The Last Alignment: Evanescent Veils (Book 2)

The Last Alignment: Evanescent Veils

Nathaniel Stewart

Published by Nathaniel Stewart at Smashwords

Cover by Julie Duong with Duong Covers

Copyright © 2015 Nathaniel Stewart. All rights reserved.

All characters, places, concepts and ideas that are presented in this work are fictitious and derive from the imagination and creativity of the author. Any likenesses or resemblances that are present are purely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

For Diane,

As always, and for all those who have directly and indirectly inspired me to keep dreaming and striving.

Acknowledgment

Maxann Dobson, who taught me a thing or twenty.

Chapter 1

Hektor

Hektor did not understand. He had just felt her presence not even a minute ago, and now it seemed as if she had disappeared; it was like she no longer existed. How could that be when he was sure it was her? There could have been no mistaking it, but he could not feel her anymore and he worried that she was getting away again. He looked around the busy street at all the people bustling and going about their business and searched, wondering if she were hiding somewhere. Had she changed her appearance? It had been a long time since he’d seen her, and none of the others had been in contact with her for the last several years.

Maybe she glided, Hektor thought, but if she did, he still would’ve been able to Sense that she was traveling because she would be using her powers. She was blocking him, but how was that possible? He had never been in any type of situation where he was unable to find whomever he needed, so some sort of mental obstruction was the only explanation. But how? he thought gruffly, gazing up at the sky. Hektor knew that his questions were being heard, but whether they would be answered or not was a different matter entirely.

Excuse me, sir, came a loud and friendly voice, my family and I are visiting Colorado for the first time. We don’t really have any idea of where we should go or what we should do. Would you have any recommendations by any chance, or know where we could find—

Apologies. Hektor didn’t bother to look at whoever was speaking to him. I am not from here, so I cannot give you directions or recommendations, he said as he took out his cell phone. It wasn’t a complete lie; Hektor knew the whole country like the back of his hand, but Colorado was not his place of origin. Besides, anyone who took a trip without having a specific destination or having done any research beforehand was an ignoramus in Hektor’s book.

Oh … alright. Well, thanks anyway. The stranger moved away from him. With no thought about how rude he may have been, Hektor went across the road to a coffee shop that had outdoor seating and pulled out a chair. Before he could sit, however, a waitress came bursting out of the front doors and hurried over to him. She had short sandy hair and appeared to be in her early thirties.

Hello there, she greeted, putting on her best smile. Welcome to Mojo. My name is Ira, and I’ll be serving you this afternoon. Have you ever been here before?

I have not, Hektor answered as he opened his cell phone and pulled up Sylvia’s number. I do not care for coffee.

"Perhaps you would like one of our delightfully delicious pastries or danishes, then? Hektor looked up from the screen of his phone to see the waitress staring at him a little too intently. Judging by the way that she stressed the word delightfully, he guessed she was flirting with him and he didn’t like it. We have cakes and pies too. We also have other drinks like hot chocolate, our signature hot white chocolate, smoothies, shakes, and all sorts of bottled drinks. We have a huge selection of—"

I am not hungry, nor am I thirsty, Hektor said patiently, though he wanted her to stop talking; she sounded like a bad late-night hotline commercial. I only wish to sit here for a few minutes while I make a phone call if that is not too much trouble.

Oh! I see where you’re going with this. Ira blushed and tucked her pen and pad into her apron pocket. You want some company when you’re through, huh? I’m on the clock, but I could probably squeeze a favor out of my boss. He owes me one anyway.

"No, thank you. I do not want company. I would like to sit here alone. The conversation I am trying to have is quite private."

Well, maybe we could exchange numbers and talk some other time.

I do not believe my wife or children would appreciate that, Hektor lied firmly. Now, if you would be so kind as to excuse me. He raised his phone to his ear.

W-wife? Children? It was as if those were foreign terms to her. Hektor ended the call bemoaning his decision to stop and sit. I don’t see a ring anywhere, mister.

That is because I prefer to wear it around my neck.

Prove it. I want to see it.

Sure. Hektor reached into his collar and pulled out a thin gold chain from which a simple and gleaming gold band hung. The waitress was crestfallen.

Obviously you don’t really love her. Or him. If you did, you would wear it on your finger proudly instead of having it hidden under your clothes where no one can see it.

Everyone is different, miss. Surely you are aware that I am not the only person, male or female, to opt to wear their wedding band around their neck? Some feel it a better place than their finger seeing as how it not only makes it to where it is harder to lose, but their symbol of love is closer to their heart. And, I am married to a woman, by the way.

Well … I … do you have any pictures of your kids? I want to see them.

Do you harass all of your male customers like this, or am I just so very fortunate as to have sat down on a day when you happened to be working? Ira stood tall and flattened her apron.

I’m sorry, she apologized sheepishly. It’s just, a few months ago I got divorced. I’m trying to put it behind me and move on, I really am, but—

Ma’am—

I’m afraid that my clock is ticking, you know? I’m thirty-four and I don’t have any children. My mom won’t stop hassling me and … I …

Hektor had locked eyes with her and leaned forward, and Ira immediately fell silent as he took her focus. Once he had her, he spoke slowly and carefully. Go back inside. Never treat any of your patrons the way that you just treated me. I am sorry you are dealing with the issues you are, but there are people, such as myself, that have much larger and impactful matters to worry about and contend with. Understood?

Yes, Ira responded absently as she turned on the spot. The waitress made her way toward the front door of the coffee shop and Hektor’s phone rang; it was Sylvia.

I was trying to call you. He stood and tucked in his chair, wanting to get far away from Mojo.

I noticed. When I answered, you hung up. What happened?

A baby-crazed waitperson.

Waitperson? What the hell is that?

A waitress, Hektor said, shaking his head.

"So, a baby-crazed ‘waitperson’ happened? What does that even mean, Hektor?"

It means nothing.

Okay. Well, now that I have you, how many did you find?

Six. All senior citizens.

Gosh, Sylvia sighed.

I know. I anticipated more, but they have been taken care of and I would like to forget it.

Of course. Where are you now?

Colorado.

And?

I lost her.

You lost her?! How?

Hektor had expected that type of reaction. I do not know. Today was the closest I have come all week. I was able to Sense her relatively well for most of the day, and then I suddenly could not. She has managed to block herself off again, and I am willing to bet whatever it is that she is doing is the reason why you have not been able to find her either.

O’Ryann and Tyler must know the same trick because I haven’t been able to Sense them at all, Sylvia said irritably. It’s been that way for years now with all three of them. It’s almost like they don’t even exist. Hektor stopped dead in his tracks for he had had the same thought. I’ve called them more times than I can count, and when I tried earlier today, both of their phones were disconnected. Do you think anything is wrong?

I am not sure. I have not tried to find Tyler or O’Ryann yet.

I don’t know what to do here anymore, Hektor. Everything is so … beyond repair.

Do nothing. He crossed the street with a small crowd of people. I appreciate all of your efforts and assistance, but I cannot waste any more time. I must get back to Lillarey. I will deal with all this later. Focus on protecting your family, Sylvia. That is the most important thing you can do at this point.

I will. She cleared her throat. Speaking of family, when you get back to Montana, could I talk to Zander? I’d like to speak to all of them, but I miss my boy.

Of course. I will phone after I get there.

Thank you.

No, thank you for all of your help. I hope I have not further stressed you out.

I’m okay. I’m a lot better than some of the others.

Hallie?

Yes, sir, Sylvia confirmed. She has been calling me about four times a day for updates, but I never have anything to tell her. She’s going nuts.

Then you will be careful to call her after you finish with the kids. I …

Hello? Hektor? Are you alright?

He felt her. Hektor whipped his head to the left and saw a woman standing at a checkout counter through the window of a store. What they sold, he did not care, and he took in the long, curly brown dreadlocks that were hanging out of a shiny purple headscarf. She had tan skin, wore a blue, thin spaghetti-strapped tank top, and a lengthy, flowing black skirt.

"Hektor? Hellooo? Are you still there?"

Yes. I have found her. He wished the woman would turn around.

What?! Is she okay? Hektor, tell me she’s alright! He could hear that Sylvia had already started crying.

She looks to be fine. Give me a moment. He lowered his phone to his chest. Without closing his eyes, Hektor concentrated and identified everyone around him within a three-mile radius to be sure; it was definitely her. While everyone else became obscure shifting shadows, the woman was shrouded in a hazy teal color that Hektor had never seen before while Sensing. He focused in and thoroughly combed the aura he’d only gotten traces of over the last six days. It had been such a long time, and now that she was as close as she was, he once again had her imprint unquestionably stowed.

Sylvia, he said as he raised his phone back to his ear, I—

The woman at the counter froze. A few seconds later, Hektor felt her inside of him from the pit of his stomach to the center of his mind. She was identifying him and he could tell she was terrified. It was a horribly uncomfortable fear and it surprised him to where he regretted finding her. He bit his bottom lip as she studied him and then frowned; he couldn’t feel or see her anymore. Their connection had ended abruptly—too abruptly—and he knew that her panic and anxiety aided in her shutting him out so quickly. He stared at the spot where she was more fixedly and tried his best, but he could only distinguish everyone within the store except her. Sylvia, she knows I am alive and that I am here, he reported as everyone went back to normal and the woman came back into view. I still have a visual, but she is blocking me.

How? What’s she doing?

I do not know. She has not turned around, so I have not seen her face. The woman completed her purchase and hurried away from the window. Hektor stood still, questioning his initial intentions.

Aren’t you going to go after her? asked Sylvia.

Hektor nervously flexed his fingers, restraining himself from barging in the store and cornering her. It didn’t feel right. Something was wrong and different with her. Making up his mind, he answered, No.

"No?! Why the hell not?!"

She will be of no use to us.

Of no use? I don’t understand! You’ve been searching for her like a maniac all week, and now that you’ve found her, you want to leave her alone?!

Sylvia, please trust me. Hektor walked down the sidewalk, thinking. I Sensed her. There is something …

He trailed off, not wanting to express his judgments and contemplations too early.

Oh no. She isn’t—

No, Sylvia. She is fine and whole. At least for now, we need to leave her be. We cannot intrude upon her.

‘Intrude?’ Hektor, the moment that Mordikin came back she was intruded upon! This has everything to do with—

I have spoken. My decision is final and my judgment is correct. There was a long pause, and after a minute Hektor looked at the screen on his phone to see that Sylvia had hung up on him. He closed it and stuffed it inside of his pocket, and after a few blocks, he ducked behind a convenience store. He thought about calling Kate to fill her in, but Sylvia was more than likely already cussing him out to her about what had just happened. His ring bounced against him and Hektor stared as it dangled. He still didn’t know where or who it came from. The last time he wore it, a vision of a scorpion carved in stone flashed in his mind. He didn’t know what it meant at the time, but he now understood that it was a premonition about what was going to occur at the school. He had considered putting it back on to see what would happen, however, he could not disregard what Victor, Carmen, Ellen, Christoph, and Ravi discovered.

After Hektor had awakened from being asleep for almost a month, the ring was sitting on his nightstand next to his bed. He went to get it, but Ellen stopped him and told him it had had a damn good try at putting him down permanently. He didn’t believe her, but Victor had pictures he’d taken of Hektor’s body every day he’d been asleep until that morning, and the evidence could not be denied. He explained that on the second day of his slumber, Ravi had gone to check on him when he saw that Hektor was nothing but corroded flesh and bone. He yelled for the rest of his Alignment and noticed that the area around the ring on Hektor’s hand had decayed the most and took it off. Afterwards, they monitored him closely and watched his body steadily improve for three weeks before Hektor started to look normal again, and so they knew the ring had been directly responsible for his putrid condition. They advised him to destroy it, but Hektor refused because he thought it better not to act until he could investigate it. He was curious as to whether the ring would grant him another omen, but the risk was far too great, and he slid the necklace back under his shirt.

Sure that there were no eyes on him, he rose a few inches off the ground. Concentrating on where he wanted to go, Colorado soared passed him. Hektor had to be honest with himself; part of him felt like he had wasted a lot of precious time, but he also thought the outcome well worth it. At least he now knew she was alive, he had an idea of where she was, and he doubted she would try to leave wherever she was presently living. Those brief moments of Sensing were all that he needed to find out what he wanted. He was comfortable with leaving the situation alone for the time being. He had planned to get everything straight this week, but there was too much to do and prepare for. The best thing he could do now was get back to Lillarey.

Chapter 2

Hudson

This was the calmest and most peaceful he’d been in days. Hudson rolled his head around in slow circles as the hot water that jetted from the showerhead relaxed his muscles. It had been a week since they arrived in Lillarey and settled into Hektor’s house, but Hektor was out the door the very next morning offering no explanation for his abandonment other than he had an urgent matter to take care of. His desertion wasn’t taken too offensively or given much attention as all five of them had a lot to deal with and think about individually, and the fact that Hektor’s house was amazing helped to preoccupy them. Hudson had been to a fair few nice homes with his father being a successful accountant with a variety of different well-to-do clients. However, this one took the cake—mainly due to the way it was presented.

It took two taxis to transport all of them and their belongings from the airport to Lillarey. After a two-hour commute they pulled up to a one-level, ordinary, and modest house in the middle of nowhere that had a garden in front of it. After Hektor bid the cabs farewell, he took them to the gate and as soon as the five of them stepped through, the modest little house turned into an enormous three-story manor causing Hudson’s mouth to fall open.

It was beautiful. All the brick was painted white, the windows were framed by dark-brown rustic exterior treatments, and the wood-shingled roof matched them in color. The pathway leading to the tall castle-like front doors was made of brown brick and natural stones set in mortar and were lined with vividly colored yellow flowers that Hudson had never seen before. The front yard was lush and had huge round gardens here and there that consisted of the same mysterious flower that lined the walkway. When they got closer to the front doors, he saw they were engraved with an elaborate pattern that was painted a shimmering gold and was a nice contrast against the dark wood of the door. Instead of having the normal handle and keyhole, there was a silver box that had one green button and a bunch of other buttons that had the numbers zero through nine on them. Hektor pressed the green button, punched in a six-digit code, and the doors clicked ajar. He pushed them open, and the interior of the house was just as impressive as the outside. The first thing Hudson noticed was the double staircase that led to a single-entry point to the second level. In the entrance hall were loads of paintings that hung in simple wooden frames, and after looking around at them all, Hudson learned that Hektor had painted most of them himself. While the house was grand, there was a starkness to it that Hudson liked.

All the floors were hardwood. The décor, while expensive, was unembellished, plain, and limited; it was easy to tell the place lacked a woman’s touch. In the living room were three plush light brown sofas that sat on top of a Persian rug. In the middle of the couches was a thick, glass-topped wooden coffee table that was a few feet away from a mounted sixty-five-inch flat screen television; Zander instantaneously took a liking to it. Hektor showed them to the kitchen which was Hudson’s favorite room in any house as he loved to eat, and then Hektor showed them all to their quarters, as he put it. The five of them each got their very own rooms, every one of which had personal bathrooms attached to them. The guys were on the second floor and the girls were on the third. It was too good to be true, and in an odd way, knowing they were to stay in such a place helped to lift their spirits.

Hudson?

He stopped washing his hair and stood still. He heard a knock and moved from under the showerhead so he could hear properly. Who is it?

It’s Androse.

Oh, he sighed, relieved it wasn’t one of the girls. Come on in. Hudson wiped a bit of steam off the glass shower wall so he could see. At first, he thought he was seeing his own blurred and soapy reflection, but his blond hair wasn’t nearly as long, and his eyes were dark blue and not green.

It’s almost time. Androse leaned against the doorjamb. We’ve got about fifteen minutes.

Hudson stared at Androse for a moment, nodded, and moved to stand back under the showerhead, once again massaging his scalp with his fingertips. He was in no rush, but he also didn’t want them waiting on him either. I’ll be there in ten, he said, starting to rinse the shampoo out of his hair.

Alright. See you in a bit.

Hey! Hudson shouted before Androse could close the door. None of them had really spoken throughout the last week. With Hektor’s house being as big as it was, they were able to give each other the space they couldn’t when they were holed up at Awbrey’s grandmother’s house. They all chatted here and there, but Hudson specifically felt like Androse needed the most space and so he only spoke to him when necessary. This may seem like a stupid question, but I’m going to ask you anyway. Are you alright? I mean, I don’t think any of us are, but—

No, Androse answered bluntly. I’m not alright, but I will be. In time.

I … uh … I heard you crying the other night on my way to the kitchen to grab something to eat. I wanted to knock on your door, but I didn’t want to bother you. The spot that Hudson had cleared on the glass fogged over again, but he could still see Androse fold his arms across his chest. I didn’t judge you or anything. I’ve personally shed a few tears since we’ve been here. It’s just … you’re a strong person that takes and holds in a lot. I guess I’m worried you won’t talk when you need to let stuff out. I don’t want you to do that. Not when you have Nat and I around. A few seconds went by and Androse hadn’t responded making Hudson feel like he should’ve kept his mouth shut. I’m sorry. Forget I—

What I feel is something that can’t be talked through, said Androse. What I feel can only be healed by time, and I’m not even sure if that’ll be enough in the end. I do appreciate it, though. And ditto. If you ever need an ear …

I’ll definitely hit you up, Hudson smiled.

I do have a request, though. Androse waited to close the door.

Yeah? What’s that?

Next time you want to have a heart-to-heart, let’s try not to do it while the other is bathing in a glass shower. Yes, there is steam, but I can still see a lot more than you think I can.

~*~*~

Hudson dressed quickly and ran down the right side of the double staircase. He rushed into the living room to see Androse, Natalye, and Zander all sitting on separate couches. Where’s Awbrey? he thought, but after he walked farther in, he saw the back of a head of long, straight dark-red hair.

Awbrey was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the coffee table. Hudson recognized her shirt instantly as he was wearing the exact same one; a short sleeved royal blue t-shirt that had a picture of a silver cartoon-esque scorpion on the back. She was clutching something to her chest, and upon closer inspection, Hudson saw what it was and opted to stand behind the middle couch that Natalye was occupying. Awbrey was indeed his best friend and he wanted to be there for her, but Hudson already had enough to deal with on his own without having to worry about consoling her. Though he had been trying to prepare himself for this moment since they found out about it a couple of days ago, while Hudson dressed he decided that the way to go about the situation would be to attempt to hold himself together. If he tried to be tough or keep everything in, he would eventually crumble to pieces, so allowing himself to feel whatever he was going to feel while maintaining some level of control seemed to be the best option.

Alright, Zander said, shaking his curly black hair out of his light gray eyes before looking at his watch. It’s seven o’clock. Here we go, Hudson thought as he took a deep and slow breath. Zander turned on the television and a blond woman wearing a purple suit appeared.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us here at Channel Four News. I’m Rachael Stevenson, and as reported throughout the day by my colleagues, we sent a team to Vairlden, Arizona to cover a special ceremony that is taking place at this very moment. For those of you who are unaware, a tragic event occurred at Vancent E. Redding High School one week ago from today where a student pulled two guns from their locker and opened fire. That student was sixteen-year-old Amanda Lyerly, daughter of military retiree Mark Lyerly. Hudson gripped the back of the couch feeling like he had a golf ball lodged in his throat; hearing and seeing this on the television was surreal. New developments and pieces of information have been sluggishly coming out and leaking about the case over the past few days. It is now known that it has been determined by investigators that the actions of Ms. Lyerly were motivated by years of teasing, bullying, and torment by her peers that she had endured since she and her family settled in Arizona six years ago. This bit of information has generated quite the mixture of emotions and responses from the public, especially since there have been numerous speculations as to why a sixteen-year-old girl would commit such a crime typically committed by males. However, Arizona authorities have confirmed that after their investigation, they found no other evidence they felt could have contributed to Ms. Lyerly’s actions. We now go live to Vairlden where Stacy Grena is at the ceremony. Stacy?

Thanks, Rachael. Another blond woman was now on the screen wearing a dark-gray suit with a black overcoat. She was fairly young for a news reporter, and after taking in her face, Hudson thought it possible that this woman was Rachael Stevenson’s daughter. I am here at Vancent E. Redding High School where, as you can see behind me, a vigil is being held for the victims of the heartbreaking incident that took place only one week ago. Behind Stacy was a multitude of people on the lawn in front of Vancent, all wearing royal blue and white which were their school’s colors. All of them were gathered around a huge heap of carefully laid bunches of flowers. On top of the flowers rested signs, stuffed animals, pictures, and all sorts of objects that couldn’t be distinguished. Hudson heard Awbrey sniffle and glanced down to see her wiping her eyes. He looked back at the TV and saw the many faces of friends and people he knew, and he started shaking his leg to stay calm; he wanted to be there with them.

It was first reported that thirteen students were injured and six were killed including the shooter, sixteen-year-old Amanda Lyerly, who took her own life at the end of her rage-filled spree. ‘Rage-filled spree?’ Hudson thought. As many know, details surrounding the case have been kept quiet. Even the types of guns that were used in the slaughter have not yet been clarified, but as of tonight, a final count has been given as far as the victims. Hudson clutched the back of the couch tighter, digging his nails into it. All week he had tortured himself wondering who was killed and who had been hurt, but the media never released any names. Half of