They Called Me FIVE

LANCE

The sun is setting behind us when we decide to explore the city and look for possible place to sleep. Sam was forcedly awaken from his slumber. Alpha Beast woke up from the noise. Seven slept the whole ordeal. 

We told Sam and Alpha Beast what we discussed. And what is the real identity of Seven. We thought Alpha Beast has something to say. Turns out he's as shell shocked as we are. We're walking into the deep woods of suburban area. Turns out the city is not as glamorous as I presumed it would be. 

When we reach a riverbank at the end of these woods, we turn our backs and went on another direction.  Magnus is on his condition today. He kept talking along the way. Not minding the muddy ground, or the trashes littered by campers who frequent this place.

"Did you know why the Faeries and the Gifted people are enemies?" He asked, assuming that long snout smug expression of his. Telling us, 'Come on, what are you waiting for? Ask me.'

I've had my fair share of talking to this guy to know asking is a suicide for my ears. I forgot Sam didn't know. He half raised his hand and asked.

"Magnus… uhm what is Gifted People? Are they humans?" Magnus nose rocketed a meter away and hop to face Sam. 

"Careful, she'll fall." I warned. Seven is still cradling in his back. And his hold on her loosen. Magnus shrugged at me then started drawling pieces of information about the Gifted people.

One I've heard a lot of times back in Opra. 

"They're the nastiest foulest creatures in magical realm that walks in two feet, prattles like chickens flying from next to another to spread gossips. Adoring themselves with shiny cheap jewels and boasting on stupid strength. Honestly, every one of them are losers wearing shiny furs to cover their idiocy." Magnus spat. 

Funny thing to note, he's literally describing his own kin. 

Sam looks perplexed. He gave me a raised eyebrow look and I shrug. Urging him to listen to Magnus spouting insults to his own people. 

"Oh right!" Magnus turned to me. 

"What?"

"I forgot to mention the legend. Man, how did this escape from my mind? Lance, listen up. Three thousand years ago, when the great war between the Gifted people and Faeries erupted, the Faeries called out to the demon realm and released them from their seal. Infuriating the Deities above, so they come down and drove the demons back to whatever hole they come from."

"Yeah, I heard that already."

"No, listen. I wasn't finished yet. These Faeries, after the demons were defeated, the deities were so angry they vowed to end their race at that instant. But one particular deity protests, she defended them and accepted the punishment meant to be given to the Faeries… don't you think that deity is…" Magnus eyes slid to Seven who's straddling at his back.

I think it over. That possibility is highly likely. Except one thing.

"Look, if that deity you're referring is Seven, why would she do that? You remember that Dark Elf you fought back in the Faery hole? He said their mana stemmed from the realm of the deity who chose Seven. Saying they weren't supposed to twist her life blessings attribute or it will result in infuriating the deity of life. I mean, I could understand if they'll say all living life force, mana and origins of blessings came from her – because, let's face it. It's the Power of Life. But if Seven is actually the Faeries' ally don't you think rescuing all of us from the Childes attack wouldn't do her any good? She even sent Alpha Beast on my way to protect me. Collapsed in that state to cover for us. We've got to admit it, from all of us here, she's the one who did all the protecting and supporting." 

"Yeah, and those crazy branches of hers, its too much complicated and strength draining to keep it up in few seconds. How much more for over an hour?" Alpha Beast put in.

"Are you really doubting my Master Magnus? After all she did for us?" 

We tuck our mouth shut when Seven stirred in her sleep. Her raven cropped hair moved, her closed eyelids twitch. She slowly open her eyes and look at each of us with absent eyes. 

"Did… something happen?" She asked in my head. Sam suddenly became unsettled and scrambled as far away from her as possible.

"Where are we?"

"We don't know." I admitted. "We just escape from the attacks in the basement, when we came out we're already here. Magnus said the bracelet brought us to this place." I explain. 

Seven tapped Magnus shoulder and he put her down. She fumbled for Magnus wrist, right where the bracelet is and felt each gem in her fingers. She closed her eyes for a few seconds.

"New Jersey." She murmured. "An Eklektos is here. Number One. We should hurry." She inclined her head and the three of us look at each other.

"How did she knew?" Magnus mouthed. 

"Ask her." I mouthed back. He crossed his arms, forming an X. Alpha Beast also retreated. Trying not to let me know he's actually there listening to us in his parrot form.                                                                                                                                           

I gathered courage in my limbs and walked straight to Seven. 

"Seven, wait." She stops. 

"How did you know it was One? Did you also knew about Sam? Him being number Two and possessing invisibility blessing he can't exactly control?" 

"It wasn't out of –" Sam protested but Magnus put a hand on his mouth.

"Well?" I asked again. She turned around. Look straight at me, sliding her gaze to Sam and Magnus behind me. Then she sighed and pick up a small caterpillar trekking the leaves of a small plant. She hurled it towards me. 

I catch it. Only the weight and shape has change. It's ten times bigger its size. As big as my arm. I stifle a scream and crushed its face with my bare hands. It's blood spraying into my new clothes.