Project Angel Book 1: Awakenings

Chapter 20

Micah

Enjeru was discharged from the hospital the next day. She doesn’t really remember what occurred while she was unconscious, but she knows it was bad. That’s kept me from asking her about those memories. Especially who that man was, something just doesn’t feel right about him. But I put all that to the side for now just glad Enjeru is back. She seems glad to be back, and having a new friend helps. It would seem Enjeru, and Angelique have a lot in common, bothering me, teasing me, beating me up, beating me up again. You can see they’re favorite pastime is messing with me. But I don’t mind. This is the first time in a long time I’ve seen Angelique genuinely happy. It’s been so long since we were just little kids all having fun. We all had to grow up quickly, and I think it hurt Angelique and Enjeru the most. So it’s good to see both of them happy about something.

Jake had suggested since we’re off to go to the Hagimatsuri held at Mukojima Hyakkaen Gardens. Everyone was pretty excited so we’re here now. We walked through the garden earlier and now we’re at the stalls. I watch Enjeru’s eyes dart from stall to stall unsure of where she wants to go. Jake watches from a distance seeming pleased his idea went over so well. Even Angelique is having fun which is a rare sight to see.

“Micah Micah come here!!!” Enjeru cheers.

“Yes, Enjeru what do you need?”

“Could you win me that?”

She points to a small stuffed rabbit in the back of the balloon popping stall.

“I can try.”

“Please win it it’s really important.”

When those words leave her lips I feel a wave of determination come over me. I pay for the five darts and aim for the first balloon. It hits flawlessly and Enjeru cheers. The second and third follow the same way. The fourth almost misses, but the fifth lands perfectly. Enjeru’s eyes light up when I hand her the prize she wanted.

“Thank you so much!!!”

She pecks my cheek quickly before hugging the rabbit to her body.

“Why was the rabbit so important?”

She smiles sadly.

“When I was young I had one just like it, and it was a gift from my mother. I guess I can’t really hate her for what she did considering I keep reminding myself of her.”

Now that I think about it I remember her hugging it in her memories. She looks at the rabbit with sad eyes.

" I’m sure she doesn’t hate you. In fact, I know she doesn’t.”

“You think?”

“I know. She may have been mad, but hey we all get mad, and do some stupid things take me and Angelique for example.”

“But I know why you guys were so mean. I just don’t understand why my mom was so mad even though I told her what happened.”

“Sometimes emotions get the best of us. But that doesn’t mean it’s how we really feel. Which means she loves you still and that it’s okay to miss her.”

“What right do I have to miss her when I killed her?”

“Look I know in my heart and soul that you weren’t yourself when you did that. Something or someone was using you. You love your family I can tell. I know you wouldn’t have tried to hurt any of them on purpose.”

“Do you really think she misses me wherever she is?” She sighs.

“Yes yes, I do. I think she wishes she could be here to see you grow up.”

“Thanks, Micah.”

She kisses me on the cheek again this time it lasting a little longer before running towards our friends. They all smile and wave happy to see us. I wave back still some distance away. Sudden the rabbit hits the ground along with Enjeru. I run over to her scared of what could be happening. The last time she passed out she was almost in a coma for good.

“ANGELIQUE WHAT’S HAPPENING!?!?!?!?!?”

“I don’t know she’s gone into some sort of cardiac arrest it seems. She’s really warm too.”

“Micah, what is that on her neck?” Jake ask.

I pull her collar aside to see strange marking all stemming from the sigil.

“Micah. . . .elders. . . .get. . . There. . . . .know. . . .what’s. . . . Wrong. . . .“She whispers before her eyes roll back into her head.

“We need to get her back to headquarters. If what she said is right then only the Elders can handle this.”

We all gather our things and everyone watches our panic movements not sure whether to help or just to watch. I grab the rabbit I won Enjeru hoping that maybe it will bring us luck as we try to solve this problem. Panic has set in as we rush back to headquarters. Enjeru looks worse by the minute her face paling, and a thin sheen of sweat has formed on her brow. Her breathing seems more erratic. The markings have spread to her face like vines from a thick brush choking her with every inch it grows.

We storm through the front entrance and into the council room. The guards react, but not before I rush forward with Enjeru.

“Please. . . she said to bring you here.....That you would know what to do......please, help her...”

“Lay her here Micah.”

I rush up the steps and lay her on the table in front of the elders. They push me back and all crowd her. A hand is placed on mine, and I look down to see Angelique holding it tightly. I notice my palm is oozing blood from where my nails have been digging deep into my flesh. I realize I must have been balling my fist up in order to try, and stay calm. My eyes fall back to the Elder’s as they step away.

“Micah where were you this evening?”

“At Hagimatsuri. We were having a good time, and then she fainted like this.”

“And that is all that happened?”

“Yes, I was with her the whole time. She never left us. She didn’t even go to the bathroom while we were there.”

“Micah answer me this and answer it honestly has she had any contact with anyone in her family since she’s been here?”

“Well, the night of the welcome back party. She said her twin brother was there then she fainted. But that was the only time she’s ever been around them completely alone I swear it.”

“Micah this is not good. Her twin is a master with all magic whether it be spells or curses. Not only is he skilled, but he creates his own spells and curses. It appears he’s jinxed the seal. We’ll have to destroy it and create a stronger one. If we succeed she’ll be fine.”

“If? What do you mean if?”

“Micah there is a large chance this won’t work and then she will need to be locked away.”

“No it has to work I know it will work.”

“Micah. . .”

“No, I’m not losing her. We just got her back, and I promised. I promised her. . . . If I have to do it myself I will.”

“As if you could perform a spell that took 20 master sorcerers to perform 54 years ago... Hold your tongue boy.” Marcus my least favorite of them sneers.

“I can do it. I know I can save her. I have to because there are people I will be letting down if I don’t.” I look to Jake, Alice, Syaraon, and Angelique’s worried faces.

“Then I will allow you to perform the ritual.”

All heads turn to the head of the elders Jakob.

“You can not be serious Jakob this boy can’t. . . .”

He raises a hand and turns to me.

“Micah How do you feel about her?”

“I can’t describe it, but she’s important. I feel compelled to help her. After learning her past I feel like she just needs someone she can trust. I want to be that person if possible.”

“Then he can do it, and there shall be no argument. Micah here is the text needed to perform the ritual. I hope the lord looks down upon you in favor son.”

I nod towards him, and take the book as well as Enjeru in my arms.

“Micah. . .”

“No Angelique I have to do this alone it’s the only way. I will return with Enjeru I will.”

I walk up to the altar room doors. The large stone doors open slowly, and I enter the room alone. I lay Enjeru down on the alter table, and open the book reading what I need to gather. I pull out the black candles and create a circle around Enjeru next I form a circle for myself. I stare at her in this frozen state, and I know I have to save her. I close my eyes, and begin reciting the spell while in the back of my mind I pray this works.