Telestic (The Transcendent File_002)

2. Cat's out of the bag

"Transcendent. That is a main word in your common vocabulary. People will try to take it from you; but they can't...because it's you as a whole – not a part. Listen closely though, there are people out to destroy us. They can't fathom our gifts and powers more than they can about a town being run by secrets. Never turn your back. Not on friends. Not on enemies. Be aware. Federico Fellini said, 'There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the passion of life.' Hold onto that feeling and never let anyone take it from you. Just because you're experiencing life in a new perspective; doesn't mean you stop living. Live your life without regrets. Even Aristotle said, 'It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.' Don't lose faith. The war isn't the end of us. Just be open to the idea of staying focused while living life to the fullest. Do that and reality will be rewarding."

- Transcendent Book of Life

"That's not the only thing we have to discuss. Willoughby will soon be run by different parties: Transcendents or the darkness. Mom, people are beginning to disappear." I say in a brittle voice; wiping my tears away. Gently, she places her hand on my chin and shakes her head. "The darkness has a name, you know? The Delphians. It means hidden or dark. I've had an inkling about the disappearances for quite some time now. Did you know that the founding families disappeared in the same way?"

Pushing her hands off of my face, I turn to her and snarl "All these years we could have been preparing ourselves for this war against The Delphians. Yet, you had the audacity to push me around and belittle me as if I was the dirt on the bottom of your shoes. Mom, I never felt loved by dad or you. Matty was the golden boy who knew everything; and I was a back-up plan. I do not need a history lesson."

Seizing my wrist, she looks me dead in the eye and says "Without my knowledge, you kids are better off dead. Haven't you read: Transcendents Book of Life? It quite literally states that you can't win if you go in without all the facts. Gather the knowledge. You're right – I was an appalling mother to you; but it was for your own good. I cannot lose another child to the chaos of the world we were born into. Matty died because fate intervened; because he fell in love with a creature of the night. So, do you want my help or not?"

How do I say no to my mother? Well, I have done it multiple times in the past – but circumstances have changed. That's when she glares her eyes like daggers towards Eddie. "You haven't made matters any easier. Not only does my daughter have to lead the group of celestial beings to a victory – she has to do it while pregnant. Do you have any idea how hard it is to win a war while protecting a small, innocent life? The Delphians will be after Emma. She is a prize to be won."

And there it was.

Mother dearest at her finest.

Now she truly knows almost everything we know; but she's a great asset to have on our team. Emotional and Physiological support. "I'm not a prize." I growl through my clenched teeth; before releasing my tension. "But I don't want to lose anyone else." I have to stand my ground against: my mother, my inner circle, and The Delphians. If I don't...our species will become extinct and darkness will swallow Willoughby whole.

"Listen, I only mean well."

"I know."

"Do you though? This isn't the life I ever imagined for you; but fate loves to intervene and rattle our cages. Granted, I should be excited to be a grandmother – understand that it puts a larger target on your back; even with you being the leader of Transcendents. That's why you have the gift of foresight. This was always your destiny." She's right though. With the baby being the prophet's son or daughter and the key to winning this battle against The Delphians – I need to think more strategically. Get my head in the game. Not continue to reckless and make rash decisions because I prefer that outcome over death. I mean I prefer anything over death; but it's not just about me anymore; nor was it ever about me. These are my people. The ones that are looking to me for answers. Without their support, we will indeed die out; and I won't let that happen on my watch.

Honestly, I thought that figuring out the mystery surrounding Matty's death was the biggest complication I had to deal with. That once I discovered who ran him off the road and killed him; that this journey would be over. I'd be able to leave Willoughby, California – no strings attached and put my vengeance-seeking-Nancy-Drew-days behind me. Silly I, for thinking that was my only problem. No, it just opened up the door to supernatural problems that no one in their right mind can wrap their head around. "With everything going on, what are we to do about the situation at hand? With dad, I mean?"

"We're not going to make matters worse. When this is over and it will end – we will turn him over to the police; evidence in hand and walk away. Emma, we will start anew somewhere in the future. Right now, we need to focus on scavenging for more Transcendents before the Delphians snatch all of them up. Do we have an understanding?"

Both Eddie and I nod in compliance to her request. Then he asks, "Should we be focusing on collecting high-power heads? Transcendents with multiple powers? Or should we use our time wisely to focus on capturing low-power heads? Or both?" Both my mother and I give him a side-glance as we arch our eyebrows in curiosity to his inquisitive nature. A trait he has picked up on since dating me; probably since he met me. It's encoded in his memory.

"Why should that matter? Your people need your protection. You shouldn't worry about powers; it's practically futile. Focus on finding others like yourself and make an army. No one ever wins a war without knowledge, skill, and enough people. Edison, there's a prophecy. I used it as a nursery rhyme when Matty & Emma were younger. My mother told it to me the day I found out I was having a little girl. The prophecy was: Twinkle, twinkle little star. One day you'll be the brightest star. Collect your constellations and they'll serve as your communications. There is a war brewing in the shadows; but your light will shine through. Twinkle, twinkle little star on through the night; and Transcendents alike will fight beside you with all their might. There will be a guy to guide you; entrust in him little star and the brightest star you will be. A force to be reckoned with; but a godsend nonetheless. Little star will set you free as you grace through reality. Sleep my little star – your day will come." Sung my mother as hummed along with her.

A prophecy. Matty's nickname for me. My grandmother June was a visionary just like me; and foresaw a world of: devastation, destruction, anguish, and war. It was all connected. His accident opened the door for all-things supernatural; and my family history comes to bloom in the open for the first time; like a primrose – the first rose of spring. That's why my parents hated me or pretended to hate me – I was part of this beginning of time prophecy; which could only mean one thing.

My parents were descended from the founding families; the ones that vanished into thin air and we're never found again. Transcendents and Delphians have already had a splash of war in the past – but I am the savior. A new component to take in account. "Your ancestors were founding family members."

Startled by my change in tone and accusation, she replies with "I guess the cat's out of the bag on family history. Anyways, I thank you for coming to me on both issues, but you two need to begin the search for Celestial beings. For Transcendents. To them it's a mystery and mysteries are classified as Telestic Findings. Don't let fear charm its way into your heart. Go find your people."

The door almost unhinged as she swung it open. Both Eddie and I head down the steps of the driveway; before I run back and throw my arms around my mom. "Thank you."

"Emma, don't thank me."

Then I trot down the steps again and hop in the car; with a notepad in my hand. "Let's do this."