Chapter 5

We were all seated in the living room. Sal on my right, and Katie in between us. Mom sat across from us and Megan and Ashley on either side. There was a complete silence that was broken every few seconds by Mom’s sniffling. “Oh my babies! So big now! …. the poor poor darlings! It’s going to be so dangerous!”

“We get it Mom, You’re worried, but let Megan and Ashley talk.” Saleena rolled her eyes. “I can’t wait to hear.”

I glanced over at her. She sat there next to me with her fingers entwined in Katie’s hair. It was a good thing that Katie had a positive influence on her moods. It sure was handy right now.

“Well, to start with,” Mom dried her eyes and sat up. “I’m the one who is telling the story here. So listen carefully.” She cleared her throat. “A long time ago, so long ago that nobody really knows when, there was a sorcerer or warlock. His powers were so cast that he could control almost everything in the universe. He could control the four elements of the earth with his hands, objects of immense sizes with his mind and even people to some extent with his voice. He was the protector of the universe, the one who saved lives. He was one who ruled in complete secrecy due to his unique characteristics. But.” Mom paused, taking in a deep breath. “Because of his power he couldn’t do something even the most simplest human beings could. He couldn’t love. He couldn’t be happy sad or even angry for that matter. The massive powers took up all the space available in his body. The only thing he ever felt was longing, longing to be able to feel what others could. This sorcerer had a younger brother. At first, he helped the sorcerer with anything he needed. But then, the sorcerer started going a little mad from not feeling anything. ” At this point Mom got up and her natural storytelling abilities kicked in. “He observed people from his tall tower and tried to mimic them, following their every action to see what made them so unique. He searched for a remedy to his problems. His work began to get neglected and people started dying of natural disasters because no one was controlling Mother Earth. His younger brother was neglected as well, his one faithful follower who helped him in any way he could. So the brother tried to help the sorcerer. And that, is when the sorcerer met her, the most beautiful woman in existence. She had vibrant green eyes, chocolate brown hair and a dark tan. She moved with elegance, as if, if she ever fell, the ground would catch her. She was Mother Earth herself. The younger brother had, in fact, inherited a bit of the powers himself. He summoned Mother Earth, which was no easy feat, so that she could help him. And it worked to some extent. They fell in love, a love so powerful that nothing could spoil it. The sorcerer resumed is duties but also kept some time for his now wife. So by the time his day was over, there was none spent for the younger brother. He felt betrayed. It was he who brought them together and now he was left all alone! It wasn’t right! So the younger brother instead of talking to his elder brother, as he should of done, he began feeling sorry for himself and soon he began plotting against the two. He began working on what powers he had and soon he was powerful enough to challenge the sorcerer to a duel. The sorcerer was old by this time and since the younger brother had an advantage in youth, he could defeat the sorcerer and kill him. However, he had twins by then. They had just turned fifteen and they received exactly half of the sorcerer’s original powers. They were infuriated at their father’s death so they vowed that if not them, their children or their children’s children would avenge their father’s death. And so, the battle continues, even today, between the various descendants of the sorcerer and his younger brother. All of the children who inherit their power realize it at the age of fifteen just like the original children. Not all of them however, receive all of the power. They receive a small portion of the powers depending how close they are to the direct line. You two however,” Mom put her hands on our shoulders. “Are the direct line to the sorcerer over thousands of years. You two have his blood running in your veins.” She paused to let that sink in. “ So that means the two of you put together have all of the powers the original sorcerer did. So its up to you two,” She gave us a light squeeze, “ To take care of the universe and so on and so forth. Megan and Ashley are your cousins. ”

“Hello cousin.” Megan smiled, or at least, meant to smile. I raised an eyebrow at her attempt to smile, which turned out more like she was baring her teeth.

“And since they are the closest to the direct line, they have to help you two out.”

“Hold on a minute.” I interrupted. “Earlier, they said that Megan and Ashley weren’t their real names. What are they?”

“When is your birthday?” Saleena was looking at Ashley.

“January the 10^th.” She smiled back at Sal. “Why? You planning to add it to your calendar or something?”

“January the 10^th was just over a month ago.” Sal said coolly, ignoring her remark. “If you just realized your powers when you were fifteen, how come you mastered them so fast?” There was silence after she said this. Wow. She was good. I didn’t even notice that, and I usually notice little details.

“We found out when we were fourteen.” Megan cut in. “Mainly because we can’t help without being able to do what you need to do. So we had an extra year to practice. But don’t worry.” She said quickly when she saw my look of horror. “We just need extra time, the two of you don’t. It will be as easy as breathing to you when you try.”

“Great!” I was starting to feel excited. “Okay, so when do we start training?”

In a flash Megan was up and she pulled Ashley up with her. “Tomorrow afternoon. It’s the weekend so we have a lot of time to work. We will meet you outside in the backyard at eight AM sharp. Drink water, go to the bathroom whatever, but don’t be late.” She walked out of the door, the poked her head back in. “8 AM!” She reminded us.