My eyes opened to bright lights. I was in a white room and an I.V. was stuck in my arm. I looked around. I was also hooked up to a heart monitor and there was a bandage on my head. To the left of me sat Adam and in the chair behind him was Ulrica; fast asleep. “Adam,” I said. At the sound of my voice he rushed to my side.
“Emma, what took you so long?” he smiled at me with Relief.
“Why didn’t you just heal me?” I asked. He pointed to Ulrica.
“She hasn’t left your side I didn’t want to reveal our powers to her,” answered Adam.
“Help me get these things off of me,” I pulled out the I.V. and disconnected the heart monitor.
“Geez you are stubborn,” he pulled out his sword and laid the sheath on my head healing my injury. With the wires off of me the heart monitor flat lined. This got the attention of several nurses and Ulrica.
“Ma’am you need to lie down. Please get back in bed,” ordered one of the nurses. Ugh they were irritating. I knew they were just trying to do their job. Adam whispered in my ear, “Pretend to still be a little hurt so you seem normal.”
“You know you’re cute when you’re sleeping,” Ulrica said, coming beside my bed to look at me.
“I’m glad you’re ok,” I told her.
I looked at Adam, “How is everyone else? Is the Teen Center still intact?” “How is your shoulder? I asked Ulrica.
“All good. I heal quickly,” she winked at me. Healed? How long was I out?
“Carmen and Liz are outside talking to Gonzo. You and Ulrica seem to be the only ones who sustained any real damage. The Teen Center is a mess but it’s nothing we can’t fix,” said Adam. “Ulrica, you have been great but can the four of us speak to Emma alone for a minute?” he asked her.
As Ulrica stepped out Carmen, Liz and Gonzo walked in. Liz and Carmen greeted me with discharged worry while Gonzo appeared to be all business. “What is going on? Why are you here?” I looked at Gonzo. He looked human, no longer see through.
“That earthquake was an omen,” he responded.
“Something dark has entered New Jersey and that earthquake was its way of making itself known. I fear you may be faced with many more challenges similar to the Snake Demons. I came here to warn you. Lesser demons are somehow managing to enter into your world. The Reciliux is trying to sort out the cause but they have no leads. As Chosen Angels of Earth you must do your duty and defeat this dark creature,” said Gonzo. “Reciliux?” asked Liz.
“They are an ancient order dedicated to the protection of Earth from outside forces,” answered Carmen.
By now Gonzo had left and Carmen was working on getting me discharged. I let Gonzo’s warning sink in. What were we supposed to do? Liz sat on the edge of my bed playing with the buttons on the remote making the bed move up and down. “Guess what,” said Liz.
“What?” I replied.
“Ulrica is a werewolf,” she said bluntly. I looked at her like she was crazy. She sighed and turned to me, “Remember when I said there was something fake about her? Well I see it now; she has wolf ears, a tail, and even claws.”
For some reason I wasn’t surprised. Maybe I had just gotten used to my life getting stranger and stranger. “She’s not bad though right? I mean she saved my life,” I asked Liz.
She shrugged, “How should I know? I can see through her disguise not her soul. If you really want to know, how about you go on that date she asked you on,” suggested Liz.
Date? Oh right Ulrica wanted to hang out. “It is not a date,” I corrected her.
“Well you better make that clear to Ulrica. I think she has a crush on you. Poor Adam was crushed when he found out she was a lesbian,” said Liz. I sighed. My life was getting too complicated. “Does Ulrica know who we are or that we know she is a werewolf?” I asked Liz. Liz shook her head. Should I tell her? I wondered. “If she is a demon she might have a clue as to what is going on with the other demons,” I told Liz.
“That is exactly why I want you to go hang out with her. Find out as much as you can,” said Carmen, walking in.
“You are free. Let’s go,” said Adam, following after Carmen.
The following weekend, Ulrica had taken me to see a movie that had just come out in theaters. At first I thought it was lame. It was about a middle aged woman who lived a sorry excuse for a life. I understood that it was meant to be funny but I merely found her pathetic. Later I admitted that there were a few scenes that left me giggling. This didn’t feel like a date. I was beginning to think that Liz was wrong about Ulrica. Yes she picked me up and yes she paid for my movie ticket but friends do that too. Carmen has treated Liz and me to a movie.
Carmen and Adam are the only ones with cars so they usually drive when we hang out. I’ve paid for Liz before. We all tend to take care of each other without a second thought. How was I supposed to know if she was gay? It’s not like she had a flashing sign above her head and she certainly didn’t act manly.
Weren’t lesbians supposed to be butch? I decided it didn’t matter. I liked Ulrica. I wanted to be her friend and if she did like me more than that I would simply let her know she wasn’t my type. What worried me was her being a werewolf. She may have saved my life but what if that was a trick to gain my trust?
“Hey look,” Ulrica pointed to an ice cream cart. “Want anything?” she asked.
“Oh, no thank you I’m not hungry,” I told her. My stomach growled in protest and I frowned at it.
“Two vanilla cones please,” ordered Ulrica to the ice cream vendor. She handed me one. “I don’t have a problem paying Emma.” I gave her a sheepish grin.
“I just don’t like being taken care of. You have already saved my life I should be the one buying you ice cream,” I told her. She shrugged it off as if I was being ridiculous. We sat at a bench in the park listening to a band playing across the street. We were having fun but I was still suspicious.
Carmen’s voice echoed in my memory, “Find out what you can, but be careful she could be dangerous.” I had yet to bring up the supernatural. If Liz was wrong…I stopped myself.
I had faith in Liz and her abilities. Ulrica was smiling talking about the bands’ music and how they were obviously influenced by Fats Domino; one of the first rock musicians from the 50’s.
“Ulrica, do you believe in the supernatural?” She looked at me and laughed, “Yeah, I guess so, why?”
I took a deep breath, “I know you are a werewolf,” I
blurted. She stared at me and I blushed; feeling embarrassed.
I am Emma Carter. I have faced Snake demons, been sucked into a book, and frequently free fall through the skies with no fear. I am stubborn and proud. Yet Ulrica had just made me blush. She had made Adam blush as well. Was that a werewolf power?
“Does that question mean that you are the infamous Illusionist?” she responded. Our friendly day had taken a serious turn.
“No, I am Goldenflame,” I admitted cautiously.
She smiled, “Yes I see it; you are the warrior, not the trickster. Yes, I am a werewolf, does that frighten you?” asked Ulrica. There was a twinkle of amusement in her eyes and she was smiling but I didn’t see any of that. I saw only loneliness. As if this question had always yielded poor results.
“You came to the Teen Center looking for the Chosen Angels didn’t you? How did you know where to find us and why? Are you a good demon or do you mean us harm?” I questioned her.
Her enchanting eyes looked upon me as if I were a naive child. “Your magical aura is so strong any lower level demon could sense it. You four haven’t learned to mask your aura yet.
Why hasn’t lady Lynashia taught you this? I came in search of you because of the dark presence that now surrounds this city.
This is my home and I aim to protect it.” said Ulrica. As an afterthought she added, “By the way I am not a demon, I am a werewolf. Calling me a demon is a huge insult.” Her words appeared to be sincere.
“How do you know so much about us?” I wondered.
“My dear I am much older than I look,” she left me with that.
It was my turn to smile at her. “Well I hope I can live up to your expectations as Goldenflame.”
“So, we’re friends then?” she looked at me hopefully.
“Yes, Ulrica we are friends,” I told her. Ulrica’s ears perked up. I wished I could see past her glamour to see her little doggy ears.
“Do you smell that?” she asked me.
“What?” I asked confused. From the lake across the street emerged a six legged creature with horns. It was the size of two cars piled on top of one another. I stood up, “What is that thing?”
“It is a Bukavac demon. They live in basically any type of body of water but why on Earth would it reveal itself in the daylight,” wondered Ulrica. “Call your friends, we could handle it on our own but you need the team work practice.” I did as she instructed; screams and the sound of people clamoring to get away from the monster erupted throughout the park. “Carmen we have a demon problem at the park across from Egg Harbor,” I called her. Carmen’s voice on the other end of the phone was a little muffled.
“How bad is it?” she asked. “You are going to have to hold your own or call Liz. Adam and I are also dealing with a creature that seems to be hungry for humans and spits out acid,” her voice sounded distant and I could hear the sound of objects being smashed or crushed. “But hey my aim has improved,” she said excitedly. “I gotta go hun be careful with your demon.
We’ll head over as soon as we are done with ours,” she told me.
I had called Liz next and she said she was on her way.
“We are on our own,” I told Ulrica, quickly transforming into Goldenflame.
“Call me Wolvina,” she told me as her glamour faded away, revealing her dog ears, a tail and claws. Her outfit changed into a silver furred mini skirt and a fur top, which could have been mistaken for a bra.
“Are you really going to fight in that?” I asked.
“When you are part wolf, clothes seem pointless. In fact, I fight better naked,” she winked at me and dove at the Bukavac demon.
I managed to break two of its legs before it had a chance to strike back. Wolvina had used her sharp claws to tear through its rough skin. The demon charged me but I jumped straight into the air to land on its back. Even with my Goldenflame gifted balance I found it difficult to remain on the creature’s backside. It thrashed and twisted with irregular movements. Wolvina was beside me. She dug her claws into its back to keep herself up.
“We have to end this before it destroys anything else,” she yelled at me.
I stabbed it through the head with my staff and it instantly collapsed to the ground. Wolvina had lost her balance so I jumped off of the misshapen beast to pull her away from Bukavac’s falling body. Green puss oozed out from where Wolvina and I had torn through it. “I guess we are even now,” said Wolvina.
“Looks like I’m late,” said Liz, rushing to my side. She was dressed as Illusionist. “Sorry I’m late I got held up. Whoa, that thing is ugly, what is it?”
Liz pointed in the direction of what used to be the Bukavac demon, her face a canvas of
unconcealed repugnance.
“Were you attacked by a demon also?” I asked her.
“No a bank robbery; get it “held up,” she laughed at her own joke.
“Trickster,” greeted Ulrica. “Ulri…I mean Wolvina,” responded Liz.
“Wait how did you know her name was Wolvina?” I asked Liz, confused.
Liz seemed taken aback, “Um I don’t know,” she scratched her head in wonder.
Then we heard a laugh from Ulrica. “Your past life hated me. Knowing my name just means your soul remembers me,” she grinned at Liz, obviously finding it amusing. If Ulrica knew our past lives she really must be old.
“We have to find Jade Magician and Komodo Dragon. They are fighting a demon,” I told her.
“Don’t worry about that, Jade Magician blew it up,” said
Adam striding towards us. He bent down to whisper in Liz’s ear, “You sure she’s gay?” Liz shrugged. Adam’s eyes had popped out at the sight of Ulrica in wolf form.
We spent the rest of the day training. Not only honing our individual skills but our ability to work as one. Carmen had me practice hitting things with my staff and my balance.
Adam’s defensive attacks were nearly perfect so he was practicing offense. Liz’s conjuring abilities were incredible but for the moment she wasn't working on perfecting her powers but building up her physical strength. Carmen had also informed her that she needed to meditate.
Carmen was talking Gonzo once again to see if he had any leads for us. So far every demon sighting appeared to be random. According to Gonzo the fighting would only get worse from here on out. I was hoping Carmen had a plan. Gonzo disappeared and Carmen walked out onto the abandoned air field we were using as a training ground. She looked worried and determined, "From now on I want every piece of free time you have used for training.”
Many days have passed since then. Those days turned to weeks. The passage of time felt nonexistent. We got used to fearing for our lives. The intensity and rush of a battle became second nature. Two months had overtaken us; turning us into something far exceeding human expectations. Winter had entered New Jersey and with it, snow. It was a cold night. The wind blew hard enough to make me wear my dad’s flight jacket while I was out. I came in through the top story window of Carmen’s mansion. The terrace I stood on overlooked the ballroom. Adam and Carmen sat together at the grand piano playing something from Mozart. They had been friends since childhood so playing together was effortless. They were so in tuned with one another that the result was beautiful. I could tell something was wrong with Adam though. Not in his physical appearance or expression but merely in the way he played. I could feel something off about him. I decided to follow him home and make sure he was ok.
They continued to play for another half hour. I didn’t make my presence known. I was content to sit and listen. When they were finished Adam gave Carmen a peck on the forehead and said his goodbyes. Soon after I found myself knocking on the door to his house. He answered it wearing only a pair of sweat pants. The sight of his naked chest brought heat to my cheeks. I hoped he didn’t notice.
As usual his hair was a mess and he looked worn out but he managed to give me a smile anyway. He stepped aside to let me in. He walked to the couch, sat down, and buried his head in his hands.
“What’s wrong Adam?” I probed. There was no reply. I started petting his head; something my mom used to do when I was upset.
“You are going to make me fall asleep if you keep that up,” said Adam breaking the silence.
“Sorry,” I laughed at him. “Is it the nightmares again?
You seem different, I can’t explain it,” I told him.
“What you are sensing is probably the mixture of relief and fear,” he replied. “Tonight is my last night with Logan. I am placing him in the care of my neighbor, Peg. She is moving to Texas come tomorrow. Also, I am moving in with Carmen.” He explained further.
I took a minute before saying anything, “I think you are doing the right thing.” He looked up startled. Obviously he wasn’t expecting that sort of response.
“You are just saying that to make me feel better,” he Grumbled.
“Now Adam, when have you ever known me to not be upfront with you. You know I don’t sugar coat anything. If I thought you were being selfish or stupid I would tell you. In fact I think you are doing the best thing for Logan. Texas is far away but considering what has been going down lately far away is a good thing. Plus, you can barely manage school and work 203 so you hardly ever have time to be with him. I know it hurts you to send him away but you are providing him a chance at a better future than this hell hole,” I said. “Don’t worry, he is never going to forget his big brother, his hero.”
He just stared at me until finally I told him to stop being a creep. “Thank you for coming over Emma.” “Yeah, well I didn’t have anything better to do,” I told him. I started to get up to leave when he grabbed my hand. “Will you stay with me tonight?” he asked, not looking at me. “In case I have a nightmare,” he explained.
I was hesitant at first. I don’t know why, it’s not like we haven’t slept in the same house before but this was different, this was just the two of us, no Carmen or Liz. “Um yeah, sure Adam I’ll stay,” I sat back down. He laid his head in my lap and was asleep in an instant.