The Chosen

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 7

The wind whipped around me as I stood under the starry night beneath a canopy of trees. I looked over at a tree to my left. The Executioner stood in the shadow of a tall redwood, a finger against his lips, signaling me to keep silent. I nodded and took a slow breath to control my heart rate and tone down the heavy breathing. I had a feeling I sounded like a Mormon girl about to get her first kiss on prom night.

"How much further is it?" a laughing, male voice asked curiously.

Coming through a gap in the trees was a young couple, mid twenties, both with dark hair and designer clothes. Yes I noticed. Clothes were my thing. Some people have their sports. I know my clothes. That's just how I roll. The woman, her long dark hair falling down her back, tugged on the man's arm.

"Its not too much farther now, Bobby," she replied, her voice light and sweet, almost cheerful.

Too cheerful.

Bobby laughed. "Lilly, come on! We've been walking forever. You still haven't told me what you want to show me way out in these woods. You said it was something special?"

Lilly stopped in the middle of a clearing, right in front of our hiding spots. She looked at the ground then gazed up at Bobby through her eyelashes, a shy move. An act that radiated innocence and shyness. I praised her acting abilities.

"It is special," Lilly said, an odd smile forming on her face. "Very special."

Suddenly, her whole body `shifted'. Her designer clothes morphed into a flowing, white gown that moved in an unfelt wind. Brown hair faded to a silver white and her eyes flashed gray, glowing and shining in the night like twin stars. They were ominous and chilling to behold. Her tan disappeared and her skin was now milk white, creamy and smooth, the color of marble.

"Li-li-ly?!" Bobby, half stuttered, half screamed in shock.

Lilly grabbed Bobby's hand and a sickening crunch was heard through the air as she crushed his bones as if they were dirt. His scream of pain erupted through the night as he fell to his knees, pain overriding his senses.

Lilly looked down at Bobby, those gray eyes cold and detached. "I thought you liked it rough, Bobby. Time to play lover."

She opened her mouth and sound erupted. There wasn't an accurate word to describe the effect of her primal scream. The sound crawled through my ears and echoed through my skull. I covered my ears in pain, but it did no good. The sound was in my head. It made my muscles spasm in pain, and my joints lock up. The Executioner was hardly affected. He freed his Spirit Staff from sub-space, and launched it through the air like a spear catching Lilly in her shoulder, knocking her to the ground. Effectively cutting off her sonic scream.

Executioner walked from behind the redwood. "We don't take too kindly to Banshees around these parts," he said to `Lilly', the Banshee.

"Sir, are you okay?" I asked, helping Bobby to his feet. I winced at the mangled mess of a hand. Blood leaked from his ears like tiny, red rivulets.

"I-I- What is she!" gaped Bobby at me, his words pain filled and full of fear.

I gripped his shoulder making him look at me. "Sir, I need you to retrace your steps and get away from here. Can you do that?"

He nodded silently. Poor fellow was in shock.

I urged him to go and he took off right back from where he came. I knew that he would be fine. Once he got his wits back, he would find the authorities. They would bandage him up and see that he was looked after. Whether or not they believed him when he tells them the truth is another matter.

She looked us over curiously, rising to her feet. "Two Chosen. Many a year it has been since the likes of you banished us."

I buffed my nails against my chest and gave her a smart wink. "What can I say. Huamns: 1. Stupid preternatural creatures: 0. We kicked your asses. Rightfully so, pick the hem of your dress up, and take your ass back to the EverAfter."

I give her this. The banshee put up one hell of a fight. But we had been training and fighting other barrier-crossers from the Ever After for almost two months now. We were a great team. A dynamic duo, if you will. In the two months since Ryan had come into his powers we had faced over a dozen other enemies that had crossed into our world. It may seem like they only come out at night, but I assure you they crossover in the day as well. Let me tell you, it was a bitch having to come up with a decent lie to tell my mother why I ditched school. Of course I couldn't tell her that a trio of trickster spirits was terrorizing a church, and I and my friend Ryan, who is also my comrade-in-arms, had to go and `exorcise' them. That would so not go over well. Seriously.

Less than an hour later, we were breathing hard but banshee free. Executioner smiled at me helping me up from the ground. That bitch had pimp slapped me like I owed her money. Which was so not the case.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Chad. Bansheera interrupted my homework," said Ryan, smiling at his little joke. "I really have to speed back home. My research paper for English is calling my name."

I slapped him a five. "Definitely catch you at lunch, bro."

He grinned and he literally flew into the air. Fly would be the wrong word for it. One second he was there and the next, he was `whoosh'. Gone. He couldn't fly but Ryan sure could jump. That was for damn sure. It was like he had a permanent leap of faith spell, but better, attuned to his legs. Guess that was the perks of being the Champion of Soul. Having an infused spirit made him a titular Superboy. I had witnessed him meet me on the other side of the city in less than ten minutes before. Leaping tall buildings in a single bound indeed.

I incanted the leap of faith spell upon myself and leaped from the forest in a single bound. Look out Superman. Luckily when I got home no one was up, so I didn't have to tip toe around the house like a fake ass cat burglar. I willed away my suit and went into the house going straight up to my room. I literally let out a contented sigh as I lay on the bed, nestling into my pillow as if it were a long lost lover. I closed my eyes and instantly sleep was upon me.

"You shall be the death of us!"

I was dreaming. I found myself spinning around and looking into the voice that yelled. It was a young man, but as with all dreams of my past life, his face was blurred to me.

"I shall do no such thing," were the words that tumbled from my mouth. "If I recall your strategy was outvoted!"

I didn't know who this guy was. But I had the feeling that the current argument, more like past argument, was not an uncommon occurrence between us. The man crossed his arms, spun on his heel, and turned his back to me a scowl on his face. I mirrored his actions turning my back to him as well. Quiet laughter came from the archway to the chamber we occupied. Entering into the room were two men. One was Ryan, his previous incarnation. The other man, even with his face covered in mist, was known to me. It was Admerion. I knew him with every fiber of my being.

"Are you two fighting once again?" asked Admerion.

`Ryan' chuckled. "We could hear you all the way from the citadel."

"HE STARTED IT!" We both said at once. We glared at each other and as one turned our backs again.

"Will you two act your like men of your status!" chided Nat'ahn entering the chamber.

He looked like he did in the future. Except the flowing, cream colored robes were new. Those green eyes even in the dream had the power to scold with a look and make me feel guilty. He glared at the both of us and we hung our heads.

"You were chosen by They Above All not to fight pettily amongst your own. But to protect, teach, and lead the people," said Nathaniel, quietly.

The quiet voice was just the trick. I felt guilty and properly scolded. I turned and stuck out my hand.

"Apollo, I'm sorry," I said and meaning it.

Apollo grasped my hand. "And I'm sorry too," he replied, smiling. Under his breath he whispered, "Sorry that your plan is supremely foolish."

My jaw clenched and power poured into my palm. He smirked, winked, and jogged from the chamber just as I called out, "FIREBALL!"

My eyes snapped awake as a buzzing filled my head jerking me from my sleep. I sat up in bed feeling disoriented and confused. Then I remembered where I was. I was in my room and that was a dream. Damn. That was an intense one. I could still feel the irritation swirling in my gut. Apollo. That was his name. Another chosen. I frowned.

"I hope he's still not an asshole in this life," I muttered to myself sliding off the bed.

I wondered what his power was. We already had the super human, and the magic whiz kid. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. My blond hair stuck up in all directions and my blue eyes looked tired and glazed over with sleep.

Suddenly, the bathroom door flew open. "FREEZE! CENTENNIAL POLICE DEPARTMENT!"

"Holy fuck!" I shouted in fear, backing up.

Somehow I tripped over my foot and fell backward landing hard on my ass. My toothbrush clattered on the tiled floor near my head. I blinked up at the ceiling wondering when the dizziness would stop. Kevin's sheepish face appeared in my line of sight, smiling apologetically. He rubbed the back of his neck. A gesture he often did when he was embarrassed or sorry. He better be sorry. The bastard.

"You scared the fuck out of me, you cumwad," I said, glaring at him, climbing to my feet.

Kevin winced. "In my defense, how am I supposed to know you were going to spaz out and fall like that?" He looked at me with his nose turned up. "Therefore this is your fault really more than mine."

My jaw dropped. "What?"

Kevin nodded his head, expression serious. "I know. It is hard to believe that you would blame me. It is. But in time all doubt will be gone."

I couldn't hold it in any longer. I cracked. I laughed and a moment later, Kevin couldn't hold his serious façade any longer, and he joined me in my laughter fit.

"Come on!" Kevin laughed. "It wasn't that funny."

I nodded, chuckling. "You being serious is that funny."

"Oh hardy, har, har," Kevin playfully sneered at me. "I'll be downstairs. Your mom made breakfast before she went to work. Hurry up, ass clown. I want to get to school sometime this century."

I flicked him off as he exited the bathroom skipping like a fucking schoolgirl. I rolled my eyes grinning. I scooped my toothbrush off the floor. Ew. I sped up my efforts getting ready. I combed my hair into its usually style, brushed forward neatly with the front bangs tilted up in neat spikes. I threw on a pair of faded blue jeans, a white shirt, and over that went a red hoodie. White K Swiss went with the rest of my outfit.

Okay. Clothes-check. Backpack-check. Wallet-check. Keys-where in the hell did I put them? I was a whirlwind as I tore through my room, checking every nook and cranny. Dammit. I really should have a designated spot I put my keys. Finding them in the morning was always a bitch.

"This is taking too long," I muttered. Unless...

"Let the unseen be seen. What is lost be found."

There was a rattling sound and the tin trashcan next to my bed fell over. My keys soared through the air and landed in the open palm of my hand. I gave myself a pat on the back. Go me. I almost didn't think that would work. It wasn't the first spell I used that I made up on the spot, but I was never sure when it came to magic. I don't care how Chosen I am, all this power at my fingertips made me a little nervous sometimes. Well, more than a little, a lot of nervous. Some people, a lot of people, pissed me off all the time. One fireball and... no. And I wondered why this much power made me nervous.

I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. Morgan shoulder checked me as she came out of the kitchen. I wound back and threw my backpack. It caught her in the back and she went stumbling into the wall.

"Next time I take off your head," I said, smiling evilly.

Morgan sneered at me. "If your gay ass can even hit it. It's a known fact how terrible your people suck at anything athletic."

"But your head is so big. How could I possibly miss?" I asked with intense confusion.

The sound of a school bus pulling onto our street outside drowned her retort. I smirked at her and she growled in frustration. I gave a little wave as she slung her bag and purse over her shoulder and sprinted out of the house to make the bus. The sound of the front door slamming shut was like music to my ears. Finally, the little homophobic princess was out of my hair for a good nine hours. I could do a jig. And I did.

Kevin poked his head out of the kitchen. "Were you and the sister fighting again?"

I nodded. "You know how she gets."

"Still confused about the gay factor?" he asked, chewing on a pop tart.

I rolled my eyes annoyance creeping down my spine. "Yeah, she still doesn't understand why I would `choose such a disgusting lifestyle'. I really don't get her. Mom has been great about it. But Morgan has been the worlds biggest-" I trailed off trying to think of an appropriate word that would describe Satan's top general.

"Bitch," added Kevin helpfully.

I chuckled, nodding. "Took the word right out of my mouth."

"And today we will be learning about safe sex and STD's."

This statement from Mr. Sellers left the entire second period Health class either snickering quietly or groaning loudly. I was one of those who snickered. I never said I was very mature.

Mr. Sellers went to the board and wrote quickly. He sat the marker down loudly. Written on the board, yelling at us was:

"SEX + NO PROTECTION = DEATH"

Next to the word death was a crude drawing of a stick figure covered in a pool of blood, with an arrow pointing at it, and next to the arrow was the words "YOU/20 years old".

I blinked.

Mr. Sellers gazed around, his stoic face cold and challenging. "Any questions?"

I blinked again. I checked around the room and judging by the frozen bodies with dropped jaws it was safe to say that no one wanted to ask a question.

"My cousin got Chlamydia when she was your age," said Mr. Sellers to the total silence of the classroom. "She didn't know where-"

I gulped, feeling a gnawing sense of awkwardness bubbling in my gut. It didn't fade but grew in intensity, as Mr. Sellers proceeded to tell us about every known sexually transmitted disease. It wouldn't have been so bad if he didn't have a story that went with each disease. I almost lost my breakfast hearing how an entire hospital staff, including the doctors, contracted syphilis.

When the bell rang the stampede out of the door could probably be compared to the one that killed Mufasa in the Lion King. I went to my locker to get my biology book. AP Biology was a real in depth class, but it looked good on a college resume, which pretty much sold me. Otherwise I would be taking chemistry with Kevin.

"Hey Chad," said Ryan, coming up beside my open locker door.

I smiled back at him. "Hey. You finish that paper?"

He snorted. "This morning. Didn't have the energy to get much done last night after you know what."

I did know what. The banshee. "I hear you. I was pretty beat when I made it home."

"You remember Nathaniel wants us to patrol the north side of the city tonight?" whispered Ryan, leaning in close to make sure that nobody could overhear.

Oh yes how could I forgot. Our everyday training session had been pushed back to once a week and patrolling had taken its place. Ever After creatures were always coming through, no matter the time of day, and it was up to us to be there to stop them before they could go too far. Hence the night patrols.

"Yeah. How could I forget?" I asked, smiling. I put on my most stern face. "'Now Chad, this is important. You two will have to patrol the north side tomorrow. Chad? Chad, are you listening!'"

We both shared a laugh. It was funny...because it's true.

The bell rang and we both said quick goodbyes before we jogged off to our next class. I stopped at my biology classroom and was greeted to the site of a closed door. I frowned noticing a sign taped to the door.

"Go straight to the auditorium," I read aloud, as some of my classmates gathered around.

We looked at each other in confusion. This was new. As a group we made our way to the auditorium. We were all too curious to find out what was up, so we made our way there quickly. Our class was small, only twelve students. As we trailed into the auditorium, we noticed that there were other kids there. Maybe thirty other kids, all sophomores like us. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around.

"Long time, no see," said Ryan, grinning.

I grinned right back. "Ryan, hey! Do you know what's going on?"

He shook his head, as we took some seats near the front with everyone else. "I have no clue."

"Hello everybody, welcome!" said Mr. Roberts, my biology teacher.

We gave mumbled half hearted responses all of us too busy wondering what the deal was. I recognized Ms. McCoy and Mr. Sheppard, other AP biology teachers, standing behind Mr. Roberts.

"I know you all wondering why you're here," began Mr. Roberts, speaking loudly from his position on stage. "In just three and a half weeks all AP biology classes, that's you all gathered here, will be going on a field trip."

The magic words.

Field trip.

Excited talking broke out but not as loud as the thunderous cheering and applause. I was probably one of the loudest ones. When one got out of school but still got credited as being there, it was worth a spectacular show of cheering.

"Alright, settle down now folks," chuckled Mr. Roberts. "All three AP biology classes will be going together to the Black Creek Wildlife Preserve. Sorry to get your hopes up but there will be work involved."

We groaned but it was a good natured moan. No one cared about the work we had to do. The trip from school over shadowed any thought of work. We listened attentively as Mr. Roberts explained the project.

"You will each be assigned an animal living in the preserve. Since there are not enough animals for you each to have, you'll have to work in pairs," Mr. Roberts held up his hand to silence the immediate questions people began firing. "I know what you're about to ask. Pairs have already been assigned. You will be tasked to write a twelve page paper that will be a shared grade between the pairs. The papers will be about what you know about your animal beforehand, pre thoughts, observations after viewing your animal at the preserve, and your thoughts post observation."

Mr. Roberts began answering questions, so I took the chance to turn my attention away. I turned to Ryan smiling. "You think we might end up being partners?"

Ryan nodded eagerly. "It's possible."

"Ryan Spencer and Matthew O'Malley – Ruffed Lemurs."

We both shared a disappointed smile. There goes that plan. I crossed my fingers and I hoped that I got paired with a cute guy. Eye candy is always nice to pass the time with I always say. Well not always. Just now.

"Chad Summers and..."

I sat up listening sharply for the name of my partner. Big money... big money... big money...

"...Killian Morris - Bengal Tigers."

"I OBJECT!"

I shot out of my seat and two rows up, unnoticed by me till now, Killian did the same. Mr. Roberts looked down his glasses at us giving us a hard look.

"Mr. Roberts, sir," began Killian, in a hard but respectful tone. "I can work with anyone BUT Chad Summers. I need another partner. Now."

I gave Mr. Roberts my most sincere smile, but it was strained around the edges, and everyone could tell it was forced. "Mr. Roberts you must excuse Killian. He's on his period. What he meant to ask was may we please, kindly, change partners. It's like an angel and a demon working together. It just won't work."

Mr. Roberts looked at the other teachers, Ms. McCoy and Mr. Sheppard, and they shared a look. That look had a meaning that I couldn't decipher. I really didn't want to. I had a feeling that whatever it meant it would not be in my favor.

"Partners will not be switched," said Mr. Roberts sternly, his voice turning cold as each syllable left his mouth. "Now I advise the both the both of you to. Sit. Down."

I plopped down in the seat and crossed my arms a fierce scowl on my face. My eyes met Killian's who was turned to glare at me. I shot him the finger and his green eyes blazed with nothing but contempt and fury toward me. It put a smile on my face.

"I hate him so much," I muttered, clenching tightly on the armrest.

Ryan tapped my arm. "Chad look!"

I followed his gaze and gasped. Sparks of small blue light jumped from fingertip to fingertip, getting more intense with my anger. I quickly shook my hand dispelling the gathered energy. I calmed my anger, putting a stopper on the feelings bubbling deep in my gut. I had to get a grip on my emotions. Peter Parker wasn't just being all dark and emo with his "with great power comes great responsibility" I could personally attest to that.

"Wow Chad," Ryan whispered. "You really hate him don't you?"

I gave him a look. "Do cats have a hidden agenda to rule us all?"

Ryan raised his eyebrows, pausing in confusion. "Knowing you I think that I shall answer yes."

"Good boy, the answer is yes." I replied. "Have you ever woken up next to someone after a one night stand, and the person next to you is so physically repulsive you gladly would gnaw off your own arm than wake them up?" I took a dramatic pause. "That's how I feel about Killian."

Ryan blinked. "I thought that was Coyote Ugly. And what sense does that even make?"

I waved him off. "That's just mere technicalities that I don't concern myself with. The point is I hate him, and he hates me." I dropped my head in my hands. "I think this will be the worst field trip ever."

"Ummm... Chad are you okay dude?"

I lifted my head to look across the lunch table at Liam. I gave him an attempt of a smile. It was bright but empty as a light bulb. I could see everybody at the table look at each other in bewilderment. I saw Ashley's long, black mane of hair cut the hair as her head snapped around to stare at Killian, who was in a similar mood.

"Can someone please tell me when Killian and Chad started to sync up on their periods?" Ashley asked, staring at us.

Kim snorted. "I have some tampons if you guys..." She trailed off at the twin glares aimed at her.

Kevin scrutinized us with his calculating hazel eyes. "I think a common something is upsetting them. Notice how they both haven't responded to the usual taunts."

"You may have a point," added in Matt, rubbing a hand through his curly blond hair.

Ryan cleared his throat and all heads at the table turned to him. "I know why..." He blushed heavily, not used to all the attention on him. He wasn't quite as shy as he was months ago, but he still blushed easily when large amounts of attention was focused on him. I think it was a self confidence thing. "Well today we had a meeting for all three AP biology classes..." He adjusted his glasses, a nervous habit he did all the time.

"Ryan it isn't any of their business," said Killian, speaking for the first time.

Ryan looked down at the table, flushing heavily. Kim glared at Killian giving him the most intimidating stare I have ever seen from her. She turned to Ryan and delivered a full cheerleader smile. That smile that could probably make any jock or band nerd jump through hoops.

"You go on, Ryan," said Kim, beaming. "We want to hear what's the what."

Liam nodded, blue eyes twinkling in Killian's direction. No doubt amused at the silent scolding he had just received. I was amused but there was no way I was going to show it. I chanced a look at Kevin and he was giving me the eye. It was a look he did that said `explain' but without having to say anything at all.

I sighed. "Fine! I'll tell you bitches since you all want to know." I rolled my eyes and gave Ryan a small smile to show that I wasn't really mad. "AP bio kids are going on a field trip soon. We got partnered up. I wanted Ryan. But I got Killian. End of story."

"End of story?" demanded Kevin, incredulous. "End of story! The apocalypse is on the horizon and you say end of story!"

Matt gulped. "And the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light..." He trailed off at the look I was leveling him with.

"I think they can make it through one project without bloodshed," Ashley spoke up. Her tone however made it sound as if she was trying to convince herself of the fact more than any of us.

"Are you guys going to stop talking about us like we ARENT at the table?" I asked sarcastically.

They looked at each other. Then immediately busted into laughter.

Of course not.

I picked at the chicken friend steak on my tray and glared at them. It took almost two minutes for them to wipe the tears from their eyes and reign in their laughter. It wasn't that funny. Honestly, could these people be any more immature... I think I was once called the king of immaturity but that is beside the point!

"Why did you have to be in AP biology," muttered Killian quietly. "It's for smart people anyway."

I probably wouldn't have heard his comment if right at the particular moment our table wasn't dead quiet.

I almost threw my fork at him. "You know what Killian. Fuck you! Fuck you long and hard! And fuck the fuck you rode in on! And fuck the busted condom that spawned you!"

"Go to hell!" snapped Killian.

"You first!" I snarled.

Killian clenched the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white. "I just want to get this project over with quickly."

"Me too," I replied evenly. "I suggest we start as soon as possible. The sooner we finish, the sooner we won't have to be in each other's company. Just do your part. My grade is on the line."

Killian sneered at me. "It's my grade too you fucking moron."

"Well sorry for trying to think of a way to get through our project without coming to blows," I shot back.

Killian rolled his eyes. "Well sorry you are so freaking stupid."

Kevin slammed his hand down on the table, making us all jump startled. His hazel eyes were ice cold as they bored into the both of us. I could see his jaw clench and I winced. Kevin only clenched his jaw when he was seriously annoyed.

"Will you two just stop it," Kevin ordered, tired. "We get it. You hate each other. The rest of us just want to get through lunch in peace."

I nodded. I felt guilty for upsetting Kevin. I knew he hated it when his friends fought. I sucked up my pride and turned to Killian. I looked him in the eyes and took a breath. Gee this was harder than I thought. Those green eyes made me want to take a pen and poke them right out. I also had a urge to rip off his strawberry blond hair and sell it to cancer patients, but I digress.

"Killian, I'm sorry man," I said with as much sincerity as I could. Which wasn't a lot.

Killian smiled and my eyes narrowed. I knew a `go to hell' smile when I saw one. Hell I invited it. "I'm sorry too, Chad." He paused and smirked at me. "Sorry your ideas are always so stupid."

I opened my mouth to retort but an overwhelming sense of déjà vu swept over me. I swallowed as my mind tried to connect this event with a similar memory but I couldn't link the thoughts. Whatever the memory was it was hovering just out of reach.

I looked at Killian and I had the oddest feeling.

Friendship?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • This chapter sure took a while to come out. What can I say, college is a bitch. Being pre med is a bitch. But its Christmas break so look forward to some quicker updates for awhile. Next Chapter: An attack, a rescue, and...another Chosen??

I really love reading the feedback you guys give me on the story. Those little emails make my day. :) You can reach me at Silvenfox@yahoo.com