Evelyn appeared in the middle of the neighbourhood and walked back to her house at tortoise speed. She has to drag her foot against the ground with each step and all too soon she was in front of the door squeezed between the fences.
Even though she dreaded it, she called for Atler and he soon appeared, letting her in. After taking a nice, refreshing shower and changing into a lightweight, comfortable blouse, she dragged her feet along the stairs and sat herself a couch in the living room. She knew these kind of conversations required comfy sitting places.
When she opened her mouth to call for Atler and Ellete, her voice seemed to betray her. After taking a deep breath and squared her shoulders for courage, she finally managed to call out for them.
Atler and Ellese rushed to the living room and frowned when they sat Evelyn sitting up straight on one of the three couches in the living room.
"What's wrong?" Ellete asked.
Evelyn's mouth formed a few different words before she decided on one. "We…..need to talk." She managed to mumbled and signalled for them to sit.
They took a seat on the couch opposite of Evelyn and their face radiated obvious concern.
Evelyn thought of a way to say what she wanted to. "I know what's happening to me," the words came out as a whisper.
Atler and Ellete shared a look, then Atler turned back to face Evelyn. "What do you mean?"
"I mean I know something bad's going to happen to me in my future." Evelyn stared at the carpet.
Atler and Ellete glanced at each other again but this time Ellete turned back to face Evelyn.
She laughed when she locked eyes with Evelyn, making it clear that Ellete was an excellent actor because her laugh had no flaws to give out it was a fake one.
"Silly girl," Ellete said when she stopped laughing. "What do you mean, something bad's going to happen in your future? Nothing's going to happen to you except you living the life you're currently living."
Evelyn locked eyes with both of them and silent filled the air as she stared them down, waiting for them to break from the pressure of keeping such an important matter from her and blurt out everything that was going to happen to her, as well as an apology.
They didn't blink.
Evelyn bit back a sigh and cleared her voice to say the next part louder. "I know for a fact that Master Wyatt saw a vision of me on the ground with a dagger stabbed in my stomach and a lot of blood."
Atler and Ellete shared a look once again, and Evelyn resisted grinning. With this being said, there was no way they could still continue playing dumb.
"I already know the truth. You don't have to continue playing dumb." she said when Atler and Ellete locked eyes with each other with horrified expressions.
Eventually, they turned back to face Evelyn. Evelyn noticed that they were pale.
Atler looked like he wanted to say something and his mouth had formed a word but when he said it there was nothing.
Ellete was biting on her lip so hard it had to hurt. "How do you know about this?" she demanded. "Did Zak tell you?"
"I figured it out with my friends and Zak confirmed it. At least he had the decency to tell me the truth, even if it was just to confirm it." Evelyn replied. She knew the last sentence was a little off, but it was true.
Ellete switched to chewing on her lip. "I..."
Evelyn decided to make it easier for them and to also make this conversation less awkward. "Don't worry- I won't ask any more questions about.....this." she held out her hands like the 'this' meant it was her future. "I just want to know why you kept it from me and refused to tell me."
Atler cleared his throat to bring his voice back. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you and you're obviously mad about it. And I know you're probably thinking that it's your future and you deserve to understand. But.....we didn't want to put more weight on your plate, if you know what I mean. Living in the human world with your human family then having them killed, finding out they're not your real family and that you don't belong in the human world is a lot. And....now that you're here, we want you to have a normal life. The normal life you deserve. The normal life we want you to have." he took Ellete's hands, his eyes turning slightly glassy.
Evelyn unclenched the fists she hadn't realized she'd been clenching. She knew that deep down, that they only wanted the best for her.
"I'm sorry," Ellete echoed Atler's apology. "We're sorry. I guess...we were wrong. We thought we were protecting you, but....I guess we weren't."
Evelyn stared at the carpet, racking her brain for an answer to that. "It's fine," she eventually said. "And I know you just wanted to protect me, but....I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm 14 years old this year- I can handle stuff like that."
"I know," Atler said. "It's just...sometimes being paren-" he stopped when he noticed Evelyn wincing. Evelyn always had this reaction when somebody referred Ellete and Atler to her parents. Sure, they were her biological parents, but she could never forget her human parents, Bentley and Delaney.
"Sometimes being guardians is hard. You worry too much and that worriness causes blindness. The blindness that causes us to see you as incapable. We know you're very capable, but...." he trailed off.
Evelyn's heart ached. Atler saying these reminded her of Bently and Delaney and her siblings.
"I'm sorry," Ellete whispered again, squeezing Atler's hand like she was nervous of what Evelyn was going to say.
"It's fine," Evelyn repeated and decided to get out of there before the conversation got even more awkward than it already was. "I'm gonna go to my room to finish up some homework."
She bolted to her room and locked the door, then leaned against the door and leaned until she was on a sitting position on the floor. She bent her knees and tucked her head into her knees, wrapping her arms around them.
She missed her family so much. She missed Bentley and Delaney. She missed Rick, Talia and. Rain. She even missed Delaney's loud scolding yells.
She buried her head between her knees and memories of her human family came flooding into her mind.
Eventually, she looked up and scanned the room for something to do to distract her from her human family thoughts. Her eyes landed on her holopod lying on her desk, next to her golden timeteller and grabbed it.
She unlatched the lid on the top and a hologram screen popped out. She went into Connecter her clicked on Leia's contact.
Leia's face filled the screen. She looked gentle and pretty, as always. Her wavy brown hair fell to between her shoulders and her waist and her cheeks were a pretty light pink colour. Her green eyes were tucked behind pairs of long eyelashes and her lip was the perfect heart shape.
"Evelyn?" she asked, her face filling with concern. "Did something happen?"
"Nothing happened. I just wanted to fill you in on how the 'Why did you refuse to tell me about my future' conversation."
Leia's concerned face faded. "So how did it go? Are you still mad and still ignoring them?"
Evelyn shook her head and asked, "Can you dial the others and tel them to join this call?"
Leia nodded and within minutes, Asher, Brooke, Camila and Amelia were in the call.
Evelyn retold the whole conversation and when she was done, everyone was happy that she was no longer angry or ignoring Ellete and Atler.
Then they started chatting and by the time Evelyn hung up, it was already dinnertime.
Evelyn trudged down the stairs when she heard Ellete's call for dinner and entered the dining room. On her usual place on the opposites' of Ellete was a plate containing mashed potatoes and chicken.
Evelyn sat down and began eating. Silence caused by the leftover awkwardness from their conversation this morning filled the air. When she was halfway eating, Atler cleared his throat then shifted in his seat.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled and Ellete echoed him.
"Really, it's fine." Evelyn reassured them and decided it was high time for a subject change.
She racked her brain and found the perfect one. "How's the aknesh dragon egg?"
"Well, it's housing a healthy little dragonling for sure." Atler replied.
"When does it hatch?"
Atler grinned. "I think it'll hatch in about two or three more weeks. Though we probably need to check it everyday from now-it may hatch early and if it does, we don't want it to hurt itself or wreck Willowill. So...are you up for checking on the egg later?"
Evelyn nodded and finished up the rest of her food.
When she was done placing her plate in the sink, she washed her hands and teleported with Atler and Ellete to Willowwill.
The garden had somehow became even more beautiful in the night time with the beautiful trees with purple, blue, pink and white leaves and pastel flowers swaying in the wind. The glassy lake had lily-pads floating on the waters surface and lily leapers were hopping from one lily-pad to another.
There were string lights tied to the trees and the birds were singing melodic songs that made Evelyn want to sleep.
Atler led them to the willow tree and pulled back the strands of leaves, revealing the aknesh dragon egg. The egg had changed a little from the last time Evelyn had seen it. It was a more darker shade of red now and the hints of orange was gone and was replaced by orange streaks.
The surface of the egg was no longer bumpy- it was smooth now and Evelyn could hear the dragonling's steady heartbeat if she got close enough.
"You know, you better start thinking of a name for your dragonling." Atler said, stepping closer and placing his ear against the egg.
"Hm..." Evelyn put a pinky against her lips as she racked her brain for a name. "Any suggestions?"
"How about Draco? That's a simple dragon name." Ellete suggested.
"Draco," Evelyn repeated the name. "Sounds nice. Draco the dragonling."
Ellete grinned.
"Alright, I think it's time to wrap this up. It's getting a little late." Atler said, eying the dark sky streaked with stars.
Ellete and Evelyn stood on Atler's both sides and they teleported home.
On Monday morning, Evelyn trudged into the assembly hall with her friends.
Headmistress Melerana-the headmistress of the School Of Magic-stood behind a pedestal on the stage. "Good morning, students." her melodic but stern voice filled the air as she talked into the mic she was holding.
"Before I begin with the announcements, I would like to congratulate Level Six students as they have set a new record for the most turned in alchemy assignments- 324 out of 327 students have turned in their alchemy assignments. Good job to the 324 students who turned in their assignments and for the three students who couldn't manage to finish their assignments or had trouble with it, I suggest you work harder."
"And for the students in levels 7, 8 and 9, I'm disappointed in you. You can't let the students who are younger than you beat you. You should be better and smarter, and yet I have seen no sign of you levels beating the current record the Level six students have set. I expect the amount of your turned in alchemy assignments to increase. Do you hear me?"
Evelyn could see the students in the areas for levels 7, 8 and 9 slump and nod.
"Now, moving on to the announcements. As you all know, dissolveritem-the class-is only taken by fire user students, water user students and ice user students. However, now everyone will have to take this lesson. Now dissolveritem will be a part of your classes. We have printed new schedules for you with dissolveritem in them. Your new schedules are in your lockers and you can recieve them after this assembly."
Evelyn leaned in closer to Asher and whispered, "Um...what is 'dissolveritem'?"
Camila leaned in too, accompanied by Brooke, Leia and Amelia. "Yeah, what's that?" she asked, flipping her silky blonde hair.
"So, long explanation short, dissolveritem is a class where you have to make things...um...how do I say this?" Atler started, then ran a hand through his hair. "Okay, so basically, dissoveritem is a class where you have to turn one thing into the opposite of that thing, if you get what I mean. Like for example, turning ice into lava. Or turning air or wind into something solid."
Headmistress Melerana's voice echoed in the air, saving Asher from the many questions Evelyn was about to ask him.
"The second announcement is something that always fills the air with excitement- the Crystal Hunt is coming!"
The air filled with excited chatter and Evelyn could even hear a few "YESSSS!"s in the huge sea of students.
Leia jumped up and done and Asher pumped his fist in the air. Camila's eyes shone with excitement and even the shyer ones, Amelia and Brooke, grabbed each others' hands and squeezed them.
Eventually, Leia stopped jumping up and down to face Evelyn. "You don't know what the Crystal Hunt is, do you?"
Evelyn shook her head.
Leia launched into an explanation. "A Crystal Hunt is basically a hunt for crystals. Every one day of the school year we have it. We form groups of six and set off in search for power crystals. Even those who already have abilities get to enter as well to try to find a second power crystal and to help those who are non-ability users."
"So....during this Crystal Hunt we get to run around exploring and searching for power crystals without any teachers?"
"Well, every group in Levels one, two, three and four will be accompanied by a teacher, but once you become a Level five- a thirteen year old student- you won't be accompanied by a teacher because then we'll be old enough." Leia explained.
Just then, the words hit Evelyn. "You can have two abilities?"
Headmistress Melerana cut off Leia's answer, her voice becoming strict and stern.
"Students, assembly time is not talking time. You can talk during recess or free period."
Everyday, Evelyn's last period was a free period, which meant students could do anything they wanted to do-except breaking the school rules-for thirty minutes.
Headmistress Melerana cleared her throat and continued. "The Crystal Hunt is going to be held on next friday. And before you start talking again-" she silenced the crowd of students, who were beginning to talk again. "Remember, this is assembly. No talking!"
"Now, moving on to the third announcement. Students are currently not able to enter the west wing of the library as it is under construction."
The assembly ended an hour later and Evelyn stumbled to her next class. Before she knew it, the school day was over and she was walking back to her house.
She told Atler and Ellete about the Crystal Hunt and Ellete was even more excited than her. Then she washed, cleaned up and changed into comfy clothes and headed down for lunch. After lunch, she finished up her homework and had dinner. After dinner, she slept and woke up the next day for school.
For the next few days, it was just come home from school, clean up and change, have lunch, finish up homework, have dinner, sleep and repeat.
On the day of the Crystal Hunt, Evelyn got up at the crack of dawn and got ready for the day. She brushed her teeth, cleaned up and changed into her school uniform. Even though they were having the Crystal Hunt, students were still required to wear their school attire.
She stared at herself in a body-length mirror Ellete had gotten her which was tucked away in a corner of her room. She wore the same school outfit- same blue-green patterned skirt, buttoned-up wrinkly white shirt, blue jacket and black socks- but added a pair of black leggings to the outfit.
She'd decided to let her hair loose and tucked a rebellious brown strand of hair back behind her ear. Then she grabbed her ususal timeteller, teleball and holopod.
"Good morning!" Ellete chirped as Evelyn entered the kitchen. The smell of warm pancakes greeted her and she took a seat next to Atler on the kitchen counter.
Atler was in a sleeping robe and his hair was rumpled. Sleep still lingered in his eyes and he let out a yawn, taking a sip of his mug of coffee afterwards.
Ellete on the other hand, looked as beautiful as ever and she looked like she could let off some of that energy Evelyn had no idea how she always had.
She didn't show the slightest hint of sleepiness and there were no dark circles under her eyes. Her brown eyes sparkled and shone when she smiled-which was quite often- and her cheeks were a faint pink. Her lips were a faint pink too and her slightly curly brown hair bounced up and down as she flipped some pancakes.
"Good morning," Evelyn mumbled as a reply through a yawn.
Ellete hummed a cheerful tune as she drizzled maple syrup over Evelyn's plate of pancakes then placed the plate in front of Evelyn and handed her a glass cup of orange juice.
Evelyn bit into the warm, delicious pancakes.
"Are you excited for today?" Ellete asked, refilling Atler's mug of coffee when he was done sipping on it and topping it with some whipped cream on the top.
Evelyn nodded. In fact, she was more than excited. She'd been counting the days to this very day. Ever since that announcement, school had been buzzing with the Crystal Hunt and her friends had been talking non-stop about it. In fact, her friends only talked about it. All this excitement must've gotten into her because she was feeling pumped for the Crystal Hunt.
Ellete smiled and her enthusiasm must've gotten into Evelyn because her lips curled up with a smile too, even though she was still a little grumpy from being awake so early- she had always been a late sleeper.
"Alright, kid. Big day today. Better hurry with your breakfast- you don't wanna be late for today, right?" Atler said, wiping away his whipped cream mustache.
Evelyn nodded and finished her breakfast. When she was done, she headed to the shoe rack to get her sneakers.
Ellete and Atler followed her and watched her slip on her sneakers. She waved goodbye to them as she threw the teleball up and the last thing she saw was them waving back to them.
------------------------------------------------Zak----------------------------------------------------------
Zak shuffled his feet nervously as he knocked on the door between the fences of Atler, Evelyn and Ellete's home.
He felt really bad. These days, it seemed like he was the bearer of bad news. He dreaded telling Atler, Ellete and Evelyn the news he had discovered. He'd already put a lot of weight on the innocent family's plate. They didn't deserve this.
When he first heard the news, he'd freaked and felt his heart sink into his stomach and his heart became a hundred pounds heavier.
He bit his lip as Ellete peeked her head through the door. "Zak, you stopped by at the perfect timing- I just set up some tea. Care to join me and Atler?"
Zak winced and looked around before asking, "Is Evelyn home?"
Ellete shook her head. "She left hours ago. She's having the Crystal Hunt today!"
Zak had to smile at the excitement that shone in her eyes. Ellete had always been such a caring mother- always excited for little and big things for her daughter and always so happy in Evelyn's presence.
But then he frowned. He really hated himself at the moment- of course he had to tell them bad news on a day as special as the Crystal Hunt.
"What's wrong?" Ellete asked, letting him in.
He let her lead her into the house and into the dining room. Plates with cakes and scones were spread around the table and a china teapot sat in the centre.
Atler was sitting down, snacking on a scone before he saw Zak. Then he stood up and grinned, "Zak, my friend. How are you doing?"
Ellete offered him a seat and Zak took it. He signalled for Ellete and Atler to sit too. "I think this news requires sitting."
Atler and Ellete frowned. "Really, Zak, what's wrong?" Ellete asked again.
"It's about Evelyn," Zak mumbled.
"What's wrong with Evelyn?" Atler asked.
Zak cleared his throat to speak louder and clearer. However, the words still came out as a hushed whisper. "Wyatt had more visions of Evelyn."
"And?" Atler demanded, but his voice was shaky.
"And Evelyn was dead."
He had to take a deep breath to make sure tears didn't start slipping out from his eyes. Evelyn wasn't his family, but still. He'd known her since she was young.
Atler and Ellete froze.
Ellete was the first to react. "NO!" She screamed as she dug her hands into her hair and fell to the floor knee-first. A strangled sob slipped out of her lips. She buried her face in her palms, shaking her head and wheezing sobs that shook her so hard Zak had to run to her side to stop her from sobbing anymore.
Atler was frozen for a few seconds more, like his brain couldn't process it. Then he got up from his chair so hard some plates and teacups fell to the ground. Pure, hatred fury clouded his face and he swiped a few more plates to the ground and started to yell hateful things about the people who were to kill Evelyn before crashing onto the ground hardly on his knees.
Same as Ellete, he buried his face in his palms and streams of tears leaked through the cracks in his cupped hands. "No, no, no, no, no, no..." he repeated to himself like he was trying to convince himself it wasn't true.
Zak glanced at him then back to Ellete, deciding who to help first. He couldn't get Ellete to stop sobbing the life out of her, so he ran to comfort Atler first.
He ran back to Ellete when Ellete let out another ear-rattling scream and ran back to Atler when he cursed the people who were to kill or hurt Evelyn. He ran back and forth until Ellete let out another scream, shook out a few more sobs and collapsed.
At this point, Atler finally stopped screaming and wiped his tears away and crawled to Ellete, cradling her in his arms while more tears streamed down his cheeks.
Zak removed his long-tipped cap and clawed at his hair. What was he supposed to do?
In a panic, he did the first thought that came into his mind as he whispered, "Sorry," and removed a familiar spray bottle from his magically enhanced endless pocket- the same spray bottle he had used to sedate Evelyn when he first found her.
He plugged his nose and sprayed it over Atler and Ellete and watched as Atler slowly lose control of his consciousness and fall asleep.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered again and this time he didn't fight the tears that streaked down his cheeks.