Fate, My Elementals & I (Breaking Borders)

Cannon

At the age of eleven ....................

Cuddled next to Dad in the town car, I couldn't take my eyes off him. He looked so much more vibrant, like he did before he started coughing, before he slept away after the littlest activity. He was him again and I would be forever grateful to the guys for this and Evony, of course. If it weren't for her, none of us would have known we were special nor would we be aware that we were capable of helping people. I haven't seen the water since we separated, but I never saw it before either, so logic dictated I had to wait until our reunion.

"Canny, quit staring hunnie," Dad chastised, lovingly smiling at me.

"You look so much better, Daddy." I teared up then, knowing that I wouldn't have to watch him waste away in pain, when he did go, because I was connected to the guys even though I took no part in the healing, I knew he wasn't healed, only the suffering was alleviated and, to be honest, it was what I had hoped for.

"Oh hunnie," he said softly, gently wiping my cheeks, "You haven't called me Daddy in years. Listen hunnie, I appreciate what happened earlier, but we need to have a serious conversation."

I sat up at that and put on my future CEO persona, as Dad calls it, ready to listen and answer any questions he may have.

"Good boy. Now listen to me clearly. I do not need you to explain about yourself and your friends. I had a female friend growing up. Beauty beyond compare and special. She claimed animals used to speak to her.." he started to relay in French, so as not to let the driver understand what was being said.

"Like Doctor Do Little?" I interjected, keeping in fashion.

"Yes, just like that. I was the only one who believed her. She is who I got my imagination from. Also, my love for anything queer. Later on, we found out she was adopted, and someone approached her and told her they would watch over her, like a fairy godfather. She told me everything he explained to her. Letting her know that she wasn't from here nor could he take her back to where they belonged. After some time, she got a scholarship to go to a dance academy and we lost contact."

I sat there soaking up what my father just explained. He knew. He knew what we were. Before I could speak out my thoughts and ask my questions, he halted me with his hand up.

Continuing in French, "I somewhat forgot about all of this, until I saw the performer earlier. I saw how mesmerised you were when you saw her.I know you went backstage as well, someone informed me." I blushed ashamed at that. "What I was not expecting, three others along with you. However, it felt wonderful. I always wanted more children. You know that. Anyways, I side track, you absolutely cannot tell anyone, even Papa, about this. Do you understand?" he added sternly.

Nodding like a pecking chicken, accepting his order as it was my plan as well. Papa was a realist. If I told him I had magic powers or could understand water, he would have me committed and take away my inheritance.

"Canny, look at me in the eyes," he calmly demanded and continued, "I love your father, with all my being, but even I have to admit he has some questionable traits. I have seen him strip and tear away at the most beautiful places and people, leaving them hollow, and you being his flesh and blood will not deter him. The family he grew up with...................... had made their money doing many questionable things. He was brought up to be ruthless. He admits I keep him human. On the nights when he is at home, we chat. I know we skirt around my impending expiry date, but hunnie I begged him not to turn you into a mirror image of himself. He couldn't promise me. So I need you to promise me that you won't let him sink his claws into you. Respect and love him. Lord knows he would need you to, but under no circumstances are you to let him express or confide in you. His secrets come at a price that I refuse to allow you to pay. I will come back from the dead and haunt you," he finished passionately.

I never heard Dad talk about Papa that way. We would joke and jeer at his serious-no-nonsense personality, but Dad looked genuinely scared when telling me all this.

"I promise Dad. It's just why did you marry Papa if he was so.................complicated?" I had to ask. Actually, I wanted to say questionable and immoral, but thought it would upset Dad.

"There are some people in your life where you find their short comings no longer matter when compared to the way you feel uncontrollably around them. Your father walked into the room and no one else existed for me. He warned me away at first, telling me that I was too pure, he would darken me. He did his best to avoid me in public places. I thought it was because he was straight and I made him uncomfortable, so I gave up," he reminisced.

"But Papa always says he chased after you?" I interuppted confused. Definitely never heard this version before, I mused.

"Oh, that was six months later. He was like a dog with a bone. When I finally relented, that is the story he tells to business associates as a little anecdote. When he tells you he had to bend over backwards for a first date with me, it was all his fault. He rejected me at first. Of course I had to play hard to get after that," he exclaimed in a haughty tone. "Always make them work so they will appreciate you more, hunnie," he said mischievously, with a wink.

"Do you know what changed his mind?" I asked.

"Yes. His grandfather died. He was the bigot in the family. Ruthless man had Carter from the tender age of five, when his parents died. Your father stated he never had a definition of his sexuality, nor attempted to figure it out and just knew that no one else could capture his attention, other than me, of course. His exact words were, Whatever little heart I have, belongs to you. My humanity will be tied to you as long as you will have me. I am not a good man, but I will be the best version of myself for you and only you. As you know, we married after only ten months of dating. That was because he didn't want to be forced into a business marriage his grandfather was in the process of fixing before his heart attack, but he truly meant his love for me. No matter how stressed or upset he is, he never raises his voice to me and spoils me rotten. If he didn't respect me as much as he does, he wouldn't have let me work. I knew I wasn't just a means to an end," he explained.

"I understand now. There are no real reasons for love, is there? You just fit or you don't," I said quietly, wondering if that was what I felt for Evony apart from the fierce loyalty.

"I wish I had an answer for you Canny," he replied in English, effectively letting me know our conversation was over.

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At the age of fifteen..................................

Standing near the grave, I watched as my father was lowered into his final resting place. I felt another sob bubble up, but maintained my composure as my Papa would be upset if I made a spectacle of myself. Imagine saying goodbye to the person who loved you most in the world and knowing you will be alone after that, and forced not to express yourself. At that moment, I knew I despised Carter. He was half my DNA, my mirror of what I would look like after forty and I only felt resentment towards him. He stood there stoic, unfeeling, caring more about his ridiculous image than giving a real send off to the man that loved him despite all of that.

Thinking of two nights ago, I seethed.

"Knock, knock," I heard and responded with a come in. I was in the middle of the last stage of my new tech development when I heard what he said.

"Come say goodbye to Eddison," the robot said to me. No, Hey son or Cannon, your Dad is asking for you.

Swallowing the pain, I whispered, "Alright, one moment."

I had hoped that I could finish the product before he...................... well, I can at least show him the progress I made. My very own cheerleader deserves some good news. He still wasn't in as much pain, but the cancer completely took over and started shutting down his organs. He said he was tired, and his husband, like always, was willing to give him whatever he wanted. Even if it meant pulling the plugs and stopping treatment. The hospice nurse said it would only take a few hours. Feeling the burning in the back of my throat and stinging sensation from the unshed tears, I knocked on his door, announcing myself, and walked in.

I saw Carter holding Dad's hand like priceless china and placing little kisses on his protruding knuckles, one of his rear smiles gracing his face. Damn, I'm going to age well. The silly, fleeting thought was interrupted when Dad stretched out his hand to me, beckoning me and, like a moth to the flame, I went willingly. Clasping his hand, I took out my tablet, showing him the new specs and designs. He listened attentively even though he knew nothing about I.T or A.I, he still asked relevant questions, and told me he wished I had his eye for detail. Pretty things are temporary, but striking things are guaranteed to be coveted. Carter, with his charismatic, prince-charming attitude, claimed Dad was clearly striking, going about with P.D.A like I was not there.

Shaking my head at the two, I realized I did not mind anymore. Guess I have matured more than I realized. We laughed and talked like a family, giving love and happiness to the person who brought it out of us. Banter and promises made. Then I leaned my forehead on his shoulder when I realized he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore and seldom answered or laughed. I cried, freely, harsh sobs wracked through me. I felt like my soul was being wrung out, all my love would go with this man to his grave. I wish it wasn't true. I wish Evony had been there for me, maybe give me a sense of hope. However, with just the thought of her, I seemed to feel a sense of calm wash over me. My first great love would be leaving me, but I could look forward to a new potential one.

My trip down memory lane was interrupted when Papa nudged me to throw the first dirt on the coffin. I picked it up, feeling the earth between my fingers, sensing the water between the grains. They called to me, feeling my sorrow. Caressing my finger tips as a way to sooth me. It made me smile slightly, thinking of my Dad's childlike response, folding his feet under himself on the sofa hugging a cushion, listening to me describe how the water droplets appeared to me and the way they led me to Evony. How giddy he got every time we received a letter from the boys. The way he got excited about anything I did. My hype man and best friend. Goodbye.

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I was the last to leave the mausoleum-like crypt, ready to lock up. I was startled by a beautiful woman appearing from behind the door.

"Geez, what is wrong with you lady?" I exclaimed, "Are you trying to make me get my own spot here?" gesturing to my Dad's final resting place.

"I'm so sorry," she said kindly, "It wasn't my intention to scare you." she offered. "He was my childhood friend," she explained, sounding a bit distant, as though lost in her thoughts. I remained quiet, wondering if this woman had her meds today. "I did not wish to meet your biological parent, he has a dark aura, the kind that makes animals run and hide, so I stayed a bit far away until he left." From what I gathered, she did not like Papa, was friends with Dad and clearly wanted to see me. But why?

"What do you want?" I asked straight to the point.

She looked at me, tilting her head like an owl. It was unnerving, to say the least. Finally, opening her mouth, "I have something for you. Years ago, your late father found me. Explaining your curious situation. He must have paid a lot of money as I am not an easy person to contact. Either way, he requested I be the executor of his estate. The one your other father knows nothing about. Everything you need, complete with instructions and a letter explaining why, has been placed in here," she said while placing a delicate handcrafted designer box into my arms. I felt like weeping knowing he made this box. I could point out his work anywhere. By the time I finished admiring it and looked up, she was gone. I looked around a bit. I was alone. Weird. Not understanding all the cloak and dagger, I kept the box under my jacket and ran to my waiting car.

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At the age of eighteen.....................................

Less than three years ago, I received the most important information about myself, my future and began preparing. My Dad truly loved me. He even helped me after he was gone. My only regret was not being able to communicate with guys. Papa watched me like a hawk and I could not risk it. I believe that no matter what, when we all meet tomorrow, we will be put to the test by Fate, immediately. I hope that my information was enough to give us an advantage, because we are going to need a lot more than our elements and good intentions to win............................. Hearing the jet engines start, I relaxed into my seat and got ready for the eighteen-hour flight.

I'm coming Evony, my Queen.......