Order of Fire

Chapter 1

Onyx, do you know where those invoice papers went? I could have sworn I left them right here. Sasha frantically rummaged through the stacks of papers on her desk. She dug through piles of photos, artists’ bios, brochures, inventories, and bills throwing the documents on the floor as she went.

Onyx popped her head into her boss’ office. She wore black skin-tight leggings, black sleeveless top, and flats. Her namesake jet black hair was braided in a loose ponytail that hung down her back. She tucked the strands of grown out bangs behind her ears; they were still too short to be braided in.

Did you check the file cabinet labeled ‘Current’? The folder labeled ‘Invoices.’ Onyx did her best not to sound facetious.

Sasha froze and closed her eyes slowly. She had forgotten that Onyx had taken on the task of organizing the tiny office. Sasha was the creative type, which is why she ran Lot 18 Gallery, but she did not have the knack for business or the organization that it required. That is why she had hired Onyx six months ago on the recommendation of one of her best clients: the Skylark family. Sasha had met her once before, when her boyfriend Steele brought her on a date at the gallery, but it wasn’t until Marg suggested that she could benefit from some help that Sasha considered hiring her as an assistant.

Onyx had been a dream to work with. She was punctual, friendly, and well put together. Onyx also proved to be a great asset when dealing with new artists coming into the studio. There were contracts to draw up, insurance to be purchased, pricing to be set, deliveries to schedule, and parties to throw. Sasha found herself wondering how she ever got by before without an assistant to help run the gallery.

And the contact list? she asked halfheartedly.

Onyx walked passed her frazzled boss to the bright red filing cabinets along the back wall of the space. Lot 18 Gallery sat just outside the Port of Miami and had once been an industrial warehouse. Now it was a modern gallery that showed the most provocative art in South Beach. Sasha’s office sat in the far back corner of the building overlooking the parking lot. Before Onyx redid the small room, it had been packed full of boxes and papers piled from floor to ceiling. Now it was sleek and modern like the art just outside the door. Well, all but Sasha’s desk. That she insisted Onyx not mess with so it sat in the middle of the room covered in papers more often than not.

Onyx grabbed a folder from the cabinet, thumbed through to a particular document, and handed it over to her boss. It’s also in the folder on your laptop, in case you don’t want the paper copy.

Which would be helpful if I even knew where the damn laptop was. Sasha pulled at her curly red hair. Never mind, it’s late. Why don’t you go home? I’ll see you in the morning, Nyx.

As she made her way out of the office, Onyx called back, It’s going to be fine. It’s all going to work out.

***

You’re late, Talos scolded when she arrived at Elements of Chi.

In the past year, the martial arts studio had become much of a second home for Onyx. It was owned by Talos, who was not only one of her closest friends, but also her Protector for the Order of Earth. She spent hours in the stand-alone building, nestled in the suburbs of Miami, honing her abilities to control the elements, her skills as a Torre. Between training and the family dinner Talos held once a week in the apartment above the studio, Onyx felt like she was here more often than she was at her own home.

Yea, sorry. Sasha is freaking out at work over this big new show we have coming in tomorrow. Onyx shook her head.

Put it out of your head. Let’s get to work, he said plainly. As the Protector for Onyx’ Order family, Talos was in charge of coordinating training for all the members. The others in their family - Anya, Zack, Jade, and Renzo - all got to train in pairs according to their abilities. Anya and Zack trained together once a month or so. Although the duo were both Alfils, their skill sets were distinctly different. Anya found herself tethered to the ancient powers of the Earth itself. She could communicate with the elements in a time of need. Zack, on the other hand, could communicate with other living Alfils through telepathy.

The two Cavalls, Jade and the newest family member, Renzo, met every weekend. As Cavalls, their program consisted of combat training. Talos enlisted the help of multiple Specks to keep Jade and Renzo in peak fighting form. He also worked them through numerous drills, making sure they were fully adept at using their given weapons.

In contrast, Onyx, being the only Torre, had to train alone with just Talos. A number of local Torres were in the area and provided a detailed training plan, since Talos hadn’t a clue how to train a person who could control not one, but three elements. Over the past nine months, Onyx had blown him away by how rapidly she had taken to her new abilities. It was hard to believe that just over a year ago, she didn’t even know she had the blood of the Orders.

Onyx stood in the middle of the main studio. The curtains were drawn over the large front windows and the clients had all gone home for the day. It was only she and Talos. She took in her surroundings. Around the room were various training implements. Onyx took note of them all. There were swords on the walls, stacks of bricks in a corner, a fish tank with no fish, along with various other small items. Talos stood in the far corner of the room, giving her a moment to acclimate.

He took the wooden training sword from the display above the mirrors at the front of the room and twirled it in his hand. He used to practice with a real sword but they had to stop. Not because he feared he’d hurt Onyx, but because she was getting so good at controlling the elements, she could control his sword better than he could. Instead, he started using wood items, which was something Onyx couldn’t control. The list of items she couldn’t meddle with was a short one: living items, items that were once alive, plastics or manmade materials, and fire.

Talos readied himself. Without warning, he lunged at Onyx, thrusting his sword at her forcefully. Instantly, his attack was countered by a real sword. Onyx used her telekinesis to pull the metal sword from the wall and bring it in front of her. Without ever touching the hilt, she fought Talos in fast-paced combat. Onyx played dirty. While Talos was busy battling the sword hovering in midair, she focused momentarily on the fish tank. A stream of water jutted out from the surface and made its way through the air to the floor mat behind Talos. The water settled on the floor so gently it didn’t even splash. She made her sword thrust aggressively, causing him to drop back. His feet hit the puddle of water and slipped out from under him. Talos fell flat on his back.

Again? she asked playfully.

Again, he groaned.

***

Honey, I’m home! Onyx yelled gleefully as she burst in the door of her downtown Miami apartment.

Dinner’s ready, dear, a sweet voice called through the hallway.

Really? But I brought take-out, Onyx asked as she placed the bag from Hunan Place on the pristine white marble countertop. It’s wonton Wednesday.

Excellent, I’m starving. Angel sauntered out from her side of the conjoined apartments through the archway which connected the two places. At one point in time, there had been a door that connected Angel’s condo to her parents’, the one Onyx called home, but after last year they both decided it was best to remove the door altogether.

I thought you said you made dinner? Onyx asked.

Bitch, you know I don’t cook. How was work? Angel asked as she started into the bag, sniffing out her dinner.

Fine. We are just getting the last few things in place. Sasha is losing her mind, like usual, but other than that it’s fine.

And training?

Onyx shrugged. It was nothing unusual or different. Training was always the same. As soon as the girls started dishing out heaping spoons of Lo Mein on to their plates, the familiar sounds of little stone feet on tile echoed through the spacious condo. The Gemmies were off and running in every direction without hesitation.

Hey! Onyx exclaimed.

The three gemstone creatures froze in place making them look like small statues scattered about the floor.

I did not tell you that you could come off skin. You guys know better than that. What if someone else had been home? What then, huh? You three are adorable but would be damn hard to explain to someone if they saw you.

Tem, Rile, and Deca slowly walked back towards their Keeper, dragging their feet as they moved. They hung their heads, doing their best to signify they were sorry since they couldn’t talk. Tem looked up, giving his best impression of puppy dog eyes through his deep blue stone features.

Onyx tried to keep a stern face but failed, cracking a smile and she dropped to her knees, eye level with her Specks. What am I going to do with you guys? Just don’t teach Mud any of your bad habits, okay?

The Gemmies shook their heads emphatically. Onyx rolled her eyes. "Leyfi," she commanded. Soon the three creatures were joined by a fourth, Mud. His given name was Immunditiam, but once Onyx met the adorably portly ball of mud, he was given his nickname and it stuck. Mud was built with a belly like a beach ball, a tiny head, and impractically short arms and legs. He waddled as he moved after the little linebacker-like creatures who could run circles around him. He, like Onyx’ ancestors, was a Torre for the Order, which meant he could control earthen elements like rocks, stones, and minerals. On days she would take her troop to the beach, she would catch sight of Mud creating sand castles with only his mind. The grains of sand would move on command, taking shape in whatever fanciful form he could think of. He was a good Speck, not a troublemaker like her others.

I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that, Angel said with a mouthful of Chinese food as she curled up on the couch.

Thanks for trying though. It means a lot that I can just let them run around.

Angel waved off the comment. She had been surprisingly unfazed when Onyx confessed to being in the Order. It was as if Onyx had told her some trivial fact like her favorite color was purple, or she was an Aquarius. Onyx assumed it was all about the timing. In the course of a few months, Onyx had escaped a violent relationship, evaded two other Orders from capturing her, and survived an attack from a shadow creature that used mind control on her boyfriend in an attempt to murder her. In the end, it had been Angel that walked in, saw Steele wielding the gun, and stopped the attack. Shortly thereafter, Onyx explained everything. She assumed that Angel would have accepted anything as truth if it meant that her best friend was alive.

You’re doing it again, Angel interrupted her thoughts.

Huh? Doing what?

Playing with that damn necklace. You go off in your head somewhere and rub that thing. It’s just weird.

Onyx hadn’t even realized what she was doing. The glass vial that hung around her neck was wrapped in lace-like metal and filled with a strange, smoky, black liquid. It contained Aivot, the shadow Grim with mind-control abilities. Onyx had trapped him inside. She wore it every day; terrified that someone might get a hold of it and once again release the creature from the Order of Air. If that were to happen, he would stop at nothing to see to it that she’d pay for capturing him. Aivot had already tried to kill her on multiple occasions. Onyx knew she might not be so lucky if she had to face the Grim another time. Because of that, it was safer if she kept the necklace close at all times.

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you, you are going on a date Saturday night! Angel exclaimed.

I am?

Yeah, there is this really great agent who works at the studio I’m recording at. He’s super sweet, bangin’ body, and perfect for you.

Onyx looked back at her friend with a blank stare. Maybe all the hair dye had finally fried her friend’s brain. Either that or Onyx was sure she had lost her mind. Okay, one: no. Two: you know Saturday is opening night for the show.

Sure, sure. He can just meet you there.

You want me to go on a date while I’m at work? Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of yours.

You have to get over Steele at some point. Move on. Angel immediately regretted the words as they fell from her mouth.

Onyx shook her head and set her food on the table. She turned to face her friend, giving Angel her full attention before she went on. Honey, I am over Steele. It’s been months since we broke up. I’m fine. I’m just really busy with work right now and training and everything. I appreciate the setup, but now is not the time. Okay?

It had been nearly nine months since Onyx and Steele broke up, and more than seven since anyone had heard from him. After the split, Steele had switched families and then left the Order of Earth all together to completely distance himself. It was as though he fell off the map after that. Onyx was surprised she had only bumped into him once in that time. Miami was a big city, but not that big. Sometimes she wondered where he was and what he was doing with his life.

Angel tucked her platinum and hot pink hair behind her ears. She arched her eyebrows as if to ask a question.

What? Onyx pressed.

Is it because of Talos?

Seriously, stop. You know I don’t have a thing for him.

Angel rolled her eyes and shrugged, unsatisfied with Onyx’ defense. You are there an awful lot.

It’s just training. You know that. I have to for the Order. There is nothing more to it.

I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Angel continued to pry.

He’s my Protector, nothing more, Onyx snipped.

Fine, if you say so.

I say so.

Chapter 2

The Miami sun inched its way over the warehouses as Sasha and Onyx waited eagerly in front of Lot 18 Gallery. Sasha flipped through the clipboard for the fourth time in the last five minutes. She read the itinerary again and again, making sure she had the correct time. Sure enough, their arrival was set for 7 a.m. Sasha checked her bulky vintage watch: 7:20 a.m.

Maybe we should just wait inside. They can knock on the door, Onyx consoled her fidgeting boss. They had been at the gallery since before six that morning, making sure the final details were in place before the artist troop arrived.

No, that won’t do. We need to wait here, Sasha replied, the worry in her voice thinly veiled. She peered nervously down the deserted stretch of road that led through the industrial park to the gallery. The identical beige warehouses lined the two-lane street, but there was no movement around any of them. Everything lay quiet in the still of the morning.

Sasha began to pace in front of the enormous wooden door at the gallery entrance. She could feel the anxiety building in her chest as if a gorilla was sitting on her. She needed this to work out. The numbers ran through her head making her dizzy. Her bills were beginning to stack up faster than they were being paid off. The renovations that the old warehouse had required to be turned into a gallery ran way over budget. Art wasn’t being purchased at the rate she had projected. She needed to get people into the gallery. She needed to start making money or she risked losing everything. When Onyx discovered the artist troop Cirque de Diable, Sasha thought it might be just the thing she needed to generate a little buzz in the South Florida art community; just the thing to save the gallery.

The sound of air brakes in the distance stopped Sasha in her tracks. She perked up and arched her neck trying to spot the source. At the far end of the street, just beyond the old metal recycling building, a semi-tractor trailer truck turned the corner and began to barrel down the straight away towards Lot 18. The roar of the truck’s engine echoed through the park. In a flash, a bright red blur zipped out from behind the 18-wheeler and cut in front of it. The tiny sports car raced down the narrow road. It did not slow as it approached the studio; rather, it seemed to pick up speed.

Sasha and Onyx slowly retreated until their backs were against the building. The hotrod continued to build speed. Sasha clutched her clipboard close to her chest. Onyx calmly prepared herself. If the car did not stop in time, she would use her abilities to stop it before they got crushed. She knew she would have to find a way to explain it to everyone later. She also knew she was not willing to die for an art show.

The car had nearly reached the building when it suddenly squealed loudly and spun around 180 degrees, sliding to a stop feet away from the women. It was quickly enveloped in a plume of smoke and the repugnant smell of burning rubber. Onyx and Sasha both let out a deep sigh. As if a switch was flipped, Sasha’s mood shifted from nervous to excited, like a kid on Christmas morning. She almost skipped as she ventured to greet the passengers of the daredevil sports car.

Through the smoke, a mountainous man emerged wearing all black. He wore black snakeskin combat boots under distressed black denim jeans. His muscular arms tested the strength of his skin tight t-shirt. The man’s thick black beard was braided into two points that were capped off with tiny metal spikes. He smiled at the gallery owner coming to meet him, displaying a full mouth of silver capped teeth.

Dante, it is so nice to finally meet you. I’m Sasha Martin. We spoke on the phone, Sasha said eagerly.

The large man towered more than a foot over the tiny red-haired woman. He extended his bear-claw-sized hand to greet her. Without hesitation, she shook it and continued, We are so excited to have you all. The truck can back right up to the main door here. The crew is ready and waiting inside to unload the exhibits and start getting things in place. My assistant, Onyx, will be in charge of the process. She has a copy of the floor plan we agreed upon and inventory list. Come. Let’s go to my office and finish up a couple things, shall we? Onyx, will you move Mr. Dante’s car to the lot so the truck can get through?

My assistant can handle that, Dante’s deep baritone voice matched his formidable appearance.

A young blonde climbed out of the passenger’s side of the sports car without opening the door. She was the complete opposite of her boss. The girl was waifish, thin, dressed in plain jeans and a white button-up shirt. She gave a slight wave and a thin-lipped smile as she slid into the driver’s seat and proceeded to move the car to the back parking lot, much slower than the previous driver would have.

***

Onyx stood at the base of the ramp that connected the gallery to the truck trailer and stared up at the packed space. As far back as she could see were packages of various sizes stacked to the ceiling. Each shipping container was custom created to fit, support, and protect the art which it held. It reminded Onyx of a real-life game of Tetris. For a moment she was struck with panic.

How will I get it all back in here at the end of the show? She brushed off the thought. That was a problem for another time.

The crew of workers studied the floor plan map she had taped up just inside the building. Soon after she realized there was a bit of a language barrier with most of the workers she had hired, she had created a simple numbering system for the space. As the packages came down the ramp she would tape the space number to it and it would be delivered according to the map. She crossed her fingers that it would work. There was no way she could move a truck full of art all by herself; even with the freight elevator in the back of the building.

Is this the biggest show you’ve ever unloaded? a sweet voice from behind asked.

Onyx turned around to find Dante’s assistant approaching. She carried an oversized computer bag that looked like it was almost half her size. She leaned hard in the opposite direction to keep from tipping over.

I’m Alana by the way. Alana Lyall.

Onyx Bay. What is that, Irish? she asked of the girl’s unusual surname.

Scottish actually. Alana smiled shyly.

Cool. Well, nice to meet you. This show is pretty massive you guys brought for us. We usually just have a bunch of different artists on individual contracts. I think this is the first time we’ve ever had one group take up the whole gallery, Onyx admitted.

Trust me, this isn’t like anything you’ve ever had in you gallery. It’s quite the show. Alana said wistfully as she watched the crates getting rolled down the ramp.

The gallery was busy with activity as the crew worked hard to get the shipment out quickly. Onyx checked her watch. They were behind schedule due to the trucks delayed arrival. The artists would be arriving soon to perfect the setups. She hoped they would be as late as their manager was.

They are never on time, Alana said before Onyx could even express her concern. You’ll be lucky if they get here before dinner.

***

The driver just called. They’ll be here in ten, Onyx popped her head into Sasha’s office to inform her boss. Sasha nodded; a tiny piece of lettuce stuck out from the side of her mouth. There were few minutes to spare