The Person Within the Awakening

By Teresa Turiano-Rambo

Jenna Rosenburg is a young high school student in a band called the Bloody Banana. Her life was normal until one day she runs into a stranger on the street and finds herself wrapped up in a world of magic, love and twisted affairs that surrounds her with adventure. Magical Battles, potions gone wrong, a mystical jungle and a dragon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468577211

Teresa Turiano-Rambo

Teresa Turiano-Rambo is a unique individual who captivates others with her ability to tell a good story. Her passion for writing pours into her book series The Person Within. With seven books starting with The Awakening, she takes her readers to a whole new world of adventure, suspense, romance and fantasy. A story that touches every emotion.

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

INTRODUCTION

Heather Citron is standing in the woods behind her house, dressed in a faded light blue nightgown with her feet bare upon the hardened, cold ground. She looks around dazed and bewildered; trying to catch her bearings for the last place she remembers being is asleep in her bed. How did I end up here? She curiously wonders.

The chilly, fall breeze blows through her long, wavy, red hair causing a slight tingle of uneasiness which prompts her to shiver rubbing her arms. The sounds of rustling leaves and crackling tree branches start to make her feel a sense of panic as she spins in a circle looking up at the tree tops with the fall foliage faintly shining from the dimmed moonlight. Thunder rumbles in the distance with flashes of lightning casting off shadows around her. She can feel her heart start to race with anticipation, This can’t be good . . . She mumbles with her bottom lip starting to quiver.

Then from behind her she hears the sound of twigs snapping and leaves crunching; the sounds intensify as she realizes that it is the sound of footsteps approaching her. She turns affright, apprehensively looking around but fails to see anyone. She begins to breathe rapidly. What is going on? She whispers to herself starting to shake uncontrollably feeling paralyzed and unable to move.

A man in a long, red, hooded robe that covers his face slowly reveals himself out from the shadows. He walks towards her with a slow, almost sinister strut; not saying a word. She stares at the evil man as she backs away. He speaks to her in a deep raspy voice. Hello Heather.

Heather’s voice is shaky. Who-Who are you? How do you know my name . . . ? She looks around. How did I get here? She asks

The man takes a few steps closer. My name is Natas and it is my business to know your name. I have brought you here my love. He replies

Why? She asks.

It is time for you to start your training. He said

Training for what? She asks.

To have our princess reborn of course; she will grow with in you. He said

Heather gets a petrified look then starts to run. Natas waves his right hand giving out a wicked laugh. Heather stops running; her feet held fast to the ground; she pulls them frantically trying to break free as Natas starts to walk towards her; she looks at him in a panic giving out a horrifying scream. Stay away from me. She shrieks.

Natas stops in front of her then softy strokes her face. She moves her head away from him. You can’t run child. There is nowhere to hide. You are the chosen one. He said. Your destiny has begun.

There is a bright flash of lightning followed by a loud clap of thunder. The rain starts to pour down upon them as Natas holds out his hand revealing a silver necklace with a large triangle ruby. He gently places the necklace around her neck; she gives out a painful scream for a burning sensation pierces her chest. Natas speaks gently with remorse. I am so sorry Heather. She passes out on the ground. Natas crouches down beside her then brushes the hair out of her face. He picks her up in his arms then slowly stands up. They vanish.

Heather wakes up then quickly sits up in her bed looking around her room out of breath still shaking from her horrifying ordeal. The room is dark with only a night light shining in the corner. Lightning flashes through her window. She gives out a sigh of relief as puts her hand on her chest. She vigorously feels her nightgown and hair in a panic for it is wet from the rain. She quickly gets out of bed; runs into the bathroom and sees the necklace in the mirror. She screams then starts to pull at the necklace until her hands begin to hurt. She stops pulling then peeks down at her feet noticing the mud. She passes out.

CHAPTER 1

Eddie Bruno is in his bed with his girlfriend, Katie Rowlen. They just finished making love. Their bodies are entwined, sweating, and breathless. The lights are off with the television flickering in the background. There is a slight cool breeze brushing over them from the ceiling fan rotating above the basic, wooden, full size bed. Katie runs her fingers through his short, black hair then looks into his crystal blue eyes. I love moments like this. She whispers as she admires his face. He kisses her forehead then smiles gently pushing her blond hair out of her eyes. Me too . . . he replies.

She closes her baby blue eyes with a smile settling her head onto his chest. I love you.

I love you too, Kitten. He said closing his eyes with a smile. Just by looking at him, you can tell he is at ease, a sense of calmness and comfort. It is hard to believe that his life hasn’t always been so peaceful.

Eddie’s father Michael died in front of him as a small boy by the works of a malicious magical attack. Afterwards his mother became unhinged over the loss of her husband; abandoning Eddie leaving him in the hands of the state. His father’s best friend won adoption rights to Eddie in a court of law do to him being the god father then raised Eddie as his own son.

In his first year of college he was engaged to be married but a few weeks before they were to wed, the girl discovered she didn’t truly love him and broke off the engagement. The ordeal left him in runes causing him to drop of college then eventually landing in the hospital due to a drug overdose.

After Eddie recovered he went to school for his pilot licenses then found employment at the Rowlen’s Air Tours where he flies a red and white, Falcon 20, charter plane, giving airplane tours around the North Eastern seaboard to anyone that can afford the overly high prices. A couple months later, the owner Mitchell Rowlen set him up on a date with his daughter Katie which led to the relationship he is in now a year and a half later.

Katie has lived a sheltered life where her parents control every aspect of her life. Her parents did not want to expose her to the unwanted behaviors of the public, so dating was out of the question until she reached the age of eighteen, she only attended catholic schools but was forbidden to attend any type of socializing school functions. She never went on outings with friends even though she was asked many times. She only attended socials that her parents organized.

Once out of high school, she went right into college where she is currently studying business with the annoying fact that she will be taking over the family business after her father retires. Focusing on her studies, she ignored the social world around her. Eddie is her first in everything in which her eyes are naive, he can do no wrong and even though he never talks about his past, she feels he has nothing to hide.

Katie starts to drift off to sleep listening to his heartbeat. Eddie looks up at the ceiling focusing his eyes on the ceiling fan. He tries to follow one blade around but quickly gives up the effort with a bored sigh. He then closes his eyes. There is a knock on the front door. Eddie opens his eyes; looks at the alarm clock on his wooden nightstand; it reads twelve o’clock. Eddie rolls his eyes and sighs. What the hell? he said as he rolls out of bed.

He puts on a pair of boxer shorts; Katie opens her eyes and watches him walk out of the room. He goes downstairs then answers the door. It is a man with his clothes wet from the rain. Hello Prince Nator. King Luthern wishes to speak with you.

Instantly Eddie is nauseated and gives the man a disturbed look. You’re kidding, right? The man shakes his head no. King Luthern knows that I am retired. Eddie said confused,

He said it is very important your majesty. He looks worried. The man said.

Eddie gives an aggravated sigh. This can’t be happening. Eddie shakes his head no. I’m not going. Eddie said.

The man gets a weary look. He said that you would say that, so he told me to tell you that the kingdom is counting on you. He states.

Eddie gives a frustrated laugh. I’m dreaming; this is not real. The man hands Eddie a necklace. It is a silver medallion with Nator written on the front and this symbol on the back.

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Eddie looks at the necklace. He looks up at the man confused. He pulled out one of my student necklaces? Eddie asks

The man starts to get antsy. I did mention he said it was important right? He asks.

Eddie gives a defeated sigh. Tell him I will be there shortly. He said sounding disappointed.

The man smiles excitedly. Yes your majesty. Welcome back.

Eddie gives him a dirty look. I’m not back. He said as the man walks away; Eddie closes the door. He leans his back against the door looking up to the ceiling. Why now? he asks in a whisper then goes upstairs and walks into the bedroom.

Katie gives him a concerned look. What’s going on? She asks.

Um a friend of mine got in trouble. I have to go help him out. He said hoping that she would not figure out that he is lying.

Do you want me to go with you? She softly asks.

Eddie shakes his head no. I can handle it. He said as he starts to get dressed. He is putting on black denim jeans.

Katie sits up. I’ll wait for you to get back. She said watching Eddie put on a black, hooded sweatshirt.

You don’t have to do that. He said as he sits on the bed putting on black sneakers.

Katie kneels behind him on the bed and puts her arms around him. She kisses his cheek. I want to. She whispers in his ear.

He turns and starts kissing her. It gets passionate as he lays her down on the bed. Then he stands up. I got to go. He said out of breath then walks out of the room and down the stairs. He walks out of the house and goes to his gray car that is parked in his driveway. He takes a deep breath then begins to drive.

After a while, he rides up a long, red brick driveway that leads to the front of a two story, white, Victorian house with black shutters, where the driveway takes the form of a horseshoe. He turns off the car and sighs. He can feel his muscles tighten and heart racing as he dreads getting out of the car. He stares at the black door of the house then at the wooden sign next to it that reads Knights Manor.

He shakes off his uneasiness replacing it with an annoyed disposition then emerges from the car. He slowly walks up to the door pausing a bit before pushing the doorbell. A long, gray hair bearded man with a mustache; answers the door wearing a green bathrobe and big tiger slippers. His name is Wayne Hicks.

Wayne is the King of the Knight, also called King Luthern. He was Michael’s best friend, Eddie’s father. He raised Eddie after Michael was killed. He never had any children of his own, so he considers Eddie his son. He was once married to a woman named Mary who passed a few years back from Cancer.

Eddie looks him over and gives an amused chuckle. Eddie, I’m glad you came. Wayne said very happy to see him.

Eddie gives him a dirty look. This better be good. He said as Wayne walks into the house; Eddie follows him. Eddie sits on the black, leather couch; Wayne sits in a matching chair across from him. The white, marble fireplace has a nice fire burning in it. Eddie gets lost in the flames and has a flash back of himself around age seven playing with a red fire truck in front of the fireplace.

Eddie snaps out of his daze and looks at Wayne. Why have you brought me here?

For starters, Raven’s bottles have been stolen. Wayne replies.

Eddie lights a cigarette and gives Wayne a disturbed look. That’s not good. I thought they were guarded.

Wayne gets a dismal look. We are thinking it was an inside job. Eddie is silent. Princess Ventra. Wayne said with concern.

Eddie looks confused. You found her?

Yeah I founder her about a year ago. The wakening is upon us. Wayne said.

Eddie gives a little chuckle. That’s your problem, not mine. I’m retired.

Wayne gives him a stern look. You are the one with the connection to her.

Well if I am so connected, why couldn’t I find her? Eddie asks.

Her powers are dormant. Wayne answers.

Then how did you find her? Eddie asks.

I used the Star Crystal to find her. Wayne said proudly.

Eddie flicks his ashes in the cut crystal ashtray sitting on the gray, glass coffee table sitting between them. He looks up at Wayne shaking his head no. I’m sorry Wayne, I can’t help you.

Wayne gets a desperate look. You are the only one for this job. You are the prince.

Eddie gets agitated. I was the prince. I have been out of the field for two years. I cannot take on a powerful student especially one of this importance. He continues. Not to mention the fact, that I have a life now. I have a house of my own, a job that I can go to everyday that doesn’t involve greasy fast food, a wonderful girlfriend named Katie that I happen to love very much. I do not have time to be a teacher nor do I wish to be one. Find someone else to do it.

Wayne raises his voice. This is your job. You have no choice in the matter.

Yes I do have a choice and I choose no. Eddie replies in a snotty tone.

Wayne gets up from the chair and walks over to the fireplace. He takes a picture off the mantle and throws it into Eddie’s lap. Her name is Jenna Rosenburg . . .

Eddie interrupts him. Don’t do this to me Dad. Eddie said as Wayne points to the picture. Eddie picks the picture up from his lap and starts to look at it. It is a young girl around twelve wearing a light blue summer dress standing next to Mickey Mouse at Disney World.

Wayne gives a smile. She is twelve in that picture. Wayne persists. She is now seventeen years old, a junior in high school. She is unaware of the changes that are about to take place.

Eddie looks up from the picture annoyed. Dad . . . Eddie said annoyed.

Wayne continues to speak. She belongs to a band called The Bloody Banana.

Eddie gives him a strange look. The Bloody Banana . . . ? Wayne nods his head yes. Eddie looks at the picture. Jenna has a sweet, innocent smile with her head titled to the side. She looks so innocent. He said admiring the picture.

She is a pistol ready to back fire. Discipline is not in her vocabulary. Wayne said.

And you expect me to control her? Eddie asks.

You would be the only one who can. Wayne replies as Eddie stares at the picture he can faintly hear Wayne talking as he gets mesmerized by Jenna’s eyes in the picture. Eddie, you know that if Ventra is about to awaken, then the keeper of the bottles is about to make Raven reborn. Right now, he is searching; if not already found an innocent soul to destroy. If Raven is reborn . . .

Eddie looks up from the picture. Zeltex will be released. Yes I know.

You and Ventra are the only ones powerful enough to face Zeltex if Raven releases him. Wayne said.

Eddie gives him a nasty look. I hate you for this Wayne.

Wayne gives a nervous look. All her information is on the back of the picture. Wayne gives Eddie an apologetic smile. I am really sorry about this, son.

Eddie stands up and puts his cigarette out. He gives Wayne a depressed look. Yeah, me too . . . he said then walks out of the house slamming the door.

A few days later, Eddie parks his car across the street from a swiss colony style, two-story house. He looks at his watch and it reads six forty-five am. Eddie yawns and stretches. Soon Jenna Rosenburg walks out of her house holding an ice pack up to her eye. Jenna reaches the end of her walk way then looks back at her house. Fucking die asshole. She screams. Eddie watches her smiling shaking his head in disbelief.

Eddie looks at the innocent girl in the picture then looks at Jenna who now has very long, brown hair with purple streaks going through it, wearing black, denim pants with a Skid Row tee shirt; a black leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up. He is stunned that she is the same girl from the picture.

He watches closely as Jenna’s next door neighbor comes running out of her house up to Jenna. Her name is Stellabina Turiambo, also known as Crazy Stella. She has picked up this name from the residences in the neighborhood do to her twice a year stunt of running into the middle of the road, screaming that the world is going to end on October twenty-first.

Stellabina is a fifty-five year old woman who has long, matted, gray hair that she always has pulled back in a messy ponytail. She is short, very thin and walks around with an old wooden cane. She is known in the magical world as a prophet. She can foresee events before they occur. All though most of her visions have been proven true, do to her insane state of mind, it is hard to determine which of her prophets are true and which ones are false.

Stellabina grabs Jenna by the arm stopping her from walking. Jenna of course gives her a very annoyed look. What do you want today Crazy Stella? Jenna asks.

He is coming Princess. Stella said with a panic tone to her voice.

How many times have I told you not to call me princess? It is very disturbing. Jenna said.

The evil one will release him Jenna. You must stop her. Stellabina persisted in hounding her.

Jenna looks towards her bus stop then at her house starting to feel anxious. She pulls her arm away from Stella. I don’t have time for this now crazy lady. Please leave me alone. Jenna starts to walk away.

Stellabina starts to yell at her. You are our only hope Princess. Stop her from bringing forth our doom! Jenna waves her hand back her to show she was listening to her although she was really trying her best to ignore her.

Help us Princess! Please! Stellabina yells.

Jenna walks down her street to her bus stop on the corner. There she finds her friend Heather Citron. Right away, Heather notices Jenna’s eye. What happened this time? Jenna shakes her head no. That man is going to kill you some day if this doesn’t stop. Heather said with a bit of concern.

Jenna looks at her. Not if I kill him first. Jenna said as she notices the necklace around Heather’s neck. She touches it and it burns her hand sending pains up her arm. Ouch. Jenna yells.

Jenna lets go of the necklace; Heather gives her a dismal look as she tucks the necklace in to her shirt. A friend gave it to me. Don’t ask.

I don’t like it. Jenna stresses as she looks at Heather deeply concerned. What kind of friend would give you something like that? Heather does not answer her. She turns her head away trying to think of a response to Jenna’s question but fails. Jenna looks around at the other kids at the bus stop playing around and joking. She looks up at the large oak tree noticing a fairly large raven looking down at her. She gets eye contact with the bird and it gives her are an uneasy chill that runs up her spine. Jenna then looks at Heather with concern.

Heather and Jenna have been best friends since kindergarten. Heather lives in the old farmhouse next door to Jenna. She is a pure and gentle person that everyone likes. Jenna always goes to Heather whenever she has a problem for she is always quick to give good advice and put Jenna at ease, which is not an easy task in itself once Jenna gets going in a rampage. On the other hand, Jenna always has Heather’s back watching out for her well being and fighting the world off whenever it causes Heather to become uneasy and insecure.

Jenna looks at the redness on her hand. She hears the bus pull up behind her. She watches Heather get on the bus with a worried look. She looks at her hand as everyone else gets on the bus. Jenna hears the bus driver’s voice. Are you getting on? Jenna slowly looks up from her hands confused shaking her head yes, than gets on the bus giving the strange bird one last glance through the bus window once she sat down.

Later that afternoon, Jenna is sitting in her math class taking a test. Suddenly she gets burning sensations in both palms of her hands. She drops the pencil and screams. Ah fuck! Everyone in the class stops what they are doing and look at her. She looks at her hands and sees this symbol glowing.

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The teacher speaks from the front of the class. Is there a problem, Jenna? the teacher asks. Jenna looks up at the teacher than at her hands. The symbols vanished.

Jenna looks at the teacher. I was just having a problem with this math question. Damn woman, what were you thinking?

Everyone in the classroom starts laughing as the teacher stands looking at her annoyed by her actions. That is enough out of you young lady.

Jenna gives her a snotty look and speaks in a whinny voice. That is enough out of you old lady. The teacher gives Jenna an angry look then points to the door to signal her to go to the principal’s office. Jenna rolls her eyes and picks up her book bag. She puts the bag on her on her shoulder then grabs the test off her desk.

As she walks towards the door, she places her test on the teacher’s desk; turns towards everyone smiles and waves as she walks out the door. The teacher picks up the test than looks around confused. She’s done? The teacher looks at the door than at the test in shock.

Jenna walks into the principal’s office where she finds her friend Dana Harper, sitting on the long wooden bench. Jenna smiles as she sits next to her. So what are you in for? Jenna asks.

Dana gives her a devilish smile. You don’t want to know.

Dana is a very hyperactive girl who always seems to get herself into trouble by doing things without thinking. She has long, straight, blond hair and hazel eyes. She is a little on the heavyset side, so she is usually the blunt of many people’s fat jokes. However, she does not mind them, she jokes right along with them.

Jenna met Dana in the third grade. Jenna was playing on the monkey bars when she heard Dana yelling for help. Jenna looks down and finds that three boys have knocked Dana on the ground and are beating her up. Jenna looks around the playground to see if she can find help only to find that the teachers are off in the distance talking to each other not paying attention. Jenna jumps off the monkey bars and pulls the boys away from Dana. She punches each boy knocking them to the ground. The boys get up and run away crying. Jenna helps Dana up and brushes the sand off her. Dana hugs her crying. Thank you so much.

Jenna smiles than walks away. She walks up to the teachers; taps one on the shoulder. The teacher turns around and Jenna smacks her in the face. Pay attention, Bitch. Jenna was suspended from school for a week but her and Dana have been friends ever since.

Dana looks at the clock over the office door than looks at Jenna. I bet Shane is already out in the parking lot. I think we should sneak out and meet up with him.

Jenna gives her a silly but stern look. Dana, I do believe I have been a bad influence on you.

Shane is Dana’s older brother. He has long, blond hair that he always wears in a ponytail. He graduated last year and is now going to school for auto body and repair. He just recently started working for Lenny’s auto repair shop. In-between work and school he repairs classic cars with his father and then sells them. Right now, it is a hobby but one day he wants to turn it into a family business.

Shane and Jenna have been dating for two years after Dana convinced him he should take Jenna to the junior prom since he was a loser and had no date. Shane and Jenna were dancing to a slow song and ended up kissing; Shane has been in love ever since. They did have a small break up about six months ago when Jenna had a one-night stand with her best friend Todd. Shane found it in his heart to forgive her and they got back together.

Dana and Jenna sneak out of the office and walk out the front doors. Dana looks around then spots her brother’s dark blue, lifted up, four by four, Ford pickup truck. Dana smiles; taps Jenna on the shoulder then points towards the truck. They can see Shane leaning against the passenger side of the truck, waiting.

Dana and Jenna walks up to him and Shane start kissing Jenna. Dana rolls her eyes. Oh please, get a room. Jenna and Shane start laughing. Shane opens the passenger door; helps Jenna and Dana into the truck putting Jenna is in the middle.

Shane gets in and kisses Jenna. I love you.

Jenna smiles uneasily as she places her hand gently on his cheek. I know you do, Shane.

Shane pushes her hand away and lights a cigarette. He gives Jenna an angry look as he starts the truck. Can’t you say it back at least once?

Dana rolls her eyes. Here we go again.

Jenna raises her voice. We have been over this a million times Shane.

It wouldn’t kill you to say it once in a while. He said as he starts to drive.

Dana