Chapter 11: The Rival

-Past-

The Neverseen were huddled around the planning table, listening to Fintan speak about the invasion.

Click. Click. Click.

Everyone looked up. A hooded figure stood on the stairs. Everyone seemed to breath a sigh of relief, because she was one of their own.

She was holding on to a little blonde girl's hand, and most of them recognized her as Cassie, the girl's younger sister.

"Fintan."

Fintan looked up. "What?" He was tired of the girls interference.

"I've come to challenge you,"

There were gasps around the room.

"For what?" Fintan didn't even sound the slightest bit concerned.

"I want to know who can be the best leader. Me," she smiled under her hood and then pulled it back, revealing a pale woman with silver hair and blue eyes so icy they were almost white.

"Or you."

Fintan walked up close to her, so close his face was inches from hers. She didn't even flinch.

"What've you got that I haven't, Crayelle?" He spat out her name and spit plastered her face.

"I," she said confidently. "Have a brain."

Fintan's blue eyes seemed to get darker. People in the room held their breath.

"Do you," He said, his voice dangerously quiet. "Or are you just going to convince us against our will?"

"I wouldn't." She said. "I may be a Beguiler, but I am loyal to this cause. Unless, of course," her eyes narrowed. "Someone not need gets in the way."

"Beguilers have restrictions, you know." Fintan told her. His voice was getting slightly squeaky.

"So do Pryokenetics," she shot back. "You don't seem to be following the rules very well."

"How are you going to help our cause?" Fintan snorted. "You're so forgiving and weak you've got a toddler holding your hand."

"Because I care," Crayelle said. "Unlike you, I am not going to risk losing anymore valuable players in this game. And all of us are valuable to this cause."

People started murmuring their agreement.

"According to my plan, Cassie is the most important piece of this puzzle," she said.

Brant coughed slightly. "Crayelle," he said gruffly. "Can I see you in here for a minute?" He gestured to a door on his right.

Once they were both inside, Brant turned on her.

"What are you doing? You said you wanted to help overthrow Fintan. Cassie doesn't need to be in danger."

"I know what I'm doing, Brant." Crayelle spat.

"You've become a different person all together!" Brant said desperately. "This is not the Piper I knew."

"That's not my name anymore," Crayelle said. "And you've changed too. I miss the baby brother I used to have."

Brant scowled. "I want to help the world," he said. "Do you? Because Cassie is my sister too. And she needs to be safe. I can't lose someone else. I already lost-"

"Yeah, I know. Jolie." Crayelle rolled her eyes.

"No. I was going to say my big sister." Brant replied harshly.

And with that, he left the room.