PART I: RISE.
5
Althea Ivory - The Thunderbird.
To Hide.
"My third suspect is Althea Ivory. My reasons are easy: she's new to The Vultures, and her reason for rebelling is born out of spite, and not wish for real change like McNamara."
"But… how do you know that?"
"Third day in the Games. After the earthquake. Did you see that look in her eyes? She wanted to kill - and it didn't matter who. Her ferocity, I imagine, is… impossible to subdue. Especially when her lover is involved."
"That's all true, but… why? The Capitol has Kani Fairchild… it wouldn't make sense for Althea to betray us."
"Perhaps. But circumstances change. With it, loyalties."
DAY 1.
After the broadcast at Seven's base, Althea Ivory goes to find her District partner.
He's sitting quietly - unobtrusive and unnoticed. It doesn't come as a surprise to find him in that state - this is Rhodos McNamara she's talking about, after all. But he has more reason than any to be quieter, now.
Althea isn't sure where to begin. She and Rhodos hadn't talked after they'd gotten in the hovercraft. Neither had a second to catch a break: after the Vultures and Cynane and Madison and now Snow. Somehow, a full-scale war breaking through the Districts and the Capitol is the least of her worries.
Kani Fairchild is at the centre of her worries.
The only Victor taken by the Capitol.
(Even if all Althea wants to do is burn the world down for daring to touch her lover— she can spare a moment for her friend.)
"Thank you for saving me," Althea says, as she slips next to Rhodos' side. "For coming back. In the Games. You had every reason not to."
A smile breaks across Rhodos' lips. "Of course. I get that, too. If you'd asked me a month ago that the rebels would create a full-scale revolution, I wouldn't have believed you. But… we're here now." He chuckles but his eyes shine genuinely. "I'm glad that we're both alive."
"I'm glad, too," Althea admits. She lets the emotion brimming in her slosh away. Even though she knows it's okay to be more vulnerable with Rhodos, she'd rather keep her feelings down.
If only because of Snow's broadcast.
"I'm sorry to hear about your family," she says.
Rhodos's expression crumples. His hands run through the dirty-blonde hair falling over his shoulders.
"I… I don't know. It's my fault that my family's captured. If I hadn't escaped— if I'd just been a good Career, like they wanted— then they wouldn't be there. My family's old money. Capitol supporters. They shouldn't have to suffer for what I've done. How is that fair?"
Althea can't deny that she feels similarly with Kani. Worse that Althea was not a rebel, and least of all a Vulture. Of course, her faith in the Capitol and the Gamemakers was shaken after the 56th fucking Games, but… that didn't make her a rebel.
She's spent the entirety of her life building up to the Games. Spent the entirety of her life ready to prove herself to the damn world. But, just like a rug swept from under, the earthquake shook the Games. Out of the rocky condemnation emerged a wretched phoenix. A creature with nothing to prove, facing a world that could burn for all she cared.
(The Vultures wanted to burn. She would be more than happy to oblige, but burning was no longer enough when both sides had dragged Kani in this mess. Althea Ivory wanted the world razed for the price of caging her lover. Capitol or Vulture, loyalist or rebel; she doesn't fucking care. As long as they're dead.)
"Althea…?"
Althea blinks. "Don't overthink it. It won't help you, any. I know that. All that we can do is save them. That's… what matters, after all. That they're here."
"You're right," Rhodos sighs. But a new spark - determination - spins in his eyes. "That's all we can do now."
"And it will be," Althea says. "We're in charge of the mission to Four for a reason. We will save them. You can save your family. I… I can save Kani."
Rhodos's guilty eyes turn up to Althea's.
"I'm so sorry about Kani," Rhodos exhales. "The Capitol shouldn't have taken her. She's their Victor. What else can they want from her?"
Althea shuts her eyes. "Thank you, but… it doesn't matter. What I care about is saving her. That's all."
She needs to. Putting the fact that Althea loves her, aside, her life with Kani Fairchild has always been one of exchanges. Give-and-take: of Kani training Althea, of Althea learning from her. Of Kani being a Victor, and of Althea becoming a Victor. It was about Kani loving Althea, and of Althea loving her in return.
This was another one of their exchanges. Of Althea freeing herself from the Arena; and, in return, she would free Kani from the cages that Althea had designed.
"You won't lose her," Rhodos says. "I'll make sure that we do everything we can to save her."
DAY 2.
They set out for Four. They're captured, believe it or not, by The Lustration. But faster than that they are set free, by Cel Ivory, of all people.
And now Althea's here during midnight rising. In a base gigantic even when compact, buzzing with rebels. It's a sight to behold.
A base at Havenside. Havenside, where she and Kani used to come for drinks whenever time permitted. The Hove was a hotbed for rebellion?
She had never realised.
It irks her to see the other Victors here. To see Hezediah, Juno, and Talquinso casual— when one of their own was taken?
Althea scoffs at the stealth mission that they promise.
"Why aren't we sending all the troops in to burn them all down?" She snarls. "Why aren't we throwing in all of our manpower to rescue her? What are we waiting for? We don't have time!"
They stare at her in bewilderment and fear. Althea just rolls her eyes and stamps down her sneer.
"We're trying our best," Talquin says, "We're doing all we can."
Althea's eyes narrow. "I don't care if you are. It clearly isn't enough. I just want her back."
"We all do," Hezediah butts in. "But we can't go in guns blazing, Ivory, unless you want Fairchild to breathe her last breath. We have to be methodological."
"Fine." Althea grits out. "Fine. We'll do it your way. But if it doesn't work, I'll kill you all myself."
It was upon a day in the forests, when Althea had made her decision.
"I want everyone to know about us," Althea murmurs, kissing Kani on the nose. Her girlfriend chuckles, lightly, and presses her cheek against Althea's head.
"I don't think that's possible," says Kani, quietly. "We know how bad your family is about… deviants."
Althea scoffs. "But I don't want to hide anymore. I don't want to look like I'm ashamed, because there's nothing to be ashamed about. Not my sexuality, even if my family tries to convince me otherwise, and especially not you." Her eyes lift, then, towards the forests again. "I'll win. I'll be Victor. And they won't judge us then. They'll have no right to."
"You can do it, my love. I know you'll take the crown. We'll be able to go public together."
Althea stares up at Kani, with hope twinkling in her eyes. "It's all I want, too. You believe in me?"
"Of course I do," Kani says, easily. Althea feels— herself, for once. Nobody's ever believed in her. But Kani does. Kani does, and she is her whole world. She is the only person that matters.
Kani Fairchild will be the only person that matters to her, for as long as she lives.
"I'll survive," Althea declares, as she sinks further into Kani's arms. "No matter what."
"And I'll make sure you do," Kani murmurs, back, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. "Anything they throw at you. We'll conquer together."
DAY 3.
Cel Ivory shows up at her quarters early in the morning.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here," Althea murmurs, as she swings her legs off the side of her bed. " I can't say that I'm surprised."
Cel shifts her stance so she's leaning against the wall. "How are you feeling?"
"Not satisfied," Althea grunts. "I just want to get this done with."
"Can't say I don't understand," Cel's arms tighten around her chest. "These months and years have been long. Sometimes I find myself wondering whether the cause is worth it. Which is ridiculous. Of course it is. But I still think."
"Why's that?"
"What?"
"Come on, Cel," Althea says. "We all have our reasons. I'm here for Kani. What are you here for?"
"Myself." Cel presses her lips together. "I was searching for purpose after I was barred from the Games. The Lustration and The Vultures turned up."
"No lovers of any sort?"
"Well…" Cel sighs. "There is Daria and Talquin."
She's hiding a smile. Althea can tell.
"Talquin, as in Talquin Seasbane?"
"Yes."
"I didn't think you were dating a Victor."
Cel's lips quirk. "Seems a taste for victory runs in the family."
Althea can't help but smile at that too. "So it does. And Daria? Tell me about them."
"She's the sunniest person you would ever meet. Her kindness is a faucet. It never stops running, not through our trials and tribulations, even through some of my less-than… ideal moments. She also happens to be one of The Vultures' leaders." Her expression is wistful.
"Aren't you?"
"I am, but… it's different. I'm not like her, nor Talquin for the matter." Cel stops. "And I'm worried. I haven't heard from her since the Arena's explosion. She tends to send me letters, but…"
It's difficult to not relate to that. Althea hadn't heard from Kani since the Games had begun. Not since their promise.
"After you win," Kani murmured to her, hand running over her fingers during the goodbyes, "I'll be there by your side. Raising your arm in the air as you bask in your victory. Kissing you in front of all the spotlights. I'll be beside you in the Capitol magazines, as they revel in your strength. You'll be Four's darling princess, their heartthrob restoring glamour to their seas once more. I'll be your paramour. We'll go through the Victory tour, hand in hand, as we proclaim our love to the world: no more hiding, not anymore. I promise you this."
She swallows. There is a time and place for memories. That is not today.
"I'm sorry to hear that," she tells Cel. "I'm sure that she's doing well. Perhaps overworked considering this rebellion, which is why you haven't received a letter yet…?"
"I hope that's the case." Cel muses. "Anyhow, it's… been nice catching up, Althea." A pause. "I've missed you. I'm glad that our paths have crossed again, even during an inopportune time."
I'm glad we have. I've missed you too, Althea wants to say, but instead she just gives a nod at Cel. Her throat's already too thick with emotion.
DAY 5.
It's quiet in the trucks. Although Cel had insisted upon being on the wheel ("if you want credibility, then it's with me"), everyone had decided that wasn't a good idea.
Her, Rhodos, and Juno are in the back. Althea does not know who thought this was a good idea.
"So the plan is to get in there and conquerthe base?" Althea says, her eyes flicking between Juno and Rhodos. Until her gaze rests on Hezediah at the wheel.
Hezediah ignores her. Unsurprising.
"What else do you think the plan is?" Juno drawls. He throws his arm over one of the boxes in the back. "Get in, grab the families, get out? That would be too reasonable."
"Shut up, Argostoli," Hezediah hisses. "We're doing this the easiest way we can. Got it?"
"Aw, fine," Juno scoffs. "You're no fun."
"Say that again when you're alive thanks to me."
"Enough of this," Cel mutters. "We need to work together, if we're to convince them that you've been supporting the Capitol all along. Can't do that if you bicker in your Get Along shirts."
"Oh, Ivory, this is how we operate!" Juno cackles. "We talk shit, take names, kick asses. Isn't it, Hez?"
"Whatever you say, Argostoli."
A strangled noise emits out of Cel's throat. "Get it together. Are they tied up yet?"
This was part of the plan which Althea had no enthusiasm for. Apparently, in order for them to infiltrate, she and Rhodos had to pretend to be The Lustration's prisoners. Not untrue, but to be at a person's mercy is a sign of weakness.
One that leaves her unsteady.
But Althea's always been fantastic at pretending. It's the reality she's lived through her life, interviews, Games. She can grit her teeth and pretend to be their prisoner.
The real power lays at her feet.
The truck rumbles into the Capitol's encampment. It is noiseless and eerie. The encampment's fences of wooden stakes and wires tower up high, pressed together, forbidding and tight. When was this built? This is the Capitol's camp, certainly, but not half as grandiose.
A barricade stands at the entrance. A Peacekeeper wave a baton at the truck. "Stop there!"
The truck rolls to a squelch. The window lowers.
"This is a delivery from The Lustration," Cel drawls. "We have high-value prisoners wanted by President Snow's decree. Let us pass."
A long silence tinges the thickness in the air.
"Credentials? I need proof of your identity. Both your identities," He gives Hezediah a hard look.
"Oh, you don't know who I am? I'll let that go." Cel scoffs. "The name's Cecilia Ivory. Serpentof The Lustration. I'm acquaintances with The Vivisector, and we've met on multiple occasions - you know, the superior of your superior."
Then, she casts a knowing glance at Hezediah.
"But her? You don't know who she is? Take a closer look. I implore you."
The Peacekeeper does. His eyes widen.
"... Hezediah Zenkovah."
"That's the name," Hezediah mutters, glaring at the man. "Victorof the 48th Games ring a bell?"
The Peacekeeper's eyes narrow. "You weren't in the Village, when—"
"Oh, cut the shit," Hezediah scoffs. "So I went out. Big deal. That means I've turned my back on the Capitol, and I'm now a flag-waving avian fanatic? Are you serious? You're gonna brand all the Victors as traitors now? I'll have you know that I've been working with The Lustration for eternity choking. You think you can judge me? I'd like to speak with your captain for your fuckin' audacity."
The Peacekeeper wavers. "No, it's… fine." He shuts his eyes. "I'll get the paperwork ready for your entry. Go ahead."
He steps away from the truck. Retreats towards the gates. The barricades rumble and part.
Heze's hands return to the wheel. The window rolls back up. The barricade shuts with a clank behind them.
"I can't believe we did that," Rhodos exhales, his eyes wide. "We're… in?"
Juno howls with laughter. "You bet we are! Hell yeah! What the fuck, I can't believe that worked."
A heh turns by Heze's lips. "Like a charm."
"Happy to help."
"Oh, lighten up, Cecilia," Hezediah says, a rueful smirk on her lips. "We're in. Enjoy the moment. You deserve it. You'd lied your ass off just like I did."
"Nothing I'd said about The Lustration was a lie."
"You've met The Vivisector once, Cel."
Cel rolls her eyes. "I know. And you haven't been working with The Lustration since—oh, ever. But they're not going to fact-check, now, are they?"
"One's a lie, the other's a humblebrag," Hezediah says. "But I appreciate the ego boost. 'Take a closer look. I implore you.' Now that was a pick-me-up."
"It was too good not to use," Cel murmurs. Humour ghosts her lips. "It's not every day that you get a Victor as your chauffeur."
"Imagine his face if he could've seen me!" Juno says, grinning a wicked grin.
"His look of disgust?" Hezediah chuckles. "It's oh-so-believable that the boy who'd stolen a volunteering spot and was branded by The Forges after the Games would work with authority."
"Fuck off! I did not ask you to come at me like that."
"Too bad, Argostoli. You knew what you were getting when you got me as your mentor. "
"Did not, and I regret it every day of every year since we've met—"
"Can we focus on the mission?"
Althea Ivory closes her eyes. They are playing her last nerve like a fiddle. All this ridiculous repartee, worthless celebration, for what reason? Kani's taken! She's waiting for death, and they're still chatting nonsense? So help her, god, if the rest of their mission turns out this stupidity.
She's supposed to trust Kani's safety with them? Althea would rather have the world go up in flames.
"Right," says Juno, decidedly not looking at Althea. "Kani. And the families. Let's go save them. Er… what's our plan again?"
She and Rhodos are brought out in chains.
"I'm bringing them to the cells," Cel states, pushing both her and Rhodos forward for emphasis. They stare down the troops. "Don't try to defy me."
The troops dip their head and shuffle backwards.
They enter a dark corridor of cells. Her heart bangs in her chest, like a bird's wing flaps against a cage. They're close to Kani. To the families. Escape.
"Juno'll get the keys from the Vivisector's war room," Hezediah drawls, pressing her arm beside the seat's headrest. "He's going to steal the ones that Snow had special-made for the special cells. You up for sneaking in?"
"Hell yeah! You bet I am."
"Perfect. I'm going to distract The Vivisector away from their war room. Catch up and all that, how are you doin', how nice it is to see you here, how's the avian slaughtering going, et cetera. That should buy Cel enough time to get you in your cells, but also enough time for Juno to sneak back to y'all and to unlock it all. We'll get back into the truck, you give me the signal, I'll make up some excuse. And we'll drive the hell outta there, covers be damned. If we're blowing 'em, we're blowing 'em here. Got it?"
Rows and rows of political prisoners blink at them in their misery. Perhaps she should feel something - they were part of the Vultures' cause - but Althea doesn't care. These were rebels fighting for the liberation of Panem. She was fighting for the life of her soulmate. They weren't of the same cloth.
"Excuse me," Cel says, turning to one of the guards. "Where does Snow keep the special prisoners?" She tugs at their chains.
The guard's eyes widen. "Further down," he says, pointing towards the end of the hallways. "You'll need a special key to lock them in, though. I can ask my superior to get The Vivisector. I'm sure they'll be happy to hear the news—"
"That's not needed," Cel interrupts. "I have a key of my own."
The guard's eyes narrow. "With all due respect, you can't have. The Vivisector's key is one of a kind. I'll have to call The Vivisector if we're to imprison Ivory and McNamara."
Rhodos looks at her, eyes wide. Althea's trying her best not to seethe. How could they have forgotten this basic part of the plan? We can't just march in and do prisoner play-pretend. Fucking hell.
Cel exhales. They close their eyes, and press the bridge of their nose. "Look. I'm the Serpent of The Lustration. I don't want to deal with The Vivisector, alright? We've run into our fair share of troubles. And I'd hate to get you caught in that fire. Tell you what. Give me the keys to a normal holding cell. I'm sure you have a few empty ones. I'll throw them in and leave, and The Vivisector can be their pretentious self and get them in their special cells if they so like. Point is, they won't be my problem anymore."
Rhodos holds a breath. Althea looks down, not daring to look anywhere else. The guard stares, until finally, he nods. His hands go to the loop of keys around his belt, which he holds out to Cel.
"There. No one can shit on me for not following protocol," he mutters. Cel takes the keys, and pushes them forward, down forwards into the hallways.
"Holy," Rhodos murmurs, his eyes wide in awe. "We did it."
Althea feels a smile edge up by her lips. Oh, they have. Soon Kani'll be free. And soon - oh, so soon - Panem'll be brought to their knees.
Althea Ivory sobs when she sees Kani Fairchild.
It's weakness. She isn't sure if she wants to stop. Her tears are a relief, a salvation stream as they trickle down her cheeks, like a finger that drags apart the mask on her face. Althea Ivory lets them fall, as Kani cradles Althea's face through the bars, in her hands, as Kani whispers into her ear, it's been so long, and Althea lets herself break, piece by piece.
I told you I'd win, Althea whispers to Kani. You did me proud, love, and a smile quirks up Althea's lips. Both Victors, in spirit, and lovers, in life and in death - that's what they are.
Beside her, Rhodos chokes. "I'm so sorry," he says to his parents, his sisters, again and again, as if he couldn't give enough apologies. "I didn't think— I didn't mean..."
"I would kill you for exchanging our chains for yours… but that doesn't seem to be the case." Venice's lips uptick, slightly. "Just get us out of here, yeah?"
Boots resound down the ground. A trio stop a few steps away from the duo.
The Vivisector cocks their head, a smile turning up their lips. "Going somewhere?"
The atmosphere is stone-silent. Althea's frozen. Rhodos is frozen. Cel, too - but she tilts her head up at The Vivisector.
The Vivisector smiles. "Nice to see you here too, Ivory! My guards have warned of you and your posse's arrival. Seems like you do have an important package to give me."
"I do." Cel says, cooly.
"Really, it's too kind of you to allot them minutes to reunite with their families and lovers. I wouldn't have done the same courtsey."
"What can I say," Cel drawls, her eyes never leaving The Vivisector's. "I feel bouts of compassion on occasion."
The Vivisector cackles. "Now that's a little difficult to believe. What are you gonna tell me next, you're in love?"
Their smile is icy.
"Just compassion. I wouldn't fool you that much, Vivisector."
The Vivisector clicks their tongue. "Sure. Speaking of compassion! I met Hezediah Zenkovah just then. I know she claims she's 'with you', and all. But do you believe it, Ivory? I think she has a penchant for birds. Took care of that."
Althea's eyes widen. No. They can't mean…
Cel's expression is impassive. But there's a coldness in them that Althea recognises. That dark spark runs in the Ivory blood.
Rhodos doesn't try to hide his horror. "You…"
The Vivisector shrugs. And laughs sliding upon a ledge made of metal, a hand grabbing onto a cell's bar. "Oh, c'mon. What type of person d'you think I am?" Their eyes flick between Althea and Rhodos, before finally settling on Cel.
"Thank you for them!" The Vivisector says, cheerily. "You've saved me a lot of time. You know, can I take you out sometime? Some alcohol, some moonlight, y'know, the usual. Long walks by the beachside? What d'you think?"
"..."
"None of that? Well, I thiiink I might know why." They're still cheerful. But their tone turns a little too shrewd, knowing, crude. The Vivisector pulls an envelope tucked in their armour.
"Dear Cel. Working with the wounded is… hard work. I'm scared. But I'm staying strong the best I can by keeping you and Talquin on my mind — a throuple, I didn't know you had it in you, Ivory!"
"— I hope you've been doing well… I hope the Lustration has been taking less of a toll, but that's a loaded hope. You've told me countlessly about how much you get up to — blah blah blah, whatever do The Lustration do anyway past their stake-burning days?"
"Oooh wait a sec, this is my favourite line! — but after all of this, maybe we can get drinks together — god, I should've known you were a sucker for bitters! — I miss you badly. Love. Your Vulture."
The Vivisector smacks their lips together. "Isn't that a twist."
"Where the fuck did you get that?" Cel's tone turns dangerous. "Get her words out of your mouth, you puerile piece of shit. What the fuck have you done to Daria?"
"Oh, Daria? Is that her name?" The Vivisector tilts their head. "I like how you're not even trying to deny it. It's kind of hot, in the I can't believe I got rid of bitchface's RBF way."
"Fuck you."
"And so this—" The Vivisector gestures towards Rhodos and Althea, "— is a half-assed attempt at infiltration. I don't know what anyone is getting out of this, but no worries! I'm beyond humoured by your audacity."
"And it's good to learn something new, too, Ivory. I like you more framed in utter truth. As the A-grade betraying, conniving fucker you are. It feels good! Props to you, too— I believed your spiteful Capitol-loving Ice Princess act for a while. Not long."
"You're one to speak," Althea snarls. "What's your damage, metalbitch? Your mods didn't go the right way, now you're stuck as a middle-grade commander the Capitol threw into the trenches of Four? I seriously cannot imagine a bigger cliche."
"Aw, that hurt." The Vivisector cocks their head. Their smile still doesn't come off. "Would hurt more if it were true. Cute, though. Cousins defending cousins. Now there's a relationship I wish I had. Wouldn't do you any good, though…"
The Vivisector's hand flicks to their belt. Althea reaches for the knife in her sleeve.
She didn't go all the way here to die.
Her dagger slashes through her bonds. She's on her feet with a roar when she plunges it into The Vivisector's chest—
— and hits metal.
"Oh, please. Did you really think that would do anything?" The Vivisector sighs, as Althea jams her knife again and again. "I'm not that much of an idiot."
The Vivisector grabs Althea by the throat. She struggles, kicking at The Vivisector as her back slams against metal bars, but The Vivisector doesn't let up. Just tilts their head as Althea seethes and the chorus of voices around her yell— no, no, no, no!
"Now. Here's the deal. I can kill her right here and now, unless someone would like to take her place. Floor's open for everyone. Ten, nine, eight…"
Metal fingers dig into her windpipe. It's getting harder to breathe.
Rhodos's mouth contorts to yell. "Don't you dare do it," his sister hisses. His parents shake their heads. They eye Althea, cold, like she deservesthis fate.
If there was a death Althea utterly despises, it is this. Humiliated in front of all, crushed under the might of someone gloating about being better than her. And isn't that affirmed with your chokes and splutters, your futile hits at their hand, watching the smirk on their face as they kill you on their time?
Her eyes dart around. McNamara is her first true friend, in a long time. But he is more a dutiful son. Despair chokes his eyes. He has already decided his answer.
Somehow, she catches Kani's eyes.
With soulmates always comes this moment. I would die for you, Kani had whispered, kissing her neckline, jawline, cheeks. I'd die for you, Althea affirmed, as Kani's touches washed over her, a tide and tide again.
It would be selfish to ask anyone to die for her. But she hoped for a protest, a plea, a consideration maybe. But Kani looks away.
Seems the idea wasn't so appealing after all in practice.
"Six… five… four…"
She can't die like this. This is not the end Althea Ivory was meant to meet - she was supposed to fight, to prosper, to… win.
This isn't a death worthy of her. She'd founded her entire life fighting against going out quietly— she can't—
Just die?
Why not?
Her eyes flutter shut. If that is the last power she has in death, then so be it. She can't make her peace. But she can pretend for the final time.
"Stop. I'll take her place."
A voice clear as day. Althea's eyes widen. The Vivisector's grip slacks, as she tosses her aside. Her back bangs against the cell walls. Glee flavours their maniacal eyes.
"Cel Ivory. How kind of you."
No, Althea wants to breathe. No, fuck no, why?
She catches Cel's eyes. It's an apology.
A goodbye?
No. Cel's reaching for a knife. The events play out in her mind's eye. Cel takes the last few paces till she's face-to-face with The Vivisector and aims for a slash across the throat. A body falls and Althea has revenge for her lover and her cousin's mockery. They save the rest in the cages, get out, live another day.
But The Vivisector raises their gun.
Bang.
A body falls.
No!
Althea cannot cry. She cannot cry, so she burns. She burns until her bones are gasoline and her rage is all she runs on.
"Now that's done," The Vivisector says, dusting off their hands. "Let's play a game, shall we? Since you both have the audacity." They draw out a gun from their belt, and gesture towards the cell. "I ask a question. You give me an answer. If you don't—" they raise the gun towards Rhodos's father, and pull the trigger. "—oops."
Brain matter and splatter desecrate the walls.
"What the fuck!" Rhodos screams as his father's corpse bleeds. His mother's trembling, her eyes wide, her hand to her mouth, stunned and half-believing.
The Vivisector only shrugs. "Sorry? Call that an advance for daring to pull off the shit you did. You know, I do have the authority for this," A gun raises again, points itself at Rhodos's mother's head. "Now tell me. Where the fuck is your base in Havenside? Three… two… one."
Bang.
Rhodos's crying. She hates to see him like this. But she can scantly think past her anger. The only thing that comes through in her pulsing mind is—
We don't need to do this, she hisses harsh into Rhodos's ear. He shakes his head - shakes his head?
"I made a promise," he says, and oh of course it's Daniel and Ryleigh, Vultures, he believes in the cause, and doesn't want to give it up—
But he wavers with every second, and he wavers when the gunshot ricochets through his mother's skull. "This is your family," Althea's gritting out, "I just fucking lost mine and you're willingly giving them up?" and then his sister's saying save me, tear tracks down her eyes—
"I… I can't." Rhodos exhales. "Don't kill her. Please stop. Please stop."
The Vivisector tilts their head. Oh? Is it so?
"Yes." Rhodos exhales. He can't even bear to look. "Just… we'll give the rebellion up. We'll give you anything you want. Please."
"Oh, perfect! If you made up your mind one minute ago, then your parents won't be dead." The Vivisector shrugs. "But, hmm, maybe you wanted to get 'em out of the way. Can't blame you. Family drama? Feel that."
"I'm not—" Rhodos chokes. He tears his eyes away from The Vivisector. "I love—I loved them, you monster—"
"Nah, it's chill, takes some processing time to realise they were shitty people. But anyway." The Vivisector exhales. "I want the Havenside base. Now or never. C'mon."
"It's under The Hove. You'll… you'll know it when you see it. There's a bottle you have to pull." With every word, Rhodos's breath gets heavier. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
Stop fucking apologising, she wants to hiss to Rhodos. None of the Vultures deserve it.
The Vivisector slips out their radio and cranks up the crackling signal.
"Kill Havenside," The Vivisector echoes, fingers playing upon the cell bar they hang from like they're spinning from a light pole. A grin's on their lips, as if they couldn't have found better. "The base is in The Hove, Thia. I'll see you around."
A click shut. "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"
It's true Althea could care much less for the Vulture's rebellion. They could fend for themselves. All that matters is that Kani's safe, Rhodos's safe, she's safe. And that's that. Althea doesn't have to be more embroiled, more involved in their politics.
But Cel Ivory is dead because of The Vivisector. Any premise that she wasn't involved has long gone out of the window.
A part of her is glad that Rhodos caved, for Kani would have been shot after Venice. But she detests him for working with her cousin's murderer. She despises Kani for not even trying to save her. She loathes the Vultures for getting them in this shitshow. She hates them all.
"Anyone want a drink?" The Vivisector says, spinning the radio back into their pocket. "Oh, c'mon! Milestones have to be celebrated. What d'you like to drink?" They gesture towards Rhodos. "Vodka? Don't be shy! I have a whole family heirloom of a cabinet."
"Didn't think you'd have a family, Forge-spawn." Althea snarls.
"Oh, don't be mean." The Vivisector laughs. "I'm metal for sure. But glad you asked. I'm part of an experiment, but not that particular experiment y'all got going on in Four."
They take another swig of their metal flask. An exhale, a grin, still shiny as ever, as if people in Havenside weren't being massacred right now under their orders. "Or am I? Hard to say… I'm more like part two, the ascended better. What d'you like, Ivory? I could make you a special. Chardonnay? Gin? Give me some clues!"
Their legs swing against the cage ledge they sit upon, as clangs resound and bounce. "Oh, I have an idea! What does this shake sound? Traitorous loves and traitorous hearts?"
A raise of a gun at the cells. She barely has the time to widen her eyes.
A bang.
Kani Fairchild's body crumples against the ground.
Heartbreak comes in many ways. For Althea, it comes in a cascade. The sound of a gun's break. The thud against stone ground. Unresponsive eyes and unresponsive breath; she is desperate, please please please, Kani can't be dead, she can't be dead, this isn't supposed to happen!
A dam to her rage breaks. A snarl's built into her mouth as she leaps at The Vivisector - screams and roars and a blade, nicking the flesh of the fucking creature, doesn't fucking matter if she'd failed.
But the thing is too fast - it jumps down the ledge, it laughs, so fucking loud, takes a few steps down, grins, catch me then, if you want a chance, and leaves, leaves as if this was just a chase and not a human life it just fucking took—
"What the fuck!" Her scream is both a scream and a cry, as the tears streak down her eyes, as pain and rage pollutes her being. She rushes out to kill—
"Althea!" Rhodos yells. His hand catches her hand - his eyes look at her, pleading -
"Don't fucking stop me!" and her scream would shatter worlds, "It fucking — it fucking killed Cel and now it's killed her, god, I will— I'll murder it, I'll fucking kill it."
His mouth spills words, weshouldgoweshouldsavetherest i'm so sorry i'm so sorry altheapleasebutwe have to—
The tears splinter down her eyes like stars. "Don't try to stop me, don't you dare, I will have this."
Hurt flitters across him, but Althea doesn't bother to look back. Doesn't matter. Rhodos doesn't matter, he's still living and fucking breathing for all she cares, but not family, not her lover! If he won't avenge them, then by gods, she will.
She will kill them all.
It isn't as hard as it should be. For if there is one thing that the world and she knows, Althea Ivory is not weak. She can kill, she will kill, and the corpses before her don't deserve to make her feel sick, when they've killed her fucking lover and plunged her into utter malady.
A slash and another slash down. Rivers of blood run down the ground. A raven-haired rat looks at her, eyes glassy, blood emptied— a girl stares at her in horror— sickness churns in Althea's stomach— gladness stays now, now if only they could've had this her in the Arena, she'd have ruined them all.
Dead boys, dead girls littering the ground - convulsions in her stomach - shut up, be quiet, if you are in love then you would not convulse.
(How much did Kani love you, if she couldn't be bothered to look as you guttered to your death? How much did Cel love you, if she abandoned you for too-many-fucking years until she showed up in your life again as an apology, as if exchanging her life for yours would be a worthy repentance?)
The bodies drop off, one by one, far too quickly, no different from flies. Until she is heaving, as the dust billows away from the ground, and only one creature is left ahead of her.
The incarnation that pulled the trigger.
The Vivisector grins at her with more audacity than they deserve to have. Not when all their soldiers in this camp are dead; not when she has killed them all, and it is her next target.
"Who d'you think you are?" The Vivisector says, picking at its nails. Its feral grin only widens some, and Althea hates it all, hates its metal and hates its horns, hates its sneer and hates its inhumanity. "Achilles? Is she your Patroclus, Ivory? Oh c'mon. It really ain't that kind of war." A snicker. "Ages are probably just 'bout right, though."
"Shut the fuck up," Althea glares. "I fight for what matters to me. And you are— you are fucked for fucking with something that was mine."
"Mhm." The Vivisector spreads their arms, smiles a bit. "Indulge me, for a moment. Was she ever yours? Weren't you more hers than she was yours?"
"Fuck you. You know nothing."
"Maybe. Or," and a grin again, too fucking smug, "I have eyes."
Her roar ruptures throughout the fortress. A blade's slash - hits metal - the clang rings in her ears - she grits her teeth - nothing. She strikes again, against its side this time - metal clangs - she snarls - she glares at its visor - nothing. She tries, again and again, yet it can't kill, can't hurt - her every slash is more ferocious than the last, she can do it damnit, she can kill it, she can kill it!
For the hot blood that thrums in her heart. For her kin that cultivated it. For the girl that used to inhabit its depths.
But every blow hits, and no blow hurts; not until she feels the muzzle of metal against her head.
"That," The Vivisector grits, its finger twitching on the trigger, "was a mistake."
"No," Althea breathes, as she ducks and wrests the gun from The Vivisector's hands. "It was yours."
Two shots - two rings - nothing.
Her smile is bitter and beautiful. Althea Ivory closes her eyes and heaves as she slumps back against the ground.
All is dead. All is done.
The reek of the dead is disgusting. But their blood upon her skin paints her alive. It feels good to have avenged her cousin and her lover. It feels so good to show The Vivisector their place.
It does.
It really does.
Rhodos McNamara is by the gates. His eyes widen as he takes in the dead around him - even more when he sees Althea Ivory languishing in the centre, breathing and breathing, as glassy eyes gaze at the corpses before her.
"Can I… sit?"
Althea shrugs. "Feel free."
So he does.
"I don't know if I love her anymore."
He bites his lip, exhaling. "Why's that?"
"I don't know. I was in deep. Heads over heels. Our love was red." Her bloody fingers swirl circle in the dirt. "But I think it meant more to me than it did to her."
"I'm sorry."
"It doesn't matter. I don't know how to explain Cel's death to her lovers."
"We can figure that out later," Rhodos says. He extends a hand towards her. "Let's go, Althea. There's nothing more for us here."
It takes a moment. But Althea finally nods. Rhodos is right. What's done is done. They fucked up their mission. Practically everyone is dead.
Her eyes wander to The Vivisector's corpse. She can't even glare at them. She's exhausted to her soul.
"Let's go," Rhodos says, as he takes her hand, pulls her up. Finally, she looks away from the corpse, and begins to head towards the truc—
Bang. Bang.
Rhodos lets out a scream.
Althea's eyes widen. Her hand falls to her chest, where two bloody holes leak.
Behind her, the corpse-not-corpse begins to shake. Begins to laugh. The Vivisector tosses the last remnants of bullets out of their chest. Then, they raise a gun.
"Did you really think I was dead? You idiots," they croak. "Traitorous hearts get traitorous ends."
Bang.
She doesn't hear the final scream.
This is how the Vulture's rebellion ends, for Althea Ivory.
A red blast sinks into the soil underneath her head, a streak of dirt-coloured sanguine. She stares at the heavens above, with maddened glassy-eyes and rage contorted in her still-living corpse. She and her lover lays dead upon the battlefield she has razed in its wake.
Only one - a sobbing friend - survives the carnage. He stumbles across her body, and kneels next to it with a cry in his throat: he swears to remember her, he cries with the strength of the skies. He's sorry, so, so sorry, he hasn't gotten to her in time. He'll make sure her sacrifice isn't in vain, her pain isn't in vain — he doesn't know how, but he'll try.
This is how the Vulture's rebellion ends, for Althea Ivory.
(All in all, hider was never a word that fit Althea at all. Her life was spent in hiding, bursting to break it. But for Rhodos McNamara? Well. Isn't it fitting.)