Prt VI: Epilogue

Chapter I: Aria and Riley

AN: These new chapters are going to be extremely short, but I wanted to get into other character's heads, and I didn't want to change POV right in the middle of a chapter. Think of it more like tiny segments of one really large chapter.

After placing a hold on the Followers, it was easy to escape the club. The group, led by Trysten, quickly passed through the throng of dancing teenagers. Lance gingerly held Tessa in his arms, and Imy was leaning on Art as a crutch, still feeling weak from the over-eager expansion of her power.

Riley and Aria kept in stride, both contemplative over the night's events. Aria was mulling over the obvious display of supernatural she had just witnessed, and Riley was stewing over the meeting in the mist.

Trysten was the only one who seemed unphased by what had happened. He remained stoic, and pushed his way through the crowd. His face however, Riley noticed, had a tight drawn, pinched expression etched on it, and it was obvious that something tonight had upset him.

Once they had reached the outside, there was an awkward pause between the two sides. The Daughters, and the Invitus.

Lance was the first one to take action, gently placing Tessa down on the ground. He looked up at Aria, "Perhaps you should wake her up?"

She nodded, her tongue suddenly feeling too swollen to talk. She knelt down beside her and placed her hands over her head. She felt the light blue essence wash over her and out of her hands as it slowly began to bring Tessa back to consciousness.

Riley watched the spectacle with a mild awe, as it was the first time she had seen Aria use her powers. She seemed oblivious to the fact that Trysten was staring at her intently, as if trying to decipher something more from her.

Art and Imy had made their way to the background, where the seemed to be having an intent conversation. Lance remained behind, his eyes portrayed slight concern at the unconscious figure below him.

Tessa's eyelashes began to flutter and she soon let in a sharp intake of breath.

Aria stumbled back, clutching her head as if she had a headache, "She's ok." She grumbled.

The girl slowly made her way up into a sitting position, rubbing her temples, "Ergh..." She muttered, "Where am I?" Her eyes that were once bloodshot and cloudy were now a clear blue, but it was obvious she needed rest, "Who are you?"

Aria looked at Riley, and Riley sighed, "I guess I'd better explain."

"Explain what?" Responded Tessa sharply, panic now replacing confusion, "If Jake put you up to this I swear I'll-"

"It's not a prank." Replied Riley, cutting her off, "It's something much, much bigger than that."

Tessa seemed to study her, and absently her hand went to the necklace that lay comfortably on her chest, "Who are you?" she asked for the second time.

Riley cleared her throat, "I'm Riley Zalank." She said, then gesturing to Aria, "And that's Aria Anderson-Moore." She paused, "We're Daughters of the Moon."

After a rather lengthy explanation, Tessa was suddenly beginning to comprehend what she saw. Aria had added a few details of what had happened that night, and Lance filled in what he could. Trysten was silent, and leaned against the wall, hidden in the shadow from it.

"That it explains it," Whispered Tessa after they had finished.

"Explains what?" asked Aria.

"Ever since I was little, I was able to do things." She muttered.

"Like what?" Queried Riley gently.

"I can't explain it." She mumbled, "But it's like I can..." She tried to find the right word, "Change things I guess." The look of confusion that spread throughout the four pressed her to continue, "Its sort of like manipulating my surroundings....I can't explain it."

Lance cleared his throat, "Like an illusionist?"

"Illusions." Said Tessa, experiencing the word on her tongue, "Ya, its kind of like that."

Aria sighed, "I think we should get her to Jimena."

Riley nodded, "Agreed."

Trysten stepped forth from the shadows, and that was when Riley and Aria noticed for the first time how he had a strange aura about him. He opened his mouth to speak, "I'll take you to her place." He said coolly, his voice more commanding than requesting.

Lance gave a sigh of relief, like there was nothing more that he wanted then to leave this place, "Let's go then."

However, the Daughters present were not as thrilled. Riley still felt as if she couldn't trust Trysten, Aria was hesitant towards leaving anywhere at all, even Tessa, new to the game, couldn't shake the feelings she had of distrust towards the strangers.

"No." Bit out Riley slowly.

Trysten raised an eyebrow, "No?" he asked.

She tried to make sure her voice was calm, "I don't know what you are."

"I'm someone who just saved you from a mass of Followers." He stated simply.

"Why?" Riley asked, "If you're a Follower yourself?"

"He's not a Follower." Replied Lance for him.

Aria perked up, "But you said you were Invitus."

"Correction, me and Art are Invitus, Trysten here is something called a-"

But Trysten cut him off, "Later." He whispered, he grabbed Riley by the arm and gently lifted her face to meet him in the eyes, "If I were a Follower, wouldn't I be crossing over you by now?"

Riley gently broke away from him, "I can't trust you."

He let out a short, dry laugh, "Riley you already do." His eyes leveled with hers, "If you didn't, you wouldn't be standing here right now."

Riley gnawed on her lower lip, she knew his words were true. Even now, she could feel rivets of sincerity coming off of him. But she reminded herself that this could easily be another trick from him or the Atrox.

At that moment, Art and Imy chose to join the other five, "What's going on?" asked Imy carefully, as if she could sense the hostility.

"Riley?" asked Tessa uncertainly, a bewildered look plastered on her face.

Aria cleared her throat, "Trysten is going to take us back to Jimena's place." She concluded.

Riley turned and looked at her in disbelief, but Aria stood there and gave her a stern look.

"I know you don't like him, but we really don't have a choice do we? Who knows how long that trance will last, and Tessa needs help." She scolded.

Riley remained stoic, she sent a glare at Trysten, "Nothing funny." She muttered at last.

"Wouldn't dream of it." He responded.

Art put a protective arm around Imy's waist, "We really should get going." He mumbled.

Imy looked at her boyfriend, and Riley could feel compassion and mistrust floating around her like spider webs. Interesting combination. She silently thought.

"Let's go." Urged Lance.

Trysten immediately took off in the direction Riley supposed his car was at. Aria helped Tessa up and the two followed after him. Lance nodded with his head in the same direction to Art.

"Can I talk to Imy for a second?" Asked Riley timidly.

"What for?" Asked Art.

Imy sighed, "Art, please?" She pleaded.

He seemed to consider leaving the two alone, and he shrugged, looking slightly hurt. He turned to Imy. "Can you walk?"

She nodded and Art reluctantly let go of her to go with Lance.

Riley swallowed, "I don't think we can trust them." She muttered timidly.

"I know we can't." Stated Imy bluntly.

Riley's eyes widened, "Not even Art?"

"Especially Art," Imy whispered. She paused for a moment and then looked at Riley, "He lied to me." She said softly.

"I understand." She reasoned, "But I suppose for now we really don't have an option."

"I suppose not." Agreed Imy dismally, wishing, not for the first time that night, that she had power to spare.

A loud horn broke the stillness of the night and the pair headed over towards Trysten's parked car.

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End o chapter One....

Next Up: Prt VI: Epilogue, Chapter II: Trysten

Reviewers:

Animebaby08060: Actually, I have read twelve : ) I read it awhile ago, and I'm very aware that this story is now AU. I started writing it right after 11, and when 12 came out, imagine my surprise! Lol, now the series is AU, or Alternate Universe, but thank you for your concern anyways. ; )

Laelena: Lol, yes, Trysten does sound hot ;) My last chapter was really a disappointment to me, because I went through and caught a few grammatical/ spelling errors myself. I proofread it this time, but if I mess up again, I will begin a search for a beta reader. Thanks for pointing that out though. : - )

TroubleMakerQueen: hehe, I will admit, caffeine has helped me out a great many times this school year. All hail the coffee!

Lover of Rain: The fifth book is one of my favorites! Mostly because its in a Follower's perspective...... I will admit, I don't really care for Stanton. He's my least favorite Follower of them all. (Tymmie's the best!) aw. I like your sn! For I am also a lover of rain.....

Wolfgrl1880: aw, bummage. Wolves are very cool too though, that's my spirit animal.

LuminescentWings0127: Always glad to have new readers : )

aehart: ahhaha, your review made me laugh : ). Its ok if you like Kyle better than Chris (grits teeth) its your own opinion of it. i personally cannot stand the series, its not even close to DOTM to me. lol but if you like Kyle thats fine and i will restrain throwing spatuals. ; )

Whitney: Im glad you like it ;)

Misty Yates: Thank you for reading :-)

evanescense2037: Im glad you're enjoying it, here's more.

Toodles

!nym!