Fate, My Elementals & I (Breaking Borders)

Libertas

*** Evony's Pov ***

Travelling with a bunch of teenage guys and a little girl for three days and two nights, to get to the air strip where Cannon had a private jet waiting was a horror show. I must have had at least seven migraines, screamed into my pillow, closing in on five times and once, I just held onto Willow and cried.

Cannon and Addanon did not get along at all. Addy was too crass for Canny's liking and Addy found Can's innate "CEO persona", as he kept saying for three hours straight on the first day, complete with air quotes, to be repulsive. Bren slept most of the time, but he would end up having episodes, waking up screaming. Sometimes just weeping in his sleep. The worst was when he was sleep walking. If it wasn't for Addy, Dev would've had one mean burn scar across his back. Which then made Addy unpopular again, because he said and I quote, "He's a rabid dog, sometimes you gotta know when to put 'em down. Love does not conquer all," with Bren right there in the room. Brennon was already not in a good place, hugging his knees and remorseful for what he had done to Devion. If I hadn't been quick enough to catch Bren, we would have had to spend hours looking for him most likely.

He kept trying to convince me he wasn't worth the trouble since then. Devion has been my rock. Supporting me and being just as close with Bren when he was awake. Trying to convince him that he had no anger towards the incident. Cannon was always busy on the phone, or on his laptop. Bren asked him once about it. Cannon just said that it was his company that needed him to review some documents. Later on he must have realized he was dismissive to Bren and decided to show him what he does. Bren was most likely the happiest I ever saw him. The plus side of Cannon being busy teaching both Bren and Dev, who sort of just ended with them, was that he didn't have time to pick a fight about everything Addanon said.

I used the time I had to ask a few questions about his life. He got a sad look in his eye, confessing the truth. That he had only come that day in hopes that I would be able to take his core from him, so he could live a regular life. That he had plans to go to college, even had a full scholarship. About how he had to live with his girlfriend's parents and about his team mates and the coach that never gave up on him, when he was spiraling out of control. After that conversation, I went to the sleeping quarters in the luxurious recreational vehicle Cannon rented for us and laid down next to Willow. By the time I became aware that I was crying, Willow was up playing in my hair, singing to me that it was okay to shed tears. Hearing how I ruined his life and that I am taking it all away again now, cut deep. I would never have sent them away had I known this was what awaited me.

Fero was extremely displeased and disappointed with me. I decided not to wait another three days to inform him I was alive and well. Apologised for my MIA stint and that I had a really good reason why. He was still my guardian, but I was his queen. He didn't say much, only that I should have a safe trip and he promised to listen before he jumped to conclusions, once I got there. Which I hoped would be very soon.

Being cooped up with them, sleeping in the same space, even in different beds, was wonderful, but listening to Addy's phone call with the woman he did want in his life every night was becoming unbearable. It's never anything too intimate, just what he is doing on the "impromptu road trip" with "three bros'" from the past. Trying to get in one last hang before going to college. She seemed quite understanding and accepting of all his lies. He must have had a lot of practice, seeing as he couldn't tell her why he abused substances to begin with. He is not completely pushing it in my face, but it's an RV, there's only so many places to be.

The flight was a dream. I asked Cannon if he owned the over-the-top house with wings, but he said no. Apparently, his assistant, Kronos, would have booked the jet under an alias. Incidently, when he does ask Kronos to do these type of things, his motto was to never save Cannon money, on account of him not being a secretary. We all had a good laugh at his expense, where he whole heartedly pouted and demanded a hug from me, when I tried to apologise. I did one better. Standing in front of him, I parted my legs and straddled him. After wrapping my arms around his neck, I rubbed our noses together and then whispered in his ear, every grateful thought I have had, praising him for his quick thinking, his assets, finding Bren and much more. During this, I subtly glided myself closer to his cr0tch, the moment I felt what I had hoped for, I got off. He looked adorably ruffled and miffed. His piercing glacier-blue eyes sent a shiver down to that special spot, only my elementals affected and held promises I was not sure I was ready to experience yet, but was excited at the possibility.

Once we landed on the main Isle, and a short walk to the docks, a Fatum I knew to be one of Fero's most trusted was waiting for me on our personal boat. Lyon is a half breed, great at craft. He built the boats we used to get to the island that houses the Plaine we live on. I always thought he was quite handsome, he was kind and respectful. He taught me how to sail and whittle. He was one of the people that could be with me and I always felt at home. Addy had Willow at this point, so I dropped the bag I was carrying, ran towards Lyon, jumped and wrapped my legs and arms around him, while he held onto me tightly. After hugging him for a few seconds, I told him how much I missed him and the others, hoping that he wasn't too mad at me, for being away for so long. He assured me that he wasn't the person I had to worry about. Knowing that he meant his brother, I nodded. I let go, slid down his body, as he was a huge shape shifter. Six-five, long feral hair, clean shaven chiseled face and crystal-like golden eyes.

Hearing more than one throat being cleared behind me, I turned around and met three scowling faces, an adorable wide-eyed angel and the back of the first person I ever admitted to being in love with. "Bren," I called out to him, hoping I had not ruined the trust we had with my impulsive greeting. Just being back home was an amazing feeling, but I never meant to hurt him. He turned his head to the side, asking me to give him a minute, and proceeded to walk away a little, towards the water. Devion straightened up after getting my bag, and looked at me oddly. However, being the calm person he was, he graciously introduced himself and the others to Lyon.

Lyon didn't seem surprised by their reactions and the obvious passive-aggressive greeting. Remained level headed like any other mature man would, guiding them to our boat. I smiled in thanks to him, before turning away to go after Bren. "Brennon," I called a lot stronger than I wished too, but with all the noise in the harbor, I thought it needed to be projected, causing Bren to shiver.

"Leave me, Evony. Please. Just let me go. I am not worthy of you. I will only create more problems for you. I can't do this. I spent so much time locked away, I don't get people anymore. That little girl you have with you was the only kind voice I heard after most likely years in that place. The things they did, to get me to................ " he sat down on a bench over looking the water, breathing in heavily, he continued, "They wanted me to be like Cannonn's father, I guess. Turn me dark. I have been hurt and told I was useless my whole life. Before the torture started, they treated me like a regular patient. Tried to get me to talk in therapy maybe. Find out what I knew. Anyways, one way to, I dunno, plant a seed of darkness in someone, is to make them feel alone or like they have no connection to anyone. They brought in my mother, or at least the person I thought was my mom. She was actually my mother's step-sister. She admitted that she was the only living relative to take me in, since my good for nothing father bailed on my biological mother when they conceived me. She had no idea who he was. My mother's name was Wu-Lin...she died giving birth to me," he paused and took another deep breath, as I sat next to him. With his eyes closed, leaning his head back, he told me a bit more of his story, "My so-called aunt informed me that even though my bio dad didn't want me, she got money deposited and a letter telling her the funds would continue, if she kept me in her care, that's why she took me in. She let Joey beat me, 'cause she didn't care for my mom very much. No apologies, no anger, just the truth and the woman I grew up with left."

"How did you feel after finding out?" I asked after sitting in silence for a little while.

"Honestly, I felt nothing. I was numb to the world long before that. After hearing about Cannon's family history, I understand why she died and most likely why they knew where to find me. My aunt, Sou-Ming, no matter what, no matter how much I tried to love her, I couldn't. Not really. Guess it's 'cause she wasn't really my mom. The reason I am telling you this Evony is because......... well, I need you to get it. I don't know how to love. I never had anyone I could just trust. It took trust in that guy for you to run to him, jump on him. You believed and trusted that he would catch you and keep you safe. The only thing that happened to me, when I saw it was........... Every ugly thing anyone has ever said to me. Eddie, I genuinely liked, but I was still suspicious of him and clearly with good reason. He knew more than he was letting on. He didn't leave it alone. Played FBI, and got some messed up information out of it. How am I going to be around a bunch of people who are going to look to us for guidance, when I can't get the voices out of my head? They talked about me a lot there. Not really directly with me, but from the things I heard, we are to be your right-hand men. Your warriors, protectors. I am not in the right frame of mind to do that."

"Brennon, please, just let me show you something. You have to trust me. Relax your mind and think of a door opening. I want to show you how you're more than qualified for this job," I pleaded. He looked at me, skeptical, but nodded. I placed my hands on his temples and pressed our foreheads together. I let the memory of how I saw him save me from the darkness that latched onto me. Let him see that even in his weakest moment, rather than reserve his energy, he saved me.

"I.... I did that?" he gasped, clearly still amazed by the revelation.

"Yeah, you did. Plus, you were there three years and never once mentioned me. I saw a lot of your memories when you were out. I can't do that when you're conscious, by the way. You're all immune to my powers. I saw a teenager rise above his circumstances. A survivor of pain and despair. I saw.............. What I saw......... Who I saw...... Is... well, You. You're devoted to me. To keep each of us safe. There is nothing I can do or say to make you understand how grateful I am. I had to place a sliver of my core into yours. To cleanse it of the corruption they poisoned you with. Do you really believe that I would do that for someone as unworthy as you believe yourself to be?" when he shook his head no, I continued. "The role that you are going to play in my life Bren is not going to be easy. You were right about that. Buttttttt..... You're not in it alone. You have three guys to pass the buck to, work with, learn with. Not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I am a pretty good listener myself. So, if you ever need a break, or feel overwhelmed, or just need to be held, I will happily offer myself."

"I know you are. You're so patient with me. Kind. I want to do my best for you. I am just............. so scared that I'll mess it up. Plus.......sigh. Okay, I........ You, you were my first kiss," he said quickly, looking away shyly.

"And you were mine," I simply admitted.

"No way, your so beautiful," he half shouted. Once he realized what he had said out loud, he blushed.

"Thank you. To be honest, I thought you were the most beautiful guy I ever saw. Looking at your memories made me realize that.." I stopped when I heard a shout of my name. Turning around, I saw Lyon waving to us. He must have gotten a call from Fero already. I waved back, losing the confidence I had a few seconds ago to admit my feelings to Bren.

"Come, let's go. We have a home to get to. A new family to meet," I said, standing up, stretching my hand for him to take.

"You were going to say something, before," he pressed.

I tiptoed and gave him a brief peck and smiled, telling him in due time all would be revealed. He gave a small smile, clasped my hand and we headed to the boat.

"Libertas," Bren read out the name of the vessel.

"Yeah it means freedom," I chirped.