Prometheus' Orb (Legends of the Dark Creatures Book 1)
Chapter Six: Dark Return

“And that’s it for today’s meeting... unless our Vice-Captain has anything she would like to add?” Alex asked, turning towards Ashley.

Ashley stood frozen, her head bent slightly towards the white tiled floor. She could almost feel the stares of the ten people sitting in the spectator seats and kept trying not to meet their eyes. Standing next to her was Alex, the Captain of the Storm Riders— Ravenhill’s swim team— and the person that was about to give her the scolding of a lifetime.

Mustering up some bravely, Ashley slowly lifted her head and shook it. Lines of disappointment etched between Alex’s brows and her pearl-green eyes narrowed.

Who can blame her? Ashley thought.

Turning towards the others, Alex said, “I guess everyone’s free to go.”

Four guys and six girls got up from their seats. One of them was Mila; Alex’s sister. If it wasn’t for her being shorter than her sister, Mila would probably have been mistaken as Alex’s twin all the time. Like Alex, Mila had green eyes and long golden-brown hair— though she loved to tie hers backward.

Mila walked past Ashley, greeting her with a smile but she didn’t say anything.

Another girl— Sara— who was wearing a fabulous cream-white dress approached Ashley.

However before Sara was close enough for a conversation, Ashley heard Alex’s voice behind her.

“Ashley... a word if you don’t mind.”

A smile crossed Sara’s fair-colored face. She signed with her hands, asking Ashley if they could meet after school. Sara couldn’t speak but after being around her for almost four years, Ashley had managed to understand her way of communication.

Sara made more hand signs.

This time Ashley pressed her lips together, frowned, and said, “I know.”

Sara waved at her and left.

“Sara’s right... you are in a lot of trouble.”

Ashley held her eyes shut and bit her lower lips as a nervous smile crossed her face. She slowly turned behind.

“Hey, Alex,” she said in a low voice.

Alex was standing right in front of her and the brunette’s deep blue leather jacket creaked as she crossed her arms.

“I do hope you had a good reason for showing up late,” Alex said, tilting her head. “You were the one who convinced the coach— and the principal— to allow us to miss all our morning classes in order to have this meeting. So I expect to hear a very convincing explanation.”

Ashley lowered her head, failing to maintain eye contact with Alex. She really couldn’t believe she had completely forgotten about it. What was she going to say to Alex? That it would never happen again? Of course, it wouldn’t. Ashley wasn’t getting a chance like this again; at least not easily.

Raising her head to Alex and swallowing her pride, Ashley said, “Thank you for handling everything. I really have no excuse.”

Sighing, Alex walked closer to Ashley.

“Honest as usual,” Alex said, holding Ashley’s hand lightly. “Ashley, is everything alright? When you arrived, I could tell something was bothering you.”

Alex’s soft voice was filled with so much concern; the kind that you would get from not just a friend but from family. It reminded Ashley of the way Samantha sounded earlier that morning. In truth, what had happened on their way to school still left an impression on Ashley. She was certain she had seen that guy who appeared in front of the car. But Samantha didn’t see him so—

“Ash, hello,” Alex loudly said, snapping her fingers and bringing Ashley back to reality. “You see what I mean. Ash listen,” Alex gently laid her hands on Ashley’s shoulders. “I will be graduating this year and I want to be sure the team is in good hands. And more importantly, I want to be sure that my friend— no— I want to know that my little sis, Ashley Morgan, is alright.”

A gentle warmth spread through Ashley’s body, melting away every worry she had earlier.

“I’m alright,” she said. “Just had a bit of a fight with Sam.”

A light chuckle escaped Alex’s mouth. “That’s something I haven’t heard in a while. Well, if that’s the case, I am sure you guys will resolve it soon.” Alex suddenly pulled Ashley in for a warm hug and sighed in relief. “I really was worried,” she said softly.

“I know,” Ashley replied, her arms around Alex. “You always know when something is wrong.”

Alex looked down at her and said, “Of course I do. Hey Ash, are you sure that was the only thing troubling you?”

“Want me to ‘pinky’ promise?”

Alex flicked a finger and hit Ashley’s forehead.

“Ow!” Ashley exclaimed with a laugh.

“Ashley,” Alex whispered. “If you ever need someone to talk to—”

“I know you’ll always be there”

Alex walked to the exit, stared at Ashley for a while with a smile, and left.

It was only after Alex left that Ashley realized that hot tears had formed in her eyes. She really was going to miss Alex. Just like Alex had pointed out, Ashley always thought of Alex as an older sister and a role model. She might have been a strict authoritarian sometimes but Alex was actually sentimental, and kind and was probably the best swim team captain Ravenhill High ever had.

Staring at the long-empty swimming pools, Ashley drew in a long breath and a scent of pool chlorine entered her nostrils. Just like Alex, she planned on breaking records and winning medals in the tournaments that were coming up in February of next year. It was Alex who sparked an interest in swimming sparked in Ashley. She was in seventh grade back then and seeing Alex’s technique, composure, and passion during the competitions, something deep within Ashley was stirred.

Also, Ashley remembered how everyone cheered for Alex that day. They all loved her— accepted her— and Ashley wanted that more than anything. During those days, Ashley was almost always alone. She always believed she was different; constantly lost in a world that she later came to realize never existed.

Why do I always dwell on those days? she thought as a soft chuckle left her mouth.

Ashley shook her head and left the natatorium. The past was behind her. She was now the vice-captain of the Storm Riders and everyone in the school— and the town— now noticed her. Her life was perfect just the way it was right now. She had finally escaped her past.

When she reached the hallway, Ashley found that everyone was now out for lunch and some were already making their way to the cafeteria. Ashley then saw Adrian coming out of class. He looked downcast and the sweet smile he always wore wasn’t on his face. She froze at first, realizing she didn’t know what to say to him. They hadn’t spoken for over a week and Ashley had been ignoring all of his phone calls. She had every right to be mad at him but the cheerless look on his face was more than she could bear.

With hesitant movements resembling those of a scared person about to enter a dark room, Ashley walked to Adrian. He was busy trying to close the creaky door and was failing miserably.

Adrian pulled the door angrily and it slammed back open.

“Maybe if you try being a bit more gentle it will positively respond to you,” Ashley said standing behind him.

Like a child catching an older person in a foolish statement, Adrian turned and his eyes gleamed with surprise.

Ashley’s fingers curled around the door handle but instead of closing the door, she walked right inside the empty classroom. She heard Adrian’s footsteps following her.

There was a brief silence between them until Adrian started to speak.

“Ashley... I know I have been...”

Ashley took in a deep breath and turned to Adrian. Before he could utter another word, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed her lips against his. It was a long and sweet kiss. Adrian’s hands gently stroked her hair and slid along her back as they both slowly pulled away from each other. Ashley rested her head against Adrian’s chest and her arms found their way around his waist. She missed being this close to him, she thought; burying herself in his sweet scent.

“Look, Adrian,” she whispered. “I don’t know what’s going on but if you feel you can’t tell me right now... then I will choose to trust you okay.”

Adrian held her by her shoulders and his dark eyes gazed right into hers.

“Ash... I really owe you an explanation,” he said. He let go of her and said, “I just don’t know if you’ll believe me even if I told you... You might even think I am crazy.”

Ashley moved closer to him─ their bodies almost touching. She gave him another quick kiss and said, “I remember you once telling me that I am the most open-minded person you’ve ever met. So try me whenever you’re ready.”

Adrian chuckled and, with a playful smile, said, “So does this mean I’m forgiven.”

He brought his lips closer to hers but Ashley pressed a finger on them and replied, “Not really. You still have a lot of making up to do for standing me up— three times.”

Adrian sighed and pulled the door open for her, “I suppose you’re gonna ask me to teach you that right?”

Ashley stepped out of the class and said, “Why thank you for suggesting it, babe.”

Adrian was one hell of a martial artist; everyone was aware of this. The first time Ashley met Adrian was when she saw him coming out of a local dojo. That was over ten years ago. However, he wasn’t into the sports activities the school held. He wasn’t very keen to show off his skills to others but he did, on very rare occasions, display them to Ashley.

As Adrian tried to force the door shut, Ashley shook her head and held the handle. She slowly pulled the door and turned the handle just when it was about to close. It worked. The door shut and Ashley, wearing a proud look on her face, looked at Adrian, and said, “See... it doesn’t hurt to be gentle once in a while.”

Adrian ran his warm palm across Ashley’s cheek.

“Like this?” he asked, in a whisper.

Ashley pressed her hand against Adrian’s.

“Needs a bit of work but you’re getting there,” she replied, giggling like a child.

Holding hands, Ashley and Adrian walked through the hallways─ heading to the cafeteria. When they arrived the amazing aroma of the food served swept through Ashley’s nose followed by the familiar sound of indistinct chatter. Ashley’s eyes automatically darted to the table at the very end of the cafeteria. Sitting on one side were Claire and Robert. Ashley’s eyes lit up with gladness when she saw Richard sitting next to Luke on the other side of the table. The four of them were laughing and smiling as they talked and Ashley was eager to join them.

She was about to move when Adrian’s grip on her hand tightened. She turned to him.

“Adrian? Are... you alright?” she asked.

Adian’s face had fallen into stern lines. His grip loosened but he held an icy gaze towards something. Ashley followed his eyes to where Richard sat. He let go of Ashley’s hand and started walking. Ashley made her way through the cluster of people until she caught up to Adrian. His pace had quickened and she followed him quietly until they both arrived at the table.

“Well... If it isn’t my two favorite love birds,” Robert said, biting through a rather unhealthy-looking sandwich. “And it seems you’ve already made up.”

“Hey guys, where’s Sam?” Ashley asked.

“She said she had something to urgent to look up in the library,” Claire responded, sending a wave at Adrian. “Hi, Adrian.”

“Adrian you have to meet Richard,” Luke offered. He slammed a slap behind Richard’s shoulder and said, “This guy has been everywhere. He speaks God-know-how-many languages and knows everything about mythical creatures. Probably even more than we know.”

“Well... not everything,” Richard said, flashing his usual charming smile.

“Nonsense... I mean, I’ve never heard someone explain stuff about merfolk the way you do.” Claire said who spoke so freely with Richard that Ashley couldn’t help but smile.

Luke, together with Claire-- the girl everyone in their group knew he was crushing on-- was a Mythology enthusiast. Luke and Claire had met at the Haunter Footsteps Ghost Tour some years ago and were almost always found together ever since; researching Salem myths and legends, reading and exploring the history of the Salem witch trials, and according to something Claire had mentioned some days ago, they were now looking into something called Leylines.

While others found them odd, many people loved the young adventurers. Ashley came to know them some years ago when they came to her home to ask her mother-- an Archeologist by profession-- if she had stumbled upon any mystical relics during her expeditions.

“So you know a lot about merfolk?” Ashley asked Richard as excitement built up within her. Growing up she had only heard stories about merpeople from her mom; well, at least the good ones. ‘The Little Mermaid’ was a great movie but there weren’t any Element Masters or Fire Demons in it.

“I guess you can say that,” Richard replied. “And why are you and Adrian just standing there?”

Ashley jerked her head in Adrian’s direction and then back at Richard.

“Wait... you two know each other?!” she asked, her voice revealing her bewilderment.

She held Adrian’s hand and made him sit next to Richard. She then sat next to Adrian.

“Well I can’t say we know each other... but you could say we go way back,” Richard said.

“Really?” Ashley asked.

“Hey, that’s not important right now,” Robert whined. “So Richard, you were telling us about the Element Masters, right? You told us about their ultimate forms. Now that sounds like something pulled straight out of a comic book.”

Richard laughed, leaned forward, and said, “I guess you are right. Element Masters as their name suggests, are merfolk with the ability to manipulate the elements air, water, and earth. Their ultimate forms were—”

“Hold up dude,” Robert interjected. “That’s only three elements. What about the Element Masters that controlled fire?”

“According to legend,” Richard replied. “Merfolk born with the ability to control fire weren’t considered as Element Masters but as demons whose very existence threatened not only the mer-society but that of every life on earth. Because of this, Fire Demons— as they were called— were hunted down and killed. It didn’t matter whether they had actually done something wrong all not.”

“Maybe some deserved it”

Everyone at the table turned to Adrian, perhaps because of the way his voice came out as cold and unemotional as the features that were forming on his face.

“Come on man,” Luke said to Adrian. “To be killed just because you are different.”

“Richard if I am not mistaken,” said Adrian. “The reason why Fire-Demons were killed was that they had no control over their ability right?”

That’s right Ashley remembered. Like Robert and Claire, Adrian also possessed an interest in mythical creatures and legends.

“I guess you’re correct there,” Richard agreed.

“But it obviously wasn’t right,” Ashley pitched in. “I mean, even if the Fire-Demons had no control over their power I am sure that there were less extreme ways to deal with them.”

“Not when they had the power to wipe out an entire city,” Adrian commented and Ashley didn’t take that very well.

“So you’re saying that it was okay for them to be murdered?” she asked angrily.

“Guys calm down,” Robert urged. “Let’s not get ourselves worked up over some myths.”

“You are right,” Adrian replied, gazing towards Richard’s right hand. “Wow, that’s an interesting ring you got there Richard.”

There was a silver ring on his middle finger.

“Family heirloom,” Richard said with a smile.

“Mind if I take a look?” asked Adrian.

“I am sorry but for sentimental reasons I never remove it.”

“Really?” A grin appeared on Adrian’s face. “With all this talk about mythical creatures one may think that you are a vampire who burns in the sun without his daylight ring.”

Ashley saw Richard shut his eyes for a while. When he opened them he said, “Actually, this was the last gift my father gave me before he died.”

There was pure sorrow in Richard’s voice and silence— like a dark cloud— lingered among the group.

“It was a long time ago,” Richard said, in a happy voice and the gloomy mood around the table was lifted.

“How touching,” Adrian suddenly commented as a spine-chilling chuckle shot out of his mouth. “For a second there I thought I might shed some tears.”

“Adrian,” Claire suddenly shot in an angry voice.

“Yeah, man. What’s up with you two?” Luke asked.

Something was wrong here. Ashley had never seen the dark expressions that harbored upon Adrian’s face as she stared at Richard.

She was about to say something when a cold chill run down her spine. Instinctively, she raised her palms to her face. They were becoming wet with sweat and shivers were running through her body. Oh no, Ashley thought. She knew this feeling all too well. It was the same one she felt on her way to school today. Ashley tried closing her eyes and calming down but this time the sensation didn’t disappear.

But instead, her heart began hitting hard against her chest. Please no Ashley begged in her heart. For years she had suppressed this feeling. The first time she felt this way was five years ago; ever since that wave almost hit her and Samantha. She had ignored all this time and even learned to control it but Ashley never forgot what this sensation meant— something terrible was about to happen.

“Hey, guys look outside!”

It was Robert who shouted. Like everyone, Ashley turned towards the large glass window. A small black car was on the school grounds and it was approaching the building at incredible speed.

Tables turned and plates fell as everyone panicked and got out of their sits. Ashley felt a hand grab her by the arm. She rose to her feet; still keeping her gaze fixed on the car. She was dragged away from the table and found herself standing next to Adrian in a large crowd near the entrance of the cafeteria.

The discordant sound of glass shattering and people screaming filled the room when the car crashed through the window; ramming into the table where Ashley and her friends had sat. It stopped moving but its engine was still running.

The driver’s door opened. Gasps and mummers arose from the crowd when a man reluctantly stepped out of the car.

Ashley stared in shock. It wasn’t just any man it was—

“Dad?” Luke said, running towards the car.

“Luke... what happened? How did I get here?” Mr. Anderson asked. He had a few red bruises and some red stains on his green shirt but he appeared to be fine.

“What are you doing here?!” Luke replied, his voice turning into sobs.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I was driving for work when—”

Mr. Anderson capped his face in his hands. His whole body was shaking.

Luke grabbed his father by the collar. Adrian and Robert ran to him and tried to separate him from his father.

“Driving for work?!” Luke shouted. “Then who does this car belong to? Have you been drinking again?”

“I told you! I don’t know!” Mr. Anderson shouted, his voice radiating fear and bewilderment.

Everyone was in a state of unbelief. Despite him having problems with his family, Mr. Anderson was well-known and respected by everyone. He was the Chief Deputy Sheriff after all.

Ashley inspected the vehicle. Luke was right; it didn’t belong to Mr. Anderson. But there was something else; thick red stains smeared on the lid of the car’s trunk. Adrian must’ve also noticed it because he stood up and walked to the back of the car.

Without hesitating, he forced it open. Adrian’s eyes widened and both his arms quickly reached into the trunk. More loud gasps came from the crowd as Adrian pulled out a young woman─ probably in her twenties. She had a gag over her mouth and her hands and legs were tied up. Red blood was oozing out of her abdomen and she was unconscious.

“Someone call 911!” a voice shouted from behind Ashley.

It was Principal Deckard accompanied by two other teachers. The bald African-American man wearing a white shirt and black trousers ran to the scene.

“What is this Liam?” Principal Deckard said to Luke’s father.

“I— I don’t know,” Mr. Anderson said, falling to his knees. “I don’t know who that is— I don’t know what’s going on.”

“Poor guy... he kind of reminds me of Stacy.”

A scream stuck in Ashley’s throat; failing to make it out of her mouth. Her eyes faced the broken window and looked to the woods. That was where the voice had come from. Though it should have been humanly impossible to see anyone at such a great distance, Ashley’s eyes caught sight of a guy with shaggy brown hair wearing a black long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans. It was the same guy she had seen on the road on her way to school; only this time she recognized his face. Ashley squinted her eyes. It must have been her imagination. There was no way it was him.

“Jacob”

It came out as a whisper but Ashley didn’t mean to say it. It’s all in your head she thought to herself. Jacob can’t be here. That’s right, Jacob was dead─ he had been for over eighteen months now. She had seen him die.

“Correct Morgan,” the guy said. “I did die, or rather, I was killed... you were there remember? You saw me die.”

Ashley’s heart pounded brutally against her chest and tears stung her eyes when she saw his hands playing with a blood-stained knife. At that moment, Ashley didn’t ponder about how she was able to hear him from such a distance. In fact, she wasn’t able to think of anything.

Everything around her was spinning, blurring and black spots were forming over her eyes. Ashley’s body went numb and her legs could no longer support her. The sounds around her were replaced by a piercing white noise. Her eyes closed─ giving in to the darkness surrounding her— and her consciousness slowly floated into an empty black space.

As she felt her body falling, the last thing Ashley remembered was sinking into the embrace of two gentle arms... never reaching the floor.

***

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