Redemption Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter 1 ~ Emoji

  Chapter 2 ~ Overdose

  Chapter 3 ~ Mayson, Sam, Imany, Oh My!

  Chapter 4 ~ Rush

  Chapter 5 ~ Heat Wave

  Chapter 6 ~ The Power of a Virgin

  Chapter 7 ~ Chloroform

  Chapter 8 ~ The Secret Circle

  Chapter 9 ~ Malcolm In The Middle

  Chapter 10 ~ Blazer

  Chapter 11 ~ Stars

  Chapter 12 ~ Taken

  Chapter 13 ~ Transition

  Chapter 14 ~ Life of Marcus

  Chapter 15 ~ The Real Petersons of Poughkeepsie

  Chapter 16 ~ Protective Custody

  Chapter 17 ~ Game Plan

  Chapter 18 ~ Chess

  Chapter 19 ~ Round 1

  Chapter 20 ~ The Xarponian Language

  Chapter 21 ~ 99 Problems

  Chapter 22 ~ Kill Them

  Chapter 23 ~ Fail Safe

  Chapter 24 ~ Brawl

  Chapter 25 ~ They Know

  Words from the Author

  The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  The Chronicles of Fire and Ice: Redemption Copyright © 2015 Dexx PeayAll Rights Reserved.

  Cover art By Najla Qamber http://najlaqamberdesigns.com/

  Edited By ShaVaughn Morris http://catsmeowmedia.com/

  Formatting By Travis Simmons http://wyrdingwayspress.com/

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The copying, scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Dedication

  The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination

  —Albert Einstein

  This book is dedicated to my HA2 family. Thank you for the experience, knowledge, and creativity. God made us, nobody can break us.

  Cheerios.

  For my amazing sisters who have always been there for me;

  Natasha A.

  Ashlee M.

  Kaivonna T.

  Courtney D.

  Brittney W.

  Thank You

  Who spent their entire summer confused?

  Me.

  Felt betrayed by everyone.

  Can’t believe my entire life has been a lie.

  I’d been questioning who I am ever since I read that entry in Marcus’s journal. The words haunted me every night. Caused me to lose plenty of hours of sleep. My parents went the past eighteen years pretending to be my parents, putting on this facade like they really cared about me. At least Marcus’s parents were kind enough to tell him. It’s not like they could hide it or anything, but still, there was no excuse.

  Wondered if Marcus was just as oblivious as me, or if he already knew and just didn’t say anything. It would explain why he never let me read the books alone, but then again, I could be wrong.

  Ugh!

  I haven’t shared this secret with anyone yet. The one person who I want to tell, I still haven’t heard from. Once again, Imani abandoned me. Last we spoke, she promised to help us in the battle and was a no show. Wanted to be angry but I couldn’t.

  Typical Imani.

  I wasn’t expecting this though.

  No response…nothing.

  If she didn’t want to be bothered, I wasn’t going to keep trying.

  Pretty much kept to myself the whole summer. Tried to spend as little time as possible around my parents so I wouldn’t get mad and blurt out how I really felt.

  Still had two more weeks of summer left and to be honest, I couldn’t wait to get out of Poughkeepsie. Stayed with Dad the majority of the summer, mainly because he’s never home. Gave me some time to think.

  Marc and I didn’t really spend much time together like I thought. He was working, like always, and constantly spending time with Monica. It was bad enough they worked together, but outside of work they were joined at the hip.

  This particular day he wanted to go downtown and do some shopping so he invited me. Marcus doesn’t like to shop, so I immediately knew it was Monica’s idea, but I agreed just to spend some time with the friend I neglected this summer. We decided to meet up at an antique store. As I got out the car, Marcus greeted me with a cup. I knew it was a smoothie from Carrot Cake.

  “How’s it goin' bro?”

  Felt so weird hearing him say that, especially since I know it’s real. Couldn’t say it back. Just took the cup and sipped it.

  Mango-pineapple.

  “Thanks Marc,” I said.

  “Can we look inside guys?” Monica asked. “I want to find some jewelry.”

  “Actually, do you mind if I talk to Marc for a bit, we’ll be right in?”

  She nodded and smirked at Marcus, then walked inside.

  “Marc, what do you think you’re doing?” I asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Delilah? Does that name ring a bell? Let me remind you, SHE’S YOUR GIRLFRIEND!”

  “Monica and I are just friends.”

  “You don’t believe that and I'm sure Monica doesn’t either. Try telling that lie to someone who hasn’t known you almost your whole life. And just in case you forgot, let me remind you that Monica will be joining us at NYU in two weeks and guess who else will be there?”

  “Delilah.”

  “Ding, ding, ding.”

  “Dylan you’re right.”

  “Oh, I know I am.”

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “I told you someone’s feeling are going to get hurt, you need to pick, and fast.”

  I felt myself going into big brother mode trying to protect him and his feelings. Guess I better get used to having another little brother. This was still all too weird to me.

  He turned and looked through the glass of the antique store. Monica looked over and smiled. He cracked one back.

  “Seems like you’ve already made a decision,” I said. We both walked inside.

  “Did I miss anything?” Monica asked.

  “No you didn’t miss anything,” Marcus said.

  We split up and walked around the store not really paying any attention to all the old stuff on the shelves. Marcus was distracted. I could tell I ruined his day but it had to be said.

  Monica finished up and made her way to the register. I was about to walk out the door when I noticed a book on one of the shelves. It had me mesmerized. I was so drawn to it. The physical appearance of it was perfect. It was a dark maroon leather journal. Fit right in with the rest of the books Marcus had in his collection. I opened it and let my fingers get acquainted with the pages. Made my way to the register and slapped it on the counter. Handed the cashier a twenty and let her keep the change. So much happened in my life recently that I needed to start writing. Just made sense. Figured I follow the Xarponian tradition since I couldn’t talk to anyone about it.

  We went to a few more shops and as it got darker outside I said my goodbyes and headed off. In my head I was driving home, but I ended up in a completely different location.

  The safe house.

  A place that will forever be etched in my mind. It was this very place where my life was almost taken from me on more than one occasion.

  I got out the car and looked around. The building had been halfway destroyed. The door still off the hinges, and the roof on one side was collapsed. Holes from fireballs were
in walls as well as char marks on the grass. A fence of caution tape surrounded the building. I took a seat on the side of my car, pulled my book out and begin to write:

  Have you ever felt like you don’t belong, like you’re not from this world? While some people may feel this, I'm living it. I always thought I was living the perfect normal life, but all that changed. A little over a year ago I found out I have the ability to freeze things with just the touch of my finger, and that I can move objects with my mind. At first it was really cool until people started trying to kill Marcus and I.

  Finding out we had powers was one thing, but as we started to investigate these powers, we learned we’re not from this planet. Most people would probably think I’m crazy if I told them this. I thought it was nonsense too. It wasn’t until we started meeting others like us, that it confirmed everything we questioned. I, Dylan Perry, am an alien from the planet Xarpore.

  I thought that finding this out would be the icing on the cake. Wrong! My ex-girlfriend almost killed me and my friends at this very location. 10 Circle Drive.

  How many people could continue on after finding all this out in a short period of time? I can, but the next piece of info has really taken a lot out of me. I don’t know how to approach this, and can really use some guidance, but from who? How do I deal with that fact that the guy I’ve been calling my best friend for years is actually my little brother?

  That fact that he’s my brother is not the issue, it’s more than that. We were both adopted at birth or close to it. I was adopted into a family where my mom is a doctor and my dad is a college professor. I’ve never had to want or ask for anything. Life has been a breeze up until now. It’s not fair that my little brother had to grow up struggling and not having everything he deserves. Why me? If I'm the older brother shouldn’t it be me that has to struggle to make sure he gets what he deserves? I shouldn’t have gotten the better life, I should have been slaving, taking orders and wearing dirty aprons, it should have been me!

  -Dylan Ferrari

  As I wrote my first journal entry, I let a flow of tears fall down my face as I put my emotions on paper. When I finished, I got up and wiped the tears from my eyes.

  I was headed to the driver seat, when I heard what sounded like a crash. Right when I looked up, a light turned off in the building. It looked like a flashlight in the window, like someone was in there. I put the book in the car and walked towards the building.

  It was just how we left it—creepy. I think the fight might have actually made it less scary. Walked the halls just to make sure no one was here. Went to the window where I thought I saw the light and looked out to see nothing but darkness and my car. Chalked it up to just paranoia and left. I got back to dad’s house and to no surprise he was gone. I made my way to my room, put the book under my mattress, and then went to sleep.

  The next morning I awoke to the smell of waffles and bacon. The aroma pulled me out of bed and carried me all the way to the kitchen. It was like I went to sleep in my bed and woke up in the kitchen full of all my favorite foods.

  “Hello,” a woman’s voice rang out. “You must be Dylan?”

  I looked over at the clock and it was right before seven.

  “Who are you and where’s my dad?” I asked.

  The random lady continued to cook. Wouldn’t wipe that scary smile off her face.

  “Dylan, I see you met Tracy,” Dad said walking in the kitchen.

  “Who is this strange lady making waffles and freakin’ fresh squeezed OJ!”

  “Dylan, this is Tracy. Now sit down and have some food.”

  “When did you plan on introducing me to…Tracy?”

  She walked over and sat a plate full of food in front of me.

  “Take a seat and eat,” Tracy said.

  “I prefer smoothies or fruit for breakfast.”

  I grabbed a banana and some juice and took a seat, then push the plate to the side. She snuck a glare in but never quit smiling.

  “So your dad tells me you’re a Chemistry major at NYU?”

  “My dad doesn’t know too much about me.”

  “What are you talking about Dylan?” he rebutted.

  “I'm a Chemical Engineering major Dad.”

  “It’s all the same,” he snuffed.

  “Mom knows my major,” I whispered.

  Dad started on his second plate and I was just stunned how he didn’t even properly introduce me to his girlfriend. Mom would never go about a situation like this. I picked up my glass and started to drink.

  “What does it mean?” Tracy held her hand to her mouth to block food from falling.

  “What?” I replied.

  “Your tattoo, it’s pretty cool. What does it mean?”

  “When did you get a tattoo?” Dad added.

  If you were home, you would have noticed it. That’s what I wanted to say. I snatched my arm and hid it under the table.

  “It’s nothing,” I said.

  “Looks nice,” Dad said.

  She stared at me. “Excited about going back to the City soon?” Tracy asked.

  “Uber.”

  “We will have to all do something before you go back.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  I walked back to my room and closed the door. Forgot that Dad hadn’t been around to notice my tattoo. I held my arm out in front of me. Flashes started to run in my head of the battle and how I got this mark. It was only about two to three inches long, but I knew it was only going to grow as I got stronger. I have to be more careful about hiding this thing.

  Dylan’s words kept replaying over and over again in my head. School was approaching soon and that meant all of us would be in the City at the same time.

  I was nervous.

  So far it’s been easy since Delilah wasn’t around, but that all will change soon. Monica is excited about starting college and getting out of Poughkeepsie. She was experiencing that same rush of emotion Dylan and I felt. Guess everyone who leaves home for college goes through it. It was about time I remind her about Delilah and me. Had to protect myself...or maybe just her.

  “Hey, pass me my journal,” I said to Elias.

  “Stop being lazy and get off your butt,” he replied back.

  “Grrrr…”

  I jumped off my bed and grabbed my journal, making sure I knocked him over the head as I sat back down. Over the summer I wrote down everything I could think of since I first started lighting things on fire. I took out a pen and begin to write:

  How do I breathe? How do I continue to go on knowing what I'm doing is wrong? How did I get myself into this situation? I wish you were here to talk to me Dad. Even though I don’t know you, I miss you. All I want right now is someone to talk to who won’t judge me. Every time I think of someone I want that to be, you come to mind. I just want to know what you look like, what color are your eyes, and what are your favorite foods? I have so many questions for you and yet I stand clueless. Questions that will forever go unanswered.

  I still hold your words close to me when you said you were protecting me. I feel strengthened when I think of you and the legacy I’ve inherited. These powers are what identify us but blood connects us. I love you Dad.

  -Marcus Ferrari

  I closed the book and looked up as my thoughts trailed off to wonderland. I could feel Elias piercing the side of my face with his eyes. It was almost uncomfortable.

  “What?” I barked.

  “You’re weird.”

  He had no idea.

  I wasn’t really a fan of this new “high school Elias”. My brother turned into the person I tried to avoid becoming, a popular, soulless, back-talking jock.

  “Do me a favor and turn the TV off when you’re done,” I said.

  “Yeah, whatever.”

  The next couple of days were spent packing and catching up with my parents. They were sad that I was leaving once again. I told them they could visit whenever they wanted to as long as they didn’t bring Elias with them. They laugh
ed but I was serious. I think Dad was feeling down the most, because this time he was losing two employees.

  Today was the day of Diana’s picnic. She arranged for a gathering of her friends to get together before everyone went back to school. Dylan picked me up from my house and from there we picked up Monica.

  “I'm so ready to get to back to school guys,” Dylan said.

  “Me too,” I added in.

  “Me three,” Monica said. “Well, not go back, start.”

  “My dad drove me crazy this whole summer, and can you guys believe he has some new girlfriend he never cared to introduce me to?” Dylan fussed.

  “Well can you guys believe the little Elias we all know and love, is the cool kid in high school with the attitude to match?” I said.

  “What about the fact that my parents are overreacting because they’re scared of me living in the City,” Monica said.

  “Did you tell them I’d be there to protect you?”

  I wish I could have gotten a glimpse of her face in the back seat.

  I know she’s smiling.

  I hope she’s smiling.

  “Guess we all have our own reasons for wanting to leave Poughkeepsie behind,” Dylan chimed in.

  He was right.

  The more time I spent in Poughkeepsie; the more I wanted to leave. I think I feel connected more to the City knowing that my father was from there.

  Once we got to the park, there were only a handful of people. Apparently we were early. There wasn’t even food ready.

  I hated that I had to wait for food.

  “Aww… I'm so glad you guys could make it,” Diana said.

  “We wouldn’t miss this for anything,” Dylan said.