A/N: I just wanted to thank everyone again for bearing with me on those first three chapters. I realize that it was kind of slow going.
But hopefully this chapter will get the ball rolling!
Chapter 4: A Crime of Confusion
"What are we doing that's so important that it couldn't wait till the sun is up?" I mumbled tiredly in the darkness.
"We are going to steal the Hope," a voice stated from my left.
"What- how-huh," I sputtered, shocked that this had come from the mouth that it had. "B-but you work here! It's your job to protect the Hope, not to- to… you know, be the perpetrator!"
"This is an unavoidable situation. It was bound to happen sometime."
I studied the shadowed face before me, incredulous that there was no hint of humour on it.
"What? You're not making any sense! We need to go back to the house."
"If everything in this world made sense, there would be no fun in doing anything," Selena sighed at my expression. "But if this is to happen, it must happen by your hand. This is something that you have to do by yourself."
"By myself," I echoed, dazed. "I wouldn't even let Ailith go through with this! It's wrong." I set my jaw stubbornly.
This would've been a normal conversation – if I had been talking with Ailith. However, it just so happens that Ailith wasn't around.
"I have my reasons, Kiara," she calmly informed me. She sounded so much like her old, sure, self that I almost wanted to believe that there was a chance she wasn't crazy. But at this point I was thoroughly convinced that all of her sanity had been lost when she regained consciousness.
She had woken up with a vengeance. I was startled to arise to Selena furiously shaking my shoulder, animatedly telling me about some dream that she had, how it meant something extremely important and that we had to investigate right away. Ignoring my well-justified confusion, and my attempts to ask her if she was all right, she simply pulled me off the chair, put on her boots and told me to follow her out.
It was 2 a.m at the time.
I guessed that it was currently around 3: 30 now. The streets were deserted, the moon was lost behind a pack of dark clouds and the wind chilled me to the bone. How I wished that were our biggest problem.
We stood there for the longest time, shivering in the shadow of a nearby street alley. We had a good view of the guards, who were passing slowly around the Memorial, but we were still hidden enough that they wouldn't be able to see us. I watched as the closest guard let out a long yawn. I imagined that by now they were probably considerably tired, which was good for us.
Yet we didn't take advantage of this. Anxious, I waited for Selena to do something, but then realized that she wanted me to make the first move. I had made my decision though, and we weren't stealing anything.
"Might as well have a seat," advised Selena. "I have a feeling this is going to be quite the long wait."
"I'm not changing my mind," I reminded her firmly.
But eventually, the cold night air and Selena's exaggerated shaking weakened my resolve. I caved.
"Okay, you win," I huffed. "Geez, I think the weather enjoys messing around with people's perception of seasons. Just yesterday I could have sworn it was summer. Now, go back to the house and put a sweater on!" I tried to sound strong, but I just felt too defeated. I was such a sucker for guilt trips.
Nothing like sleep deprivation to make you agree to anything.
Selena looked disappointed that I gave in as soon as I did; I'm sure she was anticipating a good clash of iron will, and, being the lunatic she had most likely become, I'm sure she was thrilled about having to wait around in the cold, dark alley.
She pursed her lips at me and made a tsk, tsk, sound in the back of her throat. "You're going to have to work on that tenacity of yours, or should I say lack of tenacity. I doubt you'll last very long if you are as pliant as you are now."
"What - are – you- talking- about," I snarled, frustrated. "What do you mean, 'I won't last long'?"
"Stop being a pacifist and start being a warrior," she clasped me on my shoulder and suddenly sounded intense. "Don't be so quick to sacrifice your beliefs for others. I know you are the selfless kind, but you are also very stubborn, and too darn moral. That being said… let's go steal that silver!"
I rolled my eyes at the irony in her words. All patience having been lost, I sighed. "Fine, what do I have to do?"
Then Selena smiled a smile so mischievous and knowing that my stomach tightened just at the sight. God, she's totally crazy! This is such a bad idea.
Suddenly a shout was heard to my left, coming from the general direction of the Memorial. I had about a second to process it before I saw Ailith run across the mouth of the alleyway, carrying a dusty painting tucked under her arm. She grinned at me without breaking her stride and gave a thumbs up to Selena. Then, she disappeared from view.
I gaped at the empty spot where she had been a few seconds ago, stunned. Unable to recover my ability to function, I watched dumbly as three guards passed our hiding spot, screaming profanities at the blond-haired thief. I was vaguely aware of Selena pushing me out of the shadows and towards the intersecting cobblestone-path.
"Now is your chance, honey. Remember, you may not understand now, but soon you will. This is for everyone's own good!" Then she gave me one final shove, sending me vaulting onto the open street and towards the now unguarded Memorial.
I ran blindly to the torchlit ruins, somewhat relieved for the sight that came with it, but also terrified to be spotted. The Hope was right where I remembered it to be, and just as magnificent in the dim gloom as it had been in bright daylight. A sense of recognition was enough to bring me up short. I remembered my dream - could it have only been a couple of nights ago? It was so familiar to me that I felt like I had been burdened with it since birth. Or maybe it was because I had analyzed it so often since then that it stuck in my head? The Hope that sat before me now was creepily similar to its nightmare-ish counter part. In my dream it had said that there always had to be a choice.
"Always a choice, huh," I muttered darkly as I approached it. Again I was drawn to it. I felt a pulsing coming from the shiny surface, and I reached out to stroke it. It was hard, but at the same time, as fluid as a still pond. Tough, but at the same time, soft.
Curious, I knocked on its marbled surface. The ore produced a single, echoing note that lingered in the air for an immeasurable time before fading away.
Huh, it sounds...hollow?
My hands trailed down the Hope's contours before meeting at its base. Steeling my strength, I heaved against the stone with what I estimated to be the appropriate force... and immediately fell backwards onto the ground, ore in possession.
What?
Apparently, it wasn't as heavy as I had thought.
Collecting myself, I tested its weight by balancing it in one hand. It was suspiciously light for a piece of stone larger than my head. Still sitting on the ground, I ran my fingers over the silver oval, tracing the darker labyrinth of veins that weaved through each other in complicated pattens.
Suddenly, muffled shouts brought me back to reality. Reminding myself that time was limited, I scurried to my feet, slipped the ore inside my jacket, and ran like hell.
Unfortunately, hell wasn't fast enough.
As I flew for the cover of a nearby street corner, I heard their voices coming closer and knew that I had been spotted. They cried for me to stop, spewing out threats of what will happen to me if I didn't slow down.
Now you've done it, chastised that annoying voice in my head; my conscience. Time to get whats coming to you.
"Listen," yelled the man that was chasing me. Fortunately there was only one, as the others seemed to have given up . "I'll lessen your punishment if you just stop running! People who run always get in more trouble! Please! I'll lose my job!"
Sorry buddy, I thought, and put on another burst of speed. I vaulted around the corner, hopefully out of sight of the last pursuer. I knew that I was in the clear, but guilt pushed my legs to run faster, as if I could somehow outrun that as well. Like a living shadow, I weaved in and out of the side streets, plunging into patches of torch light and then disappearing out of them just as fast. My arms ached from carrying the Hope. Cold air stabbed my lungs with each frantic breath, but I didn't stop. The icy fire that pulsed throughout my body made my legs shaky, and everything burned with adrenaline. This adrenaline wasn't the good kind either; this adrenaline made me clumsy and slow, or maybe that was just all me. It probably was.
Miraculously, I managed to find Selena's house.
Without hesitating, I wrenched open the front door and flew inside. I slammed it behind me and pressed my back against it for good measure. My faced burned with left over adrenaline, and my heart beat faster then it had when I was running. That was the weird thing, I could run forever, as long as I didn't slow down, because then my heart pumped harder in some sort of delayed reaction.
Did that really just happen?
I slid to the floor, pressed my back against the door, and curled in on myself. I clutched the silver closer to my body, as if attempting to prevent it from sprouting legs and running away. I pressed a trembling finger to my lips in an attempt to quell a sob from escaping.
I would not cry, at least that's what I told myself.
"We're going to get through this," I whispered to no one in particular. I started to soothe myself by concentrating on the songs that my mother used to sing to Dune, Brandon and I when one of us had a nightmare. My favourite was about changing the world despite despite being afraid. I sang them in the darkness, and when I had run out of things to sing, I forced myself to talk. It actually served as a nice distraction.
"You know," I told the piece of ore in my arms, because, I really had no one else to converse with other than myself. I didn't really want to sound crazy or start to develop a split personality or anything, plus, I had had enough of myself for a while. Me, myself, and I weren't on talking terms right now.
"I have always thought that people's notion of courage is completely misguided. I, mean, you can't be courageous if you don't feel frightened. So it makes sense that someone who is brave would have to be someone who also gets scared easily, right? So, an absolute coward definitely has the potential to be considerably more courageous than someone who feels no fear, don't you think. Maybe it's just me...Maybe it's because I want to be considered brave sometimes, even though I'm...well...not." My voice was so filled with disappointment that it reminded me of my current scenario, and it dropped off into silence.
I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I remembered was Dune peering down at me, a look of confusion on his childish face. I smiled ruefully at him, then I realized that the ore was missing from my stone grip.
"Dune, where's the Hope!"
He shrunk back, hurt replacing the confusion. "Selena took it. I think she locked it in the basement. I'm sorry Kiara, don't get mad."
I sighed, and rubbed my eyes. "No, this is my fault, Dune." I opened my arms, inviting him in for a hug. He didn't hesitate.
I cradled the boy on my lap. He really was betting too big for this, but I won't think of denying him the comfort that he often went without. In truth, I needed this hug more than Dune did. I squeezed my my eyes shut and pulled him closer. I didn't notice my tears until Dune started to sob too.
"Come on, Dune Bug, let's go to the kitchen. I'm sure Selena has some breakfast made." It would be the least she could do after last night. We wiped our eyes on my sleeve on our way to the kitchen.
Selena was cooking bacon, and even Ailith was up, lounging near the counter. They were talking animatedly with each other, so they didn't notice us until I cleared my throat impatiently. They shut up immediately at my expression. Ailith looked guilty, but excited, and Selena looked grave, but unwavering. Their conversion completely forgotten, they fluttered around me, talking all at once.
"You need to -"
"I couldn't say no- "
"- understand that this is - "
"She makes a good argument - "
" - not your call. It is too importa - "
"I'm so, sorry, Kiara. I know you don't like to steal!"
"- too many lives at stake. One opinion doesn't matter!"
"HEY," I yelled, silencing them. That made me feel kind of smug, as if I had some authority after all. "Look, someone is going to explain this right, now. " Instead of the pity look that Ailith was giving me, Selena just peered at me with knowing eyes. She stepped forward and gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. I wanted to shake it off, and I really wanted to glare at her, but I ended up just pressing my lips tight and clasping my hands together. I was willing to listen, as long as she was willing to make sense. Judging by Ailith's eager expression, she must have been just as in the dark as I was.
"Before you ask about the Hope, I want to tell you where I come from. It's a place actually not that far from here, although I am sure none of you have ever heard of it. It is truly a beautiful place. Not as advanced in technology in comparison to here though. Less tame, and more rugged. Have a seat," she said, walking toward the chairs in the big window room. We complied.
"Now, where was I? This country, you must understand, is in a way, lost in the past. I have to admit that I prefer it there. I was an employee of the king, you know."
"Really," Dune gasped, looking awestruck. I was a bit more skeptical. "What was that like?"
"Horrible," Selena grinned. "Although I was good at what I did, I hated every minute of it. "
"What was your job," I asked, in spite of myself.
"I'd rather not say, for it was extremely unpleasant. Plus, I'm sure Dune won't appreciate it if I gave him nightmares for the next week."
"That bad, huh," inquired Ailith.
" Oh, worse," she said, still strangely chipper.
"So if it was so bad, than why did you like it there?"
"I was in love. It was a stupid thing on my part, especially since I was being used." She laughed mockingly. "But, please, lets not get into that. I was going to tell you about the king."
"We won't interrupt again," promised Ailith.
"Very well. The king was a cruel man. Some go as far as to say he is pure evil. He cares little for the well-being of his country, but will defend his rein viscously none the less. Years and years of bitterness eventually drove him mad. He still rules to this day, though I think it is safe to assume that many people are working hard to change that. It won't be an easy task; for even though he is ancient in years, he is powerful without comparison. He should not be underestimated." She looked around our little circle, locking eyes with everyone before quietly saying, "I have finished."
What was the point of that?
"Okay...so how exactly does this relate to the Hope?"
"You'd be surprised, Kiara. You would do well to remember this."
"Sure, now what of the Hope."
"It's in the basement," she sighed. She looked sad that I didn't show interest in her story. I actually was interested, but I decided that I was still too angry to show it. I would have to apologize later... wait, for what? This whole situation was her fault!
But she's still Selena, and I don't want to fight with her.
I slouched towards the basement door, and opened it, still aware of the eyes burning a hole in my back. I closed the door as slowly and quietly as I could, and then flew down the stairs.
I swiveled my head back and forth swiftly, trying to find the silver oval in the windowless room. My eyes adjusted quickly. Suddenly, the room brightened from an inky darkness into a gray gloom. I spotted the Hope instantly; it was sitting on my cot. I crossed the room in three quick steps and practically vaulted onto the bed. I pulled the Hope into my grasp and shifted it constantly between my two hands.
"What sick game is Selena playing? I mean, everything was fine until we came here. Then everything started to mess up, and now I'm some sort of paranoid wreck! What is she planning to do with a huge piece of silver, other than sell it? She seemed pretty intent on my involvement. It's kinda scaring me. I mean..." My words faded as my finger detected an abnormality in the Hope's surface.
Oh, no!
Desperate, I traced it over and over again, using different fingers in case there was some sort of mistake. Yes, something was definitely wrong. I took a deep breath, and then glanced down at the stone between my hands.
There, on its previously flawless face, was a small, hairline crack.
"Selena, I'm so sorry-I-I-I swear, I didn't do it on purpose – I wouldn't – I know you think I'm mad at you, but I wouldn't do anything like that! Please, don't be angry," I finished in a panic. Selena, Ailith and Dune stared at me like I was crazy.
"Kiara, what is the matter," Selena asked in a soft voice. I winced, because her tone made this situation so much worse. I hesitated, then slowly revealed the fractured version of the Hope from behind my back. I hid my face and closed my eyes in dread. Ailith and Dune gasped, but Selena was quiet. After a long silence, I peeked at her face.
She was smiling so wide I thought her face would crack like the damaged silver in my hands.
"I never thought that I would see a sight like this in my life," she whispered, closing in to give me a joyous embrace.
"But, but – I... I broke the Hope," I mumbled against her shoulder. She laughed and pulled away. I started at her face in shock. Selena - the calm and cool woman that I have always looked up to for her bravery and strength – was actually crying.
"No, child, you have restored our hope."