The Tracker Hive Academy Year One - Avery Song Page 0,88

the air before letting it rain down upon us.

Zackery smiled, looking up to the sky and taking a few deep inhales. I knew that was his element trying to console the sadness in his heart. It was something my own wind element did when I was sad.

Though our elements were vessels of power, they each had a bit of their own personality, especially when they were main elements.

They could comfort you, even if they couldn't take a physical presence like Shadow Jade did.

I walked to Zackery's side, slipping my hand into his. It was a casual move, and I didn't pay attention when I felt his gaze on me, but he squeezed my hand in return.

We stood there for a few more minutes before Zackery spoke.

"Let's head home."

Squeezing his hand, we made our way back to the main streets, and he scheduled an Uber to pick us up.

It wasn't until we were inside the car that he spoke again.

"Our Mom died when we were ten. She died trying to protect us...specifically Zeke. We were targets of the Black Market and they found out the four of us carried two elements each. With what we know now about some organizations’ intentions, I'm sure they wanted to keep us in captivity and find the queen that linked us together. Needless to say, they killed our mother during the confrontation and well...things went crazy after."

He squeezed my hand, his eyes looking out the window as the car sat in traffic.

"They tried to take us, but Zeke snapped. He hadn't unlocked his dark element fully, but that triggered it. The intensity of the attack killed the entire team that was sent to retrieve us. It also imbalanced us entirely."

"Imbalanced?" I questioned.

"The four of us are connected. It means that we basically have to balance each other out all the time. Before our mom's passing, we could be more expressive. I could be happy or sad, angry or flirty. I didn't have to maintain specific characteristics and it was the same with my brothers. When Zeke lost control, it tipped us all over, and basically, after many tests, we realized we each had to maintain specific personality traits."

"That's why you're playful and happy all the time, Zion's calm and calculative, Zeus is always angry, and Zeke is seductive and easygoing." I broke it down.

"Pretty much. We do have our times where we're sad and can't help it, but it really fucks us up if it's for too long. That's why when Zeke is all horny, it annoys us."

"Because it affects you guys, too?"

"Essentially. I'm a little more connected to Zion, and Zeus has a strong connection to Zeke. It's why Zeke's dreams or worries have a greater effect on him while I have a greater effect on Zion, and vice versa."

"That's why Zeke and Zeus move at a different pace from you and Zion?" I confirmed.

"Yup. It's not like we don't want to, but it'll fuck us up a bit. Letting Zeke and Zeus satisfy their needs first helps so that when it's our turn, they won't be too antsy about it. Not to say they won't complain, but they won't feel the need to fight or rush to be around you. It's hard to explain, but that's why we're like this."

"Is that why you guys decided to become Trackers?" I asked.

"We were recruited. They took us in before the system could. Our mom was already in the process of enrolling us into their care and protection. The process was just too late. By the time our file was reviewed, the Black Market organization had found out and sent for our retrieval. We're not mad about it, but it's the reason why we work towards getting rid of all the bad goons that reveal themselves."

"So...on days like today or any other holiday, you come to give flowers because you'll cause the least imbalance?" I concluded.

"Essentially," he replied. "During specific holidays like her birthday or New Years, we all go, but it really depends on how the others are feeling. I would have been fine coming by myself...but I kinda felt a little lonely." He turned his head to look at me."I thought it would be nice to introduce you before the new year as well."

"Zackery." I squeezed his hand. "I'm glad I could tag along."

"Me, too. It's nice having someone with me." He squeezed my hand and leaned his head down to rest on my shoulder. His eyes were closed as he whispered, "I'm just