Balancer's Soul by H. Lee Morgan, Jr
***
“Will I have to wait long?” He asked with piercing eyes.
“I doubt it.” Sarah thought sincerely while trying to guard her emotions.
She reached to grab the lit candle, but Connor caught her wrist. He held it in his hand instead. He looked at Sarah’s mother. “Jillian will Sarah need energy like I did?” She nodded to him. “Ok. Now how do I pour my energy into her like you did with me?” Jillian looked at him like a cat ready to chase a mouse.
“Well since you know how to call on your elements, it is even easier than that. All you need is to picture in your mind giving energy over to your mate from wherever your skin touches. Mates can transfer power between themselves easier than how Jack and I worked together to pour our powers into you.”
“Thanks Jillian. Wait…” Connor has a slow growing smile over his face. And it meant Sarah is in trouble. His exciting emotions caused her dread.
“Connor what are you up t…” He turned quickly to Sarah on the sofa.
“Do you trust me?” He said with a boyish smile.
“Completely… Why?” She didn’t get a vocal answer, but what she did get was Connor standing quickly, dragging her up with him. With the candle in one hand and her in the other, he let her hand drop as Sarah began standing under her own power. He quickly pushed the couch back with one hand and dropped to the hardwood floor, sitting cross legged. “Connor, what are you doing!?” Sarah probably looked hysterical, asking the question.
“He is doing what is known as a Balancer’s Chair.” It came from her father who looked at Connor with wide eyes like he’s one of the new wonders of the world.
“What’s a Balancer’s Chair?” Sarah asked while glaring at her father. “Why have I never heard of it before?” Jack ignored her and kept staring at Connor who sat on the floor shirtless. “How did you know the best way to transfer energy?”
“It just felt right. Jillian said skin contact and I figured that this was the best way for me to touch with as much skin as I could.” Connor retorted.
“Sarah, come with me. You need to change into something better.” Jillian grabbed her hand and led her into her bedroom. She sounded serious and yet ecstatic which only meant that Sarah is in some form of imminent danger. “Mother, what is really going on in there?” Sarah pointed at the wall that separated her room from the silent living room.
Jillian opened up her dresser drawer and rummaged in the clothing. As she did, she explained “Sarah, what you need to know about the basic technique of sharing energy with your mate is difficult to explain.” She stood up straight and turned, holding some skimpy red clothing in her hand. “When enough skin is touched between mates their power increases two fold. If your father needed more energy over what he can use, I can be like an extra battery.” She shook her head trying to find the right words. “Look my dear, take off your clothes and put these on.” She handed over what was in her hand and shut the door as she left to give some privacy.
Sarah tried to telepathically talk with her new mate but all she saw were her green eyes fixed in Connor’s mind. He was probably trying to block her parents. Lucky he was blocking because her next thought could have scared him. “How was Connor able to manipulate all of the elements? I thought…”
In her hand sat a rose red, two piece bikini. She had to look again to be sure her imagination wasn’t playing tricks. Sarah put them on, under extreme protest. As she finished putting on the scandalous garments Sarah walked back into the living room, feeling fully self-conscious.
Jack’s eyes were shut tight with his back turned. Jillian looked at her daughter and smiled. “Well don’t those look sexy on you!” and Connor’s expression was firmly fixated in her mind. He said nothing, but his eyes explained that he thought he might die a happy man.
“So what do I need to do?” Sarah looked her mother and she answered “Let’s see how he does by himself.” Jillian pointed to the still seated Connor. The burning candle sat a foot away from his left knee, on the floor.
“What do I need to do?” She asked her ogling mate.
“Come over here and sit down.” He lifted his hand as a gentle offering. Sarah walked over and took it. He turned her by grasping her hips as he guided her down to sit on his lap. “We need our skin to touch as much as possible. Cross your legs on top of mine… Good now lean back into my chest.” and as she did he felt like the best seat she has ever sat on; firm yet perfectly comforting. His body heat seeped into hers and his breathing, along with his delicious smell became tantalizing. “Here Princess… hold this.” He handed her the candle. “After knowing how much energy it took for each element, I am going to try and regulate the flow of energy you will need.” Connor’s right hand wrapped around her abdomen and around to her lower back in an embrace. His left arm wrapped over her left collar bone, between her breasts and wrapped around to hold her bottom. It was an intimate embrace. He put his face down and laid it on her right collar bone and he kissed the side of her neck. Excitement shot through her. He whispered in her ear “Good luck. I love you.” It did more than simply give Goosebumps.
“Very good Connor, that’s the best position to achieve perfect energy transfer. Ok Sarah, let’s get started.” Jack said while finally glancing at his youngest.
Sarah felt Connor’s strength slowly pour into her from everywhere they touched. Slow and steady. She made her very first non-migraine fireball. “Liquid!” Connor looked up at her mother. And Jillian grabbed the cup of water while handing it to Sarah and taking an unlit candle away.
Sarah said to her loving Connor “Fire was my affinity before we became one. I was used to it. Can you give me any pointers for this test?”
“I can do you one better. Read my thoughts on how I did it.”
“Ok. Let me in!” She wanted in, but Connor still had his defenses up. “Let me all the way in.”
“Oh… Sorry.” Apparently he didn’t realize he was blocking unintentionally. “Thanks…” and she read every detail about how he was able to instantly manipulate water and every element on his first try.
Sarah easily made her first water ball. For the first time she felt a little petty. Since her mother soaked her mate, “It’s only fair right?” Before Jillian could react this time Sarah threw the water ball at her father. He can’t control water so he was defenseless and an easy target. It hit dead center between his shoulder blades because his back was turned for a moment. He jumped like a gazelle that just got spooked by a hungry lion. Jack turned around looking for the culprit, but all he received was laughter from everyone.
Next came the balloon Pressure test. Thanks to Connor’s energy and his idea she was able to make it rupture.
Then came the Terra try. As her mother handed her the stone Connor whispered in her ear “Sarah, please do not try and crack it. We will need the energy for the final trial. Trust me.”
“Connor why do you sound and feel worried?”
“Just please only float the rocks.” She did as asked and it worked, Connor increased the flow for every trial, she finally noticed. And why did he worry about Metal?
“Ok now for the last test.” Jillian’s face became impassive and Sarah understood what she was thinking about, without even reading her mind. They were all realizing what was miraculously happening, except for her loving mate.
“Sarah, I need you to do something for me?” Connor said loud enough to call her parents attention. “What do you need?” She answered, turning her head to see his piercing hazel eyes focus on her.
“When you have the picture of what you’re going to change the cube in your mind, lean into me just before you release your energy.” She said nothing because she put faith into what he planned.
Sarah closed her eyes and mentally molded the cube into the perfect shape. She leaned into Connor’s chest and he was ready because she felt a massive intake of his energy on a level that she’s never felt before. It was almost overwhelming taking in so much energy all at once and dangerous for both of
Looking down at Connor’s arms, that were wrapped around her body, Sarah saw that they were different. Instead of his normal tan colored arms that embraced her, these arms were glowing as brightly as the sun. She had to avert her gaze and instead she looked at his face. His face glowed just as brightly, his eyes were shut tight, along with his clenched jaw. He was pouring all of his excess energy into her. A dangerous, suicidal amount.
As the metal finished changing so did Connor’s light show. When the metal hit the floor with a clang, Connor’s full weight fell upon her and his arms slacked. “Are you ok?” He sounded exhausted and sleepy.
“I’m fine, what did you just do?”
“Saved your life…” and his head fell on her shoulder with dead weight. Sarah wanted to scream, but instantly heard him snoring on her shoulder.
Jack ran at his full speed around Connor and pulled his arms away from Sarah’s middle. Jillian ran and picked her up as if she were weightless. Jillian stood with Sarah as they watched Jack access the situation. Fear etched in his middle-aged features and on everyone’s faces from what exactly had happened. Her father straightened Connor’s crossed legs and grabbed the cushion off the sofa, making a pillow for Connor to rest his head. Jack stood up and looked at Sarah and asked “What were his last words, when you asked him what he did?”
Finally finding my voice she answered “He said he saved my life. Why? Is something wrong? What did he do?”
Jack shook his head in disbelief. “He really did save your life and ours as well.”
“WHAT?!” Sarah shrieked and ran down to Connor’s sleeping body. “Connor! Tell me what happened! How did you save our lives?”
“I can answer that better than he will right now. Let him rest.” Jillian said in a calm, soothing voice. “He knew the cost of manipulating the metal better than any of us. Your father and I didn’t have a single clue because we don’t have that affinity. We were only guessing as to how much power it required. Somehow Connor knew that since we expended so much energy on him, your mate knew that if we tried to do the same for you that all of us would die during the test. Plus you didn’t eat with us so your reserves were already low from mating. What was even more amazing was how much energy he had stored within him already, let alone how fast he poured it into you. Never in my life have I known anyone who could pull of a feat like this and still survive. I’ve only seen a body glow like that on very rare occasions. When we mate for the first time and when we deliver our children. To glow like that shows he can contain much power.”
Connor awoke moments later saying softly “FOOD!” and everyone looked stunned and then started to laugh.
After Connor fully regained consciousness, he found his way to the sofa and started eating again. They could all witness how quickly he could recover. While he ate like a starving Blue Whale he asked, sitting up “So Princess, what did you make for us?”
“I made a…” Sarah started searching and found it hiding under the couch. “Here it is.” She handed it over to him.
“What a nice sheath.” He put down the soda can and picked up the manipulated knife he made for the Metal test. Sliding the six inch blade into the sheath he smiled. “It’s a perfect fit.” He tossed it to her father. “Here take this to someone who buys knives. It should cover the cost for feeding me today.”
Her mother started to giggle. “Connor, for the entertainment you have provided this day has been payment enough for us.” And Jack added seriously “Connor, thank you.”
“For what?” He said with a mouthful of fruit.
“Not letting my mate and I do the tests for our daughter.”
Connor looked at each of them parents slowly. “When did you know?” He said after he finished swallowing.
“When you gave us that little light show. By the way, why did you glow so intensely? I’ve never seen a male Balancer give off so much excess energy before.” Jack shook his head. “Never mind, let’s add another thing on your unique circumstances.” he admitted in front of them all.
“I glowed?” Connor thought, looking at Sarah with questioning eyes.
“Yes, Connor you did. It was amazing. You were a giant glow stick.”
“Ok I understand.” He smiled and sighed. “Now what else is unique to our circumstances have you three been hiding since I took the affinity test?” He gently laid his arm across her exposed back because she forgot to change out of her mother’s bikini. It still made her feel uncomfortable with their present company.
Sarah looked at her parents who sat there looking at her. Jillian firmly pushed her thoughts in and Sarah now had a choice to block her for the first time in her life, but for now she let her through the defenses “Sarah, you should be the one to tell him.” She agreed under extreme protest.
Turning to Connor; who now had his fill of food for the moment, looked directly back at Sarah with those predatory eyes. She took a breath, trying to find the right words. “Connor, there are a few problems with what we just achieved during our test today. Normal Balancers usually only have one elemental affinity and in the rarest case that I know of, a person can use up to three.
“When someone has the affinity for Liquid, like Mother. Their mate’s balanced power is always the opposite element of Fire, like Father’s affinity. If a person is a Pressure Type, their partner’s affinity is Terra…like my grandparents. If a person who’s affinity is Metal, like my sister. Her mate’s balance is to have two affinities like Terra and Pressure. I only know of only one pair of Balancers who, together, can use all of the elements and they are our two oldest Elders. They are the only ones I have ever heard of who has that much power.
“Connor, there has never been a Balancer who can use all of the elements unaided, let alone that I, as your mate carry the exact same powers.” She took a breath and continued. “While you completed every test, my parents became worried. The reason they fretted was because there was only two things that would have happened during my test.”
His expression remained calm as he finished her statement. “And let me guess. Since I could manipulate all of the elements; either your balance to mine should have been to not be able to use any element whatsoever or be my equal and share in all of the same abilities as me.”
“Yes, that’s exactly why we were worried. Something strange and amazing has happened.” They both turned to her mother who interjected. “You two are something unique and unprecedented.” She looked to mate for reassurance.
“I can’t wait to see what you two do next year, when the next Mélange meeting takes place. There will be much gossip for weeks. It will definitely be more interesting than the last few.” Jack admitted while crossing his arms.
“Jack, what do those thirty Elders do? I mean I know they only meet every twenty five years, but what do they do for us exactly?” Connor asked.
“I see you told him a little about what’s going on in our world.” Her father smiled at her. “They are the peace keepers of our world. They are the oldest of our races and some are the most powerful beings on the planet. Since you are a new Balancer you will need to register with the collective next year.”
“I need to register?” Connor set his gaze on Jack.
“You both do.” Jillian clarified. “It isn’t difficult to register. All you need to say is your name and demonstrate your affinity in front of the Elders, if they ask.” Jillian turned to look at her daughter oddly. “Sarah, I hate to pry, but are you going to change your name?”
Surprised by her question she asked “What do you mean?”
“Well since you and Connor are now mates, are you going to take his
“Sarah, do you even like my last name? If you do you can take it.” Connor thought into her mind.
“I like it a whole lot more than my last name if that’s what you mean. My grandfather of my father was a brutal man or so I’ve been told. Brander Rederson wasn’t a hero like most Viking stories you’d read about.” Connor smiled that warm smile that she loves. Turning to her parents with confidence Sarah answered her question. “I will take Connor’s name, from now on I’m Sarah May.” She scooted closer to her new mate whom grabbed her barely clothed hip and pulled her even closer.
“Well then Sarah May, is there anything else unusual with the two of you?” Jack asked evenly.
“Not that I can think o…”
Connor jumped in. “Yes, just two small things.”
Hearing this grabbed their undivided attention.
“Oh, only two more little things.” Jillian said airily.
“Yes, only two more that I can think of right at this moment.” He glanced at Sarah, then stared at her parents. “Before we became one, I was able to not only feel you touch my mind, but to also block you out to a certain extent. When we paired up I think that the ability I had transferred itself into Sarah. She said before that she couldn’t feel you in her mind, but now...”
A tickle touch Sarah’s mind. Its feel came from her mother. “Is this true? Can you feel me in your mind right now?”
“Yes Mother I do. Now watch what Connor showed me.” Sarah focused her mind on one thing, Connor’s X. She kept her eyes opened and watched her mother’s reaction as her amused expression turned to confusion. “What do you hear, Mother?”
“Nothing, except an annoying humming… How are you doing that?” Her eyes looked at Sarah curiously. “I have always been able to read minds before… I’m going to try…”
“NO JILLIAN!” Connor commanded and stood up, blocking Sarah like a shield. His voice remained calm, but he still radiated authority. “If you want to test that on anyone, you do it to me. Remember what happened last time?”
She responded quietly “I’m sorry, I did get a little ahead of myself?”
Connor moved away and Sarah saw how her parents looked. Jack stood, shielding Jillian protectively too. As Connor sat so did her father. Connor said politely “Jillian, if we do this test, I’d know Sarah would feel more comfortable fully clothed.” His playful smile returned. Sarah couldn’t concentrate on what was before her let alone what she wore. She didn’t know what they were talking about.
“I believe your right. Forgive me.” Connor nodded to Jillian. “Sarah, come with me please.” She stood and walked out of the living room. Sarah followed automatically. Entering her room she shut the door. “Do you want new clothes or what you were wearing?”
“I didn’t dirty my clothes so they will do.” Sarah stepped closer to her and spoke softly. “Mother, what happened in there to make him get so quickly defensive?”
“I wanted to force my way into your mind like Jack did to Connor last week.” She sounded shy. “Now I get it. He was worried about what might happen if the mental force was too strong. He doesn’t want me to end up like he did.”
The touch of another, stronger mind told that it came from Connor. “Exactly. Princess, I don’t ever want to endanger you unless there is absolutely no other way. I can take a lot of punishment.”
“Were you reading our minds in here telepathically?” Sarah sounded annoyed in her mental voice.
“No, but you’re forgetting my hearing. I think it has been improved as well.”
“Great… You know that I love you right?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I don’t want you doing anything unnecessary either.”
“I will be careful. I love you.” He mentally broke contact.
“Mother, I understand now. Connor just filled me in.” She looked up at Sarah with a weak smile.
“It is convenient isn’t it?” Sarah nodded and her mother then grew a perverted grin. “It’s very intimate. People can have phone sex these days, but can you have telepathic sex.”
“MOTHER!!!” Sarah yelled in embarrassment. Through the wall she heard Connor start a deep belly laugh. And she felt Connor’s mind entering hers for a moment. His thoughts had a playful feel. “Hey it never hurts to try…” Then his mental voice disappeared again, but she caught a glimpse of what he was planning. “Thanks for giving him the idea, Mother.” Sarah said dryly.
“Woops. I forgot how good his hearing was.” She started laughing as she left the room. The mental picture she glimpsed from him made her face flare. Sarah put on her clothes and walked back into the living room feeling much more comfortable now that she didn’t seem nearly naked.
Connor sat on the floor with his legs crossed, in the same position when they did her tests. His sleeveless shirt was back on and Jack mirrored Connor sitting arrangement on the floor. They sat only two or three feet apart and stared at each other with blank expressions. Sarah walked next to her mother, who stood behind her mate. “What are you doing? What are they doing?”
Connor broke eye contact to say “Sarah, first Jack is going to force his way into my mind. And if he can or can’t I will teach him how to mentally block for himself.” He pointed behind his back. “Just incase anything happens, I might need you to give any support where you see fit. Jillian, you do the same for Jack.” She nodded in understanding. “If the two of us become too competitive; stop us before we take it too far, ok?” Jillian seriously nodded again.
Without a word Sarah worked her way around to stand behind Connor. She leaned down to whisper in his ear “Be careful. I love you.”
“I love you too Princess.” He said mentally and bumps rose across her body.