Hey everyone! I know I said that I won't be updating for a while, but I decided to give you guys a before-I-go-away-to-Japan chapter.
But, I have to go do some last minute packing, so this chapter will be pretty short. Okay?
Thanks for reviewing and everything!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that doesn't belong to me. Okay? Don't rub it in. :)
The next morning, as we all gathered round the table eating breakfast, I decided to break the news to them.
"Okay, guys. I have news." I said, immediately all eyes were on me. "The Voice contacted me. He said that the world is not saved yet. We have to destroy the five remaining Schools to prevent them from experimenting on innocent children."
Iggy's jaw tightened noticeably, I could tell that the others were not exactly happy to receive this news as well. Who could blame them? Anyone would have to be mad to want to go back to that hell hole of their own will.
"I'm sorry, guys. I know that you hate this and I hate it too, but this is my mission. And only after we do this will we actually get some peace." I comforted. Angel looked up at me and smiled understandingly. God bless her.
The rest nodded slowly, I felt so glad that I had such a supportive family. Fang caught my eye and gave a slight smile. Warmth flooded my body, and then I composed myself. I had a job to do.
"The first School we go to is in Venice. I suppose we'll find the locations of the other Schools there." I reasoned.
In an hour, we were in yet another airplane, on the way to Venice. The kids were playing one of the games on the in-flight entertainment. Ig looked like he was sleeping.
"How are we going to destroy the Schools?" Fang asked in a low tone. I paused for a moment, thinking.
"The plan we used for the last branch of Itex worked pretty well. I think we should do the exact same thing." I told him. He nodded after he considered this.
At that exact moment, I realized how close our faces were. My heart began to thump extra fast. I prayed with all my heart that no one could hear. His dark eyes burned into mine, his gentle hand smoothed hair away from my face.
Just as we began to lean in…. The stupid plane touched down. With great difficulty, I tore my gaze away from him. Claustrophobia began to kick in and the moment the seat belt sign went off, I leapt up and started to sheperd the flock out.
Once outside, I looked around, trying to find any clue of where the School might be.
Voice? Are you there? Where is the School?
Follow the gondolas, Maximum.
Follow the what? What the hell were gondolas? Okay, deep breathes, Max. I inhaled deeply trying to keep my cool.
"We have to follow the gondolas." I stated flatly. Fang raised an eyebrow.
"What are gonazas?" Gazzy asked confusedly.
"Gondolas," I corrected, "I have no idea. Let's ask around. I think the locals should know." I scanned the crowds looking for someone who looked safe. Settling for a middle aged lady, I approached her with caution.
"Excuse me, do you know where I can find gondolas?" I asked politely. She just stared at me in confusion.
"Do you know where I can find gondolas?" I repeated, pronouncing each word with care and emphasizing 'gondolas'. At the word 'gondolas', she smiled and nodded eagerly, spewing Italian all the while.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand Italian. Um, maybe you could just lead us to the gondolas?" I tried weakly, ready to ask somebody who actually understood half of what I was saying.
Thankfully she seemed to understand and grasped my wrist loosely. I tensed at her touch, but she began to walk through the crowds. I followed her and glanced back at my flock to make sure they were behind me.
I was taking a risk here, I had no idea if she could be trusted. I kept my eyes on the lady and the people around us. I hoped that the flock was taking note of the surroundings and planning escape routes.
I nearly bumped into the lady when she stopped abruptly. I looked at the scene in front of me, I saw a river and many canoe-like boats. The lady gestured at the boats and gabbled something in Italian.
"Gondolas." She repeated, catching my uncomprehending look. Oh… Follow the gondolas.
"Thank you. Um, grazie?" I tried. She smiled at me cheerfully and nodded, showing that she understood. With that, she turned and walked away.
"Follow the gondolas. Okay, guys, we're going on a gondola ride!" I told them. The younger kids cheered.
"We would like to go for a gondola ride." I told one of the gondoliers, he took in the six of us and held up a hand showing three fingers. Three people to a boat, okay. I nodded and he smiled, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth. He called to his friend and gestured for us to get in the gondolas.
"I want to go with Iggy!" Gazzy called.
"I want to go with Max," Angel smiled at me mischievously, "And Fang." She added. My jaw dropped, why that little imp! Nevermind that, I had a bigger fish to fry.
"Fine, Iggy, you go with Gaz and Nudge. Angel will come with me and Fang." I said briskly.
Soon, we were sitting in a row and the other gondola was right behind us. We were paddled along streets and shops.
Suddenly, the gondolier behind us began to sing. Can you believe it? He was singing some Italian song. I exchanged a look with Fang. He looked amused while I'm sure I looked pleasantly surprised.
As we neared a large arch, the gondolier motioned to Fang and me. I frowned and shook my head, not understanding.
He pointed at the archway, then at the gondola. When we pass under the archway… I nodded and gestured at him to continue. He pointed at Fang and me. We… He brought his hand together. What?? We have to kiss!! When we pass under the archway, Fang and I had to kiss!
"Tradition." He said with a heavy Italian accent. Apparently Fang had understood as well. Angel giggled as she read my mind.
My mind went blank as we got nearer and nearer to the archway. Fang had placed his hand under my chin and began to tilt my head up. My heart faltered and I drew in a breath.
I unwillingly closed my eyes and I felt Fang's breath caress my cheek….
Evil cliffy! Well then, until I return from Japan! Please review! It really makes my day! Thank you!
-Red rose
