Part 11 (1/2)
She extends her and Jay takes it. A blue spark ignites between their hands then Jay Glides. He comes back in a fraction of a second.
”Yo, that was crazy!” he announces.
”You went all the way around the world?” I ask.
”Six times,” he says, too excited to stand still.
”I'm an Enhancer. I add to whatever powers you already have,” she says dismissively.
”That's hot!” Jay says, clearly impressed.
”I wish I could have my own power and not just make other people stronger.”
”Charity, don't be a downer,” her sister scolds. She hunches her shoulders slightly and lowers her eyes.
”Charity, your power is like cash money. It's always useful,” Jay says. She doesn't bring her eyes up from the floor all the way but she does perk up and smile.
”We need to go inside,” Ameana says weakly as she doubles over in pain.
”What is it?” Marcus asks rus.h.i.+ng to her side.
”I don't know.”
”Does your power have some kind of side effect on the people you pull from?” Marcus asks.
”It makes them weak. I should have mentioned that,” Choice says sweetly.
”Yes, you should have,” Marcus warns her.
Rio makes Ameana lean on him as we all head back to the temple.
As soon as we enter, Chance is there to greet us.
”What do you think of our city?”
”Nice. But if we are going to get to Pyron, we should head back now,” Marcus informs her.
”It's late. The Port can only take you as far as Terra. And you should not travel there at night.”
”We can take our chances,” he a.s.sures her.
”Your teammate looks unwell; recharge then leave in the morning. We have prepared rooms for all of you.”
Marcus is about to object but then he looks at Ameana. She is trying to put up a brave front but she has yet to stand fully upright.
”Okay, but we will take off at first light.”
”That sounds very wise Guardian.”
Chance tells Charity to show us to our rooms.
”Before you go, I think it's only fair to warn you that Pyron will be extremely dangerous. Everyone always focuses on reaching Kairo but that's a mistake. You will need to focus on how to get past the terrain of Pyron first. Then focus on Kairo in the castle.”
”You have any suggestions?” the Twins ask.
”You will need help from three beings. You need someone very familiar with Hun's Market as Kairo has used many items from there to protect his land.”
”Would a Seller do?” I reply.
”That would be wise, yes.”
”Do you know of one?” Charity asks.
We all exchange bemused looks.
”Yeah, we know one,” Marcus says regretfully.
”Is he a friend?”
Is Tony-Tone a friend?
”He's...well-meaning” I say out loud.
”He will be important to your mission,” Charity says, concerned.
”Next you will need someone who knows Kairo and how he thinks.”
”I know a guy who is obsessed with all things Kairo. He's studied him for many Cycles. He'd love to go with us.”
”Good. Lastly, you will need a Para,” Chance concludes.
”Why?” Ameana asks incredulously.
”You will be invaded by darkness from all sides. The light of a Para will help to combat the ubiquitous evil around you.”
”Do you know a Para?” Choice asks.
We all look at each other and then at Ameana. She sighs softly and nods ”yes.”
”One final matter: we would appreciate it if you would not tell anyone about us until after your mission.”
”You want us to keep all of this a secret, why?” Jay asks.
”We would like to personally introduce ourselves. That will give us a chance to make a good impression on the Angel world. If word gets out about us before we're ready, we can imagine the misgivings and rumors that will follow. So we feel secrecy is best. Do you agree Marcus?”
He agrees to her condition.