The Outsiders: The Beginning

By R. M. Williams

An extremely powerful witch from the times of Camelot, begins traveling the multiverse in a pursuit of power. Mankind's only hope lies in the hands of two teenage orphans and their misfit group of friends.

Max and Simone are two orphaned teens that discover they are destined to save all of creation. Af

• Language: English
• Publisher: Path of Love
• Release date: Feb 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088117736

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The Outsiders and the Beginning

R.M. Williams

Path of Love

Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

In Loving Memory

Dedication

PRELUDE : MAXIMILLION

PRELUDE : SIMONE

Another Timeline, Same Day

1. A Chance Encounter

2. Shadowing

3. A Wrinkle Through Time

4. A Surprise Encounter

5. Deep Introduction

6. Deep Healing

7. Deep Understanding

8. School Day

9. Getting Crazy

10. A Little Bit of Practice

11. A Silent Experiment

12. Sneaking Around

13. Information

14. The Saving

15. Classes

16. To Rescue A Goddess

17. Party Up!

18. Advanced Techniques

19. Morgan’s Precautions

20. Forbidden & Inventing Magick

21. Ambush

22. Getting Proactive

23. The Rescue

24. A New Day

In Loving Memory of:

Brenda,

The greatest grandmother an unwanted teen could ever have. The strongest and bravest woman I know. I hope you rest forever in light, love and peace. I love you and thank you for the lessons, love, and wisdom. I finally finished the story.

This Book is Dedicated to:

Jon,

The most awesome man on the planet and my best friend, thank you for dealing with me through the craziness of getting this first one done. You have been my rock, my strength, my accountant, and the best friend a girl could have. I love you, my Guardian.

Adonis,

My king and soulmate the one person on the planet who understands me without a word having to be said. My heart, my love, my soul, I want to thank you for loving me even when it was hard for you to do. I love you, my Soulmate.

PRELUDE : MAXIMILLION

AHH! The woman screamed in pain. Bullets of sweat cascaded down her face.

Breathe, get ready, push!, she heard the doctor say as she pushed again for all her worth.

Suddenly, a brilliant blue and white flame surrounded her body as she cried out in agony.

Dear God! Doctor, she's on fire!, a nurse cried in shock as she stepped back in fear.

Get a bucket of water and pour it on her abdomen!, the doctor ordered the nurse, hurrying forward himself, while he rolled up his sleeves. As the nurse poured, the entire room filled with smoke that drifted out of the open window.

Ahh! The woman screamed again, a second tinier cry echoed through the room.

The doctor hurried to the woman with a sad look on his face, I'm sorry, but you have about two minutes to run.

Without looking at her, he thrust the baby into her arms. The woman stood shaky, but firm. She pulled the tiny infant closer to her bosom as the fire encompassed them both. With one last look back at the terrified physicians, she flew.

 < Goddess, there is only one place to go... if I fly fast enough...> she thought to herself as she flew faster and faster, burning ever hotter and brighter. Finally, she reached a clearing in the woods.

Halt! a disembodied voice commanded.

She felt herself stop in mid-air.

Who are you? State your business, the voice continued.

My name is Sarah Rachelle Johnson, I am a Fyre Conjurer. I just gave birth to a baby boy named Maximillion James Johnson. We have been exposed and are being chased by a mob of the townspeople. I seek help!, the woman screamed at top speed, out of fear and sheer desperation.

Suddenly, a purple tube of light swallowed her, the baby, the flames, and the very air in the vicinity. For a moment, she could have sworn she glimpsed the mind behind the voice, it was a man... A man she knew well. Then, all of that receded to the back of her mind as she appeared in a small community.

Hello again, Sarah. Is that? the man said, looking at the tiny sleeping bundle in awe.

Hello, Dee-von. Yes, this... is your son, Sarah responded with tears in her eyes.

Come, is all Dee-von said as he turned away.

Sarah thought frantically.

Dee-von thought to her as they continued to walk down the dirt road past cottages. < I never stopped loving you, or my son. Today we will all perish, I know, but not him. Not if I can help it. Do you trust me?>

Sarah answered automatically as she took his hand and stepped into a large cabin with an iron door.

The room was dark, the only source of light coming from a faint red glow cast by the heated embers in the fireplace. Dee-von stepped forward and spoke aloud, Great Time-Jumper, please, we will all perish on this night. Will you save my son? his voice shaking.

As this is an infant, I will send him to another place, another time... Do you, mother of the child, agree? came the reply from a small boy as he stepped out of the shadows.

Sarah looked down in shock as she saw a boy, barely seven, sounding so brave and strong.

Yes, I do, she began as she put her son in a basket, but you must watch him, keep him safe until he has a home.

The boy nodded, grabbed the basket and was gone in an instant. She cried then, harder than when Dee-von left her five months pregnant, harder than when she gave birth. Dee-von put his arm around her... held her. Then, he cupped her face so she could look at him.

PRELUDE : SIMONE

Another Timeline, Same Day

BERNICE! They’re here," a man with jet black hair and horn-rimmed glasses called, looking at his wife.

Oh, Tomas, what are we going to do?, Bernice cried in anguish, clutching her baby to her breast.

Tomas looked out the window barely able to decipher the difference between shadow and the hooded, black-clothed figures moving like an army towards their home. He turned back to his wife, with her long black hair and slanted blue eyes.

Run. I'll try to hold them off for as long as I can, if I can, Tomas told her with a strength he didn’t believe.

Bernice ran up the stairs with one last look at her husband. Tomas began to chant. Drawing on the endless pool of magick in his wife and child, he cast a protection spell that had the house glowing blue in no time. He stood waiting, watching the doors and windows wearily.

Tomas thought, as there was a loud rumbling and he felt his magick strain.

With a large explosion, the whole front of the house was blown apart and he finally saw the faces underneath the hoods. As they surged forward, he jumped back making throwing gestures with both his arms, levitating a few extra feet back before he touched down.

Taking a deep breath, he snapped his fingers. Two explosions erupted in the middle of the wave of people, the floor cracked, and a few fell into the dark depths below. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a beam of energy coming towards him. With a casual gesture he absorbed it and shot it back out, stronger than before. At the same time, he took possession of two of his enemies. Standing side by side, they fought, until suddenly he saw a golden sai fly at him. Tomas made a forcefield and turned away. Then, he felt a sharp pain. As he watched the dark red stain appear on his front, he closed his eyes.

was his last thought as he gave into the endless silence.

Bernice slammed the door behind her; she could hear her husband fighting for their lives. She put her child on the hardwood floor and began to chant, her fingers making ancient arcane symbols.

Send my child to a safe place. Far from this awful fate. Let no harm come to my child nor me. I set this spell free. So, Mote It Be.

As she finished the spell the baby began to glow with aqua energy and in a flash, the baby was gone. Bernice heard the wave of people thundering up the stairs. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves.

With a loud bang, the bedroom door flew straight at her. Making a symbol, she made a circle over her head. As she drew her arm around an aqua dome of energy surrounded her. Once the door came within an inch of her dome it reversed and zoomed back at the people. Suddenly, the door burst into flame and a girl with long black hair stepped forward.

Goodbye, was all she said.

Then, Bernice fell to her knees in agony. As she let out a piercing scream, she looked up at the girl.

was the thing she thought as darkness swallowed her.

Chapter 1

A Chance Encounter

Maximillion opened his eyes, but closed them immediately for the sun was too bright.

he thought to himself.

Steeling himself for the brightness, he opened his eyes and waited for his vision to clear. As usual, the walls were dingy grey and the floor was dusty, he hated the orphanage. Max looked at his reflection for a moment; he was about six feet tall with caramel colored skin and honey brown eyes. His short fade still looked neat. Then, he proceeded down to the kitchen.

Glancing around to make sure nobody was watching, or in the room, he focused his mind on three different tasks. Bringing a bowl, a spoon, and a cereal box as he carried milk and a glass to the table. As he sat at the table, setting down the milk carton and glass, the other items hovered over to him and landed lightly in front of him. Suddenly, the door burst open and a new kid, of Asian descent, burst into the room holding her side. Maximillion froze. Then, the bullies walked in.

Freak!

They spit in her face, then kicked her. He had finally had enough, but before he could think, the girl’s fingers twitched. The bullies froze like statues. She turned and looked at him, dusting herself off as she got to her feet.

Are you okay? he asked her.

Yes, I'm fine, she replied shortly, as her hand waved across her face, healing her completely.

Nice trick, he commented, smiling, casually glancing at her attackers. I can do something like that, but it takes more time.

I'm going to have to... What?

What? Max echoed, confused.

What did you say? she asked, looking at him carefully.

I can do something like that, but it takes more time, he repeated.

Yes, how?

Telepathy, Max answered matter of factly.

So, it's not magic?

Um, no, it’s not magic. What are you going to do about them? Max asked, curiously glancing over her shoulder.

For a moment, Simone, an Asian girl with bright blue eyes and long flowing hair, looked confused. Then, understanding hit her face. She casually waved her hand over her shoulder and the boys dropped to the floor, like puppets cut from strings. Dusting themselves off, they stood there and looked around confused, then they walked out. Max looked at Simone with a question on his face.

I erased their memories. I don't think they know how they got here, Simone answered, giggling.

Well, would you like to have a bowl of cereal with me? Max asked, being polite.

He had never seen anyone do anything close to what he did and he was curious.

Actually, I would. I've never met anybody like me before, Simone said, as if she had surprised herself.

Immediately he focused his mind on the task. Simone turned her head and watched a cupboard open by itself and a bowl come floating at them quickly. The cupboard door shut quietly.

That is amazing, it's like the door did it on its own, Simone started as she poured herself cereal and milk. So, tell me about yourself.

Well, my name is Maximillion James Johnson. From what I've read in books, what I do is called telekinesis and telepathy. I don't know where I was born or anything like that. I like blue, Max responded looking at his bowl, now empty, and shrugging his shoulders.

What about you? he asked back, looking up at her.

Well, I'm Simone… Don’t know much else about myself other than I'm from the orient, apparently. I do know that I'm a witch and I like the color scarlet, Simone replied with a small smile.

With that, she picked up her bowl, put it in the sink and walked out of the room.

Max finished his cereal and went back to his room. After making his bed and taking a shower, he sat down to do his mind flexes. Crossing his legs, he began to breathe slowly, calming himself before he did what he was always reluctant to do. He opened his mind a little too quickly and he was bombarded by a wave of thoughts. Wincing from the pain, he focused to a buzz. He slightly expanded again, trying with all his might or at least, as much as he was willing to use to find someone. Anyone who might be his parent.

Odds are, he figured, they had to be psychic too. That is if he was right and he was born with his powers. As usual, time got away from him while he was on his telepathic journey. He had missed both lunch and dinner.

Hi, Simone greeted, bowing slightly. It seemed she had been waiting for him.

Hey, have you been waiting for me? he asked, looking a little ashamed of himself.

How could his mind have been so open and he didn’t even notice Simone's moving closer? Sometimes he was so spacey.

Yeah, but not awfully long. I figured you would want something to eat, Simone said, showing him the bare silver platter in front of him.

But, Simone, there’s nothing on it, Max replied, confused.

Well, tell me what you want, and you'll have it, Simone answered with a smile on her face. She was kind of enjoying herself.

Well, how about a lobster tail and a baked potato and a salad? Max asked excitedly, not really believing she could pull it off.

Simone focused her mind and let her hands form symbols she didn’t know. She had never felt safe enough to show someone what she could do. Suddenly, there was a scarlet flash and there it was on the platter.

Holy, Shit, Max said, in awe, not believing his eyes.

Is it... good? Max asked, looking up at her and back at the food curiously.

Of course. I conjured it, I didn't cook it, Simone replied rolling her eyes.

You can't cook? he asked next as he took a bite of the sweet, firm, lobster meat. Closing his eyes and chewing slowly to savor the taste.

First, yes, I can cook. Not gourmet or anything, but I can cook. Second, have you never eaten before? she retorted with a small smile.

Max stopped and wiped his mouth with the napkin she had conjured for him. He had not even realized he had stopped savoring and started shoveling.

I'm so sorry. I've never had anything not made in the kitchen here at the orphanage. And, I haven’t eaten all day, Max apologized as he finished in a more humane manner.

Well, I'll have to conjure stuff more often. Goodnight Maximillion, Simone said as she stood up, walked out and closed the door.

Max thought to himself as he lay back in his bed, his thoughts staying on her as his eyes closed for the night.

It was a couple of days later and Simone was laying on her bed, looking up at the ceiling, thoughts swirling around her head.

Same questions with nothing but more coming behind.

There was a knock at the door and Simone turned her head towards the door, her eyes glowing with scarlet energy.

Come in, Max, she said as she turned her head back to the ceiling, her eyes returning to normal.

I don't think I'll ever get used to that, Max said as he sat down on the bed next to her.

Coming from the boy that can not only read minds, but move stuff with his own, Simone said, sitting up with a slight smile.

Yeah, but we know I'm psychic, at least. You do magic and we don't know what or how you do what you do, he replied, looking at her.

Simone averted her eyes, and he knew he had hurt her without even using his powers.

Max thought as their eyes met again.

They stared; he at ocean blue, her at honey brown and hazel. Then, he did something he had only done a couple of times before, he reached for her mind.

He had never tried to touch her like this. They had promised never to use their talents on each other, but he couldn't help it. He felt a soulful need to know her, all of her, and for her to know all of him. Tenderly he caressed her mind. He saw Simone shudder and the look of shock and recognition on her face.

 As if by reflex, walls of scarlet energy erupted around her mind for a breathtaking moment. Max withdrew slightly, only to be surprised by the wall’s speedy disbursement.

Max thought. And, just as he caught a glimpse of her mind, the room door burst open.

Max thought to Simone, loudly.

Since his mind was open, Max knew the people coming for them were not very friendly, like unbelievably bad. Simone’s fingers flew into symbols and a scarlet light encompassed them. As the people drew near, she spun, swinging her arms, and ending with her palms on the ground. Suddenly, Max felt horrible, conflicting, violent, yet calm emotions all at once. They filled him up, consuming him until he could fight them no more and then... His senses were attacked by a wall of light, sound, colors, and smells. He hurled.

What the good hell did you do? Max exclaimed, sputtering.

I ran, Simone answered, shrugging.

What do you mean? Where are we? Max asked, spinning in a circle.

Well, you told me to run. I wasn't going to leave you, so I cast a spell so we could get away, Simone said as she turned her back on him, eyes turning scarlet.

Scarlet energy covered her hands again as she threw her hands high, and a gust of air blew skyward.

To answer your question as to where we are, she continued.

We are in my Happy Place. Nobody but me can get here, she said, turning around to face him.

Your what? he asked, one eyebrow cocked.

My Happy Place, she answered, matter of factly.

Okay, are you crazy or something? he asked with a bemused grin on his face.

No, silly. Hmm, how can I explain it? You know how when you’re distressed and people say, ‘Find your happy place'? Well, I made one, and this is it... This place is the biggest magic I have ever worked. I control everything here, she explained, her face scrunched up as if the words sounded odd on her lips.

Sounds cool, Max said, nodding with an impressed look on his face.

For the second time that day their eyes met. On impulse Max felt her energy and, again, tried to feel her mind. This time Simone let him in instantly. Suddenly, the world went black and he had the sensation of falling. He realized he only fell because he thought he would. So, with that, he abruptly stopped and looked around. Or was it the darkness that turned?

Simone thought.

Max wheeled around. Or did the world turn again?

he thought as his eyes fell upon her.

She was standing in front of him, her eyes burning white and crackling with energy. The long white dress she wore accented her tan skin tone, long black hair hanging over her shoulder. Then, he looked down at himself. He was shirtless, his six-pack glistening in the sun.

Max thought.

He had never been in anybody’s mind before. This was all new to him. He looked up to make sure he was seeing a sun.

she answered, smiling.

Max asked.

she replied.

As he thought, grass suddenly appeared and he noticed a picnic basket not far away. So, they strolled in silence to the blanket and began fishing whatever food they could imagine out of it.

Max mused.

she shrugged.

Simone answered automatically, her eyes looking at her mouth surprised.

Max asked next, excitedly.

Simone let out a gasp and her eyes turned from bright white to burning scarlet.

Her eyes continued to burn, her breath coming in sharp ragged gasps as she stared at him.

he asked next.

And, with that, he was tossed out. He had the sensation of falling up.

Suddenly, Max was back in the Happy Place. Simone had disappeared. He lay down, exhausted from the mind adventure. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

As he lay there, hovering between awake and asleep, he heard a beautiful voice humming a song.

Max thought as his eyes flew open and he sat up straight.

You’re awake, Simone said simply. She was sitting cross-legged on the grass, staring at him.

Can, we talk? Max asked as he brushed grass out of his hair.

About? she asked.

You. Why do you keep it secret? You could have told me. Don’t you trust me?

Of course, I do. It's just, what am I supposed to say?! That my body isn't what it's supposed to be? Or, should I tell you how I grew up here in this place? I've never known anybody, much less had a friend. So, excuse me if I didn't want to divulge secrets that are party poopers, Simone’s voice hit a shrill pitch, then turned icy as tears began to form in her eyes.

But, I don't understand. Why wouldn't you think I would understand? Max asked next, moving slightly towards her.

Because I'm afraid of not being good enough, she began, looking at him. She continued sadly, before he could speak, Good enough for love, for a friend, for family. I'm always treated differently. Nobody wants a girl who is like me. I get talked about, abused, and put down. I'm a freak of nature. Not only am I born weird, add magic on top of it.

Doesn't sound fair to me, Max mumbled, scooting over so their knees were touching.

They sat in silence for a while, Max suspected time was not the same in her Happy Place. He noticed his watch had stopped working. After waiting a couple more moments he spoke.

I don't care.

Simone, whose head was in her hands, snapped her head up looking at him.

What? she asked, looking confused.

I don't care. First off, I think you’re beautiful, Max started out firm, but finished his sentence looking down at the grass, cheeks growing warm.

Really? she asked, not wanting to be hopeful.

Of course, and as for the magic thing. Although, it does blow my mind a bit, I love it. It's a part of who you are and anybody that can't see the amazing and powerful person you are; they can go fuck themselves.

Oh, Maximillion! She cried and jumped on top of him, squeezing her hardest.

I... Can't... Breathe! Max gasped jokingly, earning him a swat. And then, he kissed her.

Time stood still, even the breeze had stopped. As if his mind was waiting for this moment. He felt her presence, her very essence forming a thread and entwining with his own. He knew then, he was meant to love her, protect her and that this was meant to be. Always had been and always will be.

So, does this mean you’re my girl? Max asked shyly.

I hope so, I've never had a boyfriend before, Simone replied airily.

Good, then you are, Max retorted, chuckling.

They kissed again, marveling at the new bond they had found.

So, about leaving here..., Max began.

Well, about that. See, I can always teleport here, but for some reason I can never determine where I will come out, Simone said, looking a little ashamed.

What does that mean exactly? Max asked as he imagined what teleporting inside of a wall would do to them.

Well, it's not like I end up inside objects or anything like that. It's just, I can't teleport directly back to the orphanage from here, or anywhere else for that matter. We could come out in China or Antarctica, Simone explained hurriedly.

Well, that's okay as long as we’re together, Max said.

You’re right, Simone said as she stood.

Her fingers began making symbols, she had learned long ago, and the scarlet energy encompassed her hands again. She spun in a circle and landed palms pressed to the ground.

Now Max was filled with so much happiness and joy he could not stop grinning, surely his face would break from the strain. A wave of sound, color, and sensation followed by a terrified scream; Max looked around to find them surrounded. Immediately he opened his mind and got a little information.

Max thought to Simone, simultaneously calming her panic, which he found was a little difficult.

Simone thought back.

he replied.

As soon as he thought it, they moved. Max created a forcefield and looked at Simone, who seemed to be breaking down again.

Look, babe, I need you to pull yourself together. I can't keep this up long and I don't know if I can win against them all, Max begged as he could feel his force field weaken. Max wheeled around, getting a running start before levitating himself into the air.

Max thought to himself as he flew faster. He opened his mind to find most of his attackers had followed.

Putting another force field around Simone, who had completely lost her nerve and was now on her hands and knees, hyperventilating. He thought about a plan of attack and how to help her with the obvious panic attack she was having.

he heard someone think.

Then, they attacked and he flew. Weaving through lightning, bodies, beams, and other unbelievable things.

he thought to himself.

He clenched his teeth and picked up speed, pushing enemies as far as he could as he went. Soon Max had pushed them all far enough away. He could land next to Simone now.

Baby, I need you to get up, Max spoke softly, lifting her gently with his mind.

She let herself rise while allowing him to calm her mind. When she felt her feet touch the ground, she stood firm.

You, okay? Max asked, concerned.

Fine..., She began waving her hand over him.

Now, you are too.

Thanks, Max said.

Welcome, now, let's kick some ass, Simone replied.

And, with that, she began a chant in a strange language that even she did not understand. Scarlet energy enveloped her hands, which had formed symbols. Her eyes began burning scarlet and she started to rise into the air.

Max reached out with his mind, looking for his enemies and as he touched their minds they shut down. He was getting the hang of this. Then, they were visible and again Max flew, forcefield protecting him. In a loud boom, beams of energy hit his shield and the backlash knocked him unconscious.

NO! Simone screamed.

She finished her spell and the world around her exploded in a scarlet flash. She waved her hand again and Max disappeared in a scarlet shimmer and reappeared in her arms.

Safety, she whispered, and they were gone in another scarlet shimmer.

Simone focused on her last word; she was so tired.

she thought.

She was attacked by sound, color, and smell all at once.

And she threw up.

Oh, my Goddess, Rose! She heard a voice scream as she passed out.

Where did they come from? a soft, melodic voice asked in wonder.

From what my magick detects, she teleported them here, but how she could have and not have died..., a second, more regal voice with a slight British accent said.

Max reached out with his mind for his glowing thread that reached to Simone.

Simone thought sadly.

Max replied, afraid to move a muscle.

Simone said.

They’re awake, the girl’s energy is giving you away, guys, the second voice said.

Both of their eyes flew open.

Hahaha, Rose, I think they peed themselves, the woman laughed in her melodic way.

She had long blond hair and aqua blue eyes. Perfect teeth, gleaming pearly white, there seemed to be a golden glow around her.

Rose had long black-blue hair and beautiful honey brown almond-shaped eyes.

Hello, my name is Rose and my, she cut her eyes to look at the other woman, associate, student, and silly friend is Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Rose introduced.

As they sat up they got a better look at their saviors. Rose, who was beautiful, in her own right, was like a dim light next to a burning star.

When you say Goddess of Love..., Simone began, staring at Aphrodite in awe.

We mean Goddess of Love, I'm the incarnation, Aphrodite replied.

I think I know why you came here to me; your love is true and stretches across time and all realities, she continued looking at them, smiling, teeth gleaming.

I am the Headmistress here, Rose interjected.

Um, where is here exactly? Max asked.

You don't know? Aphrodite asked.

Simone shook her head.

You are at the Magna Mutatio Academy in the Mutatio Realm. How did you get here? Rose asked, her eyes growing wide.

I used a teleporting spell, blind. All I could think of was the word safety, Simone said.

And you came here?! Aphrodite exclaimed, her perfect eyebrows raising in amazement.

Simone nodded her head.

she thought to Max.

he replied.

Simone said, eyeing them.

Where are we? Max asked, looking Rose in the eye. He could always tell if someone was lying to him.

Oh, a telepath, hmmm? You are in the Medical Ward of my school... which is in the Mutatio Realm, she replied, looking directly at him.

Max thought to Simone.

Now that you both are healed and lucid, I'm sure you would like to see where you ended up... and ask questions along the way... So, come, come, Rose said.

Simone and Max looked at each other, then got up. They followed Rose through stainless steel doors that opened as they approached.

This is the lower level of the school, Rose said as they walked down an empty hall with smooth steel walls.

What's down here? Simone asked.

Our medical facilities as well as our training facilities, which you will see, but not now, Rose answered as they came up on another set of doors. Rose pushed a button and turned to look at them.

I'm sure you’re wondering what the Mutatio Realm is..., Rose started.

The elevator doors opened, and they all stepped in.

The Mutatio Realm is a parallel realm to the Mortal Realm, which is where you came from. Long ago, a man, whose name was forgotten with time, created this realm to protect those with unique gifts. It's similar to the Mortal Realm with the difference; only people with special abilities and their families may live here, Rose finished as the elevator rose higher.

Why weren't we here already? Max asked.

Because mortals give birth to Magna Mutatio children and vice versa... although, you both have considerable power. So, I believe that your parents are both Mutatio, Rose answered.

So, would they be here? Simone asked, looking at her hopefully.

That, I do not know..., Rose said, shaking her head sadly.

It always pained her to see orphans, especially