Veleminis

Portal

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful and went so fast I was left with a head spin. I had met so many people in so many different classes and it was very possible that I was going to forget many of their names before tomorrow. Someone I wouldn't forget was Pat. In only a short time he had already left his mark on me. He was so kind and for some reason he made me feel instantly comfortable. There were so many amazing people I had met that day but he was above and beyond the level of hospitality. In a strange way that I really hadn't excepted.

After school Diana picked us up and for the first time since the start of the day, I saw Casper again. Somehow he had managed to be in totally different classes and had even avoided me in the lunch hour. Not that I was complaining at all. In fact, it was really quite magical.

When we all got into the car, Diana gave us all a serious face.

"Diana, what's wrong?" I asked her.

"There has been an attack back at court. The King has asked that Kinsey and Aliah return to court. There is much to be done in repairs and many palace staff have been injured and some didn't make it." A sudden gloom filled the car.

"Why hasn't father asked me to come home too?"

"It seems this may be the safest place for you now. The King also specifically asked for Casper to be transferred into all of Tana's classes. Casper, he says you have undergone knight training as well as having a full handle on your powers. This is the safest place for you Tana."

"Has there been news from my father?" Casper spoke for the first time.

"Yes, he said something like 'protect the princess or die trying'" Diana responded with a touch of sarcasm.

"When must the girls leave?"

"As soon as we arrive home they will change and then I will create a portal and escort them back."

"I can't believe this has happened so soon"

"Tana, you know more time has passed back home and with that in mind please remember I may not be back in time to help you get to school or maybe even pick you up."

"How will we get to school?" I was certain I was not allowed to drive.

"Casper I believe you can drive?" Diana was putting a lot of trust in the angsty Casper.

"Yes but I don't exactly have an American lisence..."

"You have my permission to glamour anyone that asks to see it. You need to protect her Casper. No matter what."

"I will." For the first time, I actually believed him.

When we arrived home Kinsey and Aliah ran to change and prepare for their journey back. I chased after them to their rooms. I walked into Kinsey's first.

"I will miss you." I said in her doorway.

"And I will miss you my lady."

"Please be safe. I hate being here knowing that they are struggeling while I am here."

"You are the future of Veleminis. We need you here and safe."

"Please make sure mother and father are okay for me."

I walked straight to her and put my arms around her squeezing her tight. I left the room and headed into Aliah's.

"You take care of everyone for me." While my statement was broad, I knew she would do her best to fullfil my request.

"Of course." Her eyes were beautiful and earnest.

"I need you to make sure that you are all working together. It's too much for just one person."

"I understand."

I hugged her as well and my eyes began to glaze up. A single tear began to slide down my cheek. I wiped it away and release Aliah. I then left the room heading straight down to were Diana was opening the portal.

"Diana, do you need help?" I asked, hoping to distract myself and hold in the other tears that were just asking to fall.

"Actually yes. I think it's about time to see if you can make a portal." Diana handed me the portal stone. It sent a shock through me and the cool smooth surface felt nice on my clammy hands. "Focus on the stone. Feel your power surging through it"

I did as she said, feeling the electric feel of my power rushing down my arms and out of my fingertips and into the stone.

"Kinsey, Aliah, quickly, the portal is ready." Diana shouted. I hadn't realized that the portal had materialized straight in front of me, splitting the table in half. As if there was a windy gust, my hair flew wildly.

The girls appeared and grabbed Diana's hands, one on each side. The walked through the portal and exhaustion overcame me. The stone fell from my hands and the portal closed and disappeared. All I could see was black.

And then I crumpled to the floor, falling unconscious.

...

Casper was peering over the top of me when my eyes finally opened.

"What happened?"

"You opened the biggest portal I've ever seen and totally sucked your energy dry." Casper didn't seem to have a teasing tone as he said this. It was just plain facts.

"How is that even possible."

"Don't ask me."

I suddenly realized that I was back in my room, in my bed and the covers. Casper had done all of this.

"Did you carry me up here?"

"Who else? But trust me, it won't happen again. You weigh a ton and a half."

"How dare you say such awful things about a ladies weight!"

"Oh but you are no lady. Not anymore"

"Oh just get out!"

"I was just going to but thought maybe you'd want some food but that's fine. Just means more for me really." He stood from his spot at the side of my bed and headed towards the door slowly. Tauntingly.

"Wait!" There was no way my pride was going to get in the way of my growling stomach. "Please, I am so hungry."

"I was going to order pizza again, is that okay?" He surprised me by not only considering what I want to have but the tone of his voice told me that he actually might've cared what I wanted.