The Door

Chapter 18

"Everett!"

Everett jolted up at the sound of Axle's voice. The sound of hope. It was like a bugle. Everyone stared up at Axle. How he got onto the roof was a complete mystery. Even to Adron.

"I shall destroy everything you love, Everett. Like you destroyed everything I loved." Adron spat, completely ignoring Axle. Everett looked at Kaden, confused.

"What did I ever do to you? "

Adron stared at him in complete hatred.

"Look out!" Kaden screamed. She grabbed him just as a bullet flew past. The world slowed as he saw it rocket into the distance. Axle dashed to Adron, ripping the gun from his hands. The world suddenly quieted. Axle heaved, his eyes glowing.

"I can see him," It was as if someone else was using Axle as a speaker. "He's so sad," He doubled over, his hand still grasping Adron's arm. Adron hesitated, his eyes glazed over. He shut his eyes tightly, as if in pain. Axle dug his fingernails into his porcelain skin. He let go suddenly and step back. His eyes opened wide and he looked around skittishly. Adron opened his eyes as well, and grinned.

"Well Axle. It's time for you to choose."

Everett glanced at Kaden. "We have to save them," He whispered into her ear. She nodded.

"I know."

Axle glanced around, stepping back. He ran into the wall. His eyes flickered from Everett's to Adron's. Adron swirled around to face Everett.

"Do you know what is happening?" He smiled sweetly and the hairs on Everett's neck stood up. He shook his head hesitantly.

Adron started pacing between Everett and Axle. "Only one person at a time can have Mind magic, as you know," He gestured to Kaden. "And people started getting restless. So they would visit the Door and get powers for themselves. The Spirit of the Door refused, for he saw darkness in their hearts. So, the people of Kamere made their own magic." He grinned cruelly. "A whole society of underground people called the Bond of the Cosmos gained this magic for themselves, and called it Clarity. The powers Clarity gives someone is the ability to decipher someone's emotions by just touching them. This had grown to be incredibly useful, so that great leaders would just have to manage a small touch and know someone's loyalty and motivations. The Bond of the Cosmos, however, like everything was destroyed. Manmade magic is always broken.

"They have been forgotten for centuries. But I happened to find one." He hinted a smile at Axle. "After years of testing to make sure he is not too dangerous, I let him loose into the world."

Axle stared at Adron. "It was you," He gripped the stone wall behind him, his knuckles growing white from the pressure. "I was a science experiment." He looked into the distance wistfully, showing no emotion at all.

"Axle, I am so so sorry that this had to happen to you. But we need you," Everett pleaded, stepping forwards.

Axle stared at Everett, trying to understand his words in his own fog of emotion. His face changed. "Adron. You have ruined my life, and I can never forgive you for that."

"But I let you go. I could have let you rot in that coffin for eternity, but I didn't."
Axle shuddered. "I'm so sorry," He whispered, stepping back. He glanced at Everett. "How do we stop this?"

Everett looked to Kaden.

"By destroying the source,"

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