AN: Another update. You must be thinking... What is Batsu doing? Well, tis the season. Consider this your holiday update.
Also! Don't forget to start writing down your nominations for the Daughters of the Moon Awards! Voting begins on the first of the year! :D You can see a list of eligible stories for your vote on the Daughters of the Moon Writers forum.
Part Three: The Oracle
Chapter Eight: Sad Bunch
"What do you mean that there are no cabs around?" Hailley demanded, clutching Blaze's arm tightly. Blaze had called for a taxi after Hailley had reappeared from the alley, looking dazed. She still had a far away look in her eye. "Are we stranded out here?"
"Not stranded," Blaze replied, dragging Hailley down the street to the nearest restaurant. "They are just overly busy at the company. So, we have to wait. I have an idea that will help time pass. Let's eat." With her free hand, she rubbed her stomach.
"What am I going to do with you?" Hailley asked loudly, over-exaggerating her sigh.
"You eat more than I do!" Blaze accused, smirking at the brunette. "You would devour a whole cow if you could."
"I am a growing girl and need my nutrition," Hailley protested, staring into the store windows around them. "Can we go shopping?"
"We eat first."
"And... Screw a cab. I'll call my dad, and you can spend the night!"
"Sure, I can do that," Blaze agreed, finally finding a place to eat.
It was a little diner, nestled quite nicely between the thrift store and antique shops. The girls slid into a corner booth. Blaze immediately shoved her face into the menu while Hailley stared out of the window. She could put a good amount of food away, but she didn't want to eat right now. Her growling stomach, on the other hand, was telling her otherwise.
"You sound like a lion," came her friend's voice from behind the menu.
"You could hear that?" Hailley asked, surprised. When did she last eat, anyway? And what was with the lion comment? Why am I being stalked by the lion now?
"China could hear that."
"Food sounds great, then, huh?"
Blaze glanced at her, frowning. "Okay, you are really not acting like yourself, and I'm starting to really worry. Hailley, don't keep things from me."
Hailley snorted, unable to control the sound when Blaze was talking about secrets. "Don't you think that we are too late for this talk? We already have secrets. Remember?"
Of course, she was talking about the visions Pandora had shown them. Cowardice had convinced each girl--and boy, consequently in Conrad's case--to remain silent about the visions.
"I know..."
"Hello, girls. My name's Jean. What can I get ya?" The waitress interrupted their somber conversation with her cheery voice. It grated on Hailley's nerves.
"Yes! Can I get the cheeseburger platter with a Coke?" Blaze ordered, grinning at the woman as though she had saved her life.
"Sure, and what about you?" The waitress turned to Hailley, smiling at her. "What do you want?"
"The same is fine." She didn't want to hear that voice anymore. She just wanted to eat so that she could do some shopping. Shopping always made her feel better.
"With the Coke?"
"Yes, please."
Hailley watched her walk away before turning back to Blaze. Blaze shot one, fine eyebrow up, waiting for Hailley to talk. The brunette grabbed a hold of her amulet, the charm with the moon etched into it vibrating soothingly in her hand.
"Blaze, you know that little girl?"
"The one you were holding hands with coming out of the alley?"
"I think... No. I know that she was the oracle I was looking for."
A huge grin spread across her face as she began to laugh at Hailley. "You're whacked in the head if you think that girl—"
"Cameron! Why are you so against this, of all things?" Hailley hissed, rage boiling under her skin at Blaze's attitude. "Look at who we are and what we've been through!"
"Wow," Blaze sighed, her mouth dropping open slightly.
"What?"
"It's just... Since when have you been so committed to what we are? To the goddess?" Blaze finally asked, confused.
Too true were Blaze's words. Hailley knew that. She wasn't exactly so gung-ho about saving the world. Save the world from what? A big, scawy shadow that is evil. What about the evil people in the world? If the Daughters did eventually destroy the Atrox, wouldn't there still be evil somewhere out there?
What was the point?
"I'm just so confused, Cameron. I don't know what's going on in my head. Or our there." Hailley gestured to the window with her hand. "Hell, Auriella has never told us exactly how she got back her missing amulet. It just mysteriously showed up? You really just accept that?"
"That's her own business, Hail."
"No. We are always going on about how we have to stick together to be strong!" Hailley exclaimed, tired of the big talk but little action. "Believe me, Cameron. Believe me."
"I believe you," Blaze finally relented to say, sorrow in her eyes. Hailley could see that she was really upset by her actions, her words. But Hailley couldn't deny the truth.
They were a sad bunch of Daughters.
"Wish we had help."
"I think we all do."
"Here you girls go!" Jean popped up, unnoticed, dropping off their Cokes and plates. "Enjoy!"
Blaze munched on a french fry, her brows drawn in deep thought. "I love you, Hailley."
"I love you, too."
Next Up: At an antique shop, you can find just about anything...
