Ryder Read online

  "But?" Kai urged me to continue.

  "But it’s as if he became clouded with darkness...and I can't feel him anymore. I've tried and tried, but to no avail. I can't sense him anymore," I admitted.

  The others frowned in response, feelings of worry flooding through me.

  "You guys need to control your feelings," Daniel announced.

  We glanced at him as he crossed his arms.

  "What? Why?" Kai asked.

  Daniel pointed to me. "He can sense all of our emotions," Daniel announced.

  "How did you..." I trailed off, feeling confused.

  "You have a demon spirit, right?" he asked.

  I nodded.

  He continued, "I have an angel spirit...specifically an Archangel spirit. You know what they can do, correct?"

  I glanced to Kai and Marcus, both of them nodding. Only Elias looked confused.

  "Archangels are able to manipulate other people's emotions. They can make you happy, sad, angry or feel strong emotions like denial or shame. Polar opposite to my gift. I can feel anyone's emotions. I have it locked down for now, but I can't block out this group's feelings," I explained for Elias’ sake, before revealing my gift.

  "What are we feeling now?" Kai asked.

  I closed my eyes for a second, needing a moment to imagine the circle of us within my mind. I could feel his hesitation, worry, and a hint of fear. "You're hesitant of all that's going on and why we're gathered here and also worried...about Elias," I explained, looking deeper within myself to see the small thread in a blue color which represented fear linked to the green silhouette that I now knew was Elias.

  I opened my eyes to see Kai’s shock. I noticed Elias peeking at Kai from behind Marcus; I could feel his fear, but also sensed, behind it all, a hint of admiration and happiness.

  "Elias is still afraid...but your concern for him makes him a little happy to be noticed," I continued.

  Elias glanced over to me, his cheeks grew a slight pink color. He nodded.

  I noticed his pale skin, making me realize the current situation. He doesn't look good at all.

  "We can continue our guessing game later. We should head back. Elias needs to be looked at," I announced.

  "Why should we listen to you exactly?" Kai asked, crossing his arms.

  Marcus sighed. "Do we really have time for this...Kai, correct?" he asked.

  Kai frowned. "Why is he the leader? We just met him," Kai argued.

  "Well, for one, he is in the center of whatever this is in our minds. Don't tell me when you close your eyes and concentrate you can't see five of us circling the glowing purple guy," Marcus argued.

  "Of course, I see that. Doesn't mean he should be the leader. He's younger. Why do I have to follow him?" Kai asked.

  "How old are you?" Marcus asked.

  "Twelve."

  "What rotation?" Marcus inquired.

  "Second, so February," he argued.

  "Well, I'm older and state we should listen to Carter and head back," Marcus concluded.

  "What's your birthday?" Kai demanded.

  "First rotation of the first cycle," he revealed.

  "January 1st. You're a new cycle baby?" I asked.

  "Yup. I know, special ain't I? Now, can we ditch? We'll have to figure out where ‘red to darkness guy’ is after Elias gets treatment," Marcus ordered.

  "Sure," I responded.

  "How can you two be okay with just waltzing out of here when we don't even fucking know each other," Kai snapped.

  "Um, I don't know. Why are you angry?" I asked.

  "Because this is stupid," he argued.

  "How is this stupid?" I retorted, my anger beginning to rise.

  "We followed a weird sensational pull to this pillar place, with no fucking instructions, and now I'm taking orders, from some purple-eyed brat, to go and get Elias assistance," Kai disputed.

  I rolled my eyes. "First, I'm not a brat. It's Ryder. Second, Elias needs to see a healer at the medical center here in Heila. We'll go there, make sure he’s alright and—"

  "No."

  We turned to Elias who was shivering, shaking his head.

  "What?" I asked as his fear skyrocketed, making me feel dizzy. Shit.

  "Elias? You don't like medical centers?" Marcus asked.

  Elias nodded, shivering. "Please...no. They'll strap me to the table and tell me to stay still..." he whispered, tears in his eyes.

  "Okay. We won't go to the medical center. We...can go to one of the rooms in the private section of the castle and Karen can check you out, okay? Don't cry," I reassured him, reaching out to rub his head.

  He nodded. "Okay," he agreed.

  "Let's just go, please?" I asked, turning to face Kai.

  "I'm not taking orders from you," Kai argued.

  "Are we really arguing right now? We just met," Marcus pointed out.

  "Exactly. We just met, meaning I don't need to take orders from any of you! I'm going home," Kai announced.

  "Stand still and shut the fuck up."

  Kai froze mid-stride, shock registering on his face.

  The remainder of us turned to Daniel, whose eyes were now a dark gold, hints of orange and brown flickering near his iris.

  "Did...you just use your power?" I asked.

  Daniel nodded, crossing his arms. "Stop acting like a bunch of spoiled brats. Elias needs treatment and you’re standing there bickering over who's leader? Ryder's in the center of this in some way and he knows Heila better than any of us. Stop being a fucking ass and listen. We can deal with your hurt pride later," Daniel ordered.

  Marcus and I stared at one another, turning to Kai who was still frozen in place. Daniel took a deep breath, closing his eyes. When they opened they were back to their bright gold color— Kai shook his head.

  "Mother fucking ugh...why did the gods make a fucking Archangel? I swear to Starlight, use that stupid skill on me again and—" Kai scolded, but stopped when we heard a "splat" sound.

  We turned to see Elias on the floor. SHIT!

  Marcus was already on the ground, shaking him. "Elias? Elias, can you hear me?" he asked.

  Daniel went to his other side, lifting his hands over Elias who was shivering. They became encased in a golden light as his eyes scanned Elias’ body.

  "He's running a high fever. He's dehydrated too," Daniel pointed out.

  "I suggest you all stop lingering and take him to Karen."

  We all looked over our shoulders to see a woman. She had beautiful black hair, the roots showing lines of grey. Her hair was tied up in a red ribbon, the same color as the traditional garment I believed was a kimono that cloaked her small figure.

  She was short, only a few inches taller than us. Even though her skin was pale, she looked strong and healthy, her skin-tone and facial features cluing me in that she too was of Asian descent.

  "Who are you?" I whispered, the others unable to ask the question as we stared at the powerful woman before us.

  Her violet eyes softened as she smiled.

  "My name is Saikikku Madore, and I'll be your mentor, Star Knights of Princess Rosalina Mackenzie Heart, future heir of Heila and Savior from the darkness."

  "Wait. Stop. Nope. This doesn't make sense in my brain. Can you repeat what you just said?" I sighed, pressing my head against the desk. My head was pounding and the amount of confusion hitting me was making me dizzy.

  It had been three days since we'd met Saikikku Madore, a fortune teller from Japan who'd professed our gathering. She would be one of our mentors; Karen, Matthew Oxwell, and even the well-known Winterlya Frost, future heir of Winterlya, would be aiding in our preparation to search for Rosalina.

  Now, we were sitting in a classroom, Elias the only one absent. Karen stated she'd wanted to reveal something to us and had finally made the announcement. Thanks to my fuzzy mind and dealing with the ongoing up and down levels of emotions hitting me the last hour since Karen's arrival, I was spent. I really wish I hadn't left my bracelet at home.

  "Ma
rcus, sit down and remember to keep your emotions in check. I don't think Ryder can handle it anymore," Daniel announced.

  I heard the scraping sound of the chair; Marcus must have taken his seat to avoid Daniel forcing him to.

  "My bad. Ryder, you good?" he asked.

  I could sense his regret and worry. I lifted my hand, giving him a thumbs-up. "I just need a minute," I whispered, feeling drowsy. I felt something poke my cheek. I opened my heavy eyes to a pair of emerald ones. I blinked, lifting an eyebrow at the pair of eyes that looked familiar. I've seen these eyes before...but not on a female.

  She poked me again, her little finger touching my cheek.

  "Why is there a girl poking me?" I asked, my mind still hazy. When did I even fall asleep?

  "If you hadn't fallen asleep and paid attention, you would know," Kai mumbled.

  "You know, you have issues. Elias is allowed to have an anger problem, but I don't get you," Marcus huffed.

  "I'm allowed to have a problem, and you’re one to talk," Kai retorted.

  "Can you two shut up, or should I make you?" Daniel threatened.

  From the way the room fell silent, I figured they didn't want to deal with Daniel's gift. I lifted my head, rubbing my eyes.

  "Sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep," I apologized.

  "Not your fault. Karen said to let you sleep or you'd be at risk of sensory overload," Daniel explained.

  "You know a lot about medical terms," I pointed out.

  "I'm an angel," he replied, fixing his glasses.

  "That doesn't mean you have to be knowledgeable about different conditions. Kade doesn't know shit about anything regarding the body," I commented.

  "Who's Kade?" Daniel asked.

  "Rosalina's brother," I explained.

  "You didn't know she has two brothers, angel boy?" Kai asked.

  Daniel leaned to the side, raising an eyebrow.

  Kai huffed, looking away.

  I noticed the girl who was poking me shuffle over to Marcus, hiding behind him. She had long blonde hair, the natural loose curls complemented her oval face. She had pink lips, rosy pink cheeks, and big emerald eyes.

  The way she hid behind Marcus looked familiar— reminding me of Elias.

  "Wait? Elias has a sister?" I asked, my mind still fuzzy.

  Kai rolled his eyes, groaning while Marcus sighed. Daniel patted my shoulder.

  "Um. That's Elias...well, his spirit actually," Daniel explained.

  I blinked, rubbing my eyes before taking another glance at the girl.

  "I'm sorry, but either I'm experiencing a delusion or that's a girl behind Marcus and she does not look like a HE. Elias has short hair and isn't a girl. Where’s Elias hiding? You guys are just pranking me," I suggested looking around the small classroom area we were sitting in.

  When the wave of disappointment hit me at once, I realized this wasn't a joke. I groaned, putting my head back down.

  "Can you guys please figure out your emotions? I can't deal with this and I left my bracelet at home," I complained. I heard the sliding of the door.

  "Brother! I'm here."

  I lifted my head to see Anya. The other guys all stared at my sister. She ignored their gazes, walking straight over to me.

  "Xavier said you left your bracelet behind and you'd need it," Anya announced, placing the black box that held my bracelet on the table.

  "Anya? How did you get here?" I asked, confused.

  "Xavier. He didn't want to come in cause you'd think he actually cares about you," Anya pointed out, shrugging.

  I smirked. "Tell him I say thank you. And thanks for coming in."

  She nodded, placing a quick kiss on my forehead before heading toward the door. I couldn't believe how much she'd matured in two weeks, making me worry I'd ruined her innocence with my breakdown. She stopped next to the female.

  "Hey EliaseAnne. Are we going to play later?" she asked. Eliase-ANNE?

  "Yeah," she replied, her high-pitched voice was nothing close to Elias'. Sure, we hadn't hit puberty yet, but that was not Elias; his voice was still deeper.

  "Cool! I'll see you later." She waved goodbye, pulling the door open.

  I noticed Xavier standing before the door, he looked down at Anya; a smile formed on his lips as he said something to her.

  "Why do I feel like I want to kill him?" Stryker suggested.

  I stared at him, the door began to close before I could get a strong enough read on his emotions, but one was strong enough for me to feel — love.

  You're just overthinking things. I'm in sensory overload or whatever the term is. Don't go killing Rosalina’s brother. She'd be sad, even though Kade's her favorite brother.

  "Okay. Let's be serious, who's EliaseAnne?" I asked, opening the black box and slipping the bracelet on. I sighed in relief, the flood of emotions coming to a stop. I noticed three of the beads glow. Thank Mother Starlight for this creation.

  "EliaseAnne is Elias' spirit," Marcus announced.

  "Spirit? That's impossible. A male can't have a female spirit, just as a female can't have a male spirit," I argued.

  "Ya, about that..." Daniel trailed off.

  "Why don't we make this quick, since we're wasting valuable time we could be using to find the Princess and get this prophecy over with. Elias is the host. EliaseAnne is his spirit. King Kingsley did some experimentation with some lady’s assistance and began doing experiments on Elias. In the end they turned ELYION, which is EliaseAnne’s male name, into a female and they couldn't change him back due to the risk of him dying. Thus, the King disowned him and lied, saying Elias ran away. The End," Kai concluded.

  We stayed in silence before Daniel sighed. "Why are you such an ass?" he asked.

  "What the fuck did I do?" Kai asked.

  "EliaseAnne can talk for herself. She could have explained it, yet AGAIN, you have to take the attention," Marcus complained, taking a step forward.

  "I don't take attention. I just hate wasting all this time beating around the bush about this and that. I have better things to do." He stood up from his desk.

  "Now, why don't we stop trying to play hero knights? I'll just go draw something and when you’re ready to train you can call me."

  "Why are you afraid?"

  All of them turned their attention to me. I had slipped my bracelet off, placing it on the desk before I walked right into his personal space.

  He glared at me— his amber colored eyes staring into my Tyrian ones.

  "Get out of my personal space, Mr. Leader."

  "Answer me."

  I wouldn't back away because I knew what he was doing. He was hiding what was really bothering him.

  "None of your business."

  He tried to turn, but I placed my hand on his shoulder. He glared at me, his eyes flickering. I stood my ground. Stryker at the edge of my mind, ready to take over if he needed to.

  "You're running away...from something. But you keep trying to cause a fight or insult us while trying to act like you’re tough? All that pent-up anger...that's not because you're angry with any of us. You're angry with yourself...am I right?" I asked; the emotions flooded through me.

  I had to clench my right hand that rested at my side— knowing the overload of emotion in this room would spike my anxiety and contribute to the trembling.

  "Fuck off. For someone who was close to the Princess, you sure failed at saving her," he snarled.

  I frowned, letting my hand drop. I could feel my boiling anger, ready to lash out if I lost control.

  Daniel stepped forward.

  "Stop this, Kai. You're being an idiot," he stressed.

  Kai glared at him, letting out a huff. "Stop trying to act like the healer of the group. For someone who knows how to manipulate emotions, it's funny to watch you stand here and act like Mr. Peacekeeper. Shouldn't you attempt to solve your own issues at home...with what your deceased Mom?" Kai pointed out, grinning at Daniel's shocked expression.

  Marcus shoved Kai to the side.


  "What the fuck is your problem? Stop using that damn gift of yours to burn bridges!" he yelled.

  I hadn't noticed till Marcus mentioned it, my eyes trying to find some type of sign to reveal that Kai was using whatever gift he had. I realized his hands weren't in his pockets; markings of different thickness wrapped around his fingers and were currently glowing.

  "Sit down, facility boy. Or what, you going to shift into a big bad dragon?" Kai asked.

  Marcus bit his lip, cracking his neck. "Don't test me," he warned.

  EliaseAnne stepped forward, in front of Marcus. "Stop bullying everyone just because you're mad about missing your mom's funeral!" she yelled.

  We were all silent, glancing over at Kai who looked just as shocked.

  "What…did you say?" he whispered.

  "Winterlya and Karen said they shouldn't be too hard on you because you missed your mom's funeral to be here. Your gift is foresight and you couldn't prevent her death...so you're upset...and trying to push everyone away," she explained, her voice slowly getting smaller and lower.

  "You're afraid to get close to us because you don't want us dying? No…you’re afraid to foresee us dying and having no way of changing it?" I summarized, trying to remain standing as a wave of dizziness assaulted my senses.

  "You all know fucking nothing," he whispered, towering over EliaseAnne who blocked his path.

  "Move."

  "No," she replied.

  He huffed. "Move, experiment. Or my fist will punch that pretty face of yours and I don't care if you’re a he-she," he provoked.

  She stood her ground.

  He lifted his fist, the remainder of us ready to step in when he went flying across the room, crashing into a stack of desks.

  We all gasped, staring at the pile of desks. Kai groaned before kicking two of them off his body. He sat up, blood beginning to trickle from the scrape on his right temple and his left cheek was beginning to bruise to a dark purple.

  Kai was ready to speak, but EliaseAnne cut him off.

  "How does it feel? It hurts when people pick on your insecurities, right? Feels like they punched you in the face. Look around. You think you're the only one suffering? You think you’re the only one grieving? WE'RE ALL BROKEN, KAI AKIYAMA! We all have fucked up lives and guess what, we're all together because the gods said so! You think I want to be here? Don't insult Ryder because he couldn't stop the Princess from being kidnapped. Don't insult Daniel because he couldn't stop something that was out of his control. Don't insult Marcus because he was trapped in the facility after he was kidnapped from his home! And don't you dare insult my host. You have no idea how it feels to be trapped as something you’re not. You don't understand the sheer panic I feel when I even smell the sterile scent of the medical center. Don't insult someone unless you can wear their shoes. And trust me, not everyone is a size ten."