Every manuscript eventually hits the chopping block.

Im often sad to see scenes get deleted even if I can see the necessity of it. The scene Im going to share with you today falls under that category. I thought it was a fun scene, but ultimately it was cut for a couple of different reasons. First, its kind of a light and humorous scene, but it came at an intense place in the story and I felt that it pulled the reader out of the moment too much. The other reason was that the characters introduced in the scene were meant to be key players in book two. But then the story line of book two changed and these new characters were no longer necessary. I was kind of sad to see obnoxious little Julian go, but it had to be done. On the bright side, I get to share him with you now.

DELETED SCENE FROM CHAMELEON

Gabriel grimaced. Yes, I see your point, he said taking a deep breath. He threw his arm over my shoulder and had just managed to release the tension from his muscles when suddenly his entire body went rigid. What is it? His eyes whipped to the end of the car. There are supernaturals in the next car and they appear to be coming this way. I was a little stunned by this news. How can you tell? I can feel their auras, Gabriel hissed. There are three of them. One is exceptionally powerful.

That didnt sound good. Gabriel removed his arm from my shoulder and clasped tightly to my hand. My pulse skyrocketed as if Gabriels anxiety was contagious. Danielle, he whispered. If they attack, we will have no option but to fight back. You will need to assume the form of whichever will be of the most use to us. But how will I know? As soon as I see them I will be able to tell Gabriel stopped abruptly as the door to our train car slid open and I about died laughing. The kid who came through was the scrawniest, palest, shortest, sickly looking kid Id ever seen. He had crazier curls than me that were the color of a fire truck and so many freckles that he almost looked tan. Not to mention he was shorter than me. Chill Tamara! Im not going anywhere, I just want to see who the boy was whining until he saw Gabriel and I. He stopped so abruptly he stumbled. We were so afraid of that? I muttered to Gabriel with a snort. Gabriel still hadnt relaxed and after a moment I could see why. The two people who followed behind him were a lot more intimidating. They were around the same age as Gabriel and I, but still. The guy looked like the teenage version of the incredible hulk only not as green, and the girl was his J.I. Jane counterpart. The twerp with the BoZo the Clown fro gasped once he recovered from his shock. Youve got to be kidding me! Julian! the girl hissed, mortified. But! But! the kid stammered, staring in disbelief. His eyes shifted back and forth between Gabriel and I, finally settling on Gabriel. Are you seriously who I think you are?

Gabriel shifted uncomfortably in his seat. I suppose that would depend on whom you believe me to be. The boy grinned and turned back to his friends. Listen to how he talks! Its totally him! Who? the guy asked, while the girl hissed, Youre being rude! The boy ignored the rebuke. Thats the Seer! he exclaimed. Both of his friends looked up, startled. Gabriel studied the boy for a few minutes and then said, It seems I am also in the presence of rarity. It is an honor to meet a necromancer. Especially one so strong. He rose to his feet and held out his hand to the boy. May I? Youve got to be freaking kidding me! the boy said again as if he were in the presence of a God. He stuck his shaking hand out and squeaked with excitement when Gabriel clasped both of his around it. The girl standing behind them turned to me, incredulous. Is he looking into his future? I had no idea what to say to her. I could only manage a shrug and then Gabriel was back in the present and looking at the kid in front of him with great curiosity. Have you ever visited the consulate? You could accomplish great things working for the council. Is that what you saw? The boy squealed with glee. Im going to work for the council? It is a possible future for you, Gabriel said, nodding. If you so choose it. What is your name?

Julian Craig. And thats Tiny and Tamara, your eminence. I laughed at that and Julians gaze slid to me. And you are? he asked. He was giving me a grin that he meant to be slick, but he couldnt in a million years pull it off. Aside from the most stunning creature on the planet? The kid grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. I stood there completely dumbfounded until Gabriel chuckled, and then I glared at him. Are you seriously going to stand for this? The kid is hitting on me right in front of you! I am sorry, Gabriel said, chuckling again. But it is very amusing, and I am afraid he is right. You truly are the most stunning creature on the planet. Im not a kid. Im fourteen and a half! Julian said indigently. And no man ever lands a peach like you by being a coward. So how about it babe? You want to make me the happiest man on Earth and tell me youre his sister? Gabriel laughed again, and since he was being no help I looked to Julians friends. Tamara had her face buried shamefully in her hands. Tinywho was anything but tiny just stood there looking an odd combination of amused and disgusted. I finally looked back at Julian and gave him a big smile. Im sorry little man. Im not his sister. Youre kind of cute though. If I ever get a dog Ill totally name it after you. Tiny and Tamara both bust a gut with laughter, and even though Gabriel was trying to give me a disapproving look he was laughing too. Who are you? Julian demanded. What are you? Gabriel finally pulled me proudly against his side. His face beamed and after kissing my cheek he said, She is the Chosen One prophesied of by the Oracle.

For once Julian was speechless. Well that explains the wicked spell on this car, Julian finally said after recovering from his shock. Spell? I asked. It was my turn to be shocked. Yeah, its crazy strong, babe. Did you do it? Do you have magic? Gabriel and I exchanged a glance as I concentrated on the air around me. Hes right, I whispered to Gabriel. I can feel the magic. Why would there be Its a misdirection spell, Julian offered. But not just one for humans. Tiny and Tamara were totally suckered by it. I was at first too. If you two didnt have the most insane auras on the planet I would have walked right by you. Misdirection spell? I gasped. Gabriel grabbed my hand so tightly it hurt. He wanted us alone, he said. He must already be on the train. Who? Tiny asked. Are you guys in some kind of trouble? A low growl rose in his throat, and he and Tamara each took off to stand guard at opposite ends of the train car. Theyre werewolves, Gabriel explained. They cant get involved! I said. Theyll only get hurt. This isnt their fight. It would be an honor to protect you, Tiny said. That may have been so, but there was still no way in hell I was going to let a couple of innocent teenagers get killed on my behalf. Got any ideas? I asked Gabriel just as the train plunged into a tunnel and all the lights went out.