Night World : Huntress Chapter 14

Did you have trouble countenanceting away? Hugh saidIt was the next morning, a very different sort of day from yesterday. The sky was overcast and the airwas heavy. Everyone Jez had passed at the Concord BART move looked a puny depressed.Eh, a precise, she said, and sat down by Hugh on the platform. They were at the far end of the station,beyond the reach outed area with benches, beside a little concrete security house. It was a safe and privatemeeting place since the station was almost deserted after the morning commute. They chained up mybike with this huge chain. Claire drove me to school-shes been watching me like a werewolf guardingdinner. And Aunt nan c aloneed the office to make sure I didnt cut Hugh shifted in concern. There was atiny breathof warm wind, and it stirred his fair cop. So what did you do?Jez grinned. I cut. She shrugged and added, I got a guy from my auto shop class to drive me here. Itwasnt hard.He smiled at her sadly, his gray eyes distant. provided th eyre spillage to materialize out. Jez, Im re in ally sorry forcompletely messing up your life.She shrugged again. Yeah, but if I dont do it, foreverybodys life is going to be even more than completelymessed up. Every homos.I get laid. He shivered slightly. wherefore he drew up his legs, clasping his fortify around them. He looked ather with his chin on his knees. So what did you find out?That the young lady Morgead thought was the Wild baron isnt. He looks so cute that way, Jez thoughthelplessly. So-compact. Morgead would never sit like that.Hugh winced. Great. Youre sure?Yeah. It was a little barbarian, eight days old, and she was something special-but not that. She was Jeztried to recall of a way to describe it. Hugh watched her with eyes that were clear and fathomless, sadand wry and gentle all at once. And perfectly Jez got it. She gasped.Goddess-I know She was like you. That kid was an rare Soul.Hughs eyebrows went up. You think?Im sure of it. She had that same w ay of sounding at you as if shes seen all of history and she knowsthat youre scarce a little part. That trig picture look. As if she were beyond stupid human things.But not a Wild Power, Hugh said softly. He looked fractional discouraged and half relieved. So thusly theMorgead connection is useless. Actually, no. Because hes got evidence for the Wild Power on videotape. Jez explained closely themovie and the fire and the blue flash. So somebody around that kid is probably it. I know that area andso does Morgead. We may be able to find out who.Hugh chewed his lip. Then he looked directly at her. It sounds riskous. barely how is Morgead takingtins-you coming back and all?Jez stared out across the BART tracks. They looked like regular train tracks, except for the big onelabeled danger electric third rah.. There was a sound like faraway thunder, and whence a train came whizzingup like a sleek futuristic white dr pastn. It stopped and a few people got on and off in the distance. Shewaited until it left again to answer.He wasnt very happy at first. But then he kind of got used to it. I dont think hes going to make anytrouble-unless he finds out, you know.She wasnt sure what else to say. She didnt want to talk to Hugh about Morgead-and she for suredidnt want to explain what had happened. Especially not when she was so confused about it all herself.You still think hed hate you if he found out you were half human? Hughs voice was quiet.Jez laughed shortly. Believe it. He would.There was a silence, while Hugh looked at her. Suddenly Jez found her mind posing an odd question. Ifit were Hugh or Morgead, which would she assume?Of course, it was a completely ridiculous question. She couldnt have either of them. Hugh was an OldSoul, and beyond her reach. Not to mention that he only thought of her as a friend. And Morgead superpowerbe her soulmate, but he would murder her if he ever discovered the truth.But still, if she did have a choice Hugh or Morgead?A day ago shed have said Hugh without question. How strange that now it came up the other way.Because, impossible as it was, deadly as she k sore it to be, it was Morgead she was in love with. Andshe had only just understood that this moment.What a pity that there was no hope in the terra firma for them.Jez found herself giving other short laugh- and then she tangibleized that Hugh was still looking at at her. Shecould feel color rise to her cheeks.You were miles away again.Tm just foggy. Not enough sleep, I guess. Plus all that fun yesterday. She was still bleak from the stickfight and the fall with Iona. But that wasnt Hughs problem.She took a breath, groping for another subject. You know, there was something I wanted to askyou. Morgead said the Council had dug up another prophecy-about where each of the Wild Powers isfrom. Have you heard it? When he shook his head, she quoted superstar from the land of kings long forgotten One from the hearth which still holds the spark One from th eDay World where deuce eyes arewatching One from the twilight to be one with the dark.Interesting. Hughs gray eyes had lit up. One from the hearth thats got to be the Harmanwitches. Their last name was originally Hearth-Woman. Yeah. But the line about the one from the Day World-that ones a human, slump?It sounds like it.Thats what Morgead thought-thats why he thought the little girl expertness be a Wild Power even thoughshe was human. But what I fagt figure out is what it sloppeds by where two eyes are watching.Mmm Hugh gazed into the distance, as if he liked the challenge. The only thing I can think of thatcombines the idea of Day* and eyes is a poem. It goes something like The night has a one thousand eyes,and the Day only one. The one eye being the sun, you know, and the thousand eyes the stars at night.Hmpf. What about the moon?Hugh grinned. I dont know. Maybe the cause wasnt pricey at astronomy.Well-that doesnt help much. I thought it might be a clue. But the truth is that we dont even know if itsthe human Wild Power were after.Hugh put his chin on his knees again. True. But Ill let Circle Daybreak know about that prophecy. Itmight help eventually. He was silent a moment, then added, You know, they dug up somethinginteresting, too. Apparently the Hopi Tribe predicted the end of the world pretty accurately.The Hopi?I should say, the ends of the worlds. They knew that it had happened in the beginning their time, and that itwould happen again. Their legend says that the first world was destroyed by fire. The second world wasdestroyed by ice. The third world ended in water- a universal flood. And the fourth world-well, thatsours. Its supposed to end in melody and darkness- and end soon.Jez murmured, The first world-?Dont remember your dark World history? He tched at her, with a smile that didnt reach his eyes.The first civilization was the shapeshifters. Back when human race were scared to go out of their caves, theshapeshifters ruled and the huma ns thought of them as gods. Animal spirits, totems. It was ShapeshifterWorld. That lasted for about ten thousand years, until a bunch of volcanoes suddenly became active-Fire.Yeah. The put up changed, people migrated, and the shapeshifters lost control. After that it was reallyWitch World. The witches did better thaneverybody else for ten thousand years, but then there was an Ice Age- And the Night Wars, Jez said, remembering. When the vampires fought the witches.Right. And after all that, the vampires were in control it was Vampire World. Which lasted aboutanother ten thousand years, until the flood. And after the flood, human civilization really started. It wasHuman World, and it has been for a long time. The Night People have just been hanging on around theedges, hiding. But. . . He paused and straightened. That started about eight thousandB.C.Oh.Yeah. The millennium marks the end of our ten thousand years. He gave his gentle, half-mocking smile.We humans are about to lose our l ease. Somethings going to happen to bring blood and darkness andthen therell be a whole new world.Only if we dont stop it, Jez said. And we will- because we have to.Hughs smiled changed, softening. I think were lucky to have people like you trying. Then he lost thesmile completely. He looked uncertain. Jez- you know, Old Souls arent really beyond stupid humanthings. Were as human as anybody. And we I mean, and IJezs heart was beating uncomfortably fast. The way he was looking at her-shed never seen Hugh looklike that at anything or anyone. some other rumble in the distance, and then a train came rushing in.Hugh blinked, glanced up at the digital clock display above the platform, then checked his watch. Hecursed.Tm supposed to be somewhere. Im late.Jezs heart gave a strange thump. But not of disappointment. Weirdly, it was more like relief.Me, too, she said. Im supposed to meet Morgead before everybody else gets out of school. I oughtto take the next train to San Francisco.He still hesitated. Jez-Go on, she said, standing up. seasick call you if I turn up anything. Wish me luck.Be careful, he said instead, and then he was hurrying away.Jez watched him go. She couldnt help wondering what he had been about to say.Then she morose to walk back to the central part of the station. She was partway around the concreteguardhouse when she heard a noise on the other side.A stealthy, walk noise. Not the kind a security guard would make.Jez didnt hesitate. Smoothly, completely soundless herself, she changed course, turning back and going around the structure the other way to get behind the sneaker. The instant she had a clear view of theintruders back, she jumped.She landed on top of her quarry, with a control hold on the persons wrist. But she already knew thatthis wasnt going to be a fight to the death.Jez-ow-its me Claire spluttered.I know its you, Claire.Let go of my armI dont think so, Claire. You having an interesting morning? Hear any good jokes?Jez Claire strugg led, hurting herself, then got gaga and hurt herself more trying to hit Jez. Jez allowedher to sit up, still keeping hold of her.Claires face was flushed and wrathful, her dark hair sticking in strands to her cheeks. Her eyes wereshooting sparks.Okay, so Im sorry for eavesdropping. I followed you when Greg Ludlum drove you here. I wanted toknow what you were doing. I didnt know that you were completely freaking nuttyWell, its too bad you didnt figure it out earlier. Because unfortunately I have to bolt down you now to keepyou from talking.Claires eyes widened and she choked. Jez suddenly realized that underneath all the sparks and theyelling her cousin was terrified.She let go of Claires arm and Claire slumped away from her, rubbing it.You-you are insane, arent you? Claire looked at her sideways, through clinging strands of hair. Imean, all that stuff about the world ending-its some kind of bizarre game youre playing with your weirdfriends, isnt it? Some kind of Dungeons and Dra gons stuffWhat do you think, Claire? Jez stood up and offered Claire a hand, worried that someone might noticethem. She kept that hand on Claire as she herded Claire back behind the guard house.The truth was that this situation wasnt funny.Claire really was in trouble-because Jez was in trouble.Her entire cover was blown. Everything shed worked for in the past year-Claire could destroy it all.Claire knew way too much, and Claire hated her enough to use it.I think I dont know what to think. Claire swallowed. Who was that guy?One of my weird friends. Right?He didnt seem so weird. When he said things- I dont know. They sounded Claires voice trailedoff. Finally it came back, almost inaudibly. Real. Great. I am going to have to slaughter her. What else can I do?Its not a game, is it? Claire said, looking at her. every(prenominal) the anger was gone from the dark eyes now. Theywere simply bewildered and frightened.Then Claire shook her head. But, I mean, its impossible. Vampires and sh apeshifters and witches-itsall just Her voice trailed off again.Jez was simply looking at her, with eyes that might be less silvery than a year ago, but that she knewwere still pretty strange. And after a few moments Claires gaze lost its focus and her whole body seemedto fall in on itself, as if it had lost something vital. Innocence maybe, Jez thought grimly.Oh, God, it is true, Claire whispered. I mean, its really true. Thats why youre gone all the time, isntit? Youre off-doing something.Jez said, Yeah.Claire sagged against the guardhouse. Oh, God. I God. I feel so strange. Its like-nothing is what Ithought.Yeah, I know the feeling, Jez thought. When the whole world turns around and you have to adjust in twoseconds flat. It happened to me, too, a year ago.But none of that was going to help Claire. All she could say was Im sorry.Claire didnt seem to hear her. She was speaking in a voice that was just a breath. Thats why thatswhy all that weird stuff with your father. cipher know ing anything about his family and all. I knew fromthe beginning that there was something about you I just couldnt tell what it was.Oh, great, Jez thought. Here it comes. She tried to keep her face impassive as Claire faced her squarely,raising her eyes with a look somewhere between wonder and dread.That guy-he said you were only half human. Which means youre half something else?Im half human and half vampire, Jez said quietly. The interesting thing was that it was so easy to getout. Shed only ever spoken the words aloud to one person before Hugh.Now she looked to see if Claire would actually faint or just fall down.Claire did neither. She just shut her eyes. You know the really insane thing? I think that. She openedher eyes again. But-I didnt know you could be. Half and half.Neither did anybody else, till I was born. Im theonly one. Jez examined her cousin, realized that she really wasnt going to faint. When she spoke again,her voice came out more challenging than she meant it to. So now that you know, Claire, what are yougoing to do about it?What do you mean, what am I going to do? Claire glanced around, then her voice dropped as her eyesglinted with interest. Look-do you, like, have to drink blood and everything? Not anymore, Jez said shortly. What was this? Who would have thought that studious, straitlacedClaire would have such an interest in vampires?But you mean you used to?Before I came to live with you guys. I thought I was a full vampire then. But I found out that I could livewithout it, as long as I didnt use my powers.Youve got powers? Really? What kind?No kind. Look, enough with the questions. I told you, Im not a vampire anymore.And youre not evil. Claire said it flatly.Jez looked at her, startled. What makes you say that?I heard what you were talking about, saving the world and all. I didnt understand it, but it sounded likeyou were on the right side. And- Claire hesitated, then shrugged. And I know you, okay? I mean,youre arrogant and stubborn a nd you never explain anything, but youre not evil. You just arent-inside. Ican tell.Jez laughed. A real laugh. She couldnt help it.Of all people, Claire. Shed misjudged this girlwho was her own age but had nothing else in common with her. Her cousin had unexpected depths.Well, thanks, she said. I try not to be too evil- these days. Then she sobered. Look, Claire, if youreally think that, and if you really believe that the stuff you heard was true-About the end of the world? I dont believe it. I mean, I heard it, and I believe you believe it-and when Ifirst heard it I kind of believed it, but-Just-skip the rest and plain believe it, Claire. It happens to be the truth. And Im trying to do somethingabout it.Something about a Wild Power, right? Claire wasnt sagging anymore. She looked almost excited. Butwhats a-You dont need to know. The point is that if you want to, you can help me.I can? Really?You can help me by going back to school and forgetting that this ever happened. You can hel p me bykeeping my secret and not ever saying a word about this to anybody. And, incidentally, youll be keepingyour family safe at the same time.Claire looked away, worked her jaw. This stuff youre doing is pretty dangerous. It wasnt a question.Very dangerous. Jez stepped back. And Im late for it right now. So do we have a deal? Will you help me or not? Can I trust you?Or otherwise youre gonna carry off me, right? Claire looked at her sarcastically.Jez rolled her eyes. Dont tempt me. Seriously, are you going to help?No.Jez froze, looking down at the shorter girl. What?Jez-dont get mad, but I dont think I can. Not that way. Claire was looking back up steadily, her smallface serious and surprisingly determined. I mean how can I possibly just walk away, after hearing allthat? If everything you said is true, how can I forget?You can because you have to. We all do what we have to do. Jez looked around the station. Anothertrain should be coming any minute. She simply didnt have time to sp end convincing a human to stay outof business that would kill her. To properly explain it to Claire would take days.All she could do was ask for something she never would have imagined Claire could give her.Claire theres no way I can convince you or make you do what I want. But Im asking you- She letout her breath and went on Im asking you to trust me. Im asking you to walk away and at least try toforget this. And to believe that Im trying the best I can to do the right thing.Claire kept looking at her steadily for a moment. Then, all at once, the dark eyes filled. They turnedaway, and Claires throat moved once as she swallowed. Then, slowly, she nodded.Okay, she whispered. I mean-its okay for now. I mean, I guess I can talk to you later about it.Jez let out her breath. Thats right.Claire stood there for another second, then straightened her shoulders and turned away. But just assuddenly she turned back, looking tense and almost explosive. Theres something I have to say to you.Jez g lanced down the tracks. No train. Okay.Its-its that Im sorry. Im sorry I bugged you and tried to get Mom mad at you and everything. Iwas just-I was jealous because they let you get away with anything, and She shook her head fiercelyand then went on, shrugging grimly as if she hated to admit it. And, yeah, because youre so gorgeousand confident and everything. It made me feel bad and I wanted to hurt you. So. Anyway. There. Imsorry.She started to walk away, wobbling a little.Claire.Claire paused, then turned around.Jez spoke a little hesitantly around the obstruction in her throat. Its okay. And thank you.Yeah. Claire grinned and gave a little shrug. See ya later. She turned around and started walking again.See ya, Jez thought. She felt suddenly tired and strangely emotional. There was too much inside hensadness and relief and worry and a new feeling for Claire. She crossed her arms and looked around thestation, trying to relax, taking deep, even breaths.And saw two werewolves coming straight for Claire.