Touched by Darkness (Young Creator Trilogy) (15 page)

My thoughts are interrupted when I get engulfed in a set of arms. I instantly know that
it’s Riley when her earthy scent washes over me. I pick her up and swing her around, a huge
smile on my face. When I set her down, she has a quizzical look on her face.

“
Yeah, I remember everything,” I tell her. Her eyes get huge, an ‘oh shit’ expression
crosses her face. I look inTrish’s’ direction and give a sad sigh.
“Everything?” I nod to confirm her question.
Shaking her head, she gives an awkward laugh before pattingme on the shoulder. “Good
luck with that.” She looks around to make sure that no one is within ear shot. “I know that this
may be messed up, but if I were Trish I would kick your ass.” I chuckle at her spunky attitude.
Standing in front of me is a confident young women, far from the sad, shy little sister that I used
to know in Haven. That is exactly why what we are doing is the right thing. Haven may have
wanted to save humanity, but it shouldn’t have been done by basically enslaving Young
Creators, and degrading the women that live there.
“I would be okay with that.” Her eyes get big with surprise, and then she really laughs.
“You really are back, aren’t you?” She gives me a hug filled with love, and when she
steps back I see that her eyes are glistening with unshed tears. “I’m sorry, I’m just happy that
you’re this version of yourself again. Before you met Trish, you were a good soldier, but you
weren’t the best brother or son. All you cared about was your duty, always following orders
blindly. Trish opened your eyes to the world, she made you feel.”
“I think you’re right. You know,it’s weird, but even when Ididn’t remember her some
part of her was still with me. I was constantly struggling with who I felt I should be and who I
wanted to be. I did some cruel things to Trish and I know that I have a lot to make up for, but I’m
going to fight for her.” Riley is giddy with excitement almost bouncing in place. I shake my head
at her in amusement.
“I love Trish like a sister and I think that you would make her happy. I would love to see
you two together, but you have so much to make up for. Better get started, it looks like you have
some competition.” She pushes me in Trish’s direction, and I notice Nick flirting with her again.
Trish laughs at something he says, and I love the happiness I see in her face. I realize, at that
moment,that that’s what I want to do again… make Trish smile and laugh. Have her eyes light
up every time she sees me. I scowl when I notice Nick lean in and tug a strand of her hair behind
her head, letting his fingers linger on the skin of her cheek.
“What’re you gonna do about that?” Riley brings me out of my thoughts of planting my
fist in that kid’s face. I look at her, and then with a determined strut I head in their direction. Just
as I’m about to get there, I hear my section being called. Since we all got seats at the last minute,
none of us are next to each other. In a way,I’m relieved since I know that Nick can’t sit with
Trish, but I wish that I could sit next to her so we could talk. With a last look in Trish’s direction,
I walk over to the entrance of the plane. I hand my ticket to the flight attendant, who gives me a
flirty smile, telling me that she will definitely come check on me to see if I need anything.
Emphasizing anything.
I put my bag in the overhead compartment and take my seat, watching the front of the
plane for Trish. When she finally makes her way down the aisleI’m happy to see that she isn’t
too far from my seat. Nick is a few people behind her in line, and I watch as he leans over Trish
to talk to the person next to her. The older man nods and gets up. My fists clench when Nick
takes the seat next to Trish.
The plane ride is agonizing. I try to distract myself by watching movies and listening to
music, but my eyes keep straying to Trish, who is in deep conversation with Nick. Occasionally,
I hear her laughter filter through my speakers, which makes me cringe. The twelve hour flight
can’t come to a finish soon enough. When the wheels finally hit the pavement,I’m one of the
first ones on my feet, grabbing my bag before some of the others have unclasped their seatbelt.
Sometimes it’s a good thing that I spent ninety-five percent of my childhood training to be faster
and stronger.
We file out the airplane in single file, and since I was toward the back of the planeI’m
the last of the group to exit.I’m happy to notice that when I finally exit they’re all waiting on
me, Trish giving me a friendly smile. Maybe I do have a chance, I just have to be smart about
this and take my time.

Paris is amazing.
It’s a city of new and old, ancient and modern. Tiny little cars zoom around
narrow, winding roads. The people are dressed in fashionable, colorful clothes. Cafés are on
every corner; men in suits with white aprons serving coffee and baguettes to the patrons. Taking
in the sights and sounds, I instantly think that this may be my favorite place on the planet.

We arrive at our hotel, the Paris Holiday Inn Express, and get assigned rooms. Riley and
I get to share a room, andI’m surprised when Maximus wants Chris to bunk with him, leaving
Keagan and Nick to share a room. I watch the two guys size each other up, Nick shrugs and takes
the key from Maximus’ outstretched hand. Its late afternoon, and both Riley and I are relieved
when Chris tells us to check our room out, freshen-up, and meet up for dinner at five. That way,
it leaves two hours for us to relax and get ready for a night in Paris. I know that this isn’t a
vacation, but I might as well enjoy my time here while I can. You never know what tomorrow is
going to bring, and my near death experience showed me that.

Getting to sit next to Nick on the plane ride was really nice; it gave me a chance to get to
know him. He didn’t hold back; telling me all about himself, his upbringing, and what his life
has been like so far. Comparing Nick to Keagan, I realize that the two are a lot alike. Both of
them had a difficult, demanding childhood and were raised to be tough and fight for their cause.
Surprisingly, Nick actually explained some of Keagan’s behavior. Nick was taught from an early
age what his role in this world was and how important it was to keep the balance between dark
and light. He told me that his job wasn’t easy because sometimes he’s had to do things that he
didn’t agree with, but knew he had to for the greater good. Sometimes the reasons didn’t get
explained to him and he just had to trust in those that made the decision. If he wasn’t out on
deadly missions, then he was back home training with his dad and being homeschooled. Nick
speaks over six different languages, and knows a bunch of martial art styles. He can also fight
with swords and daggers, has perfection at the throwing stars that ninjas use, and can turn about
anything into a weapon. He offered to teach me some useful fighting skills, because he knows
what we are doing is going to be very hands on, and he feels that I should know as much as I
possibly can and not depend on my powers.

The biggest thing I realized, was
it’s nice to get to know someone completely, no secrets
between us. There is a part of me that wishes I’d had that chance with Keagan. I know that
Keagan and I have a special connection and that he’s always going to be around because of it, I
just don’t know how I feel about that. I want to move on and leave the past in the past. I realize
that almost losing Keagan intensified my feelings, but I’m not sure that I can really trust myself
with him. I always get hurt when it comes to Keagan. I still have to finish that chapter of my life
before I can move on with Nick … or anyone else. I know having Keagan around—having to see
him and be close to him—is going to make it so much harder.It’s been nice to have Nick around
as a distraction. Although I definitely find him attractive and enjoy his company,I just don’t
want to jump into anything right now.

Nick
’s story is kinda sad, but I would never admit that to him since hedoesn’t see it that
way. When Nick turned four he started taking self-defense and language classes. When he was
seven they added strategic war, mythology, history, and a few more languages. His life has been
entirely dedicated to serving the Fates and making sure that the loom of life was balanced
between dark and light. Nick and Keagan have that in common, but at least Keagan was
surrounded by other people and got to attend school his senior year. It’s never been like that for
Nick;it’s been either missions with colleges or training and education with his dad. However, he
does seem content with his life to serve the greater good.I don’t know if I could do it. I love my
life and the people in it; yes it has definitely been difficult lately, but the people that have been
added to my circle are amazing and I care deeply about all of them.

We finally get to our room, and I have to say that
it’s nice in a simple way. The room is
painted a soft yellow, and two twin beds are pushed against the walls, a night stand next to each
of them with Eifel Tower lamps, which cast the room in a soft glow. The Eifel Tower theme is
held throughout the room, including the bathroom, which has an Eifel Tower shower curtain.
Kinda cheesy, definitely for the tourists, but I like it. I throw myself on the bed and a soft sigh
escapes me. While relaxing on the bed, I noticeRiley’s hustle and bustle around the room; my
eyes follow her, and I’m amazed at how quickly she makes her side of the room hers. I have
never shared a room with anyone before, and it’s interesting to see how another girl inhabits her
personal space.

“It’s just interesting to se
e you make this place your own. You know we’re only going to
be here for a little while, right?”
“I know, Trish, butyou saw how I used to live. I don’t know if you noticed, but Haven is
a place of simplicity. The Rebel Camp was worse as far as living conditions, but at least we had
our free will. The first time that we all actually had a nice place was when you and Tisiphone
created the dorms. One thing I did learn, regardless of how simple or nice a place is you should
always make it your own, give it that special touch.” She gives me a big smile and bounces over
toward me. It’s one of the things that I love about Riley; all of her energy and positivity.It’s hard
to imagine that she is Keagan’s sister since they are complete opposites … her giddiness to his
somberness.
I decide that I’ve relaxed enough and decide to go for a shower. Just as I’m about to turn
the water on and get undressed, I hear knocking. Riley answers, and seconds later there is knock
on the bathroom door.
“What’s up?” I ask, even though all I really want to do is ignore it and enjoy a long, hot
shower.
“Sorry, Trish, but the boys are outside and thought this would be a good time to work on
your self-defense. I figured I should stop you from taking a shower since you will probably want
to take oneafter.” I blow out an exasperated breath, but realize that right now is as good a time
as any to do this.
“Tell them that we’ll be there in five. Find out where they want to meet.” I hear
muttering, and then the door closes.
“All right, Trish,they’re gone. Youcan come out and throw some workout stuff on.”
Opening the door slowly, I peek out. Riley notices and laughs at me.
“What, did you think that I would set you up?” I notice that she is pulling on a tight-
fitting black tank top and twisting her hair into a bun on top of her head.
“Are you gonna come,too?”
“I wouldn’t miss this! I’ve heard about Nick and his group for a long time.They’re
supposed to be the best fighters around. Ican’t wait to see what he’s going to show us.” Nodding
my head in understanding, I quickly open my suitcase and pull out workout clothes. As soon as I
tie my shoes, Riley and I are heading out the door.We’re surprised to see the guys leaning
against the walls on opposite sides, waiting for us. Nick immediately grins when he sees me and
Keagan gives me an unsure smile.
This side of Keagan is completely different than anythingI’ve seen before. When I first
met him he was cool and aloof, when we started dating he was sweet and caring, in Haven he
was cruel and hurtful, and when we faced Allecto he was supportive. Now all I see is regret in
his eyes; he seems so sad. There is no cockiness or aloofness left. I have to say, I liked the
cockiness … it drew me to him, the self-assuredness that he carried himself with. I really need to
talk to him, to assurehim that I don’t hold anything against him, but also let him know I’m not
sure about dating him. Too much has happened. I do this by returning his smile, watching as he
transforms right in front of me. The smile must have meant something to him because he stands
up straighter and lifts his shoulders. I now know what I saw before; it was defeat, but now I see
hope reflecting in his midnight blue eyes.
Riley watches the exchange between us with interest while Nick is glancing back and
forth between us with confusion. To break the strange situation, I ask the boys were we are
heading.
“The gym,” Nick says, and starts heading toward the stairs. We are on the sixth floor, and
I believe that the gym is on the twenty-fourth.
Riley and I look at each other, and Keagan whispers,“This is just the warm-up.” All of us
are in excellent shape. I know that Nick trains all the time, and both Riley and Keagan workout
and practice their martial arts to prepare them for whatever they have to face. As far as I go, I run
a lot but am not as versed in martial arts and different forms of exercise as they are. At floor
twelve my legs are burning, by floor eighteen my lungs are screaming and my legs want to
collapse underneath me. Nevertheless,I push myself and don’t stop. When we finally reach the
floor that the gym is on, I let out a relieved breath and happily accept the water that Nick hands
me. A towel follows the water and I dab the sweat off my face and chest.
“Not bad! Sprinting up stairs is definitely a good warm up. Are you guys ready to start
the real workout?” All I think is,
Crap, what did I get myself into
?“I’m going to show you all a
few Krav Maga moves.”
“What’s Krav Maga?” I ask since I’ve never heard of it before.
“It is the ultimate style in self-defense. It’s from Israel and was made for street survival.
You basically do whatever to survive, no quarter is given whatsoever. It has a little bit of
everything: boxing, karate kicks and knees, it also incorporates Jiu-jitsu wrestling, throws, and
grappling. The big thing about this style is that you both defend and attack at the same time. It is
a lot of technique, but if you dedicate some time to it, it may save your life.”
“Okay, I’m up for it. Anything to give me a chance of beating Haddie and walking away
alive.”
“Fine. But, Trish, there is one rule while I’m teaching you this. No use of your powers,”
Nick tells me.
“That’s fine. So where do we start?” Nick takes us through some very intricate moves,
starting us off with bursting, which is the defense/attack move that he was talking about. You
basically block and deliver a response kick at the same time. It takes a lot of coordination, and
when Riley and I first try it we keep ending up on our butts, which we find hilarious … but
quickly don’t when Nick snaps at us. He’s all business, and tells us that this is no time to play
around. The remainder of the time is spent learning moves that I would’ve never thought about;
using strikes to the eyes, groin, and throat, which will really hurt someone.
The moves come easy to me, and by the time that we’re done I feel fairly comfortable
with at least a few of the techniques. I hope that I don’t ever have to use them, but sadly I
probably will. The four of us are drenched in sweat, and when I look around the gym I notice
that a few people had been watching us. A younger woman in her twenties comes up to Nick and
starts asking questions. Noticing that we only have about thirty minutes before we are all
supposed to meet back up, Riley and I excuse ourselves.
I let Riley go first since she told me she’ll be quick, but may take a few minutes to do her
hair. Onceshe’s done, I hop in and I take a nice, hot shower. The only reason I pull myself out of
it is because Riley yells through the door that we only have about ten minutes before we have to
meet everyone. I quickly get dressed after drying off. My hair is a mess,but I don’t have time to
really do anything, so I pull it up into a high ponytail and put on my war paint. Five minutes later
I step out of the bathroom and Riley whistles.
“What?” I ask. She shakes her head at me and laughs. “No, seriously,what’s up?”
“Sorry, you just amaze me.I’m so jealous. You don’t even try and in less than five
minutes you look amazing. I wish I could do that.” I look at myself, and back at Riley, thinking
that she must be crazy. I’d do anything to look like her. Noticing the time, I point to the clock
and we rush out the door.