"How are you supposed to help us?" Nica questioned Hal.
"Just watch," Hal muttered.
I offered my hand to Aaron and helped him stand up. The atmosphere seemed to have become heavy as objects started to collect from each side. It slowly turns into a huge bulk of objects turning into a tornado but instead of sweeping everyone in the area, only our enemies get affected. Henry and the other guy are being pulled by the strong air that has been whirling in the middle.
"This can't be," I heard Henry worriedly trying to avoid the tornado of objects slowly forming in the middle. But the air only got stronger the more they tried to run from it until they got swept off.
"Where do you want me to direct these guys?" my brother casually asked.
"S-send them in the far north." Nica tried to strongly order. She sounded nervous for some reason but I think I understand why. Without a word, the air started moving away from us only bringing the two with it. Then our surroundings calmed down leaving the rest of us astounded.
There's a moment of silence. Everyone is trying to comprehend what just happened. Nica was the first to break the silence.
"You're an Artisan," Nica faced Hal.
"You too," Nica said. "And everyone else?" He looked around.
Nica nodded.
Hal offered his hand towards Nica to show greetings but she just stared at it and looked away after. Hal retrieved his hand back to his pocket awkwardly. He smiled at me a little and I returned the gesture. I also miss him so much. I've never seen him since what? Four years ago? And that was just a photo from the Vorbes magazine since he's one of the richest men in the world.
Aaron was able to collect himself but still, his voice sounded weak. "Sapphire, did you know?" he asked.
I shook my head, "not a clue."
"I am not seeing the full picture here. What was that?" Hal asked.
"Henry is an enemy. There are more of them out there and they're interested in your sister because she has a unique talent. They collect the likes of us to be a part of their community."
"There are more of them?" He took a deep breath. He looked around us. His eyes became sharp and his forehead turned quite wrinkly. That's his thinking face. "There are more of them. More of us. It's dangerous. That's dangerous. They will go for our family too, right? That's a possibility, right?"
Nica nodded. "That is why you need to let her go. She's safer in the HQ. We will protect her. Don't worry."
I took a few steps towards Hal. "I've thought about this last night. I was planning to return but then Henry attacked us and…it's dangerous. I can't stay here. I will only bring danger to you…to Julia…mom and dad…to Mark…"
I heard Aaron scoff.
From behind, I tried to kick his knee.
"Alright. I don't think that I'm able to protect Sapphire if she stays here." Hal pinched the bridge of his nose probably trying to let all the information sink into his head. "I also understand that it's dangerous for everyone in the family. I cannot stay with you all the time to protect you either," pointing at his suit, "I'm a very busy man, you see." Hal added. "Mom and Dad are going to be furious. They really want me to take you back. They bombarded me with calls. I was in the States for an important meeting…"
I pursed my lips together.
"The Commander has been searching for you," Nica said.
Hal furrowed his brows. "The…who? I'm not a soldier."
"No like us, an Artisan he's been searching for the Artisans." She pointed to herself and then to him.
"Artisan?" Hal asked.
Aaron answered. "People with extraordinary talent. Not just simply playing the piano," he looked at me.
I smiled.
He continued. "But like the things that you just saw earlier. Telekinesis, shield…"
"So that's what we are called. I met other people with the same extraordinary abilities but we never knew what we were. We just thought that we were different. Too bad I'm not in contact with them anymore."
"Hal," I called.
He faced me, "yes?"
"You knew…?" I was asking about myself.
He looked pettily at me. "At first I really thought you were sick. Okay? Then somehow later on, I realized that I could do this, then Julvia…I can't do anything. Mother is really scary." He reasoned.
"But I was in pain. I had to take those medicines that never did anything for me but to torture me."
"I know. I'm sorry. I tried my best to convince them to stop the medication but they won't listen."
"What about Julia?"
He nodded. "She's mind control."
My mouth fell open. All of us, we have talents.
"Our parents?" I asked.
"That, I'm pretty sure none. You better go now, Sapphire. I understand everything now. You're not safe here," my brother walked closer to me and pulled me for a hug. The first time I felt a warm hug coming from my blood family. It feels good. "Take care," he kissed the crown of my head.
"You're not coming with us?" Aaron asked. I should be the one asking that.
"I can't. Business."
"I told you, you need to meet the Commander," Nica insisted.
My brother was silent for a moment. Probably thinking about the possibility of being free from our parents. "I'll follow. I might also bring Julia with me."
"That's good," Aaron coughed. "I need to train harder. Those guys are strong."
I rubbed the back of his head.
"We'll take good care of your sister. Please, follow as soon as you can. The Commander will be waiting. You've got a lot to know," Nica walked us towards the waiting plane.
"I will, I promise," Hal looked at me. Despite being far from me, he always keeps his promises no matter what. Even if it means a hit from our mother.
The flight went on smoothly. I didn't realize that we arrived already until Nica shouted to prepare for landing. The Commander greeted us as soon as we landed at the HQ's airport. I still can't believe that such a place exists behind a small family residential house.
I'm dragging my bag where Aaron put all of my things towards my room. Room 2409. I can finally breathe freely. So far I've got nothing to worry about, all I need to do is wait for my brother and Julia's arrival.
"Need help?" I heard Nica's voice from the end of the hall behind me.
"A little, yes," I'm actually not sure what's inside the bag for it to be this heavy. She took my bag from my hand and carried it effortlessly. "By the way, Nica, thank you for your help. I really appreciate it."
"It's nothing. It's a duty. And for family."
We continued walking through the hall.
"Family?"
"Everyone in here is my family, Sapphire," she cheaply smiled.
I nodded. Family. I repeated to myself. "Oh, my room is here, thanks again."
"Anytime," she gave the bag back to me and left. I tried carrying the bag inside my room but it was quite difficult.
My phone beeped. I fished through my pocket and took my phone to read the message.
[I'm trying to fix everything as fast as I can. I'll have to fix the issue between the shareholders and our family. Making an excuse is hard. Julia is excited to go. Can't wait to see you again.] - Hal
The family that was stolen to me by time and my parents are starting to be held back again together. I'll make sure that it's stronger this time. Not even our parents will tear us apart.