Chapter 11: Find Me

There was darkness all around. The only sounds that could be heard were the sharp breaths that were being drawn from a young woman running. Where was she? Why was she running? She ceased her stride then took a good look around her. It seemed to be a long, cryptic hallway. To the left and right of her were stony walls covered in vines, gripping the blocks of stone. What was this hallway? How did she get here? In the middle of these thoughts, the young woman started hearing voices.

"Save a life…?" The voice came out raspy. It then became more clear and indignant, "save a life?! Tell that to my family! My friends! Everyone that the Horde has taken from me!" The voice was coming from behind the young woman. She looked back and saw the mouthpiece coming from the darkness. It was a rebel soldier of some sort, wearing mangled up purple armor, pants ripped below the knees, and a helmet that had a few holes from laser fire. The man was crawling, his face cloaked in the darkness. The young woman shuddered. The face of the rebel soldier looked up. The rebel soldier's face had skin that was flaking off. The neck was bloody from a knife wound.

"And tell that to my village that was burned down just for existing!" The apparition yelled as it crumbled into dust. The young woman shrieked in response, and continued running away. As she looked back, the darkness seemed to be following her. She continued to hearing various voices, creeping closer to her ears, almost simultaneously,

"Save Etheria?!" "Murderer!" "Look at what the Horde is doing!" "You think the Rebellion is so noble?!" "My brother was killed so I could get medicine!" "The Horde is been poisoning our land, burning our cities, destroying everything in their path. And you're a part of it! How's that for orderly?" The voices kept shouting from the darkness. The young woman tried covering her ears. No sooner did she do that, did she feel a cold embrace. As if the darkness tried to remove her hands from her ears,

"You cannot hide from the truth!" The darkness shouted with a demonic sounding voice.

"We're doing what's right!" The young woman shouted, jerking her shoulders until she released herself from the darkness' grasp. As she continued running, she saw a light at the end of the hallway. She sprinted as hard as she could and dove towards the light. Just as she dove towards the light, she felt the blinding glare in her eyes. She closed her eyes hard then screamed.

"Brittni! Wake up! Brittni!" Her twin implored as he began shaking her. Brittni shrieked and swung her fist at him. When her fist made contact with Brett's head, he fell to the right, off of the bed.

"Ow, geez! See if I ever wake you up from a nightmare!" Brett affirmed, rubbing the part of his head where Brittni hit him. Brittni sat up in her bed and put her hands to her mouth and stifled a gasp,

"Oh, my gosh! Brett, I'm so sorry! Here, let me help!" Brittni exasperated. She reached under her pillow, pulled out a small medical kit, hopped off her bed, and knelt down next to Brett, placing a synthetic icy gel pack on his bruised head.

"Ugh, right, it's fine." Brett muttered. He took the gel pack from Brittni's hand and held it on his head, then gave Brittni a puzzled look, "you keep a medkit under your pillow?" He inquired, befuddled.

"You don't?" Brittni accused, equally befuddled. Brett narrowed his eyes at her for a moment, then shook his head.

"...Anyway, you were having some kind of nightmare. Are you okay?" Brett asked. Brittni sat on the floor, her back against the bed frame. Brett moved next to her and put his arm around her shoulders.

"I mean, I'm still pretty shaken up from the battle…" Brittni said, tepidly. Brett cocked his eyebrow at Brittni,

"That's not all that's wrong, is it?" Brett asked, seemingly reading her thoughts. Brittni let out an elongated sigh,

"I asked Keirnan this same question…" Brittni started, then looked Brett straight in the eye, "Brett, why are the Horde and Rebellion fighting?" Brett looked away and sighed,

"Brittni…" Brett started, restlessly, "I get what's going on. I know that you're still all mixed up from that one rebel soldier-"

"It's not just the soldier, Brett." Brittni interrupted, "that princess, the fact that what we attacked was a civilian town… I mean… It just seemed so... wrong." Brittni said, distantly. For a few moments there was silence. After a little while, Brett finally spoke up.

"I don't think war is ever supposed to be right. It's ugly, it's scary, and it's heartbreaking… Sadly, it is necessary, though. That might have been a civilian town, but those were real insurgents that had one single goal: to kill us. You think Vultak's betrayal was so noble? Our plan was shock and awe. It was supposed to be more intimidating to keep our soldiers, as well as their soldiers alive. Vultak cost us most of our forces and equipment as we attacked, and caused the deaths of a lot of rebel soldiers. Don't even get me started on the mayor and his freaky castle. That magic that they're using is out of control." Brett stopped for a moment to let Brittni digest everything he just said, then he added, "Brittni, you ask me why we're fighting? I can't give you a definitive answer. All I know is that the magic that they possess is out of control. You saw what the mayor's magic can do. The Rebellion has possession of all the magic… Imagine what they can do with all of that power. You've also seen what Shadow Weaver can do…" Brittni thought about everything that Brett just said, and started nodding.

"I am glad that Shadow Weaver is on our side… She's scary with her magic…" Brittni muttered. Brett nodded.

"I'm just glad she's on our side…" Brett replied. Brittni exhaled a large breath.

"Anyway, you do make some good points. Yeah, I think I just need to sleep it off, I guess." Brittni said, reassuringly. Brett smiled and patted her back. Brittni smiled back, then paused for a moment and changed her mind, "actually, I think I'm gonna get a glass of water."

"Good call, but I am beyond exhausted, so I'm definitely going back to sleep." Brett said as he stood up and slumped back into bed. Brittni stood up and opened the door. As she went to go out, Brett added something,

"Don't drink too much." Brett warned with a chuckle and a yawn. Brittni chuckled in reply and walked out the door.

Brittni walked into the kitchen and accordingly filled a cup of water and chugged it down. Brittni didn't like drinking water, and only did it as a necessity. At this moment, however, she actually enjoyed the cool liquid flowing down her throat.

"I'm enjoying water, now? I must really be messed up." Brittni said, almost serious. She filled up the cup again and walked over to the living room and sat down on Keirnan's chair. Once down, she felt a lump from under the chair. She cocked her eyebrow and reached under the chair. Her hand caught hold of a book. She pulled it up and got a good view. As she opened it, she gasped. It was a photo album! She went through it, admiring all the photos that Keirnan had taken. She was aware that photography was reserved strictly for medical, technological, and any other Horde business ventures. This excited her. She gushed over all the pictures of her and Brett, reminiscing all the good, more innocent times they had with each other. Tears began welling up in her eyes and she smiled from recollecting the memories of her and her twin. Before she started turning a particular page, she saw a slight lambency coming from the next page. She narrowed her eyes at the page with light radiating from behind it. Cautiously, she slowly turned the page, to get a better look at the light. As the page turned, the light began dissipating until she could see a very faint glow. She looked closely to where the glow was. It was on a picture of the Twins when they were probably only a few months old. The Twins were in a mobile isolette in the foreground. In the background, she could see the source of the light. The light had completely dissipated as her eyes made contact with the source. It was some kind of crystal ball cluttered alongside other items that were most likely confiscated from the Rebellion. As she focused on the crystal ball, her eyes and head moved closer, as if drawn to it. As she moved closer, she suddenly heard a voice,

"Brittni…" the voice said, distantly, yet so clear. Brittni tossed the book from her hands, completely frightened. She began hyperventilating, pushed back against the chair, too afraid to move from it. After a few moments, her breathing went back to a normal pace. She went over to the photo album and picked it up, turning to the page with the crystal ball. She didn't have the same experience. She sighed in relief. That relief was cut short, however, when she heard the voice yet again,

"Brittni!" The voice came out more clearly than before. Brittni shrieked upon hearing the voice. The voice continued, "do not be afraid, Brittni! It is your time to find me."

"Find you?!" Brittni exasperated, "who are you?!"

"You must find me, Brittni… In the Fright Zone monumental room… find me..." the voice explained, becoming more distant.

"I don't understand! Who are you?!" Brittni demanded.

"Please… find me…" The voice said, slowly dispelling until it was gone. Brittni shuddered upon this experience. She quickly shoved the photo album back underneath the chair and ran back into her room. Brett was still sound asleep. Somehow, nobody heard the exchange she had with the incorporeal being. She climbed into bed and pulled the covers over, breathing rapidly. Although her heart was racing, she started feeling the pressure of the day settle on her. Her eyes closed and she fell fast asleep.

The following morning, Brittni ended up sleeping in rather late. It was around 10:00 AM when she finally opened her eyes. She sat up in her bed and groaned while rubbing her eyes. She looked over at Brett's bed, astonished. Somehow, he was up before her.

"Yep, there's definitely something wrong with me if that guy is up before me." Brittni said to herself, satirically. She stretched, picked herself out of bed and walked to the bathroom to perform her morning routine. As she was brushing her teeth, the thought of her experience last night continued to permeate her mind. She started reasoning with her thoughts,

"That voice said to find her in the monumental room… Where even is that?" Brittni thought to herself. She started rinsing her mouth and spat it out. As she wiped her face, she had another thought, "Shadow Weaver would most likely know… but she would be suspicious. I gotta think of something, though-" Brittni's thoughts were interrupted by a message from the intercom beeping. She hurried over to the intercom and pressed the button to answer.

"This is Brittni." Brittni; (obviously,) said.

"Brittni, this is Octavia." Octavia; (also obviously,) said.

"Oh! Octavia! Ah, hello, there." Brittni said, awkwardly.

"I hope you're not too surprised to hear from me, kid. I just wanted to congratulate you and your brother, again. I wanted to let you know that you and your brother have been personally invited to meet with Hordak in his sanctum to give your battle report." Brittni gasped, lightly. Almost as an afterthought, Octavia added, "I'll be there as well." she said, reassuringly.

"Oh, of course. Right. Thank you." Brittni responded, clumsily. She coughed a couple times then asked, "So, what time?"

"Immediately. Brett's already on his way there." Octavia replied, "oh, and bring your armor."

Brittni had fastened her armor on and began her trek to Hordak's sanctum. As she made her way there, she passed by many Horde soldiers and scientists. As she walked by, many of them saluted her as if she were a high ranking officer. She heard whispers, from them saying,

"Hey! That's one of the Noticer Twins!"

"It's Observer Twin, moron!"

"Hey, show some respect! She and her brother pretty much single-handedly captured the Mayor of Elberon!"

She didn't know exactly how to respond except salute back. The attention had almost made her feel uncomfortable, as she was not used to it. Also, even though they were victorious, the moral implications of fighting the Rebellion at Elberon were getting to her. The fact that everyone was cheering for her made her feel like she was being congratulated for doing something that she felt may or may not have been… wrong. At any rate, she made it to Hordak's sanctum and pressed the button to the intercom.

"Uh… Lord Hordak? It's me, Brit-" Before she could finish, the slider doors opened expeditiously with a whoosh. The whoosh made her shudder for a moment, then she heard a low voice from the intercom,

"Ah, Brittni. Come in." Brittni recognized that as Hordak's voice. Obediently, she stepped inside where she found Brett, Octavia, and Viktor, standing at attention facing Hordak's throne, a few feet away from the bottom step of his staircase. They all noticed her, but did not move from their position. Most likely they were afraid to move. Brittni joined the group, knelt before Hordak and bowed her head.

"Hail, Lord Hordak." Brittni said, with forced humility. Hordak was perched upon his throne, petting his little imp. The imp was a tiny, grey demon that looked something like a toddler with bright yellow eyes and wings. Brittni always felt eerie around that little flying, grey demon.

"Rise, Brittni." Hordak instructed as he allowed the little imp to fly off. Brittni arose and Hordak looked to Octavia, "I am most impressed with your success at Elberon, Force Captain Octavia, Lieutenant Viktor, and Observer Twins. Congratulations." Octavia bowed herself.

"Thank you my Lord, this was definitely a team effort. I could not have done it without Lieutenant Viktor and the Twins." Octavia said, graciously to the soldiers beside her. Although her comrades wanted to smile, they were still a little afraid to do so.

"Ah, yes…" Hordak began, "I was wise to send them on this mission. Clearly, they were the edge we needed…" Hordak's voice began to sound more indignant, "to counter the betrayal from that treacherous vulture." Hordak sneered, referring to Vultak, the red glow in his eyes glowing brighter. Octavia's throat dried up from hearing about Vultak,

"M..My Lord, I assure you that we will have everyone in the Fright Zone inspected to find any trace of treachery." Octavia stammered.

"See that you do…" Hordak said, coldly, "because of this victory, I will overlook the lax in security. This will NOT happen again. Is that clear, Force Captain Octavia?" Octavia began nodding her head erratically, and saluted Hordak.

"Of c-course, L-Lord Hordak! It will not happen again." Octavia sputtered out. Hordak moved his head to the right and let out a low, breathy growl. He then looked back at the group.

"Now that that has been dealt with, let us focus on other pursuits. Octavia, you are down two force captains." Hordak then focused his eyes on Viktor, "Lieutenant Viktor, Octavia has told me that you took charge of your team after Vultak's betrayal and managed to lead them successfully into the castle, despite the Mayor's little artifices." Viktor was almost afraid to smile, but felt pride at Hordak's praise. "You have been one of my elite for quite some time. I hereby name you Force Captain. Viktor quietly stifled a gasp, then bowed his head,

"Thank you, Lord Hordak." He said, proudly. Hordak nodded, slowly.

"Dismissed, Force Captain." Hordak said. Viktor saluted Hordak and started walking away. As he was leaving, Hordak looked over at Viktor and added, "Force Captain Viktor, find Shadow Weaver and send her in." Viktor again saluted and continued on his way out. Hordak then refocused on the Twins.

"I am very impressed with both of your feats. Your first mission, despite the setbacks was a success. Much of that success was based on your contribution. You two are made for the Horde military. This has been proven with the conquest of Elberon." The Twins fought back a smile, but let a slight smirk spread throughout their face.

"Thank you, Lord Hordak." The Twins said, simultaneously. Hordak's face continued to remain neutral,

"With that said…" Hordak started, then looked at Brett. "Brett, upon a recommendation from Octavia and Viktor, I was given the confidence that you learn quick in the ways of infiltration and demolition. Your skills with technology, as well as your observation skills make you the perfect candidate for a special position: Infiltration Saboteur. You will receive more details in the war room." Brett was dumbfounded. After one mission he had already been promoted. Excitedly he put his fist to his chest and bowed himself,

"Thank you, Lord Hordak, I will not fail you." Brett said, enthusiastically. Hordak nodded,

"Of course you won't." Hordak said, candidly. He then looked to Octavia, "Force Captain Octavia, escort our new Infiltration Saboteur to the war room." Octavia bowed herself, then saluted Hordak. She motioned for Brett to follow her. Brett switched glances between Brittni, Octavia, and Hordak, not wanting to leave Brittni. Brittni looked over at Brett with an anxious countenance. Brett exchanged the same anxiousness and didn't want to leave, but felt the gazing tug from Octavia.

"Now, Saboteur." Hordak said, more impatiently. Brett mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry,' to Brittni. She quietly nodded, accepting his departure, even though she was afraid. Brett then walked to Octavia, and they both exited Hordak's sanctum, together. Before he walked out, Brett gave Brittni one last look of encouragement, then departed. Brittni looked up at Hordak, nervously.

"I can perceive your anxiety, Nurse Brittni. There is a reason I wished to speak with you, alone." Hordak said, more cordially than usual. He stood up, folded his arms behind his back and began walking down the stairs, "I have heard of your inquiry of the war between us and the Rebellion…" Brittni slightly gasped upon hearing Hordak's knowledge of her question.

"H..how did you know-" Brittni began before she was interrupted by a mimicry of her voice, coming from the imp that flew by her.

"Keirnan, why are the Horde and Rebellion fighting?" Brittni looked up and saw that grey demon, perched on a power conduit, its mouth agape. It was as though it was an organic recorder, because Brittni's voice was coming out of the imp's mouth. She shuddered upon hearing her own words reiterated from that infant looking demon. She switched glances between Hordak and the imp. Fear began flowing through her, as if she had signed a death sentence from asking a simple question. Hordak arrived at the bottom of the steps, then moved closer to Brittni. He literally looked down on her and peered into her eyes. She started to sweat and shake from her nerves that were being rattled by Hordak's presence. Hordak then pulled his neck back and began speaking.

"Normally, I don't expect my soldiers to question our goals. I only expect them to follow orders and execute objectives." He walked passed her and continued speaking as he arrived at his workbench. Brittni turned towards him, no longer at attention, "however, because of your exceptional effort in the siege of Elberon, and the fact that you and your brother captured the Mayor, I feel it to be a tactical decision to indulge your curiosity. Consider it an… investment to ensure that you continue to serve the Horde, loyally." Hordak said, objectively.

"Th..thank you, Lord Hordak." Brittni said, humbly. Hordak grumbled in reply. He then walked over to Brittni and held out his right hand. In his hand, rested a scroll of some sort.

"Take it. Read, and you will understand." Hordak commanded. Accordingly. Brittni, with a little hesitation, reached for the scroll, unraveled it, and began reading:

"To: Hordak, leader of the Bright Zone.

It has come to our attention that your tax payment is overdue. It is becoming tiresome to remind you of the amnesty that has been granted to you by her majesty. If you are to continue to abstain from supporting the kingdom that you freely aligned yourself with, there will be dire consequences. If we do not receive the requested payment in the next three days, you will be arrested, and serve a sentence; the time served, equivalent of owed taxes. This is your final notice.

Regards,

Bright Moon Department of the Treasury.

Brittni re-read and analyzed the scroll several times before looking up. Hordak had his arms folded in front of him and had his head down.

"I refused to pay because I could not pay…" Hordak said, his voice getting more calm. He started pacing around in front of Brittni, "I arrived into the Bright Zone; as the Fright Zone was previously known as, much longer before you were born. I began establishing a settlement. I had begun mining for resources and slowly began building a following. Many of these people were those that had been oppressed by the rulers of Bright Moon. Bright Moon took notice of all my work and decided to exploit it. They claimed that my settlement was apart of their kingdom and that I owed them half of all the resources I had obtained. I refused, as those resources were necessary to sustain my settlement. In response, sent troops to come take my resources by force. When they arrived, they didn't know we were willing to use force to defend ourselves. When they saw that we refused to surrender our assets, they sent a major force, thus beginning the war." Hordak stopped pacing and got close to Brittni, looking her in the eyes, his voice getting more agitated. "Yes, Brittni, the Rebellion are the instigators. They are the ones that named this the Fright Zone. They're the ones that tried to steal our resources." Hordak's voice got more calm as he finished this last statement, "they're the ones that attacked first." Brittni was completely devoid of words. So much information had just penetrated her mind. She felt more satisfied with the moral implications of what she had been doing. Hordak didn't seem to be lying, as Brittni could feel the conviction in his vocal frequencies. Brittni closed the scroll.

"This… actually helps a lot, Lord Hordak. Thank you." Brittni said, reassured. Hordak took the scroll from her hands.

"I trust there will not be any hesitation in your future endeavors." Hordak said, authoritatively. Brittni saluted him.

"No, of course not, my Lord." Brittni said, with zeal. Hordak nodded, which was kind of an equivalent of him smiling. Hordak started walking up the staircase to his throne.

"I can see promotions in your future, Nurse Brittni. You will be one of my greatest soldiers." Hordak sat on his throne, then added, "Be more merciless, like your brother. Dismissed." Hordak said, resolutely.

"Thank you, Lord Hordak…" Brittni said as she bowed. She walked to the door, and exited Hordak's sanctum. Once she walked out, she took several deep breaths. She felt more content with the attack on Elberon. She didn't necessarily mind that she wasn't promoted, and was definitely proud of Brett for getting promoted. However, she was taken aback when Hordak's suggestion 'be more merciless' like Brett.

"He's not merciless… He's not a killer… he's a soldier." Brittni thought, trying to convince herself. Brett was ready to kill, and had killed several rebel soldiers. But that was self defense.. It was just to accomplish the mission.

...Right?