Authors Note
A character in this fanfic belongs to sarcastic_toaster on Instagram. She's a fantastic artist and friend and I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram. Her OC'S name is Confetti or Lauren Markov. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.
Sometimes when I sleep, I feel pressure on my body. Something evil that lurks in the dark spaces of my mind. Like a demon. Ready to make me suffer for the terrible things I've done. Usually when I open my eyes, it's gone. But this time-
"Good Morning Aro," Malia said while sitting on my stomach.
The demon is here.
"You really like to torture me don't you?"
"If torture is waking you up to go train at three in the morning then, yes. We've been doing this for a while now; how are you not used to it yet? And why are you such a heavy sleeper? We've been trying to wake you up for the past ten casvas."
I looked around and saw that everyone was in my room except for Stingray. Even Cara's malveno was here sitting quietly in a corner.
I had just recently met the malveno. It looked similar to a dog except being way bigger and having glowing patches of fur.
Cara's malveno named Aura is an attack one. When it barks it increases the sound to a point where people actually pass out from it. And it was put on this mission. Though I think it's a new one since she gets overly excited and seems to have a hard time following directions.
It had bright red fur with glowing orange patches on its back and head with fierce red eyes to match. But now it's fur was white with spots of black in a few places and brown eyes.
Something was dropped in front of me. It was clothes, exercise clothes.
"Come on get dressed," Malia said, throwing socks at me. "It's our last exercise before the Trails."
I threw the clothes onto the floor and laid back down.
"I'm not going," I put the blanket over my head. Trying to go back to sleep.
"Phobia, this is an essential training session," Cara said, trying to pull me out of the bed. "We need to go! So come on!"
I gripped the mattress. "No!"
"I know how to get him out of bed." Zahela said.
"How?" Cara asked, breathless.
"Make me a gun."
"How about no." I said, pulling the blanket over my head.
"Well then," I heard a gun click. "Get out of bed!"
"Who gave you a gun!?" Cara yelled.
"Okay, hold up," Malia said. "Let's not get crazy here."
"Yeah," I heard Chris say. "We don't want to injure anyone."
"Get out of bed, Phobia." Zahela said.
"Listen, Aro, just get out of bed!" Ned yelled, trying to pull the blanket away from me.
"No!" I yelled. "I'm not going!"
A shot rang through the room and everyone started yelling. I pulled the blanket off of me and saw a hole in the wall.
"It was actually loaded!?" I yelled.
"Of course," Zahela drew the blanket away and grabbed me. "Now get dressed!"
"Fine."
"I'm… going...to...faint," I panted out, gripping onto a bench.
We were training in the park this objective of this exercise was to split into pairs and try to catch the other first using your power.
I was teamed up with Chris. I originally thought having Chris as my partner would be easy. Seeing how nice he is I didn't take him for much of a fighter. Hell, I didn't think he could throw a punch. I was wrong.
Turns out Chris power was weather manipulation. And right now he had made the area foggy so that I couldn't see.
Chris managed to get more hits than I expected. Chris was agile. I couldn't even block his hits. Chris could be anywhere right now. He has good balance and looked to be pretty light so he could be hiding in the trees. Or the bushes. He could even be behind me.
With that thought coming to mind I turned my head. No one was there.
"Come on out Chris," I said in a taunting voice. "I promise I'll go easy on you."
There was some rustling in the trees.
I tensed up. Ready to fight in case he tried to attack. Instead, Chris talked to me.
"Go easy on me but I have hit you," There was a small chuckle. "I have to laugh."
"Laugh all you want but-" Something hit me right on my head. My vision doubled and I thought I heard Chris saying something. Then everything was dark.
"How hard did you kick him Chris?" I heard Cara say. Her voice sound distant.
My ears were ringing and there was a throbbing pain in my head. It reminded me of when I woke up after the attack.
"I didn't think I would hit him that hard," I heard Chris say, sounding flustered. "I was in a tree and jumped down and I thought I would only immobilize him. I didn't think I would knock him
out."
"It's okay Chris," I heard Cara say. "I'm sure Phobia will understand when he wakes up."
"If he wakes up," Zahela sneered. I felt her poke me in the stomach. "He looks dead."
"I hope I didn't kill him!" Chris said distraught.
"No you definitely killed him," I heard Malia say sarcastically. "How are you going to explain this?"
"W-what do you mean?" Chris stuttered out.
"Well, Aro just told his friends and family back home that he was alive and now you've killed him. How are you going to explain to them that you killed him?"
"Malia, stop joking you're scaring him." I heard Cara say.
Azi laughed. "Let her keep going," I heard Azi trying to hold back another laugh. "I want to see if this ends with Chris crying."
"For an empath your really sadistic." Mia said.
I tried opening my eyes. But it caused the throbbing pain in my head to increase so I closed them.
"Guys, I think he's waking up." I heard Zolia say.
I felt a hand cup my cheek.
"Wake up Arvolo," Zolia said in a quiet voice. "Come on get up."
I tried opening my eyes again. This time there wasn't as much pain. And I was able to open them.
It took awhile for my vision to finally focus but soon it did. Everyone had crowded around me. Chris was closest to me and looked like he was about to cry.
"What happened?" I managed to say. The sentence coming out more slurred than I expected. I still felt pretty groggy and everything felt kind of slow and dizzy.
"He's alive!" Chris jumped onto me and ensnared me in a hug.
"Chris let me go!"
"I thought I killed you! I'm sorry! Please forgive me!"
"I forgive you! Let me go!" I was trying to pry him off me but I felt weak.
Chris let go of me and went over to Cara who was watching me with a worried look.
"Are you feeling alright?" She asked, offering a hand.
"Well-" I stood up and I almost fell back down.
"Be careful," Ned said coming up to me. "I saw a bench. You can sit down there."
"I don't need to sit down," The throbbing pain was getting worse and my vision began to blur again.
"Yes you do," Viren said.
Viren looked weird in his human form. His eyes were blue and he had black hair. His skin was no longer purple and was now white with a few blotches of pink. Even though he was trying to sound stern he still had a bit of a worry in his voice.
"I'm fine honestly."
"Really?" Mia said, pointing at me. "Because you're swaying."
"I'm not swaying."
"Yes you are," Malia said. "Looks like you're about to pass out."
"I'm fine."
Actually, I felt terrible. I just don't want to worry anyone.
"You can't be serious?" Azi said, giving me a weird look.
"What is he thinking about?" Zahela said, a suspicious tone in her voice.
"Don't say anything," I begged.
"He doesn't feel well," Azi said in a bored tone. "He didn't want me to say anything but I did because I'm worried."
I sent a glare at Azi. I didn't want anyone to know I got injured again. This was the fifth time I've gotten hurt during training. I was starting to feel like a liability. It felt like everyone who saw me felt sorry for me.
"Stop sulking," Azi said.
"Come on, let's check if you have a concussion." Ned said, dragging me to a bench.
After a few tests we found out that I didn't have a concussion. Zolia opened up one of her portals and we went back to the ship. I was given an ice pack and I laid down in my bed about to fall asleep when Cara came in.
"Listen Phobia," she said looking at me with a worried look. "I'm worried about you."
"Why are you worried?"
"I talked with your mother and I don't want her having hope that her son who she thought was dead is going to come back and then he…" She trailed off. "I don't want that because of me, she actually loses you."
I was taken aback. When I talked with my parents they seemed fine with me being on the mission. They didn't seem worried about it. Or maybe I just didn't notice?
"Listen I'll be fine," I said trying to brush it off. "I promise."
Cara nodded. "Alright then. But when I feel like it's too much for you I'll send you back." She started walking towards the door and before she closed it she looked back at me.
"With or without your agreement."
The door closed and heard Cara's footsteps starting to fade away.
I exhaled. I knew my parents might have been worried but I didn't know they were that worried.
But I'll show them they don't need to worry. I'll come back safe and sound. I'll get inducted into the Esquaries again. I'll see my friends and family again and everything can be normal again. I can forget I was ever an Anarchist and that situation ever happened.
I closed my eyes and drifted off into a fitful sleep.
"Alright people let's go through our identities for the Renegades." Cara said in a chirpy tone.
I groaned. Ever since I woke up I've been having a terrible headache. I took some painkillers earlier to help but it didn't seem to be working. I decided to put some ice on it to see if that would help which it kind of was. But noise caused it to hurt a lot. Everyone was trying their hardest to be quiet.
"Sorry Phobia," Cara said lowering her voice.
Cara handed a paper to everyone except for Mia, Zahela, Azi, Ned and Hamala. Viren and Stingray hadn't shown up yet.
The doors slid open and my brother and Stingray came in with giddy looks on their faces.
"Where have you two been?" Cara asked her eyes narrowing.
"Me and Raymond we're doing things." Viren said, a small pink glow appearing on his horns
"No, it wasn't illegal Malia." Stingray said.
"Damn it," Malia muttered.
"I mean we expect you to not do illegal stuff," Zahela said.
"But isn't sneaking into a legal organization, using fake identities and stealing information from them illegal?" Chris asked.
"Well yes it is," Cara said, there was a pause. "But it's a good illegal."
"Unlike Raymond and his friends," Hamala said, casting a glare at Stingray. "Which is bad illegal."
"We're not friends," Stingray murmured.
"Really?" Hamala said, crossing her arms. "Pretty sure friends go to bars with each other."
"How do you know about that?" Stingray exclaimed.
"Azi told me,"
"It's true I did," Azi said in a matter of fact voice.
"You spied on me!?" Stingray yelled.
"I'm a spy!" Azi made a straight line with her finger as if she was underlining the word. "That's my job. I spy on people and I get paid."
"I don't like you Azi," Stingray sent a glare at her. "At all."
"I don't care." A smile appeared on her face. "Cause at the end esca. I still got paid."
Stingray looked over at Hamala. "Please don't tell me you paid her."
"I don't like them Raymond! They're a bad influence on you!"
"Why are you talking to me like I'm a kid? I'm older than you!"
"Well act like it then!"
"Can you two stop arguing?" Stingray and Hamala stopped yelling and looked at Cara. A look of embarrassment was apparent. "Please?"
Stingray and Hamala looked at each other. Both of them looked upset at each other.
"We'll discuss this tomorrow," Hamala crossed her arms, looking away from Stingray.
After that had passed, Cara handed out all the papers she stood in front of all of us at the top of the table.
"Alright then," Cara said. "Let's talk about our fake identities for the Renegades."
"Here we go again," Malia muttered.
"You have something to say Malia?" Cara asked, narrowing her eyes.
"No ma'am."
Cara took a deep breath. "Esta de Rastro has been showing they've been wanting to infiltrate the Renegades for while now. Seeing how many of the members we caught were trying to possess Renegades.
"This shows that Esta de Rastro wants to take over Renegades. We don't know what for but at least we know that's what they are trying to do. So it would make sense why they would want to take down the Renegades seeing there the only government Selva really has. I wouldn't be surprised if they overthrow the Renegades and take over Selva."
"But why would they take over Selva?" Chris asked. "I know they don't have any contacts with other planets but Selva doesn't really have anything valuable."
"Who knows?" Viren shrugged. "Maybe they found something valuable?"
"I've been on Selva for ten human years," Zahela said looking at her nails. "Selva doesn't have anything that they would be interested in."
That was true. Selva doesn't have much to offer to other planets. Most metals are too weak to use for anything useful. Technology on Selva was pretty old and not helpful. So what could Esto want from the planet?
"Maybe they want to use it for a base?" Ned added.
"Well whatever it is, we have to stop them from doing it." Malia looked at her paper and a smile appeared on her face. "Oh my gods! Zolia we're roommates!"
"I'm sorry, what?" Zolia asked looking bewildered.
"For my fake identity. It says right here-" Malia pointed at a sentence on the paper. "that we are roommates."
"That's a good backstory."
"Yeah," Malia turned over to me excitedly. "What's your backstory, Aro?"
"I don't want to talk about it," I looked at my fake identity.
I didn't like it. It felt like there were too many holes in it. If Zahela hadn't said anything to that renegade I could probably make something more convincing.
I felt something on my lap. Something warm and heavy. Malia was sitting on my lap.
"Malia, what are you do-" A finger touched my lips.
"Shut up. I'm trying to read." Malia's brow furrowed. "Your family died in a tragic accident? And you live with your brother Viren and aunt Zahela? A bit morbid don't you think?"
"Blame it on Zahela," I pointed at Zahela. After hearing me mention her she narrowed her eyes.
"Can you lay off?" Zahela snarled, her eyes shooting daggers. "It's still a good story."
"Yeah," I said sarcastically. "Keep telling yourself that."
"Are you trying to piss me off?" Zahela asked, picking up the knife.
"Yeah I'm moving," Malia scrambled off me. Watching from behind a chair.
"Hey!" Cara yelled, causing everyone to look at her. She shrank a bit. "Let's not kill each other. Let's hear about my identity."
Malia stepped from behind a chair. "Cara, I don't think anyone wants to he-" A knife went straight through the chair Malia was next to. Malia looked at the knife and then at Cara. "You know what? I'm just going to shut up."
"Good," Cara smiled. "Anyway, for my identity I've just moved from a different country. I'm eighteen,"
"Wait a minute," I said looking at Cara. "Aren't you in your twenties? Why are you lying about your age?"
"I'm twenty four. I'm sure whatever team Nova gets on is going to be somewhere around there teen years. The oldest probably eighteen. So I doubt they want someone in their twenties."
Everything seemed to be coming together. It made enough sense. But something was making me uneasy about this. Just one thing out of place might blow our cover.
I got up walking to the door. Stopping when Zahela called.
"Phobia, where are you going?" Zahela asked.
"I'm just you know….. going to tweak my identity a bit."
"I'm sorry but did you just say tweak?" Mia asked, looking hurt.
Mia had made most of the backstories and documents we'd be using. It took her a long time to make sure that all the documents and stories were legitimate. Hearing me say I'm going to change it must hurt.
"It's a good story for the love of the saints!" Zahela screeched causing Chris to jump in surprise. "What can you possibly find wrong with it?"
Cara laid her hand on Zahela. Causing a yellow blush to appear on her face.
"If you are going to leave then at least take something to eat."
"I'll eat later."
Before Cara could protest I closed the door. Millions of thoughts buzzed through my head about the trail tomorrow. If this doesn't work millions of people will die. And can't let that happen again.
I had just finished my rounds of the ship. Making sure everything was locked and the prisoners were secure.
It's a nice way to pass the time when you don't need to sleep.
Phobia was the last thing I needed to check on. He had a tendency to either stay up late and train or sleep and wake up a lot. Only on rare occasions did he actually sleep through an entire night.
He also seemed to be a bit off lately. Skipping meals. Barely sleeping to the point where Zahela had to drug him. He'd also skipped tonight's meal. When I brought his food over he'd just been reading over the papers I gave him and typing away at a computer. He didn't even acknowledge me.
I opened the door to his room. Phobia hadn't really decorated his room. He just bought some clothes and put them in the closet. I didn't want
his room to be bare so I was able to convince him to use some posters I brought him.
Phobia was asleep. Lying on his stomach and snoring loudly. His horns were giving off a soft glow showing he was asleep. I could see the plate from earlier was empty now. I also saw Zahela watching Phobia with a worried look.
"What are you doing?" I asked, walking into the room trying my best to be quiet so I didn't wake him.
Zahela looked over at me with a small smile. "He had a nightmare earlier and called me to comfort him." She rubbed his back a little. Causing him to mumble something in his sleep. "I decided to stay to comfort him in case he has another one."
"That's sweet of you."
Zahela's face took on a colder look. "Tell anyone I'm doing this and I'll break your arm."
Zahela has always had a problem whenever you complimented her. I always wondered if it was because of her parents. Not as bad as mine but still weren't the best.
"But it is sweet what you're doing."
"Stop."
I decided to stop for my own sake. I could tell by Zahela's tone she was getting upset. And if I got her upset she'd definitely keep the promise of breaking my bones.
"So have you been okay?" Zahela asked, taking her eyes off Phobia.
That was a bit unexpected. Zahela never really got personal or emotional. She didn't really like talking about certain things unless it was necessary.
"I've been fine."
"Not getting into trouble, right?"
"With my record?" I guffawed. "I would never."
Silence filled up the room again. I looked at Phobia who was still sound asleep. He actually looked pretty peaceful. He was even drooling a bit. I don't think I ever really saw him this peaceful. From the first time I met him, he always looked stressed or sad.
"I've missed you." Zahela said quickly.
I turned to her, surprised by the sentence. "You what?"
"I know you know what I said," Zahela crossed her arms. "I'm not going to give you the satisfaction of hearing me repeat it."
"You missed me!"
"Be quiet or you'll wake him up." Zahela pointed at Phobia who's eyes were slightly open but soon fluttered closed.
"That was a close one," Zahela said.
"Do you think I should let him stay?" I blurted out.
The question surprised Zahela and even me. But I was starting to have second thoughts of letting him stay.
"What do you mean?"
"He's been through a lot Zahela," I drew out a long breath. "I mean invasion, getting taken, put into hypersleep for three esdales, joined a gang, and then spent ten human years on Selva."
"Two in his people's time." Zahela added.
"It's still a long time and he has trauma from that! Serious trauma!" I yelled and then covered my mouth with my hand.
Zahela and I looked over at Phobia. Thankfully, my yelling didn't wake him. He just rolled over facing his back to us and kept snoring.
"Thank goodness he's a heavy sleeper." I whispered.
"Yes thank goodness," Zahela looked back at me. "Now what were you saying about trauma?"
"He has a lot of trauma," I looked at him sadly. "How can you not have trauma from that."
"I want to argue that you're wrong but I agree," She exhaled slowly. "I mean last week he had a panic attack about it."
"I'm just afraid that he thinks he can handle it when he can't."
"I get where you're coming from."
"I just feel like he should go back to his home planet. Try to live a normal life before going back to something like this." I waved my hands around the room.
"I get where you're coming from," She got up from her chair and pulled me into a hug. "I really do. But if he wants to do this, then he wants to do this."
I wrapped my arms around her and took in her scent. She smelled like lavender. Though Zahela hated a lot of things on Selva she actually liked the plants. Especially the flowers.
"Please stop sniffing me, it's weird."
"Sorry, you just smell nice."
"Thank you but please stop."
I buried my head in Zahela's shoulder.
"I'm just worried about him," I sighed. "Should I send him back?"
Zahela grew silent and started stroking my hair. I could see she was making a few weird faces trying to figure out how to respond.
"Okay so he thinks he can do this so I think we should let him."
I groaned.
"Wait a casva," Zahela pulled me out of the hug and made me face her. "If we ever think he's putting himself at risk, gets seriously injured or he isn't stable enough we'll send him back. Okay?"
I looked her in the eye. I could see the reassurance.
"Fine, I can agree to that."
"Great," She hugged me tighter. "I don't know how you would make it without me."
"I've managed."
"Please don't lie," She smiled slightly. "I already know you left my apartment in shambles. The foundation probably isn't there."
I chuckled. "Fine, whatever you want to believe."
"What are you guys doing?" I heard a groggy voice ask.
I looked over Zahela's shoulder and saw Phobia was sitting up in his bed. He looked at us with a confused look.
"Oh your up." Zahela said, pushing me off of her as if she wasn't just hugging me. She'd always been weird when it came to showing affection while others were around. But I had gotten used to it.
"Yeah, I am." Phobia was rubbing his eyes and got out of bed.
"How much did you hear from our conversation?" I questioned. Hoping he didn't hear me talking about sending him back.
"Something about an apartment," He yawned and stretched. "That's all I really remember hearing."
"Okay," Zahela said. "At least you didn't hear the rest of it."
A suspicious look appeared on his face. "What were guys talking about?"
Pat him on the head. "Don't worry your little head about it. It's nothing serious."
He narrowed his eyes in suspicion but it soon passed.
"Alright," He opened his door and walked out. "I'm going to make some breakfast."
The door closed and I looked at Zahela with a smile.
"Should we tell him he can go back to sleep? I mean there's still a while until the trail."
Zahela smirked. "Nah, let's let him figure it out himself."
The arena was full of energy. It was hard to describe. It just made you feel empowered and excited for what's next.
I always enjoyed the trails. It was a lot of fun to me. Even if some of the people didn't become renegades it was still amazing to see their powers. It always manages to put a smile on my face.
And today doesn't seem to be disappointing. People were holding up signs for their favorite council members.
The Council was here to oversee and I was shocked to see Thunderbird with them with bandages around her wing. I'm glad the healers allowed her to come. This sort of thing wasn't something you missed. Though I am sorry for the renegades who can't see this. It's much better in real life.
"Why are you smiling so much?" Mark asked looking through the names of the people trying out.
Mark was the leader of our team. He had pinkish skin which had burn marks but since he was wearing his uniform you couldn't see them. His hair was black and shaggy and he looked like he hadn't slept properly in days. But knowing Mark he probably hasn't.
Mark thinks highly of himself and can come off as a…. how do I put it in a nice way? An asshole. He can come off as an asshole. But he's a really nice person.
"Why wouldn't I smile?" I said, I was not able to contain my excitement.
"Aw, Ben," Lauren said, sitting next to me. "You're so cute."
Lauren had blonde hair that she kept in a bun that had blue and pink streaks in it. She had blue eyes that are mesmerizing to look at.
"I hope you know this is serious." Mark said. "Like I know you like the trails because of powers and everything but it's serious business. We're picking the next defenders of this city."
"Dude, chill out," Amanda patted Mark on the head. "I'm sure everything's going to be fine."
Amanda had very dark skin and long hair that she had put in a bun.
Amanda put her bow and arrows underneath the table and sat down next to Lauren.
"Yeah exactly. Like what's the worst that can happen?" Lauren said.
"We let someone in who's actually a spy. Who manages to get in and finds out our secrets and uses them against us. Causing the Renegades to crumble causing a second Age of Anarchy." Mark said in a matter of factly voice.
"Okay, that's true, but how likely is that to happen?" I said, shrugging my shoulders.
"I'm always ninety percent sure that someone's a spy. So usually after trails I get the names of everyone who got through and eliminate anyone who could be a spy. Then everyone I think that's a spy goes in a folder." Mark said with a serious look.
"That is the weirdest thing I've ever heard you say," Rin said coming up with a bag. "I'm hoping you are not stalking these people too."
Rin has long black hair with brown eyes. She was pretty and a lot of people at HQ have a crush on her. Especially Mark. Though he tried to hide it, it was pretty obvious.
Mark blushed a bit. "I didn't know you were there."
"I'm going to try to ignore the fact that Mark is probably stalking the new recruits." At that Mark covered his face with his hands.
"I brought snacks!" She raised the bag she was holding.
"Rin!" Lauren yelled. "You brought us snacks!"
"Our saint," Amanda said putting her hands into a prayer. "Oh thank you Saint Rin for these snacks. We shall prosper with this food you have given us. Amen."
"You are ever so welcome. I got us sodas, chips, cookies, popcorn, candy, and like a ton of other stuff." Rin said looking through the bag.
"Well we'll eat them later," Mark said. "The trails are about to start."
"Why can't we eat them during the trails?" I asked.
"Because we want to look professional and dignified." Mark waved a hand as if that was obvious. "We don't want people to think that we're lazy or don't care."
"But there eating snacks," Amanda pointed over to Sketch's team. Who were eating cotton candy and other foods.
"Their team is younger so it's different." Mark said.
"I'm pretty sure at least one of us is the same age as them." Rin said.
"Just save them for later," Mark said. Rin didn't make a move of putting the bag underneath the table.
"Please?" Mark pleaded.
"Fine," She put the bag under the table and sat down next to Mark looking a little annoyed.
"So how are the new recruits looking?" I asked, trying to see the names and powers.
"They seem okay," Mark rolled his eyes. "I can't believe that guy is trying out again."
"Which guy?" Lauren asked.
"The guy who can make origami come to life." Mark sighed. "This is gonna be his what? Fourth time trying?"
"Well at least he's determined." Amanda said.
"Any other names?" I asked.
"Why are you so curious about the names?" Mark looked at me with a suspicious look. As if he was about to crack this wide open.
"I think I know why." Rin said, a sly grin creeping onto her face. "It's probably about this boy he was telling me about a while back."
"Rin!"
That was the reason though. I just couldn't stop thinking about him. Especially when I saw him and his aunt helping the kids at the parade. Well his aunt was the one helping. But I can't stop thinking about him.
"Aw, Ben has a crush!" Lauren said, pinching my cheek.
"It's not a crush I just want to know more about him. He said he was a prodigy so I assumed he would be here."
"Tell me his name and I'll try and find it." Mark said.
"Aaron."
"Alright, last name?"
"I don't know."
Mark let out a deep sigh. "You don't know his last name?"
"No, I don't."
Mark closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. "Do you know his power?"
"No."
"Dude, are you joking?" Lauren asked.
I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "Unfortunately, no I'm not. The Puppeteer came before he told me."
"Wow, talk about a love story." Amanda said sarcastically.
"Well, we should at least hope that this boy Ben is talking about will appear." Rin said.
Yeah, hopefully he'll come.
So I'm nervous. Really nervous. Originally I thought everything was going to be fine. That I would be fine. But now that I'm here I'm an absolute wreck.
Most of the people in the waiting room also seemed to be nervous. Which seemed comforting at first but then I remembered that they're nervous because they won't get to be Renegades. Unlike me who's worried that everyone will figure out I'm Phobia and that I'll be arrested before I even get in. Also, a space terrorist organization will take over this planet.
I was walking around trying to calm myself when I bumped into someone.
It was Nova. Who also looked a little uneasy. I know it's weird but… that actually made me relax. Because we're both going through a similar thing. She's invading the Renegades and I'm sure is worried about getting caught and not being able to avenge her family. While I'm trying to stop a terrorist organization from taking over Earth.
Seeing how grown up Nova looked took me off guard. After Nova's parents died and it was obvious that her grandmother didn't want her they decided that to keep her safe it would be best to wipe her memories. Or as they say 'modify'.
So Nova doesn't remember me, Zahela, or Cara.
It was hard for me when her memories were changed. Because I was starting to think of Nova as a little sister when I thought my family was dead. She even reminded me of my little sister with the way she acted.
I did try to become friends with her after her memories of me were erased. But she was scared of her. So we grew apart. I barely saw or talked to her and the same went for me. At this point we just murmur greetings and go.
"Um…. can I help you?" Nova asked suspicion written all over her face.
I must have dozed off.
"Oh…. um…. no, you just remind me of someone I know. Sorry if I frightened you or something." I stammered.
She walked away not even turning back.
"Who was that?" Viren asked looking at Nova walking away with suspicion.
"That's Nova," I said sadly watching her go.
"That's the Nova we're bringing back after the mission?" Viren asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, I don't want to sound bad or anything but," He took a deep breath. "For someone who's half of a species that's really tall , she's really short."
"That's…." I giggled, trying to think of something to say in Nova's defense but I couldn't think of anything.
"There's no lie. She's short, that's not a bad thing, it's just ironic."
"When you two are done giggling like fools you should come over and see this." A female voice said.
I turned over and saw it was Zahela. Her entire body was cloaked except for her head which was covered by a helmet which was a part of her uniform and a hood that covered the helmet.
"Shouldn't you be ... a little more… secretive?" Viren asked, pointing at Zahela's floating head.
She let out a laugh. "Where at a superhero tryout. Pretty sure these dummies think it's my power."
I massaged my temples. Hopefully she was right and nobody was suspicious about her.
"So what do you need us for?" I asked.
"Go by the television Cara and others are there." Zahela's head disappeared and I assumed she was walking away.
Me and Viren walked around trying to find Cara and the others. We found them looking at the tv that showed a man trying out.
"Why'd you call us over?" I asked looking at the tv a serious look on her face and a flash of anger in her eyes that soon passed.
"Look at the screen," She pointed at the man trying out.
The man had almost pale skin if it wasn't for a few shades of pink on his arms. His hair was black but I couldn't really see his face that well because of the way the camera was angled. Looking down I saw that he had two extra arms on the side of his torso.
"Do you think he's-" Viren was cut off by Cara who finished it.
"A Zenlian?" Cara scoffed. "Probably but it's hard to tell."
Zenlians are one of the most common races to join Esta de Rastro. Probably because it's been theorized that it's leader is a Zenlian. Zenlian's are mostly known for their four arms. But since humans have powers it could also be that the man just has four arms as his power.
"Should we keep a close eye on him, Cara?" Chris asked, a worried look on his face.
"Yeah, keep an eye on him," She said in a sharp tone and I could see the hatred in her eyes even though her face had a neutral expression.
Everyone nodded their heads and went back to watching him seeing that he was accepted into the Renegades.
Cara walked away and I followed closely behind her. She had brought herself near the opening for the trials. Even though I couldn't see her face I could tell she was shooting daggers at the man walking away.
"Are you okay?" I dared to ask hoping she wouldn't yell at me.
Instead when she turned around the hatred just seemed to disappear. Her eyes took on a kinder look and she smiled at me. But it was strained one not natural in the slightest.
"I'm fine. Do I not look fine?"
"Well you looked a little," I struggled to find the right words. "Upset. You look really upset."
She patted my head. A little harder than she usually does.
"I'm fine," She said through clenched teeth. "Perfectly fine."
A crackle came through the speakers.
"Next up we have Aaron Castrani! Also known as Shadow!" Blacklight yelled, causing a roar from the crowd.
I didn't really like the name. It sounds… cute. Not something that strikes fear. Probably something a little kid would call themselves.
"Calling Aaron Castrani! Also known as Shadow! If you don't show up after the third call your disqualified!"
I felt a nudge on my back.
"Come on!" Cara exclaimed, now shoving me up the steps. "That was the second call! Go!"
Snapping out of whatever trance I was in I started walking.
I was almost at the exit when Cara yelled something.
"You're going to be fine! Good luck!"
I turned around and smiled at her. I looked out to see what seemed to be hundreds or thousands of people. I inhaled deeply.
It's simple. Become a renegade. Figure out what Esta de Rastro is planning. Bring them down. Then go home. Simple. Nothing to worry about. Except all the unknowns that come with it. But that's the thing about life. The future is unknown.
So I took the last step into the trails. Steps into the unknown.
The crowds yelling was even louder this time. The next contestant started walking in.
"Is that the boy you were talking about?" Lauren asked, looking at the boy walking to the microphone.
The boy was slouching just like Aaron did at the parade. He kept his head low not showing his face which was making it hard for me to identify him. But he did seem to have the same mannerisms as Aaron. He was also an albino and had the same name so maybe he was.
"I can't see his face so I can't tell." I said sadly.
The boy came up to the microphone head still staring at the ground. He must be shy.
"So Shadow tell us about your power." A man at one of the other tables asked.
"My power is shadow manipulation," He said quietly into the microphone.
Shadow manipulation. I wonder what he can do with that. I looked around to see a good number of people had put up green signs after hearing him saw that.
I grabbed the microphone from Mark who looked at me as if I had lost it.
"Hey can you face our table?" I asked hoping I didn't sound rude.
He obliged. Turning around facing our table. The minute I saw his eyes I knew it was him. The same purple eyes as the boy from the parade. It was him.
"So… um… how does your shadow manipulation work?" I stammered out. I didn't think I would get this far. I didn't even think I'd see him again.
"I...manipulate… shadows." He paused. "It's pretty self explanatory."
"Well yeah I know that-"
He cut me off. "If you know that then why ask?"
There were a few chuckles from the crowd and Amanda took the microphone from me with a smile on her face. She rolled her eyes when she looked at Aaron. Probably surprised by his answer.
"Can you give us a demonstration of your power so we can understand it better?" Amanda said kindly.
A look of realization showed on his face and he blushed.
"Is that what he meant?" He looked a bit more nervous. "I didn't know that's what you meant."
He closed his eyes and his face was weirdly calm. A black vapor came from his hands. Then a black spot appeared on the ground in front of him. It twisted and turned for a while. It then started taking shape. A completely black arm appeared from the hole.
"Is he summoning a demon?" Rin asked looking uneasy.
Lauren shook her head. "I don't think so."
The crowd seemed to have simmered down. Some of them had turned their signs from green to red. Blacklight seemed stunned at what Aaron was doing. The rest of the council was watching silently.
Aaron looked like he was in pain. A grimace was apart on his face. But he was still making whatever it was. The thing now had two arms trying to lift itself out of the hole.
Was he making a person out of shadows?
It had gotten out of the hole. A head and lower body was forming. Soon it was done. The thing struggled to get up first. Standing but then falling back down. It then stood up tall and looked at the crowd cocking what seemed to be its head in curiosity. Looking at the crowd with gray eyes. It's only features.
Was it sentient? Was it it's own separate person or whatever Aaron wanted it to be?
I looked over at Aaron. He was bleeding from the nose. His blood black, not red. Was that a side effect to his power ?
Aaron looked like he was about to pass out. Swaying slightly. He opened his eyes and a labored breath came out. He brought one hand out behind him as if he was trying to grab something. Then his feet buckled.
Without even thinking I ran and caught him. I caught him by the waist. He was sweating and having trouble breathing. He squinted up at me.
"Now I know where I remember you from," He closed his eyes. I thought he finally passed out but his creature was still there. Now looking at us.
His breaths were more even now and he opened his eyes. Looking feverish but also satisfied.
"You're from the parade, right?" He asked, looking at me.
His gaze was pretty intense. I felt a blush creeping up onto my cheeks.
"Yeah, we met at the parade." I said trying not
to stutter.
He smiled slightly. A delirious smile. "The gods must want us to get to know each other."
"Gods?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah plural for God."
"I know what gods are."
"Then why ask?"
"It was rhetorical."
He shook his head. "Whatever you say. Can you help me? I don't think I'm going to be able to stand by myself."
"Yeah, I can help."
I brought him up and put his arm over my shoulder. He looked completely drained his eyes drifting close only to open quickly seeming to realize that he was falling asleep.
I saw Mark take up the microphone. A stunned look on his face as he looked at the thing Aaron made and then back at him.
"So would you like to join our team?" Mark asked looking at the thing as if it was going to attack.
"Yeah," He looked at some of the other tables. "I mean you're the only team that asked me."
No other team said anything. Not even Genissa. Which was surprising seeing how she always had something to say about someone's power.
"Can I just ask a few questions?" Mark asked.
"Sure but make them quick."
"Can that thing," Mark pointed at the shadow which was looking at another table who scooted back. "Physically attack? You know it could punch or slap me and it would actually hurt."
"Yeah, it can." A mischievous smile spread across his face. "You want a demonstration?"
Mark shook his head. "No thanks. I was just asking."
"No, don't listen to him you should absolutely use him as a demonstration." Lauren said.
"Lauren!"
"I second that," Amanda raised her hand and smiled at Mark.
"Stop agreeing to this!"
"I also want to see Mark get hit by a shadow thing." I said, smiling.
Mark sighed. "Rin talk them out of this."
Rin looked at him and then the others. A neutral look on her face. "I don't think you should do this."
Mark looked relieved while Amanda and Lauren looked sad. I expected that from Rin she was the responsible one of our group.
A grin then appeared on her face. "You should absolutely do it!"
"Yes!" Lauren and Amanda yelled in unison.
"No!" Mark yelled.
"Is this team always like this?" Aaron asked looking at Mark arguing with Rin.
"A vast majority of the time," I smiled to myself. "But you'll get used to it."
Aaron slumped down a bit and the creature disappeared. He looked even more exhausted than earlier. It didn't even seem like he could stand.
"Flash, is he okay?" Mark was looking at Aaron who was starting to lose consciousness.
"I don't know," I shook him lightly. "Are you okay?"
Aaron didn't respond. He slumped forward and I had to pick him up from falling onto the ground. Thank goodness he wasn't that heavy.
"I'm just going to," I lunged Aaron over my shoulder looking over at the exit. "Take him somewhere else. You can continue on with the trails."
I ran to the exit and rest Aaron on the wall. I checked his pulse. It was a bit weak. I was barely feeling anything.
I shook him a little harder. "Hey! Wake up!"
Still no response. I might have to take him to a hospital.
There was a sharp tap on my shoulder. I turned over to see a woman with long brown hair looking at me with light green eyes. She looked familiar.
"I told him not to do this," She put her hand over her eyes and groaned. "Why is he so reckless?"
"Do you know him?"
"Yes, I do." She muttered. "Unfortunately."
She crouched down in front of him looking at him with a softer look than she had before. She pulled out a white stick. It looked like chalk.
She brought the stick up to his nose and snapped it. A white smoke came from it and Aaron inhaled it. He was coughing and wheezing and slowly starting to get up.
I rushed over to help him. Grabbing his hand and heisting him up.
"What did you do?"
"It's just a stick with chemicals that would wake him up," She cast a look at Aaron who was still coughing. "Guess it was too strong."
She walked over to him and rubbed his back. His coughing ceased and he leaned into her looking like he was about to pass out again.
"Are you okay?" She asked, looking down at him.
"Yeah, just tired." He buried his head in her shirt.
"Good," She pulled him off her shirt and slapped him. "What were you thinking!?"
I watched stunned. I finally realized where I remembered her from. She was his aunt.
"We told you not to do it!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Do you even listen when people talk to you? Are you even listening!?"
Aaron, who was swaying, gave her a confused look. "What were you talking about?"
His aunt put her hands in choking motion but pulled them back before she actually choked him.
"Don't choke him. Don't choke him. Don't choke him. Remember what Cara told you. Be patient." She took a deep breath and looked at him a sigh escaping her. "Let's just get you somewhere safe before you pass out again."
Aaron nodded and started to walk tripping slightly. Then he turned around to face me.
"Did I make it?" He rubbed his temples as if he was trying to remember something. "I don't remember most of my trail."
"You got in," He looked like he was about to throw up. Would he even be able to come tomorrow? "Are you sure you'll be able to come tomorrow? You look sick."
He nodded. "Yeah this is just temporary. I'll see you tomorrow." He walked away his aunt next to him telling him off.
I can't believe he came here and now he's a part of our team. We're going to be working together. This is incredible. Nothing could go wrong.
Maybe I just like fighting but Nova looked graceful beating the shit out of the Gargoyle. Though certain things were a bit rough. Like her knife skills but it was a knife made of ice so I can't hold that against her. I could tell Zahela wasn't in the ring helping her. Because if she was that guy would already be on the floor.
It surprises me sometimes how big Nova is. She's no longer a little kid who would ask me questions about everything. Not like she remembers anyway. I honestly wonder if taking away her memories of us was a good idea. I mean at the time it seemed like a good idea. But now after hearing what the Anarchists are doing with her. Maybe they should have let her keep her memories of us. At least she would have support from Zahela or Phobia. If he was in a good mood.
"Hey," Zahela had on her cloak but her helmet was off. Guess I was right. She wasn't helping Nova. "What are you all grumpy about?"
"I'm not grumpy."
"Your face says otherwise."
I turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Whenever you're grumpy, angry, or upset you scrunch up your nose and your wings rise too."
"I don't do that."
"Yes, you do."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say."
"Are you mad because I'm not helping Nova?"
I shook my head. "Zahela, I'm not upset. I'm just-" She cut me off.
"I've said it before she can defend herself," She pointed to the arena. "Does she look like she needs help?"
Nova was on top of the Gargoyle. Using the banner she blinded him and he fell to the ground with a loud thud.
"Yeah your right," The team that Nova was now on came up to hug her. It made me smile. "She can protect herself."
Zahela hit my shoulder. "That's the spirit."
"Doesn't mean your except from your duties."
"Shit."
Zahela knew the real reason I was upset. She was just changing the subject so that I wouldn't get upset. The real reason I was upset was because of the man that had tried out earlier.
Herren. After so long I'm finally seeing him again. But why did it have to be opposing sides?
"Next we have Cara McLoughlin," Blacklight sent some fireworks up. "Also known as Dread!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. After all the excitement Nova stirred up in the crowd they were probably expecting more excitement. Too bad I'll probably disappoint them.
"Good luck Dread," Zahela said.
I nodded and walked into the arena. The crowd was bursting with energy. Nova really riled them up.
I stood up to the microphone. Looking at all of the teams. Most of them seem to be teenagers. Sure a few of the teams seem to have adults but the vast majority were teens. Was this a program for them?
It's just a bit… off putting. That these children are saving people's lives full time. At least law enforcement programs in schools only let them do it part time. And usually nothing serious. I already don't like this organization.
"Please explain your power," A woman with purple hair asked.
"I can create weapons from my body," I said feeling a weird sense of pride. Even though I'm not supposed to have this power I've always liked it. Even if it's gotten me in a lot of trouble.
The crowds signs we're mostly green. I could see a bit of red scattered around the crowd.
I looked over at Nova's team. It wasn't too noticeable but I could see that the leader had a blank look on his face. He pressed the accept button. Nice work Azi.
"Adrian are you serious?" The boy with the cane asked.
"You could have at least discussed this with us." A girl with black and white hair said.
I feel bad for getting him in trouble with his friends but it had to be done. After already choosing Nova I doubt they would want another person. So taking control of the leaders mind for a minute wasn't too bad.
An alarm sound and the crowd went wild. Did I just get challenged? I think I just got challenged. This wasn't how I was expecting things to go.
The person who challenged me was the same girl from before who challenged Nova. Genissa Clark or Frostbite. Based on how Raymond talks about her, he didn't seem to be fond of her. Or like her.
"Why are you challenging me?" I asked, watching her with curiosity.
"It's just your power sounds kind of villainous," She sat up from her chair. "I just want to make sure we can trust her."
I rolled my eyes. I didn't mind the fighting. It's just fighting her seemed like a waste of time. I'd probably be able to beat her in less than a casva. Two if she's any good.
"Fine, let's go then." I said taking off my jacket. "It'll be over quickly."
Genissa took her spot at the ring. She waved and smiled at the crowd.
"Can you just start fighting already? I don't want to waste my time."
Genissa gave me a sharp glare. "Fine," She made a small knife of ice. So our powers are similar. Except my weapons are actual metal. "Let's fight."
She came at me with a running start. I was able to dodge it easily. Predictable. She came at me again. Slashing her knife around to try to hit me.
Has she not been taught how to fight with a knife properly? Dear saints I would have at least wanted a challenge.
When she went for another slash, I kicked her feet and when she lost her balance I pinned her to the ground. I kicked the knife away from her and held her down.
She gave a bit of a struggle. But after a moment or so she finally stopped. She was breathing heavily. Like she was completely out of breath.
"You lost just admit it," I said casually. "It's okay to admit it."
"Shut up," She snarled.
"I understand," I nodded sonmenly. "You can't accept the fact you lost. It must be hard. Your strongest member was defeated by someone smaller than him. You have just been defeated by me in less than a minute. So you must feel bad."
"I'm going to kill you."
"You couldn't hit me once and you want to kill me?" I smiled. She needed a lot of training. But with my help I'm sure she can improve. "I admire your determination. I will help you reach your goal."
A look of confusion appeared on her face. "Excuse me, what?"
An alarm sounded off and I got off of Genissa. I tried helping her up but she refused.
"Good try," I put my hand out to shake hers.
She looked at me and then my hand. "Yeah, not doing that."
She walked over to her table and sat down. A glum look on her face. Then the boy's team came up to me. I had to bend down a bit. Even though I'm wearing a cloak I was still really tall.
"Your…. really tall." The boy with the cane said looking up at me.
"Yeah, I'm a bit on the tall side," I said awkwardly.
"Anyway, welcome to the Renegades," The Everhart boy put out a hand for me to shake.
I shook it and smiled. "Thank you so much for choosing me. You won't regret it."
I walked away and smiled. I'm in. That's good. And with Herren also in, I can keep an eye on him.
Walking out I felt uneasy. I looked around. It was empty and not well lit.
I felt a gush of wind and turned around. I made a knife and held it at the person's throat. They did the same except they were shorter so the knife was a bit too far from my throat.
I looked at the knife. It had a pitch black blade. I could see the characters for Zenlian engraved into the blade. Saying "Death". The handle had blue metal vines. In the center of the knife was the symbol I remember all too well. A white and black galaxy was in the middle. With a sword cutting through it.
I remember those knives too well. You got them when you were one of the top ten. I had one too. From a long time ago.
I looked at the figure. He was fairly tall. Tall enough to get a knife to my throat that is. Blonde curly hair covered most of his face. I could see dark brown, almost black eyes looking back at me with a pitiful look. And, though it was subtle, I could see a curvy line that went down to his neck.
So I was right.
"Herren,"
"Carafalia,"
It stung a bit hearing him say my full name. He tried to sound calm but I could hear a bit of a disgust when he said my name. I could see it in his face too.
"What are you doing here?" He questioned, putting the knife back into its sheath.
"Trying to save this planet." I put mine down. "What about you?"
He turned away. "Confidential."
I sighed. Of course he wouldn't say. Why would I think he would?
"If you tell me I can try to get you and the others-"
"I don't want to hear it."
"Herren whatever they said isn't the entire story. If you would just-"
"Shut up."
I stepped back. I didn't want to make Herren angry. Terrible things happen when he did.
He glared at me. "I was the one who told everyone to let go when your secret was out."
"Herren,"
He clenched his fist. "But I couldn't let go. You were always there for us."
I stayed quiet. Not knowing what to say.
"I never wanted to believe what they were saying was true," He looked up at me and I saw tears falling down his face. "That you were going to betray us. Just leave us behind."
"Herren, what there saying isn't true," I was starting to shake. "I would never-"
"Then what the hell is this!?" He yelled, pointing at me. "Working for the other side? Revealing all our secrets?"
"Herren,"
"Don't 'Herren' me!" He was shaking and breathing heavily. A glow coming from his hands.
"Herren calm down,"
"Was that your master plan?" He was wiping away his tears. "To live a normal life while we suffered?"
He walked away and then turned to me. "I pray to the gods you'll leave before what we're doing is finished."
"What are you doing?" He was already gone.
Is that how everyone felt about me now? That I had just left them behind? It's not like I wanted this to happen. It wasn't supposed to go this way.
"Well that was awkward."
I looked around seeing no one. Then Zahela appeared with a canon-like gun on her arm. That then went back in her suit.
I scowled at her. How long was she there? Did she see him put a knife by my throat? What was she doing that she didn't try to help?
"Don't scowl at me."
"How long have you been there?" I asked, pointing at the corner she was hiding by.
She put her hands up in surrender. "I love you."
She always does this when she's in trouble.
"Not working." I walked away a smile starting to creep up on my face.
"I love you very much." She made the r sound like a w.
I waved. "I'll see you later."
"Bye."
Raymond was poking Phobia again. Since he had used up a lot of his energy he had been sleeping since his trial was over.
"You sure he's not dead?" He shaked Phobia's shoulder.
"Yes Raymond, he's just replenishing his energy." I said trying to finish up dinner.
"Yeah," he glanced at Phobia. "But it's been hours."
"Sometimes it takes hours," Zahela said looking down at him annoyed. "Even days. So I don't know why he decided to be special and make an entire shadow person."
"Listen," Malia said standing up from her seat. "I can completely understand why you're worried about Aro. I am too. But there's something more important we have to talk about." She paused. "Me."
"You can't be serious," Viren said looking at her at her as if she'd lost her mind.
"Dead serious."
Zolia and Ned rolled their eyes.
"What happened that makes you so important?" Zolia asked with a patient smile. How many times has Zolia had to deal with this?
"Okay so I was challenged by not one. Not two." She clutched her hands to her heart. "But ten Renegades! That's unfair!"
"Why?" Chris asked looking at her concerned. "I was challenged just like you. So I don't think they were being biased or anything."
"It's not biase Chris," Malia stood up on the table in a triumphant pose. "It's about ten experienced people fighting one not so experienced person!"
"Get off the table were about to have dinner." Azi said putting dishes on the table.
"No, I will not," Malia crossed her arms and stood firmly on the table.
"Do you want me to use mind control?" Azi asked her ateneas glowing a deep red.
"I can resist certain mind controls," She smiled wickedly. "Including yours."
Azi huff and went back to get utensils muttering something about "wait until tonight.".
I might have to check up on her tonight to make sure she doesn't do anything drastic.
Malia was being put back in her chair. Being delicately brought down by Viren.
"I hate when you use your telekinesis on me."
"Maybe don't do things that make me have to use it."
"Not happening."
Once back in her seat she stood up and slammed her hands on the table.
"It's just so unfair!"
"But Malia," Ned said looking sympathetic. "You are experienced. Your number one in patrol units back home. And even though you are small and fragile looking your very strong. Why are you so worked up about this?"
"Well what if I didn't have experience?" Ned went silent and seemed to ponder that question. Malia continued. "See that's not fair. If they want to challenge someone they put a limit to how many people can fight that person. Now a second thing."
"Oh boy," Mia fixed glasses. "Wonder where this is going."
She took a deep breath. "Where were all the hot people?"
Mia and Chris chuckled while everyone just stared at her.
"Don't look at me like that!" She pointed at herself. "I'm right! I was promised attractive people! The only attractive people were us. Excluding Raymond obviously."
Hamala almost choked and I had to hit her back a few times until she could breathe properly. Stingray on the other hand looked like he was about to cry.
"Don't cry Raymond," Viren said, hugging him. "You are a very attractive person. You have beautiful eyes. Soft hair. Soft skin. You're really toned. And many other things."
"I guess," Raymond said glumly.
"Then Blacklight or whatever his name is." Malia shuddered. "He's so ugly."
"He wasn't bad looking," I said. "He was… average."
"No Cara, he was ugly." She shook her head. "Before I even signed up I saw women with signs talking about this guy. So I thought he must be pretty good looking. I see this man and he is…. crusty."
Azi chuckled and a few others giggled.
"I was expecting fine dining." She sighed. "But I got food poisoning instead."
Azi collapsed on the floor with laughter.
"Seeing this has me legitimately concerned for humans," She massaged her temples. "Out every man out there why are they thirsting over him? Did I miss something or what?"
"Malia stop," I looked at Azi who had tears in her eyes. "Your gonna break Azi."
"Azi will be fine," She turned back to them "Like I'm expecting this beautiful man that would make me reconsider my sexuality but I what do I get."
Malia made an illusion of Blacklight. "Hi, I'm Blacklight and I look like the most untrustworthy person ever."
I shook my head. "If your finish can we please have dinner?"
Malia nodded her head. "Yes thank you for attending my rant."
Raymond groaned. "Not like we had a choice."
"Your next Raymond." Malia pointed at him. "After Viren, your next."
"Can one of you try to wake Phobia up so he can eat?" I turned off the stove and gave Mia the pot to put on the table.
"I mean we can try," Ned shaked Phobias's head. Phobia didn't respond. "But I don't think he's waking up any time soon."
"Yeah Cara, I've been trying everything to wake him up and he's not budging." Zahela poked him in the shoulder.
"Don't worry, I know how to wake him up," I started fixing a plate and resting it in front of him.
"Cara putting food in front of him isn't going to wake him up," Zahela said crossing her arms. "We've done everything to wake him up. I doubt food will help."
"Just wait,"
Phobia started to stir. Heisting his head up he looked around. A confused look on his face.
"No way," Malia said looking at him. "We've been trying to wake you up all galse. And you're telling me if we put food in front of him he would have woken up?"
Zahela grabbed a knife nearby and held it over Phobias head.
I held Zahela's wrist in place. "Don't do it."
"I'm doing it."
"Don't do it."
The knife clattered to the ground. "I'll get him tonight." She took a seat and glared at him.
Now I have three people to look after. I pressed a button on the table and a hologram came on.
"So we were only able to identify one member of Esta de Rastro," A hologram of Herren appeared. "Herren Caldoric. He's part of the top ten. So we have to be wary of him."
"Top ten?" Hamala asked.
"Depending on how well you've done. You get to be part of the top ten. Ten of the best killers in the organization."
"How deadly are we talking?" Stingray asked. "Is it 'I could probably beat this person' or 'I can blink and I'd be dead'?''
"You can blink and be dead." I deadpanned.
"How can you tell a Top Ten from a regular member?" Azi was spinning a knife on her hand looking a bit bored about the conversation. "Since I'll be looking out for suspicious activity I don't want to get into a fight with one of them."
A hologram of a knife pulled up. "If they have a sword or knife like this that means there part of the top ten. They usually have knives on them to show their status."
"Off topic but that knife is really cute," Malia was admiring the hologram. "So pretty."
"You do realize that the knife represents an organization that has ruined millions of lives right?" Viren asked looking at Malia with curiosity.
"Well yeah," Malia lowered her head. "But they're still pretty."
Viren shook his head and turned to me. "So avoid them at all cost?"
"Yes, I don't want to sound mean but you guys wouldn't be able to take them at all."
"Were you part of the top ten?" Azi gave a cold glare.
I cleared my throat. "Yes, I was."
"What number were you?"
"Number none of your business."
"Were you and that guy who threatened you in the top ten?" Azi asked.
The question sent a chill down my spine.
"And you are going to arrest him, right?" Azi said, dragging out the sentence. "Cause based on your thoughts it seems you're going to just let him go."
The room got deadly quiet. I didn't expect Azi to say anything. Especially in front of everyone.
"Cara I need to talk to you," Zahela walked out the door and I followed closely behind her.
My heart was skipping beats. Zahela turned to me her hands crossed and annoyed look on her face. I stared blankly at her. Nervous about what to say.
I took a deep breath and smiled at her. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Cut the crap."
Zahela's features changed from annoyed to furious.
I'm in trouble.
"You're not going to arrest him?" She whispered yelled. She was trying to make sure no one heard but I could still hear the anger in her tone.
"Of course I am," I bopped her nose which caused her groan. "I don't care about the people in that organization anymore."
Zahela smiled. Not a friendly smile. A strained smile that looked a bit like a scowl.
"I hate to break this to you," Zahela said in an overly chirpy voice. "But I don't believe you."
"Okay maybe I'm not going to arrest him."
"Cara," Zahela gave me a concerned look. "Why?"
I pouted. "Cause I care about him."
"This is serious Cara.
I rubbed my arm. "Listen stuff happened between me and the others before I joined the Guard. Even when I joined the Guard it was rough. As if getting multiple death threats isn't stressful enough. How the people at the Guard treated me sucked."
Zahela's face softened. "Yes, I remember. Unfortunately, they still did bad things." Zahela tried to smile but it wasn't natural. "So you need to put them behind bars."
"I can't do that."
Zahela raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know."
"I know you know why."
"No, I don't."
"Stop lying," Zahela wrapped her fingers into mine. "You don't have to lie to me. I understand."
"Yeah I know," I sat on the ground and looked at Zahela. "I just can't explain it."
"Fine then." She patted my head. "Tell me when you're ready."
Phobia walked past us rubbing his eyes. He was walking in a sluggish manner. Like he was walking in water.
"Where are you going?" Zahela asked, staring at him.
"My room. I'm tired so I'm going to bed early." Phobia stumbled and leaned against the wall to catch himself.
"Do you need help?" I asked.
"No, I'm fine," He then fell directly on his face.
Zahela made a sound that sounded like a laugh. I glared at her and she gave me an innocent smile.
"You want some help now?" Zahela said in a taunting voice.
I heard a sigh from Phobia. "Yeah."
Zahela picked him up and rested him on her shoulder.
"Phobia did you hear our conversation?" I asked.
"About you not wanting to arrest certain people?" Phobia seemed to ponder it. Even though he just confirmed the question. "Definitely."
"What!?" Zahela almost yelled. "How? I didn't even see you."
"I was standing by you guys the entire time."
"Yeah we did not see you," Zahela said.
"Can't believe I didn't see a seventeen year old listening in on us."
"Hey!" Phobia peered at me from behind Zahela's head. "I'm nineteen get it right."
I shook my head at him. "I'll keep it in mind,"
I heard Phobia murmur something. "So that Herren guy ...how do you know him?"
"Old acquaintance," I said rapidly.
"Oh I see," A sly smile was on his face.
"It was nothing like that!" I exclaimed.
"Calm down kids," Zahela said in a bored tone.
Soon I heard Phobias breathing even out. He'd fallen asleep again.
"Now that he's asleep," A look of concern was apparent on Zahela's face. "Is Herren a serious threat?"
I licked my lips trying to find the right answer. Before I left he wasn't too bad. He was actually very sweet and kind. But I don't know how much he's changed since I left. If he was part of The Ten now then he must have taken a bad turn since I left.
"I don't know," I sighed. "If he's apart of The Ten he must have done some bad things that might have changed him. And with how he spoke to me. He's still pretty hung up about it."
"Yeah, that's true," A small smile was on her face. "But he does want you to leave before something happens. So that's a semi-good sign."
"I guess," I answered back quietly.
What Herren said back at the trails had the gears in my head turning. What exactly were they planning to do? I read up on some stories about Esta de Rastro. But none of them talked about using any sort of super weapon.
It's strange. Very strange but I have to find a way to stop it. Or else who knows what will happen. I can't let innocent people die. So I have to find out what they are planning. Even if it kills me.
Thank you for reading!