Fate, My Elementals & I (Breaking Borders)

Evy

*** Addanon's Pov ***

A few days ago, I was trapped in my own mind. Not only was I unable to get out, I wasn't even allowed to try. There was this constant negative voice taunting me. It was deep, blunt and crusty. It grated on my brain, scratching, eating away all my confidence and left me a hallow shell. For some reason, the voice would get soft, everytime I heard male voices speaking. There were times I had felt so alone, I became desperate and tried to escape. Those attempts caused me to be burned and proved futile. The only time the voice would go away completely was when a feminine voice sounded.

At the time, all I knew was that the darkness and fog of the smoke, lifted. The voice was dormant and what little I could hear from her I knew she cared. From time to time, a moment of clarity would give me her name, only for my captor to snatch it away from me again. The night I called out to Evony, knowing she could get into my mind, I had focused on her voice so hard. It was like I could see my vines reaching for her. Finally, remembering that she was my light. Calling out to her was all the strength I could generate and I was barely able to keep control over my own consciousness once she did arrive.

After she left, it felt like ages had passed. The prison guard whipped me into submission mentally and kept Evony away from me. When she said goodbye, the darkness refused to release its hold on me. It fed off the despair and kept voicing it. I had no idea why. When the barrier opened, it snickered and said, "I will taste her light and you will be blamed for it."

No matter what I did, I couldn't get back to the forefront of my own mind and had to watch as though from a window, my brothers and Evony fawned over the imposter. Thankfully, Cannon didn't fall for the b.s act and Brennon being the victim of this exact same thing cleansed me. The creature before disappearing screamed that I had yet to win and her light would be snuffed out. I felt sick to my stomach it even got so close to Evony.

My memories were still a bit of a blur when I had woken up. I knew who they were. What the empty void does is eat away at your happy thoughts. With it gone, the clips that it stole from me began popping back up. I realized very few of them were championship moments with my team. Exactly three with Josie. The rest belonged with my brothers and our Queen. There were a lot. Things I didn't even notice gave me a sense of fulfillment and joy. I failed to recognize just how much I cherished each moment with this bunch. What I did learn though, was how awful I was to Evony. She didn't ask for any of this. She didn't choose us. Sure she could have asked who wanted to go with her instead of making the decision for us, but of course, we were children.

It's like when I was growing up, I hated my curls. They were evidence, along with my tanned complexion, that I was a part of a minority. One expected to be nothing but a gardener. It made me work three times as hard to get any kind of positive recognition. All I wanted was for it to be straight. Our guardian had a self-care hair straightening kit. Well, I didn't read the instructions properly and I was only seven. I was bald for a month. I cried so hard. I remember Miss Gretty giving me a piece of advice that day, "Child, people who have straight hair want the same curls you tried to get rid of today. The lesson you have to learn, is that you work with what you were given. If you can't use what you have naturally, how can you use anything that is given to you?"

I didn't really understand what she meant, but Evony only knew training. She wasn't allowed to play or act her age. Fero was her father for all intents and purposes, but chose to be her guardian in our place and acted as such. She never had a say in that. She was told that she's the queen, so why would she give us a choice? In her mind, she was giving us the one thing she wanted; freedom. Freedom to live, play and make our own choices and I condemned her for that. I was embarrassed at some point during my stay here. No longer angry, I was just unsure how to cross the cavern I had created.

Finally deciding to do the right thing........................................... and I end up unconscious. Since waking up, she has remained quite distant from me and I know I only have myself to blame. She hugged and caressed the me she thought she had saved. One without memory, sad, scared, alone and confused. However, when it really was me, she hid. I wasn't sure if it was because she was shy about the things she said while I was unconscious, or just cautious of my attitude. I distinctly remember her promising not to enter my mind without an invitation, but when I drew her in, it was like me on a megaphone, screaming my lungs out, "You have carte blanche to mind f0ck me, as long as you can get me the f0ck outta' here!!"

Three entire days and nights have been gone since my early morning recovery. The guys are all the same. Expect for one thing, they all kept asking me, What happened between me and Red? I genuinely have no clue what they were referring to. They allowed Creed and Willow to come see me on the second day, as my recovery was spread across the Plaine. Not much physical therapy was needed, as they took great care of me. I did need to bulk back up though.

Finally being released into the wild this morning, I found a clearing amongst the trees, where wild flowers grew. It was a beautiful sight. There was a rock I just sat on and thought about the experiences I encountered. It was great to be among the buzzing insects and breathtaking views. I closed my eyes listening to the children squealing and playing in the park nearby. Fero made an Eutopia here. That was undeniable. I asked once, how does one buy an entire island without a social security number. First he told me I was a nuisance and proceeded to lecture me and told me he had a new one for every time he 'had a junior'. Apparently, Fero was his own great grandson.

They made this island themselves and he kept trusting it to himself, or his son, in the law's eyes, as time passed. After completion of political border laws and so forth, he may have had to change a few things, but no governing body could take them from him or claim the isles theirs, simply because of the paper trail, he had kept up to code. The man was diabolical. I asked if it said Plaine on paper, he shook his head no. Refused to speak further. I snooped with Cannon and found it was called 'Lupa Insulae', which translated into nonsense according to Can. So we determined that it was someone's name, then isles.

I mused some more at the silly things that were returning to me as I sat in the morning light, passing my hands over the grass, relishing the profound, yet simple feeling of peace. I felt at home. For the first time in my life, I was where I was wanted and needed. It meant the world to me and suddenly my serenity was interrupted by a shrill female voice, screeching 'Dan' and tackling me to the ground.

"Oof, what the hell?" I shouted.

"Sorry, I was just so excited to see you. Your over-protective queen refused to let me anywhere near you. She was like a dog with a bone, if you catch my drift," Red said in between huffs of breath.

"I don't actually. Evony only ever does what's best for us. You're my friend. You helped me and saved me, which I am eternally grateful for, but please do not ever use that tone or speak that way about her again. I am warning you because you are my friend, had it been anyone else..........." I let the threat hang, so she understood.

With her hands up, like she's being arrested, she exclaimed, "Geez so touchy..." laughing stupidly.

I used the most serious face I had, the one I reserved for when we were down to the last minute and needed one more point to win the game, "I am not joking," I stated while standing up, "You will be wise to heed my advice. I know you are used to your own ways and living. You are a mature Fatum who hardly spent much time in the mortal realm. You should feel loyalty towards her. Trust me, she earned it and then some. I don't know why you feel the need to twist your mouth that way, or why you are fighting it. Personally, it isn't my business. I met you for all of twenty-four hours and I know, despite being in a group, you are a lone ranger..." I clamped my mouth shut, in a grimace when she interrupted me with a rant.

Saying something that made me realize why my brothers were questioning me, "See, that's why we got along so well. You're a lone ranger too. We don't need these people. If they were so important to you, why didn't you mention any of them when we met? They don't mean sh!t to you. Why are you defending her? I saw her kissing and laughing and all over the others. She didn't seem sad at all when you were in your coma. I'm the best choice for you. I'm not Josie or her. You never have to change who you are or pretend around me. Nor would you have to share my affections." She finished speaking, only to stretch out her arm to touch mine.

Taking a step back, I looked at her incredulously and, for the first time since meeting her, I felt revolted. "Have you gone mad?" I exclaimed, "I don't know you. I didn't give a sh!t about you. I didn't say a thing about my family, because you had no right to know. I was protecting them. If I got myself into a sticky situation with you guys, you'd be none the wiser. Why in the world, would you think, my natural instinct to lie to you means I felt kinship towards you, or some type of an affinity. You and I are never going to be a we. You're delusional. What the hell have you been saying to my brothers while I was out, you psycho? Huh?"

"Dan.... why are you acting like this? You were checking me out at the cafe. My friends died saving you!" the crazy b!tch screamed.

"My name is Addanon!" I bellowed, "I am one of the queen's four Elementals. I am the earth's human representation in this realm. I will not tolerate your loose tongue for much longer." Then I lightened my tone a bit, "I am not ungrateful. I also mourn the loss. It was never my intention to get any of you hurt. You acted like you could handle yourselves. You chose to keep me there even though the darkling told you more was coming for me. I am not trying to pardon my role in all that happened, but can you honestly stand there and act like I owe you a date because you assumed I was attracted to you and it got your friends killed as a result. That's the most mental thing I'd ever heard. I never flirted with you. Heck, all I did was complain about my ex and cook. I listened to all your stories. I clearly remember chatting more with Creed than anyone else in the warehouse. At no point did I give you any indication I was interested."

She stood there shaking her head no. Her hair took its natural form and her eyes opened, giving me a view of the flickering flames. My first instinct was to freeze up. I had only just escaped from the fiery confinement. So I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and knew then I was terrified of anyone's fire except for Bren's. My burns were mostly healed already, leaving the scars behind as a reminder. Creed said they were proof that I was a hero. Devion admitted it was his doing. Looking at her transformation though, they felt raw, open and phantom pains ignited all over my body.

Suddenly, a light flashed, an opening like a broken mirror appeared and a trail of fire was coming towards us. The opening was complete before what I identified as Bren's essence, got to us and Evony stepped out. Her hand wrapped around Red's throat and when she spoke, it sounded as though there were various voices, not only her own, but in complete sync and harmony. No roaring or screaming, just simply spoke as Red scratched at her hand feebly without success.

"You do not take unprovoked action against a royal. He is a future ruler of the Fatum. He is not yours," then Evony released Red, with a harsh push back, where Bren was standing.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk! Didn't I tell you to stop sniffing around what doesn't belong to you, little blazer? I think you could use a time out. I heard the nymphs wanted a hot spring. How about I shackle you to the bottom, maybe that'll cool you off for a bit hmmm...." he eerily asked.

I stood there mouth agape. I was totally unprepared for any of this and the little bravado I spoke with right before she flamed on. Honestly, I was only now coming to terms with what it meant. So, to see Bren prepared to issue punishment to her, left me speechless. Brennon pulled her away, as she hollered on and on about how all she wanted was to be loved. Shaking my head at the craziness I apparently attracted, I noticed the broken mirror opening disappeared. There was no Evony in sight.

A few moments passed with me completely dumbfounded at the unnecessary display Red had put on just now and to come to terms with Evony coming to my damsel-in-distress rescue. Again! I looked at the scorched earth where Red stood, wondering if punishment was the right way to go. She seem unhinged. I know I have benefited from the chats I had with Bren since I woke up. Our experiences were different and Bren was clearly mentally stronger than I. He mentioned he had no happy memories apart from the day we'd all met and the letters. He had locked those away deep in his mind and guarded them with his life. The darkness did not have much to feed on, a few miniscule thoughts of his boss and that one teacher that tries to be there for you. That's why he was still able to protect himself against it and even help Evony.

I closed my eyes and searched for my connection to Evy. After finding it, I directed my energy to mend the ruined spot in the meadow. When I felt the area regenerate, I opened my eyes. The entire clearing was ladened with brightly colored flora. I wish I knew more about flowers. I should have used my time wisely, knowing my element, studied up more on it. I know Fero sees me as an i***t. I could find any metal, anywhere, even in our bodies and bend it to my will. My most accomplished move with my powers after more than half a year, was furniture. Sigh, I have a long way to go.

Picking some of the prettiest ones I could find, I used a vine to tie them into a boquet. Making sure all grass stains were dusted off and fixing my hair. Someone took great care of my hair when I was down for the count. Normally, when it's grown out, it tangles into itself. Devion was kind enough to shave down the sides, mark me and trim the ends yesterday. I wonder if he was the one that kept it untangled.

I strolled into our building and headed towards Evony's office. I have been staying in her room the past few nights and, if I am being honest with myself, I don't want to move. I have become addicted to the safety I feel with her. The warmth has no equal. I may not be ready to fall into her arms, as I see my brothers do. Romantically, I know I am not ready. No matter the merry go round I sent Josie on since May. It felt like someone tore apart my heart. I know I was supposed to be her boyfriend, but she was my best friend. To know that she sided with him, never once asked me about it, or allowed me the benefit of the doubt. No romance wasn't on the cards just yet. Plus, polyamory wasn't something I ever considered, no matter how comfortable I am with each of them.

I neared her office and heard chatter. Her door was open and I heard Lyon's voice, like he was reporting.

"They are all still safe. No darklings could be sensed near the home nor her school. I can check again next week if you like. However, I believe they were not aware of that stop most likely. Evony, in all honesty, I don't see why we should waste resources on the girl," he stopped short when she cut him off.

"I didn't ask you for your opinion. I'll have Fero have one of the crows, follow her and her parents. Hopefully, that should be enough and they are not just biding their time," Evony responded.

"She's in a new relationship. Why should the mortal be under our protection? She is the reason Addanon has yet to reach his potential," Lyon still pressed.

"I need not explain myself to you," she said, sounding quite annoyed.

"No, you don't. But now I'm asking my Queen, why are you protecting Josie and her family?" I asked as I entered. She didn't look surprised, she must have sensed me. Lyon bowed to her and left.

"I am doing this because I know that it would hurt you deeply if they were harmed because of the connection they have with you. Despite whatever happened when you visited, I know you are still appreciative of them and care for Josie," Evony answered with her head down and not looking at me, speaking again as she shuffled around some files, "So you know, Red was indeed punished my Bren. He stated he would leave her down there for half an hour. Then have Fero deal with her. You don't have to worry.."

"I don't really care that much. I was only planning to mention that she needs therapy or something after she received her just due. I warned her. Also, to let you know, I have nothing to do with her. I didn't even stand or sit next to her during the day I was around her.," I explained, feeling extremely nervous. I didn't want Evony to think I was such a playboy. I want to maintain the trust she has in me.

"No need for that. I know you did not. She has romanticized her time with you, as she believes your scent means you're on an equal level as her. She is drawn to your power. The light from your core. I believe you," she answered, still refusing to glance my way.

Feeling shy all of a sudden, "Ummm... I brought these for you," I said, awkwardly stretching out the bouquet I made.

She looked up and beamed at me, looking her age again, no worried lines, just pure joy in her eyes, for such a simple gesture. She scrambled from behind her desk and stood in front of it, taking a step closer to me, but still keeping a respectful distance.

"Thank you. They are beautiful. Did you grow them?" she asked as she stretched out her arms to receive them. Once in her hands, she admired them with undisguised enthusiasm, making me feel even more crappy. All she ever wanted from me was a kind word. Recognised that she was around and I denied her that basic respect, for someone who would never know and nor appreciate it.

"Evy..... is it okay if I called you that?" I asked, feeling like a total dork.

"Of course. You can call me anything you're comfortable with," she offered, still staring at the flowers, occasionally sniffing them.

Scratching the back of my neck, I wondered if I really should say anything and decided I had kept silent enough. "I appreciate how thoughtful you were. Taking care of Josie's family. Even after you saw that, she moved on. To be honest, it didn't even occur to me that there was a possibility of them being in danger. And for what you did with Red. I.... I felt like I was back in ..... well you know," her eyes grew larger, staring at me, as she nodded. I continued, "Well..... thanks. I also hope it isn't too late for us to mend the colossal space I created between us. I am sorry about that though. And ..... and I need you to it really wasn't you. I stopped being angry a long time ago. I just..... well I felt like I would be more awful if we became close friends before I ended things with Josie. Thanks for you patience as well. So.... ummm... wanna' know why I hate cats?"

She giggled, making a melody that could entrance the most committed man, and nodded her head. Sitting on the sofa in her office patting the cushion for me to follow. I did and finally had the long overdue chat we both deserved.