Driving back was not comfortable. Elaine's arms were folded across her chest as she gazed out the window. I knew she was mad at me. She had told me all about her problems with Phoebe outside of the classroom.

"Say something Elaine," I nudged and her face tightened. I poked again and she snorted.

"Elly, it's not what you think between Phoebe and I. You have to hear what I have to say." I insisted.

"What is it then?" I was startled by how quickly her reaction was. She was already facing me and from her expression, demanded answers that very moment.

"Uh...," I scratched behind my head. "truth is I saw Phoebe in the hallway and she wasn't looking well. She even passed out and I had to take her to the infirmary. And watched over her for a while, that's all."

"I see. So she was the one you needed to check on, no?" I nodded. "Ah, I see. I used to think Phoebe had a problem with Royals, turned out she just had a problem with me." Elaine said, pain seething through.

"You are wrong. I was just at the place at the time, don't mix up things." I argued.

"No, am not. I've watched Phoebe interact with Xavier and Alvina, and she is comfortable. When I saw her beside you just now, she was very comfortable too. Why is it just me?" Elaine asked.

I shrugged. "You just have to sort it out with her."

"You know what? I don't give a damn anymore. Am perfectly fine with my life and the people in it, I don't need someone else who thinks that I am no good." she hissed. I wasn't sure how to react so I kept my mouth shut. "Do you know I have noticed she's not been well and have volunteered repeatedly like a fool to take her to the infirmary but she refuses every time and trudges along like a zombie. You come up to her and she just goes with it."

"Um..., it didn't exactly play out that way. She passed out, remember?"

"Still." she huffed stubbornly. I sighed and simply let it go.

We soon arrived back at home and as soon as I undressed, I went to see dad. He didn't seem surprised to see me. He watched me take a seat opposite him before he sat up in his seat, propped up his elbows onto his desk and regarded me.

"Come forth with the words, would you?" he said all too calmly.

I met dad's eyes and just took a moment to study this man who has always been a mystery to me.

"How did you know?" I asked him. "I have not reported Phoebe's dream yet so how did you know?"

Father sighed. "Am a leader Zachary, I have my ways." he replied.

"No. Phoebe's dreams were too personal. Am the first person she revealed that to." I insisted. I and dad had sort of a stare-down before he looked and inhaled sharply.

"Since you are determined, I'll let in on my secret this one time. I visited her."

"You what?" I was not expecting that answer. "How? I've been on Phoebe's tail ever since you asked me to and I have never caught a glimpse of you anywhere near her."

"Physically." he said.

"What?" I asked trying to confirm what he said.

"I  haven't been anywhere near her physically Zachary." he clarified.

"What is that supposed to mean? Did you use a device or did you send her a message or..." I looked at dad but he looked amused. This rarely happened except when I was younger, oh how I missed those days.

"No. None of that." he straightened his back and his usual unreadable expression was back. Just great. "I paid her a visit in her dreamstate. Remember that device where you get in and you are able to travel anywhere in your mind?"

"The dream catcher?"

"Yes, that machine in layman's language anyway. However, this beautiful device enabled me to tap into the frequency of her sub-conscious, into her dream and there I paid her a visit. She was glad to see someone else there apart from herself. I must admit I was impressed she didn't run into my arms shaking and begging me to take her out. She was fully on alert asking who I was and what I came for. I had to tell her am a friend and meant no harm. She asked me to prove it. I told her a bit on her history but she wasn't convinced. The voices came back about then. She was terrified. The room got smaller and the scroll and ink beckoned to her but she fought it. She was soon in tears and I took her hands in mine, made her shut her eyes and will everything to go away. To will for calm and peace, she hesitated but listened and she did it. We had a little conversation after that but when I sensed the day break, bade farewell and take my exit." All the time he spoke, there was wistfulness and pride in his tone. A small smile had found its way across his mouth. That was weird.

"Dad, do you mind an extra question?" I asked.

"What is it?" And the smile was gone.

"Did you know Phoebe from before?" I asked quietly.

"You are very observant, aren't you? That is good. All the lessons I gave you paid off then. About what you asked, no I don't know Phoebe from before but the kid reminds me of a good old friend. And that is all I can tell you." he said.

I sighed. I guess I had to be content with that answer for the time being. "So dad, if Phoebe arrives tomorrow, what then?

"She will train, learn more about who she is and we will see what comes next." he smiled tight-lipped. "Well Zachary, that's it. You may leave. Tomorrow is another day." he said.

I nodded and got on my feet to leave but Dad stopped me. "And for what it's worth Zachary, I am proud of you. Don't ever think otherwise." I smiled.

"Thank you dad." He gave a curt nod, fully smiling now. I took my exit.

*******

"School trip. Really? That was the idea?" Phoebe asked me. I was in the car with her. We had picked her up just as she dropped off in front of school and we were driving towards the Ellicott residence, where I live. I was in the backseat of the limo with her and just had to listen.

"I suppose so. You do look like you slept well last night." I said casually.

"I did. Thanks for observing." she said nothing for a while as if contemplating what to say.

" It was weird when I came down for dinner and my parents informed me that a message came from my school to them. You know the first thing that comes to your mind when you are a scholarship student and you missed two classes, would be 'am screwed' but that was not the case. They said the message was about a school trip where I am luckily one of the three participants only and would be touring Europe for two weeks. Two weeks," she emphasized, "And I had to leave for this trip first thing this morning. All expenses covered by the management, thrilling, huh?"

"That doesn't sound so bad." I shrugged.

"yeah, maybe not. Just maybe. Wow!" she exclaimed suddenly as she put her hands on the window and I watched as her eyes lighted up. "This is beautiful. Oh my God! Am I dreaming?" she asked as she stared outside still. The limo parked in front of the house as the chauffeur opened the door for us. I stepped out first and held my hand out for Phoebe. She smiled at me graciously but didn't take it.

"Am capable of getting out of the car myself, thank you very much." she whispered.

"It's courtesy." I reminded

"Well, damn courtesy." she muttered. I still noticed her gaze about in awe. I've always known I lived in a wonderful, beautiful home but it hadn't quite hit me yet until that moment as I watched Phoebe take in her surroundings with such great wonder.

I finally ushered her inside where she still awed at the interior, I took her up the stairs to the private living room mom and dad reserved for very special and intimate moments for the family. Mom and dad were waiting when we got in. Phoebe seemed uncomfortable and I took her hand in mine to reassure her. She nodded in understanding.

"Please, take a seat." I heard mother say. I urged Phoebe to sit and she complied. She smiled unconsciously as she closed her eyes to relish in the moment.

"I am Lady Aria Ellicott and this is my husband, Sir Adrian. I want to leave out as much formalities as I can so that you can feel at ease." Mom said.

"Thank you." Phoebe replied quietly.

"What we have to tell you today is going to come as a shock and we want you to know before hand that we are here to see you through this phase. You have nothing to fear or worry about. Okay?" Mom asked. Phoebe nodded slowly. She was staring at dad and familiar memories looked like they were coming forth. She tore her eyes away at Mom's question directed at her.

"I'll be 17 years old in two weeks' time." Phoebe replied. I was surprised she heard the question because she was focusing on dad at the time, and I did not hear it.

"That's brilliant. So, we heard strange things have been happening to you?" Mom asked. Phoebe nodded slowly again. She asked to know and Phoebe tentatively gave them a partial rundown of her crazy life over the past few weeks. After everything was said and done, mom finally told Phoebe.

"You are the one with the ability to write fate, well since it's not an ability, let's just say you have the power over fate." mom said

"What? Are you kidding me now? I mean, is that even real. And I don't have abilities" Phoebe pointed out nervously looking from mom to me and back to mom.

"Like I said, I know it's a lot to take in but how else do you describe what you do?" Mom asked. Phoebe struggled with words to say and merely shrugged in defeat. "I thought so. Why you have been brought here is simple. To learn to control this power over the fate of others. And to keep you away from prying eyes while you do so. This residence has the best facilities to train with and very high security system. And to make sure you'll feel at home here, I took the liberty to arrange your very own room while you are here. It's not much different from the one you have at home but I can assure you it's better or so I believe."

"Hold on a moment please, how did you know about my room?" Phoebe asked and I knew it was time my secret came out. Just a part of it at least.

"Same way we knew about you and when to approach you." Dad finally said calmly. "From Zachary. We've asked him to watch over since your first day. And he's not been stalking you just so you know, I love to believe my son knows his boundaries and respects them." Father paused and regarded Phoebe who watched him intently.

"We asked Zachary to watch over you for a number of reasons but the reasons that stand out include you being exposed to the revolution: they are a society that have always wanted their hands on a person like you, to know how you've been holding up among other things." Dad said. Phoebe merely nodded. She wasn't getting but just had to trust us.

Mom helped Phoebe settle in while dad gave me Phoebe's training schedule for the day. After she had changed into something more comfortable for training, I had to test her combat skills and target shooting skills. Later in the evening, dad would take her deeper into the art of meditation, I didn't imagine that being easy. Dad was a tough teacher.

Phoebe met me in one of the training rooms clad in a three-quarters and a tank top.

"Take a bow and a quiver of arrows from the weaponry and shoot target." I ordered. Phoebe stared at me in amusement but obeyed. I watched her take her stand, aim and shoot. The arrow hit the bull's eye. I expected a dance of triumph but Phoebe said nothing. Just looked at me and gave a tight-lipped smile.

I pointed out more targets and asked her to shoot. Her speed and accuracy were amazing. I decided to test her combat but that was where I saw she was lacking. She was very good at avoiding attacks but making them was where she failed. I taught her a bit on her movements and learning to go for an opening. She picked up and I was pleased.

"Now, we are going to combine your shooting and combat skills. We'll pretend this is a battlefield. These targets are your enemies and so I am. You shoot them but at the same time keep out an open eye for me. Got it?" I asked.

"I'll try but don't come on too hard." she said and assumed position. She started to shoot and duck whenever I shot. Her movements were light and quick like I expected. It almost felt like she could see my moves before I made them. I soon got her in close combat and she avoided every single one attack, I kept on attacking nevertheless until she slipped behind me and tried sliding me to the ground. I caught her and in a flash, she was under me. I got off her immediately.

"Dang it. I almost got you." She said hitting the floor with her palm.

"Almost you say. Don't ever let that be an excuse." I helped her get to her feet. "You did well today. Tomorrow is another day. You can go rest. We've trained for over three hours already."

"Zach?" she called.

"Mmhhh?"

"Thank you. Most things you've done for me couldn't have been easy for you so thank you for watching my back." she said.

"No problem. May I ask your secret in combat? You know what to do but execute it poorly but in defense, you are just mind-blowing." I stated.

I watched her tense for a while. "Am hyper-aware of my surroundings. It became dominant ever since the tongues and dreams started." she confessed looking down at her feet. "But about knowing what to do, it's a secret I hope to share with you some time." she said meeting my gaze briefly before looking away.

"Alright. Thanks for telling me. We'll work on that too." I said. "Come on, let's go get something to eat."

"Zach?" I looked at her. "Will you not go to school until I go?"

"Phoebe, am sort of your personal bodyguard..."

"And friend who I don't want to miss out on his life because he is looking out for me." she interjected. I held her gaze. It was so honest and fierce and I couldn't help but smile.

"Am your friend Phoebe, really?"

"Don't rub it in." She said walking ahead of me.

"Phoebe," she stopped and turned to me. "I will go to school from next week, when your basic training is over and you are secure. You also might go to school starting next week, so buckle up." She smiled.

"That sounds good." her stomach growled and she looked at me in embarrassment, "That food..."

"Am on it," I answered falling in step beside her. The feeling felt so right.

This is where I round it off for today. Am sorry this part is somewhat short but I hope you enjoy it. I'll try posting every three days. You all take care! And thank you so very much for reading.