• Chapter 1

    Present Day

    Malicious laughter cracked through the air like a lightning whip. A disgusting stench filled my nostrils, and I could taste the mucky grime with in my mouth. Which by its’ self-made my stomach want to heave. The evil essence that filled the space around me whipped my golden hair around in to a mess of knots. Terror snaked through my veins, uncontrollable and irresistible.
    A dark figure approached through the mist veiled in a black cloak. Once he was close enough for me to smell the foul stench of blood that encumbered him he stopped. His clawed hands pulled back the hood from his hood from his head revealing his blood red eyes that bore into my sole. I wished to look away, to run to the far reaches of the earth; but I was in capable of movement. I was frozen in fear that lay unrivaled by any thing that I had ever experienced before.
    The figure smirked in pleasure; with a grin that stretched across the thresh hold of his face reveling the sharp spikes for teeth that ensued.
    Striking out he wrapped his claws around my neck. He squeezed enough for there to be pain and a lack of oxygen but not enough to kill me. The whole purpose of it was to strike fear deeper could not contain it any longer, I screamed.

    Bolting upright in my bed gasping for air. I gulped it in as though my life had just about been ripped out from my throat. This was not the first time that I had experienced this nightmare. It had to be at least the fifth time in the last month that I have had it. I did not know what it meant but it had to mean something. Cause nothing that vivid, that over whelming could be a figment of my imagination.
    Pulling myself together, I got out of bed. I went over to the oak dresser where a water basin sat a top of it. I splashed some of the water on to my face in an attempt to wash away the remnants of the dream, but it only succeeded in numbing my mind. Moving over to the wardrobe on the right hand side of the room, I opened the doors with purpose. For me, casing my ensemble is more important than anything else is.
    Normally kids my age would choose their out fits purely for style alone, but for me its how I wish to portray myself to everyone who sees me out on campus. In addition, sense I do not talk it is important for me to do this. Seen as the fact that I could not shake the nightmare from last night I decided to go with a gloomier look for today.
    I pulled on my navy blue hip hugger jeans and a black skin tight t-shirt. In addition, placed on my wrists black sweatbands with metallic studs on them. I did a few rounds with a brush through my hair. I have lucky that my hair has always been easy to manage. I looked down into the small mirror that I had hanging on the inside of the wardrobe door. Something was missing. I smiled slightly; a simple addition will do the trick. Teaching up to the top shelf, grabbed one of my black headbands, and put it on with my bangs hanging down the side of my face.
    I looked back into the mirror for a second look; playing with my bangs at the same time. It was exactly the look that I was going for. All my facial features were completely composed, but if someone were to look in to my eyes, they would see a completely different story. The blue oracles staring back at me were filled with fear and distress. However, in truth there were very few people at this school who would even get close to noticing it. Not that the majority of them even cared, I am just the Headmasters favorite, but beyond that I was nothing. In fact, I think that detail makes things even worse.
    Our headmaster, Aaron, is the most elite wizard in the world with the most amazing accomplishments of any them as well. So Aaron choosing me, a nobody as his favorite; place a sore spot in some of the more esteemed students here. I did not have any idea either why he had chosen me to watch extra closely then everyone else.
    All of that aside the morning was beginning to wane, and I was going to be late for class. Luckily, I always pack my bag for my classes the night before. Grabbing my black shoulder bag and pulling it over my head, I paced out of my room closing the door firmly behind me.
    I did not rush but I did not take my time either. It was not part of my nature to worry or to panic. I have found that it suits me quite well this arrangement. No longer a care in the world. The troubles that had once plagued me are all in the past.
    The corridors leading out from the dormitories were filled with fellow students all heading to their designated classes. Some of the nicer ones would smile and wave but for the most part, I was completely ignored. That is until I was about half way to class.
    “Ariel!” I stopped and looked in the direction that the voice was coming from. A tall slender girl with short sleek black hair was jogging toward me. “Ariel, there you are. I have been looking for you all morning. I’ve got the latest bgr (boy girl relationship) reports on Maria and Daniel.”
    I cocked a eyebrow as she stopped before me, bending over to catch her breath. Alexa was one of my only friends. Not only that, she is my best friend. She is one of the few that on some level gets what I am really all about.
    “I just thought you’d like to know firsthand seen as how Travis and you are really good friends, not as good as you and I but none the less.”
    Daniel is also one of the few friends that I have, we are not as close as Alexa and I; but as Alexa had put it, nonetheless.
    Though I am friends with both Alexa and Daniel neither of them were friends. That is putting it lightly; they hate each other to almost a harsh degree. Daniel thinks that Alexa is a b***h, and Alexa thinks that he is a dumb a**. Which, I have to agree with to a point. However, he is my friend and it does not bother me like it does other people.
    “So do you want to hear the scoop, or not?” Alexa could barley sit still because of her excitement. I nodded and continued down the corridor to our classroom. This allowed her to unload on me and we can get something productive done as well.
    “So Maria the want to be diva asked Daniel to the prom at her former high school. In addition, who would have guessed that he would say yes? It turns out that helps had a thing for her for quite some time. I thought he had tastes before, but now I think he is only thinking with his…”
    Cutting her off before Alexa could say anything else; I backed her up against the wall with my hand over her mouth with a look that voiced my disapproval. K, so I am not saying that he thinks with that. But seriously Maria Martin? She does not care about any one other then herself. In fact, here is the real kicker. She does not even care about him. The only reason that she asked him is because he’s the only half way decent guy who would say yes.” I threw her a look that said. ‘Right, and is this just another one of your wild rumors that you have started to discredit Daniel?’
    “No, no really this is not a rumor. You are the only one. I have told about him and Maria.” I raised an eyebrow in a disbelieving fashion.
    “Ok! I told a few people. But come on Ariel that isn’t the point.” Alexa took a almost suffering breath before continuing. “As much as I do not understand it, Daniel is your friend and you should care that skanky Maria is using him to get what she wants before dropping him again. And she is not going to do it nicely either.”
    There were a few moments of complete silence before I become overcome with emotion and hugged Alexa. She truly was a good friend, and though she may try to deny it, her she likes Daniel as well. Pulling away from her with a smile. I took her by the hand and dragged her the rest of the way to history class, as she chattered away about the many things that were going on around the school.
    History class in Nebula Academy is different than at other schools. We do not study out of textbooks. For one they are fairly inaccurate as they are, they tend to leave out details and be completely one sided. Having been written by humans with their own interests in mind when they wrote them. Those who control the knowledge of the youth control the world. Luckily, we have our own method of studying history.
    There are always at least three time turners in each generation. It is one of the rarer talents that a powerless can obtain, but it is also the most difficult to master. As well as it being one of the more dangerous of talents as well because of the repercussions of the Grandfather Paradox. The Grandfather Paradox is the effects of what happens when you go back in time and change it. The best example of this is the effects of what happens when you go back in time and change it. The best example of this is if you to go back in time and kill your own grandfather then your father would not have been born, and in which case you to wouldn’t have been born either.
    Therefore, before any one is allowed to travel back in time they have to take a long strict and grueling semester of the dos and don’ts of time traveling.
    Alexa and I ended up being a couple minutes late and the majority of the class had all ready started off on their journeys through time. “Nice of you to join us ladies.” Jack said with a bit of irritation in his voice. Jack is one of the best time travelers that ever was, which was why he was able to teach us. However, even he could not go back more than three hundred years at most and at that point, it would be putting the strain on the one who opened the portal.
    “Alexa, Ariel, this here is Julie. As you may know, she has recently arrived within the last week. She will be joining your team, and I want you to show her the ropes.” I looked to Alexa to see and I want you to show her the ropes.” I looked to Alexa to see her reaction. Normally she is not too thrilled with being saddled with people she did not know or trust and can tend to lose her cool at either of these. However, this time she looked thrilled.
    “Yes I have heard about you.” Alexa’s voice squawked with excitement. “You have one of the most powerful forms of telekinetic talents ever recorded. Am I right?” The small black haired girl shook her head and laughed while I just rubbed my head in embarrassment. Alexa was clueless as to what Julie’s power really is, especially since it is completely obvious as to what Julie’s power actually was. It was a even rarer talent then time travel. She is a atom bender. Which understand ably in some cases and in being used in specific ways it can be mistakenly construed as being telekinesis.
    A Atom Bender is someone who can control the atomic structure of any given object or space. It is and incredible talent, but not to come off vain or anything but whatever my talent is, it is so much more then even that one. Although I do have all of these powers I have not used them sense I was ten no one other then Headmaster Aaron knows about them. Though in her defense Alexa suspected as much, though other than them no one else knows about them. So to the best of every one’s knowledge I didn’t have any, but sense I am here they figure that I must have some sort of talent though not significant enough to be bothered with, they believe that I am ashamed of it which is why I didn’t speak or show it in any way. I shook the thought away and gave one of my silent laughs.
    “You see,” Julie said pointing at me, “She knows. I am an atom bender. Hi I am Julie.” She introduced herself stepping forward with her hand out.
    I stepped up to the plate. I took her hand and shook it and nodded in her direction. Then I stepped back. Julie just stood there with a look of confusion on her face. Seeing the direction that this was going Alexa butted in.
    “Hi I am Alexa, and this here is my best friend Ariel.” I smiled and waved in acknowledgment.
    “I don’t understand.” She said turning to Alexa and completely cutting me out of the conversation. This is one of the down sides of not talking. People assume that just because you do not talk you cannot communicate with other people, so they completely ignore you. It hurts but what can you do. “Why do you speak for her? Why couldn’t she have just introduced herself?”’
    “She can’t because she is mute. Besides that does not mean that you cannot talk to or with her. She can still hear you just fine. In addition, she has her own way of communication. And how would you feel if someone just ignored you if you didn’t talk?” Alexa pointed out.
    “I’m sorry.” She turned so that she was facing both of us. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
    “Ok now you have met,” Jack interrupted. “Now it’s time to get going on your project.” We all turned to face him. “Now your group will be studying the assassination of President Lincoln. You will need to take close and care full notes about everything that is going on during the time. In addition, as always you must, and I cannot stress this enough, blend in. Now you have five minutes to get changed and back here and ready to leave.” He looked down at his watch while lifting his right hand. “And….go.”
    Without a moment to lose, we were off. In addition, with thirty seconds to spare we were back in our historic get ups so that we could better blend in with the time. Jack was already gathering his power around himself. As we approached tendrils of it shot out and coiled themselves around our wrists creating the most gorgeous silver charm bracelets. These of course are what link us to the present time of the future as soon as we got back there. “Ok, are all of you ready?” All of us just nodded to nerves to say anything. This kind of thing happens quite often even when you have time traveled a hundred times before. Travelling back in time and being immersed in history is an amazing and exciting thing no matter who you are. “Ok then, here we go.” Moreover, in that very moment Julie, Alexa, and I were all enveloped in a bright white light.
    When we were all able to see again we were staring at a completely different scenery. Wooden buildings and dirt roads were everywhere, and horse drawn buggies were running up and down then. We only allowed ourselves a few moments to observe our scenery before we got down to business.
    “Ladies and gentleman welcome to April 14, 1865. Please keep your hands and feet in the current time zone or you will run the risk changing history.” Julie said this in such a serious tone that even I almost burst out in a squeal of laughter. Passersby on the street turned to stare at us. Sobering up we turned back to face each other.
    “So where to first?” Alexa started us off.
    “Well,” Julie responded. “We know that around 10:15 tonight John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln.” She paused for a moment in thought. “I mean will kill him. Therefore, any way we also know that Booth and his cohorts had one last meeting sometime this morning. I suggest we start a random search of all the local saloons. Hope fully we’ll get lucky and come across them in our search.” I just rolled my eyes, took Julie by the cuff of her flowery blouse and pulled her along behind me. “Something tells me that she knows where we need to go to find them.” Alexa did not have anything to say to that so she just laughed, and followed up behind us.
    I led them to the local inn and quickly up the stairs before anyone could really notice us. This was important for two reasons. For one if no one knows that we are coming it would make it easier to spy on John Wilkes Booth. In addition, sense the women’s suffrage movement, which is in the end what, allowed woman to be independent and free, did not acure until 1848 we could not allow ourselves to be seen without a man with us in a hotel.
    We heard a bunch of men’s voices from down the hall and so we headed toward the voices, and we pressed our ears up against the door. At the same time, Alexa pulled out her cell phone and opened it. I grabbed the wrist that held it in warning. After all, it was incredibly against the rules for us to bring technology back in time with us.
    “Relax Ariel no one’s going to see it. I just need something to help him to remember. I don’t have anywhere near as good of a memory as you done.” Alexa whispered. “But then again no one does.”
    “I don’t know Alexa. Ariel has a point may be in the long run it will just be easier and safer if the only tools that we use are our ears and our brains.” Julie agreed.
    “Ok, fine.” She snapped the phone shut and stuffed it back in to her shoe. I smiled shaking my head while pressing my ear back against the door. Though even with my ear up against the door so that we could peer and listen in on their conversation. She nodded in complete understanding. Placing her hand on the door and closing her eyes, she focused her talent. We could feel the energy in the air all around us just as the door began to shimmer into a one-way mirror.
    We could see all of the conspirators huddled around a small table where a man was sitting writing in a journal. “Oh wow. It is John Wilkes Booth and the Booth Diary with all of its pages. You know we should somehow get to it and see what those pages actually were or are.” Alexa said with a near squeal. Julie and I both put our pointer fingers to our lips to hush her in warning. She crossed her arms in frustration and we went back to listening.
    “So explain this to me again Booth as to why we’re changing our plans at last minute. To change from kidnapping the ****** loving president to assassinating him. I just don’t do not get it.” One of the men stated. The three of us exchanged surprised glances. None of us had known before that Lincoln’s assassination was not the original plan of the day.
    Booth stood up abruptly slamming his hands down a pone the wooden wishes to remove even more of our rights then he already has. All because we have a different opinion on the blacks place with in communities. That is why we need to finish him finally. Now,” he said pointing to one man. “Atzerodt, you’ll kill Johnson, Powell you have Seward. Now, if there is no further questions let us get to it men.”
    There is a sudden flurry of movement and we were suddenly in a predictiment in which we had to find a place to hide before we were caught. Julie grabbed both of our arms and pulled us off to the side, then she once again closed her eyes and allowed her power to run through the three of us and we were suddenly blind to the naked eye. In addition, just in time to because at that moment Booth’s entire party just swarmed out of the room without looking around. As soon as they were gone, Julie released the both of us and we became visible again. “Well I guess we know where to go next. Now do not us. I know it is still a bit too early before the show is supposed to begin but it is still the best thing to do. Especially seen as how we do not want to be seen it is probably the best idea to head in early get ourselves hidden and in a place, that we could see everything at the same time before any one gets there. Alexa and I both nodded in agreement for there was not any need to say because she was right.
    It took us at least thirty minutes to get to Fords theatre, and once we were there, we climbed up in to the rafters to a place where we both could not be seen and see and hear everything at the same time. Within the next hour the amp theater began to fill with hundreds of people, the buzz of conversation filled the room. All of this ended the moment that the music began from the orchestra podium.
    The show seemed to drag on forever until the three of us sensed a disturbance in the energy with in the theatre. We simultaneously turned to look at the presidential box where Lincoln was sitting with his wife. In addition, there directly behind him stood John Wilkes Booth with the pistol in his hand, and shot Lincoln in the head. He then leapt from the box and onto the stage while shouting, “Sic simper tyrannous.” Which I hoped that both Alexa and Julie knew that it meant “Thus always to tyrants.”
    At that moment we were all pulled forward through time and back to our own to get back down to business.