Fate, My Elementals & I (Breaking Borders)

Fiery Maze

*** Evony's Pov ***

With Fero entering the room, feeling my distress, I proceeded to explain the experience. What I felt, saw and heard.

"Couldn't it be a vivid dream?" Dev asked.

Fero responded, "No. Not possible. Evony has been steadfast in not reading Addy's mind. She can't dream about the feelings I get from him. I know he's frustrated and now I sense almost hopelessness. He called her to him."

"How is that possible? It is like what happened the first day we all met?" Bren queried.

"What happened the first day?" Fero questioned.

Can, Dev and Bren all explained their experience, ending with Fero staring at me for my explanation. Once getting all sides, he whispered in disbelief, "That's impossible. That's your special space. Only queens can exist outside of space and time," then in awe, he said, "You truly are powerful and special. I am proud I can serve you, My Queen."

"Right, ummm..... Fero, is there any theory about how you propose Fairy gets Addanon out of there? I mean he doesn't even know his own name? Even if he did draw her to him, he isn't aware of it and clearly doesn't even know who she is apart from her voice," Devion asked, concerned.

"Well, it's simple. Evony needs to enter his mind and help him out," Fero answered.

"Wait! I need a real idea here. In case you've forgotten, she said that those flames were volatile. I felt her body heat up and I had to draw smoke from her lungs. It's not my fire, I won't be able to control it. That beast trapped our brother, how is it even possible for him to do something like that?" Bren argued.

"There's a reason we call your predecessor the ancient one. My father, he mentioned once before to me, that the other Elemental was much older than him.." Fero began only to be cut off by Cannon, "That's not what you told us before. You said the Elementals are supposed to be two moons older than their queen."

Fero angrily replied, "I know what I said. Let me explain! No one had ever seen that blazer before. Once Lliana was born and noted as the successor, he appeared. My father, the correct birth time, was activated as well. No one understood why he was older and clearly matured. Some court counselors believed he was meant for the past queen, but never activated because Fate didn't believe she needed him. Another seedling was not born with the requirements and this new royal must need a mature guardian. This knowledge is not common. He's much older than my sire. I do know that halflings grown up in the mortal realm were harder to control. They were argumentative and questioning our peaceful ways of life. Their upbringing made it harder to integrate them. The Fire Elemental at the time was known as the punisher. He would deal with any one that got out of hand. My father was in charge of the soldiers and the queen saw to any minimal issues and the border. Letting in and out matured Fatum only. Mostly ones who have not found their Fated as yet. It's not a common occurrence, but there are some Fatum whose matches were in fact mortal. It became a bit of a taboo, because once the offspring presents evidence that our gene was strong in them, they were brought back to our realm, making the couple separate for lengthy periods of time, causing unhappiness and stress. I digress, the reason the ancient one was called the punisher, I guess that is what he did to Addy."

"Did your father have any special powers?" Cannon asked curiously.

Fero smirked, "Nothing too special. It was a defensive tool. He could whisper into a vessel, seal it with his air and only whoever was meant to hear the message could unseal it and listen."

"Wow, do you think you could teach me that," Devion piped up.

"I'm sorry," Fero apologised while shaking his head, "I have no clue how he did it. Also, I believe your gifts mature with age and you are all so much different. You're all so close in age, activated and then dormant for years. Your bonds confuse me. It is nothing like the history I learnt. The methods I use to help you control them will always remain. But I can no longer apply my knowledge of the past to you. As for saving Addy, Bren's right. He can't help. Cannon, you need to connect with Ev, as she enters Addanon's mind. I suggest you shield yourself the way Cannon makes his ice gloves. It may very well be a maze he's in. If you're protected you can just walk through the walls and get to him."

"It's worth a try," I finally said softly. I was so angry Fero never explained any of these things to me beforehand. I have learnt so many new things since presenting the guys. It was like Fero didn't believe I was strong enough on my own. I didn't have time to express my displeasure. However, the moment Addanon is safe, we will have words.

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In preparation for invading Addanon's not-so sound mind, for the past thirty minutes, I have been shielding myself with Cannon's ice. Connecting to and using his core is easier than expected. They all mentioned they felt a tug on their cores, that's why they woke up. They also explained why they knew to enter my office the day Red was there as well. I had no clue I was subconsciously calling them in those times. I now realize there are many things about our bond we have yet to explore and made a mental note to do so once we've rescued everyone.

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"I'm ready," I stated. It was already three in the morning and none of us had yet to sleep. Devion was still uncomfortable with the plan, so I figured out how to seal myself with his coating of protection as well. Using Bren as my connection to the fire, I sat on his lap, having both, Can and Dev standing on either side of me, each with a hand on my shoulders, right in front of the cot where Addy was placed. Bren kissed my forehead and said, "You can do this, Angel. He won't be mad. You're doing this to protect him. You've made sure to use me as a bridge, so you'll only access the fire room, not his memories. You are not doing anything wrong. He'll understand and if he ever gives you a hard time with any of this, we will personally kick his as$ alright."

"Okay, I'll hold you to that," I gave him a small smile, wondering how amazing my guys were and what could I ever do to show them how much I appreciated them. They all kissed me at once. One at each temple and Bren, my nose, as I touched Addy, opening up our channel.

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Using Bren's fire, I located the maze quickly enough, not being lost in his mind. It was a sort of maze, pockets of openings as I bent the corners. Sheathing myself in ice and the added layer of Dev's air-tight shielding , I decided to go with Fero's plan and break though the walls. I called out to Addanon, begging him to answer me. Eventually, after searching for a few minutes, I finally heard him. He sounded so weak.

"I'm here," he called out, "Please don't leave me again."

"I won't my Rock, I'm here. Keep speaking, I'm coming for you and I promise this time I will never let you go," I promised, speeding up in the direction I heard him from.

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*** Fero's Pov ***

"Why is she taking so long," I asked more to myself, as I paced back and forth. All of them were in a type of stasis. Addanon's hope levels and other emotions have spiked. I feel Ev's anxiety and how much she's exerting herself. It was beyond anything I could imagine. Their bond was nothing short of a miracle. They are definitely unlike previous rulers.

My father was always in his natural state. I learned to sense him, it was odd, knowing the wind could have emotions. He was proud of me. I never went home to him specifically. My mother did not survive my birth. It was common for special seedlings like myself and Lupa, to drain the essence of our mothers. Lupa's sire was a soldier as well, so seeing us together was not a surprise to most.

As I wiped beads of sweat forming on Evony's brow, I thought about how I was never destined to sire a babe. On the day of the coup, Lupa matured. Confirming what I already knew, we were Fated. The love of my youth was supposed to belong to me and died before we could truly explore our connection. Before that solider showed up with the instructions from my father, it was the first time I felt Lupa's skin against mine. The beauty of knowing this person, belongs to me and I, them. It was exhilarating and scary all at once. Knowing that Lupa could not procreate, never once did I believe I was meant to be a parent.

When Evony was barely a toddler, she started calling me Dada. I believe she saw other seedlings doing it, with their sires. I was moved, but had to stop her. She may have been my ward at the time, but she will always be my queen. The very look of trust and love in her eyes were things that would have only been a dream for me, had Lupa survived and the queen's brother had not betrayed her. We would have lived blissfully, content with each other. Open our aging process before the madness sets in and die in each others arms. It would have been a quiet life, as Lupa's powers prevented them from speaking. Even now, I long for silence.

We were needed, it was just too late. Lupa was so fearful of hurting the seedlings by mistake, they chose to fight hand to hand combat with the Fatum on the darklings' side. I still remember how it looked like a flawless, effortless dance whenever they did. We were almost to the border before they surrounded us. As I sent the ones capable of walking through and with matures we picked up along the way, Lupa was stabbed. I had only heard them screech once before. It was unpleasant. Lupa would veer off to practice aiming their sonar at a target, making sure to use undertone and far away from any other. I was curious and addicted to Lupa's presence. My ears bled that day. This was so much worse, but controlled. The guards stood no chance and dropped to their knees. I wanted to go to them, drag them out with me. Lupa stopped, looked at me, shook their head, no, as I attempted to disobey, they aimed at another approaching group of guards. I didn't listen. I ran to them. Feeling myself wrapped up by vines, I saw an earthern focussing on trapping me. I used my power and bent their fear to my will, having them release me and attack the approaching group of swordsmen. By the time I looked back and realized it was quiet, Lupa laid on the ground bleeding from more wounds than I knew they had. Looking at my love, one last time, I used the vines, tied the seedlings carriers together and jumped through.

"Mmmmm..." Evony groaned in discomfort, drawing my attention back to her. I felt that my face was wet, only noticing that I was crying.

I whispered, "Sono qui, mia figlia." (I'm here, my daughter)

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*** Evony's Pov ***

This was a lot harder than anticipated. The walls regenerated and moved. Running straight through, I assumed would work. However, the prison kept evolving around us.

"Addanon, are you still hearing me?" I shouted.

"Yes.... I'm...... here..." he answered between gasps.

"I need to try something else. The flames won't let me near you," I told him.

"Okay, be careful..." he answered.

I drew on Devion's core, lifting myself, attempting to hover above the flames to find him. The moment I got a glimpse of him, he screamed out and the blaze rose. It would have burnt me, had I not been encased in the protective ice. I floated to the floor, shouting, "Addanon, are you alright?"

"I'm..... I'm okay, don't worry," he said while groaning.

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*** Fero's Pov ***

"Sh!t!" I exclaimed as I saw burns appear on Addanon's arm. The smell of his flesh burned my nostrils. Right before that, the spike of hope came from him. Prior to this, he was anxious, mostly. Hopeless and desperate. Only tonight do I feel positive feelings. Could it be the prison that stays in tact when the prisoner is subdued and accepts their fate, but grows more volatile once they have hope of escaping?

I must tell Evony.

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*** Evony's Pov ***

"Evony, do you hear me?" I heard Fero ask.

"Yes," I responded.

"His body is showing evidence of new burns, every time his hopes soar. This fiery prison remains calm, as long as the captive is in a state of despair. Make him sad, hopeless and then you should be able to reach him. It will be easier to navigate, should it not?" he asked, desperately hoping, against all odds, that this was the key.

"Do it, bend him to your will," I instructed.

"I'm sorry, my Queen, I cannot affect your Elementals. It was why I let Lyon tease them into anger. I could not manipulate," he apologized.

Great, another enigma, I thought.

I thanked Fero for the guidance and hung my head. I began weeping, knowing what I was about to do to him. I felt it unforgivable. However, I would rather he hate me, than stay here much longer.

"I can't stay any longer. I have no other way to get back here. I'm sorry!" I shouted.

"No!!! Please, I... I'm so sorry, please. Don't go. I..... I can't find any way. Please...... " he sobbed. My heart nearly broke as I heard his pleas, but I found the walls beginning to settle. As he cried out to me, asking if I had left already, the flames no longer appeared angry. His sorrowful weeping, begging to know where he was echoed through, as most of the flames and smoke cleared. They seemed to begin to reverse.

The maze slowly cleared, forming a box-like shape, which I was sure my Rock was inside of. I restrained a smile and kept my heart steady. Stepping cautiously towards the remaining walls, keeping my heartbeat steady, regardless of his wails. He no longer sounded like himself. I truly was his last hope.

I will never leave you. I will be there for you, always, I repeated over and over to myself.

I released the air shield and melted the icy armor to douse the flames and blow away the smoke. Before it could revive, I grabbed him and said, "I will never abandon you." He looked at me, held onto me and used Bren's core, my anchor, to guide us back.

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*** Fero's Pov ***

All of them glowed so bright I had to shield my eyes. When the room dimmed, I saw them all blinking slowly like they were finally awake after a long sleep. I looked at Addanon, seeing him open his eyes for the first time in so long. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing this would give Evony some peace.

"If there is ever a next time, we're sitting in chairs. My back is stiff..." groaned Cannon. I rolled my eyes at the primadonna.

"Addy?" I heard her whisper.

"Yeah, I'm alright. How.... how did you do that? Who are you?" he asked.

We all looked at each other, frightened and sad. He forgot everything?

"Addanon, we're your family," Bren started, "We'll take care of you okay. We'll help you regain your memories."

"Let me help you with those burns buddy," Devion went forward with the soothing sap.

Cannon stood there frozen for a short while, as the rest all hovered over Addy. Worried and fussing.

"Stop!" Cannon just burst out, causing the others and Evony to look at him in disbelief.

"Cannon, what is going on with you?" Evony said, feeling exasperated.

"He's f0cking with you!" Can accused.

"Cannon, your brother has been trapped in a furnace prison. As annoying as I find him normally, even I can admit that he deserves a bit more care than you are extending to him," I chastised.

"Evony, trust me. He's either f0cking with us, or there's something else going on. Addanon, if I have throw you through the Plaines shield myself, I would. Now, the truth!" Cannon demanded.

Brennon looked at Cannon and with conviction said, "No need for threats," and rested his palm, ablaze, against Addanon's forehead, drawing out the darkest smoke I'd ever seen. A piercing screech was heard and Addy's head flopped down on the cot.

"What the f0ck was that?" Devion, surprisingly, was the one who said that.

"He may not have been trapped anymore, but the former Elemental planted a seed of darkness in him. We were all very happy to finally see him awake. We missed it," Bren explained.

"How'd you notice it?" Dev looked at Cannon.

"Because he's an as$hole, not a punk. No version of Addy I know, would wake up and cry like a little b!tch!" Cannon shrugged, making us all groan in irritation.

"What! You believed me. You cleansed him," Cannon glared at Bren.

"Well yeah, 'cause Addy would never accept an accusation like that, and just cower," Bren argued.

"So you both based your theories on the way he was behaving?" Evony asked. Making both of them turn from German shepherds bearing teeth at one another, to two sorry puppies, bowing their heads.

"It could have been a result of him losing his memories. Did either of you consider that?" Evony asked. My heart ached for her, because I know the reason she was questioning it was because Addanon's behavior, for the first time, felt welcoming towards her. The idea that it was false, hurts her more than she is letting on.

"Fairy, they were right. Bren cleansed him, the way his core did you, back at the mental hospital," Devion, the voice of reason, gently explained.

Before she could reply, we all heard a groan come from Addy.

"Quit shouting, geez," he moaned. Wonderful, Mr. Congeniality has returned.

"There's the ungrateful sh!thead we all know and love. Welcome back to the land of people who get absolutely no sleep, when we want it," Bren snarked.

Evony I noticed no longer touched him like before, she seemed almost frightened to approach him. The boys crowded and joked with him, telling him all about how they helped Evony save him. Bellyached about having to babysit him, while she sat back on the chair that she and Bren shared before.

"Evony," he croaked, even though he'd already drunk two glasses of water, "Thank you."

"Of course, it's my duty," she said quietly.

"Evony, please look at me, I can feel you healing me," he pushed.

She looked towards him, carefully.

"Thank you for giving me a family. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for giving an orphan, like me, a home. Most of all, thank you for not abandoning me. I will do my best to earn that promise," he stated clearly this time.

The smile that lit her face was priceless. So, I promised to myself that I'll hate him a little less.