothing choice shows he's wealthy or at least from the supernatural high society. He's wearing a tailored Gucci suit with matching shoes and a shiny Rolex watch. His whole presence screams wealth. His face reminds me of David Zaya if he went on the Atkins diet and switched to bodybuilding. However, his hairline is clearly receding with age and you can tell he dyed his hair recently to cover up the grays. Without introduction I know he's Lycan and a decedent close to the royal bloodline. He has power coming off him in waves which is funny because it doesn't bother me but I can see it bother both my parents. Even with the cuffs on I'm not overwhelmed by his presence. 

    The female next to him is causing a weird reaction to my power and my senses. She's about 5'8 in her heels and has bright red hair that falls to her waist in waves. She has on a smart pantsuit with a stark white blouse underneath. Her skin is pale like Lee's which tells me she is Lamia and her bright green eyes almost match Lee's jade color. The thing that's throwing me is her magic. I can sense something else about her that's making my powers flare inside but with the cuffs on I'm unable to grasp what it's trying to do. I can't tell if it's reaching out to read her or prepare to protect me. She staring at me funny and I think she's trying to read me as well but is failing just as much as I am. Realizing I have just been standing here assessing the intruders I slap on my mask of cold indifference and get straight to the point. 

"So what's this all about and who are you?" I never move my eyes from the lady because for some reason my mind and gut are telling me she is more of a threat than the big Lycan to her right. However, it's the Lycan that speaks first in true alpha male style. "Hello Ms. Phoenix, I am the council elder and prosecutor during your investigation. My name is Fernando Vela. I'm here to formally pass judgment on behalf of the council and community of Fayetteville."

    My body is now on high alert waiting for him to continue. This must be good news because if it was bad they would have brought me to the council so that it could be done in front of everyone. Although the thought makes my shoulders relax a bit I am not willing to let my hopes run away with this notion because there could be others waiting in the hall even if I don't sense anyone's presence. The added fact that my parents seem to be in a bad mood only reinforces my thought process. So I brace myself for the verdict. 

"Full disclosure, as of two days ago the council voted for a full suppression of your powers and were prepared to move forward today." My body's defense mode rage forward and I feel the metal from the cuff heat up. To my utter shock instead of the cool down that normally happens my powers press back against the magic trying to override the restraints. I'm shocked still but Fernando's words slip through despite the panic flaring through my mind. "However, shortly after the verdict was announced a surprise guest showed up on your behalf and offered an alternative. After some debate, the council sided with your anonymous benefactor. 

Anonymous benefactor...

Who would it be?

I look to my parents and they both seem perplexed by Fernando's statement. "With that being said we have decided to forego suppression for your alternative sentence." Relief floods through me but my guard is still up. My power ease back and the power in the cuff flairs causing a slight sting in my wrist but I ignore the pain and hide the reaction my magic had to my panic. My eyes flash to the female stranger and her eyes seem to be locked on my cuffs. After a moment she lifts her head to meet my eyes and arched one brow in question but doesn't speak. 

Fernando finishes his long-winded explanation. "Well with that being said I'll let Mrs. Dracul explain your sentence and what will be required of you in order to prove to the community and the world you are not a danger to society." The Lamia woman steps forward and I square my shoulders preparing for the worst but hoping this will be manageable. My eyes flash to my parent but their faces show resignation and my fear ratchets back up. I face back towards the Lamia standing before me shoving the fear back down because anything's got to be better than having my powers completely taken from me. She steps forward and takes my hand and with practiced gentleness, I return the handshake as she introduces herself. 

"Hello my name is Alyssa Dracul and I'm a counselor and academic advisor for Equinox Academy." 

Equinox Academy...

Fuck they're sending me to school...

FML...