a trade

after their little episode, Haden locks himself in a bedroom and refuses to come out. the others try to speak to him, but eventually give up and go to bed. in the night, Haden takes Dakota. Marc returns from the shower to their struggle just as Haden and Dakota vanish.

The cold morning hit my face like a slap. I was dimly aware of the arm around my throat, the tight fist in my hair. And then there was screaming. I came back to myself in a flash, hearing that familiar pain breaking through the dawn. I could see the little river whiz by as I was turned violently in the direction of the house. Marc appeared at the foot of the stairs, his entire body vibrating, a surge of violence filling the air.
“Come and get her,” Haden called from next to my ear. His deep voice had a smile in it as it rumbled against my chest. His lips touched my cheek. Marc stalked forward.
“I'll kill you,” he growled.
“Oh ho!” Haden laughed. “Kill your own brother?”
“Don't touch her.” His voice was like lead.
“I already am, bro. Did you miss it?” Haden caressed my face.
“Let her go,” Marc growled again, closing the distance.
“One more step and I vanish her,” Haden spat. Marc stopped in his tracks.
Cold crept over my body and I could feel a sensation of drifting apart. From the corner of my eye I saw my hair float out around me. The strands misted, fading into fog.
“STOP IT!” Marc screamed. The cold ceased.
“It seems that I'm very good at what I do, Hermes,” Haden chuckled darkly. Marc's eyes grew wide.
“Hades,” he whispered.
“In the flesh,” Haden answered.
“Please,” Marc choked, his face twisted in pain. “Please let her go.”
“Those thrones are pretty cool,” Haden ignored him. “I still don't know why you get one. Though I suppose you always did get the special seat.” His voice was hard.
“Next to mom?” Marc whispered.
“That's what we called it, didn't we? The seat by mom was the 'special' one.” There was a long pause. Haden's body shook against mine.
“Haden-” Marc said, concern coloring his tone.
“I can't find her, Marc,” he choked. Hot tears splattered against my shoulder. “I thought that was the point of all this. Why me? It must be to find her. I got a second chance and these abilities so that I could down and get her. Bring her back. But I can't.”
“That's because she was good, Haden!” Marc pleaded. “She's in a better place.”
“SHUT UP!” Haden roared. “Just shut up.” His body shook. “You killed her,” he whispered. The air was thick in the silence.
“It was an accident,” Marc breathed, shaking his head.
“You distracted her! You killed her. And I can't do anything.” Haden spit on the ground.
“We crashed, Haden. It was an accident. She was hurt.”
“And what did you do?!” Haden shouted. Tears slid down Marc's face.
“Nothing,” he whispered. “I didn't do anything.”
“Well, now I know what that feels like,” Haden breathed. “So then it must be you. You must be the reason.”
“Alright,” Marc choked. “Just don't hurt Dakota.” Haden tightened his arm around my throat.
“I'll do as I please,” he spat.
“Denny-” Marc pleaded.
“Why do you deserve her? I have nothing.”
“Don't do this. Don't hurt her.”
“I don't want to hurt her.” The smile was back in Haden's voice. “I want to hurt you. You killed mom. I kill you. That makes it fair.” I shook my head desperately but Haden's arm held me still. I drew shallow breaths, unable to speak or cry out. “Though, maybe when I'm finished, I'll take her with me.” Haden ran his nose along my neck. “She's not half bad.” A sob slipped through Marc's clenched teeth. “And she smells so good.” He brushed his face against my hair. “Like rain.”
Haden was quiet for a second before throwing me to the ground in front of him. I scrambled out from the path between the two brothers. The second I was clear, I sank to the ground, lacing my fingers into the grass. I concentrated on my breathing, on the slowing blood in my veins.
“Leave them out of this,” Marc said.
“For now,” Haden grinned.
“Stay away from my family,” Marc growled. Haden's face crumpled for an instant.
“When you're gone, I'll come back for them. I'll send the shadows, they won't be protected without you.” Haden smiled. “I'll find the others first. I'll save your family for last. Then my job will be done and I'll be free. Rid of you freaks and murderers.” Haden spit the last word at his brother.
“And what will that make you?” Marc asked. Haden smirked.
“The last one standing.” He slid forward into a crouch, his hands ready, like a wrestler. He motioned Marc forward. “Come on, little brother.”
Marc's body had begun to vibrate again, his face wet with tears. He clenched his jaw, tightening his fists. He took deep, rapid breaths. He bent into a crouch, lifting from the ground. He slid easily up into the air, hovering about a foot from the grass. His face was sad.
“She wouldn't have wanted this, Haden,” he whispered. Haden tightened his fists.
“We'll never know.” The world was holding its breath.
Peter launched himself at Haden. I hadn't noticed them, hadn't seen him inching closer. I had been concentrating on my attack, on focusing my mind to be ready for anything. The movement sparked from the corner of my vision. I heard Haylee gasp behind me. Peter kicked off from the ground, aimed perfectly at the crouching figure of Marc's older brother. Haden turned in his crouch as Peter came hurtling toward him. Haden's arms shot up, the muscles extending under his skin. Peter slammed into his open palms and disappeared. Haden dropped down, connecting his palms with the grass, and sank through the earth. Everything was silent.
Then Haylee screamed. It didn't ring in my ears like my own scream did, sharp and piercing. This was a keening sound, rough and low. It cut to my heart like a flame, tearing at everything. She slipped forward in the grass, sobbing at the empty space where her brother had vanished. “No,” she cried, again and again. “No, no, no.” I blinked rapidly trying to clear my head, trying to make sense of anything, trying to push her pain from my burning heart. “Please help me,” Marc whispered to no one, staring at the empty earth. I pulled Haylee into my arms where she curled against my chest. I looked to Marc for help. He took a step forward and turned back, his eyes closed, his face decided. He slid to the ground and laid his palms against the grass. I filled my lungs to scream at him, and he slipped through the earth.

Haylee and Dakota sit in the dark of the cabin, waiting. Haylee won't speak except to say, “He'll find him.” Dakota is less sure. After several hours, she falls asleep and dreams.

I pushed the big doors open, breaking the darkness. Warm light spilled out through the space into the thick air around me. The house was beautiful, breathtaking. I turned behind me for a moment. The sheer drop of the rock face slid into the clouds beneath me, falling down forever. The distance seemed simple to me now, worth everything. I turned back to the house. The light spread across my skin, fresh air fanned through the rooms. I walked through a big space, couches and chairs filled the floor, a large television set. The walls were almost all glass, the clouds pressing softly against the view. To my left, a huge kitchen. Sleek metal cabinets, a double stove and fridge, wide counters. A dining room with a huge round table. Fourteen chairs chairs tucked in, waiting.
I turned down a long hall. Many doors, all closed, each with a little plaque hanging on the wood. I read them all as I went, each name like a surge of happiness. Zeus, Juno, Hades, Mars, Minerva, Apollo, Artemis, Haphaestus, Dionysis, Venus, Poseidon, Hestia, Mercury, Demeter. They were all here. Excitement burst in my chest. Where is this place? I asked. It this Olympus? Will they all come? Where are they? How can we find them? Silence. There was no answer. Everything was quiet. Panic tightened in my chest. I was alone.
They're coming, the voices said. I gasped into consciousness. My head spun painfully as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. Where was I? Which house? It was dawn, the dull light illuminating the little room. The empty fire place, the dark floorboards. Haylee's tiny form, breathing slowly. I caught the glint of the sun off the river and recognized where I was. They're coming, the voices rang out. I jumped to my feet.
“Haylee,” I meant to shout but the sound was barely a hoarse rasp. “Haylee!”
“What? What?” Haylee sat straight up, her eyes confused. I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the back door.
The dawning morning was cold as we pushed through the door into the back yard. Our breath blew clouds across the air as I ran, towing Haylee behind me. I was headed toward the spot in the grass where they had disappeared.
“Dakota,” Haylee begged, out of breath. “Dakota, did it say something?”
“It said 'they', Haylee!” This was a shout. They. Marc had found Peter.
The air shifted suddenly, becoming heavy. I skidded to a stop, Haylee sliding into my back at my heels. A few feet ahead, the light began to churn. A mist was floating there, barely visible in the dim light. A ghostly fog crept across the grass. If it touched us, I knew only too well how it might feel against our skin. I held my breath. Haylee's hand clutched mine. Suddenly, like a heavy blow, my heart lurched. I gasped and grabbed my chest. A pain shot through my core like a cannon ball, tearing the muscles apart. Pain was everywhere.
“Dakota-” Haylee cried in panic.
A figure blurred into existence through the fog in front of us. Marc stumbled into view, gasping, Peter carried limply in his arms. Thick silver ribbons clung to them, falling into the grass and misting into nothing. Marc dropped to his knees and gathered Peter against his chest, rocking him. Marc screamed out against the cold air. Peter was still. Perfectly, painfully, lifelessly still.
“Peter,” Marc sobbed, pressing his face against Peter's neck. “I couldn't- I couldn't... I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I'm sorry, Peter...”
It couldn't be true. Haylee fell to her knees and dragged herself toward her brother's body. She clawed at his shirt, laying her hands against his face. I couldn't hear their sobbing. Marc was rocking, his shoulders shaking roughly. Haylee had buried her face in Peter's chest. But it couldn't be true. It wasn't possible. I pressed myself against the air, though the pain was almost too much to feel. Everything was hot where Haylee existed. Burning waves of grief, unbearably rough against my body. Marc's sobs weaved through the air, spinning and crashing against the light. Where Peter lay... there was nothing. Not the mist of his breathing or the bell of his laughter. Not the warmth of his hand in mine or the deep waves of happiness that constantly rolled toward his sister. There was only cold.
I lurched forward. Marc had fallen back, pulling his hands through his hair. I pushed Haylee from Peter's body, falling to my knees. I gathered him into my arms, his head falling heavily against my chest. He was too still. His chest didn't move, I couldn't feel a pulse under his frozen skin. This wasn't Peter. Peter was so many things! He was honest and loyal and fiercely unafraid. He was kind and strong and good. He had so much faith. There wasn't anything in his absence. Nothing could exist if his light was really gone from this world. I didn't want to be in a world without him. It wasn't right. It was unnatural. I pulled him to me.
Please, I begged. It was all I had. Please.
There will be a trade, the sad voices whispered.
Anything.

And so Dakota trades her ability to hear the earth in exchange for Peter's life. She gives up the guidance and wisdom and accepts the cost.

I gathered Peter tightly against my body, endless tears falling to the ground. I pressed his chest against mine, his cheek to my cheek. Haylee was wailing behind me. Marc was hugging his knees, rocking slowly, his eyes on the body in my arms. “It isn't time,” I whispered into Peter's ear. I willed my heartbeat into his, the warmth of my skin against his own. “There are too many storms we haven't weathered, Peter. Come back.” I hugged him tightly to myself, filling my mind with every laugh, every soft memory, every fiber of love that wove through me. “Come back.”
Peter gasped. His chest expanded violently, shoving against mine. I loosened my embrace as he choked and sputtered. I ran my hand through his hair again and again. His eyes spun wildly, his fists clenching. I didn't need to look away from his face; I could feel Marc's eyes wide with disbelief, feel Haylee's reluctance to hope. Peter's eyes met mine. I smiled despite the sobs that closed my throat.
“Oh, Dakota,” he breathed, understanding filling his face. He sat up and pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly.
“Peter, Peter,” I crooned, reveling in the warmth of his skin, the strength of his touch, the rhythm of his heart.
“Thank you, Demeter,” he whispered into my ear.
“We need you,” I whispered back. It was more than true.
He released me and turned to his sister. Her eyes here huge, hot tears spilling onto her shirt. She shook her head, her hands quivering. “Haylee,” Peter whispered. He climbed to his feet and walked to her. She didn't move, didn't breath, just stared up at her returned brother with big eyes. He reached his hand down to her. “It's alright, Hal,” he said softly. “It's ok.” She reached out slowly and laid a tiny hand in his palm. He pulled her up to her feet. She trembled, laying her hands against his face. She crumpled into his chest, sobbing loudly. He whispered to her, his own tears falling, rubbing her back gently. I would have traded a thousand of my own lives to give them this moment.
A long time later, Haylee sat back in the grass, having cried herself hoarse. She seemed unsure of whether or not he was real, refusing to take her eyes off of her brother for a moment. Peter turned to Marc. He sat in the grass, his head in his hands, his blond hair tangled in his fingers. Peter knelt in front of him. Marc didn't move. Peter reached out and pulled his hands down. Marc closed his eyes, shaking his head, his wet eyelashes glittering in the new morning sun.
“Marc, look at me,” Peter demanded. The sound of his voice made Marc pull his knees up, his head shaking more violently. “Look at me!” Peter shouted. He took Marc's head in his hands. Marc opened his eyes, his face tortured.
“I'm sorry,” he mouthed, his voice silent.
“This is not your fault,” Peter said. Each word was a sentence. Marc shook his head. “This is not your fault!” Peter shook him slightly.
“I killed you,” Marc breathed.
“You saved me,” Peter corrected.
“He was right,” Marc choked. “I am a murderer. I killed you. I couldn't get you out fast enough. I dragged you through it. My brother was right-”
“Damn your brother, Marc!” Peter shouted. Marc shook his head numbly. “I'm your brother. Look at me! I'm your brother now. Do you understand? What he did... I would never do that to you. None of us would ever hurt you.” Marc stared with bright blue eyes. He nodded slowly.
“I tried-” he whispered.
“I owe you everything,” Peter said, his voice thick. “What you did down there... Everything.”
“I'm sorry,” Marc repeated.
“You did good,” Peter breathed, hugging Marc against his chest. Marc hugged Peter back tightly then pulled back to survey him. He laughed in between sobs, his eyes wide.
“You're really ok,” he said. Peter looked over his shoulder at me.
“Yeah,” Peter answered. “I am.” Haylee got to her feet.
“We'll see,” she said, though her voice was still heavy. She clapped her still shaking hands together in a business-like way. “You need... food. Or sleep. You need... we'll get you...” Her face fell and she sobbed again. Peter chuckled and went to her.
“Let's go inside,” he said. His smile was like home.
Peter walked into the house. Marc moved away, sitting at the edge of the river, contemplating. Haylee watched me for a moment before she approached. Her voice was low, her eyes warm.
“There are...” she began. She swallowed hard to continue. “There are no words to thank you for what you've done for us today.”
“Haylee,” I said, smiling. “Do you have any idea how much you mean to me?”
“I do now,” she whispered.
“I would die for any of you, a hundred times.” She took a deep breath.
“No one else is dying today. Ok? Not today. Maybe tomorrow.” She walked off toward the house. “I need to cook something,” she muttered.
I looked toward the house with a smile. I turned back to Marc. His head was bowed slightly, his hair gleaming. I couldn't approach him, not yet. I could feel that much in the air around him. A desperate sort of sadness. Troubled hurt. Confused anger. I sat down in the grass where I was, perfectly in the middle. I would give him some time. I wouldn't even know where to begin. What would I say? I sighed, knowing I would find no answers to my questions. No guidance.
Miss you already, I thought. The breeze whispered softly through the trees. Everything else was quiet.