Forbidden Power

Chapter 2- Briefly Home

Teddy POV

I messed with the stupid puzzle ball all night. I couldn't find a single piece to pull out. I could see the faint lines in it like it was supposed to come apart, but I couldn't find the place to start. It was frustrating me to no end.

I looked on the computer to see if I could figure out what to do with it, but there were no answers. Cheeky people showing off their supposedly 'impossible puzzle ball' had no idea what impossible was. Not until they got a chunk of rock that they were told to figure out. That's what I have. A smooth chunk of rock. There's no other explanation.

I set it on the table and stood up and stretched. I could use a shower to clear my head. I stepped into my small bathroom and turned on the shower head. I like my water cool. It reminds me of the fun I've had cooling off in the oasis in Egypt that I made camp at. It was nice to come back to civilization when I left with nothing but my boots full of sand, but I also left a part of my heart back there in that mysterious place.

I stepped under the cool water and racked my brain. There were plenty of leads I had chosen not to follow. Things I thought would lead to a dead end. I followed clues that I was excited about only to end up with no answers and more questions. Perhaps I should revisit some of those dead-end leads and see if they actually do give me some answers.

I turned off the shower and changed into khaki shorts and a black t-shirt, my go-to clothes here. I prefer the robes of the nomads in Egypt. It helps me blend in and avoid trouble. I packed my bag with two sets of those robes, a few shirts, and two more pairs of shorts. Also some underwear and a towel. That's it. That's all I need. As long as there are humans, I don't need food and water, and they don't even realize I've been there. My parents think that my behavior is unethical, but I never drink enough blood to hurt the humans, only enough to keep up my strength.

I slung my duffel over my shoulder and grabbed the puzzle ball off the table. I stepped out of the house and breathed in the fresh air.

"Good grief!" Someone gasped, and I turned to see Anna staring at me like she's seen a ghost. "Teddy! It's been so long!"

The aging maid rushed up to me and hugged me tightly. I returned her hug. She and Adiel's family were the only ones left here from the original battle that took place in this field. The others had gotten married or returned back to their countries or both. Chasta had the hardest time leaving, but she has come back with her children once a year at Christmas for a visit.

"Anna, good to see you," I said, picking her up and squeezing her. She's like another mom to me. I love this dear woman.

"Do your parents know you're here yet? Oh, Lady Victoria will be thrilled to see you!" Anna chirped happily.

"I'm only here briefly. I need to see Adiel. Are they here?" I asked her. My heart sank when her face saddened.

"He is in the hospital again, I'm afraid. Mwenya has been exhausting himself trying to keep his father alive, but there's only so much he can do. You know Adiel's body and mana have been compromised ever since that trip to Canada," Anna sighed sadly. I haven't seen Mwenya in five years. I'm a selfish person. I'm supposed to be his best friend, and all I do when I come home is leave as quickly as I come.

"The hospital in town? Is Mwenya there with him?" I asked.

"Probably not yet. Huallpa has been slowing down, too. Her life seems to be tied to her husband's. I hate to say it, but I do believe those children are going to lose both their parents at the same time," Anna told me. I suspected as much. This is why I don't want to get married. I don't want to die of grief.

"I see. I'll go check their house then. Thank you, Anna. Please let my parents know I'm here and will come see them after I visit with Mwenya."

"I will. This will be good for him, sir. I'm glad you're here."

I turned and headed toward the mighty wizard's residence. They had moved here shortly after I was born, and they have been my second set of parents all my life. I've been blessed with a good life and many people who cared for me and helped raise me. I've been taking them for granted. I need to do better.

The house came into view, and I paused and took it in. Huallpa loved raising exotic flowers, but they were all wilting or already dead in the pretty flower boxes around the house. Something was definitely wrong. Huallpa loves her flowers. She wouldn't let them wither and die without good reason.

A little girl suddenly opened the door and ran out. She froze when she saw me and immediately assumed a shy stance.

"Shani," she greeted me. (Hello)

"Mwauka bwanji," I greeted her with a good morning in the same language. She grinned at me, and I smiled back.

"Osapanga chipongwe," she chastised me. (Don't be cheeky)

"Sindimvetsa," I shrugged playfully. (I don't understand)

"Oooh! You!" She fussed and stomped her foot. I chuckled and opened my arms.

"Kunda, don't you recognize me? Teddy?" I do admit it's been a long time since I've seen her. She was five years old last time I saw her, and that was five years ago.

"Teddy?" I could see that there was no recognition in her eyes. I guess I was a little worse for the wear. Last time I was here I was clean shaven and more muscular.

"Muli bwanji?" I asked to make conversation. (How are you?)

"Ndiri bwino," she answered automatically. (I'm fine)

I sighed. She's young. How do I ask her about the health of her parents? Would she know how they're doing? Truly?

The door opened again, and a deep, familiar voice rang out, "Shani, Teddy."

I looked up, and Mwenya stood in the door, smiling a tired smile.

"Shani, Mwenya," I responded before bounding up to him and grabbing him into a tight hug. It's been too long.