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Chapter nine

Violet was floating. She looked around her, but there was only darkness. It was terrifying and she felt helpless. Where the hell was she? She couldn't move her body, only her head. She wished she just could run away. Tears filled her eyes. She had never been so scared before. Suddenly, she saw a light in the distance. She was floating right to it. Her instinct told her to run away. That here, everything was upside down. The light meant danger. The darkness was safe. But there was nothing she could do. The light became brighter when she came closer. She saw flames, but it was freezing cold. The flames didn't give of any heath. Suddenly, a silhouette, standing in the flames with his back to her. He slowly turned around. He was like a shadow. But his eyes… they were bright as the flames. No, his eyes were flames. He stared at her and smiled. Violet saw sharp teeth. She never had seen something like this. Never had felt so much evil.
"Dabo eum. Vos es non iens ut vincat. Ut moriatur to properas."
He suddenly jumped straight at her. Violet closed her eyes and screamed.

"Violet! Violet, wake up!"
Violet's eyes flew open and she jerked upright, breathing heavily.
"Where is he?", she yelled, panic in her voice. She jumped at her feet, feeling glad that she had the control back over her body. But when she swirled around, she only saw the beautiful forest from planet Coelum. She suddenly felt someone grabbing her. She screamed again and struggled to get free.
"No! Let me go!"
"Wow, wow, wow, sweetheart! Chill! It's me!"
Violet recognized Vinnie's voice. The hands turned her around and she saw Vinnie's ruby, red eyes, filled with worry and fear.
"Oh my god, Vinnie." She threw herself in his arms and cried. Vinnie stroked her back.
"Easy now, sweetheart. I'm here. Nothing's gonna harm you. Not while I'm around."
Violet calmed down a little, but her hands were still shaking. Lectorum walked over to her.
"Lectorum! I saw him! I saw Daemonium!", Violet yelled.
"I know, my dear Violet, I know. I was just in time to get him out of your head. I've placed a shield now, let's just hope it will stop him from doing this again."
"Why didn't you do that earlier? After the last time? Then this was never happened!", Vinnie snapped at him. He just couldn't help himself. The guy was so vague and annoying.
"Because it's not a easy thing to do. It cost me a lot of energy. And I didn't expect Daemonium was getting in her head this fast. This was as much as a surprise for me as for you."

"And I would appreciate it if you showed me some more respect. We are on the same side."

Vinnie heard the last sentence in his head. He said nothing. He knew he was acting like a jerk. But he was on edge. Because of this whole thing. He couldn't control this. This was not something he just could blow up. He wasn't used to this. He needed to have control.
The rest of the group joined them. They had kept their distance because Violet was so upset.
"What was it she was growling?", Gaya asked, while rubbing Violet's arm.
"Give it up. You are not going to win. You are going to die", Lectorum said.
"Did I say that?", Violet asked surprised.
"No, Daemonium said that. But since he was in your head, he used you to communicate with us. But I suggest we move on. Who knows what he saw in Violet's head. We don't want him to find out about our mission."
He walked to the the place where Lyncas was still hanging in the air. The big beast lowered his tail and Lectorum climbed up. They guy may be old, he still moved with the grace of a young boy.
"You are gonna ride with me. NO!", Vinnie held up his hand when he saw that Violet opened her mouth to protest.
"This is not negotiable. Come on. Your bike can follow us."
Violet closed her mouth. Maybe he was right. She still felt a little bit shaky and her head was killing her.
She climbed behind Vinnie and whistled at her bike.
"Come on, Lady Bug. Follow us."
Vinnie revved his engine and when they drove away, he glanced over his shoulder at her.
"Really? Lady Bug? That's how you named your tough looking bike?" He snickered.
Violet hit him on his helmet.
"Be nice! I heard about ladybugs from Earth. I like them. I think they are beautiful. And I like my bike. Think she is beautiful. So yeah, I named her Lady Bug. Your bike is called Sweetheart. Not really that though either, right?"
Vinnie laughed. "Alright, fair enough."

They arrived at the open spot. Throttle grabbed his radio.
"Spero, we're here."
"Alright, I'm coming."
After waiting for a couple of minutes, the mice saw Spero standing in the bushes.
"Come on, hurry up."
They followed her. They heard the sound of water and when they came out of the bushes, they saw a huge waterfall. Spero raised her hands and the water opened like two curtains. A path became visible. They followed Spero inside. And inside wasn't what they had expected at all. Instead of a small cave like they had thought it would be, it was huge. It looked actually like a small village built inside a cave. It had about five floors and everywhere they saw big chambers with hammocks in it. Even Lyncas could fly inside without any trouble.
Vinnie whistled between his teeth. "Wauw", he said impressed. When everybody was inside, Spero clapped in her hands. The curtains of water closed behind him.
"Welcome", Spero said while turning around. She looked suspicious at Dominus, Lectorum and Lyncas. She only knew for a short time the Dracano's weren't the enemy. But after all those years thinking they were, it was really weird to have two of them (including a dragon, for fuck sake) inside her safehouse. Dominus walked over to her.
"My name is Dominus. This is Lectorum, our Reader. I'm really sorry that we gave you so much trouble. We just were very serious about our mission. I hope we are able to set this all aside for now and work together. We are on the same side after all."
Spero's face softened. "I can. And we will work together. My name is Spero and I'm the leader of my people, The Caeruleum. Welcome."
Spero kept surprising Vinnie with how soft and gentle she was. And forgiving. He sure could learn something from her. She was pure good. She was right when she had said they didn't use violence. She was simply too friendly and kind for it. He just hoped she could set this all aside because they really needed her.
Spero guided them to a big room with a huge table. They all took place at the table.
"Well now. Throttle, please tell me everything."
Throttle took a deep breath and told her everything. About Daemonium, the prophecy, Violet, The chosen one… Spero listened carefully. She said nothing, let Throttle tell the whole story. When he told her that she appeared to be the chosen one, her face darkened. But she still said nothing. When Throttle finished the story, she leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. Everybody was watching her closely. She finally opened her eyes again.
"I can't", she said.
Nobody said something. Spero looked at them. Saw the defeated looks on their faces.
"I'm sorry."
"Can you please tell us why not?", Violet asked desperate.
Spero sighed. "It'sl not gonna change anything."
"Maybe not, but I think we all deserve an explanation why you gonna let us all die", Vinnie snapped at her, his eyes fuming.
Spero looked like Vinnie had slapped her in the face. She stood up abruptly and ran out of the room.

"Wauw, Vinnie. Nice move. Very sensitive. Way to go. You just signed our death sentence", Gaya snapped at Vinnie.
"Gaya…", Modo started, but Gaya shook her head.
"No. Don't 'Gaya' me. I think it's time that somebody is gonna say what everybody is thinking. That Vinnie always acts like a jerk. Always talks first and think later. And it effects all of us. This is not the first time. We all are victims of his ego. And I'm sick of it. So I just wanna know one thing; When the fuck are you finally going to grow up?" She looked challenging at Vinnie.
Vinnie narrowed his eyes, his tail lashing through the air.
"Gaya!", Violet yelled with shock. She couldn't believe that Gaya just said all this.
Modo stared at her. It was like he saw her for the first time. He was about to say something, but Vinnie was quicker.
"So tell me, Gaya. Do you have any idea who you are talking to?", he asked with a dangerously low voice. He could handle people teasing him. He knew he had a big ego and that the connection between his brain and mouth didn't worked that well. Yes, he knew he could be annoying sometimes. But what the fuck? Who does she think she is? That his bro's, Violet or even Carbine teased him with it and kept him line, fine. But this girl, who could ride a bike because of him, who could fight because of him, who was on this fucking planet because of him, who actually never said something nice to him, was now telling him to grow up? He couldn't believe it.
Gaya laughed. "Oh please, don't pretend you are so important. You are just a soldier. Just like me. You are nothing!"
Vinnie jumped at his feet. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Throttle quickly grabbed him, but Vinnie yanked himself free. He was so mad. No, he was furious. He was already emotional unstable because of this fucked up war and he was worried sick about Violet. And now this girl had the nerves to judge him. He jumped over the table and grabbed Gaya by the throat. Gaya tried to get loose, but Vinnie was too strong.
"Not so funny now, huh? How dare you to judge me like this? And what's that with 'saying what everybody is thinking'? It's very clear that you are the only one in this room who has a problem with me", he growled and he squeezed her throat. Gaya was struggling to get free, to get air. But finally, Modo came to senses. He swung his arm around Vinnie neck and pulled him away from Gaya. Vinnie had no choice to let go.
"Calm down, Vinnie", Modo growled. Vinnie was breathing heavily but his body relaxed.
"Are you calm?"
Vinnie nodded. Modo let him go. Vinnie coughed and looked at Gaya.
"Come on guys! What is going on here?", Throttle said angy. "You two behave like two small children. We have bigger problems."
Gaya glared at Vinnie.
"I'm just telling it like it is", she snapped.
Modo stared at her. He was loss at words. She was a complete stranger to him. He did know she didn't like Vinnie. But he had no idea it was this bad. He didn't knew what to do. He really loved Gaya, but Vinnie was his bro. His family. They practically grew up together. They had been through so much together. The fact that Gaya attacked him like this, was crossing a line.
Vinnie shook his head. This girl really was unbelievable.
"Sure! Let's just forget the fact that I attacked the Plutarkians when you were stupid enough to get blown off you bike. That I risked my life to distract a whole army so the rest could grab the virus. Oh, and that I saved Throttle and Carbine seconds before the whole building blew up. I've trained you. Because of me, you can ride and fight. Because of me, you met Modo. That means, because of me you are here on this fucking planet and not exploded into thousand pieces. So, I think I do some really good work!"
Gaya started laughing. Could you believe this girl? Vinnie looked helpless at Violet, who shrugged. She didn't had a clue why Gaya was behaving like this.
"Gaya? Really?", Modo said, shaking his head.
Gaya stopped laughing.
"You didn't teach me anything. You were always too busy with drooling over Violet and brag about how good you are. No, all the credits go to Flint."
If Vinnie's jaw could fall on the ground, this would be the moment. "Flint?"

Carbine suddenly grabbed her gun and aimed it at Gaya.
"You are his sister, aren't you?", she demanded.
Gaya raised her hands. "Busted."

Modo's chest tightened. "What? His sister? But… I… You… So you have lied to me all this time?"
Gaya lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry Modo. I really am."
Throttle intervened. "You better explain yourself."
Gaya looked at Modo, pain in her eyes.
"I came on the base with the same mission as Flint. Namely, infiltrate and find out our your plans. They were holding our mother with them, to make sure we obeyed them. But then I saw Modo and before you even knew who I was, I already knew I couldn't betray you. I told Flint and he understood. He always had wanted the best for me. He just wanted me to be happy. He spied for the Plutarkians and I just started a new life, actually. He lied about it to the Plutarkians and he lied about it to you", she looked at Carbine and Throttle.
"He pretended that I still was in that horrible prison. That I was the only one who had survived the attack on our village."
She looked at Modo again.
"I really wanted to tell you. But I was scared. Scared that you would dump me. The longer I waited, the harder it became to tell you. And when I heard they were gonna blow up Mars, I've decided to never tell. No one would know. And I was able to go with you. Flint and I shared many things. One of them was hating Vinnie. We both despised him since our first meeting. And I just couldn't pretend anymore. But, Modo… Everything with you was real. I really do love you…"
But Modo shook his head. "A relation is supposed to be built on trust. How can I trust you after you lied to me from the beginning?"
Gaya took his hand. "I already told you. Everything was real. Maybe I came on the base as a traitor, but I never told the Plutarkians anything. When I saw you, I immediately told Flint I was out. That I was not gonna do this. Please, you have to believe me!"
Modo hesitated. "I need some time. I can't decide this right now."
Gaya almost lost it. "There is no time! Thanks to that walking ego over there!"
"Hey!", Vinnie said offended.
Modo's eye glowed red.
"Gaya, he is my bro. My family. I really don't like the way you talk to him."
Gaya sighed. "I'm sorry. I understand."
Throttle cleared his throat.
"Well, I'm sorry to say this Gaya, but you are out. We can't trust you and your hate against Vinnie is something we really can't use right now. We need to work together. As a team."
"So, you are just gonna send me out to die? Just like you left Flint to die?"
"No, I'm going to ask Spero if you can stay here. If you want to leave, that is up to you."
"I'm staying. I wanna set this straight. But you are right. First priority is to stop Daemonium."
"I'm going to look for Spero. Can I trust you guys are not gonna kill each other while I'm gone?", Throttle asked, while standing up. Everybody nodded.
"Good. Be right back. Hopefully with Spero."

When he had left the room, there was a deadly silence. Violet grabbed Gaya and dragged her with her to the other side of the room, so they could talk in private.
"Really, Gaya, why do you hate Vinnie so much?", she asked.
"Well, isn't that obvious? I really don't understand what you see in him. Sure, he is very handsome. But only on the outside."
Violet shook her head. "No, you are wrong. You didn't even give him a chance. Your mind has been poisoned by Flint. Because of his hate, you didn't look closer. And you do need to look closer to get to know Vinnie."
Gaya sighed. "You are in love with him. Love makes you blind. That's why you are saying this."
"Oh come on! Do you really think I am that stupid girl who only sees the good thing in somebody? Do you really think I am that naive? Please! I know Vinnie is not perfect. But he is a good and loyal person. Behind all the bravado, he is a really sweet guy. Think of it! Do you really think that Modo would live with him for all those years if Vinnie is that bad as you think he is?"
Violet looked closely at Gata and saw doubt in her eyes.
"So please explain to me, why do you hate him so much?"
Gaya hesitated. "I… I… Maybe you're right. Flint was always talking about Vinnie. I never heard one positive word about him. So I thought he was right. Vinnie can be really arrogant, you know?"
Violet smiled. "Oh, yes. Believe me I know. But it didn't occur to you that Flint maybe was jealous of Vinnie? Because I really do have to state the obvious here. Vinnie has the looks, the skills…"
"And the girl", Gaya finished. She looked at Violet.
"Flint liked you since the first time he laid his eyes on you. But you were in love with Vinnie. I'm beginning to understand what you are trying to say. Oh my god! What have I done?", she looked desperate at Violet.
Violet just couldn't be mad at her. Sure, she said some pretty mean stuff about her beloved boyfriend. And she lied to everybody. But Violet knew Gaya was not a bad person. She just made some wrong choices.
"Are you willing to give Vinnie a second chance? To try to look further than the macho mouse act he is holding up?", Violet asked.
Gaya nodded. "Yeah okay. I will try. But Modo… I lost him… He never wants to be with me again now he knows."
Violet wasn't so sure about that.
"I don't know. He really is crazy about you. Just tell him the truth, apologize and give him some time. He will come around."
"But we don't have time! We're all gonna die! You heard Spero…"
"The battle is not lost yet. Throttle can be very convincing. He will talk to her. She will change her mind. I'm sure of it."
"How can you be so positive?", Gaya wondered.
"I'm with Vinnie. He always tries to make something good out of something bad. Sure, it's not always very tactful, but I've learned from him to live. Live by the day. Enjoy every moment. It all can be over any minute. But I have to admit. This war, this Daemonium guy… It really freaks me out."
"Me too… Should I apologize to Vinnie? Or is he going to bite my head off?" Gaya was never gonna forget how he attacked her, the murderous look on his face…
"I don't think so. He is just really on edge because of everything. And you did say some mean stuff to him…", Violet said.
"Yeah… I feel really bad… I'm gonna say I'm sorry. We will see what happens after that."
Gaya took a deep breath and walked over to the white furred mouse, who immediately jumped at his feet when he saw her getting closer. Modo and Carbine also stood up and wanted to stop her. Gaya raised her hands. "Please, calm down. I come in peace."
Vinnie looked at her, suspicion written on his face. "What do you want?"
"I wanna say I'm sorry… I've talked to Violet and she explained me some things. I… I was wrong. I've been influenced too much by Flint. And I'm really sorry. Can we please start over again?" Gaya looked Vinnie in the eye and offered her fist.
Vinnie hesitated. He looked at Violet, who gave him a encouraging smile. He looked at Gaya again. Usually, he didn't do second chances. But Violet had learned him to be more forgiven. Never too old to learn, right? To do things for the first time. He trusted Violet. She would never forgive Gaya if there wasn't something good in her. His face softened and he slammed his fist against Gaya's.
"Okay."
Gaya gave him a little smile, still ashamed about herself and her previous behaviour. Vinnie smiled back. It actually felt good to do this, instead of staying mad for the rest of his, hopefully, long life.
At that moment, Throttle came back with Spero.
"Everybody, sit down", he ordered. When everybody was sitting at the table again, Spero sighed and took the word.
"I've talked with Throttle. I wanna explain to you why I said no. Vinnie was right, you do deserve a explanation. The reason I said no, is because when I use my powers at full strength, I lose control. I change in something that is not me. And that person is evil. That's why it's too dangerous. The chance that that I kill you all…"

Again, there was a deadly silence. Throttle, Modo and Vinnie exchanged looks. Now what?

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