Mirror Majesty

30: A Challenge of Leadership -- MARCUS

Marcus paced back and forth in his room all night. The images of the Balancers and their purple glowing eyes stained his mind. Never had he been more frightened than in that moment when he and Nancy believed that they were about to be abducted by a secret organization. Suddenly Grandmother Maggie's fears made sense. The Balancers were no joke and whatever was happening, things were far bigger than he could have imagined.

Nancy snored on his bed. The strain from the night had worn her out to the point where she could no longer keep her eyes open. Marcus had debated taking her back to her home, but knowing the Balancers had visited there before, it was certain to be an unsafe place to go.

Soon the morning light filtered in through the blinds and danced on the carpet floor. Marcus had been unable to find rest, but at least for now he and Nancy had avoided the worst. Thank goodness it was Thanksgiving break, and they did not have to report to school. Yet another place the Balancers had infiltrated.

It was shortly into the morning that Marcus's phone began to blow up with messages from Jorge.

"Hope you are safe," said Jorge. "We need to meet up again and discuss what happened last night. This is important and ignoring the problem will not stop what we have already begun. Are you in?"

Marcus hesitated to answer. Jorge was right. There was no running from this situation. Marcus closed his eyes, breathed deep, rubbed his fingers through his long dark hair, and thought of Hope. She was somewhere lost in another world and the more he ventured into this unknown place the more intrigued he became. A part of him still did not want to believe that magic and hidden lands existed while another part of him longed to know more. He glanced into the mirror leaning against his bedroom wall.

"I'm coming to find you, Hope," he said observing his reflection. "I don't know how you did it, but I will go to that place where you are no matter the costs."

"Who are you talking to?" came the sleepy voice of Nancy. She sat up and looked around. "Is there someone here?"

"No," said Marcus, "Just thinking out loud." He walked to the bed and sat on the corner. "How did you sleep?"

"Well considering nearly being snatched by secret agents last night, quite well. You?"

"I didn't sleep."

Marcus stood up and walked to the window. He peeked through the blinds at the street below.

"Thanks for letting me crash here," said Nancy. "You understand why I couldn't go back home. Hopefully your dad doesn't mind."

"He doesn't care," said Marcus. "Honestly, I hardly see him anymore, even for the holidays. He left a note on the fridge." Marcus unfolded it out of his pocket and read. "Gone to the airport. Headed to Miami for a short business trip. Be back in a week."

Nancy sensed Marcus's developing sadness. She smiled and slapped her legs.

"You know that means? Party at your house!"

"Nancy," said Marcus calmly. His tone was serious and stern. "We can't ignore this. You know that, right?"

She rubbed the back of her neck.

"Sheesh, dude. I was just trying to make light of the situation. Hell, I know we are stuck in this mess. I'm not any happier or excited as you are."

"Jorge texted me. The gang wants to meet up."

"Invite them here," suggested Nancy. "The Balancers don't know about this place yet. Tell them to be discreet and park a few streets away."

Marcus quickly typed a message to Jorge.