So many reviews this time round! I'm pleased! Thank you all so much! DBH I FINALLY get you. Sorry about that! Thanks Noc for your wonderful comments. And Kitty, hang in there! Hope you can catch up soon! Chargone, thanks for the advice, also to Noa, Queen of Shadows, Aryssa, Cute-Kitty and lendme5dollas! Hope that's all of you! Now continue!
Chapter XXXVIII: My Mind?Zane slumped into his usual seat, located at the back of the class. He was glad he wasn't late. He'd been turning up to so many lessons late in the past week. The teachers weren't too happy, Zane knew it, and they knew he knew it. They never complained, but he knew that if he kept it up they would eventually. He didn't need them on his case.
He had enough to worry about.
Placing his books on the desk, he then proceeded to search for something to write with. He was very irritated when he finally realised that he had forgotten his writing equipment at home.
Since when had he become so disorganised? No, he knew the answer to that. It was ever since he had been told about the end of the world.
Zane was aware of someone sitting in the desk beside him. One glance informed him that is was Kara Walters, a dark blonde haired, tall and slender girl, who, he also knew, had a crush on him. Though, to her credit, she certainly didn't fall apart at the sight of him as most others did. She smiled at him, and two of her friends sat on tables next to her, also smiling at him. Today, Kara's hair was braided, and she wore a light, yellow coloured top. It was a warm day. Her friends were dressed in similar clothes.
Zane gave them nonchalant stares, and looked back at his books.
'Hello Zane.' Kara said brightly. Zane responded with a very inaudible mumble.
The girl didn't give up though. She noticed that Zane had his books but nothing to write with.
'How are you?' She tried again.
She wasn't expecting a reply, so when she got one, it surprised her.
'Fine.'
She exchanged looks with her friends, who smiled excitedly. This was progress. Zane usually ignored her greetings.
Zane rubbed his eyes tiredly. He hadn't gotten much sleep as usual. The damn dreams weren't stopping, and the girl he kept seeing in them was driving him crazy. It wasn't Vreya as he had thought, as she had told him she didn't know of any fields. Then who was it, and why did he keep seeing her? The latest vision was one of the mysterious girl telling him to stay away from the field. Zane was confused…and he hated being confused.
'Have you got a pen?' Kara asked politely.
Damn…I guess I'm going to have to take one from her. Zane realised. So he blinked, and looked straight at Kara, who was even further surprised at the eye contact. This had to be her lucky day. This was the answer to her many days of prayers: prayers of Zane finally noticing her.
'No.'
'…' Kara laughed a little. 'So how will you write?'
'…' Zane shrugged. Kara's friends giggled.
'Would you like to borrow one of mine?' Kara asked, her heart pounding.
Zane shrugged again. He wasn't going to be too friendly. She might get the wrong idea. Kara was a pretty girl, but Zane had seen prettier.
Much prettier…
'Here you go.' Kara held out the biro pen to him, pleased that her hand was steady.
Zane looked at her again, and then took the pen. He really didn't have a choice.
Kara blushed as his fingers brushed against hers.
'Thanks.' He responded, trying to mean it. She smiled, looking delighted.
'It's okay. Great weather today isn't it?'
'Yeah.' Zane replied. But he was already thinking ahead. The teacher had entered the class.
'Zane.' Kara was going on, seeing just how far her luck would take her. Zane blinked, and glanced at her.
She exchanged looks with her friends, and then nodded, and looked back at him. 'There's a party tomorrow. Anna's holding it at her place, and a lot of people are invited. Want to come?'
Anna, who was one of Kara's friends nodded. 'It'd be great if you can make it.'
Zane almost laughed at them. If he had it would have been disastrous. They'd really think he had changed when he hadn't. He was still the same Zane, even if he had talked a little more than usual.
A party huh? What a joke. I don't have the time. There are more important issues at hand here, kids. He thought, smirking slightly. Also, he was no party animal. He'd already been dragged to one, months back, and he wasn't going to go through that again.
Kara caught the smirk and she was full of hope. She didn't know why Zane seemed to be more talkative today of all days, but she wasn't going to complain.
'So will you come?'
'Thanks but no thanks.' Zane replied, deciding to put an end to the conversation. He didn't like the way it was going, or the way she was getting her hopes up.
'Huh?' Anna asked. 'Why not?'
'Too busy.' Zane responded flatly, and was relieved when the teacher finally began to speak, silencing them all.
---------------◊---------------
'This is the life eh?' Lila breathed, as she and her friends piled out of Ash's car. They had finished lessons early. It wasn't even one in the afternoon.
'I wish school would close all together, until after we deal with this mess.' Gen said.
'Well, Costa, Sara and Roxy are still in lessons. Spare them a thought.' Lila sniggered.
Vreya stifled a yawn. She'd had a rough night. Not to mention how late she had gotten back home. Her parents had actually lectured her pretty badly. They had asked her to be home by six today. Her father had said that he wanted to talk to her when she got back.
'Sleepy?' Ash smiled at her. In response, Vreya linked her arm through his and groaned, resting her head on his shoulder.
'I need to get back by six.'
'Or else?' Gen asked.
'Else her parents, and mine, kick our butts.' Lila replied, linking onto Ash's other arm, and grabbing Gen by his.
'Don't worry.' Ash told Vreya. 'I'll take you back by six.'
'Thanks.' Vreya replied, stifling another yawn.
'Such a gentleman!' Lila smiled up at Ash. He was in a good mood, and so he smiled back.
'Knock knock.' Gen touched the earth stone, to open the door to the base. Sure enough it glowed softly and the door opened.
'Neat trick.' Ash commented.
'Figured out how it works?' Lila asked Gen.
'Nope. I gave up since science is clearly wrong about so many other things.' Gen replied.
Vreya laughed slightly. Then she regretted it. She'd had a splitting headache since she had woken up after Elyria had junctioned to her.
What was even stranger was when Vreya had tried to speak to her new guardian she had been greeted by silence. Vreya had been trying on many occasions, but with no success. Finally Krysta had snapped at her to stop trying and to get on with her life.
They entered the inconspicuous building, and walked down the now very familiar floors and stairs. When they reached the first floor down, they were greeted by the sound of laughter.
As they entered the main leisure room, they saw a few of the mentors sitting and sharing pizzas.
Locky was the first to notice and greet them. 'Hello!' he smiled.
'Hi.' Lila smiled back, walking to the coffee table, and grabbing a slice of pizza.
'You're welcome.' Rica said in surprise. Bo laughed.
'There's plenty for everyone.'
'Good because we haven't had lunch yet.' Vreya said, taking a piece for herself.
'And we need to be home by six.' Ash added.
'Oh. Parents?' Harris asked, munching on a pizza slice.
'Don't talk with your mouth full.' Locky said, doing the exact same thing, and grinning.
'I think we need to take a few days off.' Lila said, as Rica handed her a can of coke.
'Yeah. Our parents are seriously getting suspicious.' Ash said.
'Well, they were bound to.' Rica responded. 'I'm surprised it took them this long. They're very tolerant.'
'Not too tolerant.' Lila muttered. 'My parents are still furious with me. They're going to ground me again.'
'And all the lessons we've been skipping. The teachers are going to call home anytime soon.' Ash said, frowning.
'Maybe taking time off would be good.' Locky said.
'Yeah. The others can handle it for a few days.' Harris agreed. 'Until you feel confident enough to come here again.'
'Where are they?' Gen asked.
'They've gone out to see the town.' Bo responded.
'Is that a good idea?' Lila asked.
'Yeah won't they get lost?' Vreya asked.
'Nah. I gave Selphie a map. They were eager to get out.' Locky replied.
'Who can blame them. This is probably so exciting. Being in a different world.' Rica said thoughtfully.
'Plus I gave Quistis my phone.' Harris added. 'So they can just call here if they do get lost.'
'Okay.' Lila said, convinced.
'So did you kids get back early yesterday?' Bo asked, gulping down some drink.
'No.' Ash said. 'We uh…ran into…'
'Fell into…' Lila put in.
'Uh…fell into some trouble.' Ash finished.
'Oh?' Rica's brows rose. 'You didn't get hurt?'
'No.' Lila said. 'It was a shock though.'
'What kind of trouble?' Harris asked. 'All of you?'
'No. Sara, Ash, Vreya and Lila.' Gen said. 'We didn't run into anything except a load of traffic lights.'
'Not bad trouble. It wasn't really trouble.' Lila waved her hand. 'We just got another guardian elemental or whatever they're called.'
'Huh? You did?' Bo's eyes widened. 'That's great! You mean on the way back?'
'What happened?' Locky asked.
'Oh just the ground caving in under us, taking us to creepy underground caverns where we found her.' Lila said. 'You know, the average everyday weirdness all teens encounter.'
Harris laughed. 'Sounds fun.'
'Underground?' Rica exclaimed. 'You mean really deep?'
'Yeah.' Ash said, taking another slice of pizza. 'Real deep.'
'But we didn't get hurt. And anyway, we got out.' Lila said.
'How?' Bo asked.
'I don't know. Tempest did something.' Lila shrugged.
'That's weird. Falling through the ground to find one I mean.' Locky said. 'Obviously Earth wants you to hurry up.'
'Hah. Yeah, she'll be dragging you to the guardian king next.' Bo grinned. 'You won't need to look for him.'
'Who is this guardian king?' Gen asked curiously.
'We hardly know anything except he's a he.' Harris replied. 'That's all Morgan told us.'
'Where is Morgan?' Vreya asked. 'I wanted to talk to him.'
'He's busy with Fleck and the others downstairs. Can we help?' Rica asked.
'Ummm…' Vreya's eyes shifted. 'No. It doesn't matter.'
'Well, see him later if you want babe.' Locky said. 'Where are Sara and the others?'
'Still in lessons.' Gen replied. 'We finished early though.'
'So which one did you find? Water or Earth?' Rica asked.
'Or Holy?' Harris put in.
'Uh. It's neither is it Vreya?' Ash looked to Vreya, who shook her head.
'She doesn't have an element. Ummm…I think she said her powers focus around status changes.'
'Like…reflection.' Lila said. 'And uh…all the rest.'
'Interesting. Did she junction to Sara?' Locky asked.
'Must have. The rest all have guardians.' Bo remarked.
'No.' Lila said. 'And that's what's so weird! She junctioned to Vreya!'
Bo, Harris, Locky and Rica all looked at Vreya.
'Oh really?' Rica said at last. 'That is strange.'
'Are there going to be enough to go around?' Harris asked.
'There are only three elements left.' Locky said. 'For four chosen ones.'
'Yeah.' Harris said. 'Those being the ones we just mentioned; Earth, Water and Holy.'
'I have a funny feeling that the guardian king knows how to distribute his subjects.' Rica said slowly.
'What?' Vreya blinked. 'Is he responsible for who junctions to who?'
'Probably. Why not?' Bo said.
'I have a question.' Ash said. 'So far we haven't run into that much trouble. Didn't you say that the worlds are going to merge together?'
'Heh, you want some action Ash?' Locky smirked. 'You should be thankful not much has happened.'
'Actually, maybe it's a bad thing.' Harris muttered. 'Who knows what the Threat has up his sleeve.'
'You know what I really want to know?' Lila said. 'I want to know who exactly we're up against.'
'Me too.' Gen agreed. 'Because being clueless isn't fun.'
'Something tells me we're going to find out soon anyway.' Rica said.
'Yeah kids, but the most important thing for us is to stay low!' Bo folded his arms.
'Yes. I bet the Threat has spies all over the place. So be careful to whom you talk to. If it's not a chosen one, keep silent.' Rica said.
'We've found all of us though right?' Ash asked.
'We hope so. But I have no idea how we're supposed to know.' Rica replied.
'Hey, I heard Tai saying something about us knowing when we get all the guardians.' Harris looked at Rica.
'…' Rica shrugged. 'In any case, the guardian king will know.'
'It seems to me that a lot rests on our meeting with him.' Locky remarked.
'Well that's because it does idiot.' Harris told him. 'Then we'll know if we have all the chosen, all the guardians, and more importantly, who the 'One' is.'
'Lets just hope it's one of you tykes, and not someone we've still yet to find!' Bo said.
'Yeah…the Threat will be searching for the 'One' too.' Harris sighed.
'Why?' Vreya asked.
'Well, you know that when the 'One' meets the guardian king, Earth's secret will be given to that 'One'.' Rica said. 'So the Threat will be looking for the 'One', so that he can obtain the Earth's secret.'
'Which is how to obtain total control over everything.' Ash said.
'You got it.' Bo nodded.
'But…you said they were scriptures.' Gen said. 'So does the 'One' have to carry them wherever they go? Just carry them and keep hiding?'
'We don't know for sure.' Locky glanced at his watch. 'We don't know what'll happen. We just know that once we do find out which of you it is, that person is going to need constant protection.'
'We lose one of you, it's sad, but not over.' Harris said. 'We lose the 'One' and it is over.'
'So the Threat wants to find whoever it is, take the scriptures and then kill them?' Vreya asked. It was all so clear now. And terrifying. The burden could be any of theirs.
'Yes. He just needs to kill the 'One' and it'll be over.' Rica sighed. 'Which is why we need as many of you to survive as possible too. He's probably looking for all chosen ones, because he wants to find the 'One' quickly. But he won't be able to tell anyway, until the Earth gives her secret to the 'One'. And if he kills the 'One' before obtaining the secret to ultimate power…well, he loses the same way we do. He'll be prone to being vanquished again.'
'It's like a cycle.' Locky traced a circle in the air with his forefinger.
'Well he's not going to get anyone, including the 'One'.' Lila said. 'And we'll kick his behind back into space where it belongs.'
'Actually, we're hoping to really kill him this time round.' Harris said.
'But isn't he immortal?' Gen asked.
'Nothing is immortal Gen.' Rica said. 'His powers are what give him his abilities. Strip him of them and he is essentially human.'
'The secret can be used to destroy humankind…or save it. If it's with the 'One' in the final fight, the Threat will die in battle. If it's with him…well. He can kill us all. The scripture has the knowledge on how to obtain absolute power…but it also gives its holder the power to do many other things.' Bo explained.
'Like, for example, the power to take the Threat's powers from him, and kill him permanently.' Locky said.
'But why didn't they do that the last time he was here?' Lila waved her hands.
'Yeah?' Ash said, frowning. 'Why did they give him a chance to come back? Why didn't they end it then?'
'Excellent questions.' Rica said.
'And here's the answer!' Harris said. 'It's all because of the 'One'!'
'Oh not that again.' Vreya said. 'What do you mean?'
'The 'One' wasn't born then. So the final blow couldn't be dealt. Only a…kind of semi-final blow.' Bo said.
'But…that means this prophecy thing has been around for a lot of centuries…that means he'd know about it too.'
'Of course Lila.' Locky said. 'Of course he knows. But we don't know who vanquished him last. They're probably dead by now anyway. But they knew they couldn't kill him then, only protect the secret for a few centuries, in the hope that the centuries would buy time, enough time so that the next time the Threat came back, the 'One' would be born and ready to uh…fulfil their role.'
'Wow. How old is this Threat?' Ash wondered.
'I bet he looks like one of those wrinkly, ugly, twisted villains we see in the movies.' Lila said.
'…' Vreya didn't agree. For some reason, she found herself trying to remember a certain nightmare she had once had. A nightmare where she had seen…yes, it was coming back to her…frosted purple eyes…and…raven black hair…and…handsome, youthful features…and…no, the memory was gone. But she didn't think the Threat looked as old as he obviously was.
'I feel like I'm in a movie.' Gen said. 'After this is over guys, we need to go to a director and make a film out of this story. This is great action-type material.'
'Joke after it is over, and if you survive to the end.' Rica advised.
'Look at the time.' Locky said. 'Almost three already.'
'Wow. We've been talking for nearly two hours?' Ash looked at his own watch.
'And eating.' Lila reminded him. 'And drinking.'
'Heh heh.' Bo chuckled, standing up. 'You young ones relax for a while. Everyone will be back soon. I'm going downstairs to see what Fleck and the others are up to.'
'I guess we should come with you.' Locky yawned. He, Rica and Harris all stood up.
'Just don't have another pillow fight!' Bo called back as they walked to the door.
'Excuse me?' Lila blinked.
'Ha. They had one after you left yesterday.' Locky smirked.
'We made them clean up the mess of course.' Rica smiled. Laughing they disappeared out the door.
'Aw.' Vreya said, disappointed. 'We missed a pillow fight…'
Lila smiled slyly, and reached out behind her, grabbing a pillow. Then she turned to look innocently at her best friend.
'Vreya?'
'Yeah?'
'Have I told you how perfect your hair is?'
'Ummm…not that again…' Vreya said.
'Well, it's a bit too perfect. It needs the tousled touch.'
Vreya eyed Lila curiously. 'How come you're talking about my hair all of a sudden?'
Lila blinked, and then smiled a wide, mischievous smile. 'Because it needs…the touch of a pillow!' Without warning Lila jumped up and started hitting Vreya over the head with her new weapon. Vreya cried out in shock, and Ash protested.
'Lila, they just said…'
'Ha ha revenge of the pillow! Vreya asked for it!' Lila cried. By this stage, Vreya had managed to get away, grabbing her own pillow.
Gen laughed. 'Ah let the girls have fun Ash.'
Ash shook his head helplessly. Vreya's hair was tousled however, and she looked adorable with disarranged layers.
'You cheat! They just said not to…mmmf!' Vreya got a pillow in the face, and bent over, laughing hard. Lila grinned, and grabbed another one. This time, she hit Ash.
'Take that Ash! Feel…my…wrath!'
Ash tried to defend himself from the onslaught of pillow. 'Hey! What's gotten into you?'
'You should know they love pillow fights.' Gen sighed. He grabbed one and hit Vreya on the head.
'Ouch! I'll get you for that!' Vreya giggled, forgetting all about her headache, and losing herself in the fun of the moment.
'I give up…if you can't beat them, join them.' Ash said, and hit Lila over the head. She yelled and hit him harder. Vreya saw her opening and bombarded Lila with two pillows.
'Take that for pillow power! Who needs a blow dryer?!'
Lila fell to the floor, laughing and holding her stomach, unable to defend herself from Vreya's hits.
'Y…you're messing…my…my hair!' Lila cried. 'Stooooooop.'
Vreya giggled, and then cried out in surprise as she felt someone tackle her to the floor. She fell onto Lila, who yelped.
Ash grinned at Vreya, and hit her again.
'Ash! You big…jerk!' Lila said, and both girls turned and attacked him. Gen laughed, trying to help his friend out. But the girls were fast and soon both young men found themselves falling under the might of the pillow.
---------------◊---------------
Zane secured his motorbike, and entered the base from the back door. It was just after three-fifteen. His final lesson had finished early, much to his relief. He hoped he could finish from here early too.
As he went down the first level, he heard something he didn't expect. Laughter, but not just any laughter; it was loud and slightly hysterical.
What the hell is going on? Zane wondered, as he passed the leisure room door. He stopped at the sight that greeted him.
Ash, Lila, Vreya and Gen were hitting each other…with pillows. And having a marvellous time too, it seemed.
Pillow fight…how…immature…what a bunch of babies…Zane thought. He hadn't expected them to be this childish. He stared in disbelief.
Ash was hitting Vreya, who stepped back into Lila, who had dropped her pillow. Gen stepped on the pillow as Lila tried to pick it up.
'Gen, get off!' Lila cried. Unknown to her, her yanking at the pillow under Gen's weight had caused a rip in the material, and as she brought the pillow up, feathers flew out, and everywhere, white, soft, fluffy feathers, flying up and then floating softly down.
'H…hey they're feather pillows!' Vreya cried, and then laughed as the soft white objects gently brushed her cheeks.
'Okay we should stop now…before we get caught…' Gen gasped.
'Uh…I think we already have been.' Ash muttered. They looked to the doorway, where Zane was standing, arms folded across his chest, not looking very impressed with their behaviour.
'Greetings Zane!' Lila said, causing more feathers to fly in the air as she waved the ripped pillow. 'Will you fall to the might of the pillow?'
Zane didn't find it amusing however, and glowered at them.
'What do you think you're doing?' He asked in exasperation. 'What are you? Five year olds?'
Vreya muffled a giggle, and looked at him. 'Oh, lighten up Zane! We were just having some fun! Try and see the funny side for once!'
Zane stared at her, and she giggled, and threw a pillow at him. He caught it before it could hit him in the face however, and looked at her again.
And his mouth almost opened in surprise. White feathers were swirling all about her. They were falling around everyone else too, but he didn't care about everyone else.
The vision looked so…so familiar to him…he'd seen white feathers before…and now, looking at Vreya, seeing the feathers falling into her hair and streaking past her face…he felt the shock of recognition. It was her! Even if she had told him otherwise, he was sure it was her. The girl whose voice haunted him in his dreams…the girl whose face he never saw, the girl who was always trying to tell him something. The screaming voice of agony when he had fallen in his nightmare was hers. The realisation hit him so suddenly that for a moment Zane forgot everything else and just stared at her.
But…why? You're nothing…you're not important…then why…it's you…I knew it.
Vreya's smile had disappeared and she was looking back at him, a soft frown settling on her face. The feathers continued to fall.
'Zane?' she called out to him, confused by what she saw in his face. The expression was strange…his eyes were fixed on her, and he was looking at her in a way Vreya had never seen him look at anyone before. Vreya felt self-conscious and nervous under those intense emerald eyes. Zane didn't usually stare so obviously…especially not at her. The effect was immediate. Vreya's heart fluttered and raced.
Ash frowned. He didn't like the way Zane was looking at Vreya. Lila and Gen had also grown quiet.
Zane finally regained his composure, angry with himself. He shouldn't lose his focus so easily. So what if it was Vreya? It was no big deal.
'You okay, man?' Gen asked, out of politeness.
Vreya saw Zane's expression slate over, and she frowned more.
'Zane? What's the matter?'
But he wasn't looking at her anymore. 'Feathers.' He muttered. Vreya heard, and was even more confused.
Feathers? What the…she was about to question him, but he spoke up before her.
'Grow up.'
He threw the pillow right back at her, hitting her in her face.
'Oh!' Vreya said in surprise. She didn't dare throw it back at him however. His features had hardened once more and he added, in his usual, cold tone of voice:
'Clean up this mess.'
With that he was gone. There were a few moments of silence, before Lila broke it.
'Well, what's up with him?'
'He looked like he'd seen a ghost.' Gen laughed.
'Poor guy doesn't have any sense of humour.' Lila sighed. 'Doesn't have to spoil our fun though.'
'He was staring.' Ash said, feeling angry. He looked at Vreya. 'At you.'
Vreya blushed and muttered to herself. Zane was so impossible to figure out. She wished more than ever that she could know his mind.
'He finally realised how gorgeous you are Vreya!' Lila teased. 'And now he's head over heels!'
'Shut up.' Both Ash and Vreya said in unison. Lila looked at Ash in surprise, but said nothing. Quietly they set about clearing the mess they had created.
---------------◊---------------
Mr. Wrenart opened his briefcase, and took out the various papers he had prepared for the presentation he was giving. He glanced at the time. He'd be heading off home about two hours from now.
He smiled at the other people in the room, who sat around the single, long, wooden table, all dressed smartly, with their own papers and writing equipment on hand. Crystal glasses of water were beside every member of the professional media and advertising committee Vision, the best in the business, stationed and employed by politicians and important people all around the world, to take care of marketing for various campaigns. Mr. Wrenart had been in the business for many years, not only because the pay was excellent, but also because he got the opportunity to travel the world, taking his family, as well as meeting many new and important people. He was a very respected and well-liked, popular member. Though he was not the company director, he expected a promotion very soon. He had the knowledge, the professional attitude and the skills needed to take the company onto greater things.
Today he was giving a presentation on his ideas about advertising in relation to the upcoming political elections. It was an official board meeting of the company's most important employees.
'Ladies and gentleman!' The company director Alistair Norton clapped his hands. He sat at the far end of the table, opposite to where Mr. Wrenart was standing. He smiled at Mr. Wrenart.
'Leyton, shall we begin?'
Leyton Wrenart smiled and nodded. 'Thank you all for coming, I'm glad all of you could make it. Now as you all know, the political elections are looming just around the corner! All the candidates have been going about their campaigns, making statements and recruiting various rival companies to advertise for their campaigns!'
He handed the person closest to him, Paula Red, a pile of handouts, which she began to distribute.
'Now as you know, the advertising that has been done is nothing short of, forgive the expression, unremarkable!'
Several of his colleagues chuckled.
'It's been a tight two-horse race between Mr. Bill Spencer, and Mr. Albert Lewis. Both have been reluctant to invest too much in marketing, but it seems they have both come to realise just how important the advertising and media business is, in order to campaign successfully! It comes as no surprise then, that Mr. Spencer has contacted our company asking for us to take over his advertising affairs, as Mr. Norton will tell you…' He looked to his boss.
'Yes, indeed, after careful consideration of our options-thank you Paula-I have agreed that this is both a step forward for Mr. Spencer in terms of his campaign and for us as a company! Besides I'd rather back him than Mr. Lewis. All other competition is miles away…Leyton.' Alistair nodded to Mr. Wrenart.
'Thank you; there will be four candidates to vote for as you all know.' Leyton went on. 'The two I have mentioned and Ms. Audrey Long, and Mr. Thomas Rubens. Our job is to make sure Mr. Spencer seizes the votes, and that means we need a careful advertising strategy. One that will get the votes and swing public opinion in his favour! Since we are a democratic society, force is not an option. We need to persuade people they are making the right choice for this country. Since the current president has said he will be resigning after many years of good service, it's up to us to make sure we steer the best man for the job to success!'
'Excellent!' The director smiled. 'And if we succeed, I have promotions for all of you. After all we will be receiving a hefty pay-check if we are successful.'
There were excited murmurs amongst the members. Mr. Wrenart smiled.
'And today I'm going to put forward to you the first idea on how to make this promotion work! I call it…Project Success!'
---------------◊---------------
The three men were dressed in black suits, and wore black shades. They stepped out of the sleek, black car and looked at the important political affairs building they had arrived at. It was tall and consisted of many floors. No matter. They would only need the first floor.
One of the young men had reddish brown-coloured hair. He walked around the car, and opened the back door. He bowed his head respectfully as his master stepped out, also dressed in a black suit. He wore, however, a dark purple shirt underneath, and the same black shades to conceal the unnatural colour of his eyes.
'This is it, Sir.' His general nodded. He motioned for his nephew, the reddish-brown haired young man to walk in front. He complied, and the four walked to the building, two of the men in black flanking their master.
They entered, and the youth walked up to the receptionist.
'Can I help you?' the brown haired middle-aged woman asked, looking up. Her eyes widened as she saw the men in black, and looked back at the young man who had addressed her.
'We are here to see the president.'
'Oh. Do you have an appointment?' The receptionist asked.
'Please tell us where we can find him.' The youth ignored her question.
'…' The receptionist frowned. 'I'm sorry young man…you need an appointment, a signed approval form to see the president. He is in a meeting now, with foreign officials. Please give me your name and a message and I will contact him for you…'
The youth slammed his fist on the table. The receptionist jumped. The youth took his shades off slowly, and glared at the woman.
'We didn't come here to talk to you. We came here to talk to the president. Now you let him know we're here, and I assure you, he will cancel all his plans and see us.'
'It's very important.' Another spoke up.
The secretary swallowed. The four who had entered the building were suspicious characters in her eyes. Then again they had gone past security.
'May I see your identification cards please?' she asked, trying not to appear intimidated.
'The president will confirm our identities. Inform him we are here to see him.' The youth said again.
'I'm sorry young man. I must ask you to leave…if you have no identification to show me, or any signed documentations stating that you have an authorised appointment…' The woman began, and broke off when she saw one of the other men moving forward. Her hand moved to press the security button, but the man who had just stepped forward stopped her.
He was tall, and dressed entirely in dark clothing. His hair was raven-black and reached just past his shoulders. It was his voice that stopped the woman in her tracks.
'That would not be a wise move. You will inform the president that there are people here who wish to see him, immediately. It concerns the forthcoming elections.'
'Sir, unless you have some form of identification…' The woman was clearly not going to be swayed by normal means. The man removed his shades and locked eyes with the woman.
She let out a small gasp. 'Goodness!' She exclaimed. 'Your eyes…'
Mind control was something he was expert in, and manipulating this human woman would pose no problem. He merely had to have his subject look into his eyes in order to subject them to his control-providing the subject's will was weak, and they were frightened and vulnerable, as this woman was.
'Who do you serve?'
'The…president…' The woman frowned, feeling confused. Her hand had dropped away from the security button. She couldn't help but stare up in awe at the strange and handsome man that was addressing her.
'And who is your president?' He asked, voice soft and insidious.
'…Mr…. Mr…Vincent Banner…'
'No. Look at my face. Remember it. I will be the new president. I will be the ruler of everything. You work for the president do you not?'
The woman's head was hurting, and she was losing track of her thoughts. She was frightened, but had no idea what was happening.
'I…do…'
'…' The young man leant forward, eyes narrowing. 'And who is your president?'
'…' The woman blinked, trying to form the correct words. But it was too late. He had her mind, and her resistance was in vain.
'You…are my president…'
'Excellent. Now you will inform Vincent Banner that I would like to see him.'
'He is…in a meeting Sir…' The woman said, dazedly.
'You will inform him that important people have important matters to discuss with him. When does his meeting end?' The raven-haired man demanded.
'In…twenty minutes Sir…' The woman responded.
'And where is his room?'
The woman blinked.
'Where is it?' The voice was harsher.
'Floor three, number 212…'
'You will contact the security stationed there and have them escort us inside.'
'Yes…Sir.'
'Good.' The man replaced his shades. 'Do it…now.'
The woman's hand moved to the announcement button. She spoke into it, voice robotic in its tone.
'Security Floor three, number 212…please come to the reception…I repeat, please come to the reception immediately…'
They didn't have to wait long for the efficient security to make their way down. They consisted of three men, dressed in blue uniforms.
'Afternoon Gillian! You okay here?' The leader asked, looking at the men in black.
'Please…escort these men to the president's room.' The woman replied slowly.
'Say are you here to see the president? You shown her your ID?' Another security guard asked.
'I have verified their identities…' Gillian responded. 'Please let them into the president's room.'
'Well, if you say they have official authorisation…' The leader nodded. 'Why are you here to see the president?'
'Do not…be rude…to our guests…' Gillian said.
'Gillian, why are you talking like that?' One security guard approached her. 'Hey, are you feeling sick?'
'You going to keep us waiting?' A reddish-brown haired young man intercepted. 'Our appointment is in fifteen minutes.'
'Please take us to the president's room.' A blond haired man added.
'Oh…uh…Bob, let's just take them. They've passed all the security checks.' Another said to the security leader.
'Yeah…not our business anyway.' The other security guard muttered.
'Okay…Gillian, you sure you're alright?'
'Fine…please escort these men to the president's room…'
'Okay, okay I got you…' The leader guard turned to the men. 'Follow us please.'
They walked away from the receptionist's desk. As he left, the raven-haired man smirked to himself, and released his puppet from her strings. Gillian regained her mind the moment the group of men disappeared into the elevator.
---------------◊---------------
President Vincent Banner sighed as four security men escorted him down the hall. He was a man well into his sixties, and had served the country successfully for many years. This was his fifth term in power; such was his popularity. But his age was finally catching him up, and he was tired. It was time for some new blood to run the country and relieve him of his responsibilities. Freedom was now less than a month away; he and his wife and his son were all going to go for a vacation after the new president took over. Banner was looking forward to retirement.
He reached the door to his room and found three security men. He greeted them. One addressed him.
'You have visitors Sir. They say they have important issues to discuss with you.'
'Oh?' Vincent scratched his head. 'Are they waiting for me in the reception?'
'No Sir, they are waiting for you in your room.' The security officer replied.
'Oh?' Vincent looked surprised. 'How strange. I don't recall having to meet anyone else until six in the evening. Who are they?'
'Important officials who have come to discuss politics, they said.' The guard replied.
'Sir, would you like us to have them show us their identity?' One of the four who had escorted him to the door of his room asked.
'Oh that shouldn't be necessary. I'm sure they have passed all security checks if they've ended up in my own room! Be at ease, gentlemen. I'm sure this won't take long.' Vincent nodded, as he entered the room, closing the door behind him.
Inside he was surprised to find four men all dressed in dark clothing, and wearing shades. He blinked, as they turned their attention to him.
'Gentlemen.' He greeted them politely. A dark red haired youth approached him, and shook his hand.
'You are Vincent Banner?'
'Yes, last time I checked.' Vincent chuckled. Then he scratched his head, feeling rather embarrassed. 'Forgive me gentlemen-have I forgotten that I was scheduled to see you?'
'It seems that you have. You are an old man now, after all.' The young man laughed.
'Ah my apologies. It's probably the receptionist's fault. She has been terribly out of character in her lack of organisation of late…I'm afraid you don't look familiar. Which area are you from, may I ask?' Vincent asked.
One of the men, dressed entirely in dark clothing, walked up to the president. 'Who we are and where we are from is of little consequence. I have come to discuss the forthcoming elections with you. I understand that you are planning to stand down from your current position as president.'
'Ummm yes that is correct, but come now gentlemen, are you from parties that are candidates for the title?' Vincent was still not aware of the danger he was in.
'You could say that.' A brown haired man replied.
'Well, you don't look familiar to me…which party are you part of?' Vincent asked.
'The New party.' The raven-haired man replied. 'I also understand that the elections will take place unless you name someone your direct successor.'
'Yes. My son is not interested in politics and no-one else seems up for the job, so I suppose that it's time for me to hand the baton to fresh hands, so to speak.' Vincent smiled. 'It is too late in any case, to name anyone my successor. It would spark outrage in those who have been planning and campaigning for months. I told them all I'd step down a year ago!'
'Too late you say?' The raven-haired man said quietly. 'I believe you are mistaken. It is never too late.'
'You see Mr. President…we're determined to win the elections, but we haven't really…campaigned yet. What do you suggest?' The reddish-brown haired young man asked, folding his arms.
'Well, I suggest you wait until the next elections.' Vincent replied.
'…' The raven-haired man smiled a small smile. It was malicious and bitter. 'I have waited centuries…and you ask me to wait another four years? I'm afraid my patience has been worn quite thin.'
'I beg your pardon?' Vincent realised something was definitely strange about these men. First of all they were not telling him their names, and secondly they were confusing him.
'…' The man didn't respond.
Vincent took a step back. 'Gentlemen, I must ask you to excuse me. I have a meeting…'
'I thought you said you didn't have another meeting until six?' A blond man demanded.
'Who are you?' Vincent asked. 'And what exactly do you want?'
'Well I think we can tell him.' The youth with the dark red hair said. 'My name's Kane.' He was lying. It was his second name. He pointed to the brown haired man. 'That's General. Really is what we call him.' He said, referring to his uncle. 'This is Dike.' He pointed to the blond man. He looked to the raven-haired man and bowed his head respectfully.
'I…' The raven-haired man removed his shades. 'Am Lorne.'
Interesting choice of contact lenses I must say…Vincent thought, looking at the strange colour of the raven-haired man's eyes.
'Well gentlemen, you still haven't told me why you're here.'
'Then allow me to clear the confusion.' Lorne said. 'I am here to instruct you to name me as your successor.'
Vincent blinked in surprise. Then he laughed rather nervously. 'Very amusing.'
'I assure you…this is no joke.' Kane said. His smiles and friendly expressions were gone.
'…' The president blinked. He finally realised the men were trouble and moved to the door. He was blocked by two of the men however.
'What is the meaning of this?' He asked, alarmed. 'Please step aside!'
'Don't bother calling for help.' The General said. 'Your security men are being mind-controlled.'
'What? What nonsense is this?' Vincent asked. 'Security? Security!'
'Shout all you want old man, no-one will aid you.' Lorne said, placing a gloved hand on the president's shoulder. Vincent cried out in pain, as Lorne forced him to face him.
'Foolish man. How do you think I was able to get past all your guards?' Lorne sneered.
'You…what…do you want?' Vincent managed. He was very afraid now.
'Name me your successor.' Lorne replied.
'You can't just walk in here and threaten me…argh!'
Lorne's grip on his shoulder was like an iron vice, being twisted tighter and tighter.
'I think you'll find I can. You will do it old man…or I will make you regret the day you were born.'
'You'll pay for this outrage!' Vincent cried. 'Security!'
'He just doesn't get it. What an idiot.' Kane smirked.
'Let me translate.' Dike said. 'You do it or you die. And your son dies. And your wife dies.'
'How dare you!' Vincent demanded. 'You cannot do this!'
'Perhaps I will spare your pathetic existence and your family's, if you do as I say.' Lorne replied.
'A scoundrel like you for president? What will you do to my people?' Vincent gasped. He felt as though his shoulder was about to break.
Lorne smiled a cruel smile. 'But they are no longer your people, Vincent.'
'Never…never will I do such a thing!'
'Then I will kill you here…' Lorne's eyes narrowed and he leant in so that his face was inches from the president's. 'Death is only the beginning…'
'Your threats will get you nowhere! Unhand me this minute! I will see you sentenced for this!' Vincent said.
'I'm afraid the only thing you will be seeing now…is your untimely death…' Lorne looked at Kane, who stepped forward, and raised a pistol.
'See you. Wouldn't want to be you…or your family…' Kane readied to fire, and the president finally cracked, realising that they were serious.
'NO! Don't shoot!'
'Do as I say, and I will let you live. All I need you to do is announce me as your successor. An official announcement will do.' Lorne said flatly.
'W…wait! I can't just announce you! No-one knows you…you haven't advertised you haven't…you need to market yourselves!' Vincent cried.
Lorne's eyes narrowed again. 'And how do you suggest we do such a thing?'
'…Hire a company…hire a good company…you have a few weeks…just please…spare my family…spare me…' Vincent pleaded.
'What is the best company? The most successful?' Lorne demanded. Vincent shook his head. Kane pressed his gun to the president's head.
'V…Vision! Hire Vision! Please!'
'Vision.' Kane repeated. 'I've heard of them.'
'You will name me as your successor and sign all the documents.' Lorne said.
'Yes…yes…I will…'
'I will station someone to watch you. You will inform others he is your new security guard. Dike will watch you, at all times.' Lorne informed the president.
Dike smiled at the old man.
'And do not even think about notifying anyone else about this. If I find out you have been trying to get help, I will kill you and your family. Your son will die first. Do you understand me?' Lorne asked, his voice threatening, eyes full of menace.
'Yes…' Vincent shuddered. Lorne released his shoulder and the old man fell to the floor.
'No word of this will leave this room old man. Do not make the mistake of underestimating me. Breathe a word and I promise you…you will suffer.' Lorne kicked him in the gut, before nodding to Kane and his uncle.
'Just one more thing.' Kane said, looking at the old man. 'Where can we find this Vision group?'
'I don't know…'
'Look, I can still shoot you if you want.' Kane pointed the gun. The man looked terrified.
'They…I heard they are coming here tomorrow! They have a meeting here!'
'That's more like it.' Kane smirked.
'When?' Lorne demanded.
'I don't know…ask the receptionist…' Vincent cowered. He felt terrible for complying with such a man, but he truly knew he had no choice. Something told him the raven-haired man really would make him wish he hadn't been born.
'Ah…the receptionist…I will contact you again soon Mr. Banner…' Lorne sneered and left the room, followed by Kane and the General. Vincent Banner was left alone with Dike, trembling on the floor.
---------------◊---------------
Vreya dropped her school satchel and walked into the living room. Her mother was watching television. Vreya stood at the doorway, watching her for a moment. Then she moved forward to where her mother sat, and kissed her on her cheek in greeting.
'Hey mum.'
'Hello honey.' Her mother eyed her daughter, and then looked at the clock on the wall. It wasn't even six yet. 'You're on time.'
'I'm early.' Vreya sat beside her mother and yawned.
'Hard day?' Her mother asked, flicking the channels.
Let's see…well apart from the usual bore at school, I've been physically tested by having to practice more aiming with my weapon, trying out casting Double magic with Lila, Ash and Costa and having a pillow fight…yeah, pretty tiring…Vreya thought. But she was getting the hang of magic now, and knew how to use her projectile weapon well. They were all improving. She hadn't wanted to leave early, as Rinoa and her friends had only gotten back from their little tour of the local area at five. But she realised she needed to start paying her family more attention if she didn't want them getting suspicious. Which she already knew they were. So she, Lila and Ash had left early, leaving the others back at base.
'Yeah. Sort of.' Vreya replied. 'Where's daddy?'
'He should be back soon.' Her mother replied.
'How are you mum?' Vreya asked, rubbing her slightly aching shoulder, the result of nearly an hour of projectile practice.
'All right…'
'How's the charity work going?' Vreya asked. Her mother was part of a local group who organised various fund-raising activities. When she wasn't doing that, Vreya's mother would write various columns for newspapers and magazines.
'Very well! We're going through with the sponsored water fight next week.'
Vreya giggled. 'Don't get too wet mum.'
'Oh I'll just be an onlooker.' Her mother smiled.
There was a pause, and Vreya's mother spoke up again.
'How is Lila?'
'Huh? Oh…she's fine.' Vreya said.
'She hasn't been around in a while.'
'Actually I was thinking of inviting a few girls around pretty soon. I have some new friends who would like to meet you.' Vreya replied.
'They're welcome.' Mrs. LillyMoore said.
'Mum, what does dad want to talk to me about?' Vreya asked, curious. Her mother gave up with the television, and turned her full attention to her daughter.
'Well, do you remember that a few months back you seemed very interested in his job?'
'Oh…yeah?' Vreya vaguely remembered. Her life had been so normal then, and she had been through much in the space of five months.
'Well, the local elections are coming up, because the current president is standing down…' Her mother went on.
'Oh yeah, that's weird. Doesn't he have another year left in office?' Vreya asked, running her fingers through her hair.
'Yes but he's tired it seems. And with no-one as his direct successor, the door is open for other candidates.'
'Wow. This should be exciting.' Vreya said. Early elections had never happened before. At least, none that Vreya was aware of. But then she was very young.
'But I haven't even told you! Mr. Spencer, one of the candidates, has asked Vision to take over his advertising.' Vreya's mother smiled excitedly.
Vreya blinked in surprise. It shouldn't have caught her off guard since the company her father worked for were one of the best in the business.
'What? Seriously?'
'Yes…of course…this happened a few days ago…' her mother added.
'Why didn't you tell me? That's great!' Vreya said. Her father was going to make it big.
'Well…' Her mother gave her a look. 'You've hardly been at home…'
Vreya felt guilty and muttered to herself. 'Point taken…'
'But if his company are successful, your father will be promoted and there are bonus payments!' Her mother went on.
Vreya smiled again. 'That's cool! Wow…so dad's company will be even more famous!'
'Yes…he's putting his ideas forward to the board today.'
'I hope he does well. He will though, dad's so smart like that.' Vreya grinned.
'Yes he is…and it sounds like he's back…' Mrs. LillyMoore stood up as the front door opened. A few seconds later, Vreya's father entered the house, carrying his briefcase. He smiled as he entered the living room.
'Hello darling.' Mrs. LillyMoore gave her husband an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Vreya smiled. She was lucky that her parents shared a stable and happy relationship.
'Hello to you darling! They loved my ideas! And tomorrow, we're going to have a meeting with Mr. Spencer's executives!'
'That's wonderful!' Vreya's mother hugged him and he laughed happily.
'I never thought things would pick up so quickly!' He exclaimed. He peered around his wife, and beamed at the sight of his daughter.
'Vreya! It's nice to see you home.'
'Hi daddy.' Vreya greeted her father. He smiled and moved forward, hugging her.
'How's my little princess?'
'Dad!' Vreya said, in mock-exasperation. But she giggled despite the pet name.
'Have you told her the situation?' Mr. Wrenart looked to his wife.
'Some of it…' She replied.
'Then I'll have you both know, if this is successful, we're all going on a nice long holiday together!' He smiled.
'Oh darling!' Vreya's mother looked delighted.
'We only have a few weeks to wait!'
But…I can't…Vreya thought sadly. Just as she had thought she could relax with her family and be normal, she was reminded of the reality of her situation. She had a responsibility, something neither of the two adults standing in front of her would understand, nor believe.
'Vreya, tomorrow is the weekend. I have a meeting Saturday morning at eleven. Would you like to come with me?' Her father turned to her again.
'What? I can't…' Vreya blurted out.
'Why not?' Her mother asked.
'Because…it's a professional meeting…I'd get in the way…' Vreya said.
'Nonsense dear! If your father didn't think it was alright for you to accompany him, he wouldn't ask you to.' Her mother told her.
'It's fine Vreya. You're still not sure about what you want to do in the future, this will give you an opportunity to get an idea about what the media market involves. You can meet my colleagues…I've told them much about you…and while we have the meeting, you can look around the building. The people are very friendly and you can even have a go with using some of the equipment.'
'It's the political affairs building Vreya. It's where the president has many of his meetings.' Vreya's mother nodded. 'I can't see how you could say no to an opportunity like this.'
'Wow…the president? Really?' Vreya couldn't hold back her excitement. 'You mean…I can meet him?'
Her father chuckled and affectionately ruffled his daughter's hair. 'If you're lucky sport.'
'That's SO cool!' Vreya exclaimed. The thought of meeting the kind-looking man she saw so often on TV amazed her.
'So what do you say?' Her father smiled. 'Will you be coming with me tomorrow?'
Training…the base…Jez won't be happy…Vreya worried. She reasoned however, that she needed to spend time with her family, and time off would also do her good in emotional terms. The prospect sounded too good to pass.
'Vreya?' Her father addressed her again. 'An executive car will be picking us up. And you know how impressive those are…and after that, how about I treat you to a lunch at a nearby café of your choice?'
That did it. Vreya looked at her father, and smiled.
'It's a deal!'
Angelheart's End of Chapter Ramble:
That'll do it for now. Review please! By the way I can't remember if I named Vreya's parents…I went back and searched and couldn't find…I know that's so careless of me lol. Hope to update soon, but I have exams now, so they'll be a little slower. Bear with me! Love you all!