Conjurors: The Society Of Imaginary Friends Part 26

Suddenly, Valeries attention was drawn to light glinting off of a crystal hanging on a chain around Sanguinas neck. She looked down and saw Henrys image inside the crystal, screaming. With her other hand, Valerie grabbed the chain and yanked it off of Sanguinas neck. In the process, Sanguina tried to push her away, but she didnt budge.

Sanguinas eyes flicked down to look at Pathos, and suddenly shock replaced the seething hate in her eyes. She looked up at Valerie searchingly. Why do you have Adelitas sword? Who are you? Tell me. Now! Sanguina commanded, but her hatred seemed diluted, as if something had distracted her from their fight.

This time its you whos not in a position to give orders, Valerie said, pressing her blade against Sanguinas throat even harder. Youre not going to distract me. But she was genuinely confused at the change in Sanguina.

Could you be its not possible, but Sanguina said, so puzzled that she seemed almost unaware of the sharp blade against her neck. Its you! Sanguina cried out, and her face contorted as anger warred with some other emotion that Valerie couldnt begin to guess.

Valerie realized that Pathos had nicked the thin, chalky skin on Sanguinas neck. It was only a scratch, but Sanguina shrieked in pain. As Valerie watched, the light from Pathos poured into Sanguina through her wound. Valerie pulled her blade away, but it was too late. The light traveled through Sanguinas body, illuminating her veins from the inside out. The sight was ghastly, as Sanguina appeared to be nothing more than a network of glowing veins in the blackness.

The pitch of Sanguinas scream became higher, and Valerie knew, without a doubt, that the light was killing her. But instead of feeling triumphant, she was more horrified than she had ever been in her life. Because of her, someone would die. She hated this woman, but suddenly she wished more than anything that she could take it all back. There was no way that she could live with herself, knowing that she had ended a life. Faintly, she realized that there was a clatter in the hall. Someone was coming. But she didnt care. She didnt know if she would ever care about anything ever again.

The door to the room burst open, and dim light streamed in. But Valerie couldnt take her eyes off of Sanguinas death throes.

Strangest of all, when Sanguina looked at Valerie now, all of the loathing was drained from her eyes. For the first time since Valerie had known her, Sanguina spoke without bitterness, and said, If I had known who you were, I never would have hurt you. Then Sanguinas eyes rolled back in her head.

It was more than Valerie could bear. Agonizing remorse left her frozen in shock.

Something flashed through her like fire. She was burning with an energy that filled her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Sanguina started to fall to the ground, but before she collapsed on the floor, Valerie caught her, and the energy inside her burst from her fingertips and shot through Sanguina. Sanguinas entire body glowed fiercely with a bright yellow-green light.

Energy flooded out of Valerie and into Sanguina in a torrent, and she could feel her strength fade as her field of vision narrowed to a tiny circle. She knew that if she didnt stem the tide, she would be swept away with it, gone forever. It was as if she were pus.h.i.+ng hard on a door inside of herself that didnt want to close. With a burst of strength, Valerie slammed it shut.

Abruptly, the light inside of Sanguina went out and her body relaxed. She shuddered in Valeries arms and sighed. But then something miraculous happened"Valerie heard the sound of ragged breathing. Sanguina was alive.

You saved her. Azras soft voice moved through Valeries mind, comforting her.

Valerie struggled to remain conscious and not give in to the darkness that surrounded her mind, inviting her to lose herself in its oblivion. She couldnt let go, not yet. Henrys life depended on her. With a struggle, she pushed the darkness back inside her.

She blinked, aware for the first time that Azra and Kanti stood in the doorway, and behind them were a crowd of other Conjurors, some, like Gideon and Midnight, whom Valerie recognized, and many she had never seen before. Everyone was staring at her, stunned. Even Azras eyes were wide with surprise and sudden understanding.

I dont understand. Valerie said.

Youre a vivicus, a life-giver. It has been many centuries since a Conjuror has been born with this gift. I sensed something untapped inside of you when we first met, but I never guessed Azra trailed off with a shake of her mane.

Will Sanguina be okay? Valerie asked, resting her gently on the ground. In the dim light, Valerie could see that Sanguinas skin had lost its pasty sheen. She looked almost"human.

Better than okay"you brought Sanguina the woman back to life, but the vampyre in her is dead. She is as she was before she was changed by Zunya.

Zunya was the one who made her a vampyre? How" Valerie began, but Henrys fear ripped through her. Henrys still in danger! I have to go to him! she cried, realizing that she was still clutching Sanguinas charm for Henry in her hand. Her exhaustion vanished in her fear for her brother.

Go and comfort him as best you can. We will wait.

She gripped the charm and concentrated. In the s.p.a.ce of a thought, she was transported to Earth.

Chapter 43.

A barrage of sights and sounds overwhelmed Valerie. Rus.h.i.+ng water drowned out almost every other noise and filled the air with a wet mist. To her astonishment, she was standing on a gra.s.sy patch of land next to a swiftly moving flood of water. Her eyes followed the flow of the rapids, and she saw that about a hundred yards out, the water dropped away, falling into an abyss of mist.

She realized that she was not far from the edge of the enormous waterfall that she had seen through Henrys eyes earlier. The view would have been breathtaking if it werent for the realization of how easy it would be to slip and fall into the raging water coursing past.

Her a.s.sessment of her surroundings was interrupted by a cry, and she saw Henry trying to run away from Venu. He only made it a few steps before Venu leapt onto him, and the two crashed to the ground. Her heart squeezed at the sight of the terror in his wide brown eyes.

Youre going in, whether you like it or not, Venu barked. Then he smiled, revealing his yellow teeth. Theres even a surprise waiting for you over the edge of the falls. Time to go find it!

Get away from him! Valerie yelled. Venu and Henry looked at her in surprise. Venus grip loosened on Henry, who wrenched himself away. Run, she said to Henry, who looked at her with eyes filled with fear and wonder. But before he could take off, Venu deliberately touched Henrys arm with one finger.

No! Valerie screamed, but it was too late. Henry fell to his knees and stayed there, motionless but conscious. Venu clearly didnt want to kill Henry, she realized. He had paralyzed him so he couldnt escape.

This time, you wont leave alive, Venu said to Valerie, his eyes narrowing into slits.

Somehow I doubt that. That will make, lets see, three times that a girl kicked your b.u.t.t? she taunted, hoping to distract him.

Venus body tensed, ready to attack. Valerie automatically a.s.sumed a defensive stance, but she knew that there was nothing she could do to stop him from hurting Henry"Venu just hadnt realized it yet. A helpless panic tore through her. She was so close to Henry, but there wasnt a thing she could do to save him.

Venu crouched, and then leapt toward her. She did the only thing she could"she dodged his outstretched fist. For several minutes, the dance continued as Venu tried to punch and kick her, and Valerie dodged his blows. Venu looked confused when she didnt go on the offensive.

Finally, one of his blows punched through her shoulder, and the puzzled look on his face vanished. Youre not here. Youre on the Globe, with Sanguina, Venu said, and he smiled, revealing his yellow teeth. You cant do anything but watch.

NO! Please, Ill give you anything you want! she cried in desperation, but Venu turned his back on her and trudged toward Henry. Ive defeated Sanguina. Theres nothing she can do if you release him. Ill give you money, find a way to get you to the Globe, anything!

Venu stopped. He turned slowly, surprised, and raised an eyebrow. Sanguinas gone?

Yes. Now let him go.

It doesnt matter. Sanguina is not the one who gave me this order. I will be rewarded for this beyond anything that witch could give me, Venu said with a greedy smile, turning to Henry, who was looking at them both with wide, terrified eyes.

Then he put on his gloves and lifted a limp, helpless Henry off the ground and carried him to the water. Valerie knew he was about to throw him in, and she clawed in vain at Venu. He laughed as her arms went through him. Panic gnawed at her mind, threatening to swallow her whole. But before she could give in to her terror, Thai came tearing past her and crashed into Venu, knocking him to the ground. Venus grip loosened on Henry, who rolled dangerously close to the place where the land dropped away and the falls began.

Thai! You made it!

Of course, he said, kicking Venu hard in the chest. Venu grunted and fell, but only a small flicker of pain appeared in his eyes. He eyed Thai from the ground, sizing him up.

Then, in the blink of an eye, Venu was on the attack. Ripping off his gloves, he leapt to his feet and lunged for Thai. Venu was fighting to kill. Valerie watched as Venu and Thai sparred. Thai carefully avoided the poison oozing from Venus hands and feet, and managed to land several more kicks to Venus stomach and chest.

To Valeries eyes, the fight appeared to be a blur at first as they swiftly attacked and blocked each others blows. But Venu was growing tired, Valerie realized, as Thai landed a punch squarely across his jaw. Venu grunted in pain.

Thais eyes flashed with triumph, but the look was quickly replaced by terror. Not now, Tan! he shouted.

Valerie saw him shudder, and then Tans gold eyes appeared in Thais face. He looked scared as Venu pulled himself off the ground. Venu saw the change in Thais face. He couldnt possibly know what had happened, but he must have sensed that this change was to his advantage, because he didnt hesitate. He laid his hand on Tans neck, and Tan fell to the ground, moaning.

Valerie was by his side in an instant. He opened his eyes, and Valerie saw Thai looking back at her. I failed you, he whispered, and then his eyes closed and his breathing slowed. Venu laughed.

Dont give in to the poison. Please, wake up! she begged, tears pouring down her cheeks.

Pleeease wake up, Venu mocked. Grinning, he turned to Henry. Now its your turn, Venu said, pulling his gloves back on and lifting Henry off the ground.

I swear to you, if you dont put him down right now, I will find a way to make you suffer a million times more than Sanguina ever did! Valerie said. But her words had no effect on him"without saying another word, Venu hoisted Henry above his head, poised to throw him into the rus.h.i.+ng water that was racing toward the precipice.

Help! Henry shrieked, his tortured eyes connecting with Valeries.

Then everything seemed to go in slow motion. A strange feeling filled Valerie, reminding her of all the times that Henry had needed her so badly that his fear had pulled her into his reality. But this time, the world suddenly appeared distorted to her eyes, as if she were looking through a funhouse mirror. It was like she was underwater, unable to breathe. But before panic could set in, the strange sensation was over, and she breathed in the clean, wet air.

Wait"the air wasnt wet on the Globe. What happened? When the gra.s.s tickled her ankles and dirt squished under her shoes, Valerie knew that something inexplicable had happened"she was standing on Earth on her own two feet. She had done what she had been told was impossible"she had crossed the barrier between the two worlds, and returned to Earth from the Globe.

Before she could rejoice or even regain her focus, Venu hurled Henry into the rus.h.i.+ng water. His body was instantly swept away by the current. Adrenaline kept Valeries mind clear, she knew exactly what she had to do. Without thinking, she pushed Venu to the ground and jumped into the water after Henry.

How"? she heard Venu cry.

The cold water shocked Valerie to her core, and the current shoved her forward like a giant hand. She embraced the speed and launched herself forward toward Henrys blue jacket, which bobbed just out of her reach. Speeding downstream, she came closer and closer to him, but at the last second, the current yanked her away and her fingers closed around water instead of his arm. Her eyes stung and she choked, inhaling water as she struggled to keep her head above the surface.

Downstream, she saw Henry sinking facedown a few feet beyond her grasp. With sheer determination, she surged forward, wrapping her fingers around his sleeve and pulling him toward her. He was unable to move, still paralyzed from Venus attack. Valerie held his head above water and he gasped for air. But it could be his last breath, she thought, as together they sped toward the edge of the falls.

Valerie looked around desperately for something, anything to grab on to. Finally, she spotted a rock that rose above the frothing water slightly downstream. With a burst of strength that she didnt know she possessed without the aid of magic, she steered herself toward the boulder with Henry in tow. Once it was within reach, her fingers scrabbled at the rock, and her hand became bloodied as she struggled to grasp its rough edges. But finally she managed to find a handhold, and her body jerked to a stop as the current wrenched her arm, trying to pull Henry away from her. A few yards away, water zoomed toward the edge of the falls and then dropped out of sight.

Valerie could only enjoy her temporary safety for an instant, as she saw Venus bulky form heading toward them. He used his immense strength to fight the current and force his way toward them.

Within seconds, Venu reached the rock. You will pay for all the trouble youve given me, he growled, his rancid breath in her face making her gag. She had no free hand to fight him with, as one hand held tightly to the rock and the other kept Henrys head above the water.

Please, dont do this, Valerie begged.

Venu ruthlessly began to pry her hand from the rock, finger by finger, until she lost her grip and was yanked back into the current. She shut her eyes and clutched Henry tightly, knowing that soon they would be swept over the side of the falls and plunge to their deaths.

But seconds before they reached the edge, the bottom of the rapids dropped away from under her feet, and the water rose up to her chest. Then, inches from the brink of the falls, she and Henry slammed into a wall of rock, saving them from being carried over. She stared around her in wonder as she realized that the wall of rock that had rescued them formed a natural pool right on the edge of the waterfall.

The Devils Pool, she whispered to herself, finally understanding what she had heard last time she had been pulled into Henrys mind.

She had no time to wonder at their stroke of luck. Venu was upon them already, his face red and contorted with rage at being thwarted again. He lurched toward Valerie, and from the look on his face, she knew that he was going to murder her. She mentally prepared herself for the fight, but without much hope of winning. The water had the advantage of was.h.i.+ng away Venus natural poison, but without her power, she was no match for him.

Venu captured Valeries wrists with one hand and wrapped the other around her throat and squeezed, choking the life out of her. Black spots formed in her vision from lack of oxygen. But abruptly, the pressure on her neck was released. The cold water must have partially revived Henry from his paralysis, because he had grabbed Venus arms to pull him away from her. But Henry was still weak, and Venu tossed him aside like a rag doll. Then Venu pulled himself up on the narrow, rocky border of the pool that also formed the edge of the falls. Before she could wonder what he was doing, he hauled Henry up by the hair and onto the ledge with him.

Valerie scratched at Venus legs, trying to pull him back into the relative safety of the pool before he could throw Henry over the side. Venu kicked at her, but she couldnt make him budge. Desperate, she climbed onto the thin strip of rock that separated the pool from the abyss. Using all her weight, she grabbed Henry and threw him back into the pool. Venu roared with frustration.

Only then, standing alone with Venu on the very edge of the falls, did Valerie allow herself to look over. Far below, she saw a group of people huddled on a bridge staring up at them, pointing and shouting. But she barely took this in, her attention drawn to a sight stranger than anything she had ever seen. Instead of seeing rus.h.i.+ng water that disappeared into the mist, she saw something that could only have been created with magic. The watery air swirled like an inverted tornado, creating a vortex. Instantly, she knew why Venu had brought Henry here. Venu wasnt trying to kill Henry after all. Sanguina"or whoever gave Venu his orders"wanted Henry thrown into the vortex. What would happen to him inside there, she couldnt guess, but there was no way she wanted Henry to find out.

Instead of waiting for Venu to attack, Valerie leapt onto him, hoping that the element of surprise would cause him to lose his footing so they would fall back into the pool. He lost his balance, and she wondered which way they would fall"into the pool or into the vortex. But he was strong, and he quickly regained his footing.

Fiercely, Venu grabbed Valeries arms and tried to throw her over the side with all his might, but she held on to his wrists. Her entire body swung, hovering in midair. The only thing that kept her from going over the falls was her vice-like grip on Venus wrists. But then her bodys momentum swung her back, away from the edge. She released his wrists and fell backward into the Devils Pool.

The abrupt absence of Valeries weight caused Venu to stumble. Before he could steady himself, Henry, with a shout of pure rage, pushed Venu as hard as he could. For a single frozen second, Venu teetered on the edge of the falls. His mouth and eyes opened wide with astonishment, and then he fell backward, over the edge of the falls. Venu roared as he plunged down toward the vortex.

His bulky form hurtled through the mist until he vanished through the center of the vortex, which disappeared as soon as it swallowed Venu and became one with the swirling mist. Valerie hoped that they would never see him again, but she was glad that she hadnt actually killed him. She didnt want Venus death on her conscience, either.

For several seconds, Valerie and Henry stared at the spot where Venu had fallen until the screams of the people on the bridge below woke Valerie from her reverie. There was still much left to do before she could think about everything that had happened to her. Turning, she swam toward the landside edge of the pool and pulled herself out of the rus.h.i.+ng water. Then, lying on her stomach, she extended her arms as far as she could. Henry was able to grasp her hand, and with the last of her strength, she hauled her brother out of the pool.

Without wasting another minute, she said, Come on, we have to get Thai to a hospital now, before Venus poison kills him.

Who are you? Henry asked wonderingly. I thought I was all alone with that monster and then suddenly"you were here to save me. You seem so familiar.

Valerie stared into the eyes that looked so much like her own and a warm glow filled the core of her heart. Im your sister. Youll never be alone again"and neither will I.

Chapter 44.

By the time Henry and Valerie lugged an unconscious Thai across five miles of open gra.s.slands to the closest hospital, they were exhausted. The hospital turned out to be not much more than a simple building with one large room that contained rows of cots. Luckily it wasnt busy, so Thai was given immediate attention. Valerie vaguely explained that he had been bitten by a poisonous frog on their hike, hoping the nurse wouldnt be too suspicious. She breathed an internal sigh of relief when the nurse nodded, unsurprised.

Many people come here after theyre bitten by frogs and snakes near the falls, she said. Well fix him up in no time.

The nurse opened a drawer, took out a syringe filled with a milky fluid, and injected it into Thais abdomen. Within minutes, color returned to his cheeks and his eyes fluttered open.

Im okay, Thai rasped, seeing Valerie hovering over him anxiously. She squeezed his hand, and his eyes filled with wonder and confusion. Youre really here? Youre not just projecting from the Globe?

Her heart lifted at the energy returning to his voice. Its a long story"Ill tell you everything when youve had a chance to rest. I was so afraid that I was going to lose you.

Did you really think a little poison could get the best of me?

How silly of me, she quipped.

Then Thai slept, and the hospital staff let Valerie and Henry collapse on two of the unused cots nearby. As she rubbed her gritty eyes, she noticed that the Laurel Circle was just a gray lump of metal around her thumb. It looked dull and plain choked off from the magic that lit it up from the inside out. She was feeling the same way, now that she was back on Earth, as if her energy had faded without her magic to lend her strength. She could already feel her old illness tugging at the back of her mind, and she wondered how long she would be able to survive with Earths rules binding her power. However, despite these worries and physical exhaustion, her mind was at peace. At last, everyone she loved was safe.

The next day, while Thai lay in bed recuperating, he and Valerie gave Henry a very long explanation of everything that had happened to them. When Thai got to the part about Venu attacking Mrs. Leeds in the alley, Henry became tense.

He hurt Mrs. Leeds? Is she okay? he asked anxiously.

Shes fine. The paramedics got there in time. I thought Venus attack on her was random, but I guess not, since you obviously know her.

Shes my teacher. Why would he hurt her?

Maybe Venu thought she might know where to find you, Valerie said thoughtfully.

Youre probably right, Thai agreed. But no need to worry, Henry. I made sure that she was okay before I left. Shes probably back at work by now.

Henry nodded, rea.s.sured, and Valerie continued the story, telling Henry all about the Globe, how she had discovered that he was her brother, and the defeat of Sanguina. As he listened, fascination replaced the fear in his eyes.

All this time"Sanguina couldnt touch me, Henry said, looking as if he couldnt quite believe it. It all seemed so real, like she could choke the life out of me at any time. But that wasnt the worst part. She knew things about my family, like how my dad blames himself for my moms death. Once, when I disobeyed her, Sanguina punished me by pretending to be the ghost of my mother, blaming my dad for letting her die. My dad believed it was Mom and was so depressed that he didnt come out of his room for days. Hes never been the same since. After that, I was too afraid not to do whatever she wanted.