The Successors: The Complete Trilogy

By P.B. Cannon

From birth, Shane Anders, Evelyn Bryce, Connor Helmuth, and Valerie Worthy share a unique psychic connection. They also share Anotrothe, their invisible friend.

Though their parents believe him to be imaginary, Anotrothe is not. Instead, he is a being with powerful psychic abilities. He explains to the four children that their connection gives them capacities that no other humans have, that though they are too young at that time, they can learn when they are older. He promises to teach them when the time comes.

When they are eighteen, he tells them that malignant forces are on the way to destroy their world and that they need to begin learning exactly what it is they can do, in order to help him stop them. He teaches them using a method that though it is... unusual, it is effective.

This is the tale of how the four learn that they are new humans, successors to the human race, and how they save the world and find a new one.

This box set includes Anotrothe, Dichotomy, and Choices, the entire trilogy of The Successors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.B. Cannon
• Release date: Aug 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005636289

P.B. Cannon

P.B. Cannon was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and though she has visited other cities and states, she has a preference for Charlotte and expects to live there for the rest of her life.She is a teller of tales who enjoys concocting yarns of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and other stuff. She relishes reading, drawing and painting, walking, working crossword puzzles, and she likes to dance.She is a retired electronics technician and admits to having worked at a variety of other jobs during her life, including being a dishwasher, a busgirl, a housemaid, a motel/hotel maid, working in a fast-food joint, a telephone operator, and a store clerk. There have been other, even-less-glamorous jobs.She also daydreams a lot.

Book preview

Prologue

Link

He sat within his vessel and brooded on his longstanding dilemma.

A vibration, a mere hint of a disturbance, imposed its way into his consciousness, interrupting his inner gloom. Startled, he raised his head.

In all his time of searching, this was the first instance in which he had perceived any trace of that which was required. Hopeful, he concentrated.

A link.

His mind pursued the thin, almost imperceptible thread, and met with an obstruction. Frustration creased his brow. Perhaps he was mistaken. He quietened his mind and focused. There was no mistake. It was indeed the long sought after assistance he would need. He had but to reach it.

He pulled his mind back and mulled over his next move, which was to determine how to overcome the obstruction, and then isolate the exact location and identity of the link. It was crucial to make this discovery as soon as possible. After several trials that accomplished nothing, he thought to ask the ship.

"Zua, assess. Why am I not achieving success with this?"

"Your efforts are hindered by a lack of power, Master."

He waited for a moment then said patiently, I am waiting, Zua. Are you then going to explain how I may rectify this?

"The link itself is the answer, Master. Through it, you can access a strength that, while not great, may be combined with yours. It can be used to cancel the distance and thus overcome the obstruction. Then, you may isolate the position of the link."

He stared at the ship’s console, thinking that it had seemed reluctant to answer him, but that thought was lost in his annoyance that he had not considered that angle himself. His irritation faded as he set about analyzing the parameters of the approach. His heart lightened with the discovery that the task would be complex but not insurmountable. As long as he was careful, such a tactic would work quite well.

So as not to sap the fragile power, through the link he used a subtle touch to pull upon the delicate strength. He intermingled it with his own and negated the distance to gain egress. Then, he sent his perception through.

Reaching the source, he made a further survey and smiled with satisfaction. It was more than expected. Before him lay the pathway that would lead to his defeat of the enemy.

He made his plans, gave directives to his vessel, and wended his way toward his destination.

Chapter One

The Quad Squad

Four kids from four different sets of parents born the same year on the same day.

This was not an uncommon occurrence, but it was a fact not known to the parents as, at the time, they lived in four different states and didn’t know one another.

It was perhaps less common that the kids were born within the same hour within the same minute, but that was a detail not discovered for years.

Mere seconds separated their ages. Evelyn Bryce made it into the world first, a second after midnight and a second before Connor Helmuth. Connor beat Shane Anders by a half-second, and Valerie Worthy was the youngest at one second behind Shane. Three and a half seconds after midnight, they were all out and squalling.

They met when they were eight weeks old. Or rather, their parents did. One could say that the babies already knew each other.

Two weeks after the births of the newest addition to their families, the fathers transferred from their respective jobs to a town in Massachusetts. On a sunny day in mid-spring, the mothers met while in the park with their new babies and found they lived within a few blocks of each other. Upon discovering the babies were all born on February twenty-fifth, they marveled at the coincidence. They became good friends.

One mother noticed her baby sometimes appeared to be listening to something, something she couldn’t hear, or the baby would coo or giggle when alone in the nursery. In comparing notes with the other mothers, she discovered their babies behaved the same way. They chalked it up as normal and got on with enjoying their little bundles of joy.

From the beginning, some connection the babies seemed to share called to mind the one shared by multiples from the same womb. When the kids were older, and the mothers brought them together, they would crawl to each other and babble as though they understood. It was as though they had their own language and were communicating on a level no one else had.

Like puppies, they would fall asleep in a huddle. Shane was always next to Evelyn, and Connor next to Valerie. Everyone thought it was cute.

Their families jokingly called them the quad squad.

Chapter Two

Anotrothe

From the time they turned a year old, the mothers held joint birthday parties for the children at one or the other of their houses. Nothing big or fancy, just the four kids and ice cream and cake. Being more of a time for the mothers to get together, as more children joined the family, they would leave the younger siblings at home for their husbands to cope with.

When they were four years old, Connor’s mother held the party.

After the birthday cake and ice cream, it being February and too cold to take them outside, they sent them to Connor’s room to play. They became quiet for so long that, knowing un-noisy kids more often than not spelled trouble, Connor’s mother went to check on them. They were naked and hugging each other.

Shocked, she made them put their clothes on calling in the other mothers to help since, as with most children that age, they were better at taking them off than putting them on. The mothers had to believe the kids were behaving in innocence since they were so young. This was such a sudden development, though, that it was worrying. They needed answers.

They marched the kids out to the living room where, in gentle tones, they questioned them. Four little sets of wide eyes peered up at them.

Evelyn’s mother maintained a calm exterior. What were you doing?

Evelyn’s in-need-of-a-cut blond bangs fell over her light blue eyes. They showed confusion, but her treble voice was firm. Playin’.

Valerie’s mother eyeballed the pint-sized figures. Why did you remove your clothes?

The smallest of the four, Valerie, her already thick and curly black hair in cornrows to keep it from snapping into an afro, blinked her big puzzled gray eyes. ’Cause we din’t know boys ‘n girls were diff’rent, Mommy.

Connor, the largest of the four, still had a slight lisp. He did a just-turned-four-years-old jiggle, his sandy mop of hair bouncing up and down. We took ‘em off ’cause Anotwothe said if we din’t have clothe-es on we could see. He grinned, his dark brown eyes crinkling almost shut.

Valerie, who was in the middle of hugging Connor when his mother went in, said brightly, I like Connor. He’s nice. Anotrothe said we kin hug.

Shane’s always disheveled dark brown hair bounced in three different directions as he gave an emphatic nod. "I like huggin’ Evelyn, Mommy. I hug Connor ‘n Valerie too. We hug a lot. Hug people you like. That’s what Anotrothe said. That’s why I hug you, Mommy."

The name was odd, though somewhat familiar, and at hearing it, the mothers went on the alert.

Trying to keep the tension from her tone, Shane’s mother stared into his beaming hazel eyes. Who is Anotrothe? She swung her eyes to the other mothers. All were trying to keep their sudden alarm from showing. They didn’t want to upset the children, but they had to know.

Shane gave a happy grin. He’s our friend. He plays wif us.

His mother’s heart tried to climb into her throat, and she had to swallow twice before speaking. Do you hug him too?

Shane broke out in giggles. We can’t hug Anotrothe, Mommy! His eyes danced as he added, But he says we kin hug each other ‘n ’tend it’s him.

She clasped a hand to her chest and drew in a sharp breath.

Where did you meet him? Tell us what he looks like, demanded Evelyn’s mother trying to keep the panic from her voice. She reached for her phone. They had to call the police and have them round up this pervert. This child predator that was warping their children.

Evelyn’s forehead puckered as she threw her eyes up at her mother. But we don’t have to, Mommy, he’s right here! Can’t you see him?

Connor added as his face bunched with bewilderment, "We always knowed Anotwothe!"

Four adult faces peered at the kids. Then they glanced at each other. Evelyn’s mother, phone in hand and poised to dial 911, paused. A vein in her right temple began slowing the rapid beat it had begun. He’s right where, honey?

The kids pointed to an empty space in front of them. She put the phone down, and the mothers shot sheepish glances at each other, relief washing over their faces.

Valerie’s mother’s impending panic faded. Honey, is it the friend you were playing with last week?

Uh-huh. We had tea, but Anotrothe can’t hold th’ cup.

Yes, agreed Evelyn, wearing a smile. Anotrothe talks to us, ‘n then we have tea.

Connor’s mother smiled. Okay, darling. We can’t see Anotrothe, but tell him we want you to keep your clothes on, okay?

The four-year-olds peered up at their mothers before breaking out in grins at their parents’ inability to see what was right in front of them.

Connor giggled. He kin hear you, Mommy, but I’ll tell ‘im anyway. He turned to the empty space and informed Anotwothe his mommy said they couldn’t take their clothes off anymore.

The girls’ giggles joined Connor’s as Shane asked, Kin we go play now?

His mother was trying not to laugh. Yes, go ahead, but don’t forget: you may hug but keep your clothes on.

As the children skipped off down the hall, their mothers shook their heads at themselves for their rush to panic about nothing. All had noticed over time that their kids often played alone appearing to talk to someone that wasn’t there, and when questioned said they were playing with their friend. They knew why the friend’s name had seemed familiar, too. The kids had mentioned it before, but this was the first time they’d paid attention enough for it to register.

They told their husbands about it later and had a good laugh over the kids’ active imaginations and that they had come up with such an unusual name. It denoted that they were bright and creative. A lot of children had invisible friends, so nothing to worry about. It never occurred to them to question why the kids all seemed to have the same one or to wonder who told them boys and girls were different. Indeed, they never even remembered that part.

***

The parents were destined to hear more of Anotrothe from their typical, rambunctious offspring who sometimes did little-kid things when an adult took an eye off them.

Such as the time Connor climbed a maple tree in his back yard and fell.

His belt loop caught on a low branch, and he tumbled from there to the ground. His distraught mother checked him out and told him to stay out of the tree as she put his favorite adhesive bandage - Spider-Man - on his scraped hand and knee thanking God none of his injuries were serious.

He grinned and ran off to his room. Anotwothe kept me fwom falling! I’m gonna go play wif him! he informed his mother.

Or Evelyn, who decided she wanted to see Shane one day, and took off down the street and around to the freeway following the route her mother took when she went to visit Shane’s mom. Evelyn got there just fine and dandy, and when she arrived, Shane’s mom called her mom, who called the police who called off the rescuers that were out searching for her.

When asked how she got there all by herself, she looked confused.

I wasn’t by myself, she insisted, Anotrothe was wif me!

Valerie, who enjoyed riding her tricycle, took it down the middle of her busy street one afternoon. It caused all sorts of vehicle mishaps of drivers trying to avoid the tyke on the trike.

Valerie was puzzled why anybody was surprised none of the cars struck her. She overheard her mother and a neighbor thanking God the child hadn’t been run over.

She marched up and declared, Anotrothe moved them outta my way so I could ride!

Shane wanted to go swimming at the public pool a half-mile away, one day. His mother told him she didn’t have time to take him, so as soon as her back was turned, he ran off to go anyway. He managed to avoid street traffic on the way and all the lifeguards and attendants when he got to the pool, where he jumped into the deep end. Though he’d never had swimming lessons, he dog paddled his way across just fine.

The attendants didn’t realize he was alone without a parent nearby until his frantic mother called wanting to know if he might have made his way there. They pulled the small boy from the pool and kept him in the office until someone came to get him.

When asked, he laughed, and said, Anotrothe brought me to the pool. He helped me swim!

His father signed him up for swimming lessons.

More of such incidents had their beleaguered parents exasperated with Anotrothe. They couldn’t wait until their kids got over the imaginary friend stage.

Chapter Three

Don’t Tell

When they were five years old, the kids wanted to know why Anotrothe came to see them and no one else.

I’m here because you are special. He smiled. I am your guardian.

They got excited.

Are you an angel? gasped Valerie, her eyes wide.

Shane stared up at him. Did God send you to guard us?

Anotrothe smiled again. That’s a good explanation, but--

Evelyn, her eyes shining up at his golden hair and blue eyes that were a shade darker than hers, said, Ohh… you look just like an angel! Can we see your wings?

He chuckled. I’m sorry, my friends, maybe one day, but for now, my wings are tucked away.

They were thrilled that they were special enough for God to send them their own personal guardian angel. Being five, they didn’t ask what was special about them. Knowing they were was enough for them.

They saw him often, and he came to visit each of them at night when they were in bed, though, when he came to their rooms, he told them they had to be quiet so no one would come in. He told them he loved them, and he told them interesting stories, different from the ones of their mothers.

Their favorite was the one about the four lucky babies born on the same day, who would always have a guardian that loved them. They would giggle because they knew it was about them.

When the children began school, they tended to hang with each other, though they got along well with their classmates. They were the oldest in their respective families and got on fine with their siblings, too, except for the occasional squabble that all siblings have, such as over a toy - or when a sibling or two got upset because they couldn’t see the invisible friend.

That didn’t often happen, as it didn’t take long for the four to learn not to talk to him in front of them.

As they got older, they still mentioned Anotrothe sometimes, though they weren’t as inclined to involve themselves in adventures that they attributed to him. When they went into fifth grade, their parents worried that they seemed to be holding on to their imaginary friend a bit longer than average.

On discussing it with the kids’ pediatrician, he told them that, yes, some children held on longer than others. In their case, he believed that, because they dreamed him up together when they were quite young, they were reluctant to let go. He compared it to a child hanging on to a beloved stuffed toy or a comfort blanket.

He advised them to continue to ignore it, and it should soon be a forgotten matter to the children.

Sure enough, one day, right before the Christmas break, they stopped talking about him and never mentioned him again. When anyone asked, they said he was just a figment.

The parents breathed a huge sigh of relief. At last, they’d grown out of the invisible friend stage.

***

The four had learned some time back, not to mention their friend to any of their playmates or school friends. That got them teased. Fifth grade was when Anotrothe told them they should stop speaking about him to anyone, their parents in particular.

Puzzled, Shane asked, Why?

"Because, Shane, it could cause problems for you, for all of you. You are older now, and no one else can see me. His face was unsmiling for a change. It’s not the same as when you were younger when everyone thought I was a mere figment of your imaginations. It might appear to your parents and other adults as though you require therapy. His smile returned, and his face relaxed. We wouldn’t want that, would we?"

Connor scrunched up his face. What’s a figment," Anotrothe, and do you mean physical therapy, like what my gramma got when she said her shoulder froze?"

He chuckled. A figment is something that’s made up, not real, Connor, and, no, not physical therapy. If you continue to mention me and insist that I am real, someone might think that you have, ah, emotional issues, and send you to a doctor that treats people for those.

Evelyn nodded sagely. Oh, you mean like a psychiatrist.

He smiled. Very good, Evelyn, and yes, that’s correct.

They thought that was weird because they knew he was real even though by then, they knew everybody else thought he wasn’t. Though neither knew for sure what therapy for emotional issues would entail - not even Evelyn - they were sure they didn’t want any part of it. Anotrothe was their guardian angel who would always protect and love them, so they had no trouble taking his word for anything. If he said to stop mentioning him, then they would.

After he told them to relegate him to the land of figments - so to speak - he had a further directive for them.

There is one other thing; you must stop removing your clothes when you are together.

This surprised the kids, too. Even though their mothers had told them not to take their clothes off again after they found them undressed the first time, Anotrothe had said they could if they were careful not to be seen by anyone else. As far as they were concerned, if he said it was okay, then it was. So, though it hadn’t been a regular thing for them, they did, and they had continued to hug each other, pretending they were hugging him. He had laughed about it.

Huh? Why? came from Valerie. You said it was okay.

I know I did, but you were small then, and it wouldn’t have made much difference if you were careless and someone saw you. Now you are ten, too old to continue doing it. If someone were to see you undressed, you would be in a lot of trouble. So, don’t do it again.

It wasn’t as if getting naked was something they had to do or would miss, so they had no problems with giving it up.

Once they quit talking about their imaginary friend, for the most part, he visited them when they were together. He had them meet him someplace where no one was around to notice how quiet they became from time to time or appeared to be speaking to somebody not there.

He had complete control of them. Almost.

Chapter Four

A New Teacher

They were twelve and in middle school when one day they got to their history class to make an amazing discovery. Anotrothe was there, and he was solid. Everyone could see him. He was the new history teacher.

They sat in stunned silence as he introduced himself to the class as Mr. Janus Anotrothe and didn’t appear to recognize them. They stared with confusion into the angelic face they’d known from their first memories, even before they knew their mothers’ faces.

When they went to lunch, they sat at a table alone where, keeping their voices low, they discussed his presence at the school. What was he doing there, and how could everyone see him now? Why didn’t he seem to know them? They were afraid he had amnesia or something.

Then he appeared to them in the familiar insubstantial state imbued with a hazy light that no one else could see, joining them at their table. They were relieved he still knew them, but they had questions.

Valerie blinked at him. Why didn’t you tell us you were gonna be able to appear to other people, Anotrothe?

Yeah, added Shane, or that you were gonna be a teacher at our school.

He smiled. Ah, my young friends, I wanted to surprise you. I couldn’t come while you were younger but now that you are older and I can, I wanted to be near you so I could better protect and watch over you, and being a teacher works rather well, don’t you think?

Connor laughed and came up with what even he knew was an understatement. We sure are surprised!

Valerie’s forehead crinkled. Why couldn’t you come before?

He smiled. You wouldn’t understand the answer, Valerie. One day when you are older and have learned a bit more, I’ll explain.

As they all did, she trusted him, so she accepted that answer.

"Let me caution you never to indicate that you already know me. You are always to call me Mr. Anotrothe when you see me at school."

They nodded, and Shane wanted to know, Well, where do you live? Can we come to see you at home?

He smiled. I’ve rented a house not far away, but no, it would not be a good idea for any of you to come there. After all, I’m your teacher so it wouldn’t be appropriate. Maybe one day, when you’re older and out of school.

They didn’t understand, but they accepted it.

When their parents met the new teacher at open house, none of them remembered that Janus Anotrothe’s last name was the same as that of the long-ago imaginary friend of the kids.

***

The kids were happy to have Anotrothe near and thrilled to be able to touch their guardian for the first time in their lives.

Of course, touching him, other than maybe on a hand, was something they couldn’t do when there was a chance of it being seen, but they got him alone sometimes and hugged him every chance they got. They wanted to make up for all the time they couldn’t before, and Anotrothe hugged them in return, sometimes giving one of them a back rub or caressing a shoulder, which they loved.

Now, though, they questioned his guardian angel status since he was embodied and out where everyone could see him.

He gave a gentle smile. If you will recall, I told you I was your guardian. I never said I was an angel from God.

The kids thought back and realized that Anotrothe was right. He hadn’t ever said that. They had thought he was an angel. He hadn’t corrected them, but being older now, they got that it was an explanation five-year-olds could understand. Since they were no longer five, it led to another question.

Shane asked it. "Where did you come from? You’re not really our guardian?"

They were not as innocent as they had been, so he was expecting questions. "I am your guardian, my young friends. Hmm… I’m not certain you will believe me, but okay. I’m from another world."

They gaped at him. Still, after running it through their minds, they decided it wasn’t such a huge leap. Until now, no one else could see him, and they reckoned nobody from Earth could’ve pulled that off.

They were old enough to have heard the speculations about intelligent life on other planets. They had seen movies, or the ones their parents would allow them to attend, about aliens from outer space. Though they knew those were just movies, it was an acceptable answer.

Connor, startled that their guardian might think they would doubt his word, went, "Of course we believe you, Anotrothe!"

Shane agreed, but he had a question. We’ve been studying the planets in the solar system. It doesn’t seem possible for you to be from one of those, so what planet are you from?

Anotrothe chuckled. You are a bright boy, Shane, and you’re right. I’m not from this star system. I’m from a planet much farther away. No one here has heard of it.

Connor grinned with excitement. Oh, wow! Tell us about it! Is it like Earth? How far away is it?

Anotrothe smiled at the animated boy. "It’s nothing like Earth, and it’s very far away. That’s something I’ll tell you about another time."

"But why are you here, why are you guarding us?" Evelyn wanted to know.

Because as I told you before, you are special, my friend. I’m here to make sure that you grow into healthy adults. You have a special role to fulfill. Did any of you ever wonder why you have never been sick or suffered a serious injury?

They eyed each other. They were twelve. It wasn’t anything that had ever crossed their minds.

Anotrothe smiled. It’s because I’ve been keeping you safe.

They wanted to know how.

"I have my methods, my friends. I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand them as it is nothing known on Earth.

What special role will we have? asked Valerie.

He smiled. That is a fair question, Valerie, though it’s another one I can’t answer at this time. Still, all of you understand that you have something other people don’t. You have always been able to see me when others couldn’t, and when they can’t see me now, you can. Each of you is always aware of where the others are, and you feel each other’s emotions. These are some of the things that make you special, and because of it, you can learn things that other people can’t. You aren’t old enough yet, but when you are, I will teach you.

Connor gasped. "You mean we have, like, a super power?" He was getting excited again. What twelve-year-old wouldn’t want to be superman?

Anotrothe laughed. Not yet, Connor. Not quite yet. But you will get there.

That was all he told them. They clamored for more details, but he just smiled, repeated that he would teach them when they were older, and blinked out. It left them wondering exactly what kind of powers he would teach them and how old they would have to be.

They learned not to keep asking when he was going to start teaching them, though. They did at first, but one day he became exasperated with them.

His voice was stern. If you continue to exhibit such little patience, then perhaps I’ve chosen the wrong ones, and perhaps I should leave.

They panicked.

Oh no, Anotrothe! Valerie’s eyes glistened with tears. Don’t leave, we didn’t mean anything!

They begged him to stay. "We promise not to ask again," vowed Evelyn.

He smiled at their anxious faces. "Oh, I’m just kidding. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere, but you have to stop asking."

Since he was in his physical state at the time and no one was around, he gave each a hug. Nobody, not even he, noticed that he held his embrace with Shane the longest.

Chapter Five

Curiosity

Like the others, Connor chafed at having to wait to get older.

In his enthusiasm at the thought of having super powers, he kept thinking about it. Unlike his friends who resigned themselves to waiting, he began trying various things he’d seen super heroes do in comic books and movies.

Of course, none of them worked. Fortunately, he was old enough to know not to leap from a high place and try to fly.

One day they were at a pep rally for the football team, and Shane noticed he kept staring hard at the cheerleaders.

Why are you looking at them like that?

Connor grinned. I’m trying to get my x-ray vision going, man! I wanna see what they look like under those uniforms!

Valerie leaned forward. That’s stupid, Connor! You don’t have x-ray vision!

"Anotrothe said we’re gonna get super powers, I’m just tryin’ to get it started."

Shane laughed. He said when we’re older, dummy!

Evelyn giggled. Yeah, and he didn’t say nothing about x-ray vision, Connor, and anyhow, why do you want to look under their clothes?

He grinned. I wanna see if they look like you and Val.

Valerie sniffed. "You’re so silly! Of course they do, they’re girls! What, you think they’re gonna have ding-dongs like a boy?"

Shane, who had three sisters, laughed. Geez, Connor, you’ve got two sisters. Haven’t you ever got a glimpse of one of them?

Uh, well, yeah, but they’re little sisters, and who pays any attention to them? How do I know all girls look alike underneath?

Valerie giggled. Trust me, they do. And, they keep looking like that, except they get bigger as they get older. What, do you think Ev and I all of a sudden grew ding-dongs since Anotrothe made us quit taking our clothes off?

Evelyn laughed. "Come on, Val, he can’t be that dumb! And you can quit calling them ding-dongs! We’ve all known the correct terms for a long time."

Valerie giggled again. Yeah, I know, but I like saying ding-dong." Hmm… I could say shlong I like that one too, but I think that’s for bigger ones!"

Everybody cracked up.

Connor’s laugh turned into a snort. I don’t guess you’ve changed. Then he got a keen look in his eyes. But remember, Anotrothe said we’re different. Maybe you did. He grinned. You could show us.

Evelyn squinted an eye. "Show you? You know Anotrothe told us not to take our clothes off anymore! And you know that’s not what he meant by different."

Connor knew that, but now that it had come up, he was intrigued. How’s he gonna know? He’s not always around, and we can tell when he’s comin’.

Shane knew the girls were still girls and that Connor was just jacking them, but his curiosity about what they looked like now got the best of him.

He eyeballed his friends and grinned. We could get outta here and go to the woods. Nobody will know we left so long as we get back before the buses leave.

The girls peered at each other.

You think we oughtta do it? asked Evelyn.

Valerie’s mouth stretched into a wide smile, displaying deep dimples in each cheek. "As long as they take theirs off too. How do we know their ding-dongs haven’t dropped off?"

So, they sneaked away from the rally and undressed in the woods.

See? No ding-dongs, announced Valerie, the shorter of the girls. She spread her arms out and grinned.

Evelyn, smiling, raised her arms over her head and pirouetted.

Connor, his eyes wide, reached out to touch one of Valerie’s breasts, which were already a C-cup.

"Oh! Uh, you have gotten bigger."

She giggled. Yeah, bigger than Ev. She checked him out. "And I see you got bigger, too. You almost have a shlong." She touched it, and he grinned.

Shane was staring at Evelyn’s slender figure. He ran a tentative hand over to her breasts that barely needed an A-cup. Wow, you’re pretty, Ev.

She grinned, getting an eyeful of him. You’re cute. She reached for his not-quite-as-shlongy-as-Connor’s appendage.

The kids, too preoccupied with each other to notice, were startled when Anotrothe appeared in his non-corporeal state.

He regarded the nude kids. What are you doing? Didn’t I tell you not to do this again? Put your clothes back on. He sounded annoyed, and his voice wasn’t as kind and soft as usual, but that was only for their benefit. He was, in fact, amused, though he wasn’t going to let them know it. They were still young, and as far as he could see, they’d done nothing except looking with a few hesitant touches. He was in time.

They dashed to get their clothes hanging on various bushes and tree branches, and then stood silent and contrite in front of their guardian.

He studied them. Whose idea was this?

They shot quick glances at each other then stared at him in silence. It indicated to him that they were not going to tell on each other, a development he hadn’t foreseen. He could work around it, though.

All right, I see. That means I will have to punish all of you.

Connor, sounding as if he were about to cry, said, Oh no, Anotrothe! Don’t punish them! They didn’t do nothin’, it’s all my fault! I just wanted to see if the girls changed since the last time.

He hesitated, then he blushed and added, I was tryin’ to see through the cheerleaders’ uniforms.

Anotrothe regarded the boy in silence for a long moment, hiding his increasing amusement. Why did you think you might be able to do that, Connor?

Uh, you said we’re gonna get super powers, and I thought--

The guardian kept his face straight. Wait, let me guess. You thought you might have x-ray vision, right?

Connor snuffed back his almost tears and gave a cheesy grin. His head bounced up and down, his hair flopping over his forehead.

Anotrothe managed to stifle the loud laugh that was trying to break free. He said, And you wanted to see if the girls have changed since you last saw them, so you suggested you sneak off from the rally.

Shane spoke up. He didn’t like the thought of Connor taking all the heat. "It wasn’t just him, Anotrothe. I said we should leave the rally ’cause I wanted to see, too."

Evelyn was concerned her guy friends were going to be punished for something she and Valerie had agreed to do. "We wanted to see what they look like, too."

Valerie added, "We said we’d do it if they took their clothes off."

Anotrothe allowed himself a chuckle. "Okay, I see. Connor, let me stress to you that you do not have super powers yet. As I said, you won’t until you’re older, and I teach them to you. Also, x-ray vision is not one of them. His face became serious. You must listen to me when I tell you not to do a particular thing. What would you have done had anyone seen you? You would be in quite a lot of trouble. Now, go home and never do this again."

Connor, Valerie, and Evelyn turned to leave. Shane didn’t follow, so they stopped and waited for him.

Anotrothe frowned. What is it?

Shane hesitated, unsure if he should bring it up. Uh, you still gonna punish us? He turned anxious eyes up to the guardian. His thinking was that if Anotrothe was going to discipline them, he wanted to get it over with.

Not for the first time, it struck Anotrothe that the young boy had beautiful eyes. He gentled his voice. Not this time Shane. Just remember not to do anything like this again. His eyes twinkled, and he smiled. You will find that with this incident, you’ve punished yourselves. You’ve missed your school bus. You’ll have to call your mothers - or walk home. He disappeared.

With slumping shoulders, they headed out of the woods. Their moms were going to be pissed at them. They’d have to make up a story to tell them about why they’d missed the bus.

*

Anotrothe, embodied and back in his empty classroom, let loose the laughter he’d been holding. Then, he wiped his eyes and sat thinking.

As he had expected, the children showed no indication of being shy with each other - or with him. He had encouraged them to view each other in the nude in front of him at a young age, so they hadn’t been upset at being caught unclothed, only about getting caught at being disobedient.

He smiled. They weren’t old enough yet, but they were beginning to grow up. He thought of Shane and looked forward to the future. It should be interesting.

That night as had become his habit, he went hunting.

Chapter Six

Rules of Dating

Everyone thought the kids would couple up as teenagers.

That didn’t happen.

They studied together, went places together - movies, swimming, picnicking, the usual things a group of teens would do. In other words, they hung out with each other a lot. After all, they were best friends.

When they reached dating age, they dated other teens, but date each other they didn’t.

Anotrothe didn’t allow it.

When they were thirteen, one day as school let out, he caught them as they were leaving, and told them he wanted to speak with them.

Shane stared at the guardian wondering why he didn’t just meet them later in his non-bodied state, as he always did when he wanted to talk to them in private.

Can’t we meet later? We’ll miss our bus, Anotrothe.

He smiled. Sorry, Shane. I’m a bit pressed for time today as I’ve volunteered to get the pumpkins for the harvest celebration and that’s what I’ll be doing this afternoon, but don’t worry, you won’t miss your bus. The office informed me that there is a slight problem and it will be late leaving. The mechanic is working on it and says it is a simple matter he’ll soon have repaired. I decided to use the time to speak with you. This will take only a few minutes, so come with me.

They knew Anotrothe was always volunteering for something, so weren’t surprised he was helping prepare for the annual school fall festival. They looked at each other and shrugged, and trudged off down the hall behind him.

Evelyn and Valerie, who’d acquired crushes on their guardian of late, were glad to have an excuse to spend a few more minutes in his physical presence.

He took them to his classroom and closed the door. He ensured they would be alone for a few minutes, and that was when he warned them against dating each other until he gave them permission.

Shane’s eyebrows pushed together. We’re not old enough to date, Anotrothe.

Yeah, our parents won’t let us do anything but group date for now, added Evelyn eyeing him.

He gazed down at the young teens. I know that. What I mean is when you’re older.

Why? Connor and Shane asked almost in unison.

I will tell you when you are older, was his non-informative answer.

Connor’s eyes narrowed. They weren’t old enough to date yet, but they were old enough to be looking forward to it. Is this a rule just between us? What if we want to date somebody else?

It’s only for dating between you four, Connor. It’ll be fine for you to date others.

They shot bewildered side-glances at each other.

Then Shane cast his eyes at the guardian. Uh, okay.

All right. That’s it. Now get to your bus. The mechanic should’ve found the problem by now.

They left and headed for the front door.

As soon as they figured they were out of earshot, Connor voiced what all of them were thinking. "Wonder why he brought that up before we’re older!"

Valerie shrugged. Maybe he thinks we’re gonna go sneak dating to the festival or something. That would be silly! Nobody but the older kids takes a date to the festival. Everybody else just shows up.

Shane, chuckling, nodded. Well, he wasn’t here last year for the festival, so he probably doesn’t know that.

Anotrothe heard them as he was stepping from the classroom. He caught up to them in a few long-legged strides before they got to the door. I brought it up because I believe you should know now, Connor. He smiled at their startled expressions. And Valerie, no, I don’t think you’re going to go sneak dating.

Shane peered up at him. "Gosh, Anotrothe, I didn’t know you could hear that well!"

The guardian laughed as they reached the front door. He opened it for them. Yes, I hear very well, Shane. Now go, you don’t want to miss your bus.

Valerie and Evelyn cast a last quick, starry-eyed, flushed cheek glance back at him before hustling for the bus.

*

Anotrothe caught the dewy-eyed looks thrown his way by the girls as they rushed off. He smiled. It wasn’t the first time he’d noticed those looks from them, and he gathered that both had crushes on him, as did a number of his other young female students - and a few of the males. He was not interested in children in that fashion. As he always did, he ignored it.

As he climbed into his car, he thought that perhaps he shouldn’t have said anything to them about dating, but he remembered when he’d found them in the woods.

No, they weren’t old enough to date yet, but he wanted them to know now that he wouldn’t allow it rather than to surprise them with it later.

He knew that teens often became intimate while on a date. He wouldn’t care if his four did so with regular teens as it wouldn’t change anything, but he was sure that was something they would wish to explore with each other, and he couldn’t have that.

Not until they were no longer children. And not before he said they could.

*

Valerie and Evelyn’s crushes on Anotrothe lasted until the end of January, then, as young teens are apt to do, they began to crush on someone else.

Chapter Seven

Caught

When they moved on to high school, Anotrothe remained at the middle school, which was just a block away, so they still sometimes saw him in his physical state.

He never approached them while embodied, though he’d give a wave to his former students when their paths crossed. When they got together to talk, he always became invisible to everyone else. He would meet them in some out of the way location, most often at a deserted end of the midtown park.

He told them why, when one day, Shane pointed out he was no longer their history teacher.

Since you’ve moved into that house on the other side of town, wouldn’t it be okay to visit you at home now?

He smiled. "No, Shane. I wish you could, but I live alone, and even though I’m no longer your teacher, I am still a teacher, and if you were seen entering my house, it would raise questions."

Shane was disappointed, but he understood. Oh, yeah. I didn’t think of that.

They were older, and they knew what kinds of questions he meant, so they abided by his rules.

At sixteen, after group dating since thirteen, they met him in the park to complain that all their friends could go on double and single dates, so why couldn’t they do the same?

He peered at them. Of course you may, but you have to ask your parents. I don’t think they would like it if you did it without asking them first.

Shane was relieved. Uh, right. He had been afraid the guardian would say no.

Neither had thought to ask their parents. To them, Anotrothe was the high authority on everything. With him, they could talk about anything, things they wouldn’t have discussed with their parents. He would answer any of their questions - as long as none pertained to when he would begin teaching them super powers.

In many ways, they were mature and sophisticated for their ages. In others, they were quite innocent. One way in which they were innocent was in their complete trust of Anotrothe. But then, he had long ago ensured they would trust him over anyone, including their parents. That was why they asked him about dating first, instead of their moms and dads. They just needed to know it was okay with him.

After learning it was, they went to their parents, who made them suffer through the talk before granting permission. They already knew everything their parents talked about. They’d learned all that and more from Anotrothe, up to and including the use of condoms.

Anotrothe hadn’t said anything else about it, but they remembered his warning about not dating each other. They weren’t happy about it because Shane found himself crushing hard on Evelyn and she on him. Connor and Valerie were so into each other it was hard for them not to be downright blatant about it.

They weren’t afraid of Anotrothe, but they didn’t want to pester him about it, so they figured it was best if they waited until he brought it up. They also thought it wouldn’t be long before he did. They could wait.

Everyone thought they were somewhat cliquish, so they weren’t the most popular kids in school. Still, since they were friendly enough when they weren’t hanging with each other, they weren’t outcasts either and had no trouble getting dates.

So, for the next three months, they dated other teens.

Shane went to movies with a girl that had a crush on him since sixth grade.

Evelyn and Valerie went skating and on movie dates with boys who’d had their eyes on them for a while.

Connor seemed to be determined to date as many girls as he could.

They all wound up at the spring dance at school together with their respective dates. They did manage to dance a couple of times with each other but kept it light. No slow dancing.

Their parents were surprised they weren’t going out with each other, but, though the kids didn’t know it, they were relieved. They’d discussed it before and thought the teens spent far too much time together. They had stopped having a joint birthday party for them when they were in sixth grade and tried to steer them into different activities.

The kids didn’t object. They enjoyed having other pursuits. Shane took up chess and was on the swim team at school, Evelyn took dance lessons, Connor played baseball, and Valerie was into drama and art. None of it stopped them from getting together whenever they were not involved in their other interests.

The parents gave up. After all, they were, as a rule, well behaved, got good grades, and didn’t get into trouble at school. Still, they were happy to see them going out with other teens instead of each other.

They had fun dating, but Shane wanted a one-on-one with Evelyn, and Connor felt the same about Valerie.

Since Anotrothe hadn’t come back to them about it, they got tired of waiting and went to him. Over his objections, they elected Shane to do the asking.

He was hesitant, but he did it.

Anotrothe, um, are we old enough yet, to know why you don’t want us to date each other? Can we do it now?

The guardian studied them solemnly. He was silent for so long they began thinking he wouldn’t answer. Then he did.

That is something you can’t know yet. The answer would cause problems for you, problems you aren’t old enough to handle. So, no, you may not date each other. I’ll tell you when you can.

"But Anotrothe, we’re sixteen now! argued Connor. We’re almost grown. We can handle it! C’mon, you can tell us!"

Four sets of pleading eyes looked up at him, but he frowned and gave them a stern look.

This discussion is over, my friends.

His tone was short, so they knew better than to press him, but they definitely didn’t like his answer. They loved Anotrothe more than anything, and it was the first time they’d ever felt any real resentment toward him. Being teenagers, as would be with most, the main thing on their minds was the forbidden fruit.

One day, not long after that unsatisfying meeting, during a study session at Evelyn’s house, Connor looked up from his math book.

He seldom shows up unless one of us calls him for something, and anyway, we can tell when he’s around, he commented.

Nobody had to ask what he was talking about. They knew. And it was true that if they were paying attention, they knew when Anotrothe was in the vicinity.

Shane had a suggestion. "Yeah. School will be out next week, and I was thinking about the hip-hop concert in the park the weekend after that. Be nice if I could, you know, sorta take you, Ev."

She smiled. I was thinking the same thing.

Valerie nodding, said, Yeah, and remember, that’s the same time as the middle school’s end of year dance. Anotrothe’s gonna be busy over there with that, so I don’t think we’ll have to worry about him.

Connor ran his eyes over to her. I want to take you to the concert, Val. We begin our first summer jobs after that. I think we should have a celebration before going off to join the workforce.

Valerie sat still for a moment, then an impish grin called her dimples into play. Yeah. That would be great, Connor. She gazed at her friends. "It would make a good start for the summer. We could make it a double date, you know."

Shane grinned. I’ll drive. My dad fixed up the old car for me. We can all go in that.

So they went to the hip-hop concert. Before piling into Shane’s car, they made sure Anotrothe wasn’t anywhere near.

After the concert, they went to the number one teen make-out spot, a place they were certain Anotrothe didn’t know about. They told each other they were just going to look at the full moon.

Without even thinking about it, they began making out because, for one thing, that connection they shared made it almost impossible not to. For another, it was the best make-out spot in town.

They were just getting down into it when the car door flew open, and there stood Anotrothe in his physical state. It had the effect of sending an immediate shock through them.

They had been careful to keep feeling for him, but neither had sensed him coming. And for him to be embodied was frightening. He’d not approached them in that state since they left middle school.

They scrambled to straighten up and smooth out their clothes, trying to figure out how he’d found them. They had never seen his face look that like that, not even the time he caught them undressed in the woods when they were twelve.

His expression was thunderous, and his lips were tight, but he didn’t yell. His voice was soft and cold. You have disobeyed me. For this, I will have to punish you. Now I want you to go home and think about what you’ve done.

They left the make-out point as fast as they could.

What do you think he will do? Evelyn’s tone was hushed.

No idea, said Shane, trying to watch the road with quaking insides. "But you know he can do things nobody else can."

Valerie and Connor, also clueless and with nothing to add, sat in the back, holding hands.

It was a quiet drive home, and they spent the weekend chewing their nails. When by Sunday night, nothing happened, they breathed a sigh of relief.

Monday morning came, and something did. They didn’t know how he did it, but they learned how he enforced his rules.

Chapter Eight

Penalty

Shane awakened, and the first thing he noticed was an absence. He wasn’t sensing his friends.

It rocked him not to be able to feel the connection he’d had to them for all his life. It was like a part of him was missing. He nearly panicked.

He dressed as fast as he could, and picked up his phone. He stabbed a finger at Evelyn’s preset number - and got a tone and a recorded message saying the number was no longer in service. With growing apprehension, he tried in succession Connor and Valerie, and got the same message.

The shock of not being able to sense or reach his friends prevented him for a few minutes from realizing that he also wasn’t detecting the link to Anotrothe. When that dawned on him, he left the house feeling sick. He suspected it had something to do with the guardian’s punishment, but he thought he could compare notes with the gang when they saw each other.

That didn’t happen.

When he went to meet Evelyn for lunch as planned, he got a further shock. They could neither see nor hear each other. Everyone else could see them and didn’t notice anything strange, but to them, it was as if a barrier prevented them from it. It was as though they didn’t exist to each other.

That they couldn’t see or sense Anotrothe hurt, but to them, that was secondary. It wasn’t as if they didn’t love him anymore because they did, but what they felt for him didn’t compare to the connection that bound their souls together. Being unable to either sense or see each other was excruciating, like having a part of themselves torn away.

They plodded to their new jobs in agony, each terrified they had lost the others forever.

After a couple of days, Shane’s mom, worried about his seeming depression, wanted to know if he was all right.

Heartsick, he lied. I’m okay, Mom. Just getting used to being a working stiff.

She noted that neither of his life-long friends had been around and asked if they’d had a disagreement.

He gave her a lop-sided smile. No, Mom. They’re getting used to their jobs, too. He was relieved when she nodded and moved on to something else.

Though she thought he might not be telling her the whole truth, she didn’t pester him with questions. She still thought they spent far too much time with each other, so she believed that it was good for them to be apart for a while.

Evelyn and Valerie’s parents also felt something was askew, thinking perhaps there’d been an argument. Though the kids had argued before, it was unheard of for the four to have a disagreement strong enough to make them stay away from each other. But, remembering their own teen years and their resentment when their parents pried, they left it alone. They figured the kids would work it out.

Connor’s dad, watching his normally active son sitting in silence on the porch one evening, said, You all right, boy?

Connor, who’d been wondering how long Anotrothe was going to keep it up, knew he was going to have to come up with a believable lie. His mom had asked him the same thing the day before, and he was betting she’d put his dad up to asking because she didn’t believe him when he said nothing was wrong.

He looked up at his father. I’m okay, Dad. Girl trouble.

Glad he could tell his wife that the boy was just moping about a girl, his dad grinned, remembering his teenage years. I know how that is. Tell you what, I’ve got to make a run to the hardware store, come with me.

Relieved that he’d bought it, Connor got in the pick-up with him.

They were stopped at a traffic light when he glanced out the side window and spotted Anotrothe strolling hand-in-hand down the sidewalk with a woman.

Grinning because he was glad to see him even if he couldn’t sense him, he rolled down the window, and as the light changed and the truck began rolling forward, he hollered, Hey, Mr. Anotrothe!

Anotrothe, looking startled, gave a tentative smile and waved as the truck pulled off from the light.

Connor’s dad cleared his throat. Who was that?

Mr. Anotrothe, my middle school history teacher. He came to the school when we were twelve, and you met him at open house, remember?

Oh, yeah. He didn’t really remember that but saw no reason to let the boy know. Besides, he did know who Anotrothe was because his wife had mentioned him. Hey, your mom said he volunteers at the soup kitchen. He smiled. She said all the women have a crush on him, and he flirts with all of ’em. He’s a right popular fellow. Catching another glimpse of the man in his rear-view mirror, he grinned. Got himself a young, pretty woman, I see.

Connor had been so happy to see Anotrothe that he had barely noticed the woman. He nodded, but he felt resentful that his guardian was dating who he wanted. Then, it occurred to him that Anotrothe had seemed surprised when he yelled out the window. He wondered if that meant he’d broken his link to them and couldn’t sense them either.

*

Anotrothe could prevent them from detecting him, but he hadn’t cut his individual links to them. He had simply made them one way meaning he could sense them. He knew they would be disturbed if they couldn’t perceive him, but he had determined that they would be most upset if they couldn’t sense each other.

His links to them had nothing to do with theirs to each other. That meant that, though he could see their connections, he couldn’t actually break their links to each other. This didn’t prevent him from hiding them one from the other, and hiding the links effectively isolated them one from the other.

He had debated whether or not to prevent them from seeing or hearing one another. To do that would require more effort on his part, but this incident pointed out to him how contrary teenagers could be. He decided the extra measure would be useful in ensuring they would never forget.

It was imperative that they obey him, and having to punish them continuously was not the best option

He was surprised when the boy greeted him on the street because he’d not been paying attention and didn’t realize the teen was near until too late to prevent him from seeing him.

That he was with the woman was something he didn’t care for Connor and his father to know. He wasn’t concerned, though, as he had a remedy for that.

*

That night after Connor went to bed, the guardian appeared. The boy sat up, his eyes wide.

Anotrothe smiled gently. Hello, Connor. I haven’t forgotten you. He embodied himself and gave the boy a hug, and as he did, he whispered a compelling suggestion into his ear. Then he disappeared.

Feeling better, Connor lay back down and soon fell asleep.

The guardian also visited Connor’s parent’s bedroom and, being careful not to wake the slumbering couple, made the same persuasive suggestion to the sleeping man before leaving.

By morning, the entire episode of seeing Anotrothe on the street had slipped from Connor and his father’s minds.