Chapter Six – Double Trouble

In the middle of the night , streets of New York were unusually silent , even wind had stopped , to not disturb the eternal silence that was consuming the streets. It was so quiet, you could hear the street lamps electricity , here and there you’d hear the sounds of chatter but , that also would quiet down instantly.

-What is going on? – Xelo asked.

Jade looked at Xelo , Lifting his shoulders , then he looked around to notice anyone outside , but he couldn’t see anyone.

- Tell me why’d we come here at 3 am? – Xelo continued.

- well , At nights, there are less people , so in case my beloved old friend shows up , atleast we’ll have fewer witnesses – Jade stopped – even though I wasn’t expecting totally silent streets , but that’s an advantage.

- Touché.

- Oo, you speak French? – Jade was impressed - par ici mon cher! – he said.

Xelo looked surprised

- You know that “Touché” is used all around the world right?

- As if I had not travelled it – Jade tried to sound interesting - I said , over here… - Jade missed out a word.

- You forgot “dear” – Xelo looked at him with sarcastic smile.

- So you know.

- Un petit peu – Xelo answered .

Jade Chuckled , and pointed his hand at the entrance of a shop that had a huge sign on top that had a writing “House Of Vodou” with black hat drawn on top of “ Of”

- Here we are… - Jade said in nervous voice.

- You seem worried - Xelo looked him , with even more nervousness in his eyes.

- So I am... – He answered , lifted his arm , ready to knock , but the door slowly crackled and opened.

- Na, you weren’t going to knock at this time were you, eh? – A young fit woman , with karabella dress opened the door , her headwear , was also red, her green eyes were as enchanting and beautiful as the calm peaceful forest.

- I… Was I not supposed to? – Jade answered in shame.

- Aha, I’m just joking with you – She replied with cheerful smile – come, come , don’t stand outside . – she smiled and warmly welcomed the guests, holding her own hands , she elegantly walked in, as jade and xelo followed her , the doors closed itself , at first xelo looked back , confused thinking there was someone else.

- Don’t mind that… it’s an old door – her voice came from another room , through a string curtain

Jade and Xelo , slowly walked towards that curtain , looking around , being dazzled by the beauty of the shop , the items , and the drawings that were held up , as they went through the curtain , they saw the woman already had sat behind the table , exactly two chairs were set infront of it , facing each other.

- Come along, take a seat. – She said and pointed at the cups of tea that were set right next to the chairs, they slowly walked towards the chairs still enchanted by the beauty , behind the woman , there were shelves stocked with items , statues and masks, both fixated their eyes on those , sitting down , looking back at her and smiling.

- You seem… Uncomfortable, Worried. – She continued – but you have nothing to fear – She spoke with bright smile sneaking into her speech – drink the tea , it will calm you.

- I… I hate tea…- Jade replied , and before he was even finished , xelo was already taking a huge sip, Jade looked at Xelo in weird face.

- What? – He whispered – I love tea! – xelo continued to drink

- I do understand you hate the tea, but trust me … this is no green tea my friend, its my special herbal tea – woman answered , and as she was finished xelo interfered

- Yeah , this is … this is divine – He was in emotions.

- See? – Woman Laughed – Thank you dear.

Jade was confused…

- I… Sure. But its kind of odd , two chairs two teas… it’s as if you were expecting us… - Jades face changed instantly - not … not trying to be rude – Jade made an awkward face and took a sip from the tea.

- Honesty… Now that’s what I like – woman stood up – I am a Manbo. My name’s Merline, pleasure to meet you.

- I’m Jade and this is Xelo – Jade instantly replied.

- I’ve been waiting for you my friends. – she continued – my spirits… - She raised one finger swirling it around – have warned me years ago about this day … - she came and rested her arm on the table , looking away at the wall – I just didn’t know a demon and cursed would come to visit… - she smiled , as if she was looking at someone. – but , fate eh? It is what it is… - she laughed , clapped her hands in cheer

- So… you know everything?

- Almost … - she answered. – My ancestors, they keep showing me the story of a world ending… but it shows that it’s already happened… I Can’t Make sense of it – She started massaging her chin.

Jade looked at xelo , then looked back at her

- Um… I think I’ll have to do a little explaining..

- I think you should – Merline Answered confidently.

****

- Are we there yet? – Archil was complaining , having the window down on passengers side , his hand sticking out the window.

- For the last time Archil… Stop imitating that donkey or I will literally desert you in the middle of the street! – Alice answered calmly

- Seriously? and with that cold voice? Jeez im trying to lighten up the mood.

- Lighten up the mood? We’ve been driving around for two hours. And you’ve been asking that for three!

- Whatever – Archil started doing waves with his hand.- How are we supposed to find them anyways, Like are we sure they’re even in New York?

- Calm down, I stalked her profiles, she posted 8 hours ago , she’s in NY , I don’t know where exactly…

Alice hit the breaks out of nowhere, stopping the car in the middle of the road.

- Are you trying to give me a Concussion? – Archil caught his breath.

- Can you stop being dramatic?

- If I didn’t have a seatbelt on , my head would be on your torpedo.

- Good thing you did… - Alice pointed with her head at the right side of the road.

- Am.. Am I supposed to be surprised? Or know where we are?

- Oh for the love of god… - Alice pulled her phone from pocket, going through screenshots , turning phone around towards archil – See?

- Is that?

- Her house? Yes!

- Okay remember the location , we’ll come back tomorrow.

- Come back tomorrow? After 2 hours of roaming? Aint no way! – she replied and pulled the car over.

- I mean there’s an underage kid there, He must be asleep , it will be rude to wake him up , and chances are Hollie is asleep aswell.

- You know what? You’re right – Alice answered… then took the seatbelt off and stepped out of the vehicle, she looked inside with her head – That’s why we’re gonna make sure they’re not sleeping.

- How so? – Archil was confused.

- Well easy , She’s known for her spiritual lives, so if She’s in Live right now, that means she isn’t asleep. Voila!

- What is it with you two and French…

- Us two? – Alice got confused.

- yeah nevermind… you’ll understand later.

- Aand there you have it! – Alice sounded excited, The voice came from a phone, of a young woman speaking about chakras.

Archil rolled his eyes

- I swear if she … - then he immediately stopped as he heard Hollie say “That’s why we don’t start with Ajna everybody” – Okay… Had me for a second… - he unfastened his seatbelt , getting of the car.

As Alice and Archil approached the door, Alice still had her phone on , and Hollies live still was going , she was speaking about the same topic but suddenly she stopped , “Hold on, Someone’s at the door” She said to viewers , alice got confused, stepped back.

- Did she…Did she hear us?

- I think she saw us? – Archil replied too

- you think she’s a seer too?

- Not necessarily , maybe she looked outside the window?

As they were discussing the possibilities, the door opened, Hollie , just as alice remembered her, ran out of the front porch , running towards alice, Alice got scared and slowly took step back but she wasn’t quick enough , hollie grabbed her shoulder, Alice got even more scared, gave archil a sidelook , Archil was already thinking about how he would be convicted for intrusion of private property , his face rock cold.

- Hello ! – Hollie said in happy voice ,then pulled Alice towards her and gave her a hug. – Haha!

Alice was at this point so confused her face went blank.

Hollie moved back ,grabing alices face, twisting it around

- Are you okay dearie? You’ve got no color, come come , I’ll fix us some tea- She looked at the house shouting - EM put the kettle on! – “ Alright sis “ voice came from the house.

- Wait wait wait… You.. the reaction.. the … What on the hades is going on here – Archil was lost.

- Don’t you think I recognize you? – Hollie looked at both of them.

- You… Do? – At this point alices eyes were losing color form all the confusion. – This is just so poorly written fairytale I swear…- she sighed.

- noo noo, you can even be a cindarella, why follow the script – Hollie chuckled poking Alices nose.- Of course I recognize you , you two are my soul family! – she continued.

- S… Soul family? – Alice started looking around

- What you searching for… - hollie asked.

- For a hidden camera… this must be a prank.

Phone on the ground was showing how Em was putting the kettle on , then he turned around , “Oh you’re all still here? Well in our surprise , our family came to visit so , I’ll be saying goodbye now, and well once the time is right , we shall meet again!” Em said shutting the live off.

- You even got a 13 years old into this? – Alice was desperately looking for cameras at this point.

- Don’t be silly, come come!

Archil shrug his shoulders looking at hollie “lead the way” he said with a warm awkward smile, Hollie started walking towards the door , on the way she was making cheerful noises , chuckling and giggling “it’s happening!” , Alice and Archil had no clue what was going on , looking at each other

- does she even know what we’re doing here , or what’s coming? – Alice whispered

Archil shrug his shoulders again .

- I heared you! – Hollie answered as she went inside the door , she chuckled again – And yes I do!- she was stretching last words as if she was singing.

- I… I’m Sorry . I didn’t mean to be rude – Alice apologized and went iside the house with archil.

- Its no biggie – Hollie answered, swinging her palm from up to down. – come on, this way to the kitchen.

They went in to the kitchen and sat down.

- Please, Have some pie – Em put down plates infront of his guests , in the middle of the table , there was a pumpkin pie, cut in six slices.

Archil and Alice Smiled , they still felt awkward to rush and grab the pie but they couldn’t help , the smell of the pie was so sweet, only by smell it would be enough to give you a sugar rush.

- I’m Famished. – Alice said – So am I.

- In that case , I’d offer you some food and not a dessert if you’d like.- Hollie was getting up

- No, no, it’s perfectly fine , we’ll have some food once we get back home , but first we have some stuff to discuss.

- That world’s coming to an end? And we’re uncovering the hidden truths day by day , breaking the matrix? – Hollie didn’t let alice continue.

- Somewhat of a true …

- Well truth always depends on the believer, on what they believe – Hollie took a slice of pie aswell , with a spoon cutting a small piece and eating it.

- Yeah well , that’s true - Alice did the same

- But when I hugged you, I felt something… Some horrible pain … are you alright dear? – Hollie continued

Alices mind was flashed with the images of destruction that she caused, the very experience she had with the universe itself.

- Oh now… don’t worry about anything child – Hollie reached behind her on the counter to grab the iced water. – I know what’s going on , and I also know everything that had happened…

- How do…

- so crazy thing… - Hollie continued – About ten years ago , this crazy man came to me, and told me , that there would be a team necessary , to save the world , called blackrose right? – She was speaking with such enthusiasm and energy that it’d be enough to walk around the globe twice - and he said, first you will meet her, and the world must come undone, then she comes to you… And its you… I mean there was a lot of details involved aswell but… im up to date…

-Wait , so you’re saying this was all destined to happen?

- no, not really ,that guy was a seer… - She smiled – ofcourse prophecies and such can be avoided, but once youre too deep into the route , it’s more of an energetic prediction you know? – Hollies face changed for a second , her sadness was visible for a split second , but her eyes light up in joy once more – but we can’t do anything so why don’t we enjoy our lives?

- Yeah , that’s wise – Alice answered with a moody smile.

- Don’t be sad Alice, you’ll understand everything as we uncover the truth – she tried to comfort alice – let’s finish this tea and lets get moving – Hollie answered with a big smile again.

Alice and Archil nodded.

****

Merline sitting in her room , in the sofa that stood at the corner , had her hands locked together, pressed onto her lips , she was trying to make sense of what Jade and Xelo had told her

- So you say this witch… She’s like a celestial? – She asked in confusion

- We’re not sure , but I know she’s our leader. – Xelo answered

- She’s not … Not a leader , what the … - Jade was offended, and weirded out by xelos words.

- Leader you say? – Merline got up – Ain’t no body will be my leader – she walked towards jade , still not losing her temper, still elegantly walking , she pressed her hand on the table next to xelo , leaned towards him , where her face changed, you could tell how irritated she was.

- I may fight with you! but for you? Tsk, That aint gonna happen son! – she slowly backed away turning her back on Xelo.

- Yes miss - Xelo answered in fear.

- I do apologise for the misunderstanding ,Merline – Jade said , Merline looked back. – There are no leaders amongst us, we’re trying to teach and learn and grow eachother to be ready for the thing you’ve forseen coming.

- I do understand you – Merline said – I misunderstood nothing, if I had you’d not be sitting there. I’ll Come, but first I will have to call my old friend, so she can take care of this place , whilst I’m gone .- she replied – wait here , I’ll go out and call her. – and before she She went through string curtains. – And there’s nothing you can teach me. – She smiled and left the room.

As soon as Manbo left, Jade turned his eyes towards Xelo

- What gave you an idea that Alice is the leader.

- Okay , I think you should calm down, I didn’t mean it in disrespectful way.

- The only leader I had , was alexander, And that will forever stay so…- he leaned forward in anger

- Oh so this is about you … you’re making this about you… - Xelo lifted his eyebrow.

Jades face changed, then he smiled

- Well I guess. Sorry – He answered and leaned back on the chair – but hey , I saved your behind twice since we met .

- Yeah , well that’s true - Xelo agreed.

Merline walked back in , tilting her head and smiling

- Well I’m good to go, where’s your car parked.

- Car? We didn’t really come with a car...

- Didn’t come with , or don’t have one.

Jade stood up…

- It’s easier if you’d take me to a wooden door.

Merline pointed her palm towards the exit

- That’d be my storage door – She said , jade and xelo left through the curtain – To the left - She said

As they went to the door Jade asked Merline and Xelo to step back and began chanting.

“Great Janus , Protector of Gates

Open the door to our destined fates,

Grant us the passage , Safe in entire,

Open this door, towards where we desire” he repeated three times and finished with

“Magia ianuam Ianuae aperire”

The golden line went over the outlines of the door, and it opened itself

- After you Milady – Jade bowed his head , Merline went through the door, Jade then looked at Xelo pointing with his eyes to go through , Xelo hesitated for a while , but then he stepped inside the door, as did Jade locking the door behind him .

- And now that door is enchanted to lead us here? – Merline said.

- well technically only if you me or Xelo goes through but.. yeah.

- What if … What if my friend comes through.

- Look to access this building , you must be with someone who has already been here, or you yourself have to had set foot on this grounds so don’t worry.

- You could’ve said that before… I’d keep the shop running myself?

- What about time?

- I’d manage … - Merline smiled and started walking in the room. – This is amazing, how many rooms are here.

- Trust me , I’ve lost the count, we have everything we need here, Bar, Training room , Equipment room, Reliquary room.

- Reliquary you say? – Merline turned around

- Yeah , I’ll give you all tour once we gather everyone.

Through another door , Alice, Archil, Em and Hollie walked in , all of them blue , tired only Em was energetic “So I’m telling you , I can create that kind of thing… and ooh ooh!” he had an idea “Let’s Call it roza” he was raising his eyebrows rapidly “because you know, Blackrose? Ah? Ah? How does it sound “ then he noticed others standing in the room , he rushed towards them “You must be Jade” He said and then looked at xelo “You must be Xelo… Anddd” he stopped at Merline.

- Merline dear.- She answered

- Awesome – Em replied his eyes widened.

- You can see him too, can’t you – Merline was impressed.

- Y..eah! – Em was barely speaking out of excitement.

- We’ll we’ve officially found four of the original eight… four more to go – Alice dropped her bag down and jumped on the couch.- I just wanna sleep – she complained.

- that’s a great idea – Xelo said , then he looked at Merline – Do you want me to show you bedrooms?

- I’m also tired yes... that’d be great – Merline answered with kind voice.

- Well , they’re down that hall , let me show you… feel free to choose any.

- I will.. – Merline realized that Xelo was feeling awkward for the thing he said and she was trying to hold back the laughter.

- Well, Come on … I’ll show you yours – Jade looked at Em and hollie – So as Alice told me, you chose specific rooms before she went… nuclear?... we’ve made sure to keep them free.

- I hope her room will be far from mine- Em said in mischievous voice – In our house it’s right next to mine, and she wakes me up early in the morning with her mantras. – he giggled.

- Well stay thankful that I’m not a metal fan… or I may pick up listening to it afterall , to teach you a lesson – Hollie raised her eyebrows.

Em , knowing he’d not win in words, turned around and faced jade

- Take me… - He sounded helpless.

****

Svetlana sat in her chair, standing on the golden legs, the seating part and the back part were decorated with red coushins, she looked in the mirror as she was applying her liner

- You look great without them too – Darinas voice came from behind her.

- What are you up to… - Svetlana replied with distrust and turned around do face her.

- Supporting my fellow witch – Darina answered with dishonestly.

- You know I can see through you… right? – Svetlanas accent got heavier , you could tell by her voice, how dark her hatered was towards darina.

- And I, you… - Darina answered shortly

- Why are you here… if you have any hope that you’d do the same with me as you did with Lydia , you’ll be proven wrong, and in very , very bad manner – She turned her back on Darina again

At first darina was confused as in , how’d Svetlana know, but then she let go of that thought.

- Well , I’m hear for rather different appeal.

- You’re here for an appeal?

- Well as the head of the witches… - Darina tried to sound persuasive – Isn’t it your duty to atleast listen to me?

Svetlana narrowed her eyes, lifting her head up as a gesture to continue

- Well, Morgaus recently has sent me on a mission – As darina said this , Svetlana stood up giving darina a fierce look – No no, listen, and well ,I failed… - Darina had sadness in her eyes – You see , this Alice girl , he’s so obsessed with… Morgaus I mean… has pretty strong mages… I’m no match for them... That’s why I came here, so that you could take the mission and finish what I started?

- Morgaus… sent my witch , and didn’t tell me?

- Well not exactly your witch – Darina got irritated – but … Yes- she said in low voice.

As soon as she was done saying this, Morgaus rushed in the room.

Here you are, My favorite mischievous ladies.

- Favorite? – Darina looked surprised

- Mischievous ? – Svetlana was offended.

- Can’t I compliment neither of you now?- Morgaus mocked them

- Da, you can… or was it a complement sending my witch on your hardest mission, instead of

Giving me the glory? – Svetlanas eyes went dark purple

- Compliment… it’s spelled Compliment , with an I – Darina Silently corrected Svetlanas words , Svetlana turned around in anger

- Hush – Svetlana said.

Darina smiled “one day …” she whispered to herself.

- Look at you… There’s an ambush on the rise… and you two instead of working together are picking on each other? – Morgaus got angry

- I’m not picking on anyone – Darina said.

- Toje mne… - Svetlana said

- As if… Svetlana… As if… Speak English… you know how I hate when you speak Russian.

Svetlana hissed.

- Yes … Hiss at me , and I’ll make sure that you shed your skin too – Morgaus was furious

Svetlana stepped back

- D… Yes… your majesty.

- Now that’s what I like to hear. – Morgaus looked at Darina.

Svetlana lifted her head up

- Your majesty, I would like to be sent on the mission instead. I will not disappoint. – Svetlana said and looked at Darina – There’s no competition with me when it comes to assassinations .

- Due to last failure, I’ll be appointing this mission To you Svetlana…

- Oh no, whatever must I doo? – Darina mockingly said walking past Morgaus, leaving the room

- Your will is my command – Svetlana replied.

As Darina left Svetlana’s room , She rushed towards her place in quick pace , she had satisfaction on her face, entering her room , Amphis greeted her in his boy form.

- What have you done now mother?

- Well , I’ve encouraged Svetlana to take on the mission instead… - She giggled.

- And why on earth would you do such thing … - Amphis was confused

Darina , took her coat off and slowly walked towards her bed sitting on it.

- Silly boy… - She smiled – You don’t understand do you?

- besides the part that you gave her a shot at glory? No!

- And in reality , its other way around… - her eyes were radiating evil

- Elaborate? - Amphis got intrigued.

- Well.. First of all , She will not be able to win against Jordan… And even if she is, I’m killing two birds with one stone.

- Birds… - Amphis interfered.

- Contain your hunger… - Darina got mad – As I was saying. She won’t defeat him , because he’s immortal … so at the end even if she wins the battle , Jordan stands to protect the girl. But I know jordans weakness, so once he’s weakened, I’ll show up , and Kill Jordan, by then Svetlana must be dead, so I’ll also get a glory and a crown.

- Sometimes you scare me mother.

- Well , one ruined my life , and another took my spot, ofcourse I’ll be evil…

- Yeah but still… - Amphis growled turned into a cat and went to his bed.

****

- Years in this cell… and yet , everything becomes more and more predictable… - Reader sat restrained infront of a doctor.- It’s as if… You long enough, and you learn the patterns…

- So that’s it? All these knowledge you say you have… it’s a prediction on patterns?

- Why no of course… I’m a reader – he laughed like a true menace he is – I know everything.

- Like my birthday as well? – Doctor answered in sarcasm.

- Ooh, no, you didn’t get a cake didn’t you , what a shame – Reader answered sarcasm with sarcasm

- Lucky guess – Doctor noted something in his notepad.

- August 25… - Reader looked away whistling..

- How do you…

- I read about you – Reader loocked back at the doctor smiling.

Doctor got up

- I think that’s enough for today

Reader lifted his shoulders

- Are you gonna leave me in this straps? – He asked in a helpless noise

- Guards?! – Doctor shouted, three men with masks and tasers came in.

- Now don’t do anything stupid – One guard said as he was removing the belts.

- Why would I , Nicholas – Reader said and looked at the guard.

Guard punched Reader in the face , reader spun towards the wall he usually talks to..

- Yes.. Perhaps it’s time that I showed you… what I’m capable of- he said he straightened up , all three of them ran towards him. – But they all stopped after two steps – reader said, and guards repeated the actions.

- What is happening.- they were confused.

Doctor got scared.

- And Nicholas Tazed the one right to him.

-Nn. No no no – Nicholas was trying to fight it, but he couldn’t help but repeat the actions of the reader

Reader bursted in laughter

- Nicholas was trying to fight it, but he couldn’t help but repeat the actions of the reader- He said – And the guard left to him , exploded , drenching the poor Nicholas in blood, bathing him…

Nicholas started to scream… but it didn’t happen

- You didn’t think I’d do such horrible thing now… did you?

Nicholas exhaled in relief, but peace was soon disturbed by the squashing sound, Nicholas’s scream shook the cells.

- So where was I – reader stood infront of the wall , completely stainless – Oh yes… The triumph of our beloved people , but they’re moving too fast don’t you think? I mean, yeah , it has only been how much… three days? But she has gathered a hell of a team by now, I mean, first Macedonian undead warlock…then a demon and now Vodouisant and an plus sized Astral ? What is our Blind idiot god up to. An Oscar? – He grabbed his belly and started laughing. – Ah silly me… no no , don’t be disrespected, it’s just my sense of humor… I don’t hate anyone for their differences… - he wiped the tears of laughter – I hate everyone… And everything for … being … so… Damn… Predictable – He screamed. – Then he turned around.

- Housekeeping! – He screamed- There was an unexpected explosion in my cell. – Then he looked at Nicholas – You’re free to go, and bring your tased friend along aswell – He smiled.

- You’re the devil! – Nicholas said in fear , his body shaking , he barely picked up the guy on his right and slowly left the room.

- I wish… - Reader said – sitting down on the bed – Now you know I can freely break out… it’s just not my time – He looked at the wall behind him , over his shoulder, smiling in menace manner again . – ta da!