Dawn (S02E01)
Author: Ratree Sasithorn
Disclaimer: I'm only playing with puppets that are not mine. And I really do enjoy it.
Spoiler: Season 1 Finale
Rating: T
Warnings: dark, character death
Summary: Just when you think it can't get worse it does. And you wish you did your mythology homework right after studying those comic books. Episode 1 of my imaginary Season 2.
A/N: I am a Chloe/Alek-Shipper and also a masochist. And I won't let any of that get in the way of the story. Promise. I normally write in German but I wanted to try writing in English for a change to improve my language skills. I'm so sorry for all the mistakes I'm surly going to make and hope you forgive me. I have no beta-reader yet and I haven't written a longer story in English for almost 10 years. If you have the time visit my profile there's more information about the story and my intentions. I am not a big fan of original characters playing major roles but for reasons explained on my profile there will be some minor roles filled by original characters.
*.*.*
One: Death is near
"I'm gonna kill you!", Alek said prepared to act on his own words.
"Is that any way to talk to your brother?", Zane asked.
Though Valentina had done everything to prepare him to expect and deal with the worst every single minute it took Alek all of his willpower not to give in to the shock.
„Where are my manners?", he spat out, „Come here, give me a hug!"
He wasn't even finished with the sentence when he attacked. He wouldn't give Zane the opportunity to act first. Weak and slow he could still hear the two heartbeats of those two in the room who really were his family. He swore to himself Zane would leave the world before them. Even if he really was his brother for all he cared Zane could just go to hell. And it would be him who would send him down there.
„No.", he heard a whisper from Jasmine, that not even Zane had expected.
It probably saved Alek's life. Zane had aimed at him with his arm and as the arrow ripped his shirt he realized that Zane was not only prepared for Alek's reaction, he had hoped for it.
"What a disappointment you are.", Zane shook his head the moment he managed to punch Alek who had to step back.
"I can give this compliment back anytime.", Alek commented while he grabbed Zane's arm to prevent him from attacking with another arrow.
"You should make our parents proud and join the good guys.", Zane managed to say, while he tried to overpower Alek. He had no choice but to let the dagger fall to the floor. Before Alek could think about reaching out for it Zane kicked it to the other side of the room.
"Don't you dare make it sound as if our parents were traitors."
Alek got more angry with every word his wannabe-brother said. Since Zane had foreseen his earlier attack he knew he should calm down or he would play into his plan again. But he wasn't able to let it go, he just wanted him dead and his instinct ruled over his rationality.
First he succeeded in moving Zane in a corner but then Zane grinned and with an unexpected move overpowered him and threw him all over the floor. It didn't take Alek long to get back on his feet but Zane was aiming at him again.
"So you'd kill your own brother?", Alek said while ducking under the the arrows.
"We are not so different after all.", Zane laughed.
"We are dear brother. We are.", Alek gave back while his eyes where searching for the dagger.
Zane immediately understood what Alek was searching for and took a jump in the right direction. Alek joined the race. He was a bit closer. But just a second before Alek could touch it, Zane grabbed the dagger, ready to attack Alek who could not stop his run in time. He was ready to kick him, but then a window burst. Both of them were distracted and looked at the weird intruder.
„Be prepared evil Mai Warriors, here comes the Green Slitherine!", the girl dressed in a silly green gymnastics suit screamed, "You'll pay for what you did to my brother!"
"What the heck?", Alek shouted but didn't forget to jump aside when Zane tried to attack him with the dagger.
Before Alek had a chance to prevent it Zane shot an arrow in the direction of the weird girl. She didn't even bother to duck.
"REALLY?", the girl obviously couldn't believe what just happened, "And I thought Mai were like one of the the most intelligent of all the not quite god not quite human people. You really think attacking me with the venom of my twin brother will do me any harm?"
To Alek's surprise the girl hissed as the shape of her tongue changed, her eyes started to shimmer and she grew big fangs. Her skin was being covered with slightly green shimmering scales.
"What about trying out how you react to my venom?", the girl took a jump in Zane's direction.
Zane fell down as the girl hit him and lost the dagger. But he managed to hurt the girl with his claws. Bloodstains appeared on her strange suit. Alek reached out for the dagger.
"I'm coming for you too.", the girl hissed.
"I'm not with him. I want him dead.", Alek said and slowly came closer, ready to help her finish off Zane.
"In this case you'll have to wait until I'm done with him.", she said ready to bite and not even noticing that Zane stuck his claws into her thigh with the hand she didn't manage to keep under control.
Alek came to her help, but before he could Zane managed to throw the girl off of him. Alek wanted him dead but Zane decided to run off instead of fighting back, something Alek did not expect him to do.
"You'll come crawling to us soon enough.", was Zane's goodbye, as if it was not him retreating.
Zane sounded very sure of himself. Alek first wanted to follow him, but then he realized one of the heartbeats in the room stopped and the other was getting slower and slower. When he turned around, suddenly the girl, that was still lying on the floor, screamed.
"Watch out!"
Alek turned around and just in time ducked under another arrow. Zane looked disappointed as he finally decided to leave when the girl without warning started spitting in his direction. A huge blast of venom shot in Zane's direction who closed the door just in time and finally ran of.
"What are you waiting for. We have to get him.", the girl insisted.
"They are dying.", was all he answered.
It was Jasmine whose heart had stopped. He ripped his shirt and tried to cover her wound while trying to use his phone at the same time. He did not sound like his usual self when he gave their healer who lived in the same building the order to come down immediately.
"Jasmine.", he screamed at her, tears ran down his cheeks, "Don't you dare die. Do you hear m?."
The girl suddenly appeared on his side.
"I'm afraid she is gone already.", her voice was soft all of a sudden, "There may be a slight chance to save the older one though. Are there any Leiuri living close?"
Alek stared at her in disbelieve.
"I have never seen Leiuri in all my life. How could I possibly find one of them right now.", he thought about closing Jasmines eyes but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
When the door flung open and their old healer appeared he stepped aside. He didn't even ask a question.
Alek couldn't look at Jasmine, the healer would just announce her death after he tried everything in his power without any success. He had seen him doing this far too often and he didn't want to get any false hope. He turned over to Valentina who looked at him without moving, crying for her daughter.
Alek had not a minute to lose, Chloe was still out there alone, he should never have left her side. She was in danger and the thought of her being dead too was unbearable. Their hope would be gone, Jasmine would have died for nothing. But when he was honest the worst thing was that he couldn't imagine living in a world without this stunning girl. It would not only be a loss for the Mai. And he would only have one person to blame: Himself. He had let his own feelings get in the way of his mission. But before he left he had to figure out a plan how to help Valentina.
"Are there any Leiuri living nearby?", Alek asked Valentina as if she hadn't heard the whole conversation he had with the girl anyway.
She couldn't say anything or shake her head but the way she looked at him he knew there were none.
"I don't like to admit it, but call the ambulance if you want Jasmine to have any chance of survival.", the voice of the old healer interfered with his emerging thoughts.
Alek's heart stopped for a second and needed a moment to understand. Jasmine was not dead yet.
"Hurry, boy.", the healer got impatient, "I don't think I can bring her back a second time."
"It's a miracle.", the girl was staring at Jasmine in disbelief.
"Yes it is.", the healer agreed, "I have never seen this in my whole life."
Alek picked up his phone which was still lying on the floor and called 911. As soon as he had finished his call the door opened again.
"So it is true?", asked the dark haired Mai who was only 5 years older than himself.
Most of the Mai that were still living were rather young. Most of the older had been killed by the Order over the years.
"They are still alive, Max. Do you by any chance know of the next Leiuri population?", he asked him.
"They are desert dwellers. At least that is what I heard.", he sounded confused.
"We need one of them now. Valentina will die otherwise.", Alek made himself clear.
Max didn't listen what was rather typical for him and just went by Alek staring at the girl that still hadn't managed to introduced herself.
"Why is the Naja still alive.", Alek reacted immediately, he had to hold Max back with all his power to stop Max from attacking the girl.
"It wasn't her, it was Zane. The guy from the New York Pride. He used her brother's venom.", he forced out of his mouth although it was hard to talk while stopping a strong guy like Max from following his instincts.
Alek had made the mistake of not thinking about how the scene must look to anybody else.
"What are you doing here, Naja?"
Max wasn't pleased by the explanation Alek gave him.
"I'm trying to get back my brother who I suspected to be taken hostage by your folk, but turns out it was only one Mai-maniac.", the girl explained bugged out.
Something weird happened while she was talking. Her skin peeled of and her bleedings stopped. He heard rumors that Naja's had amazing healing powers but this was almost beyond believe. Max wasn't impressed knowing him he was probably insulted by her tone of voice.
"It was the Order. Zane must have conspired with them. They are after Chloe, the Uniter.", Alek explained so that the girl could follow their conversation too.
"And why are you still standing here in that case?", Max did not sound as much shocked as angry.
"I was just about to leave when you decided to attack the Naja.", Alek explained and was furious.
He and Max never got along well and this would certainly not change today.
"You look out for Jasmine and Valentina while I'm gone. And send some hunters out to find the Leiuri and Zane!", Alek ordered and hurried to the door.
"And who made you the new ruler of our pride?", Max shook his head.
Alek didn't have the time to argue with him.
"I'm just showing initiative, and it is still my duty to protect the Uniter, so please just do what I'm asking you for.", he tried to reason with him.
Max couldn't hide his anger, but he eventually nodded and Alek left without any more words. When he was heading for the stairs he noticed he was being followed by the Naja girl.
"What do you think you are doing?", he shook his head.
"I'm not only here to find my brother. We were sent here for a reason.", she explained, "We are supposed to be the ambassadors of the Naja. And since you seem to be in charge and are meeting the Uniter I figured I'd better stick with you."
"Great.", he rolled his eyes, "In this case try to help and not stand in the way. I'm probably faster without you. We can meet up later. Much later."
"You intend to jump from roof to roof?", the girl asked ignoring his objection.
"Exactly.", Aleks answered.
"You know where you'll find her, right?"
It was a good question, but he wouldn't admit it. With a sigh he took his phone and called Chloe. He was shocked when he heard her, although relieved she was alive. She was crying and sounded devastated. His heartbeat increased. What had they done to her. She obviously needed him and every muscle in his body wanted him to just start running towards her. He couldn't stand the thought of not being there with her this instance.
"Chloe I need to know where you are.", he said and couldn't stay calm at all.
"He's dead.", was all she managed to say.
He didn't ask, he was sure he knew who she was referring to. The fact she mentioned him even though he was dead felt like his heart would be ripped out.
"Where are you Chloe? Just tell me where you are and I'm going to get you and keep you safe.", he had a hard time to not let his voice tremble. She was probably still in danger and when he heard where she was right now, it didn't made it any better.
When he put away the phone he saw his hand shaking, and the girl noticed it too.
"You don't happen to have a car? Listen I'm a good driver, really. At least when it comes to driving really really fast."
Alek was looking at her in such disbelief that she continued talking nervously.
"Listen I know how to start a car without a key, but you have the tools to open it first.", she was pointing at his hands.
"Seriously? That is your plan?", she must be crazy.
"We could also call a taxi.", she offered an alternative she obviously didn't really consider one herself.
"That is probably not the worst idea.", Alek said and made another phone call.
Even is he ran he would be faster by car especially if he would take the girl with him and considering the possible danger it would be a good thing to have a poisonous snake as a back-up even though she wasn't much of a fighter from what he had seen so far.
"So I guess we have to make a run as soon as we leave the car.", the girl was nodding to herself.
"Why would we?", Alek didn't know what exactly was wrong with her and he certainly had no time figuring it out right now.
"Oh, so you do have enough money to pay for the ride. Great."
He turned around to see the weirdest smile and tried not to think about the problems this girl could cause them and probably would.
"By the way, I'm Ada. Ada Grokenberger.", she thought it was a good idea to introduce herself finally.
"Yeah, right.", he just sighed, the name was such a perfect fit for the little weirdo.
*.*.*
"He's dead.", was all Chloe was able to say, when Amy and Paul entered the building.
It took them a while but finally it was Paul to start talking again first.
"Are you really sure? Should we call the ambulance?"
"Chloe, what happened?", Amy asked as soon as she found her voice again.
"It was a trap. My father was supposed to meet me, but it was not him, it was some guys from the Order. And then this woman, she just shot me. I think I saw here once, I don't know.", she swallowed her tears just long enough to finish.
"What about Brian? Did she shoot him too?"
Chloe's heart stopped for a second.
"No.", she cried harder than before, "It was me. I killed him. He kissed me when I woke up again and I kissed him back. I didn't think. I didn't know what I was doing. I pushed him away as soon as I realized, but it was too late. I killed him. I loved him. How could I do this to him?"
Amy sat down beside her and took her hand. She looked shocked but she tried to talk as calmly as possible. Chloe knew how hard it must be for her not to freak out.
"You didn't kill him. It was an accident. You were out of your mind."
"But I can't. I can't be because if I am this is what happens. I should be dead, not him."
"You were dead.", Paul said and earned a blank stare from Amy.
"Sorry. I keep my mouth shut.", he said and moved to Chloe's other side.
"I can't call Alek.", Chloe muttered, "Jasmine."
She didn't answer her call.
"She's probably with Zane. But I don't have his number. Why don't I have his number?"
Chloe was getting nervous. Alek was no option. She just couldn't do this to him. It was far too much to ask for his help in this situation.
"What now?", Chloe shook her head, she could no longer think straight, "I have to call my mum."
Without thinking about what she was about to do she took her phone and called her.
"Chloe do you have any idea what you are going to say?", Paul sounded serious and he usually didn't what made Chloe reevaluate her plan.
"I can't tell her.", she shook her head.
"We can't just dump his body, can we?", Paul asked.
"SERIOUSLY? What's the matter with you?", Amy's voice was harsh.
"But what else can we do? Call the police? Then Chloe's mum will definitely find out what is going on. And think about it, Chloe would be a suspect. Even if we all lie.", Paul shook his head.
Chloe wasn't angry with Paul. He was right. There was no way out of this situation except covering up. But she couldn't just dump Brian's body anywhere. Thinking about it made her lose it again. She cried hard and almost missed her phone. It was her mum.
"You can't just pick up like that. She'll sense something is wrong.", Amy shook her head.
"She will also sense something is wrong if Chloe does not pick up.", Paul said.
They were both right. She didn't stand a chance, but she had to try.
"Mum!", she answered and tried to sound as normal as possible.
"Oh my god, what is it Chloe? I can hear how upset you are. I'm coming home this instance."
"No, no. You don't have to. You have your dinner. Enjoy."
"I'm already in the car. My client is driving me. We just wanted to look at a site but we surely can postpone, right?"
She was now obviously talking to the client. She could hear his voice it sounded familiar but she could not remember where she heard it before.
"It's not a problem, darling.", she answered.
"No mum, just don't. It's alright.", Chloe tried her best to convince her but her mum wouldn't let it go.
Why had she called her in the first place. It had been a horrible mistake.
"Mum, I... I'm not home.", she made the next mistake of telling the truth.
"Kiddo? Just where are you?", her mum sounded worried.
"I'm at Amy's, yes. I needed someone to talk to.", she lied and it didn't sound that convincing.
"Give her to me.", her mum insisted.
"But mum..."
"Give her to me now."
Chloe handed over the phone to Amy.
"She wants to talk to you."
Amy took the phone unwillingly.
"Hi, how are you? I heard you have an important meeting today. We won't keep you busy, I ask my mum to bring Chloe home this minute, I promise.", Amy lied.
There was a short silence, Chloe could here every word her mum was saying to Amy due to her abilities.
"Alright. But could you stay with her until I'm home?", Chloe's mother ask.
"Sure. Definitely.", Amy sounded too stressed already.
"Good. Now let me talk to Chloe for a second."
Amy handed back the phone.
"It's alright mum. Really.", Chloe said and sounded a bit more like it, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I'm going to Amy's. I just didn't want to disturb you."
"Alright. I love you. And I see you very, very soon."
"Love you too.", Chloe answered and looked at her friends distressed.
Amy and Paul returned her look.
"Give me your phone for a second.", Paul commanded without further explanation.
Without thinking about it Chloe answered his request by handing it over. Not sure what he was about to do Chloe and Amy watched him closely.
"I thought so!", he finally smiled, "You remember Jasmine's phone had some trouble when we were at the carnival and they wanted to meet up with us. Jasmine used another phone. It must have been Zane's"
Before Chloe could do anything Paul already dialed the number and handed over the phone to Chloe.
"Who's that?", Zane sounded stressed.
"It's me, Chloe. Sorry to bother you, but is Jasmine with you? I really need to talk to her and she won't answer her phone.", Chloe explained.
"Actually everyone is looking for you. Where are you now?", Zane asked and all of a sudden sounded much more relaxed.
She didn't hesitate and gave Zane, who promised to find Jasmine on the way, the address of and directions to the theater.
"Zane knows how to find Jasmine, they are on their way.", Chloe explained.
Paul and Amy just nodded.
She looked down at Brian and then she lost it again. Her shaking hand stroke over his chin, through his hair. She couldn't take it and again gave in to the tears. It couldn't be true, it had to be a nightmare.
Then all of a sudden her phone rang. Horrified she stared at the picture of Alek.
"You have to take that call.", Paul insisted and he was right, "We are not save here and when we are lucky he may be here faster than Jasmine."
Chloe didn't wait, she took the call. She had no idea what to say. She just cried.
"Chloe I need to know where you are.", came Alek's worried voice.
"He's dead.", she didn't intend to say it, not like this. But she just couldn't help it.
"Where are you Chloe? Just tell me where you are and I'm going to get you and keep you safe."
He couldn't mask the fact that his voice was slightly trembling. She finally managed to tell him and then the familiar voice that for a moment gave her the feeling of not being lost, of being saved vanished. And with it all the hope it had given her.
She had intended to tell him Jasmine was on her way already and she knew why she didn't. She wanted Alek to be here even if it was not fair to him. She hated herself for being that selfish.
"Alek is coming too.", she told her friends under tears.
"You think it is save to wait for Jasmine and him here?", Paul asked all of a sudden.
"We have been waiting until now.", Amy declared correctly.
"Thinking about it, this was not very bright.", Paul came to realize.
Chloe wished they would have thought about leaving much much earlier when she suddenly heard something that sounded almost like a laugher.
„Well, well so you truly are the Uniter. How very interesting. But it seems you are not very different from your kind considering you killing a human."
For a moment she thought it was Simone, and prepared herself to attack. But when the woman stepped into the light she realized she had never seen her in her life. Her skin was slighly darker and her long hair was black.
"So are you here to finish me off once and for all. Then let them go.", she was referring to Paul and Amy, "It's between me and you. They have nothing to do with it."
"Don't worry, I'm not one of them. I despise their kind just like you do. But what kind are you anyway. One of those angry angry Mai that do kill human just for fun?", the woman stared at her.
„How dare you! I didn't want him to die. He kissed me when I returned to life and I kissed him back without realizing what I was doing. I love him."
„Even more interesting. What a pity I couldn't have watched the scene from closer. And what now? Will you show your true color and give back what you have taken or will you just continue making excuses and pretend you are better then your kind when you really are not?", she gave her a dangerous glare.
„What do you mean give it back? Can I give him back his life?", Chloe clung on this tiny bit of hope.
„Depends. How many are there left little kitty?", the stranger smirked.
„Seven.", she answered without thinking about the value of the information she was just giving away.
„So is a human worth dying for?", the woman came closer.
„Do I just have to die?", Chloe didn't think of anything else than bringing Brian back to life.
„You don't even know? And you'd suspect they'd teach you. But then again it's so totally Mai. Shall I tell you?", Chloe didn't like her smirk and the way she was talking to her.
„How do I even know I can trust you, I mean it is very suspicious just to turn up like this in this kind of situation.", she started getting suspicious.
„That's the beautiful thing about this sacrifice it is so much bigger because you just don't have a clue.", now the woman almost laughed.
Chloe looked over to Paul and than to Amy. She knew without asking that they didn't trust the woman and hoped for Alek or Jasmine to appear. Chloe didn't because she knew they'd stop her from what she was about to do.
„Tell me. I'll do anything. ANYTHING.", Chloe talked fast, she didn't want to waste a second. It may be her only chance to set things right again.
„More like you are going to give EVERYTHING. Your whole life. At the very least one of them.", the woman seemed kind of amused but Chloe forced herself not to think about it. She hoped for her empathy ability to kick in, but she got no vibe from the stranger.
„Good so what do I do.", she said anyway. She had to.
„You cut yourself and the human and make a connection with both your blood. You have to stay physically connected. When you return he will return too."
„And he'll be alive?", she asked to be sure.
„Yes.", was the simple answer.
„And I lose a life.", Chloe concluded.
„Or two. Who knows.", the woman just shrugged.
„Wait a second. Two lives?", Paul entered the conversation.
Chloe was afraid he was about to stop her.
„It could happen, I don't say it does.", was the woman's answer and Chloe figured from the change in her tone that she really was honest and not sure herself.
„Do we have the time for you to explain?", Paul asked.
„Since it's short, yes. Either they return with a life shared or they return with two separate lives.", the woman told them.
„On what does it depend?", Chloe wanted to know.
„How involved you already are. Chances are you choose you want to be connected.", she shrugged again.
„Wait! Does that mean they only have half a life?", Paul began exploring the downsides of one life less lost.
„No, it only means should one die, the other will too.", the woman said.
„Is there no way to make sure they have their own lives.", Paul asked another question.
The stranger looked at him half bemused half bewildered.
„You really want your friend to lose two lives. Interesting how humans tick."
Chloe had no idea what exactly the woman was. She could of course be a jackal if not a Mai, but she didn't felt to her that way.
„So what do we want to happen anyway?", Chloe was unsure of what would be the right outcome.
„That is only known by you. Every option has it downsides. So are you prepared to take the risk or not?", she sounded a bit impatient.
At the frequency Chloe was killed she suspected it was better to lose two lives than to link Brian to one of hers and bring him into danger every single time she was in danger herself.
Chloe looked at the woman, waiting for her to give her the last few missing instructions. But then Paul interfered again.
„Wait, are you going to kill her? I don't know if that's a good idea Chloe."
The woman just rolled her eyes.
„So better let her jump down a building risking she dies for nothing because there is no connection. Or do you want her to be stabbed or punched to death? Will you do it?", the woman made it sound as if it was Paul who was out of his mind.
„It's alright, just how are you going to kill me?", Chloe didn't want to wait any longer, she was afraid the magic would wear off, it would turn out to be only a dream or wishful thinking and she would have to once again face Brian's death.
„It's better not to know. Believe me.", the woman seemed quite sure.
„Oh I think she should know. I mean...", Amy started but didn't finish.
„Do you think it is comforting in any way to know just how you will lose a life. You humans really are one of a kind. Always so entertaining. And so clueless. Just step back and try not to scream too loud.", then she turned to Chloe once more, "Or do you really want to know, Uniter?"
„No, just get it over with.", Chloe urged her to be fast before she had more time to think about her next death.
The woman handed her a knife and Chloe cut herself and Brian. Amy and Paul were shocked and only slowly stepped aside when the woman urged them too.
„Wait!", Paul interfered once more.
„What now?", the woman sighed.
„We should at least know who you are? I mean at least this would be a good thing to know for Chloe."
"You really thing knowing the name of your murderer does matter?", she shrugged but gave in, "I'm Mahtab one of the Leiuri, but I guess you are not wiser now than you were before. Now step aside and see for yourself."
As soon as Amy and Paul were out of her way she started changing. A tail burst through her cloth and her hands became claws. It made her look similar to a scorpion in a way.
"A tail, honestly?", Paul almost laughed, it was far too surreal.
Amy reacted quite differently.
"Oh my god.", she screamed in shock. She wanted to stop her but it was too late.
Mahtab swung her huge tail and stung Chloe in the chest. The very instant Mahtab put away her tail and changed back Chloe pressed her hand harder against Brian's and then collapsed without losing the connection.
"NO!", it was Alek who screamed in terror she could still hear him while she was getting weaker and weaker, "I'll kill you."
"You probably shouldn't.", she heard a female voice she did not know, "She is obviously a Leiuri and as I recall you still need one."
"Then I'll kill her after she fulfilled her purpose.", he didn't really sound like he had changed his mind however.
"You don't understand.", Paul tried to explain, "Chloe sacrificed a life to save Brian after she..."
"After she did what?", Alek was furious.
"She kind of kissed him when returning from the dead.", Paul made it worse.
It was the last thing Chloe heard before giving in to death. Then with great pressure her lungs filled with oxygen again.
She looked at Brian, he was not awake but he was breathing and the color returned to his skin.
"So you honestly waste one life or two on him while Jasmine and Valentina are dying for you. How could you Chloe? They give away the only life they have for you and that is how you thank them? By intentionally dying for some human?", she never heard him being that disappointed and hurt ever. Still it made her angry. She had undone a wrong she did. Brian was alive again, she should now have a moment to feel relieved, but he stopped her from doing so.
"He's not just some human. And I did this to him. I had to make it right.", but then reality sunk in, "What do you mean Jasmine and Valentina are dying? Can I give them a life too?", she was talking to Mahtab now. She was overwhelmed by the new possibility Mahtab offered and more than willing to set things right. Maybe there was even hope for Xavier.
"It only works for humans. It's a Mai thing and a relict of your devotion to humans in the past.", Mahtab shook her head.
"Don't you understand anything?", Alek shouted really mad, "You would insult them by doing so. Your lives are worth more than all our lives together. When will you finally get it Chloe? You are the only hope for our kind but you just can't accept it and act recklessly all the time. How can you be so selfish?"
Chloe felt the anger grow inside herself but also the sadness that came with realizing how many people she cared about she had just disappointed.
"Does Zane know?", was the first thing Chloe could think of that would not result in an outburst on either side.
"You bet he does. He's the traitorous bastard that intended to kill them."
Alek was still furious and almost shouted. Chloe however fell in a state of shock.
"I just talked to him, he is on the way."
"How long ago?", Alek instantly focused on his mission.
"Not a minute before you called."
"He actually called you?", Alek couldn't believe it.
"No. I did.", Chloe said without thinking about the consequences.
Alek's face hardend.
"You called him. But you did not think about giving me a call.", the disappointment grew to a whole knew level and then all of a sudden Brian murmured something.
Not only Chloe was distracted, Alek stared at him hatefully.
"We need to go.", he ordered them, "We are not save here. I doubt Zane will be alone."
"You mean you don't want to kick his ass anymore?", the girl Chloe hadn't given much attention suddenly said.
The girl did look rather strange and Chloe was not sure how she was connected to everything that was going on right now.
"I will not only kick his ass, believe me, but right now is not the time. We need Chloe save and we can't lose any more time. Valentina is dying.", with this words he turned to Mahtab, "We are going to need your help. Our leader was poisoned by the Order with Naja-venom. Ada here said you may be able to save her life."
Mahtab smirked.
"Suddenly you trust me. How convenient since you need me.", she made fun of him.
Alek took it surprisingly well.
"We'll find a way to repay you. I'm sure.", he assured her.
"Since I'm going to stick around for a while a favor by the Mai could turn out to be of great value.", Mahtab accepted, "Of course I'll need the Naja whose venom was used."
Mahtab looked over to Ada.
"It was not mine, but my twin brother's.", she explained.
Leiuri, Naja, Jackals,... what more were out there anyway, Chloe wondered.
"That should do.", Mahtab said.
When they were about to move Chloe looked down to Brian.
"I'm not sure if I can carry him alone.", Chloe confessed and tried not to look at Alek at all.
"I'll help you.", Paul offered and Chloe was relieved, but than Alek got in his way.
"We are faster when I carry him.", he said with a tone that made Chloe's blood freeze in her veins.
"How many cars do we have?", Alek asked around.
"Brian has one. And Paul and Amy surely came by car.", Chloe answered him.
He didn't look at her at all.
"Mahtab you come with Chloe, me and him."
It was not really an order but more of a suggestion. Mahtab only nodded slightly.
"Ada do you mind watching over those two?", Alek nodded in the direction of Amy and Paul.
"Sure Captain, I'll keep them save with my amazing super-powers.", the girl grinned and Chloe dared giving a confused look to Alek, but he just looked away.
It really hurt her being treated by him like this but she couldn't blame him. She hurt him much much more.
They left the theater in silence. Chloe did look back for a second. She had wished to finally meet her dad again, instead she died. Now that she was able to think about it clearer she realized her dad would probably never met her in a empty building alone at night were she could be harmed in any way. Chloe frowned when she realized what it could mean that they knew about the book. They may have killed him for this informations. There was a great chance he was gone and she would never would see him again.
"Make sure you stay right behind us.", Alek ordered Paul as they reached his car.
They had a longer way to go, but the car accompanied them. As soon as they got in the car Chloe felt a change. It got even colder.
Brian had still not woken up. Alek didn't say a word. She really needed to talk to Mahtab, but with Alek around she just couldn't. Bringing up her worries for Brian would made everything worse. Chloe first looked over to Brian, whose hand she held, she wondered when he would wake up and at the same moment hoped it wouldn't happen as long as Alek was around them. Then she watched Alek in the mirror, she hated it that she had hurt him that badly. She really did care for him a lot and there was something more between them for sure. She didn't exactly know what she felt for him but one thing she did know: She did not want to lose him. But right now she couldn't stop a voice in her head that told her she already had.
When she looked back at Brian she realized she had let go of his hand while she was watching Alek. When she glanced over to the mirror for a second she thought she saw a spiteful smirk on Alek's face. She felt a bit guilty and all of a sudden was afraid it was too good to be true. What if Brian didn't wake up. What if it all turned out to be an evil cosmic joke on her expense?
"His body and mind just need time to adjust. The longer they are gone the more time they need.", Mahtab explained.
It must have been that obvious she worried about Brian.
"How do you know for sure?", Chloe wondered.
"We Leiuri do not forget. We still possess all our knowledge from the past.", Mahtab said.
"But it's only theoretical.", Chloe was not convinced.
"No it's not.", Mahtab smirked and made Chloe feel a chill.
"What do you mean by that?", her heart stopped for a fraction of a second.
"Just keep in mind Mai and Leiuri are not alike.", was all the answer Mahtab was willing to give.
A look in the mirror told her, that Alek wasn't pleased with her idea of an explanation either.