A day passed while everyone packed and repacked. They looked over their destinations and Tyler was fairly sure everyone was pretty excited. He just had one thing to do before they hit the road. He had to tell Samantha the truth about himself and about her. He was very nervous. He didn't know how she would react.

In speaking with Sonya and Adam, they'd all agreed that the truth about each person would be revealed toSamantha. The truth about each person... except for herself. The Council had been very clear that they didn't want Samantha to know about the how her step-father had really died. Tyler agreed that it could trigger something in Samantha. He couldn't forget the pleasure she had experienced with his murder and it made him uncomfortable. He wasn't ready to cope with that. He knew he was being selfish, but he didn't want things to spiral out of control.

He has sitting in a park across from the school, close to the river. He knew Samantha had gone for a walk and he was hoping he would see her on her way back. He took a moment to enjoy the calls of birds. He could hear the movement of the water. The lap of small rivulets against the shoreline. The wind rustled the leaves of the trees above his head. It was so peaceful here. He wished he could stay in the moment a little longer, but he spotted Samantha up the street and got up to call to her.

~~

She looked at him as she heard him calling her name. Oh good, she thought, just the person I wanted to talk to. While everyone else had been preoccupied with packing and planning, she'd been focused on this strange new power of hers. She had begun to understand how to get things to move at her will. It was all focused on her desire and how genuine it was. How badly she really wanted it to happen. Samantha was actually pretty impressed with herself. While she'd sat on the couch in the living room this morning, she'd made a bowl of cereal in the kitchen. She had even delivered it to herself. She needed to talk to Tyler about it before they left town. She felt like all of her travel companions should know, but she wanted to start with Tyler.

"Hey Tyler," she said when she reached him.

"Hi Samantha, it's so nice out here,eh?"

"Yeah, the birds are really singing today," she smiled.

"So, I wanted to talk to you before we went on our trip." He led her over to the side of the river. Some flowers rocked it the wind to the left of them.

Sam tilted her head, "Me too."

"Do you wanna go first?"

"Sure. So, you know how I opened the door with my mind the other day," so casual. She figured she should keep it light. She saw Tyler's eyebrows go up and then his eyes narrowed as he focused on what she was saying. He nodded his head. "Well, I decided to see if I could repeat that event, and it turns out that I can. And the more I tried, the better I got at it. And now I'm pretty good at it." He nodded again. "That's it. I just wanted you to know. 'Cause I know it's kind of odd. Maybe a bit scary. So, yeah."

She was relieved to see Tyler smile. "I'm really glad you went first, because this actually makes what I need to say a lot easier."

Samantha looked at him a little bit alarmed, "Are you breaking up with me or something? I'm not crazy if that's what you think." She frowned a little bit.

"No, I know you're not crazy." He wasn't sure if she could look more surprised and curious at the same time. It was a bit comical. "Just hear me out. Let me get it all out. It's not easy. You see, there are three worlds, that I know of. There is the Human World, the Witchfolk World, and the Darkfolk World. The Human World is this one, obviously. Magic is allowed here, but humans are not magical beings, most of the time. Sometimes, they develop magical powers, like you have. Usually, it's because there is some Witchfolk or Darkfolk blood in one of their ancestors. You seem to be one of those people. The Human World is often a place used by the other two worlds. Sometimes to relax, sometimes to have fun or party. Sometimes as punishment. Sometimes to stage their wars. Humans are basically good, but can be led to follow one side or the other. They can be tricked and their realities can be toyed with, to some degree.

"The Witchfolk are a lot like humans, except infused with magic. We focus a lot on spells. Our focus is always on the common good. We protect nature - which we consider humans to be a part of. We sometimes make mistakes, but our laws are very strict and noncompliance is punished. Some Witchfolk let power go to their head, and they join the world of the Darkfolk.

"And that's what the Darkfolk are. They are just Witchfolk who put a different, more self-centred view on the use of magic. They will do anything if it means getting to the right end for themselves. Selfish. Untrustworthy. Violent. Bound by no laws, except the laws of desire.

"The Darkfolk and the Witchfolk are always on the verge of war. They fight over moral issues. Over how magic should be used. However, each side has equal power and one side can never completely overcome the other. You can see the results of small Witchfolk and Darkfolk clashes through human history. Always, humans experience the biggest losses. All over how magic should be used. Of course, the humans are manipulated into thinking the wars are over other things completely.

"However, a bigger threat looms overall of our worlds. A larger war. The two magical worlds have been hanging in the balance for over 500 years. Maintaining the balance with small skirmishes. The moment one side becomes more powerful than the other, chaos threatens to overtake all three worlds.

"So," Tyler had been watching Sam's face the whole time and she seemed to be taking it all in rather well. "So, I am from the Witchfolk World. So are Adam and Sonya. You are from the Human World, but, obviously, you have a Witchfolk ancestor. We searched our histories, and found a Warlock from 500 years ago with your same last name. We suspect your magic comes from him. His name was Philip Storm. Your powers don't make you crazy, Samantha Storm. Your powers just make you a magical being... you're like me."

Samantha breathed. She felt surprisingly unsurprised by all of this information. "Huh," she said in a music tone. "That explains a lot, actually." They looked at each other for a few moments. "Is there more?"

"Yeah.... so, we think you have a lot of power. Enough to tip the balance. Your ability to move objects -so early in the awakening of your magic especially - shows an unusual talent. It makes you a bit of a target. At least, until you become too powerful to be anyone's target any more."

"Oh!.... That.... That kinda sucks for me."

"Yeah, but what doesn't suck for you is that Adam, Sonya and I are here to help protect you. We are also here to help you develop your magic. To teach you new spells. To discuss questions as you have them."

"You're right, that doesn't suck." Samantha thought for a moment. "Our relationship ...?"

"Happened before anyone knew about your powers. Our relationship is more real than anything I've ever felt. Or known. I love you, Samantha. I am completely devoted to you." Tyler saw Samantha's body relax and she gazed into his eyes lovingly.

"That doesn't suck either." She said. He smiled.

"There is one other thing."

"Yes...?" He explained how he'd had his magic limited and monitored for a time. "That must have been hard."

"It was okay, but when I met you, I wanted to protect you. I went against my own sentence, and I marked you with a joining symbol with the intention of helping you."

"That's pretty sweet. Is it this?" She revealed the mark and rubbed it lovingly. The memory of its creation had never been altered.

"Yes, that's the one."

"I've always wondered why it's never faded. I guess I haven't thought about it too much."

"I made a mistake when I drew it." Sam lifted her eyes to his.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I can't explain what I might have been thinking. How I made the mistake, I honestly don't know. I accidentally drew a magic-joining symbol. Our magic is shared. It can't be undone." Even without realizing the full implications of his statement, Samantha felt her body go rigid. She felt her blood drain from her face.

"What do you mean?"

"When I drew that on you, I shared my magic with you. It's probably what triggered your Witchfolk blood into action. You got my magic, and I got yours." She tried to push down the feelings that came to the surface, the most alarming of which was an intense feeling of violation. She felt mostly violated, but also angry. He could read the unpleasant emotions on her face. "It was an accident, Samantha."

"I know. I know it was. It's okay. I just need some time to, you know, cope. You've told me a lot. I'm just trying to take it all in."

Tyler nodded in understanding. "So, we, Adam, Sonya and I... we thought we could all work on our skills as we traveled. Test out some spells. Practise our telekinetic abilities. You know, get familiar with our abilities."

"You mean, I should get familiar?"

"Well, both of us, really. I have some new things to play with as well. And it never hurts to review spells and symbols," he blushed at this and she appreciated his admission.

"It sounds like a good plan. I think I would enjoy having some guidance with this process. It's been interesting on my own, but also frustrating some times. It would be nice to learn some new stuff, like spells as well."

"I also have a gift for you," Tyler said as he pulled a small rectangular box from his pocket.

"What is it?"

"Open it," he murmured. She took the box from him. It was a heavy black velvet box with gold borders. She undid the golden ribbon that tied it shut. She opened the lid and saw a beautiful black pen inside. It had images and symbols inlaid with gold.

"It's beautiful. It reminds me of your pen."

"It's just like mine. It's for making magical symbols on the body. The Witchfolk call it a Stylo. I got one for you," Tyler said softly.

"Thank you, Tyler."

"You're welcome." They hugged each other and stayed in the comfort of the embrace for a few minutes. They kissed as they parted and held hands. "We should start packing up the van."

"Sounds like a plan."