Protectors

Chapter 1: The Move

Energy filled the room as he entered. The lights, previously turned off, flickered on as he touched the wall. Screens buzzed to life and filled the wall, but he focused on one in particular. A girl with emerald green eyes, sparkling with passion as she danced. Floating across the floor, it seemed as if she was in a dream, her body perfectly matching every position. But the movements of her body wasn't the only thing that danced with her spirit. He watched transfixed, as the water of the ocean danced across the horizon, pulling itself towards her, mimicking her movements with a dangerous power.

Something caught his eye on the next screen. She paced back and forth across the floor, with tears flowing from her eyes. But the movement wasn't what caught his attention. It was the fireplace in the background. He watched as the fire grew when she got near, fueled by the sadness which was so evident on her face, and shrank back when she walked away again.

His attention was pulled, a brief memory of the footage he had watched so many times before. Two young boys playing in the palace gardens, completely oblivious of the danger that began to blossom in the world. They were protected by fierce armies and impenetrable stone walls, but soon they would leave their home. And he was ready when they did.

Connecting each image together he contemplated, an evil smirk spreading across his face. He knew the time was coming. Just a bit more patience, and everything would fall into place. His plan for humanity would finally come to fruition.

***

She looked into the mirror and sighed heavily, waves of emotions creating swirling clouds in her eyes. Anticipation, curiosity, wonder and the slightest bit of fear reflected back to sparkling emerald green eyes. Tears welled in her eyes but she blinked them back, brushing a strand of curly brown hair behind her ear. The years had been long, memories bittersweet and a new chapter was starting. Faith glanced over to her almost vacant closet, the only thing left hanging was a black gown, decorated with colorful twisted cords, a symbol of the last four years of her life. Just down the stairs, a pile of boxes built a grand tower, filled with mementos and keepsakes, a small piece of home that would travel with her on this next adventure. The room seemed so empty, and it was time.

The anxiety that filled her was almost too much to bear, imagining what a life away from home would look like. Not just away, but in another country. A place where no one would know her name. The move was a source of anxiety, but also a dream. The childhood dream out of a fantasy novel, filled with hope, a charming prince and the happily ever after every girl dreams of. The Alcott School for the Performing Arts in London was a school whisked straight out of one of these tales. For in London, she felt like anything was possible. The call of her older brother Josh pulled her from the daydream, yanking her back to reality.

"Faith! Are you ready to go?" She heard footsteps echoing on the stairs as her brother appeared in the doorway. "Need a hand?"

"If you don't mind, just that box there" She pointed, swinging a backpack over her shoulder and picking up the guitar case leaning against the door.

"Got it. Now let's go, you're going to be late." He teased, lifting the box with a wink

"I'm coming, I'm coming."

She ran down the stairs, a slight bounce in her step and stepped outside into the crisp fall air. Taking one last glance around at the bustling people crowding the sidewalks, smelling the delectable scent of food carts drifting through the air, and hearing the hurried woosh of cars as they rushed by, left her feeling nostalgic; this had been home for so long. Now it was time to say goodbye to the streets of New York that she had become so accustomed to. Pulling out her phone, she sent a quick text to her best friend and partner in crime Amber. 'Hey get ready to go, I'm going to come pick you up alright?'. The two were practically inseparable, bonding over their home country, adoptive families and love for the performing arts.