Chapter Three:

"Kayla Reynolds." I told the elderly woman who stood behind the counter. "R-E-Y-N-O-L-D-S."She typed the name slowly into the computer. I had asked for a room with two queen-sized beds since I was traveling with my brother (that's the story we will tell people who we have to talk to).

"Okay, hun, here you are." She handed me my room key.

"Thanks," I said, turning and walking out of the small building. There were ten other small buildings lined in a square. "Building ten," I said to the shadows that were hiding. Silver was beside me, Slick and Rosa behind us.

Cars were parked in front of each building, some having more than others. Building ten had exactly two cars parked. It was late evening – almost ten – and I was incredibly tired. "Room number?" Silver asked.

"213."

Silver snickers and I glanced up at him out of the corner of my eye. "Rosa's always telling me that you and I should get a room, guess her wish is our command once again." I just rolled my eyes and walked faster.

Unlocking the door I moaned. The room looked awful. The bed smelt as if it had been used for more than sleep, the room smelt of cheap cologne. "It's worse than Branter's room." Rosa said, crinkling her nose in disgust.

"Well maybe you should have battered your eyes at Ari a little more." I snapped.

"Believe me if she had her eyes would have fallen out." Silver said. Slick snickered and Rosa shot him the bird. I smiled – it was nice to know I wasn't the only one who was aware of Rosa's princess-like traits.

I threw my duffle bag at the end of the bed and collapsed on the bed closest to the door. "What are the sleeping arrangements?" Rosa asked, casting a meaningful look at Silver who wasn't even looking at her.

"I'll sleep with Ace." Silver said.

"I bet you would." Rosa said, crossing her arms. Silver smirked and so did Slick. I just zoned them out and was nearly asleep when I jolted up, fell on the floor, clutching my chest. The electricity ran through me and I almost thought I saw the light. But it was quickly covered by everyone blocking my view.

"Ace! Ace!"

"What the hell?"

"Oh god,"

I almost passed out, but something cold and wet was on my forehead waking me up a little more. "Ace, can you hear me?" It was Silver. As the electricity buzzed through me still I could see something:

Silver and I walked together. "Branter's getting better."

"Yea, considering he found his ability about a month ago, I'd say so." I said, covering my arms with the light jacket I carried. Wind blew around us and it felt like ice carving my cheeks. "Jesus it's cold." I complained, wrapping the jacket around me. Something ran by. I stopped and looked around. "Did you see that?" I asked Silver.

"See what?" He asked, oblivious to what I had felt.

"Never mind." We walked towards are building where we lived. The brick walls looking dim and dark in the moonlight. The electric fence was to our left, buzzing at its impressive height of 200 feet. It felt like a prison but really it didn't feel like it. I was 13, powerful and sure about my life.

As we walked closer to the building I stepped on something and heard a tiny whimper. "Jeez Ace," I looked down and saw the step of a pretty, small, flower change into the sun-browned legs. "I mean can't a girl relax and move with the breeze in peace?"

"Sorry Rue." I said smiling. She came back into full form then, her brown curls pulling into a pony tail and her blue eyes bright.

"It's okay."

"What were you doin' out here anyways?" Silver asked looking at Rue oddly.

"Just thinkin'," Rue said quickly not looking at Silver.

"You headed in soon? It's getting late." I said – my motherly side coming out.

"Yea, I'll be in in a bit." We waved to her as she skipped off in the other direction.

"You know –"Silver never finished what he was going to say. I saw that gleam of blonde hair as he jumped, only inches away from the electric, tall fence.

"NO!" I screamed. The gunshot went off behind me and I stumbled backwards from the loud sound and when I saw the bullet hit Caleb I thought I'd lost my balance.

"Back 13," That thick, cold blooded monster – also known as Ari – said as I moved forward to Caleb's aid. The familiar, wolfish grin he wore on his face made me almost believe he was still alive. Everything went black.

When I regained consciousness, I was lying on a funky smelling bed , the covers still under me and a thin pillow on the floor. In the other bed beside mine was Rosa and Slick, snoring soundly, almost in unison.

I couldn't see Silver; he was probably outside like he usually is, in his thinking state of mind. I was sore all over when I tried to sit up or even breathe in deeply. My arms and legs felt like they were made of led and my head felt like it was going to crack open. I quickly rushed out the door, hoping the crisp air might help things.

Silver was outside, sitting on the little ledge, leaning against a column that went from the thick fence and up to the roof. I rushed to the ledge, and hung my head over breathing in the cool night air.

"How you feeling?" Silver asked looking at me intently.

"You really want an answer?"I asked, looking at him unsure.

"Maybe just a gist,"

"Like crap."

Silver nodded. "Rosa could hear the thoughts of the guy who was controlling your tracking device."

"And," I asked, already knowing Ari had put him up to it.

"Ari just messing with your body and mind,"

"Figured as much,"

We were silent as I breathed in deeply, the headache gradually going away, my body still sore but more awake and feeling somewhat lighter. As my body started to gradually feel better something else dawned on me, and it made my body, no my heart hurt more.

Rue.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Silver asked