Zachary's POV

I watched Xavier as he tensed up. He paced to and fro of the room and had definitely lost his cool. I thought about ignoring him but his persistent movement was unnerving.

"What is the problem, man?" I asked in a cavalier manner.
Xavier didn't answer, but he stopped pacing and took a seat opposite my bed while I observed his legs shaking in nervousness. What got him so bad?

"I may have made a big mistake, scratch that, a grave crime worth hanging for." He said curling up his hands. Xavier is not one for dramatics so naturally I listened for the problem.

"I kissed Phoebe" he blurted. I did think I heard him right but his resumed nervousness confirmed so.

"You did? Why then are you nervous?" I asked as nonchalantly as I could.

"We aren't dating or anything, I just lost myself and kissed and boy, did it feel good but you know me Zach and I would never kiss a girl without her permission or out of the blue." Xavier explained frantically.

"I get what you mean but did Phoebe say something?"

"Nothing at all man and that's what feels worse. She just stared back at me and went in. She did send me a message on Sunday morning asking to forget the kiss ever happened. Darn! That felt worse." Xavier lamented. "And now, she is just avoiding me. Did not catch her after any of her classes, doesn't show herself at the cafeteria nor the library, anywhere at all and am telling you, that is unusual. But then, am not that bad of a kisser, am I?"

I stared at him quizzically. Why would he ask me that sort of question. I've never kissed a guy and am not planning to especially not Xavier. "Seriously? Xav?"

"Oh! Am sorry, that was silly."

"Was it?" I retorted.

"Fine. Am just psyched up. I guess Phoebe affects me more than I let on. Can I ask a favor of you?" Xavier asked and I did not see that ending well if I agreed.

"Uh..., mind giving me hints," I suggested squinting my eyes at him.

"No. Come on, help me out this one time. I don't ask favors often of you, do I? If anything, consider this a way of repaying the favors I grant you."

"Blackmail? Not cool Xav, not cool. And my favors aren't tough." I argued.

"Who says the one I have in mind for you is?" Xavier retorted with a mischievous glint in his grey eyes.

"Shoot." I said. I couldn't stand him torturing me one bit.

"Help me with Phoebe."

That one is surprising. Xavier has never had a problem wooing anybody particularly girls. He is sort of a pro in that department.

"You do realize I have no clue whatsoever how to achieve that feat? I don't even know the girl, come on." I lied through my teeth. But technically, I wouldn't call it a lie.

"Then find a way. You are Zachary Ellicott after all."

I sighed. "You are a villain. But you do know that Phoebe no longer eats at the cafeteria?"

"No. I ... I... I've never quite observed these past few weeks." He glanced up at me, "You do seem perfect for this job after all" he said and I rubbed my forehead in disbelief. For a guy trying to get a girl, he was not very observant.

My mission continues. Not the one Xavier gave me but the one Father assigned me to. I had become Phoebe's shadow over the past weeks and have got the chance to catch up on her present life. I was glad she was fine. I know that leaving her must have got her bad but am happy she moved on. Her routine everyday was fairly similar on weekdays. Go to school, come back home, eat, sleep, study, watch TV, press laptop, eat supper with family, press Laptop more, study a bit, shower and go bed. Quite basic.

The weekend routine was slightly different. She went swimming, helped out at her mother's restaurant, read a book, ate pizza; she loves pizza, hang out with her siblings etc. She laughed more with her adopted siblings and that made me happy. However, for about a week now, I observed the gradual decline of her energy. She was always so tired and tended to sleep more despite her routine didn't change. Worse still, she seemed to have troubling dreams. She 'd start to sweat and shake but wouldn't wake up, I've had to wake her up a few times.

Wondering how am so much of this spy/guardian angel. Easy! Am a shape shifter. That is my ability. My DNA enables to come in contact with an object or a person and adapt their physical forms for as long as possible. The best part, I possess the capabilities of that object or person during that particular period but of course there are limitations, for instance if I am shattered in a glass form, I may end up fatally wounded and so I always have to be on the alert to avoid such occurences. Nevertheless, it serves me a great deal.

I turned right at the end of the hallway towards the corner when I saw her, I stopped in my tracks. She was leaning her back against the wall, her eyes shut. Her beautifully tanned skin shone and her uniform hung delicately onto her slender frame but as she opened her eyes and took a step forward, towards me, I observed her movement was languid. That got me alert that instant. She tripped and before I could even comprehend what I did, I was holding her up. Preventing her from falling. Her eyes barely shielded by her glasses, met mine and I could feel myself getting lost in them. Then I observed what was wrong. Her eyes usually are emerald green but when stressed out or fatigued, they become a diaphanous green. The color they were as I looked into them.

"You are not well." I stated.

Tearing herself from my hold and attempting to stand on her own, she nodded. "Perhaps."

"What gave it away?" she asked attempting a light tone.

"Your eyes. They are a light green." I blurted and winced. I should not know that.

"My eyes? How do you know of it?" she asked quietly.

"Am a good guesser."  I replied hurriedly.

"No, that was no guess. Only two creatures in the world know about my eyes. My sister Lexi and Killian." I drew in a deep breath at the second name. KILLIAN

"It's absurd. Of course you are not a dog, forgive me. Got lost in there for a second. Thank you for holding me up, I guess I'd be on my way now." she said and tried a step forward but it was labored, her legs were shaking, her whole fragile frame was. She supported herself against the wall and I heard her cuss under her breath before meeting my gaze and managing a polite smile.

"If it's not too much to ask, could you go on first?" she asked timidly despite her actions at the moment was brave to say in the least.

"Why? Any particular reason?" I inquired.

"I'd keep that to myself if you don't mind, go ahead please." she pleaded. Her eyes showed just how much pain she was in. I knew she wouldn't bulge if I asked to help her and so I did the practical thing, walked away without looking back.

On impulse, I turned and retraced my steps in time to see Phoebe on the verge of dropping to the floor, in a flash, I was beside her, lifting her up into my arms. I peered into her face and her eyes were shut, just like that. She had fainted, I noticed as her pulse and breathing was steady. She was merely in slumber... deep slumber. That couldn't be good. I hurriedly made for the school clinic which as large as two wards in a hospital. I demanded for a private room where I laid Phoebe on the bed. I had a doctor look at her and after he put a drip on her after a few diagnosis, assuring me that she'll be fine, he left the room. I took a seat beside her bed and watched her sleep. Her forehead was creased in frowns and I didn't like that. I gently caressed and smothered her forehead.

"Make it stop." Phoebe panted in her sleep. "Stop! Please." she pleaded. She was so distressed. I couldn't comprehend that would put her at so much unease. "Get me out of here someone, please!" she sobbed and I took her hand in mine. She squeezed it and relaxed a bit. I brought it up to my lips and kissed it gently before rubbing the back of her hands. That seemed to calm her  a tad bit. 

I did not understand what Phoebe was going through at the time but seeing her in pain did things to my gut. I had removed her glasses earlier and now I just stared at this girl who generated this liberal, pure feeling in me. She had grown up to become quite the beauty. I kissed her hands again, this time, letting my lips linger for a while before putting them underneath the covers and pulling them up.

I left instructions that she should not be disturbed but should be watched over and monitored. I promised to return soon.

I pondered dialing father to let him know of the current situation. He had asked that of me after all. But I wondered if it was necessary or I was just being overly-concerned. Did her weariness have anything to do with her ability?  I thought against it. I'll just watch for a bit longer before taking action.

Wandering back to the school grounds, I discovered that school was over. A lot of students were still around nevertheless. Some for extra classes, some after school activities, others detention, training etc. I rubbed my palm against my forehead. What do I do now?

I sighted Denise walking up to me flashing a sexy grin. She pulled me in for a kiss and I responded immediately, I needed the distraction but it didn't last as I pulled away first.

"You pull away more and more often these days," Denise whispered huskily resting her forehead against mine and with her eyes shut. Her eyes suddenly snapped open and she stepped back from me.

"Who is she?" Denise asked murderously. I sighed. I forgot she could delve into your mind on contact and see through your eyes what you saw. If I lied, she'd know and so I came clean.

"Someone who is as important to me as a sister." I answered. The blaze in her eyes softened instantly.

"Am sorry. I didn't mean to come on strongly. I just love what we have too much." she said.

"I know even though I haven't slept you in weeks." I stated.

"I will wait until you are ready." she said smiling sweetly at me.

"Will you or have you?" I asked, my tone underlying a threat. She stared at me confused for a minute, "Cut the act, Denise. I know. You've partying with our dear friend Lawrence from Seradon academy." I said very calmly but firmly. Her features contorted in guilt and fear immediately.

"Zach, it's not what you think. What happened was out of my control. Believe me babe, I would never cheat on you." She whispered vehemently, tears forming in those hazel eyes.

"Am sorry Denise but I can't believe you. You didn't cheat on me just once or twice but repeatedly. I have purposely not mentioned it these past weeks because I wanted you to mention it. No matter what it took, you owed me that much. It's over. Our not-so-exclusive contract is over. You are free. You can go." I said with no trace of emotion whatsoever in my voice. Her frame shook as she wept but I paid no heed to her.

"Please Zach, just one more chance." she pleaded. I gazed at her. Every feature perfect but I felt nothing. I shook myself out of her hold.

"Leave Denise. This minute." I said menacingly

"Zach..."

"Leave." I said and she gulped. She wiped her tears away furiously and stood tall.

"You will come back to me. Just you wait and see." she said, determination laced in her voice. I didn't answer to that. She could try, nothing stopped her but it was over.

As Denise walked away, I heard someone call my name. I turned to the other side and my eyes softened when I saw it was just my sister. She walked up to me.

"Was that Denise?" She asked.

"Yes."

"I sensed all is not well." I could hear the hope in her voice.

"Yes." I answered anyway. "It's over between us."

"Finally. That is the best news I've heard all week. What did the slut do? You know what, don't answer that question. I like the version of her crimes I created better." she said proudly.

"As you wish. By the way, the driver will run late today. I hope you don't mind?"

"For what reason?" She asked furrowing her brows.

"I have to check on someone." I admitted.

"Who?"

"You can't know who yet." I said.

"Yet you said. Okay. I will tame my curiosity until you decide to tell me." she said shrugging. I flashed her a grateful smile. Always the understanding sister. "Go on, I'll keep myself busy watching Michaela practice. Just let me go when it's time to go, okay?"

"Sure thing. See ya!" I said waving her as she waved me back sauntering along.

I returned to the room to find Phoebe with her legs propped up on the bed and her arms wrapped around her legs. Her eyes were shut but flipped open the moment I opened the door.

"Zach. It's you who brought me here after all. I was just wondering..." she trailed as I took the same seat as before beside her.

"How do you feel?" I asked her.

"Better. Thank you but... am kinda hungry." she confessed staring down at the covers.

I chuckled. "I'll have something brought in for you at once." I assured her and tapped on the intercom on the table beside the bed.

"Clinic food service. How can I be of help?" a lady's voice answered.

"Room 7. I need a tray of spaghetti, an apple and a fruit drink." I answered in my princey authority tone.

"Right at you." came the reply and the buzzer went off.

I turned around to find Phoebe staring at me in admiration with this silly grin on her face.

"What?" I couldn't help but ask.

"You are quite caring. The rumors missed that part except towards Elly and a few close friends."

"Maybe." I agreed.

"So, this room is a little too much for a regular student like me especially being a normal and all, you secured it." She said.

"I did," I agreed. "Perks of being a Royal."

"Aha! So that is what it is." she said smiling. There was a tap on the door and I didn't hesitate to answer. It was Phoebe's coveted meal. I received it as I paid for it and took it towards Phoebe who was already sitting upright in anticipation.

"Thank you." she said as she breathed in the aroma of the food. "for clinic food, this smells lovely." she said. After a brief grace, she picked up the fork ignoring the knife and started to eat. I just watched her and for some reason, couldn't tear my eyes away from the view of her ravaging the meal. She set her plate down, satisfied with what she had just eaten.

"So, you seemed to be troubled in your sleep?" I asked tentatively as she munched away on her apple. She swallowed and reached for a glass of water. I got it and handed it to her. She took a long drag before setting it down.

"I don't know if it is something I should share with you. I don't... we don't... I just feel like I can tell you anything and it's weird. I usually don't feel like I can tell people anything, I have this gutsy feeling like I've known you all my life." she said and though I tried, I couldn't help but feel warm because of her words and scared. If she found out the truth, would she still see me the same? I pushed those thoughts away and focused on her.

Clasping her hands in mine, I looked at her. "You can tell me anything. I give my word that you can trust me. I never go back on my word."

She regarded me for a while and tried as I could, I couldn't decipher the emotions behind those gorgeous eyes.

"You asked for it, don't you dare forget that." she said playfully and unclasped her hands from mine. She stared down at her fingers and began to pull at them. A nervous habit of hers.

"I've been having nightmares." she whispered so low I barely heard it. Still staring down, she continued, "It all started a while ago. Weird things have been happening to me. First, it's that for some reason, I have an automatic mind shield that even Sam can't break into. Then, I noticed that whatever predictions I put down just happens. Not exactly how I imagine it but things just fall in place and it happens. I originally believed it to be a coincidence of some sort but the more it happened, I knew there was something else at play. Another thing is my vast ability to understand tongues of all sort. Am using all sort because I don't only understand human languages but conversations of bees, cats, dogs and crickets! I suddenly feel like Dr. Dolitte and it's... honestly freaky." she laughed dryly and continued.

"And then these dreams, nightmares have been coming. And... and... it's always the same dream every time. Am in a confined room, a room from the medieval times. Am shut in, there's no way out and am terrified. I call out for help but no one answers. My voice simply re-echoes. then, there's this wooden table with a candle beside it. I approach it and on the table is a scroll and an ancient feather and ink. I guess I have to write in the stroll but I don't know what it says. How can I write it. I return every time my eyes shut and the stroll is still waiting. Somehow, i eventually comprehend what it's saying but don't know what to write."

I grabbed one of her hands and squeezed it gently. "What does it say? The stroll?" I gently asked.

"I can't remember." she replied shaking her head. "The worst part is the voices. I hear voices but can't see anyone. They are initially distant but draw closer and are more intense and hurt my head. They don't let me be. They are arguing about something concerning me. I call for their attention but they don't hear and soon fade away. Then there two light rays, a blue and red and they beckon to me. I don't which way to go. Am scared and so I wake up. But now, avoiding sleep doesn't keep them at bay. Since I refuse to sleep, they come for me. The sleep overpowers me." Phoebe shut her eyes obviously trying to shut out the memory.

"Stop now. We'll figure it out. I promise." I said hoping I could really keep this one. There and then, I knew what had to be done. I excused myself and went into a private room where I dialed father. He picked up on the first ring.

"Father, I have news. Phoebe is not doing well. The abilities are out and she has no way of containing them." I said into the receiver.

I heard father draw a sharp breath. "All preparations are in place. She needs to be here tomorrow morning. I'll arrange how she'll get away from her family for a while without drawing attention."

"Yes, father." I replied.

"Good. I'll send Dobson over to get you and your sister and with a little something for Phoebe as well to prevent her from going to that place in her slumber." Father said. I hadn't told him anything yet. How did he know? I wondered. He cut the line.

Returning to the room, Phoebe was asleep and beads of perspiration clung to her forehead. I quickly swiped them away and shook her gently. She awoke and in relief, wrapped her hands around my stomach, embracing me. I held her around her stomach. She took deep breaths against my chest and relaxed there. I just held her.

"We have a plan to help you." I whispered.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Don't freak out."

"Trust me when I tell you I won't. Crazy has been the theme of my life so far." I chuckled at that statement.

"You have to come stay at our residence from tomorrow." I felt her stiffen from those words and pull away to peer back at my face. "I mean it. What's going on with you is complicated. My father believes he can help you. And before you speak, he's made arrangements to bring you over without arousing suspicion. You'll hear the rest from him in the morning." I told her. Relief flooded through her, I could see.

"Thank you. Am nervous and have questions but I'll believe you for now." she said.

I accompanied her back to class where she packed her backpack ignoring the stares she got as she walked to the front with me. I could sense nothing mattered to her at that point. Dobson was prompt and I received from him what father had sent and gave it to Phoebe. She stared at it quizzically.

"Father says it'll help you to get through today." I explained. She merely nodded. I was glad she trusted me. Just then, I heard someone call her. We both turned to the person and it was none other than Elaine and she looked like she wanted answers.

"Oh crap!" I muttered.