Shifters of Night and Day

"What do you mean? Did Nature handpick you for her little quest too?" Kalysta looked at Jakob searching his face for an answer.

"Time chose him Kalysta. Nature chose you, but Time wanted him specifically and only he knows why." Adelaide interjected.

"How did you know?" Jakob was confused because he had not shared that piece of information with his mentor yet, but as always Adelaide had knowledge that could not be explained. Jakob began to seriously suspect that the old woman was in contact with the beings. How else would she have such endless knowledge?

Adelaide shrugged, "I just know. It is a simple sense of knowing and over time I've learned that I'm never wrong. I'm not sure why you two were picked as the champions of the Gods, but I know it is my task to get you ready for the trials ahead."

Continuing on, Adelaide shifted the conversation to focus on Mother Nature and her abilities.

"Mother Nature never appears to anyone in the same way. She always comes to us as the most beautiful woman we have ever seen. Her hair, skin, eyes, and body change constantly. She is ever shifting and from her many forms the different races of man were created."

"Just as we are mirrored to represent her many images our voices are also inherited from her. If you ever hear Nature speak directly you hear not one voice but many all at once."

Interrupting Kalysta exclaimed, "I heard her speak in my dream when I linked to Fenix. It sounded like an entire choir was speaking to me in unison. It was so beautiful but odd."

"What is her role in our world? I get Time but I'm still confused about Nature. What is her part in this?" Jakob was blunt about his inquiries. He simply didn't get what it was she wanted or what her part she played.

"Jakob she is called 'Mother Nature' because she is the mother of all living things. Our planet came from her womb. Everything that lives and breathes here on Earth came from her. Being made from her spirit is what gives us the ability to link. She is who made your unions with Onyx and Fenix possible." Adelaide explained this to him. As she was talking he listened intently. He really was curious about her.

They spoke more about Time and Nature for the rest of the class. Adelaide had expressed that knowing their history will be the educational foundation that they need for their future. Her two students agreed. Despite Jakob being late for class a couple of times he hung in every word Adelaide said.

*After class*

Jakob's POV:

The shower water was so relaxing and beat down on me in torrents. Steam raised from my skin as the hot water beat against my back. I finished washing my hair and body and just stood there letting the water wash away my stress.

There was a light knock at the door and I heard Kalysta's voice. Not making out what she said I turned off the water and wrapped a towel around my midsection. She had started to walk away when I opened the door but quickly turned back around when she heard it open.

"Dinner is d...." Her words cut off when she saw me stand there. Seeing her eyes run over my body brought a smirk to my mouth.

"What about dinner?".

Her eyes had lingered to where the towel hung around my waist. Hearing my voice she snapped her gaze back up to look me in the eyes. At first she stammered and then after clearing her throat she said, "Dinner is done."

Once the words were out she spun around on her heels and walked down the hall. Watching her leave I looked down at myself. Working out and a vigorous training routine with Onyx had sculpted my body from a tall lanky boy into a well sculpted man. I had no doubt in my mind that Kalysta had become so flustered because not only was I soaking wet, naked, and only in a towel.... I was also somewhat attractive.

I walked to my guest room. Kalysta's family would often house travelers who were led here by their link animals. They always knew to come and seek guidance from the wise old owl woman. Frequent visitors made it necessary to build onto their home for Adelaide's students to have a place to stay.

I dried off some more and threw the towel into the basket by the modest dresser in the room. I opened the drawer and took out some pajamas pants. After I hopped into them I threw in a snug white tee and walked down to the dining table.

Kalysta raised her head to look at me as I sat down and then her face flushed a bit as she swallowed her food. It caught my attention and her brother Kyrhen's as well.

Though Ky seemed really cool the first time I met him it seemed as though he lived to torture his twin and anyone brave enough to get close to her. I have a sneaky suspicion I will have to put him in his place someday. I know that he plans to go to Violet City soon to look for work. I sincerely hope he doesn't make what his sister and I have to do any more difficult.

Across from me sat Miller. He was such a a good dad. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't envious of his children for having him. After swallowing a bite of food he asked, "How are the studies going Jakob?"

"Very well sir. I'm happy to be here."

Continuing the conversation he mentioned hearing of how I had helped the Parson family. Evidently Mr. Parsons has recovered and is gaining back some of his muscle mass. "You're a fine hunter in your link form but have you hunted on you're own two feet?"

As he asked that question light bulbs went off in my head. "No sir, but I hear Kalysta is the best hunter in town. If it is okay with you I'd like to ask her to give me some pointers and show me how to hunt as a human."

Usually quiet Kalysta spoke up, " I'm not sure about that. I've never had to teach anyone before."

"I can learn by just watching you. Just do as you normally do and I'll observe." I had thought my reply would be comforting to Kalysta. I know she had been second guessing herself a lot lately. I don't think she realizes her own strength and talents and the weight of the link was getting to her. She loves Fenix but was worried about not living up to the expectations of Nature. I understood her for that. It is overwhelming.

Thinking that I had helped ease her Kyrhen opened his ugly trap and said,"You just want an excuse to watch my sister. Are you two fucking or something because I see how you look at her."

Miller slammed his hands on the table. The comment clearly made him angry. As he screamed for Kyrhen to leave the table I looked over to Kalysta who seemed heartbroken by her brother's harsh words.

"I don't get why he hates me." She looked at her parents for an answer but none was given. Even they didn't know what Ky's problem was.

"Kalysta I do think you are probably one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid eyes on, but my intent is only to improve myself. I have a personal goal I need to fulfill. It is why I came here. I'm not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea here." I looked from her to her parents while explaining this.

Everyone decided to drop the subject and finish our meal. It was venison, potatoes, and cooked carrots. Kalysta helped her mother make it. I let the flavors of the food slide over my tongue as I savored the flavor of each bite. Once the meal was done I offered to do the dishes. No one objected to that. It was a lot of dishes! While scrubbing a late a light tap was felt on my shoulder.

Kalysta was there. She was her pajamas now too with her long dark hair hanging down in a braid. Her pajama bottoms were so short I could see all the way up to her thighs. Any shorter and they would have just been underwear. She has nice legs; toned and muscular. I'd expect nothing less from the type of girl she is.

"Jakob, I'll teach you everything I know all the way down to fighting techniques and how to use certain weapons but I need you to do something for me too."

"What's that?" I asked her.

"Wherever you go when you leave here take me with you."