Chapter 44
*****EJ’s perspective*****
After lunch we were supposed to go to see my grandpa Jacob, but dad said something happened and he needed to talk to Uncle Donnie. So I went to the family library to study instead. My parents said that since I am growing so fast, I needed to be homeschooled. I loved learning about the histories, all the stories and adventures. I also liked learning about human histories, too. I discovered that everyone was basically the same. I couldn’t understand why there were so many wars and why people couldn’t get along. I came to the conclusion that bad stuff happened out of jealousy, greed, and fear. That’s when it happened, three women appeared in the library.
“We are the moon goddesses. I am Selene. These are my sisters, Celeste and Cecelia. We have come to deliver a message.” she said in an ethereal voice.
“What message,” I asked.
“Our brother Khenzu has returned and he has not changed his ways as we had hoped. He is in the body of a boy your parents know. His name is Tom. Your mother is drawn to him because of who he really is. Tom was his prison and your birth set him free. For many generations, Khenzu was made to suffer as a mortal being, sometimes supernatural and sometimes human. He was reborn over and over again. We thought he would learn to love our creations if we did this to him, but he did not.” Cecelia said.
“Our brother is bent on destroying all supernatural creatures. It will be a hard battle for you. But you will not be alone. Your family and their friends and allies will help you. But many lives will be lost. You cannot prevent this and the war must be fought. Khenzu must be stopped at all costs. Only you can defeat him for it was your birth that set him free. Only you can kill him.” Celeste stated.
“You are brave and stronger than you know. The fate of the supernatural world depends on you, young EJ. We have accelerated your growth so you will be ready when the time comes. Do not fear, your parents have been blessed and will see you through to the end.” Selene said.
“I will be brave. I will train daily and study hard. I will defeat Khenzu no matter what. Just like you said.” I declared.
*****Strix’s perspective*****
I went to the library to check on EJ. I was not prepared for what I saw or heard. I couldn’t believe Tom was Khenzu. I guess that explains a lot though. Especially why I was drawn to him. Khenzu created vampires, so I guess vampires might be drawn to him. I was not happy about the lives being lost and not being able to prevent them part. I wondered who would die and would we win. The moon goddesses said only EJ could kill him, I was worried we wouldn’t prepare him enough before the coming war. I was scared and anxious. I went to find Shawn to tell him what I heard. I found Taylor and Phoenix, before I found Shawn, and told them. Phoenix said that was in line with his visions. That the reason he came here to begin with was because he had a vision of a young boy with a crown birthmark on his neck who would fight Khenzu. He said he needed to be here to help with training the boy. Taylor said that Phoenix was right, they should help train EJ since we didn’t know what sort of powers he would have or when he would shift for the first time.
Shawn came in while we were talking and told us what happened during lunch. He told us that he told Donnie and that Donnie was calling a council meeting. Phoenix said he would go also seeing as he is now the fae king. After Phoenix left, Shawn and Taylor discussed a new training regimen for EJ. I told them I wanted to help and that we could all use some training. We would involve the rest of the family and the pack, too, in the training. I thought this would be very beneficial to all of us so we could learn to fight together, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we could better help each other in combat.
*****Phoenix’s perspective*****
I left the Barnette estate and headed for the council building. It was a warehouse downtown. Donnie and the others arrived just before me. We went in together.
“What is so urgent that you called a meeting,” Samiya asked. She is the witch on the council. She is also the leader of Vera Fides.
“My great nephew made a proclamation earlier today. He doesn’t even know he made it, but it is important.” Donnie said.
“I also have a message from the moon goddesses.” I stated.
“The moon goddesses contact you?” Savannah asked.
“Not me. EJ. They gave him a message and Strix overheard it.” I said.
“Let’s get to it then,” Donnie said.
After we discussed everything, we went our separate ways to tell our people. We also let the other councils know what was going on. We knew it would be hard in the beginning but we had to let them know how things were going to be. Also all the wolves, vampires, witches, and fae in the area were going to need to be on alert and start preparing for the battle against Khenzu.
*****EJ’s perspective*****
After the moon goddesses left, I went back to studying. I would talk with my dad later about training harder. I read everything I could find about Khenzu. Dude was really jealous which supports my conclusion. I was getting hungry. I got up and went to the kitchen to make a sandwich.
I found my mom in the kitchen making grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken strips. So much better than the peanut butter and jelly I was going to make. I sat on a barstool and watched her cook.
“How did your lesson go this morning?” She asked.
“It was great. Do you think dad will let me do harder stuff soon?”
“I bet he will. How was your talk with the moon goddesses?”
“You know about that?”
“I do.”
“It was a little scary, but it was okay. They said I can defeat Khenzu.”
“I heard. Are you scared to fight him?”
“Not really. I am learning everything I can about him so I am ready when he comes. “
“That’s great, kiddo. You are so smart and strong. I have faith in you.”
*****Strix’x perspective*****
I may have had faith in my son, but not so much in myself. I was drawn to Khenzu. I don’t know if others were as well or not. I know no one in my family was drawn the way I was. I didn’t know if I would be able to fight him.