The tower : A New start

Celestial Companions

After Sheriff Irish and the Marshals left, both Alex and Sapphire sat lost in thought. There was so much to figure out in all of this. If anything it was a mess of epic proportions. A knock on the door startled them out of their thoughts and had them jumping slightly.

Alex grinned and glanced at his watch. “Wow, it been a hour since they left and we've just sat here the whole time!” Alex said in surprise.

“Well of course, that was a lot to take in.” Sapphire said laughing. Another loud knock sounded, the visitor more impatient this time. “We'd better get the door, he's liable to knock it in hard as he's knocking.” She suggested as they walked together to the front door.

When Alex opened the door Andrew stood on the stoop a cheeky grin on his face. “Morning.” He chirruped, “You said be here at eight this morning and don't be late. But, you're late today, Mr. Drewe and like you said time is money.”

Alex ruffled the kids wild mop, “We had a late meeting and I've created a monster.” Alex laughed, “Come on let's get started. We want to be done before the rain.”

“Great!” Andrew chirruped happily and hopped off the step into the yard while Alex glance at Sapphire with a what have I done look. Andrew stopped and turned to look at Alex as another boy appeared at the top of the bluff. The kid was barely twelve with a wild mop of shaggy brown hair like his brother. He wore tennis shoes, a red t-shirt, and worn out jeans. Another thing he shared with his older brother was a set of wide curious hazel eyes. He stared at them briefly, then turned slightly to gawk at the imposing tower while still holding a slightly banged up blue ten speed.

Andrew looked sheepish, “I hope you don't mind. Momma doesn't like to leave Addison home alone when she's gotta work. She thought it best he come to work with me. He won't be any trouble, I promise.” He said as he cast a stern look at Addison who looked at Alex hopefully.

Alex made a show of walking around the twelve year old with a stern expression, “I don't know...Hmm. I'm not in the habit of allowing kids up here.” He murmured thoughtfully and the boy's shoulders slumped sadly. Then Alex grinned and ruffled the younger boy's hair, “Sure, the more the merrier. You want to help set up cameras around the property today, son?” He asked.

Addison's eyes light up with excitement, “Really? I can stay and help?” He asked nearly jumping up and down.

“Yep, and I'll even give you say... forty dollars. How does that sound Addison?” Alex answered.

“You've got at deal and call me Wolf. That's my middle name and everyone calls me that cause it's not so girly.”Addison agreed holding out his hand to shake on the deal they'd made. Alex shook his hand sealing the deal and Addison, now Wolf, parked his ten speed and they set out. Wolf chatting along the way. They set up fifty cameras a top the bluff along with fifty trip sensors to warn of any unwanted visitors. They covered nearly every part of the bluff. They tucked the sensors and cameras in little holes in the trees and on the ground angling the cameras for the best shot at the face of any one who passed them. Wolf got to be the tester to make sure they worked. He walk by, run by, even jumped around to make sure the cameras sensors and were working.

During that time Alex and Sapphire learned that Andrew's full name was Andrew Hawk Hershel. The boys had animal middle names because their mother loved animals, especially painting them. Their mother worked as a waitress and their dad just left when Wolf was a baby. Andrew glared at Wolf briefly, then said, “Addy, remember what mom said. People don't need our whole family history unless they ask for it.”

“It's Wolf!,” Addison snapped, “And I know that. I thought if they knew a little about us and we them, then we wouldn't be strangers anymore. We'd be friends and mom always says it better to have twenty friend than twenty enemies.”

Andrew chuckled and shook his head, “You are right there. Just next time ask them if they want to know about us or at least let them ask the questions. It would be more polite that way. OK, Wolf.”

“OK Bro.” Wolf answered apparently appeased.

Alex and Sapphire chuckled at the sibling disagreement. “It's alright Andrew. Since we know so much about you how about we tell you a little about us over lunch.”

“Sounds like a good Idea.” Alex agreed, “We'd better get back to the house it looks like the rain won't wait much longer.”

The four of the hurried to the house as quickly as they could trying to beat the rain. They just barely made it onto the porch just as it started down pouring. Luckily, Alex had the kids park their bikes on the porch so they wouldn't be wet when they rode home. Sapphire unlocked every lock and then turned off the alarm on the front door before they entered. Once inside she relocked the doors and reset the security.

“Whoa!” Addison gasped, “That's a lot of locks.”

Sapphire smiled, “I like my privacy and if you look around a lot of this furniture is antique and valuable. It's better not to give any would be thieves any ideas.”

Alex nodded in agreement and herded the boys toward the kitchen while Sapphire followed. “Andy, look!” Addison pointed to the library, “They have their own library. It must have a million books in there!” He stared at the library with wonder and excitement.

Andrew smiled at his little brother then looked at Alex and Sapphire, “He loves books. It doesn't matter what they are if they're books he'll read them. He's very smart. The principal told mom he wants to give Addy a placement test. If he does well he may be starting high school this fall instead of seventh grade.” Andrew said proudly an arm draped around his brothers shoulders.

“Aw, it's nothing bro. I just like to read. There's a whole world of knowledge out there if you know how to find it.” Addison said.

Alex ruffled the boys hair and said, “Just so long as you don't forget to live life little man you're on the right road. I don't think Sapphire would mind you reading in the library when you come up with your brother as long as you take care of the books and don't disturb her while she's working.” They walked further up the hall stopping to wash their hands in the bathroom before entering the kitchen.

“You boys like sandwiches and chips or would you prefer something else?” Sapphire asked studying the fridge.

“Sandwiches are fine.” Both boys chirruped happily. Sapphire nodded and began handing Andrew the fixings for sandwiches while Alex and Addison set the table. She then gave Andrew two big bags of Sun Chips and pulled out a pitcher of Iced tea which she poured into the glasses.

As they sat down to eat, Addison paused in making a sandwich, “You're house is beautiful. I'm not big on appreciating houses beauty wise, I'm just happy they keep the rain and snow off and keep me warm. But, your house is beautiful. Momma would love to paint it.” He said solemnly yet you could hear the appreciation in his voice.

“Thank you. I love it here.” Sapphire said pausing between bites.

“Alex said you worked in your library, here?” Andrew asked curiously as he remembered what Alex had said about the library earlier.

“I do. I'm a writer. I write columns about home design and a blog about life's struggles.” Sapphire answered.

“I run a successful antique and home made furniture business and trade in stock, but my passion is painting.” Alex added before either of the boys could think to ask him about his job. Sapphire laughed and shook her head.

“I love taking pictures with my camera. Photography is a passion of mine. That's the other reason I was up the night the police caught me. I was looking for an Owl that lives up here I wanted a picture of it. I have made some money with my wild life photography.” Andrew shared, “Not as much as Mr. Drewe pays me, but it's something. The only problem is it is hard to get good places for wild life photography in town. It's why I like you're bluff so much. I've gotten some of the best pictures here.”

Alex grinned, “I paint the bluff myself. It is very inspiring up here. You can take your wild life photos up here just make sure we know you're up here and where you'll be working at. It's for your safety.”

“You got it Mr. Drewe.” Andrew said.

“I'd rather stay in the library. I like reading and writing poetry. I'm not so good with artsy things like drawing.” Addison said.

They finished lunch on that note and the boys even helped clean up the kitchen. Unfortunately, it was still pouring the rain outside. Sapphire had Andrew call his mother to let her know they were still up at the house and would return home as soon as the rain stopped. Alex paid both boys for their days work. The four of them retired to the library. Addison was soon happily engulfed in a book about wild animals with a stack of books next to him. Andrew was busily looking through his freshly developed roll of film he'd picked up from the one hour photo that morning. Alex was painting adding to a beautiful landscape he'd been working on for several weeks while Sapphire sketched the boys and Alex.

Suddenly the room blurred and when it came into focus it wasn't Andrew and Addison sitting in the library it was two boys with Alex's hair and her eyes. One was happily reading while the other looked at pictures and attempted to draw them. Snow was falling outside and the fire in the fire place was crackling, She notice Alex painting a winter landscape while she sketched the scene. Loving her family, Her husband, and her two young sons, all of them safe and happy.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder and the image faded until only the four of them remained. She looked to the side, Addison stood with a book in his hand, the Celestial book! “Um, this book is the only book in this library I can not let you read.” she said gently taking the book from him.

“Oh, I was just wondering cause I have a book just like it. Except it doesn't have the diary entry in the front. Does it belong to you?” He asked curiously.

“Actually, young man the book is mine.” Alex answered before she could. Andrew jumped up before either Alex or Sapphire could ask further questions of the boy and stalked over to him.

“You know the rules, Addy. You can't talk about that stuff with anyone. Do you want the bad people to come like they did long ago and burn us or torture us?” he asked his little brother sternly.

“N-no. I just thought if they had a book like ours then they already know and it'd be OK to talk to them.” Addison answered obviously upset.

“I understand you wanting someone to talk to, but we have to be careful some norms have the books. To them they're trophies and they'll use them to lure the unwary to their deaths. We can't take chances.” Andrew patiently explained to his little brother. It was apparent they had this talk quite often. Addison stared at the floor.

“You're not going to tell mom are you? She'd never me let go to work with you again. I'd have to go to work with her and have her grumpy boss, Mr. Portsmouth glare at me all day.” Addison asked his brother his voice filled with worry. Neither noticed Alex get up, close the Shutters and the curtains.

“No. Not this time, but if you slip up again, I will. Then it'll be back to the diner for you. Got it.” Andrew answered.

“Yes Andrew, I got it.” Addison said and made a sign with his finger signaling zipped lips. It was only after Alex had sat back down did the boys noticed the closed windows. Both of them paled and Andrew tried to shove Addison behind him.

“Who are you really? What are you going to do with us?” Andrew demanded barely concealed fear in his voice. Addison wasn't budging instead he stood focused on Alex, no fear in his eyes, his hands balled in to fists.

“I won't let you hurt us. Not me. Not my brother. Not my mother. I'll fight you with everything I have.” Addison said fury in his gaze. The room heated considerably and the air began to feel thick and heavy with the threat of violence.

“Addison.” Alex said his voice had dropped an octave becoming soothing like a balm. “You are safe here. We have no intention of harming you or your family. We are like you and are trying to learn our heritage and history. You are welcome to work with us here in the safety of our home. Just remember what is seen, read or heard here stays here. This is to protect everyone here. Your brother is right. You need to be careful who you trust. I closed the window so we'd have privacy to discuss these things and if we choose to share our abilities.”

Addison glared suspiciously at Alex for a moment before taking a few breathes to calm down. He studied both Alex and Sapphire for few minutes more. Andrew did the same. “How do we know you are telling the truth and not trying to get information out of us for proof so you can do whatever to us?”Andrew asked suspiciously still trying to tuck Addison behind him.

“You don't just like we don't if you are honest or not. But, from the looks of it if we are to work together we need to at least come to truce until we can prove what we say is true on both sides.” Alex answered softly. He held out his hand, “Can we at least agree to withhold judgment until we've heard what everyone has to say?”

The boys regarded him uneasily for another few minutes before warily taking his hand. Then Andrew asked, “Tell us what you know and why you want to know more.”

Sapphire nodded. “We discovered sometime ago that we could communicate with each other mentally in times of need and as time passed we discovered other abilities.” She explained, “That was when we decided to do as much research to find out about our abilities. You see it's hard to learn to control these abilities if you don't understand where they come from.”

Andrew and Addison nodded. “We were born with our abilities. But they didn't start showing until we turned twelve. Mom told us that each person differs in when their abilities show. Some show early like us and others don't show until they are needed or a trauma brings them out. She also told us not to just accept that someone can do the things we do with out proof, it can get you killed. So, before we go any further, I ask that you show us proof of what you say you can do.”

“Sounds fair to me and in return you boys can give us a demonstration, too. Agreed?” Alex said with a nod. The boys nodded and shook both Alex's and Sapphire's hands.

Sapphire went first. She cleared her mind and focused. Soon a variety of books swirled in various patterns and shapes around the room. The books took shape as hats, hearts, a landscape, and more. Then they returned to their shelves in order.

Alex was next. He focused and every candle burst to life the flames flickering and casting dancing shadows on the wall. Soon the flames took various shapes of people who appeared to be dancing. As They danced the flame people stepped off the candles and floated around the room. A drop of sweat ran down Alex's face as the flames continued to move. Finally, they settled back on the candles and quietly went out.

Addison stepped forward and stared at both of them with a seemingly blank expression. Slowly, a breeze built in the room until it was almost a rushing gale. Books, chairs and table, even the four of them were suspended in air, floating in a almost dance like manner around the room. Then as quickly as it happened the wind died down and everything returned to it's place.

Andrew was the last. He stood quietly head down while a fog appeared nearly blotting out the room and everything in it. The fog swirled and danced taking various shapes from haunting figures, to that of young children at play. It congealed around Sapphire, then move to Alex before grazing Addison and fading into nothingness.

Everyone stood quiet for a while each lost in thought at what this meant for them. Finally Andrew spoke, “We will accept your demonstration as your proof if you accept ours. It is obvious like us you are young yet in your abilities. We can learn together, but as you said Mr. Drewe, nothing leaves this room. If anyone else learns of this we would all be in great danger. As it is, our mother will not be pleased that we revealed ourselves to you and will want to speak with you. A warning she can hear lies, so she will know if you are being honest or not.”

Alex nodded, “ I understand. I am not in the habit of lying nor will I say or do anything to bring harm to those in this room who have trusted me.”

“Neither will I.” Sapphire agreed readily. The two boys also spoke their agreement and the group sealed the deal with a hand shake. They sat in the library for nearly another three hours chatting, learning, and practicing their abilities. The two boys even helped both Alex and Sapphire learn the mysterious Celestial script in the book written by Alex's ancestor. None of them noticed the passage of time until Andrew looked over at the clock on Alex's desk.

“Oh, my God and Goddess!” He exclaimed jumping up, “It's after six! Mom is going to kill me! We were supposed to be home by 5:30! Sorry, Mr. Drewe. We gotta get going before I”m grounded for a month. Come on Addy.” He said tugging Addison by the are toward the door. Alex and Sapphire joined them. Alex unlocked the library and lead the way to front door. They were with in a foot of the door when someone pounded on the door as if in desperation.

Alex placed himself in front of the group and unlocked the various locks one by one, then turned off the alarm system. He the opened the door and found himself facing a middle aged woman dressed in a waitress uniform from the local diner. Her pony tail was slightly disheveled and her face was filled with worry. She was drenched from the rain that was still pouring down and shivered uncontrollably.

“May I help you?” Alex asked in a calm soothing voice as he studied here.

“Yes. Mr. Drewe is it?” She started and when he nodded continued, “My boys aren't home yet and they didn't leave a message on the machine or a note as to where they would be after Andrew finished working for you today. I was hoping they might still be here. I hope nothing happened to them.” Them panic in her tone belied her fear for her children along with the wringing of her hands.

“Yes ma'am they are still here. It started raining around noon, so we invited them to stay for lunch and I had planned to have a friend drop them off at home. Please come in.” Alex stepped aside to allow her entrance his keen eyes catching a small movement in the shadows near her car. The boys' mother hesitated slightly and then stepped inside the door. Alex promptly closed and locked it. “I am very sorry we worried you. I should have had the boys call to let you know they were going to be late.”

“It's fine now that I know they are safe.” She answered giving her oldest son a brief glare before turning he full attention to Alex again and extended her hand toward him as she introduced herself. “My name is Abigail Hershel, the boys mother.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hershel. I”m Alex and this is Sapphire.” Alex responded and took the woman's hand. Her hand shake was as firm as any mans and she was direct in her manner yet polite. Both Alex and Sapphire sensed her appraisal of them not only with a glance but also through other means as well. Once she shook Alex's hand she also shook Sapphire's hand. The three studied each other briefly.

Sapphire suddenly jumped into action. “Oh how unthoughtful of me you must be freezing. Let me get you a towel and something fry to wear.” she offered appalled at her thoughtlessness in allowing the other woman to stand for so long soaked to the bone.

“Don't worry about it.” Abigail said as a warm breeze picked up in the room briefly and with in minutes her clothes and hair were dry again. “ I could use a warm cup of tea if I may?” She added with a smile. Sapphire hurried to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a nice hot cup of tea for the lady. Both Alex and Sapphire noticed the shocked expression on the boys faces as the escorted the family into the library once more.

She glanced at her son's in displeasure as she took a sip of the tea. “You broke the rules didn't you?” she asked them her voice mild although the disappointment was evident . When Alex went to explain she held her hand up.

“Yes mamma.” Addison replied softly, “ It was my fault. I saw a book identical to ours and asked about it. Then blurted out about our book.”

“You know the rules. You know why we have those rules. You also know what the counsel will do if another hunt comes about because the rules have been broken. Do you want to be responsible for such terrible things happening again?” She asked him mildly never raising her voice.

Addison hung his head, “No mamma.” he replied nearly in tears.

She then turned her attention to Andrew, “And you young man. You are his older brother. You know better than to reveal such things. You've known the laws of our people much longer. We may be in a more enlightened era, but that does not mean another hunt couldn't happen. There are still a great many people out there that would not accept who we are. Yet, you allowed your brother to endanger not only himself, but the rest of us. Do I need to remind you of the consequences of breaking the laws? To remind you that the council had seen fit to execute those who've broken the laws before? You need to be an example for your brother. Do you understand me? I do not want the council to come down on our family because one of us has broken the laws? It wouldn't be good.” She never raised her voice during the lecture yet you could feel it's lash as she spoke.

Andrew also hung his head, “I'm sorry mamma. It won't happen again.”

“That's right it won't happen again, because both of you are grounded to the house until further notice.” She turned her attention to Alex then effectively ending her conversation with her sons. “Mr. Drewe, I don't know if you are truly Celestial as you have told my sons you are, but I can not have you or anyone else know about their existence or the existence of the Celestial people. I am going to have to remove your memories of this afternoon and my sons neither of which will be working for you after this. I will also have to remove the lady's memories as well.” Both boys blanched and Sapphire slid closer to Alex even though Abigail had never raised her voice once. The aura she gave off was powerful and intimidating.

“Before you do this may I be allowed to speak?” Alex asked calmly. He'd had never once flinched at Abigail words. When she nodded, He continued, “I know you can tell there is more to us than meets the eye. You can sense our talents and...” He picked up the book he'd inherited, “I also have a book of Celestial teachings passed down to me by a great uncle who you may have heard of. I don't lie there is no point in lying. I will not go against your judgment if you still deem it necessary, but I give you my word I will never speak of these things to another soul.” He regarded her with the same calm steady gaze he used for just about everything while she considered his words.

She turned her gaze toward Sapphire who met her gaze with one of her own. “I am just learning about myself. I have discovered gifts that have saved my life not long ago. I do not want to lose any memories nor do I want to cause harm to others. I have never lied in my life not do I plan to start. What has been confided to me in the confines of these walls goes no further. You have my word on that. However, if you still believe that to protect yourself and your family you need to remove memories then I will not fight it. But, I warn you there are memories entwined with these that you will find disturbing and could be dangerous to you.” She warned.

Abigail regarded her with a solemn gaze before responding to both of them. “I do not think it is necessary to remove either of your memories. Your intentions are good. As for the threat that follows you Ms. Love, your new found abilities will be your saving grace. Study well, all of you.” Turning to the two boys She says, “I am going to make a change to your punishment. You are still grounded, but you may come up here to work and learn. You listen to Alex and Ms. Love at all times. Do not go anywhere else but here and then straight back home. There will be no hanging out with friends or running about town. It is now too dangerous as you also hold the lives of your two new friends here in your hands as well.” She then rose and the rest of them followed suit. “Well, Ms. Love and Mr. Drewe thank you for taking care of my boys and the nice talk. Also thank you for the warm coffee. I trust the two of you will keep your word, especially since you now know about me as well.”

“Of course.” Alex and Sapphire answered in unison. Alex continued, “However, I'd appreciated it if you'd wait just a few minutes until the police have checked the area. I saw someone messing around the cars outside when you got here.”

Abigail just nodded and sat down once more. Apparently, Alex had texted Sheriff Irish the moment he spotted someone hovering around the cars and The Sheriff sent someone to check things out. Now, it was a game of wait and see.