Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 16:18:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: Silvenfox <silvenfox@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Chosen - 5

The following is a complete work of fiction.

Any resemblance between the characters and any real life person is
completely coincidental.  Please do not copy or distribute the story
without the author's permission.

Disclaimer:

The following story may contain erotic situations.  If it is illegal for
you to read this please leave now. Also expect blood, gore, incredibly
funny scenes and super-powered teenagers with a destiny to save the
world. If you're not a fan of any of these plus strong cursing and
violence than this is not your type of story.


Chapter 5


The car ride was pretty much silent expect for the radio turned down low
in the background. Kevin was still pretty out of it. I took my eyes from
the road and glanced at Kevin. He was slumped in the passenger seat, head
resting against the window and looking more tired than I have ever seen.
I felt a pang in my heart. I hated to see anyone I cared about hurt in
any way. This was the reason I fought. If the world were overrun by
creatures from the Ever After, Hell itself would be unleashed upon the
Earth. There was no way I could let that happen. Not if I had the power
to prevent it.

I glanced in the rearview mirror. Ryan sat in the backseat quiet and lost
in his thoughts. He stared out the window his gaze looking inward, no
doubt trying to make sense of the sudden events happening to him. I
sighed silently. Poor guy. I knew exactly what he was going through. I
after all went through it two weeks ago. I pulled up in front of Kevin's
house and shook the sleeping boy's shoulder.

"Hey, wake up, Kev," I said softly.

He awoke with a groan, tiredly opening his eyes and looking at me with an
unfocused gaze. "What? Oh, we're already here."

"You going to be okay, Kev kev?" I asked, frowning.

He nodded, waving off my concern. "I'll be fine, bro. I just feel really
tired. A little sleep and I'll be alright." He opened the door and
stepped out. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."

"Definitely," I replied.

Ryan got out of the back and came around to the passenger seat. Kevin
shut the door for him and waved at us I pulled off. I hoped that he would
be okay. I knew that some sleep would do him good, but I was still
worried. It wasn't everyday that somebody I cared about got the energy
sucked from them by a being from another realm. In television shows: all
the time. Real life: not so much.

Ryan took off his glasses and slowly rubbed the bridge of his nose. "So
where are we going?"

I spared him a brief glace. "To talk to someone with the answers to all
your questions."

He didn't ask any other questions after that. I turned up the radio and
let the soothing melody of a slow tempo song fill the silence. The Ruiz
Estate was beautiful at night with its lawn lights shining muted
lighting upon the grounds. I keyed in the code at the gate and drove up
the drive leading to the mansion. Ryan looked around in awe at the large
estate that loomed ahead of us. I could completely empathize. I felt the
same way the first time I came here with Nathaniel.

I parked in my usual place near the garage. He followed along silently as
I lead him into the house through the front door. I heard footsteps
heading toward us as we entered the foyer. Nathaniel appeared from the
hallway leading to the kitchen.

"Chad, I saw you pull up on the monitors is something..." he trailed off
as he saw I wasn't alone. "Oh, you brought company." He looked at Ryan,
really looked at him and gasped, eyes filled with recognition. "I see
why."

Doing a very bad drum roll, I announced, "I introduce you, Ryan Spencer.
The champion of soul has awakened."

Nathaniel gave me a sharp look. He bade us to follow him and he lead us
into one of the many living rooms the mansion had. This one was done with
a tranquil theme in mind. The furniture was an almost white, cream
I guess the color would be called. The paintings on the wall were of
clouds and beautiful beaches. Two large windows let in moonlight from
outside. I plopped down on the couch and Ryan sat beside me. Nathaniel
sat down in the armchair looking in control, an overall aura of
tranquility about him.

"My name is Nathaniel Ruiz and I'm sure that you have many questions."

Ryan ran a shaky hand through his long dark hair. "You bet I do. I don't
understand what the hell is going on. I have these memories that I didn't
have before of times from long ago and," he sighed. "I'm just so
confused."

Nathaniel's face reflected his sympathy. "I think its best that I start
at the beginning."

"And God said let there be light," Ryan suggested with an almost shrug.

I shook my head. "The light didn't come for a long time, my friend."

A quiet laugh left Nathaniel's mouth. "He is quite right. Darkness was
here before the light. Eons ago, the world was ruled by demons, monsters,
and things that people still remember in nightmares. They roamed this
world unbidden, supreme in their cruelty and might. Humanity was beneath
their notice, since they saw man as little more than muck birthed from
primordial ooze."

"They were here before humans?" asked Ryan incredulously, trying to
fathom it all.

I nodded. I completely understood his skepticism. "The Earth is older
than humans know. While our ancestors were learning to walk on two legs
they were ruling their empires."

Nathaniel smiled at me in approval. "In their shadow a species of humans
advanced to unimagined heights. While other humans still hadn't mastered
fire, this race crafted and built wonders surpassing the society of
today. They were cousins of today's humans if you would like to think of
them so."

What the jolly green giant? This was new. I hadn't heard this bit before.
A race of humans that surpassed our level of evolution that lived along
side the ancient Homo erectus? It was mind-boggling. This knowledge would
throw people for a loop if ever found out. It would play havoc with the
history books. Speaking of people finding out stuff, why in the hell
hadn't I heard this before. Usually, Nathaniel was pretty tight lipped
about our past. I got the watered down version of this story. I always
assumed he was still sore about something that happened in our past
lives.

"These advanced humans lived in a city specifically created to protect
and hide them from the evil creatures of the world," continued Nathaniel
in what was a more elaborate version of the story told to me. "The city
was called Atlantis."

"Atlantis, as in the mythical city?" blurted out Ryan, his jaw looking
like it was going to hit the floor.

Nathaniel nodded. "The very same. The Atlanteans ventured out of the city
to teach man how to use tools, impart survival knowledge, and fight. And
they began to thrive. The dark creatures eventually noticed that man was
becoming a bothersome breed. They made war with each other, rising and
falling in power, and eventually began a simultaneous war on man. A war
that man was not ready for. Scores of humans died daily underneath the
feet of the dark creatures of old till humanity was on the brink of
extinction. Then They Above All, the collective deities who created the
universe, stepped in."

"They endowed four humans with powers to fight back the darkness," I
said, finishing for him. I felt a stirring inside. This sounded more
familiar with every word that he uttered. "They created the Chosen. Us."

They both looked at me. Nathaniel was surprised but pleased, and Ryan
looked at me with dawning understanding. I swallowed, my throat feeling
suddenly dry. I was starting to remember more and more lately especially
when I slept. That was when my subconscious really went to work giving
me my memories in the form of dreams.

Nathaniel smiled. "Yes, the Chosen. They gave to the four of you powers
greater than man has ever seen."

"I was given the power of magic," I said slowly, reaching within for the
memory. It came to me as more of remembered feelings than any type of
vision. "They Above All deemed me their champion of magic. I was an
enchanter of the highest order. Not even the sorcerers could match me."

Nathaniel looked to Ryan who was looking like he was concentrating very
hard on what we were saying, as if he was, too, remembering.

"They Above All named you the champion of soul. You were empowered with
an infused spirit that gave your body enhanced abilities. You can move
faster than the wind, jump higher than a building, heal quicker than time
moves, and your strength is equal to that of ten men."

I patted Ryan, who was starting to look a pale as each ability was ticked
off, on the back. "Don't worry, buddy. We aren't the only freaks in the
world. There are many people who are psychic and stuff. We are just the
ones who have a destiny."

"So they gave us this power and then what?" asked Ryan, shooting me a
thin smile.

"The war waged between mortals and the dark ones till Atlantis was
conquered. In a last act the Chosen used their combined power to send
every demon, monster, and dark creature to another dimension. They sealed
it off and it has been for a millennia. That feat killed you four. But
your last act was to send your souls to the future to be reborn if ever
the barrier would weaken and fail."

Ryan licked his lips, slowly, and said, "I can remember demons. Some were
taller than skyscrapers and they were ferociously powerful." He shook his
head as if clearing his thoughts. He looked at Nathaniel and then me.
"They're real," he said confidently, his gaze turned inward. "Vampires,
werewolves, ghosts, ghouls, banshees, mercreatures, trolls..."

Nathaniel nodded, wearing his serious face. "Yes, that's all true."

"You are Nat'ahn," whispered Ryan, cocking his head. "You used to be our
advisor, our trainer, our teacher."

"Your memories are better than mine," I muttered, crossing my arms. God,
could I do anything freaking right? I couldn't even do the reincarnation
thing well it seemed. I looked at Nathaniel curious. "How were you
reincarnated with us?"

"Everyone is eventually reincarnated," answered Nathaniel. "You four
specifically threw your souls forward tied to the event of the barrier
weakening. But really souls tend to travel in the same circle of family,
friends, and even enemies throughout our various lives. And that's why
our souls recognize each other. So we can keep finding each other. That's
what soul mates mean."

That sounded kind of Charmed-ish but I decided to let that go. Who knows
maybe Brad Kern or one of the writers was really a reborn Atlantean or
something. I leaned back on the couch and stared out of the window. How
had my life changed so quickly in such a short time? Getting my homework
done on time used to be only big concern. Now I have the world on my
shoulders and billions of lives depend on me, on us now. I hope I was
strong enough for this. I felt a tugging on my sleeve and I looked at
Ryan. He and Nathaniel were watching me expectantly. What? Did I have
something on my face? I almost reached up to the wipe my mouth.

"I called your name but you didn't answer," said Ryan, coming to my
rescue from looking like an idiot. I wonder if I could make that his full
time job. He seemed to be good at moving on the fly.

Nathaniel frowned at me. No doubt irritated that I had zoned out. "I
asked you about the creature that you faced at the store. Ryan has told
me his version of events."

I shrugged. What did he want me to say? "It was immune to my light magic.
If I was in an open space I could have used some darker spells but there
were too many people around." I thought about it some more and I frowned.
"I think he was some type of demon but it had human form. It talked like
it had been formless before."

I watched as Nathaniel tapped his chin with his finger. He tended to do
that when he was doing some really heavy thinking.

"Hmm..." he said still thinking. "Some essences of demons have the
ability to live on even if their bodies are destroyed. I'm guessing that
this demon since it took human energy to incarnate then that's the body
it was contained to."

Ryan nodded. He was doing that thoughtful face too. He didn't look lost
and confused anymore. Where I was still feeling like I was fish out of
water, all of this must have just clicked for him. I wanted to pout.
Figures the gay superhero would suck ass. Man, I was really a statistic.

"It also mentioned the Coming?" I added in, remembering the arrogant
voice proclaiming its intentions like a bad super villain. "He said that
he was sent to reap souls or something. I started to tune him out after
a while."

"That doesn't ring any bells," muttered Nathaniel, thoughtfully. "It was
obviously just a soldier though. I'm guessing the Coming is the breaking
of the barrier and the return of the dark ones."

Ryan gasped. "Hell on Earth."

"Just like Pinhead wanted in Hellraiser three," I added jokingly.

They both stared at me. I looked down at the floor. Sheesh. Tough crowd
in here tonight. I thought that we had moved on past the serious just for
a brief moment. My timing was never right.

"So what do we do now?" asked Ryan, wringing his hands together.

I stared at those hands wondering if this was his thinking habit, just as
Nathaniel tapped his chin when in thought. I had to really concentrate to
stop staring and pay back attention to the conversation. Did I ever
mention that sometimes my attention span was frighteningly short?

"I think for now you should start freeing up your schedule after school,"
instructed Nathaniel.

I couldn't resist putting in, "Because its training time."

Ryan grimaced at seeing the evil smile on my face. "Training to use my
abilities as the Executioner I guess."

Nathaniel nodded. "That's correct. You need to be prepared in case you
come against any beings from the Ever After. They can crossover at any
point and time. And our standing mission for now is to locate the two
other chosen."

"Speaking of finding the other Chosen," I said turning to Nathaniel. "How
did you find me? I hadn't met you before that day at the mall and you
knew me by name..."

"A witch in a coven located up in New Hampshire had a prophetic dream of
our meeting," he replied with a shrug. "One of them happened to be an old
friend of mine."

A coven of witches. Wow. I guess I had to start getting used to hearing
strange things like that. I glanced at Ryan and he seemed to be taking it
in stride. He must really be bonding well with the memories available to
him. I knew that from the little memories that I had the world used to be
one freaky place and that really didn't sit well with me. God, I was such
a wuss. I hope that soon I would get the hang of this past life stuff. My
memories only wanted to kick in at the most random times.

I couldn't help asking the question that ran through my earlier thoughts.
"Um... Not that I'm unhappy with this recent divulgence of the truth but
why now?" I asked with a hint of suspicion. "Usually when I ask about our
past lives you get all broody and a little emo. Just like Tori Spelling
whenever someone mentions her mother."

Nathaniel lowered his head, eyes turning dark with suppressed emotions.
He looked at me and I could see sorrow swirling in his eyes. "I regret
that I didn't tell you the entire truth, but my memories are more
complete than yours," he sighed, heavily. "For me the grief still hurts
my heart." He smiled a small, thin smile. "I decided that I couldn't keep
you in the dark any longer."

"So you have all of Nat'ahn's memories?" asked Ryan, intrigued.

Nathaniel nodded, solemnly, and answered, "I am Nathaniel Ruiz but also
Nat'ahn, Advisor of the Chosen. There is no distinction. All that he was
I know and have within me. We are one in the same."

That made a lot of sense. It explained why he talked so nobly at times.
Regularly, Nathaniel talked like your modern Englishman, complete with
accent, but it was times like this when his voice became stronger and
more regal that his past self was in the forefront of his consciousness.
I knew that in a few years my memories would be complete. The memories of
my past life would eventually merge with my own mind. I was almost
worried about that fact, but Nathaniel seemed to be fine. Its not like
his mind had been overwritten with his past life memories. My soul was
what made me, well me, and that wouldn't change, so I wasn't worrying.
Much.

A beeping jarred me from my musing. I started at the sound and looked at
Ryan who was checking his phone. From the look on his face I guessed he
was reading a text message. I see the same look on all my friends' faces
when they received a text.

"My dad just sent me a text message," answered Ryan to our inquisitive
looks. "He just got called in at the hospital and wants me home."

I nodded and stood up. Ryan rose also and we made our way to the front
door with Nathaniel seeing us out. He bade us to return tomorrow for
training. I stuck out my lip in a pout hoping for at least a day off but
Nathaniel just smirked. I guess that was a big no. Heartless bastard.

"So your dad's a doctor?" I asked Ryan as I turned onto the freeway.

Ryan smiled and nodded. "Yeah. He's pretty great. Dad and mom are
divorced. She works in D.C."

"Washington?"

"Yeah," he answered, gazing out the window at the passing cars. "She's a
federal marshal."

I raised both eyebrows. I had to remember to keep my eyes on the road or
I would have turned to him grinning like an idiot. I had never known
anyone with such a job outside the movies like the Fugitive or Con Air.

"That's so cool," I smiled, with so much admiration in my voice one would
think it was Ryan who was the marshal and not his mother.

Ryan shrugged losing his smile. "Its okay," he muttered, almost bitterly.
"She's never home so when it came time to choose which parent I chose
dad. He works crazy hours but at least he doesn't leave for months at a
time."

Ouch. I obviously hit upon a sore subject. I felt a little like an ass
but dammit how was I supposed to know that his home life was a mess. My
name wasn't Johnny Smith and my dead zone was quite dead, thank you very
much. I tried to think of something sympathetic to show my empathy but
nothing came to mind. I was never good at funerals either. You could
always find me sulking in a corner doing my best to appear invisible.

"So what do your parents do?" asked Ryan suddenly.

Change of subject. Smooth.

"Well, mom is a reporter and so was dad before he died," I said, calmly
without any hitch in my voice at mentioning my father. It had taken years
to work through and I was proud. Go team me. "They were partners. He died
in a car wreck when I was younger."

Ryan looked at me with wide eyes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

I waved off his apology. I had heard it before. "Nothing to be sorry for.
It was a long time ago. Not like you knew." I decided to change the
subject before it got silent again. "I have a pain in the ass little
sister. What about you? Any brothers or sisters?"

Ryan shook his head giving a little shrug. "I'm an only child."

"Lucky," I breathed out in a low, awe filled tone. "Take it from me,
dude. Siblings are a pain and your better off."

He laughed and I smiled. It was the first time that I had really heard
him laugh and it made me laugh too. Not like my joke was that funny but
the laughter was just contagious. Must be the steam we still needed to
blow off from the fight earlier. Ryan pointed at my exit and I got off
the highway. I had to admit that being a doctor really paid off. In the
distance glinting off the light of the stars and the moon was the ever-
going ocean. We drove past a row of beach houses sitting on the edge of
the sandy beach, prime location and easily worth six figures. The real
estate market in Centennial was not cheap anywhere, especially not the
beach.

Ryan's house was a large colonial style villa that lawned just above the
beach. It was a pristine white even in the dark of night. I could make
out dark shutters and a large wraparound porch.

"I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow," I said.

He sighed, looking unsure and determined. How that was possible I don't
know. I guess it was his natural shyness plus the fact he now knew we
weren't just ordinary friends, but comrades in arms. I touched his
shoulder. I knew what he was feeling. It was a lot to think about. Hell
he had gone through way much more than I did when I was first awakened,
so I guess the overwhelming feeling I felt was magnified for him. At
least he had a better grip on his memories than I did to help him. I was
still grasping at straws with this whole hero business.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ryan mumbled, getting out of the blazer. "I have
a feeling that tonight will hold some interesting dreams." He smiled at
me, that small shy smile, and waved to me as I drove off.

I glanced at the time on the dashboard as I turned onto the highway and
merged with traffic. It was going on midnight. I told my mom I would be
back before eleven. I swore. Loudly. It was a school night too. Fuck.

"My ass is grass," I groaned, slapping my palm against the steering
wheel. "Mom is going to forking kill me."

I prayed to God and even They Above All, the deities Nathaniel always
mentioned. I parked my car in the driveway next to moms and took a
breath. Mom's room was on the first floor and her bedroom light was on.
Dammit. Mom was still up but at least she was in her room. That meant all
I had to do was sneak into the house, up the stairs to my room, and be in
bed before she walked around the house in jail warden mode. Here I go.

I got out of the car, said a silent Hail Mary, and sprinted across the
lawn, ducking behind the hedges in front of the windows. I crawled on my
hands and knees to the front door. Just a yard to go. Easy as cake. I
slowly stood up, looking around making sure no one was looking. I could
do this. Just had to be sneaky. I eased my key into the lock, and entered
the house holding my breath as the door opened squeak free. Success.
Light flooded out of the hall to my right that led to the master bedroom,
mom's room. I did a barrel roll that would have made a Power Ranger
proud. I came to my feet right before the stairs. I grinned. I was
practically home free. I gyrated my body a little and pop and locked,
grinning like an idiot. Boo-yah. Who rocked? Me. Oh yeah.

Suddenly, light swamped the living room and I froze mid ass shake. Morgan
stood leaning against the kitchen door smiling evilly. No. She wouldn't.
Oh, who the hell was I kidding. This was Satan's little helper, his
shepherd. I met her eyes and they gleamed in triumph. I swallowed and
knew I was doomed.

I shook my head and muttered, "You bitch," just as she smirked at me and
called out "MOM, CHAD JUST GOT HOME!" drowning out my voice and making my
heart speed up with the thoughts of what was to come.

Morgan blew a kiss and skipped up the stairs, as the sound of footsteps
came from our right.

I glared at her. Sometimes I have dreams about her. In them dark things
happen. Things that make me smile.

* * *

	"So you know they're calling it a terrorist attack?"

I was interrupted from my musing to see Kevin looking at me expectantly.
We were in Geometry and Mr. Reece had allowed us to work in pairs. It was
one of those goofy assignments where we analyzed rulers and shapes, and
whatnot just pain wasting time, which was exactly what he was going for.
I loved teacher's fresh from university they were so easy and lad back.
They were practically students themselves. Only with authority.

"Who is calling what a terrorist attack?" I asked bending the little
plastic ruler Mr. Reece had given us.

Did I mention I had some issues with my attention span? If it was
something related to science fiction I was attention boy, anything else
and I was off buying a ticket to a train headed to la-la land. It usually
wasn't a round trip ticket.

Kevin sighed, looking at my humorously. He was right yesterday when I was
dropping him off at his house. After a nights sleep he was fine and the
effects from the attack were nonexistent, which I was glad to hear.

"I'm talking about everything that happened at Borders yesterday,
genius," he reminded me, hitting my hand with his pencil.

I stopped playing with the ruler to give him my full-undivided attention.
Which was why he had hit me in the first place. See, I knew when to take
a hint. I wasn't that unfocused. My gaze strayed to the silver bracelet
dangling from Kevin's wrist. Oooh shiny. Kevin slapped my fingers that
tangled themselves in the links of his bracelet. Ouch. Meany.

"Chad, lunch is in twenty minutes," he told me patiently. "You always get
spacey whenever you skip breakfast." He reached into his backpack and
slid a Pop-tart onto my desk. "Here you go. That should hold you until
then. Now pay attention, asshole."

I popped a piece of the Pop-tart into my mouth and grinned sheepishly at
him. Not my fault my attention sometimes wavered more than the norm
whenever I was hungry. He rolled his eyes seeing that I had given him my
full attention. He muttered something about my stomach eating my body or
my head being fat but I couldn't hear him that well. Vindictive bastard.

Kevin gave me an exasperated look and tried again. "I heard on the news
that they're calling what happened at Borders a targeted terrorist
attack."

Oh. This was news to me. "Really? I think it was just the extreme
temperature caused everyone to just fall out," I lied, crossing my
fingers underneath the desk. What was I five? Old habits die hard as the
saying goes. "It was freezing, bro."

Kevin snorted. "Then what happened to the store?" he asked, skeptically.
"It looked like a war had gone on."

"Earthquake?" I suggested with wide eyes full of innocence. Or what I
hope was innocence. I always got my guilty and innocent expressions mixed
up. I so had to work on that.

A raised eyebrow was the response to my answer. "Yeah right," he
muttered. "Like an earthquake did all that. Something happened and its
bugging me because I don't have a clue even though I was there."

This was bad. I never expected Kevin to wind up in the middle of my
'extra-curricular activities'. And at the first sign of something out of
ordinary and he went and turned into a fucking Hardy Boy.

"Kevin," I called getting his attention. "It was just a freak accident.
Let it go man. No need to get all Horatio Caine on me. Everything is a
mystery if you really think about it. Life, death, earth, the sun, hot
pockets," I rambled on trying to make some kind of sense. Where in the
hell was I going with this? "Let this just be another one." I finished,
lamely.

Another scrutinizing look was directed at me. "I guess I could let it
go," he said, slowly, staring at me as if I were a body snatcher. Dammit.
Rambling was so not a sign of honesty. "I figured you more than anybody
would want to know what happened. Your always going on about your mystery
soaps on TV."

"Mystery dramas," I corrected, narrowing my eyes at him. Bastard knew I
hated soap operas with the passion of a thousand burning suns. "And this
is real life not TV. Curiosity killed the cat."

He smirked, honey brown eyes twinkling. "But satisfaction brought him
back."

I rolled my eyes. "Kevin?"

"Yes, oh friend dearest to my heart," he said, sugary sweet, batting his
eyelashes at me.

I gave him an equally sweet smile. "Please do shut up."

The bell rang making me jump. I glanced at the clock. Cool. Lunchtime
already. I was grateful that Kevin had transferred into my geometry
class. It made the time go by so much faster. We originally didn't have
any classes together this semester but Kevin had been sure that his old
geometry teacher was intentionally failing him, so a word to his parents,
and then a conference with the principle, and hear we are, presto change-
o. And then you have one transfer form from Mrs. Brown into Mr. Reece's
third period geometry class. That boy was ingenuous when he put his mind
to something. It made him a great friend to have when faced with a
serious dilemma. Sometimes it was like he was playing chess, and the rest
of us were playing checkers.

"Lunchtime!" I shouted gleefully chapping my hands, bouncing a little on
the balls of my heels as everyone made their way toward the classroom
door.

Kevin blinked at me. Then he blinked again. "Sometimes I think you would
sale our friendship or your soul for just a donut..."

"Of course," I answered promptly, giving him a cheeky wink.

"You bitch!" erupted Kevin, leaping at me.

A sound that sounded a bit girlish left my lips. I ducked out of his
grasp with a quickness that had him blinking. I laughed at his
dumbfounded look. Looks like all that training was paying off in my
civilian life too. I stuck my tongue out at him and blew him a raspberry.
He growled at me and I laughed in his face. Giving him a smart salute, I
jogged out of the door and sprinted down the hallway with Kevin right on
my heels.

Our school had a cafeteria but for the most part everyone ate outside.
There were tables sat up going around a huge courtyard. More tables
sitting on a higher story overlooked those tables in the center
courtyard. Like in every high school those of social standing, or the
cliques, sat together at their own table. I tended to think Centennial
High had an unknown but acknowledged social ranking system in place.
Those that were loners were at the bottom-level five. They had no friends
and kept to themselves.

Kids with no one outside of their grade knowing their name were at a
level four. Level three were the kids that were known by those in and
below their grade level. Those at level two, Kevin, and me were known by
those by all those in our grade, below it, and by a handful of older
students in the junior and senior level.

"Hey, guys."

We returned the greeting and sat down in the empty spots. Then you have
Killian Morris, a level one. Those that were level one were so popular
that everyone in the school and even kids at other schools knew their
name. People talked about Killian as if he were the local equivalent of a
Hollywood celebrity. Of course you could consider him famous. His face
had graced dozens of Tommy Hilfiger ads. Girls called him the perfect
boy. He had strawberry blond hair that was blond with hints of red.
Stunningly green eyes made you stare in a stupor and his tanned skin was
blemish free. Years of playing soccer had given his tall frame a perfect
athletic build.

Kevin slapped Killian a five. "Hey, dude. Thanks for saving us a seat."

Killian smiled a bright smile that made me want to reach for some
sunglasses. I rolled my eyes and said hi to our other friends sitting at
the table. Our table could be called the popular table. I never thought
of it as such, since I had known these people my whole life. The table
was made up of what colleges like to call "well rounded" students. We all
participated in clubs, athletics, and school organizations.

"Chad," greeted Killian, his smile a little fixed and looking frozen on
his face.

My smile was equally fixed. "Killian," I replied, neutrally.

Kevin looked back and forth between us frustrated. He sighed and rolled
his eyes. I could see our friends make similar exasperated expressions as
they carried on their own conversations. Someone brought up a topic,
creating an open discussion, and breaking the tension that sizzled in the
air. I stabbed at the meatloaf on my plate. Did I forget to mention that
while being the most popular boy in school, Killian Morris was also my
frenemy. Let me break that down. While being friends, we were also
enemies. Sounded like some Beverly Hills 90210 shit but it is how it is.

It started in middle school. I went with Killian, Kevin and a few of our
friends to see a movie after school. The movie was some cheesy action
movie. I thought the lead actor sucked and I made my displeasure known.
Killian got all uptight and started defending the guy. Not just
defending but two inches from my face cussing and yelling. Turns out the
guy was his uncle. Small world. Instead of backing down and apologizing,
I laughed and told him his uncle was a "no talent actor who really needed
a refresher course in the fundamentals of life". What can I say; I get a
little bitchy when people cuss me out. It just brings out my inner bitch
like no other. Long story short, Killian pushed me and I hauled off and
punched him in the face. His eye ended up turning a very unattractive
shade of green and black.

Somebody failed to mention that Killian had a photo shoot the next day
for a new ad campaign for Hilfiger jeans. Make up can do wonders but only
so much. He lost the ad and all like of everything Chad Summers. Did I
care? Nope. If the conceited asshole wanted to act like my better, he
could go right ahead, I disliked him just as much. The only reason we
never came to blows again was because of Kevin. He played mediator and
buffered our arguments so the rest of our friends didn't have to deal
with our drama. Plus, Kevin really didn't want to have to fight his
friend. Everyone knows that if I get into a fight Kevin is jumping in to
have my back. It was a given.

"Anyone ready for Friday's football game?" asked Liam. His piercing blue
eyes and dark hair told all of his Irish heritage.

Kevin nodded, grinning. The topic of sports comes up and the boy turns
into a ball of hyperactivity. "I'm really excited. It's the first one of
the year."

"Who are we playing again?" asked Ashley, twirling a strand of her long,
and very straight black hair.

Matt snorted and gave her a patronizing look. "And you made the
cheerleading team and student council how again?"

"Easy," giggled Kim, her best friend, and head cheerleader. "She has
friends in high places." She puffed her ample chest out and pointed at
herself. "Me."

"We're playing West High," answered Matt, playfully rolling his eyes. He
was first-string cornerback on Varsity. He was built with enough muscle
for two people. But with his rounded features, blond hair and brown eyes
he looked too friendly to appear intimidating.

"If anyone needs a ride I'm offering," I threw in, taking a bite of
meatloaf.

Killian made a sound in his throat and muttered softly, "I would rather
die."

My jaw clenched and my eyes bored into him. "Please do."

"You first," he replied back, his gaze frosty and voice dripping with
ice.

I smiled at him. "Sure. I'll save you a place in hell so you can sit with
your no acting ass uncle."

"Oh my, God," snapped Kevin, glaring at us. "Will you two shut up. Now
reign in your inner Lindsey Lohan and Hilary Duff."

Killian's green eyes turned back to me. "One day it's going to be just
you and me, asshole."

I smiled sweetly cocking my head. "Bring it, bitch."

Kevin turned his head to look at Killian. His gaze once annoyed and
frustrated turned a little harder. It was odd and disconcerting to see on
his usually smiling and friendly face. It caused all conversation at our
table to stop and I even held my breath. Hell it was freaky. He should
charge to teach a class on glaring, cause right now if I didn't know him
I probably would have peed my pants.

"If you fight Chad you fight me, Killian," said Kevin, voice hard as
stone. "So don't write checks with your mouth that your ass cant cash."

I felt prouder than ever to have Kevin as a friend at this moment.
Killian rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. Nobody said
anything for half a minute. Gradually the silence was filled and the
brief argument was forgotten. As long as Killian and me didn't say
anything directly to each other there was peace at the table.

I looked across the courtyard taking in the sights of all the other kids
eating their lunches and hanging with their cliques. I saw a lone figure
sitting at a table near us. I took in the black hair and the familiar
thin glasses worn by the boy. He brushed a length of hair behind his ear
and I knew who it was. I frowned. Why was Ryan sitting by himself? I knew
he was a little shy but surely he had some friends.

"Ryan!" I called out without giving it a second thought.

His head along with a great number of other curious people snapped their
gazes to me. I blushed a little but ignored the stares. Ryan gave me that
timid smile and did a half wave. He turned back to his lunch but I was
having none of that. I called his name again and waved him over. He
looked at me with a weird stare. Disbelief, gratification, and confusion
were the most prominent emotions I could see play across his pale face as
he stood up and made his way over.

"Chad have you lost your mind!" hissed Killian. "We can't have him sit
with us. It will be social suicide."

Kim made a face at him. "Sometimes you are just so dramatic, Killian."
She looked at me curious. "What he meant was Chad, what's with the
outreach program? I didn't even know you knew this kid."

"We met him yesterday at Borders," explained Ryan, looking at me confused
too but coming to my rescue anyway.

Ashley gasped. "You guys were there at the attack?"

I nodded. "We'll tell you about it."

Matt looked at Killian fixing him with a hard look as Ryan neared the
table. "Don't be an ass, Killian. He was apart of the attack yesterday
and he doesn't need your shit. None of them do so don't start anything."

"I wont say anything mean," answered Killian, seriously. "I'm a little
harsh sometimes but I'm not evil."

That remains to be seen. I thought in my head but I refrained from saying
it out loud. If Killian was making an effort to be a human being than I
could be civil. This was the reason that all of us never wrote Killian
off. Beneath his self absorbed and shallow shell there was a slightly
less self-absorbed and shallow person beneath.

"Hey, Ryan," I smiled and motioned for him to sit down.

He gazed around at us through his bangs, smiling shakily, hesitating
slightly before sitting in the empty chair in front of me. He looked at
us shyly and I could see the confused expressions fade from my friends
faces replaced by more warm and easing smiles. All of us were naturally
easygoing people. It wasn't in our nature to be naturally mean to anyone.
Not even Killian was an outright bastard. I might be just a little be
biased toward him so excuse me.

"Hey there, little dude," said Liam, his bright smile visibly setting
Ryan more at ease.

Ryan smiled back bashfully. "Hi."

I could practically read Kim and Ashley's thoughts. They thought he was
adorable judging by their dopey smiles and shiny eyes. One by one my
friends traded back questions with Ryan trying to get put him more at
ease and open. We touched on lightly about the attack and then moved on.
They got to know him and I could see their smiles became more real the
further they talked to him. They really liked him. Ryan, while still a
little shy and awkward, was more open once he realized that none of us
were going to make fun of him or tell him off. Once you got him talking
we all realized that he had a very dry sense of humor that made us crack
up whenever he joked offhandedly.

Killian stared at Ryan for a minute and we all noticed. I held my breath
and I could see the others tense up preparing for a cutting retort. If he
so much as raised his voice I was ready to curse him into hell.

"You know what," said Killian slowly, still staring at Ryan. "I was all
ready to hate you and wish you were elsewhere, but I've decided to like
you. You should definitely sit with us more often, dude."

Kevin practically beamed at Killian. He nodded at Ryan. "Definitely. Your
stuck with us now man."

Ryan blushed and ducked his head. "Cool."

I smiled. Cool indeed.

Training later today. Not cool.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sorry it took me so long for this chapter. Me and the friends did a
spontaneous vacation to the beach. It was great. So far we've got two
Chosen. We've already met another one but they haven't been awakened yet.
Can't tell you who. :) Next chapter: Ryan and Chad get to know each other
better and then there is training.

You guys know I just love, love, love the feedback. If you want to ask
questions, make guesses as to who the chosen are, hit me up at
Silvenfox@yahoo.com