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Daniel elbowed him to silence. Ash fell back, scuffling along, until we got far enough in. He caught up then. He didn't join o
ur conversation, but did stay close as we continued moving through the woods.
We found a decent place. As Daniel and I cleared twigs and brush for sleeping spots, Corey and Ash stood off to the side. Ash watched us, as if daring us to ask him to help. We didn't. Corey seemed not to have noticed what we were doing. He was staring out into the forest, lost in thought.
I leaned over to Daniel as we both bent for the same rock. "You should probably talk to Corey about the vision thing."
"I was just going to say the same to you." Daniel took the rock and motioned for me to follow him a few steps away. "You're the one he told about them in the first place."
"Only because--"
"He didn't want to worry me. I know. But while I think that might have been part of it, it's partly just . . . It's not about boxing or girls or cars. Not something he wants to talk to a guy about. Having visions? Way outside his comfort zone. Too . . ."
"Touchy-feely mystical?"
"Exactly. For that, he'd rather talk to you. Like I'd tease him or something." He rolled his eyes.
"I'm more likely to tease him. But okay. Let me give it a shot."
"Thanks." He glanced over at Ash. "Speaking of comfort zones, I think your brother finds it easier talking to me. Is there anything I can ask him for you?"
I shook my head. "There's plenty I want to know, but I need to ask myself. When I think he might actually answer. Which could be never."
"Don't let it get to you."
"I'm not."
"Liar."
I smiled, shook my head, and walked over to Corey.
Daniel was partly right. Corey was really uncomfortable with his newfound powers. But I'm not sure talking to me helped. Everyone else seemed to have physical powers. His was mental. Corey was really better with the physical. It didn't help that his came with the most serious side-effect of all--debilitating headaches. He felt ripped off.
"I think it's just a transition period," I said. "You're coming into your powers, and the headaches are a sign of that. Once it develops properly, they'll go away."
"Or not."
"Maybe if we do get you a crystal ball, that would help."
"Thanks."
"You know I'm teasing."
"Yeah, and I also know I'm being a brat. I just . . . I don't . . . I don't understand it. What's happening. It doesn't feel . . ." He glanced over. "It doesn't feel like me. Changing into a cougar fits you--you're a nature freak. Being an evil-hunting warrior fits Daniel. Sam, too. Being mermaids or whatever fits Hayley and Nicole. But this . . . it doesn't fit me."
"There may be more to it," I said. "Parts we don't know about. No one else just has one power. We need to find out exactly what you are."
He was quiet for a moment, then said, "I think I might know more. I . . ." He glanced over to where Daniel was trying to engage Ash in small talk. "He should hear this. Daniel, I mean. I guess there's no way of doing that without him overhearing." A pointed look at Ash. "But if he makes a crack--any crack--I'll deck him. Brother or not."
"No argument here. He's not exactly Mr. Congeniality."
"No kidding. I think we're going to need a DNA test to prove you two are related."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
ELEVEN
WE WERE BACK AT the "campsite," which was just a sheltered clearing with an empty spot that should have held a campfire, except that we had nothing to start one.
