Ventus suddenly started receiving signals from three more people. Cringing, he sank down to his knees, holding his head, as it felt like it was about to burst. He could be around one, maybe two powerful magic users if he tried, but four was overwhelming. This was his curse; he would always know that there were people like him, but he could never be around them. He was all alone.
Maisie peeked out the window again.
What on Earth – ? She tiptoed out of her room and opened Sean's door.
"Sean," she whispered, shaking his shoulder, "Wake up."
"Ommigudmayzeelemeesleep."
"Oh, shut up and wake up. Take a look outside my window."
Sean groaned and got up, "Do I have to go anywhere besides there?"
"Possibly."
"Then let me put on proper pants. I'll be there in a moment."
He entered her room a bit more than a moment later, but he did enter, and he did look. "Something's wrong with him."
"Duh. So let's check it out."
"We should get Dad." Sean turned to the door, but Maisie grabbed his arm.
"We can take care of ourselves, yes? Come on." She tugged him along.
I'm going to really regret this, he thought.
(Coming dear…)
Ventus clenched his head tighter and shut his eyes harder, as she got closer and closer. The closer he was to people like them, the more it hurt. And just his luck to wander into a place with four of them. Fantastic.
Ari slowed and looked back to Bri then to Ventus again. She stopped and watched him a moment "Hey, kid. What's wrong?" She was thinking of going back in to wake her parents. She didn't know what was wrong, but it seemed to be getting worse the closer she came.
Maisie tried to lead the way, but Sean pushed her behind him, muttering something. She couldn't quite catch the words, but thought they included, "not letting my little sister get herself killed on my watch".
"Are you all right?" he asked.
