Read with BonusRead with Bonus

5- Now. New form in the reflection

As the lively celebration continued, the atmosphere suffused not just with joy but with a newfound awareness of their extraordinary bond, the music shifted. A rich, melodic tune enveloped the room, urging Penelope and her friends to sway in unison, basking in the afterglow of their triumph.

But amidst the laughter and warmth, a sense of curiosity started to take root in Penelope’s mind. How had the alien managed to mimic her so completely? Who, or what, could possess such dark talents? As the questions whirled around her thoughts, a sudden realization struck: she needed to understand the source of that entity's power.

Before she could share her thoughts, the crowd parted, revealing a tall, enigmatic figure just beyond the party’s periphery. Dressed in a long, flowing coat that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, the figure’s hair was dark and slicked back, and his sharp features carried a wisdom that belied his youthful appearance. Penelope exchanged glances with Gerard, a silent agreement passing between them: they needed to approach this stranger.

As they made their way over, Gerard whispered, “Do you think he could know something about what just happened?”

“I hope so,” Penelope whispered back, her heart racing with both excitement and apprehension.

As they reached the figure, he turned to face them, eyes bright with intrigue. “Penelope,” he said, an odd familiarity in his tone, “I’ve been expecting you.”

“How do you know my name?” she asked, her tone a mix of authority and uncertainty.

“I am Nikola Tesla,” he replied, the name resonating through the air, drawing gasps of recognition from those who overheard. “I’ve come seeking you because you possess a rare gift, one that can illuminate the darkest of shadows.”

“Tesla? The inventor?” Gerard interjected, still taken aback by the sudden appearance of the historical icon, a figure celebrated for his mind-bending innovations.

“Indeed,” Tesla affirmed, his presence commanding yet gentle. “But tonight is not just about my past; it’s about the future and the echoes of darkness you just encountered. The entity that tried to ensnare you has been a blight on the world, feeding off the latent potential of humanity.”

Penelope stepped forward, her curiosity mounting. “What do you mean? How can I stop it?”

Tesla looked deep into her eyes, as if he could see the latent energy pulsating within her. “You are not alone in this battle. The mask you wear is a reflection not of your identity but of a cosmic essence that interweaves with the universe. But to discover its true power, you must unlock what lies within you—awaken your Penelope alien reflection.”

"The reflection?" she echoed, pondering Tesla's words. “How do I do that?”

“Your true self possesses the ability to manipulate light and energy, qualities that can be harnessed to create a force powerful enough to repel the shadows,” Tesla explained, gesturing toward the vibrant array of lights that still flickered around them. “You must connect with that inner essence and channel it. Only then will you be able to confront the darkness if it attempts to return.”

Gerard placed a hand on Penelope’s shoulder, his supportive presence grounding her. “We’re here with you, whatever you decide.”

“Thank you,” Penelope said, feeling a warmth spreading through her as she took a deep breath. “Alright, Nikola. Show me.”

Tesla smiled knowingly and extended his hands, palms up. “Close your eyes, Penelope, and allow the universe’s energy to flow through you.”

As she stood there, enveloped in the buzz of the party and yet so deeply connected to her own spirit, Penelope closed her eyes. She felt a stirring within her—a mingling of warmth and light, a sensation akin to the shimmering wings that had previously shielded her. Every laughter, every glowing smile returned to her consciousness as memories of support and resilience unfolded.

Images of the alien threatening her identity flickered through her mind, and as they did, she summoned her strength, embracing those memories. A vibrant pulse echoed through her being, radiating outward in waves.

With her eyes still closed, she felt the energy coiling around her—shimmering threads of light intertwining with shadows. She wove them back together, forming a tapestry of brilliant colors. As she opened her eyes, she saw a reflection in Tesla's sparkling gaze.

“Now, let it rise,” he said softly.

With a power that surged from her heart, Penelope lifted her arms. Concealed crimson and violet flames erupted from her fingertips, igniting the dance floor, revealing a cosmic reflection shadowing her—the embodiment of her strength, a union of light and purpose.

The energy thickened, swirling into a magnificent array, creating unbreakable bonds among her friends. Surrounded by this brilliance, she felt invincible.

“Remember, Penelope,” Tesla’s voice cut through the electrified air, “with every flicker of light within you, all that you are—your dreams, your spirit—becomes a beacon for others to find their strength, regardless of the shadows that threaten them.”

Penelope smiled at her friends who were mesmerized by her transformation, their eyes shining with belief. “Together, we can face whatever comes next.”

In that moment, long forgotten fragments resurfaced, revealing the truths of who she was meant to be. With Tesla by her side, she felt ready to take her place as a guardian of light against the encroaching shadows of their world. As the vibrant flames swirled and illuminated the space around her, Penelope realized they weren’t just an outpouring of her latent energy; they were a manifestation of the collective power her friends shared. Each thread of light that danced through the air resonated with their laughter, love, and resolve—a reminder that she never had to face darkness alone.

Tesla stepped closer, his presence calm yet powerful. “Feel it, Penelope. Feel how your energy intertwines with theirs. You are not just fighting for yourself; you’re a beacon for others who may feel lost in shadows.”

Penelope nodded, closing her eyes momentarily as she leaned into the sensation of unity enveloping them all. She could hear Gerard’s heartbeat echoing steadier beside her and sensed all her friends surrounding them—unwavering anchors in times of uncertainty.

“Let’s show this darkness what we can do!” she shouted, fueled by a rush of adrenaline.

With her newfound clarity and a wave of resolve, Penelope commanded the fiery tendrils spiraling from her fingers to expand outwards. They pulsed with warmth against the coolness of the lingering shadows casting uncertainty around them like an ominous cloud. The once-vibrant carnival lights shining above flickered brighter as she willed them forth into a radiant surge.

Her friends instinctively joined in, sending their own energies forth—Maya’s quick silver sparks brightening at Penelope’s side and Theo conjuring cool blue waves from afar, breaking against the darkness like crashing surf. Together they formed a stunning tableau beneath Tesla's watchful gaze.

“Beyond fear lies pure potential,” Tesla reminded them softly as he observed what was unfolding.

Penelope locked eyes with each friend—their unwavering spirit lit a fire within her soul that pushed back against every doubt she harbored before tonight. “Together—ready?”

They nodded resolutely in response to her unspoken inquiry, their spirits entwined with hers in mutual understanding—a community nurtured by resilience forged from precious bonds encouraging one another always forward!

“Now!” Penelope exclaimed. The moment reverberated throughout their circle as each pulse converged toward a single astonishing

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter