ROTU: Chapter Thirty-Two

Jalena smiled as she pulled the glass door open to the coffee shop the next day. There Sitara sat near a window with her arms crossed, a to-go cup of coffee before her.

"You're early," Shamira said. "I like it."

Sitara rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, only 'cause I couldn't sleep."

Shamira ordered two coffees to go.

"You ready?" Jalena asked.

"As I'll ever be."

"Let's go." She held open the door to the coffee shop, and the three left for headquarters.

Unlike Drisana, Sitara probed the two with questions the entire drive.

"So, obviously you aren't from this planet."

"Obviously," Shamira said as she flashed Jalena a smile.

"So, I'm guessing you're on a mission humans know nothin' about."

"Yes," replied Jalena. She looked in the rearview mirror at Sitara. "You don't act like it's surprising news. What would make you guess something like that?"

"I get visions. I have ever since I was little, but that doesn't mean I'll participate in what you're doing."

Shamira and Jalena exchanged another smile.

"You may change your mind when you learn who you are," said Shamira.

"Doubtful."

The three arrived at the facility around midday, and Jalena introduced Sitara to the rest of the group.

"When we return from Washington, I will gather everyone together to discuss the mission and begin deeper levels of your training," announced Jalena.

"Wait, you're leaving?" asked Sitara.

"Yes. We have one more recruit to find," explained Jalena. "Elder Master Nyhra and Shakou will help you get settled. They will also answer some of your questions."

"So, I'm a prisoner until you get back?" Sitara complained. "Great." She rolled her eyes.

Jalena turned to face her fully. "Sitara, I know that you are going through a detox period—"

"I don't do drugs!"

"Emotional detox, Sitara, not a detox from drugs. To reach the potential that you have, you must clear your heart of confusion and pain and learn to direct anger in a useful manner.

"Your internal conflict is partially the reason for your attitude. However, no one here means you any harm nor do they owe you anything. One thing you will learn is to respect those on your team, including your instructors, or we will happily find someone that is more up to task. Rest assured, we know what we are doing even if you believe otherwise." She put a hand on Sitara's shoulder but said nothing more before making her way to the garage.

"Come on, Sitara," said Drisana. "I'll show you where to put your things."

Sitara followed Drisana in silence down the hall.

Jalena and Shamira arrived the same night in Seattle, Washington. Early the next morning, they began to scout the areas where they had detected a pattern of advanced energy on the grid.

"We've got to go further into the trees," said Jalena, "where Elemental energy is heightened."

The two left the confines of the city and made their way to the outskirts of Leavenworth where the light on the grid was the strongest. After being led astray by several fading light trails, they two took a break and decided to try again that evening. Night came quickly as they explored more trails, and the two moved deeper into the woods until they reached the front of a hidden cabin.

Jalena stopped.

I sense it too, said Shamira.

"You know, I knew there would be a day when you came for her," a voice said quietly from behind them.

Jalena and Shamira whipped around to find a small woman sitting in a chair next to a tree.

"I used to get visions of her purpose," the woman continued.

"You know what she is?" asked Jalena.

"Not entirely, but from the time she was born, the fairies have been watching over her. When her mother died of a drug overdose shortly after, she wouldn't stop crying unless I took her with me into the trees. I have raised her here ever since." The woman took a sip of the mug of steaming tea she was holding. "I am her grandmother, Cecilia."

"I am Master Jalena and this is Master Shamira," Jalena said. "We are light warriors from the planet, Elsaria," she added, feeling it was best not to lie.

Cecilia stood. "As I mentioned, I get visions of her purpose and it is a great one. I will not interfere with what you suggest for her, because I have already seen your arrival. It is why I trust you. But, please remember that when you take her with you, you will be taking a piece of my heart as well." She beckoned the two inside the house. "My granddaughter, Aeilah, is already asleep. You two can rest here until morning, and then she will go with you."

Jalena dosed off and on periodically on a lounge chair in the cabin. The next day she pried her eyes open to find a small face just inches away. Big blue eyes stared into hers. A giggle escaped the small girl before she turned and ran away.

Aeilah. It was her true name. Cecilia must have a heightened connection to the energy of the planet to have already known the Conduit's name.

Jalena chuckled as she heard Shamira mutter, "What the hell?"

Jalena stood and stretched, feeling unprepared for the situation at hand.

With blonde curls, blue eyes, and a slight point to her ears, Aeilah certainly looked as if Elemental blood ran through her veins.

"This is the Conduit?" asked Shamira as she joined Jalena's side.

Aeilah stared at the two from across the room where she stood next to her already-packed bags. "I am six," she answered.

Jalena raised her eyebrows as Shamira scratched her head.

"What are we supposed to do with her?" asked Shamira.

"I am not sure. I thought she would at least be in her teens."

"I see you've have already met Aeliah," Cecilia said as she entered the room. "I know she is younger than what you expected," she added, noting the bewilderment on the warriors' faces. "She knows she is supposed to leave with you. She said so this morning."

"You knew her true name," said Jalena.

"She is the one who asked me to call her that. She said her birth name, Shanda, wasn't her name."

Aeilah moved across the room and slipped her hand into Jalena's. Jalena's heart warmed as Aeilah squeezed her fingers and then turned to face Cecilia. "I will miss you, Nana, but I will send you gifts until I come visit again." She glanced at the window and smiled.

Seconds later, a butterfly fluttered in the open window and landed on Cecilia's shoulder.

Cecilia dropped to her knees and held out her arms. Aeilah ran into them without hesitation.

Are we sure about this? Shamira said to Jalena.

No, but it feels right despite the illogic. I will send a message to Elindrel when we return. He must have known, so I have a feeling Silso will be nearby when we arrive back home.

The three left for the airport after Cecilia and Aeilah said their goodbyes.

Aeilah slept most of the ride to headquarters after the plane landed in Colorado. The three stopped at Jalena's home in town to order food and clean up.

As expected, everyone at the facility stared at Aeilah in surprise when Jalena introduced her.

"Do we train her in the same way as the others?" Nyhra pondered later when the team was discussing the plan for the Conduits.

"I suppose for energy training," replied Jalena, "but, for her to complete her full training I feel we need the Glisayas. I will reach out to them tonight and if Elindrel doesn't respond, I will teach her the magic Sir Malik taught me to help her as best I can. Although young, her energy is more powerful than the other Conduits, so I have a feeling that she possesses a defense that will trigger within her if it is ever needed."

"Surely, you cannot be okay sending a six-year-old into any kind of battle," Lyons said as he rubbed his forehead. "This is too much."

"You see her only from a human perspective, Lyons," Jalena responded. "Despite how she appears in this dimension, she is much more than just the child that you see."

He sighed and shook his head. "I hope you know what you're doing, Warrior Princess."

She smiled. "We start their energy training in the morning."

Shakou caught Jalena up to date on the behavior of the Conduits as the two took their nightly walk along the mountain trails.

"As a team, they do not really connect yet," he reported. "Drisana finds Sitara's sarcastic and dismissing attitude aversive, so she doesn't want much to do with her. Sitara, who has a heightened need to be accepted, is bothered by Drisana's rejection although she doesn't admit it. In turn, she increases her sarcasm and rebellious behavior."

Jalena shook her head. "Cyclic toxic behaviors based on unrealized needs—they will have to overcome them."

"Hopefully they will."

"Being here, I am reminded of how much of my upbringing I have taken for granted." Jalena looked around. "Although the land is beautiful here, the atmosphere for encouraging empowerment is not as it is back home. There, we are raised knowing that we are ultimately responsible for our own journey. If any pain occurs, we understand to prioritize restoring it from within. Of course, some struggle with managing pain more than others depending on tragedies they have experienced, but Elsarians are taught of their emotional and creative responsibility from an early age. Of course, we are surrounded by support, so it makes it easier. However, since you know of the hardships of Earth better than I, Shakou-chan, I may need your help in understanding where to start with the Conduits' behavior, at least in guiding their emotional healing."

Shakou nodded. "As you wish, Okami-chan. Do you think they will clear all of it in time to allow their core to surface?"

"Yes, with your help."

"You are missing your planet," Shakou stated after the two walked further in silence.

"I do…more with each passing day. But, I have found reasons to treasure this one too," she added as she nudged his arm.

He smiled and laced his fingers through hers.

As they reached the top of the trail, Jalena paused next to a stream and evoked Relasu. "Silso," she called. "I know you are here." She smiled as the fleeting green light near the falls grew brighter. "Ya revik."

Jalena held out her palm as Silso appeared with a pop. He stabilized himself after stumbling several tiny steps. The fairy bowed the same bow as he did when he was standing on Elindrel's shoulder.

Jalena bowed and continued to speak telepathically to him in the Glisayan language. I know that Elindrel knew that Aeilah carried Glisayan blood and that he attempted to block me from finding her by hiding her energy. Tell him please, that the fact that I found her shows how important she is in completing this mission. He needs to train her in Glisayan magic so she can fulfill her purpose.

I will try, Master Queen, replied Silso. It will take drastic measures for him to help.

I understand. I appreciate you just delivering the message. I know you want to help.

Silso nodded and took flight.

Jalena and Shakou bowed in gratitude, and then the fairy disappeared with another pop.