Chapter 7: The Plan

I woke up, only hoping that they wouldn't catch me sneaking out. My mind kept thinking about what I had done, like the replay button was stuck in my brain. I just kept seeing the blade going into her. The sensation of the blood running down my arm wasn't going away, no matter how much their kindness helped me forget. But I couldn't lock this memory away, I was the cause of my sister's death, that wouldn't fade. And being here, in a house where people were happy, felt wrong. I had to leave.

In the middle of the night when I woke up, I noticed that someone had put blanket over me. Probably Waver. He also placed my striped shirt, folded on the table. The blood was gone, and the shirt almost looked better than before. That happens when you're on the run, you forget what normal people do because you're focused on surviving. Washing clothes was a luxury I couldn't always afford.

The shirt fit and I had to get out. I didn't want them to see me, though breakfast sounded perfect. I folded the blanket and threw it over the top of the couch. I closed the door silently, then walked down the path into the yard. The sun had just begun to rise, it was a long night, but I had long nights ahead of me. Especially if I was going after the Mages Association, I had to restore my strength.

"Leaving before breakfast?" The voice came from above. When I turned around, Waver was sitting on the roof.

"I've got places to be." It was odd that he was up, and I wanted to know what he was planning. Obviously trying to get me to stay. "What are you doing up there?"

"I like to watch the sunrise. My grandpa and I used to do it together." It was clear he had passed, I assumed with how excited his grandmother was to have a guest. But Waver did come across as an old soul, someone who was out of place in the world. He must have learned to be a gentleman from him.

"He must've been a good man." I smiled. This was strange for me. Actually having a genuine conversation. I had to end it.

"Yeah, I learned a lot from him." He said, and I turned my back.

"Well, bye." I had nothing more to say. What could I do? The easiest way to protect him and his family was to disappear.

"Wait." He slid off the roof. I couldn't believe he was so stupid. I turned around and ran towards him. He feel into my arms, and we looked at each other. He blushed slightly. I noticed, but was more surprised that he didn't use magic to break his fall.

"A little clumsy for a mage don't you think?" I asked and put him down. He wasn't heavy, just tall.

"When was the last time you ate?" He may not have the best balance, but he was observant. My stomach began to grumble. I hadn't eaten for a few days. I thought he wouldn't catch on, but I shouldn't estimate people. "She's looking forward to making a meal for three again." He was using his Grandma as a reason to stay. But food was always good for my mana.

"Fine. But I'll only stay for an hour." He smiled and walked in front of me and I followed. His Grandma had already started stirring eggs. I sat at the table. She was humming, happy. I sat and waited patiently for the food. Though I offered to help, Waver told me this was her treat. She was making a traditional English breakfast. She must have picked up on that fact, with my name being unfamiliar.

When she put the eggs in front of me they smelled delicious. Waver cooked some bacon which he almost burnt. But I didn't care, the gesture was nice. Unfortunately, I forgot my manners. I ate the food fast, shoving it in my mouth with the fork. It was better with every bite, I couldn't remember the last time I had a meal this well prepared. Then I noticed that they were staring at me. I felt a need to apologize.

"Sorry, it's been a while since I had a meal like this." I thought I had offended them, but then his Grandma smiled.

"Take what you need dear, I'd hate to leave you hungry." I nodded in appreciation and looked at the plate. I stayed for another hour, more than I had planned but I was enjoying myself. It was nice to feel like people were looking out for me. When I finally decided to leave, Waver escorted me out. His Grandma gave me a hug and I thanked her for the meal. Waver stopped in the middle of the walk way.

"Thank you. It was nice." That was all I could say for now. Having a conversation with someone who was normal and kind was uncomfortable. But it was nice to have a reminder of who I was before I was taken. He smiled with sincerity.

"Have a safe trip. Oh." He reached into his pocket and presented me with a postcard. "In case you get bored, I'd appreciate your help." The post card was from Cornwall, and had directions on the back written in pen.

"I thought you didn't want me to know?" He blushed again and I smiled. I knew he wouldn't turn me in, but I wanted to know his reason.

"Well, your knowledge is appreciated, and it's always good to have a second opinion." Waver rubbed his head, he was nervous. Maybe he hadn't talked to women before, or he genuinely appreciated what I knew about history. Either way, it was an option I wouldn't be able to take advantage of.

"I'll think about it." I folded the postcard in half and put it in my back pocket. It was a nice gesture, but he should have known I wasn't coming back. "Take care, Waver."

"Safe travels." I didn't look back. I couldn't. It would just make what I was about to do more painful.

I went back to the tunnel and sat there to clear my head. My thought was that The Mages Association would suspect I'd go after them. Or, they would just put a bigger bounty on my head now that they had reason to say I should be destroyed. I'm sure Augustus was smirking, thinking that I had lost it and finally I'd be dead, and no longer be a regret to him. Some rogue experiment that could once and for all be terminated. But I had to get to them first before they found me.

Killing them all was a great thought, but would be impossible. However, the Association may think I would be blind and attack the headquarters first before going after the experimental compound. But the compound was the only place I needed to go. They trained Rikki and I to be hunters, they taught her to hate me when I didn't comply. Augustus and his team were the only ones responsible.

They never took my warning. All I wanted was to be left alone after I escaped, but because I didn't conform, they went after me. My rage was coming back. Waver and his Grandmother had been a distraction from what was going on. And now that I hid, it was time to fight.

I had to breathe. I was working myself up. It took hours of sitting in the tunnel until I realized that the outcome would result in death no matter what. Whether it was them or me, there would be bloodshed. But, these people destroyed my family. They wouldn't stop hunting me until I took action to stop them. I only wanted to go after one section, so there was a chance I could make it out alive. That was it, my next step in this cat and mouse chase.

I had to think of a plan to infiltrate the compound. Being that the transformer supplied me with more than enough power, I would have a quick fix in case things got bad. At least I'd have options, considering the compound was lit with florescent lights. However getting in would be the hardest part. I'd need to take down the barrier and kill the guards before I saw the inside of building. Not to mention trigging the system and closing the escape routes. That only meant I'd need help from someone with long range fighting tactics. I'd have to find the King of Heroes.

This was something I had to do by myself, but as long as I could get in then I would fight on my own. Gilgamesh wouldn't even have to step inside. But I had a hard time forgiving someone for slapping me across the face. If Enkidu was so important to him, why wouldn't he talk about her? Unless, he was stoic and brushed aside important details. He probably wanted to keep her memory sacred. Either way, I needed to ask for his help.

I began to walk to the church. The wind was strong, but was blowing in the direction I was walking. Though Kirei creeped me out, he was the best source I had to find the King of Heroes. I opened the doors to the church. Kirei was standing at the front, facing the cross. I was going to be blunt. If Gilgamesh wasn't here, I had no point to stay.

"I thought you left." He said and turned to face me. I walked to the center of the aisle, it was the furthest I would go.

"Where's Gilgamesh?" I had to be direct. I hated being alone in the church with Kirei. If I made it quick, then there wouldn't be an issue.

"Not here." He wasn't going to talk, but maybe he could give me a hint.

"Any idea where he might be?" I didn't want to give him the opportunity to anger me. Plus, I knew he could be dangerous.

"I don't dictate his movements." That was it. I turned around and began to head out.

"Thanks for the help." I said and waved good bye. But his footsteps followed as I walked to the door. He had something to say.

"Hazel, it's suicide." I stopped in front of the door and heard him stop behind me. I was so close to the exit.

"Then you know what I'm about to do." I could sense an eerie air. I had to stay focused, I placed my hand on the door handle, prepared to open it.

"I thought the Mages Association would take care of you. Especially your sister." I stopped and moved my hand away from the door. I wanted to turn around, but I heard he soft chuckle. He was expecting me to fight so he could take me out himself.

"So you sent them here?" I clenched my fists and put up my shield. I knew about his blades, and from the stories I heard about him, he wouldn't hesitate to stab me in the back.

"They only needed to trace your blood." I knew it. He drugged me on purpose. Dammit, I didn't have time to slice his throat. Kirei wanted to fight, but I had my own priorities. I couldn't look at his face, it would only trigger my instinct. I had to get out.

"You're not my target. Once I kill all the mages on this planet, then I'll come for you." I left the church and didn't put down my shield until I was a good distance away. I had to end on something general. I needed to throw him off. Make him think that I was that ignorant to go after the entire Association. Though I wanted to, I knew my only enemy was a tangent of the Mages Association. And they would be my focus, he wasn't going to distract me now, and wasn't going to ruin my plan before I began my attack.

I had to think of where Gilgamesh might be. The carnival was already packed up, and he would not have gone back to the bar. I went to the train station to purchase tickets. Even if I bought two, it was likely that I wouldn't need money after this.

It was starting to set in, the logic of it all. This was a death wish. Killing the people who killed my family. But these were all experienced mages, at least two hundred. I had to remember I was strong like them. I killed their kind before, and now I had to eliminate what made my past miserable, so I could make my future better. And if I died from it, then at least I could have some peace that I didn't retreat from battle.

I had enough money for two to take a train to Turkey. I looked for anyway to conserve money but finally found a train that would leave from China and travel to Europe. It left tonight was the only problem. So I had to find him quickly. Then I remembered the talk we had about the bridge. It was a lucky guess but I had to check.

I ran down the path that followed the river and saw him. He was looking out over the railing of the bridge. I ran up to meet him but began to walk as I got closer. I kept a few feet distance between us, assuming he was still upset about something. I turned myself in the opposite direction and leaned on the railing, crossing my arms and legs while standing. There was a burst of wind as I remained paused. I wanted him to speak first, but it appeared I had to.

"Hey, I'm leaving. Going after The Mages Association for what they did to my sister. If you want to come with, fine. But I have to do this, whether or not I die from it." I kept it short like a voicemail. He didn't need a sob story. His body didn't move, and his face was expressionless. I figured that meant he wasn't interested. I turned and began to walk away.

"So you're giving the orders now?" He smirked, as did I. It was better to hear him talk. I turned around.

"You have a choice. Just thought you might be bored." I was only inviting him because he may want to blow things up. Also, if he could take down the perimeter, then I could handle the people on the inside easily.

"Not unless you think you will win." I was curious what he meant, but he didn't face me. "That fight with your sister could have been over sooner, but you hesitated." I sighed.

"You're giving advice?" I was confused. He stepped away from the railing and finally faced me, staring with his red eyes.

"Don't think you are going to lose. You are always stronger than your opponent." He got closer and raised my chin. "That's what I saw in that first fight which drew me to you. You didn't hold back." He released his hand and I smiled and I tucked my hair behind my left ear. This was exciting to have a partner in crime, even if it was only for one more time. But now I had to realize I was a fighter. Nothing would change that.

"So be overly confident. Sounds easy enough." He smiled at me then walked ahead. My mind was at ease.

"Then let's not waste time." He said, and I began to follow him. We walked across the bridge. I had planned to take a boat, then the train before walking the rest of the way. But he didn't seem to mind how we got there, just as long as there was payoff in the end.