Breathless

By Rolynn Nevels

What if vaccines were never created by humans, but were created by a secret society posed as human?

What if you were gifted with great power, but lacked the strength to control it?

What if you and a ragtag group of teens were the only obstacle stopping the destruction of the human race?

These are the questions consuming Jewels Stellar's thoughts when the lady in red knocks on her door, shattering her beliefs of the world. Thrust into a secret civilization she didn't know existed, Jewels will train with six teens who possess unimaginable power, and defeat the infamous bringer of death. The Scourger King.

Developing viruses is the king's specialty and when a new plague rises, it is up to Jewels and the Crypto-Hept to stop him for the last time. All she needs to do is master her gift of controlling the air and avoid choking people to death. Easy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781649524911

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Crypto-Hept

Special Powered Beings

Scourger Species

Jewels' Invented Names for the Scourgers

Prologue

I. Day 1 Part 1—First Day Back

II. Day 1 Part 2—The Lady in Red

III. Day 2—Reality Hits Hard

IV. Day 3 Part 1—Behind the Mist

V. Day 3 Part 2—Long Day's Journey

VI. Day 4—A New Awakening

VII. Day 5 Part 2—The Great Hall

VIII. Day 5 Part 3—Get in Formation

IX. Day 5 Part 4—Need to Focus

X. Night 5 Part 5—We are Crypto-Hept

XI. Day 6 Part 1—Who am I?

XII. Day 6 Part 2—Making New Enemies

XIII. Day 7 Part 2—The Lion's Den

XIV. Day 7 Part 3—Hiding the Truth

XV. Day 7 Part 4—The Long Haul

XVI. Day 8—Reflect and Accept

XVII. Day 9 Part 2—The Games Begin

XVIII. Day 10 Part 1—Check and Mate

XIX. Day 10 Part 2—What you Wish

XX. Day 10 Part 3—Concentration is Key

XXI. Day 10 Part 4—Know the Plan

XXII. Day 10 Part 5—Dress to Impress

XXIII. Day 1I Part 1—Date with Destiney

XXIV. Day 11 Part 2—The Last Battle

Acknowledgments

About the Author

cover.jpg

Breathless

Rolynn Nevels

Copyright © 2022 Rolynn Nevels. All rights reserved.

Second Edition

First Edition 2021

Published by Fulton Books 2022

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

ISBN 978-1-64952-490-4 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63710-430-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64952-491-1 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To my mom, who encouraged me to write.

Crypto-Hept

Secret Seven

(crip-toe) (h-ept)

Pneumodegyn

(new-mow-de-gin)

Gifted with the ability to control air.

Aquagynitive

(aqua-gin-e-tive)

Gifted with the ability to control water

Herbative

(her-ba-tive)

Gifted with the ability to control plants.

Formicon

(form-e-con)

Gifted with the ability to shift into any animal form.

Anglevi

(aang-la-v)

Gifted with the ability to control light.

Ignises

(ig-knee-sis)

Gifted with the ability to control fire.

Geoangi

(g-o-anne-g)

Gifted with the ability to control earthly matter.

Special Powered Beings

Nátàl Mater

(nah-towl) (mate-er)

Mother Nature. Controller of all elements.

Gyniatric

(gin-e-at-trick)

Gifted with the ability to heal themselves and others.

Miesgyn

(me-es-gin)

Mist created by the Scourger King.

If you encounter purple mist—run.

If you encounter red mist—hold your breath.

Scourger Species

(score-gers)

Caligo

(ka-lee-go)

Disease-infested mist that can travel through

any object. Its stench can kill a human.

Arbor Cortice

(r-bore) (core-tis)

Tree-like features that distribute infectious

diseases through the air.

Bellua

(bu-loo-ah)

Moose and hound dog features with a

deathly bite.

Alienum Hominem

(a-lee-noom) (om-knee-am)

Human-like features. They can transmit viruses

through contact.

Multumcarne

(mult-um-car-neigh)

Giants who can reach impressive heights. Usually, the

cause of great architectural destruction.

Jewels' Invented Names for the Scourgers

Mist

Also known as Caligo.

Treed

Also known as Arbor Cortice.

Malfise

(mal-ph-is)

Also known as Bellua.

Imposter

Also known as Alienum Hominem.

Giant

Also known as Multumcarne.

Prologue

If someone told me eleven days ago, I would be trapped in a coffin-sized metal box with no way out; I would have said they were insane. Yet, here I was, locked away and forgotten. I just needed to stay focused and breathe—breathe. Everything would be all right. They would get me out soon.

The sound of low grunts and raspy cries from the vile creatures carrying the box was the only ambience keeping me company in the dark. The metal crate jilted several times before settling on something hard. I could only assume the ground.

The lack of light and oxygen made it hard for me to focus and catch my bearings. I pushed on the box's ceiling, trying to break the latch but received no results.

The panic set in, and I realized I was in more trouble than I could handle. I concluded no one would rescue me in time. The Scourgers would find and gouge me to shreds before I had a chance to fight back.

Okay. Breathe. Just breathe. I couldn't think that way. They would find me, and I would make it. Just take deep breaths. Okay. Breathe…breathe…bre—

I. Day 1 Part 1—First Day Back

First Day Back

Dad, I can't be late, I yelled from the top of our spiral staircase with my backpack on my shoulder. I stepped in front of the bronze oval hallway mirror. Today, I was a senior.

I looked into the mirror to see if I had changed and glanced at my ninth-grade yearbook photo hanging on the wall. I stared at the mirror again. Nope. I looked the same as I did during freshman year. Glancing at myself made me wonder why my features seemed to stand still.

I know, Jewels, my dad replied, disturbing my thoughts. I'm trying to find my glasses. You don't want me to drive without them, do you? Of course, I can, but odds are I'll hit every mailbox and trash can on the way to school.

I shook my head. As I stumbled down the staircase, my curly brown hair fell in front of my eyes. I wouldn't want to die when I'm so close to graduating. So, please find those glasses, I said, raising my hands in a pleading gesture.

He gave me that smirk I knew so well. I reached the bottom step and noticed his glasses sitting patiently in his front shirt pocket.

Seriously, Dad, your glasses are in your pocket.

He glanced down. Well, would you look at that?

I stared at him, amused. He was getting older. Little specks of gray protruded throughout his hair and beard.

I walked toward the front door and mumbled, Someone's getting old.

I am not, he exclaimed in a demanding tone. I'm making sure you're keeping a sharp eye. After all, they say people with green eyes are the rarest.

I opened the door and walked out while shouting, Sure, old man. Our neighbor's grouchy Boston terrier, Malfise, like clockwork, greeted us with his annoying barking. I shooed him away, but it was the call of his owner that finally made him retreat. I scoffed as I entered the car.

The usual drive to school would only take a few minutes, but it was longer due to the heavy traffic. It seemed like everybody decided to arrive at the same time. Late. Even the buses were behind schedule. Cars were bumper to bumper and unforgiving to pedestrians. Students darted between cars trying to catch a break in the smothering traffic.

It was always easy locating the freshmen among the acclimated students because they appeared hopeful and carried bright smiles. Give it a week, and they would be like the rest of us. Tired.

Don't forget, I'll pick you up at five.

I grabbed the door handle and said, Okay.

We reached the carpool lane, and I opened the car door. An impatient parent behind us laid on their horn. My dad yelled at the review mirror, Ah, hold on a sec. He smiled in my direction. The light from the sun crossed his face, making him look older than before. See you later, kiddo.

Bye, Dad. I shut the car door and watched my dad drive away. I took in my surroundings as I faced the building. Being back made me sick and at ease all at the same time.

Avington High was primarily made of bulletproof glass with a few structure points of evened white cemented walls. It was my second home for the past three years.

The idea of graduating felt strange. I hadn't considered what I wanted to pursue afterward. Most of my career options wouldn't be deemed practical, and the practical ones bored me. So, I was left contemplating my next move into seniority.

I caught a glimpse of Kaura dragging her feet toward the front entrance. Kaura and I have been inseparable since kindergarten. She was the most unique amongst our friend group with her style. Her clothes were vibrant, expressing passion and warmth, but her look was never complete without a bow or ribbon. She once told me she owed her spunk to her Columbian roots.

Hey, Kaura. What's up? I was ecstatic to see her.

She turned and gave a strained smile. My excitement faded.

"¡No Bueno! I'm panicking! For summer reading, I had to write a seven-page essay and read A Brave New World, which we have a comprehensive test scheduled for today."

I studied Kaura, the straight-A student who would be valedictorian. She worked the hardest among our crew and was always on top, but she never could resist the urge to pressure herself until she would implode.

Kaura, you got this. Just relax and breathe.

She half-heartedly smiled, indicating she was still uneasy about the situation. I patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging grin.

"Sí chica, I can do this." She tried convincing herself but failed miserably. I could see right through her forced smile. One thing about Kaura, she was horrible at restraining her facial expressions. So if she found anything distasteful, you would know about it.

Kaura and I climbed the steps to the entrance. I noticed Sarah conversing with a student I didn't recognize to my left. He must be new this year. I waved her over, and she responded in kind but continued her conversation with the new guy. Leaving them be, I entered the building with Kaura trailing.

Sarah and I had our first encounter during seventh grade. She was new and happened to be in my geography class. I sat in the back of the room, out of sight of my peers and, more importantly, my teacher. There were several empty seats, but for some reason, Sarah approached me and introduced herself.

She had a spunky personality with brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a gorgeous smile. I had never met anyone as bold as she was.

Days later, I was bullied for a disturbing rumor about my absent mother. Sarah found me crying in the stairwell. She told me not to let them intimidate me no matter what they said. Even so, doubts crept through the cracks of my fragile mind. What the girls said about me, I too wondered. My dad never mentions my mother; the more I pry, the more annoyed he gets.

I always wondered where she was. But, more importantly, I wanted to know her identity and why she left me?

The following day, the ringleader returned to school with a black eye, and the group of girls never crossed my path again.

Kaura and I stood in the lobby. The crowd of students thickened, and I saw a familiar body approaching in the distance.

What's up, girls, came Keith's usual greeting.

Keith transferred schools last year and became science fair partners with Sarah. They spent significant time together, so she introduced him to me.

Don't ask Kaura. She's already stressed out, and it's the first day back.

Keith shrugged. Kaura, if you want to make it through high school with a full head of hair, try to remain calm. You're not helping yourself by stressing over things you can't control.

Kaura gave Keith a sarcastic glare of gratitude before walking toward the lockers.

Seriously? You know how she can be. We have to keep her sane, I scolded.

Keith ruffled the hem of his shirt and placed his hands in his pants pocket. Hey, we can't keep coddling her. We can't be around all the time to save her. Keith walked away, but not before giving me the You know I'm right dumb look. He was wrong. Dead wrong.

I made my way to the hallway lined with teal-colored lockers. Scanning the many numbers, I found my locker one over from Kaura's.

You, okay? I asked her while turning the dial to the padlock.

Yeah, I'll be fine. She had her locker opened and placed her binders neatly inside. She seemed calm. Maybe she considered Keith's advice?

Hey, girls! How's your schedule looking? Laiya came from the rear. She was dressed to impress. She never went to school or, for that matter, anywhere without makeup on. Of course, she didn't need to wear it, but it was her hobby. She wanted to create a web series dedicated to makeup tutorials but never found the time. The reason: she constantly built miniature robots in her parent's basement like a mad scientist. She named each of her creations after a famous warrior honoring her Japanese heritage.

After a brief discussion, I found out I had a class with each of them. But history was the only class we would all take together, which was okay with me. As long as I knew one person in my classes, everything would be fine.

The first warning bell blared through the speakers, and we said our goodbyes.

Math was my first class, and I had it with Laiya. Ms. Kimble used corky sayings, hoping they would help us remember the steps, but I struggled to stay focused. The clock taunted me as the minutes slowly ticked.

The bell sounded for our departure to the next class. I grabbed my belongings and placed them in my backpack, and stood. Suddenly, a wave of energy rushed through me, sending me into my chair. I felt lightheaded, and my ears rang. My breath caught in my throat, and I clung to the desk, attempting to ground myself.

My chest tightened, and the lack of oxygen made my headache worse. The classroom closed in, turning into a blurry and suffocating space. I attempted to stand, but it was no use. Whatever was happening forced me to remain seated.

The second bell chimed. I had to make it to my next class. Wobbling to my feet, I painfully grabbed my pack and walked through the hall. I bumped into several people, repeatedly apologizing. One student mumbled something, but it was inaudible.

My head felt like it was underwater, and the pressure was relentless. As abrupt as the episode appeared, it vanished. My vision strengthened, and my nausea left. I found it to be bizarre. Was I having an anxiety or a heart attack?

The thought of a heart attack was replaced by the persistent pound in my chest, but I tried to ignore it. Instead, I focused on taking deep breaths and slowly releasing them.

I made it to the art room. I was in the process of drawing a purple rockfoil. My hazy eyesight shifted the flower's location as I brought the paintbrush down. My mishap caused me to draw a line through the flower.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten. When I hit zero, the pain was gone. I knew this wasn't normal and that something was wrong.

The walk to history class was brutal, but eventually, I made it. My friends were seated at the back of the classroom with an open seat for me.

Hey guys, I said with little energy. I hoped they didn't notice. I had difficulty understanding their replies as their voices sounded shallow and cluttered. It felt like I was watching an episode of Peanuts.

Their bright and exhilarated expressions mixed, creating a giant, slow-moving blob.

The test is not till next week, and I racked my brain over it, Kaura said with a heavy sigh.

I gently patted her back in condolences. More students filed into class just as the bell rang. Our history teacher entered with a languid walk.

Good afternoon, students. My name is Mr. Kowalski. If you are in the wrong class, please leave now. Other than that, welcome to American History. Mr. Kowalski spoke in a slow slur and soft voice. I had to lean in to hear him.

The class drifted on. My headache returned, and I lost focus. My area established itself as a whirl of discomfort. I couldn't see two inches in front of me. Mr. Kowalski's voice echoed in my mind.

I had enough of his irritating voice and the throbbing penetrating my head, so I imagined him slowly losing his breath. To be honest, I didn't know where the idea came from, but what else was there to do? I had to make it stop.

I focused on his throat and visualized it closing. I felt like I was in a trance, and the room dimmed and shrunk. Nothing could be heard or seen, and I somehow enjoyed the feeling. I felt my body drift off into space. It was a peaceful state. I never felt more like myself and in control.

Something flickered in and out yards away from me. My space no longer felt secure. The silhouetted figure appeared in human form. I walked toward the person, but I heard a sharp scream, and my sight returned.

Gradually, Mr. Kowalski appeared before my eyes on the floor, gasping for air. He was purple and blue, and his lips had no color. I was scared and thought about stopping the strangulation. His hands dropped from his throat, and he sat upright. A girl hit the emergency intercom button by the door and spoke to the front office.

Minutes later, Dr. Neil, our principal, charged into the room and assisted Mr. Kowalski to his feet. Every student surrounded our history teacher while I remained seated.

A loud ring buzzed through the speakers. Dr. Neal instructed us to go to lunch.

Everyone slowly walked out of the class and clumped into small groups whispering about what had happened. As I left the room, I could not help but feel responsible for what had happened. Maybe I was going insane?

I caught my friends, and they were discussing Mr. Kowalski's incident.

Can you believe that? It's like he was choking on air, Keith said.

Laiya commented, I know. It's unreal. She shook her head in distress.

Maybe he choked on his spit since he slurs so much, said Sarah.

That's not nice, Sarah. He could have died. Did you not see how blue he was? Kaura asked. Sarah ignored her.

Did you notice how Jewels didn't respond when he fell to the floor? Laiya asked.

I felt their eyes on me, but I pretended to be interested in the lunch menu.

Yeah, Jewels, you were in a trance or something, Keith said, clearly intrigued. I, on the other hand, was uncomfortable. The image I saw still resonated in my mind.

I gave a reassuring smile when the stares continued to linger. Nah. I just zoned out because he was so boring. That, by far, was the most interesting thing he did all class period. I'd hope they forgot how horrible a liar I was. Keith's brows narrowed while Sarah chuckled.

Are you sure you're okay? Laiya asked. She stared at me with such intensity I glanced at my feet to respond.

Yes, I'm fine. Let's get something to eat and find a table. That had to be the end of it. How could I explain the situation to my friends if I didn't know what happened?

We sat at a round table by the wall made entirely of glass. The sun hid behind thick marshmallow clouds as the wind blew vigorously. I didn't hear any news about a storm coming this way. Granted, I rarely watch the weather forecast. I stared out the window, thinking about how calm it looked.

Others might find the rushing winds abrasive, but to me, it was the perfect scenery to gaze at or paint a picture.

What do you think, Jewels? Do you want to come?

My gaze fell on Keith in confusion. Go where?

Keith frowned but quickly masked his disappointment. To my parents' cookout. It's their twentieth anniversary, so they wanted to do something special with friends and family. With that said, I can invite my friends. Do you want to come?

Oh, sure. I would need to ask my dad to make sure. You know how he is, I said.

¡Chévere! Kaura exclaimed. She danced in her seat.

What? Laiya asked.

It means cool, Keith answered like it was nothing.

Oh…well, yes. Let's Party! Laiya joined in Kaura's dancing, but I found it hard to. I was distracted by the thoughts of Mr. Kowalski on the floor. The situation became a plague in my mind, but I was determined to keep the thoughts at bay. One thing was certain. I was no longer myself. I was becoming inconsistent—different, and different was never a word I used to describe myself in recent years.

After lunch, we ventured back to history class. When the bell chimed for class to begin, Mr. Kowalski was absent. Instead, Dr. Neal entered the room. He looked washed of color as well.

Students, we asked that Mr. Kowalski goes to the hospital to be examined. As soon as the doctors clear him, he will return. Please let me know if you need to speak with the guidance counselor.

No one said a word. Dr. Neal cleared his throat. For now, your instructor will be Mr. Reyes. As quickly as he entered, Dr. Neal withdrew from the classroom.

II. Day 1 Part 2—The Lady in Red

The Lady in Red

Though I didn't feel up to it, I stayed after school since my dad could not pick me up till five. I sat closest to the window in the art room to look at something other than the creamed-colored walls.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting. I glanced at my phone, and the time was almost five. I decided it would be best to wait in the lobby. My dad would be here soon, and the weather was worsening. I didn't want to be caught in the rain. There was a clear difference between enjoying the rainfall and being in the rain. I was on the former side.

I made it to the front entrance. The secretary was the only person keeping me company, and she was busy ignoring me as she signed off on papers stacked high surrounding her frame.

I glanced out the metal-framed door and noticed the advancing storm. The sky erupted a solemn cry of white slashes. The lightning sparked right in front of the school and connected with the flag pole.

The interruption caught the secretary's attention. Oh my, well, that was a close one. Do you think it could have cut the power out? Her voice shivered as if she were suddenly cold. She seemed younger, like a scared child. She stared at me, peering into my eyes for an answer I didn't have.

I took a beat. No, the school is pretty strong, I lied. She smiled, pleased with my decision to lie. Part of me felt better knowing I made her day, even if it was a white lie. The secretary returned to her task, and I faced forward, searching for my dad through the heavy rain.

I noticed a guy standing outside, drenched from the rain. He was the same guy who talked with Sarah earlier. That's also when I noticed he was staring at me. I immediately turned away and felt the blood rush to my cheeks. Getting caught staring at someone, accident or not, was still off-putting.

I peeked a second time, but he was not there. Maybe he decided to walk away from view? Perhaps he was never there? I could be seeing another hallucination like before. Still, he was clear enough that I could reach out and touch him.

You're Jewels, right?

I jumped and searched for the person who spoke. The voice came from behind. I turned and faced the guy from outside. He stared at me with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

How do you know my name? I questioned.

From my peripheral, I could see the petite woman's interest now piqued. She, too, hadn't seen the