Chaos (The Realmwalker Chronicles Book 1) (16 page)

“It’s not exactly like that though. I mean, I’m not Superman or anything,” he says bashfully. It’s about time someone else did the blushing for once and I’m finding I very much like the way it looks on him. I can’t help but grin at how adorable he is right now.

“Oh please!” I say, planning to milk this for all it’s worth. “I saw you snap that huge bear Shade’s neck like it was a twig!”

Ember joins in. “It’s not only strength, he’s agile too. Like a cat!” she teases.

He fidgets uncomfortably under the praise and it makes Ember and I laugh even harder. He shakes his head in exasperation.

“Okay, okay. We’ll be good.” I give him some relief.

“It’s really not all that special. It’s not like magic or anything.”

“Explain it to me,” I encourage.

“It’s like this. Let’s say Average Joe is lifting weights.”

He puts his arm on the table and mimics an arm curl. I’m completely distracted by the sight of his drool-worthy muscles flexing. I nod absently, trying to show that I’m following along.

“His brain is sending a message to his muscle to contract. But the problem is that only a fraction of the muscle fibers are doing any work.”

“Seriously?” I ask.

“Yeah. Most of us will go through life never using our muscles to their full potential. But when my brain sends messages, all of my muscle fibers respond.”

“Even still,” I say, not completely convinced, “I mean, you’re a strong-looking guy and all …” He raises his eyebrows and waits. “Those Shades you fought, they were huge.”

“It’s like when you hear a story about someone doing something impossible when hit with an adrenaline rush.” And when he says this, I get it.

“Like a dad who lifts a two-and-a-half-ton van off his child. I’ve heard those stories.”

“Sam can harness that kind of strength anytime,” Ember says proudly.

“Wow, Sam. All teasing aside, that’s really impressive.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“I’m also pretty convinced his ability to lead others isn’t just a talent,” Ember says. “I think it’s another power of his. The way he can make and execute a tactical plan with absolute precision is superhuman. Angel seems to agree with me.”

“Anyway, that’s everyone,” he says abruptly, in an obvious attempt to change the subject. He looks around the ice rink as he says, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry again.”

Chapter 16

On our way
out of the ice rink, Ember insists we stop at the mall. “I only had a moment’s notice when Sam called me to fly out here. I didn’t have much time to pack, and I had no idea I would be going to a show this weekend. I need to shop!” she says, fist clenched with fierce conviction.

“That’s fine,” Sam says. “I’ve got some calls I have to make for work. I’ll drop you two off and you can call me when you’re done.”

Ember fist pumps the air. “Yes! Girl time!”

Once at the mall, I discover Ember’s ulterior motive behind her need to shop. “I really don’t need to get anything. I just wanted to get you here so I could buy you a new outfit for tonight.”

“Wait a second-” I begin, but she doesn’t let me finish.

“No ‘ifs,’ ‘ands,’ or ‘buts’!” She says firmly. “You’ve never been to a concert before. I want tonight to be memorable and fun. You’re getting spoiled today whether you like it or not.” She grabs my hand and pulls me into the nearest clothing store.

Two hours and over three hundred dollars later, Sam pulls up to the east entrance of the mall to pick us up. I feel defeated and look undoubtedly shamefaced about the number of bags hanging off my arms, but Ember radiates a victory glow. Sam jumps out and helps us load our loot into the back of the truck.

“Hope you can find room for all of this in your luggage, Ember,” Sam says. Ember smiles and winks at me.

“I’m sure I’ll manage,” she says slyly.

Once back at home, Mom makes us some sandwiches for a light dinner. Afterwards, Ember helps me piece together an outfit from the new wardrobe. All in all, I’m pleased and a little surprised with the outcome. I end up in a pair of jean shorts and a black Led Zeppelin shirt. I leave my hair down but at Ember’s suggestion, I cram a hair band into my pocket for later.

“Trust me, it’s going to get sweaty and gross in the crowd, and you are going to want to put your hair up,” she informs me as she laces her high-top Chucks.

“Are there going to be mosh-pits?” I ask worriedly.

“No. Not for the band we’re seeing. That kind of stuff usually only happens at hard rock or metal shows. Besides, Sam will be there so no one would dream of messing with us.”

She looks me over. “You look great! Here, wear these.” She hands me some thin black bracelets. On our way out, I hug my mom and thank her again for letting me go.

“Now, Sam,” she says seriously, “I’m counting on you to look out for these girls. Have fun, but bring them back safe.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Sam nods respectfully.

Ember has me sit in between her and Sam again on the drive to Phoenix. I don’t complain. I can smell a faint trace of cologne coming off of him. It’s a warm, dark smell. I realize now that my palms are sweating and I’m having a hard time keeping still. I try to relax. I want to absorb everything about tonight. I know it’ll be over soon, and we’ll be back in Chaos facing the same troubles we left behind last night. Tomorrow morning will come and Sam and Ember will have to leave. Who knows when I’ll be able to see them again top-side.

No. I’m not even going to think about any of that until I absolutely have to. Ember asks if we can stop at a convenience store so she can grab an energy drink.

“I need some caffeine so I can stay amped up! You guys want anything?” she asks as we pull into the parking lot.

“I’m good,” Sam says.

“Do you want me to come with you?” I ask.

“No, no. I’ll only be a second.” She hops out of the truck and inadvertently leaves me in a very awkward position.

Do I stay where I am, squished up next to Sam while there is an open seat next to me, or do I scoot over until Ember gets back and then scoot back again? All of a sudden, it’s too quiet in the truck. What do I do? I’m panicking and trying to make up my mind when I realize it’s probably too late now. The moment of indecision has passed and if I moved now it would only be more awkward. Now I’m stuck trying to think of something, anything to say when Sam breaks the tension.

“This was a good idea,” he says quietly.

I let out a relieved sigh. “The concert?” I ask.

“Yeah. I haven’t seen Ember this happy in a long time.” I follow his gaze through the store’s windows. I can see the top of her bright red head over the aisles. “It’s easy to forget that Realmwalkers are normal people too. They need stuff like this every now and then to help them cope.”

“So you’re saying, being a Realmwalker isn’t all glitz and glam?” I scoff. He chuckles under his breath. “What’s it like in L.A.? Do you and Crank ever do anything fun? Or is it just SWAT and Chaos? Do you have friends outside of all that?”

He reaches up and scratches at the stubble on his jaw as he answers. “It’s mostly just work and Chaos. Sometimes I volunteer to teach a class or two on self-defense at the local women’s shelter. Sometimes I’ll catch a meal with a co-worker.”

“Any family?” From the look on his face, I instantly regret asking. His brow furrows and the skin around his eyes tighten.

“Uh, no.” He shakes his head. “It’s just me.”

Our earlier conversation at the ice rink comes to mind. Ember had said that all of the Walkers had lost someone close to them. I silently kick myself for ruining the light-hearted atmosphere. I search for a way to salvage the moment.

“So Ember’s headed out there soon, right? That should liven things up,” I say with a smile. Then I realize something. “Hey! I’m actually going out there this summer to visit my Gram. I should stop by the base and check it out!”

Ember comes jogging back out to the truck. “What’d I miss?” she asks when she climbs in next to me.

“Adelaide was telling me she plans on visiting base this summer.”

“Just visiting? Heck, Addy, why not move there?” she asks excitedly.

“Move?”

“Yeah, why not? I mean, you’re planning to go to college somewhere right? Why not UCLA? With me? Oh my gosh!” She grabs my shoulders and shakes me. “We would have so much fun!”

“Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that,” I say as I run through the possibilities in my head. I’d be close to Gram. UCLA does have a great art program. Normally there would be no way I could afford it, but now, with the “donation” money coming, tuition shouldn’t be a problem.

“Really, Addy, think about it. Maybe mention it to your mom, see what she thinks,” she pleads. Her expression makes me laugh.

“Okay I will! It actually sounds like a great idea. Only, let me think about it a bit.”

The rest of our night proves to be one of the most memorable and happy nights I’ve ever had. At the concert, the three of us manage to get a spot in the crowd fairly close to the stage. The place is so crowded Ember, Sam, and I are crammed into a tight circle. When the band comes out, everyone squeezes up to get in even closer.

The energy of the place, of the band and the fans singing together, is electrifying. Everyone’s jumping and dancing to the familiar songs. I can feel the bass from the speakers pump through my chest. I can even feel it in the bodies of the people pressed up against me on all sides. Everyone’s happy and having such a good time. The three of us smile and laugh the entire drive home as we tell our favorite moments of the night.

Once we get home, I tiptoe into my mom’s room and kiss her goodnight.

“Did you have a good time?” she asks sleepily.

“The best ever. Thanks so much for letting me go mom,” I whisper.

“Mmm-hmm,” she murmurs as she pulls her sheets up to her chin.

Even though it’s late, the three of us take turns showering. While Ember had warned me about getting sweaty, she failed to mention how I would come home covered in other people’s sweat as well. Yuck.

With my ears still ringing from the loud concert, I climb into bed next to Ember. She squeezes my hand.

“All right, girly. Tonight’s the night!” I smile nervously back at her as she collapses into her pillow, already asleep. Sam comes in and sits on the edge of the bed, facing me.

“When we get back to Major Calm, Ember will take you to Angel. I’ve got to organize a test run with some of the Walkers, but I’ll come by and check on you before we head out.”

“You’re going back out into Chaos tonight?” I ask surprised. “Already? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“It won’t be that bad. It’ll be a scouting mission. We need to know what we’re up against and whether we’re going to face an ambush every time we leave a Calm or not.”

I nod, understanding but still worried.

“With this mission and your evaluation, it’s going to be a big night. Are you ready?” His steady gaze is confident, and I take strength from it.

“I guess I have to have faith that whatever or whoever brought me to Chaos knew what they were doing.”

“You’ll do fine, Addy,” Sam says reassuringly.

I want to reach out and touch him. I want to hug him and steal comfort from his arms. Instead, I lie back on my pillow and close my eyes. He places his hands on my face.

“I’m ready,” I say, focusing on the warmth of his hands.

“Sleep now, Addy.” I listen as his voice fades away to a soft and lingering whisper.

Chapter 17

When I wake
up in my temporary room, the familiar warmth and comfort that comes with being in a Calm wash over me. It helps ease my apprehension about my evaluation. I figure the best thing I can do now is relax and accept the inevitable.

I throw on some of the generic clothes I find in the guest dresser and glance at my reflection in the mirror hanging on the back of the door. My hair is a tangled mess and my eyes are puffy. I’m combing my fingers through my hair when there’s a quiet knock on my door. I open it to find a radiant and perfectly groomed Ember.

“How did you do that?” I ask perplexed.

She laughs as she hands me a small, decorative bag. “I figured you would need some basic essentials.”

I unzip the bag and find a hairbrush, hairspray, deodorant, and even some makeup (which I doubt I’ll use).

“You are my HERO!” I motion her in as I head to the bathroom to tidy up.

“So what are you doing next weekend?” she calls from the bedroom as I’m attempting to tame my bed-head.

“Next weekend? Friday night is graduation rehearsal, and Saturday I have my art show at the school.”

“Oh, okay.” She sounds a little disappointed.

My hair is as good as it’s going to get without a shower and hair dryer. I find Ember waiting on the edge of the bed.

“What’s next weekend?” I ask.

“Graduation,” she says nonchalantly. “Some of the other Walkers were going to come and I thought it would be cool to have you there too.”

“Oh bummer! I would love to be there.” I brainstorm for some way I can make it.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve got a lot going on. And you can’t miss your art show. That’s a big deal.” She’s smiling but I can tell she’s a little bummed.

“Sorry Ember.” I frown at her. I remember Ember’s an only child and that she doesn’t seem to have a close relationship with her mom. It would probably mean a lot for me to be there. “I’ll make it up to you—I promise,” I say with conviction.

“No biggie. Really,” she insists. “How about this? On my way to California, I’ll swing by your place. That way I can be there for your graduation!”

“That’s perfect!” I feel a little better now. “Come as soon as you like! You can stay all week if you want.”

She gets a mischievous look in her sparkly green eyes. “Maybe, if I’m lucky, you can leave for California with me! A few well-placed hints and suggestions to your mom could go a long way,” she says enticingly with raised eyebrows. I laugh at her persistence. It feels good to have someone really want me around, not out of a sense of guilt like Tori but because they genuinely like me.

“I’m sold.” I decide right then. “I’ll convince my mom.”

“Seriously?” Ember jumps up from the bed and grabs my shoulders.

“Seriously.” I smile. Ember’s the sweetest, coolest person I’ve ever met. This is the kind of friendship I should surround myself with. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Even if I have to fight dirty. One way or another, I’m going to California with you.” I hope secretly that I have the kind of persuasive power I’m boasting of. The look of triumph on her face is priceless. I will never forget it for as long as I live.

After a few minutes of “Oh my gosh!” and “I can’t wait!” and “We’re going to have SO MUCH FUN!” we remember I’m supposed to be meeting with Angel right now.

I follow Ember through the hallways of Major Calm. As we pass Walkers here and there along our way, I’m greeted with various wishes of good luck. Lang-hao winks and flashes me a heartbreakingly beautiful smile while Ben offers me a firm handshake and a nod. I’m not too disappointed when we pass Simone lounging in a bean bag and she ignores me completely.

“Are there normally this many Walkers here?” I ask once I notice how most of the Walkers I’m seeing are living on the opposite side of the world. It must be the middle of the day for them.

“Nope. Not normally. Everyone’s been on high alert though since the ambush last night. I think everyone’s hanging around in case anything new develops. Plus, not to make you nervous or anything, but everyone’s probably curious about what your ability will be.”

I try not to think about that as I follow her through Major Calm to a hall I haven’t been down before. We reach darkly stained oak double doors that open into a large octagonal room.

Everything’s richly lit by a crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, throwing the corners of the room into shadows. The room is beautiful and cozy. All around are formal but comfortable-looking sitting chairs, sofas, and loveseats. The most remarkable thing about the room, however, is that the walls are actually bookshelves—thick, glossy, mahogany bookshelves. And they’re FILLED with books. There’s even a ladder attached to a bar that runs along the top of the walls. It’s on wheels and I can see how it can roll around the entire circumference of the library. The room looks like something out of a fairy tale.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Ember says quietly as I’m gaping at my surroundings. I nod my head, not wanting to speak and break the almost reverent spell in the atmosphere. “I’ll go get Angel if you want to wait here and unwind. I’m sure you’re pretty anxious right now. I remember I was back when it was my turn.”

After she turns and leaves, I make my way into the room. I’m trying to read some of the titles of the books lining the shelf nearest me when I’m nearly startled out of my skin by someone clearing their throat. I turn around in a circle, checking everywhere until I find the source.

There, sitting in one of the corners, hunched over a book propped on his knee, is Mikhail. No wonder Ember and I didn’t see him; he’s steeped in shadows. I wonder how he can manage to read at all. Maybe one of his abilities is night vision.

“Hi Mikhail.” I smile at him and head in his direction. He nods politely at me but then returns his attention to his book. It’s an obvious attempt to avoid socializing, but I’m determined to get to know him. After what Ember and Sam said about him yesterday, I have to decide for myself if Mikhail is a good person. I refuse to rely on borrowed opinions.

A high-backed chair sits close to him, but I decide to scoot it closer. As I go to lift it I’m surprised at its weight. I’m barely able to budge it. Things get awkward when Mikhail doesn’t offer to help. In fact, he doesn’t even look up and acknowledge my efforts. I’m almost tempted to give up. I manage however, to at least scoot it an inch in his direction and angle it so that I can face him. I sit down.

“What are you reading?” I ask.

After a few silent seconds, he looks up from his book. He doesn’t look directly at me but instead gazes somewhere in the vicinity of my hands resting on my lap. He lifts his book up a little and shows me the front. It’s difficult to see through the shadows, but on the cover I’m able to make out an image of a big ship on a storm-tossed ocean. I can see the title and author but it’s in another language.

“That’s Russian, right? What’s it called?”

After a brief hesitation, he says in heavily accented English, “Star of the Black Sea.”

It’s obvious he isn’t comfortable speaking to me, but I get the feeling it’s more out of shyness than from blatant snobbery. He’s here in the library reading a book, so I decide to exploit that angle. Maybe talking to him about something he enjoys will help him open up more easily.

“What’s it about? Is it fiction?” I ask.

He nods his head. He’s quiet for so long I start to think that’s all I’m going to get from him. Then he surprises me.

“There is an old story in Russia of a ship that was found out at sea by the Navy. The nine crew members were not found onboard, though the life boats were all accounted for and nothing was missing or stolen from the ship. It is a well-known mystery. This book is a fictional account of what happened written from the first mate’s perspective, like a journal, which is said to have been found among his things in his cabin.”

“Wow. That sounds really good! How is it so far?” I’m encouraged when he finally looks me in the eyes.

“I’ve read it before. It’s good.” Once he says this, I can see that the cover and pages of the book are aged and well worn from repeated readings. I smile at the sight of it.

“I have a few books like that. There’s one I must have read at least a dozen times.”

“You read much then?” He’s asking me questions now? This is a good sign.

“I’m always reading!” I say, jumping on the opportunity. “Call me a nerd but books are my best friends. I love disappearing into a good story. Being able to leave everything behind and become part of something else,” I say dreamily, “it’s magic.”

He looks at me for a few seconds as though he’s contemplating his next comment. I’m disappointed though, when he looks back down at the book in his lap and starts reading again. Angel and Ember aren’t here yet, so I’m not willing to lose this chance to get to know him better.

“Do you know if there’s a version in English? I’m almost finished with the book I’m reading now, so I’ll need something new soon.” He starts to look back up at me but just then I hear Ember’s laughter coming from the hall outside. Knowing my time with Mikhail is up, I turn to thank him for talking to me. And there’s nothing in front of me but an empty chair.

Shocked, I gasp audibly.

“What’s wrong?” Ember says from the doorway, looking concerned. I turn back to make sure I’m not completely losing it. Sure enough, Mikhail is nowhere in sight. I sit there for a minute, looking wide-eyed and pointing stupidly at the empty chair in front of me.

“Mikhail …” I manage to say. That’s when I notice Angel standing next to Ember. She’s looking especially cherubic tonight in a white sundress with matching ballet flats.

“Oooh,” they say in unison, nodding their heads in understanding.

“He does that sometimes,” Angel smiles and says in her sweet, little-girl voice. Sam appears behind them in the door frame.

“Angel, Adelaide, are you two ready?” he asks us. Angel looks questioningly at me. And just like that my mind is off the disappearing Mikhail and back to the business at hand. I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves.

“Well, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” I say weakly through a thin smile. Angel comes over and takes my hand.

“You don’t have to be worried, Addy. Everyone has a place and a purpose here in Chaos.” She leads me to a soft brown leather chair near the center of the room. I sit down and she stands in front of me the way she did the other night in the conference room.

I’m suddenly very aware of Sam and Ember hovering over us. I can read the appraisal in their intense stares and I begin to feel uncomfortable. To fail is one thing, but to fail in front of these two would be miserable.

“All right, you two,” Angel says. “You know the rules.”

Ember’s shoulders slump in defeat and Sam nods in acceptance.

“Ugh, fine. We’re leaving,” Ember says begrudgingly. She pats my head on her way past. “Good luck, sweetie! Make us proud!” I cringe inwardly even though I know she means well.

Sam stops next to me and looks unsure of himself for a second. It’s strange and unnerving to see a crack in his normal, unwavering confidence. He swings his arms nervously back and forth a few times and finally decides that an offered fist bump is the best option for well-wishing. After I bump my fist to his, he quickly leaves the library.

Angel giggles quietly. “He’s nervous for you. Everyone’s anxious and excited tonight. I know this is overwhelming but you really don’t need to worry. You’ll see, Addy.” She places her tiny hands on my head, directly over my temples. “Are you ready?” she asks through a grin. Looking into her blueberry eyes has a calming, almost hypnotic effect on me. I nod and she begins her instructions.

“You don’t need to do much for this. Just try to clear your mind as best you can. This won’t be like the other night in the conference room. I’m going to go much deeper into your mind tonight. You won’t be aware of me or what I’m doing. It will almost be as if you are asleep. Okay?”

“Okay,” I answer. I try to think of nothing, which is impossible. Instead, I’m thinking about how I’m failing at thinking about nothing. I’m starting to get worried that maybe this isn’t going to work at all when my eyesight goes fuzzy. I can’t seem to focus on anything. Everything seems to be going dark. All of a sudden, there is a ringing in my ears. It’s not a loud ringing, just that sound you hear when there is no other sound at all. It’s as if your ears invent a noise to fill the emptiness.

Then the sound stops and my vision begins to clear. The first thing I see is blue. I’m staring into Angel’s eyes again as they seem to rise up out of a murky haze. Or maybe I’m the one rising up, toward her. I can hear her voice now but it’s muffled.

As the rest of her face comes into focus, I can see that instead of her typically porcelain skin, her face is flushed red. Her eyes are red rimmed and her cheeks are wet with tears. I’m trying to make words match the movements her mouth is making when she takes her hands from the side of my head and throws her arms around me.

“Finally,” I think I hear her say. I can feel her little body shaking with quiet sobs.

“Angel, what’s wrong? Did I fail?” I ask.

She explodes into giddy laughter as she pulls back, and shaking her head, she says, “Oh, no, Addy! You did not fail.” She’s grins as more tears escape her eyes. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you for so long! And you’re finally here.” She sighs contently. An almost visible weight seems to lift right off her shoulders.

“You mean I have an ability?” I ask. I hold my breath and wait for her response.

“Yes, Addy, you have an ability.” She lets out another peal of silvery laughter. “Addy, you’re a Mimic!” I try to remember where I’ve heard that familiar term before. Then Angel explains, “You’re just like me!”