A/N I DON'T OWN SKYLAND...

Sleep. A dark, deep sleep with no dreams. It was so profound that Mila found herself forgetting reality. What was real anyways? Only the darkness, there was nothing else.

Wake up.

It was a tremendous sense of well being, not having to think or worry about anything. What was there to be worried about? Absolutely nothing.

Nil.

Zero.

Wake up…

Wait, the sleep was leaving. No, she didn't want it to leave… Slowly but surely the dark veil was fading away; consciousness was just within reach. Glittering, like a plate of light, like the surface of water.

It's too bright; I don't want to wake… Yes, you must!

Why was her conscience nagging her now? Why should she open her eyes? There was nothing. Nothing.

Wait.

She felt a knot of anxiety tighten inside her chest. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. She couldn't remember what the problem was though. For an alarming instant, she realized that she remembered nothing at all.

Mila, my name is Mila. Of course I remember: why am I being so ridiculous?

She was awake now but she kept her eyes closed, her eyelids were so heavy, she trailed her fingers on the surface she was lying on. It was cold and smooth; that was unusual, though she didn't know why.

It's cold. I'm sore. Her hazy thoughts confirmed.

Her muscles ached from lying on this icy, hard floor. What a strange word… Floor. She was lying on the floor; she wasn't in her bed….

She snapped her eyes open and sat up abruptly, a little too fast for the darkness seemed to spin and churn nauseously. Where was she? It was completely black. She couldn't see her own hand that she lifted inches from her face. Had she overslept and now she was late for class? If so, why was it so dark and why was she lying on the ground? No, no, she didn't go to the Academy anymore…

This must be what it's like to be blind. She thought dully as she sat in the darkness.

'Blind, I'm blind…'

Someone had said this before. Yes, it was a boy. Even as she pictured him in her mind, sitting in the back seat of a ship, she couldn't tell who he was exactly. His name was… well, yes it was Marcus. Marcus Farrell.

Marcus.

A sudden flow of memories flashed with gripping speed in her drugged mind.

The storm.

The kiss.

The Sphere.

Oslo.

Her thoughts cleared and panic took over.

"Marcus?" She tried to shout but it came out as a raspy whisper. Her voice echoed back to her and her ears could distinguish that she was in a small room.

She stood up, ignoring the droplets of lights that swam in her field of vision, and started running her hands along the freezing, metal wall with feverish panic. At some point she felt a groove in the wall and followed it with her fingers. It was a long zigzag; horizontal from the left and then it dropped and went horizontal again. Like an inverted 'S'. Most Sphere doors opened that way; the large insignia was built into the metal. There was no handle; the only way to open it was from the outside.

Having figured the width of the room by now, she was certain to be alone. Where was Marcus? She groaned in frustration and kicked the door.

"Hey! LET… ME… OUT!" She screamed as she battered and punched the door with uncontainable dread until her fists were bruised and bloodied. The door remained annoyingly unscathed.

After a few minutes of yelling up a storm, she sat down in discouragement with her back to the wall and her eyes fixed on the patch of darkness that she had identified as her only way out of the room. She was a prisoner in a cell somewhere. She was probably at some Sphere base by now, assuming she had been asleep for several hours already. Oslo had captured them and most likely locked them in separate rooms.

Marcus is fine, she lied to herself, he's just on the other side of this wall in the next cell. He has to be.

Suddenly, the door opened with a hiss and she was blinded by white light; she lifted her hand to shield her eyes. There was a figure standing in the rounded doorway. She stood up and narrowed her eyes; pale face, blond hair. Oslo. The guardian walked slowly as his eyes adjusted to the darkness.

"Good news." He whispered urgently as he approached her. Mila just glared at him. "They believe my cover-up story Mila, so you can come back."

"What are you talking about?" She asked loudly and he shushed her.

"You can rejoin the Sphere." He continued, his eyes darting around to make sure no one was overhearing them. "I told them you had been kidnapped by the pirate…"

"What?" She exclaimed and Oslo squinted at the noise.

"Stop yelling!" He murmured angrily before continuing with his story. "You can come back and-"

"How did you find us?" She interrupted and he smiled slightly, obviously proud of himself.

"You left us a nice trail to follow Mila; I mean, a long blue seijin energy line in the sky… It gave us an approximate direction of your whereabouts. We searched around for a while and sure enough, there you were…"

The storm. When the Hyperion had been plunging them to their deaths, she had enveloped the ship in a blue light. It left a long strip of glowing energy in the sky. An arrow basically, that Oslo had followed. It was all her fault.

"… and I lost my temper in the storm Mila …" He paused. "But you can come back now."

Mila was speechless, still shocked that she had set a trap for Marcus, without actually realizing it.

"They insist that you come back with me to finish the job." Oslo continued.

"Finish the job…" She repeated, perplexed.

"Well yes, seeing how they're already interrogating him we can just kill-"

Oh no… They're interrogating him already? How long have I been out?

"No." She said.

She had never hated a person so much. Telling her what to do with her life; forcing her to take part in an organization that she no longer wanted to be a part of. Oslo was supposed to be her friend! How could he do this to her? Oslo had always been shy and quiet; perhaps the dark gleam in his eyes hadn't just harboured intelligence. It had also hidden cruelty. She just wanted to reach forwards, grab his scrawny neck and strangle him right there. Her hand twitched eagerly.

Oslo lifted an eyebrow and took a step back. Maybe she had thought that too loudly…

"You fell for a pirate Mila." Oslo muttered furiously. "You should know better… Matching up with non-seijins." He snarled. "Did you not listen in Genetics class? They're inferior…"

Mila felt her temper flare, like a volcano about to erupt. These were lies. Marcus was not stupid or mindless. She thought briefly of idiotic seijins in her classroom earlier this year who couldn't even grasp the concept of basic mathematics.

"Shut up Oslo before I-"

"Before you what? You're in no position to be giving out threats Mila. Can't you see I'm saving your career… your life!" The young man clenched his fists angrily and Mila did not care for the dark look in his eyes.

Mila watched him intently, prepared to fight back if he decided to throw a punch her way.

"I'm just trying to fulfill the prophecy." He continued, this time remembering to keep his tone down. His fists uncoiled slowly. "You know it's about us. You're the Lady of Light whether you want to be or not!"

"You can't force destiny Oslo! And besides, I've changed my mind. I'm not going to waste my life running after a prophecy anymore. There are more important things-"

"Really Mila? More important things than the reunification of Skyland?" He asked threatheningly. "Besides, I don't think you have a choice."

Mila paled with disbelief. "What's wrong with you? You're completely mental you know that?"

Oslo lifted a hand to silence her. "Look, there's a washroom down the corridor…" His eyes set on the rat's nest of hair on her head. "You can get ready and then we'll go." He turned to leave but stopped. "Oh and don't try anything silly, you're on surveillance." With that said, he strode away.

Mila was in front of a spotless mirror, in a luxurious bathroom, trying to untangle her knotted hair. She grasped the hair brush that had been set aside for her on the counter and started combing her hair with furious intensity.

Plenty of escape plans rushed into her mind but none of them would work and she knew it. How could she escape a Sphere base, which is what she figured this place was, with a wanted criminal? She couldn't. Plus, she didn't know which state she'd find him in. What would they have done to him? Torture most likely. Oh no, not Marcus. She couldn't bear to think of him being in pain.

She cursed under her breath. How could she ever have been part of the Sphere? How could she have been so blind?

It took her a while but she managed to brush down her black hair which she arranged in two light braids down her back. Then she washed up and took off her tattered grey uniform which she dumped in the trash bin. She found a neatly folded pile of clothes waiting for her on a small end table; it was a navy blue uniform with a white Sphere insignia on the back. She hesitated for a second and then pulled it on. It was made like her old uniform except for a refreshing flash of color; it was a form-fitting outfit with a belt and brand new flat soled, knee-high black boots. She took a few steps and was glad to see that the boots weren't too heavy, the seemed to mold perfectly to her feet. Fashionable clothes by Sphere standards.

Once she was done, she took a look at herself. Was this the same person that had once dreamed of taking over Skyland? No, she decided. She had changed. She had experienced friendship that the Sphere would never be able to replace. Feelings weren't an obstacle, she thought, they were only human. And she was determined to save Marcus, whatever the consequences. Perhaps she was a little crazy but she simply didn't care anymore.

She left the bathroom and wandered down the windowless corridor; on one end of the hallway there was the door that lead to her cell but she couldn't see what lay ahead though, for there was minimal lighting. She looked down; the floor was lit from the inside by white lights but the corridor remained shadowy. She arrived at the exit which materialized out of the darkness. It opened to reveal two brigadiers who were going to 'escort' her. Where, she didn't know. She decided to play along so she didn't resist when they each grabbed one of her arms and lead her away. She couldn't see much of this place since they were always in dimly lit metallic hallways.

They came to an elevator and the doors closed with a ding! This left her in an awkward situation where she was squished between two robots in a closed space while annoyingly clichéd music played. She saw the floor numbers file past on a little screen until a cool female voice announced; "Ground floor."

They came out into a large entrance hall, lined with floor to ceiling windows. There was a long, computerized reception desk in the middle of the empty great hall. A secretary at the desk glanced her way and smiled.

"Don't worry dear, the brigs know the way." She said, in a reassuring voice as if people were dragged off by brigs on a regular basis here.

Mila glanced at her in confusion as she was marched towards the exit but the woman was once again busy with the touch screen on her desk. Mila now understood; the secretary was under the impression that she had just gotten rescued from a terrible kidnapping.

The glass door panels slid inwards as they stepped outside into a large courtyard thick with groomed hedges, and a beautiful fountain surrounded by benches. The sky was white, like it would be on the chilly winter months, and the sub-zero breeze was freezing her fingers already. It wasn't the block she had lived on a while ago; that was certain. She had no idea where they were leading her now. Still... why did everything look so familiar?

They walked towards a giant, lustrous building at least forty stories high.

Then it hit her.

This looked exactly like the tower she used to marvel at from her dorm room window at the Guardian Academy. In the distance, on a separated block, the building had looked like a sparkling spire, with its many windows reflecting the sunlight.

She now understood that she was back at the Academy, back to square one. This was a neighboring block to the Academy, where the faculty and sphere officials lived. This was also where the only ships were found so that students couldn't escape. This must've been the closest Sphere base so Oslo had taken them here.

Discouragement spread through her body. Luck was clearly not on her side.

Up an elevator, down some unknown passages and through a door. Mila could have destroyed the brigadiers but what good would that have done? She had to get to Marcus first and then figure something out.

Finally, she arrived at her destination and the brigs left. She entered a great, circular lobby, with the usual reflective metal walls but this time the room had been outfitted with opulent armchairs and sofas and the windows gave view of the white sky. Oslo stood there, waiting for her; in the back of the room was a bolted metal door. The sumptuous seats looked out of place in this lobby which was a waiting room of some kind.

Oslo wore a white uniform which made his pale complexion look sickly, his blond hair was so light that it looked like bubbly soap suds. His grey eyes were locked on hers; like two expressionless tunnels.

"You look good." He noted. Mila felt her stomach churn.

Won't be able to say the same about you after I beat you up. Mila was careful to keep her thoughts to herself this time though and she smiled the sweetest, innocent smile she could manage.

"Thank you."

Oslo seemed slightly surprised by her reaction as he sat in an armchair. Mila sat on the opposing sofa and crossed her legs.

"Thanks for saving me Oslo... I was confused and now I understand that I was wrong."

Oslo raised an eyebrow. "Nice try." He brooded.

"I swear!" She retorted.

He just shrugged and drummed his fingers on the chair's armrests.

"What are we doing here?" She inquired politely, looking at her nails.

"Waiting until they're done with him so we can go in." He answered haughtily and glanced at her.

Mila gulped anxiously and buffed her nails in the most indifferent manner she could feign. "I really am sorry Olli." She lied.

He was silent.

"You know, when you told me about the Prophecy…" He lifted his eyes with interest. "Well, that's what made me realize my faults. I am the Lady of Light and I want to rule Skyland with you. And I will; it's destiny." She paused, knowing that she now had his full attention. "And I'll do everything to prove my loyalty to the Sphere… and to you…"

"You kissed him." He sulked.

"It meant nothing." She assured him. He straightened up, unable to hide his happiness.

"It's me and you. Like old times." Mila said, throwing in another fake smile.

"Well then, we can start by getting rid of him… That'll slow down the rebellion." He smirked and Mila kept her anger to herself.

"And… did they get any information out of him?" She asked.

"No. He's stubborn."

Whereas seijins could read people's memories, they could only do so if the subject let them into their minds, or was unaware that their thoughts were being infiltrated. Normal people were able to control who entered their own minds. That's why they had to convince someone to let them read their memories. Torture was often most effective for this.

Oslo's eyes set on her and narrowed to slits. "He didn't tell me anything." She assured him and he lightened up. It was true; he hadn't said anything about his rebel lifestyle to her, she felt a little hurt by this.

A muffled yell split the silence and Mila stood up. That was Marcus.

Oslo eyed her suspiciously and she sat back down. "I guess the walls aren't completely sound proof…" he joked.

Mila gave a fake laugh but inside she was in turmoil. She had to resist the urge to run for the bolted metal door and help Marcus. She couldn't just burst through the wall and take on the guardian, brigadiers or whoever was in there. She'd certainly lose, especially in her weakened state. It was relatively silent once more and Oslo's leg jittered restlessly.

She was taken out of her thoughts as she heard footsteps behind her; someone had entered the room. Mila glanced back to see a maid who was busy organizing a trolley stacked with warm beverages and an assortment of cakes and cookies. She had fixed her wavy, light brown hair in a bun. She shuffled over and stood by the side of the opposing sofas.

Mila almost shouted out in surprise but stopped herself at the last second; it came out as more of a hiccup thankfully.

The servant was Katie.

She was hunched over, her pale face was paler than usual and the freckles on her nose stood out. She had lost weight, there was the slightest blue hue under her right eye; a fading bruise.

"Can I offer you both something to drink?" She asked them, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor. Oslo waved his hand dismissively but Mila glanced back at the table which hovered a few inches off the floor.

"I'll come see what you have…" Mila said, in hopes of talking with her privately.

"She can bring the table over now can't she?" Oslo snapped and he glared at Katie who scurried away immediately. She came back with the table; Mila stood and pretended to be busy inspecting the many different cookies. She gazed firmly at Katie.

Katie. It's me, Mila. She communicated through her thoughts.

Katie flinched. "Would you like tea?" She asked in a shaky voice.

"Yes, please." Mila answered.

Katie! Are you okay? What happened...

Katie just stared at her and shook her head vigorously; her eyes were moist, on the verge of tears.

Maybe I can help... Mila continued.

Katie poured the tea with shaking hands.

No, Mila. They'll kill me… they said so. No. I can't leave…

She handed her the tea; Mila's fingers grazed Katie's cold hand.

Can't leave… no.

Calm down Katie. I'm on your side…

Katie's eyes grew wide and Mila nodded in approval and quickly showed her some of her memories.

But, the rebel… If it's true then- Mila, use the skylight. The glass is cracked.

With that information relied, Katie gathered the food and left, pushing the table away.

Mila sat back down with her tea which she put aside on an end table. Use the skylight. What did that mean?

Oslo was restless with impatience. He either wanted this to be over with as soon as possible or else he was anticipating the moment. Mila still didn't know what she could do; she stared at the bolted entrance on her left. She talked with Oslo about their Academy years, mostly to remain distracted and to gain his trust.

"Remember when we met?" She asked him.

"We were ten and we had been assigned in the same class." He continued. "And you kept throwing paper wads at my head."

She laughed. A fake, tinkling laugh that hid no joy. "Well you started it by making fun of me."

He seemed to be coming around but he was still hesitant. He didn't completely trust her yet.

After an eternity, the metal door hissed open and a guardian strode out followed by a clunking brigadier. She was a young woman with artificially enhanced purple eyes. She had long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and even bangs on her forehead. She looked at them and crossed her arms. Worst of all, Mila knew her. It was Priscilla. Sweet, giggly Priscilla who had been her roommate. But, what was she doing here at the Academy?

Oslo stood up and Mila followed his lead. Priscilla seemed to recognize her now, an eyebrow lifted in amusement.

"Oh Mila, you poor thing… getting kidnapped by a pirate on your first mission." She shook her head in disapproval. "Well, some seijins are more gifted than others, you mustn't beat yourself up for that hmm?" This wasn't Priscilla, she looked the part though. Sure the friend she had known had often made snide remarks but this darkness in her voice was new. And her eyes; they used to be brown. She'd changed them, like so many other guardians did these days. It was like a trend, more or less. Mila supposed there would be a trend for tattoos next no doubt.

"You like them?" She asked, noticing Mila's stare. "I think they make me look more intimidating, don't you?"

"Yeah sure- What are you still doing here?" Mila asked.

"Oh, well." Her eyes flashed with anger. "They never intended to send me away, not really. No, they found me quite gifted for this job… They can't just announce in the auditorium that I'm going to interrogate criminals for a living now can they?" She giggled, and for a moment Mila saw the old Priscilla.

Her mind had been tampered with, that much was obvious; the way her eyes were thoughtless and dull, her fidgeting demeanor. Maybe she hadn't been very cooperative with her new job so they had to change her thoughts around to make her think that she liked it. The students in her class used to talk about this… that it was just a myth... it was true after all. Some seijin had undoubtedly brainwashed her, she was nothing but a shell now. Would this have been her own fate if she hadn't escaped on the night of her first mission?

Priscilla had always been a gifted telepathic; she excelled at reading memories or thoughts which is undoubtedly why they placed her here. Obviously, she must've been too reluctant to follow her new career path for them to change her though. Some students outrivaled the rest with their levitation skills, others were clairvoyant… it depended.

Mila was dumbstruck. The rumors were true. She guessed the Sphere didn't want to lose any seijin individuals from their forces, no matter the cost. So here was Priscilla, probably scared out of her wits to the point that she would put on any facade to avoid getting hurt. What had they put her through? She didn't want to know.

"Doesn't matter, the job pays well." Priscilla nodded dismissively at the door behind her. "I didn't enjoy myself too much, the rebel's yours. Of course, if I couldn't get him to talk, I doubt you two will." She glared fiercely at Mila for the millionth of a second.

I know the truth honey; once he's gone, it'll be your turn.

Mila froze. Maybe Priscilla had glimpsed some of Marcus's thoughts, maybe she had seen the kiss...

The girl carried on as if nothing had happened, this time talking directly to Oslo and smiled mischievously. "Have you grown recently? You seem a little taller… Wouldn't it be great if you were taller than the girls for once?"

"Priscilla… always going off subject aren't you? Can we move on with this…"

"Oh, relax Oliver, I'm just teasing."

"Its Oslo-"

"Whatever." She noticed a chip in her nail polish. "Anyways, I have things to do. Get this over with quickly can't you? The rebel won't talk so he is of no use to the Sphere. Kill him. Show the rebellion who they're dealing with. "She paused and smiled. "It's a shame really, he is handsome."

For a moment she looked confused as if her old self was fighting to come back, but then she shook it off with a shiver and focused her eyes on Mila who had clenched her fists so tightly that her nails were digging into her palms. Priscilla stood aside and waited for them to enter.

Mila was the first to step forwards and her legs were shaky. The guardian gave her a spiteful look and Mila could almost feel her gaze burning on her back. Not everyone had bought Oslo's cover-up story and once this was over with, she'd be in danger.

She entered the room…

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