Breaking Boundaries

On Adam and Evan's twentieth birthday Layla came back. It was almost as if she was this different person who smiled and laughed with a softness to her that had never existed before. Perhaps in some ways this is who she was all along deep underneath it all. The time she spent with her family erased the dark cloud that once loomed over her. And it was on that day Layla revealed the tattoo above her heart as the same one Calla, Adam, and Evan had on each of their shoulders.

Despite everything Layla was still Layla. "Happy Birthday and all that. Realize this is the countdown until all things come to a head. This will also be the most difficult part of the training. I need your complete trust, dedication, and of course discipline." On the last word she winked at Evan.

Her and Evan had exchanged letters on a weekly basis since she returned back to her childhood home. They didn't email, text, or even call one another on the phone. He respected that she needed that time to focus on being with them, there was so much lost time to catch up on. It was Evan who had insisted before he left that she remain in contact with him. And it was through these letters that their relationship really grew into something so much more than either had anticipated. Although neither one knew exactly where they stood at this point; Layla hoped it was something they could figure out together if they managed to survive what was ominously barreling towards them.

She took her usual stance with arms crossed over her chest as she made direct eye contact with each mentee. "Pack your bags. Only bring with you what you absolutely need. We are going on a long trip to learn first hand what we are up against. You will be pushed beyond your current emotional and physical limitations, so brace yourselves because this is about to get real intense."

Calla and Adam began to laugh. Layla lost her cool, "Did I not just explain how serious this is? What exactly don't the two of you understand about that?!

Calla stifled her giggles, "It's just that Evan said those same exact words to us a while back. 'Brace yourselves, this is about to get real intense'. You two really are in sync, aren't you? It's cute."

Before Layla could respond Evan jumped in, "Not everyone wants to live out some Disney fantasy romance. Why don't you guys focus on what you have and leave us out of it? Layla please continue."

Layla nods her head, "Whoa, I'm gone for a little while and someone develops manners. I'm impressed."

Evan laughs, "If you'd prefer me feisty I can make that happen too, but we better send the kids away first."


*****

They traveled for approximately nine months. Of course being born of air Layla felt it was her job to mentally prepare them as best as she could. She was especially thankful for all the traveling she had done with her father as a child because it set the road map for the journey she needed to take them on. It was her father taht helped her make connections with various circles so they would have food and lodging along the way.

As they approached the first fallen villages attacked by the revolutionists Layla placed her hand on Adam's chest to stop him. Her voice was filled with concern, "I want you to be especially careful. This will affect you differently from the others."

Adam cocked his head to the side, "My weakness is my empathy."

Layla lowered her arm, "It is also your greatest strength."

"That's what Calla says."

Layla looks over at Calla,"She is a very smart girl. Are you ready for this?"

He nodded and all four of them went forward. As soon as they crossed over into the water village the pain nearly crippled Adam. He fell down to his knees squinting his eyes shut while screaming. The essence of everyone his mother had killed called out to him filling his heart with their cries for help. Calla knelt down beside him and wrapped her arms around him rocking them both back and forth.

Layla rushed over, "No, let him feel it. This is very important."

Evan yelled, "Are you nuts? It's going to end up killing him. Let Calla calm him down or maybe we should just get the hell out of here."

Layla walked over to block Evan's path to Adam. "Please trust me." She was aggressive while pleading with him at the same time. She yelled over her shoulder, "Adam don't let this break you."

Evan gave Layla a look to express he understood. She stepped aside and he walked towards Adam. He gave Calla a look to let her know he had this. He knelt down beside his brother. "Focus on your breathing first. You have to be one with them. Like me with the fire. You can do this. We can do this." Evan grabbed his Adam's hand.

Layla whispered, "transference."

When Adam allowed him they both became equal water and fire. Calla backed away and stood next to Layla as they watched the most horrific and beautiful thing imaginable. Adam and Evan became engulfed in liquid flames. It was too much for either of them to handle on their own, yet together it seemed to have strengthened them. They cried, not for themselves but for all the lost souls unable to move on. The event lasted a couple of hours. When it was all over the boys let go of one another and fell over.


At night Calla stayed up a little longer than everyone else to listen to the trees. Although most born of earth had a natural kinship with wildlife, Calla's bond to trees was particularly strong. The trees had chosen her to trust their secrets to. This was her role in the prophecy, the historian. It was almost as if that large oak tree sought he out all those years ago. Calla was finding along this excursion so many trees wanted to help guide her.

One particular evening the four of them were roasting marshmallows by a campfire when Calla dropped her stick to the ground. Her face went completely pale. The other's tried talking to her, but it was as if she was in a trance. Then a calm washed over her while she smiled shyly to herself. A few tears tumbled down her cheeks. She stood up and walked away.

When Adam stood up to follow her Layla signaled for him to stay. Impatiently he asked, "What's going on?"

Layla replied, "Her parents spirits are talking to her through the trees. Give her this time to be with the them in the only way she can."

"How do you know all this crap?" Evan asked.

Layla threw a gram cracker at him, "While you were busy goofing off I spent my free time learning as much as I could about anything, especially all things related to the prophecy."

"Didn't you ever have any fun?" Adam wanted to know.

Layla shrugged, "I think fun is a matter of perspective. For me this was my source of fun. That and getting naked with your brother."

Adam grimaced, "Thanks for that disturbing image."

Calla rejoined them a short while later. She put a fresh marshmallow on her stick and started roasting it like nothing had happened. After a few minutes she looked at Adam and Evan sitting across from her. "Your father is alive."