Chosen: The Path of Heroes

Six

The sun dropped from the sky, its residual rays igniting the western horizon with a scarlet explosion. That evening Zuri waited until his father came home from work to reveal what Izaiah told him. He also told his parents about the pen incident, the lockers in the hallway, and the disappearance of Brett's clothes. The three of them sat in the living room, Victoria and Thomas on a couch across from Zuri's chair.

The Joneses held brimming pride in their eyes as they regarded the boy. Victoria gripped Thomas' hand, and they both squeezed tightly.

"You've always been special, Zuri. Everything Izaiah told you is true," Mr. Jones said. "You are not from this world but from Kambia. Vicki and I are part of a small group called the Protectors of the Prophecy that know about the other worlds and dimensions, and the evil one that seeks to rule it all."

The Joneses exchanged a look.

Zuri didn't miss it. "This evil one, interdimensional travel, a prophecy, wizard-like powers—what does it all have to do with me?"

"Oh, honey..." Mrs. Jones sighed and shook her head. "We don't have the authority to tell you much more than you already know, but you'll have all your answers when you...when you...go back..."

Her words choked off, and the tears in her eyes finally slipped down her cheeks. She sniffled.

The lump in Zuri's throat tightened and expanded, working its way into his chest. He went around the table and sat beside his mother, hugging. She embraced him with just as much might. Mr. Jones shifted to sit on Zuri's other side, and his arms went around them both.

They remained that way for several moments. When Zuri pulled back from Mrs. Jones' shoulder, his eyes were wet.

"We knew this day would come," she said. "And no matter what happens, how far away you go, you'll always be our son."

"That's right." Even Thomas was choked up, of course. For thirteen years, he put his love, time, heart, and soul into Tauzuri of Kambia, and now the time had come for the boy to leave. "We love you, Zuri. Always will."

Zuri shuddered with sniffles, hugging his parents again. "I love you, mom and dad."

"We're very honored and proud to have had the privilege of raising you as our own," said Thomas.

Zuri expelled another long sigh. He wiped his eyes and shook his head. "I still can't believe this is happening. So, what now? Principal—I mean, Izaiah said that I had something to do in this other world. When I finish whatever it is, can I come back here?"

Again, the Joneses shared a solemn glance.

Victoria met Zuri's innocent, looming eyes, which were still juicy with unshed tears. She shook her head slowly. "We don't know, sweetie, but we sure hope that you can."

The boy considered, looking to his surrogate parents. "Have you both ever been to Kambia?"

"No," Mr. Jones said. "We've only ever heard of it through description, ancient writings, and such. As part of the select few who know of Kambia and the Prophecy, your mother and I were raised in the same inner circle. We learned at a young age what our parts would be in all of it."

He paused, thought a moment, and smiled.

"I know it sounds old fashioned, but your mom and I were paired; it was determined that she and I would be together not long after we were born. We prepared for the moment when you, the One, would be delivered into our care, to be raised with kindness and safety until you were old enough to face your destiny."