Seth stood on the edge of a cliff, fog covering everything outside his immediate vicinity in a murky grayness. He stretched his hand into the fog and it disappeared into the thick blanket for gray once it was fully extended. An unreal fog, being incredibly thick. Was he dreaming? Withdrawing his hand Seth turned slowly to look around, calling out after a few moments, “Hello? Is anyone there?” Nothing greeted him but silence. His heart beat faster as he started walking slowly through the fog, searching, trying to find anyone or anything besides the denseness around him.

A soft sound reached out to him and Seth turned in its direction and started walking. After a few steps there was another sound, closer, but in the opposite direction. He turned, started walking, then stopped once more. Again the sound was louder and to his left, but this time he could distinguish the sound. Screaming. Terrified, panicked screaming that was muffled thanks to the fog. Picking up his pace, Seth went towards the new sounds at a jog.

From out of nowhere a shadow suddenly loomed ahead of him in the fog, appearing so quickly that Seth barely kept from tripping over his own feet as he stopped. “Hello?” He asked again but there was no response. The screaming had stopped as soon as the shadow had appeared. It remained eerily still and goosebumps ran up and down Seth’s arms. “Are you okay? I heard screaming.” Rubbing his arms to ward off the sudden chill, Seth was trying to get the figure to say something, or perhaps even just acknowledge him. Instead of speaking the figure pointed skyward.

As Seth looked up he saw the fog had parted up in a perfect circle to show the sky. Through the circle he saw something in the sky growing larger, something burning red. A meteor? It was getting bigger, growing closer until at last it split into a hundred shards, shards that didn’t burn up in the atmosphere but instead seemed to be unnaturally protected. They shot out in different directions at different speeds as if they were being somehow guided. One piece came right down the center of the fog towards Seth. Eyes widening Seth watched the fragment close in on him as he let out a scream, a scream that was enveloped an overwhelmed by the sound of the meteor hitting.

***

The scream carried from the dream into the waking world as Seth quickly sat up, his heart beating at an almost unrealistic rate while sweat beaded his brow. It had been a dream, only a dream. But it had seemed so real, so vivid. His hand went his forehead and he could feel the heat from the meteor slowly fading from him. It took a moment for Seth to piece together what had happened. The last he remembered was an agonizing pain followed by darkness, and then the dream. His hand dropped from his head as he looked around the room he was in. It was dark. He could barely make out the walls. It was then that he realized that he was inside one of the natural looking mound houses. How had he gotten here?

Seth pushed the sweat soaked sheets aside and stood, walking slowly to the green leaf coverings on the window. They hung from the top of the window, leaves growing along some sort of vine. Seth reached up to pull the leaves aside a little so he could look out, but as his hand neared the leaves they started to part for him as if they were alive and aware. Seth jerked his hand back quickly in surprise at the strange movement and he stared at the leaves, breath suddenly coming quickly. What in the hell is going on? He thought to himself, watching as the leaves slowly moved back to their original positions. After his heart slowed down from its surprised state Seth stepped forward again tilting his head slightly and putting his hand forward slowly. As his hand neared the leaves they again moved away, of their own volition, from his hand. As if they were just opening for him. Seth tested it a few more times, each time with the same response, before he finally moved his hand in between the leaves so they opened enough for him to see out.

It was daylight and streams of sunlight shone down through the trees, illuminating the Haven with a soft white light. The Haven looked a lot different with the sun providing light to see clearly by. Although, without the bugs to light the paths and mark the houses it became difficult to tell what was a building and what were natural trees or hills. There were people moving around the Haven, each intent on wherever it was they were going and completing whatever tasks they were doing. Seth watched in amazement through the window opening and instantly felt like a creeper of some sort, yet it was all so different and intriguing that he couldn’t resist.

“Glad to see you’re finally awake,” A low warm voice said behind him. Seth spun around and the leaves fell closed behind him. The presence of the leaves didn’t block out all light but let in some green filtered stream which shifted across the room as the leaves moved. At first Seth couldn’t see anything and he waited for his eyes to adjust, body tense and fists in front of him as he waited for someone to attack him. And then it struck him. Seth realized he wasn’t wearing anything at all. No shirt, no pants, no underwear. It would’ve been embarrassing if he wasn’t so scared.

“Who is that? Who’s there?” Seth asked in a voice that shook slightly despite his best efforts to show a strong front. Damn his voice for betraying him.

“Just me.” The voice responded just before a shadow detached from the bed he’d been sleeping on. Seth watched in silence as the shadow moved slowly towards him. It was only waist high and seemed to be walking on four legs instead of two, but that didn’t do anything to ease Seth’s fear. Animals could be more vicious than humans. Clenched fists remained at the ready, though his punching left much to be desired. Moving purposefully the shadow stopped a short distance away, a trail of green light shining down on black fur and golden eyes. It was Midnight. The wolf stretched, yawned, and shook himself while Seth watched in stunned silence. Once the wolf was done he sat down and stared at Seth, head tilting slightly before opening his muzzle, giving a wolf grin, “What, aren’t you going to say anything?” The muzzle hadn’t really moved and Seth wasn’t sure if the voice came from the animal, but after a quick look around he realized that it couldn’t have come from anywhere else.

“You can talk?” Seths tone was soft and he spoke slowly, almost as if he were talking to a child. Was he really talking to an animal? Maybe his dream hadn’t ended when he’d sat up.

“I’ve always been able to talk. You just couldn’t hear me.” Midnight replied and in Seth’s opinion the voice and the way the wolf looked at him all indicated the wolf was having quite a fun time with this whole revelation.

Seth was just about to reply again when he heard another voice, this one behind him and to the left. “I thought I heard talking in here.” Seth turned again, at this point expecting to see some other wild creature had wandered in to talk to him. In that he was disappointed.

Standing in one of the two doorways out of the room stood a man he didn’t know, living vines draped over him as he only half entered the space. The man was younger then Seth by at least a few years and was a few inches taller. Dirty blonde hair was cut short and he had strong yet somehow soft facial features surrounding deep blue eyes. The way he moved as he stepped through the vines and over to the window was flowing and smooth with no movement wasted. Unlike the others Seth had seen so far, this man wore a lightweight cotton shirt and the same was true of his pants, both dyed in mottled browns like camouflage. His body beneath the clothing appeared thin yet Seth had a feeling there was a lot of strength there by his frame. Seth was smitten.

Seth watched as the man walked to another window that didn’t face the pathway before brushing leaves aside with a hand, hooking them in natural groves on either side to let in more light. Seth noticed the leaves didn’t move for the stranger as they had for him. He actually needed to touch and hold them.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake, you gave us all quite a scare. Nobody knew when you were going to wake up.” With the light now shining in through the window the man turned to look at Seth, smiling warmly, those blue eyes looking him over briefly for signs of damage. Seth had been so distracted with the man’s arrival that he’d completely forgotten about his current clothing situation, or rather, the lack thereof. Blood rushed to his cheeks as Seth whipped a blanket off the bed to cover his lower region, though even with that Seth wasn’t entirely comfortable with how he looked, especially not in the presence of this attractive specimen of a man. The stranger’s smile widened and there was a twinkle in his eye as he said, “Don’t be shy. Who do you think got you into bed?”

Seth hadn’t really thought of that. He rather hoped it was Derrick. The coverings remained as he stared at the stranger. ”Who are you? And where am I? Where is Derrick?” He sounded like a frightened idiot and he knew it, but he had questions and needed answers. It’s not like he had ever blacked out and wound up naked in someone’s house before. Even on those rare drinking occasions.

“My name is Chase and you are a guest in my house. As for where my brother is,” he smirked when he said the word, apparently enjoying Seth’s shocked look, “I believe he went to visit our father.” After the explanation Chase went over to one wall which had many natural notches in it of varying sizes. In each was a variety of neatly folded clothing, most of it seeming to be either of mottled browns or dark greens. Camouflage colors. “He was here until he was sure you were okay, then he left to take care of some business.”

“Your brother? His father?” So Derrick hadn’t only been lying about Seths parents. He’d lied about his own as well. And a brother? An attractive brother at that. Seth couldn’t help but watch Chase as he moved, his eyes watching the smooth movements and… wait, now was not the time to be guy watching.

“Yes, Derrick and I are brothers. Well, half brothers I suppose. I’m three years younger and have a different mother but we have the same father. Derricks mother died giving birth to him.”

So it hadn’t all been a lie, Seth thought sadly. Some of it was still painfully and horribly true.

“My mother still lives with our father.” Chase finally found what he was looking for and pulled the clothing out. “Here we go.” He turned and set the clothes on the bed, then headed back towards the…door?...he’d come in through. “Go ahead and get dressed. I’ll make some breakfast.”

“Uh…thanks.” Seth replied with a hint of uncertainty that faded as Chase smiled at him, causing his heart to beat faster. As Chase was about to let the vines at the door fall back into place Seth stopped him for one last question. “Wait. Uh. How long have I been out?”

“Three days.” Came the reply as the vines drifted back together to give him some privacy.

Three days, how could he have been asleep for three days? Seth quickly got dressed once Chase was gone, pulling a black linen shirt over his head and tugging similar black pants up to his waist. He fussed with the clasp for a moment before finally fitting it together with a grunt of effort. The outfit was a little big for him but beggars can’t be choosers. That man was smaller around the middle than Seth and his small Buddha belly, but bigger in frame and height. He looked for his shoes for a moment but failed in finding them, so he went out barefoot through the vines.

The vines moved aside for him without him having to touch them, just as the leaves had. Why hadn’t they done the same thing for Chase? It was odd. Just another question to add to the hundreds he already had. The ground in the house was made up of stone that again seemed to have always been there as if nature had built the house while the Earth was forming. It was cold as Seth walked on it though not as cold as he would’ve expected.

“There’s some slippers by the door there.” Chase was facing away from Seth and the bedroom, cooking eggs over a fire stove. “I hope you like scrambled eggs. I’m afraid eggs are all I have at the moment since I haven’t had time to hunt while I’ve been watching over you.” The area he was in now was a mixture of dining room and kitchen. A small table with some stools, an area with some kind of wood-fire based stove and oven. Even an ice box, one that was kept cool with actual ice. The light that shone through the open windows helped to illuminate this area and how these dirt houses worked. It was all hard packed and smooth, certainly not something done by human hands. He wasn’t even sure it could be moved by human hands.

“Yeah, that’s great…thanks.” Seth rarely had to meet new people, and certainly not ones whose house he was in without knowing them. He wasn’t the kind of person who went out to clubs or even bars and certainly didn’t end up in peoples beds unexpectedly. His pants had slipped down ever so slightly and Seth had to tug them up, then keep a hand on them as he put on the slippers.

“Your old clothes had some tears in them so we sent them to be used as rags.” Chase continued talking as he cooked, so he wasn’t facing Seth to see the surprise at those words. His clothes hadn’t been that bad had they? “Your shoes were dirty but I cleaned them up. They’re by the front entrance.”

Seth sat on a stool next to the table, staring at Chase. “Oh, good. Thanks.” He was certainly thanking the other man a lot. “Actually, I don’t know that thanks is enough. I feel like I should owe you something more for all you’ve done.”

Chase waved a hand in a dismissing motion as he turned with a plate of eggs. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re okay. I would always help my brothers Earthen, not to mention his best friend.” Chase set the plate in front of Seth along with a fork and a miniature block of something white. Salt? “I never thought Derrick could worry about someone so much as he did with you. He wouldn’t leave until they were certain you would be okay and that wasn’t until late last night. He blames himself for it, but he didn’t really know.”

Seth was confused by whatever Chase meant and it showed plainly on his face. Did the man really expect him to know what the hell he was talking about? “I have no idea what you just said.” He interjected before Chase could continue onwards. After that his mouth was busy inhaling the eggs as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Which was true.

Chase stopped talking for a moment as he thought over what he’d said. “Yeah, I guess you don’t really know what I’m talking about. You wouldn’t, since they kept you unaware of all of this.” A wave of his hand incorporated the house and everything surrounding it. “I apologize. This must be so foreign to you.” It was an understatement, but Seth was quiet while he inhaled his food. Chase watched him eat with a faint smile and Seth felt a little self-conscious. But in the end the sustenance was more important. “I’m glad someone enjoys my fancy cooking.”

Seth actually blushed slightly as he finished the eggs in record time before pushing the now empty plate away. “Thanks, that was great. Best eggs ever.” There was a moment of silence as Chase took the empty plate and washed it as well as his cooking utensils. Meanwhile, Seth tried to think of what he should do next. His old life was gone for now, unless he wanted to risk more of those demons finding him. It left a huge hole in his life where normal things had once filled him. Now that was gone. As Chase cleaned Seth realized what it was he needed to do first. He needed answers for his questions, and he needed to talk, to someone he never thought he’d be able to. “My mother…”

“Is in a meeting at the moment.” Chase finished for him before Seth could say anything further. “She’s an Elder on our council.” A pause before Chase added softly, “Yet another thing you wouldn’t know about.” Chase dried his hands slowly and seemed to be lost in thought. Seth said nothing as he waited to see what else the man might offer. “How about we start your introduction to our world with a tour of the Haven, hmm?” Chase turned to flash a warm smile and a raised brow at the last word, causing Seth’s pulse to quicken again. He really needed to get that under control.

Midnight pushed through the vines between the rooms at the talk of going outside. Perhaps he wasn’t so different from a normal wolf after all. But then again he got a sense that it was to protect Seth as well. His protector. The wolf didn’t speak again as he padded silently past the two humans and through another more heavily vined door to what Seth guessed was the outdoors. Seth stood to follow and just barely managed to grab his pants as they started sinking down again. Chase caught notice of the movement and his eyes glinted with humor before he could hide it.

“I forgot how big those were. Let me see if I can fix that.” Chase disappeared into the bedroom again only to return with a length of thin rope. Without another word he crouched in front of Seth and started feeding the rope through a few loops in the pants completing the circuit in front where he tied it.

Seth stood as still as a statue and looked anywhere but down at the other man, and by the time Chase finished Seth was blushing fiercely. “Thanks…again,” he managed to get out without sounding fully as embarrassed as he felt. Once the words were out of his mouth Seth quickly went to the front entrance and found his shoes, purposefully keeping his face down and hidden from Chase as he pulled them on. Chase slipped on his own shoes next to Seth and, once they were both ready, they left to start the tour.

***

The Haven was much larger then Seth had originally thought. The paths and houses spread beyond what he could see and according to Chase the Haven spammed a few square miles. Everything blended seamlessly into the forest and dirt, and at first it was hard to tell what was a house and what wasn’t but as they walked longer the differences became easier to spot. Chase was an excellent tour guide and Seth began to learn a lot of the people he’d never known.

“Before the Earthen were created, Chaotics ruled the world with chaos magic and demons. Humans were powerless to fight against what the Chaotics were able to do. Some people took to learning Chaotic arts in an attempt to fight for their freedom, vowing to only use that power for good. But the power turned out to be corrupting and in the end they became like those they were going to fight against, ruling over and often killing those closest to them.

“The Planet itself began to feel the torture of the chaos created by the Chaotics as their demons begin wrecking the face of the planet and digging into its depths. You see, a Chaotics power comes from chaos; the chaos of people’s emotions, the chaos of a ruined planet, the chaos of war. Death, fear, and pain feeds their power as well as the destructive appetites of the demons they summon. For a long time, the Chaotics ruled with what power they could take from human’s fear and pain, but as the human numbers dwindled they turned to torturing the planet.” As Chase spoke the three of them, including Midnight, walked down paths that wove in and out of different areas. There was a definite setup to the Haven, with a spot for a type of market, a different one for craftsmen, even one that catered to Spirit Animals.

“The Planet rose up against the Chaotics in what ways it could causing earthquakes, tsunamis, even tornadoes to kill Chaotics and destroy their demons and lands. But the Chaotics were too powerful and the destruction the Earth brought only fed them and allowed them to defend themselves against its futile efforts. Finally, the planet decided to use humans to fight back and defeat their common enemy, while also helping to restore the damage done to the planet. From the remaining humans all over the world the Planet gifted certain of them abilities to control its surface and draw on the planets energies to destroy the Chaotics for good. These were the Earthen.

“Only those who had a special affinity with the Earth were able to channel its power. To help protect the Earthen the planet gave them Guardians, those who weren’t able to control the planets power directly but still were given its gift. Also to help channel the energy of the planet they were given the Spirit Animals. The Guardians gifts manifested differently than the Earthen, making them stronger and faster than humans as well as giving them an ability to manage their pain and heal faster than normal. In addition the planet gave them their own special knowledge, that of an innate ability to know and use most weapons. Spirit Animals are born of the Earthen’s own spirit and are a part of each individual Earthen, taking on a form equivalent to their mentality, ability, and will.

“In order for the Earthen to truly be able to succeed they needed to be able to communicate to the planet and all its creatures. They were given the ability to speak to all animals and also a special connection to their Spirit Animals that allowed them to speak mentally to each other. Then the Earthen and Guardians were Linked in a ceremony that not only strengthens them both but also allows Guardians to speak to their Earthen spirit animals. Some say that was unintended and really spirit animals and Guardians weren’t supposed to be able to speak but no one can prove it.”

While Chase told the story of the Earthen’s past they continued their stroll around the Haven, past training yards, bakeries, food storage, skinners, and all other manner of craftsmen and cooks. Seth only listened, taking it all in and piecing together parts of his life that he’d never before thought of that now fit together. How Midnight came to him and he’d known the wolf’s name. Why Derrick and he had always been as close as brothers. Even why he was much happier around nature then being stuck inside a large city. It explained a lot.

“Together all the Earthen around the world sent the demons back to their own world and killed most of the Chaotics, freeing humans from the torment. They created Havens all around the world to gather and stay, living on to keep the balance for the planet. Now they mostly help forests grow and repair damage to the Earth, but sometimes they’re still called on to fight Chaotics. Since their retreat into the Havens the humans have forgotten about the Earthen and what they’ve done for all of humanity. Now for most humans it would sound crazy, and if the current world has proven anything it’s that they dislike anything different. So the Earthen now live and work in secret.”

Chase stopped at an apple tree and reached up to pick a low hanging fruit, giving one to Seth before picking another for himself. “That’s…unbelievable. Is it all true?” Seth said before taking a bite of the apple. It was tangy, fresh, and juicy in a way that Seth had never tasted before and forced him to add, “This is amazing.”

“Anything out of a Haven is going to taste much better than anything the humans grow.” Chase’s smile was warm as he took a bite of his own apple. “And it’s all true. The world isn’t as simple as humans seem to think it is. No offense.”

“None taken. Besides, you say I’m not exactly human so can I really take offense?” They continued the tour around the Haven with Chase giving him explanations of the locations and buildings as they went. There was something that made Seth uneasy as they went further along and it wasn’t the fact that he could suddenly understand animals around him talking to other Earthen. He finally realized what it was when they reached the archery range. The entire time Seth had noticed that others who passed them gave them strange looks or didn’t notice them at all. After the third person Seth finally asked, “What is wrong with everyone?”

“You’re half human and I’m a Uni…UnLinked Guardian. The UnLinked are low in the eyes of the Earthen. They think that because we didn’t Link, we must be lacking in some way.” There was a hint of something that Seth thought was resentment in Chase’s voice as he spoke. “As if we had a choice.” Though Seth couldn’t see his eyes he decided the other man was annoyed. “Any half breeds aren’t supposed to know this world exists. But then again no one with a human parent has ever had Earthen abilities.” Chases eyes went to Seth as he said that.

“What?” Seth asked uncertainly, ducking his head and fidgeting with his shirt, “I don’t have any abilities. I’m just a normal human.” The thought of having some special ability actually made Seth a little uneasy.

“You do,” Chase started, paused, then added, “but it’s not my place to explain. That will be for your mother.”

Yet another secret kept from him. Seth looked away from Chase trying to keep his annoyance hidden. A hand settled on Seth’s shoulder, surprising him and causing him to turn back to see it was Chase’s.

“It’s not because I don’t want to Seth.” His voice was soft and comforting, and his smile caused Seth’s annoyance to melt away and he even found himself smiling back. “I just don’t know the entirety of it. And your mother was the one in charge of it all.”

“No, it’s okay. I guess it means we’re both not what they expect. At least you’re still good looking.” The words slipped out before Seth could stop himself and he immediately looked shocked as his cheeks started to burn. “I mean, uh…”

“It’s okay.” Chase chuckled and squeezed Seth’s shoulder comfortingly before nodding his head down the path. “We should get moving though. I’m not sure when they’re going to call for you but we should make it easy. They can get ornery otherwise.”

From when they’d left to when they returned to Chase’s house it had gone from morning to early afternoon. Seth wasn’t sure where the time had gone, but then again it had been surprisingly enjoyable and in good company. Besides, the old saying went ‘Time flies when you’re having fun.’

“Thanks for the tour Chase. This has definitely been the best part of this whole, whatever it is that’s been happening.” They had just entered the house and Seth knelt to untie his shoes, “Actually this is the best time I’ve had in a while.” As Seth stood again he jumped slightly, surprised at how close Chase had gotten. Why was he so close? He could feel the warmth coming off of Chase’s body and his heart quickened once more.

The voice was still strange to Seth, and it really surprised him to hear that voice in his head. It also ruined a moment that seemed like it might actually go somewhere. He wanted to reach out and lay a hand on the younger man, but held back and instead took a step away.

“Midnight says someone is coming.” Seth got out before Chase could even ask.

Without a word Chase stepped back and pulled the hanging over the doorway aside just enough to peek out. He looked surprised, “It’s your mother.”

***

The kitchen was silent but for the sound of Chase making a late lunch. Seth sat on one side of the small table, staring at his mother of all people, with Midnight lying next to him. His mother was sitting across from him staring back with bright green eyes. Despite unspoken uncertainties he’d had about his mother actually being one of these Earthen there was no denying the resemblance they shared. Her hair was brown and hung long and loose behind her, the weight straightening otherwise semi-curly hair. The shape of her eyes and nose made Seth feel like he could be staring at a female version of himself in a mirror. But there was where the similarities ended, including politeness. When she’d entered Chase had treated her like an honored guest and led her to a stool, leaving Seth following on his own. Besides the initial greetings between Chase and his mother there were no other words spoken by anyone.

After a minute or two had passed Seth finally broke the silence, “Nice to see you, mother.” He couldn’t keep the bite out of his tone at having to be the first one to talk.

“Don’t speak to me like that.” His mother snapped immediately and very mother-like. “You’ve caused more trouble than you can possibly know by being here.”

“Oh really? Was it more trouble than when you left me on the steps of an orphanage? Or was that a relief?” Seth knew he was probably only making things worse by his biting remarks, but the anger of being lied to about his entire life had finally found a focus and come to the forefront.

Chase stepped in quickly before Seth could continue, bringing them both cups of tea as he said, “It is an honor to have you Council Woman. Please have some tea while I finish making lunch.” Seth’s mother glared at Chase for his interruption but the man didn’t seem to notice. Or perhaps, based on their earlier discussion, he was just used to such looks.

“What is your name? Or should I call you Council Woman?” Seth’s tone was bitter as he used the word Chase had, eyes not leaving the woman in front of him despite the interruption. Then, without waiting for a response, he asked “Why did you abandon me?”

“I am Enora Lowan. You may call me Enora, Council Woman, or mother.” Seth noticed that it seemed to be an effort for her to remain so calm. “I didn’t abandon you.” Her green eyes had moved down to look into her tea as she fell silent. Seth managed to bite his tongue and wait since he could see she wasn’t done speaking. “Your entire life was made up of those faithful to the Earthen. The orphanage, your foster parents, even the city you moved to, they all had people who know of and help us.” As the words came she finally looked back up at her son and Seth stared at her in surprise. “They watched over you and took care of you without you even knowing. You also had a Guardian and a Spirit Animal both of which are unheard of for a half human.

“When you were born I didn’t want you to go. But, it has always been Earthen law that no half breeds can live within a Haven, nor even know of their existence. And yet even then you were special. A half breed that showed potential to have Earthen abilities by the existence of a Spirit Animal.” Enora’s voice grew soft as she spoke the next words. “When the Grand Council found out about you they wanted to kill you instantly.”

Seth was stunned and his mouth dropped opened in shock. The sounds of cooking stopped for a moment and the room was silent before Chase returned to making their lunch. The sound seemed to break Seth of his shock, enough so that he managed to speak, brokenly, “They wanted to kill me? Why?”

“You were different, and they were afraid.”

“Were you afraid?” Seth felt the need to ask. He wasn’t sure why it mattered but he needed to know how she felt.

“No.” The reply was instant and for the first time since he’d seen her Enora, his mother, looked upset, and not with him. “I managed to convince them that you couldn’t be a threat since you have Earthen blood. Eventually they allowed me to send you away like other half breeds with the same protections in place to prevent you from finding out about the Earthen. By the time we sent you away you were already over a month old and had become Linked. Something else entirely unprecedented and unexpected since you weren’t even in the right area to gain such a Link. That’s why Derrick went with you. We felt that was all that was necessary. No one expected a half breed to be attacked by demons.”

“Well then ‘no one’ was wrong.” Seth said dryly, then immediately felt sorry when he saw his mother lower her gaze. She was trying to be calm and explain their decisions and he was only making it more difficult. He bit his lip for a moment as he tried to decide whether to apologize or not. Instead he only continued. “So what were these protections? And when did Derrick find out about all of this?”

“He’s been training since he was little. Another Earthen and their Guardian has always lived close to you both. They trained Derrick and instructed him on what all Guardians are taught. The protections, I’m afraid, are what made you black out when you arrived.” Now that the conversation had moved away from some of the past her voice gained what he expected was a normal volume, though her eyes returned to her cup. “You have great power in you, and a strong will to make it as far as you did. All half breeds are given a mental block of their birth and as a measure to keep them away the block includes causing pain if they come within a few miles of a Haven. The pain is different for everyone though it is generally headaches. If a half breed were ever to get within a half mile of a Haven the pain would be so bad they would be forced to turn back.

“You not only got close to this Haven but you entered it and didn’t have any severe symptoms until you had been inside for a short time.” Was it Seths imagination or did he hear a hint of pride in her voice. “The block pushed harder and harder at you until you finally blacked out. Luckily I wasn’t far and was able to lift the block before it did any serious or permanent damage.” She paused then and her eyes met Seth’s again and this time there was a curiosity in them. “The block for you had an added effect in that it suppressed your Earthen abilities. It’s why you couldn’t speak to your...wolf, before. I’m sure by now he’s at least told you that.” Enora’s eyes drifted down to the wolf.

Seth looked down at Midnight, the wolf born of his own spirit and now a part of him like an extra limb. He knew it now, he could feel it and while it was new it didn’t feel unnatural. In fact, if Enora hadn’t explained why he didn’t notice before he’d have thought that he was the densest person to not feel the connection previously. “He has talked a few times. Not much.” Midnight was sleeping and his foot twitched as he dreamed, causing Seth to smile down at him. This wolf had protected him in his house when the demons attacked, and now he realized it had guarded him every night. That’s why he was always at the house when Seth got home. The first time he’d not lived with Derrick, Midnight had started guarding him.

“Speaking with animals is not the only ability the Earthen have.” Enora’s voice broke into his thoughts and he looked back to her to see she was watching him. “Growing plants and having Spirit Animals only scratches the surface. There is much more.” Enora sat straighter in her chair and seemed to switch to an almost business manner. “But first the Council has to decide what to do. This is something that has never happened before and the discussion has not been well.” Her voice became chilled and her eyes hardened as she continued, “But I will not let them hurt my blood. Still, you must be prepared for whatever may happen. The Council moves slowly and it may be days or even weeks before they reach a final decision. You must rest and learn what you can of our people to help convince the Council you can fit in.”

“Fit in?” Seth was starting to wonder if she kept trying to shock him to see if he’d keel over. “I’m supposed to stay here? What about my life. My job, my house.” Everything he’d ever known. His voice had raised in surprise with each word but his mother seemed unaffected.

“It was all given to you by Earthen supporters and they will take it back, of course.”

“So I’m not given a choice?”

“Not right now.” His mothers tone had turned to steel. “The Council will decide what to do with you. Until then you are to stay within the Haven. I have asked one of the teachers to come to you and help you begin working with your abilities. I’m sorry,” she interrupted when he opened his mouth to speak, her voice raising now as well, “but that is the way it has to be for now.” She stood and out of habit of politeness Seth did as well. “The Council is re-convening. I have to go.” She was gone before Seth could get any sound out, walking through the doorway as the leaf hanging parted for her as it had for Seth.

Seth was left standing with his mouth open and words dying on his tongue. He was a prisoner and he hadn’t even known it. All his life choices had been made for him and he hadn’t known it. Now his future was on the line in front of people he’d never even met.

“Your mother has a lot of pull with the Council. I wouldn’t worry.” Chase said softly at Seth’s elbow. Seth hadn’t noticed his approach so lost had he been in his own thoughts. Seths mouth snapped shut audibly. “She’s the most powerful living Earthen in the world. Her words are all that saved you when you were born. My brother told me about it all. They were ready to kill you until she threatened them. Part of the agreement was that you were always watched to ensure you could never cause any Havens harm.”

“My entire life has been one big play put on by a people I didn’t know existed. And I danced to their tune without even knowing.” Seths eyes went to Midnight but the wolf was still asleep. “Derrick knew and he helped them lie to me and drive my life on their course.” When Seths eyes turned to Chase they were icy. “And what about you? Did they tell you to take me for a tour to try and get close to me?” And how close Chase had gotten before. There was something there, he could feel it. There was only one person besides him who knew about his sexuality, but now he wondered just how ‘personal’ his life was.

Chase’s eyes widened and it looked as if Seth had just punched him in the stomach. For once the Guardian didn’t seem to be able to come up with any words. Seth took that as a sign that he was right and he started towards the front entrance. He hadn’t taken more than a few steps before there was a hand on his shoulder, “Wait-“ Chase started to say but Seth wasn’t in the mood, in fact he’d never been more emotionally upset in his life. He turned with the intent to punch Chase but his fist only hit air. Before he realized where Chase was he got pushed sideways into the wall.

“Calm down.” Chase looked worried as he held Seths arms at his side. Seth was surprised at the strength Chase possessed, but that didn’t stop him from reacting. Seth head butted Chase in the jaw realizing belatedly that a jaw is hard. However it did cause Chase to take a few surprised steps back. However the Guardian recovered almost immediately and Seth was still getting over the pain he’d just caused himself. Anger was evident in Chase’s eyes and before Seth could move more than a step Chase charged him. They went right through the vines into the bedroom, ripping some of them down as they couldn’t open in time for Seths body. Together they fell to the floor with Chase landing on top of Seth. Seth let out a grunt as they landed but managed to get his feet under Chase and shove, kicking the other man off and climbing to his feet as Chase did the same.

The tension in the room was high as they squared off. Seth threw some punches but each time Chase dodged them like child’s play before returning the favor. The only difference was his connected. Chase unloaded into Seth’s stomach, ribs and face, eventually causing Seth to stumble backwards and trip over the bed, falling to the sheets. Before he could move Chase was on top of him, kneeling into his arms, fist raised to punch again. Seth was defenseless and in pain, barely able to register what was happening. Chase was quick, and there was no effort wasted on any of his movements. How he managed such a feat was quite the mystery.

Seth closed his eyes and turned his head in the only defensive thing he could think do in his pained stupor. His heart pounded in his ears as he awaited the beating. But it didn’t come. After a few tense moments Seth cracked an eye open as he turned his head slowly to look at Chase. He was staring down at Seth with a shocked expression, “I’m sorry.” He whispered quietly, then quickly continued, “I…I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry. But you have to trust me, I didn’t have anything to do with whatever they did to you.” If there was one thing Seth learned that day, it was that the Guardian had a temper when he was attacked

“Oh.” Seth’s voice was just as quiet though it was more from pain than anything else. “Can you get off my arms please, it hurts.” Chase stood quickly, looking abashed, and Seth sat slowly and rubbed his arms, then his chin, the rest of his body complaining with each movement. “You’re fast. And strong. Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“It’s a part of my training.” Chase responded as he sat on the bed next to Seth. “I’m sorry.” He said again, worry creeping into his voice. “Sometimes I go a little overboard if I get angry.”

“No, no it’s okay. I was…upset and I over reacted.” Seth touched his lip to find it cut and bleeding in more than one spot. Chase had really done on a number on him while remaining perfectly untouched himself. It was frightening, once he thought about it. He wouldn’t want to get on the Guardian’s bad side ever again.

Chase stood slowly, then motioned towards Seth’s shirt. “May I? To see what I might be able to do to help.” With Seth’s nod, Chase slowly raised the shirt up over his head. Bruises were already appearing on his arms and chest where Chase had hit him, his lip still swollen and bleeding. “Shit, hold on.” Chase disappeared a moment before returning with a jar of salve that he rubbed gently onto the bruises. “I’m so sorry.”

Seth grit his teeth at the touch, but it was soothing and the salve helped the pain. “Stop saying sorry. I’m the one that started it.” Self-conscious about his slight belly, what with whatever had been happening before his mother’s arrival, Seth reached for his shirt to cover it back up. But before he could put it on Chase grabbed his wrist gently.

“Let the salve dry first otherwise it will stain the shirt and stick.” Chase dabbed at Seth’s lip with a cloth to clean up the wet blood before finally adding, “Just lay down and relax. I’m going to finish making lunch.” Chase retreated to the kitchen, picking up broken vines along the way.

Seth could see a dark lupine figure watching him and he couldn’t help but glare. he thought towards the creature, unsure if Midnight would even understand him.

The wolf yawned visibly despite the words coming internally.

Seth snorted softly at the wolf’s words before lying back with pained sigh. He closed his eyes to rest them but with the events of the day, and while still recovering from entering the Haven, sleep easily swept over him before more than a few moments had passed.