A/N: Alrighty then. Slowly (oh so slowly) we approach the grand finale of this tale. i hope you like it so far. Remember, I need reviews. Advice, tips, plot ideas. Anything you have for me. I'm not exactly sure how I will wrap this up, but one way or another, it will be wrapped.
Disclaimer: pssst. PSSST! Did you hear? I don't own the Theif Lord. Shocking, I know….
The Venecian sunset, tourist euphoria, spread out over the city in an array of colors. Blinking against the rays, Hornet sat on the edge of an ancient fountain facing the dock. It was a beautiful evening, Hornet felt completely relaxed as she dangled her toes into the cool water. If only her mind would slow down a bit, stop thinking, it would be perfect.
But it wouldn't work like that. Emotions bubbled up inside her, fighting for control, each wanting to be felt at the exact same moment. It was a bit maddening.
Hornet shook her head, turning it slightly so she wasn't blinded. So why was she still here? Hornet wondered, continuing her inner debate. She had never stayed in one place longer then a day or two. Why stay in a place where things were so complicated? Sure it was a roof over her head, plenty of food, dry clothes, and books. But out on the streets there were no complications. No Scipio to kiss her and then act as if he didn't care.
Out there, it was all instinct. No thinking, just act and react. Always looking for your next meal, no time to remember what was past. What happens happens and a body's next move meant life or death.
The more Hornet thought about it, the more her mind was made up. Of course she would go back to the theater. It would be foolish to set out without taking advantage of the supplies that were there. Grab a sack get some things and be out before anyone realized her plan.
With a course of action in mind, Hornet's thoughts settled. She took a few more minutes to appreciate the few, then rolled down her pant legs and stuffed her feet into the boots she had found in the bag of clothes. Setting off at a leisurely pace, Hornet headed for the theater.
By the time she got back the sky had darkened considerably and stars peeked out from behind low clouds. Hornet, no more than a shadow, slipped into an ally and through the side door of the theater.
Mosca, predictable as ever, was fiddling with his new project, an old radio he had found on the street. He grinned and waved at Hornet as he shifted onto his stomach, peering into the gutted machine. She smiled back, a twinge of doubt entering her mind. Going back to the streets would mean leaving friends behind.
She continued along the rows of seats to her mattress. Out of the corner of her eye, Hornet noticed Scipio. He was sitting in a shadowed corner of the stage. Deep in thought, he didn't even seem to realize she was there. His head was bowed, dark hair swept across his eyes, hiding them.
A surprise awaited her at her mattress. Riccio lay across it, thumbing curiously through one of her new books. Hornet cleared her throat.
Riccio jumped, as if caught with his hands in a purse. Quickly he sat up, shoving the book as far away from him as he could.
"Er—hey Hornet," he said innocently. Scipio jerked his head up. "I was just uh… napping. Right, napping. Your mattress is much more--um--springy then mine." He trailed off, giving a few half-hearted bounces on the worn springs.
Hornet raised an eyebrow. "Springy?" He nodded enthusiastically. With a sigh Hornet shook her head and sat down next to him. "You know, you can read these books anytime you want. I don't mind." Riccio blushed a dull red and shook his head.
"No I can't." he mumbled. After a pause he added, so quietly Hornet had to lean in to hear him, "Can't read. The pictures are interestin' though." Hornet nodded in understanding.
After thinking for a moment, Riccio looked up in excitement. "But, you can read them right? Could ya teach me?" Hornet faltered. It would be so easy to lie, to say yes. But looking at his eager face, Hornet couldn't bear it. She would never forgive herself if she walked out on this promise.
"N-no Riccio. Not… not right now." Riccio's face fell and Hornet had to harden her heart to keep from crying. Looking up she saw Scipio looking intently at her, his face unreadable. Their eyes met, and Hornet felt as if he could read her mind, knew that she was going to run away. Shivering, she looked away and patted Riccio's shoulder, feeling the guilt crushing her. He gave her a weak smile and went to watch what Mosca was doing.
Pitching forward onto her bed, Hornet let out her breath in a long whoosh. She would get up before dawn, gather some supplies, and be out of there before anyone awoke. Simple. Painless. She would be on her own again. That was what she wanted.
Right?
A/N: A teensy bit longer…. Hopefully if the action ups in the next chapter it will be longer.
