This is a chapter I've been working up to. Now comes Phase Two. Relationships will be tested! Plus, who's ready to see Maven! I am!

Also, a Marecal Chapter will be coming up...its chapter 11!

I have next six chapters mapped up, so for the six chapters, I'm not making this up on the spot. I know how this is going to end.

If you guys haven't noticed the longer a story is, the longer it takes me to post. I won't just leave you hanging. If it takes me longer than ten days to post I'll give you a warning.

Get ready, the last section of this chapter is a FLASHBACK!

3 Song Suggestions this time!

Queue: The Dark by Beth Crowley

Saying goodbye to my family wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I feel a strangely calm. There are tears of course, mostly from my mom, but I see Gisa's eyes water when I bring her in for a hug.

"I'll visit as much as I can," I reassure her. This is mostly true, I'll be traveling back and forth from Piedmont to Norta to the Rift and to Monfort itself. In the end, I couldn't think of a convincing lie to tell them so I decided to go with a truth: that couldn't tell them. It's awful to keep this from them, but if I told them what I would be doing…

Kilorn and I share an appropriate amount of time hugging. We had said our official goodbyes last night, and still, no one knows about us.

"Go get 'em," he whispers in my ear. I feel like those are the last comforting words I'll hear in a long time.

I sleep most of the plane ride to Monfort. But once we're safely behind the mountains that shield Monfort from the rest of the continent, Davidson and I get into a different kind of transport. It's larger than a ground transport but smaller than a jet. However, it does not require a runway like the Blackrun did. All it needs is a landing pad. Davidson calls it a copter.

When I get in, Davidson hands me headphones, like the kind I saw Cal where when he piloted the Blackrun. And unlike the Blackrun there are windows all across the copter. We shoot up vertically before finally flying forward and my stomach does a backflip

"We're going to the safe house hidden in the mountains," he explains through his own headphones. Even though he's already gone through details with me before, I know he senses my unease. Every part of me doesn't want to go through this next phase, to meet the girl that will help us win the war.

Alexandra Rivers

From what Davison has told me, she's only two years younger than me and a bit timid. But the fact that she lives in an isolated cabin in the mountains, makes me question it. Does Davidson keep her there to keep her safe from the public or to keep the public safe from her?

"We'll be touching down three miles from the the cabin," Davidson says.

All I can do is nod, trying not bring the whole copter down with my nerves. But it's hard to ignore its electrical pulse. As soon as we touch down, I grab my bag, the copter takes off again, stranding us in the middle of nowhere.

The walk isn't far by my standards, but the high altitude is something to adjust to. Davidson doesn't seem to mind, I guess he's walked this path plenty of times. When we reach a clearing I take a long breath. This is it.

Davidson takes long strides as he approaches the cabin, making sure to disturb every pebble, leaf, and twig on the way. He wants her to know we're coming.

The cabin itself is bigger than my house back in the stilts but it's nothing grand like the houses on Officer's Row. A small light illuminates a room inside, my guess it's a living room.

Davidson knocks gently on the door then peeks through the window and gives a friendly wave and smile. I wait anxiously on the balls of my feet.

Then slowly the front door opens and reveals a girl on the shorter like me. She's maybe an inch or two taller, but definitely small. She wears a red flannel shirt-sleeves slightly rolled up-and black shorts. And she's barefoot but more curious than that, she wears a strange triangular pendant around her neck.

As she opens the door a warm breeze shifts her reddish brown hair, and she greets Davidson with a similarly warm smile. But as her gaze finds me her smile fades into only a smirk. But hidden in her hazel eyes, I find something I don't expect: fear.

But how could someone as powerful as her, fear me?

"Hi," she says.

"Hi," I stupidly say back. Davidson watches the exchange, fighting a smirk.

"Um, do you want to come inside?" She clutches the door like it's a life line. "Or we could stay here if you want, that's cool. Well, not cool but you know, warm really. It can get a little humid sometimes and then the mosquitoes come out later. Unless you don't mind! That's okay too. Oh no, I'm babbling, um, Dane?"

Dane?

He gives her a reassuring smile and then turns to me, "I think we'll all be more comfortable inside. After all, it was a long walk, wasn't it Mare?"

I nod and we all file in, Davidson taking up the rear.

"You guys can make yourselves at home, I'll be back with snacks." She runs off to a small kitchen before Davidson closes the door.

"She seems…," I search for the right word, "interesting."

"She certainly is."

I elected to sit a large chair, while Davidson takes half to the couch. Together all three of us sit in silence with a lunch consisting of sandwiches and tea. After five minutes Davidson speaks up. "I suppose I should be the one to make the unnecessary introductions. Alexandra this is Mare Barrow and Mare this is Alexandra Rivers."

"You can call me Alex," she says holding out a hand. And after an idiotic moment of hesitation, I take it. "Mare," I say feeling foolish.

"Tomorrow we can start getting to work," Davidson says. "But how about you two spend the rest of the day getting to know one another? After all, you'll be working closely together for the next few months. I'm going to have to make a few calls, I'll be in my room if you need me." And before I can ask him how he's going to do that in the middle of nowhere, he leaves.

"So," Alex purses her lips. "What did Dane tell you about me?

"Well," I say putting my cup of tea down. "He said you were born in Norta, orphaned. That you keep to yourself most of the time and that you're a Newblood..." Taking a deep breath, I say the words that will make this real. "A whisper."

Alex looks down into her cup of tea as if lost or...ashamed.

"I had an older brother you know." Her voice is soft but strong. "Our parents had just died, my father from war, my mother was beaten by a Silver Officer who didn't like the way she looked at her. She died from her injuries."

"You don't have to-"

"No, actually I do. I was five. He was seventeen. And then he was conscripted and I never saw him again. I thought it's better this way because from my experience everyone gets's taken away eventually. But that's only one of the reason's why I don't mind being alone. I also choose to stay hidden because of this." She points to her head.

"What do you mean?"

"You see this," she touches pendant hanging by a long chain. "This little trinket here is made of silent stone."

"Davidson has you wear that?"

"No, of course not," she sounds insulted. "No, I asked him to get it for me. I wear it not only to make others feel more comfortable around me but also as a reminder. Anyone can fall as easily as they rise. Even me. Dane explained to me about how all of this started because of the whisper Queen, Elara." Chills run through my body as Alex says her name. She's dead, I remind myself. "I wear this because, yes, I'm afraid of becoming something like that."

And then I see it. This awkward, shy girl has a fire hidden inside of her. It lies dormant, kept stowed away only because of her tragic past and the bitterness of knowing others will always be wary around her. Alex sees the realization in my eyes and straightens her spine and puts on a brave face-something I've done hundreds of times.

"But enough of me, no one wants to here another sob story, especially nowadays."

I know she's dangerous. I know I shouldn't let myself get too close to someone I might lose-or who quite possibly kill me-but I do it anyway. I get up from my chair, and walk around the coffee table and sit next to Alex on the couch.

Grabbing her hands I say, "I lost my brother too. But just because you lose your family doesn't mean you can't find a new one." My mind flashes to Kilorn and Farley. "It might not be the same but it's...heartwarming."

Alex gives me the same smile she gave Davidson. And I almost laugh. A few months ago I would never believe I would one day become friends with a whisper.

We spend the next few hours just talking. I find out there's much more to her than I thought. She claims she's a total neat freak and she loves it when it rains. She also has this other power to trip over everything. And the way she talks and acts she reminds me of Gisa. And I tell her as much. I talk about my brothers and sister and I even tell her about Kilorn, but I leave out Cal. How we ended things still hurt and I'm sure we'll address it eventually. But for now, I decided not to pick at that particular scab. The hours bleed into the night and in the morning Davidson finds us asleep sprawled all over the couch.

"Well, it looks like you two hit it off."

My head pops up immediately, but Alex is little slower. She takes in a deep breath, her eyelids flutter open. But she forgets where she is and as she tries to sit up, her hand slips and she crashes to the floor.

I stifle a laugh. But when she does finally sit up, I break. Her auburn hair surrounds her in a thick mane and it makes her look like a sleepy wild animal. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she blinks and looks around as if just realizing what's going on around her, "I need coffee." She looks up at Davidson expectantly. "Dane?" He gives her that beaming smile again and walks into the kitchen.

"I also need a shower. Oh, I never did show you to your room, Mare."

Picking up the one duffle bag I brought with me, Alex leads me up the creaky wooden stairs. "There are two bathrooms and two bedrooms, once Dane leaves, I'll take his room."

"How do you know him so well?" I ask. I put my bag down in the corner of the small bedroom Alex leads me to. "I don't think I know a single person besides you who calls him by his first name."

"I met Dane when I was thirteen. He protected me when I had no one. He's the closest thing I have to a father."

"Then why does he leave you here by yourself? Doesn't it get lonely?"

"Dane has his own life further into Monfort. And the life of a politician is always under the spotlight. And I have a lot more to do than you might think. I take a lot of hikes around the area and I even study some of the animals that wander around. I have a mountain of books hidden in a closet downstairs. Oh, and music is also a hobby of mine. Oh, look at me I'm babbling again. Um, do you want take the bathroom first?"

"No, you can go, I'll just settle my things."

"Kay. Just yell if you need anything." And with that she disappears into the bathroom.

I go over and sit on one of the twin beds. And I bend down and put my face in my hands.

How did I get myself into this mess?

Queue: Red by Beth Crowley

Davidson leaves shortly after breakfast claiming he has some more political business to attend to. And I'm left alone with Alex, dreading what comes next.

I sit on the couch, my hair still damp from my shower, I it wear down, now that I have no reason to keep it up. It feels almost foriegn around my shoulders. Its faded ends have now come as far as my shoulders. I've exhausted myself these past few weeks, my body is covered in bruises and I nurse shadows under my eyes. I've pushed my body to its full capacity, now I must surrender my mind.

"So how do we start this?" I ask.

Alex walks over with a three purple candles, and a box of matches, "What's this for?"

She puts the candle down on table and while she lights the match she says, "This is lavender scented. Lavender gives off a certain aroma that when in inhaled can treat a anxiety, depression, even insomnia. But in this case it'll keep you calm. We'll start off by doing an evaluation. I know what you been through was more than traumatic. But I'm going to have review every moment, every encounter you've had with Maven and then some. Any modifications we do make will be small."

"What do you mean by small?"

Blowing out the match, Alex reaches over and lightly touches my wrist. I flinch.

She takes a shaky breath, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to confirm my suspicions as well as set an example. Dane told me about the manacles and I figured it out. Starting out small would be taking away that reaction to when someone touches your wrists."

I certainly do my best not to tremble, but Alex notices anyway.

"I won't ever take away or place in an emotion within you. I'll simply magnetize or dappen certain feelings. Remember we're going to have to make this believable. Maven is smart, I can tell that much for sure. So anything I do will happen gradually, And anything you feel right now for anyone or anything will always be there just in different portions."

I can only nod. But then Alex reaches behind behind a pillow and reveals a comforting sight..

"And with the help of my friend Brandy," Alex says with a beaming smile. "I think this war will end sooner than you might think."

I just stare. "What? You didn't actually think I just bring a few candles for this did you?"

She uncorks the bottle and I take a larger sip than necessary and I make a face as I do.

Is this how Maven felt before he betrayed everyone? Alex may appear small and weak. But Davidson is laying the fate of Nations on her shoulders. Like me she is forced to be reckoned with. Anyone foolish enough to wear a crown won't see us coming.

"Let's do this."

Alex takes off her necklace and for the first time, I willingly allow a whisper to enter my mind.

Queue: Ready Set Let's Go by Sam Tinnesz

Flashback: One Day after Corvium

Davidson's office is simpler than I thought it would be. It's also cold, a sharp contrast to the Piedmont heat. Goosebumps rise along my arms. Davidson stands by the window over looking the base. I sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"When I assured Queen Anabel of our compliance with her alliance I didn't know about you and the prince. I knew you were close, but not that close."

"I don't think we'll be that close ever again," I murmur.

Davidson turns around with equal parts shock and sorrow on his face. His pity makes me nauseous. I'm so tired of people treating me like something that will crumble in their hands. But I'm too exhausted to call him out on it.

Instead I ask, "So where do we go from here?"

Davidson moves from the window and to behind his desk. "I do have a few plans in development but all of them will take another year to finally complete. And who knows how many casualties there'll be before it's all over. Everyone in the game is too smart. But there is one operation that I have in mind that may work quickly and efficiently. But you'll be the primary agent and I'm afraid it will cause you a great deal of pain and sacrifice."

I straighten my spine, trying to look braver than I feel. "I've come this far, what's a little more pain?"

"It's a suicide mission."

I didn't here Farley come in but it certainly doesn't surprise me. She stands by the door, but she wears a look of worry. "It's her decision to make," Davidson counters.

"She can't do it," Farley insists.

"How about instead of arguing, you just tell me," I snap. "You guys don't earn points for being dramatic, remember?"

Farley sighs and Davidson takes a deep breath and continues. "We all know Volo Samos and Queen Anabel don't plan to keep to their end of the bargain and support a world where Reds are equal. Although they might want to appear united, there is growing tension between the two parties."

"We have to let them kill each other." I repeat the words I've spoken like a prayer since we left Corvium.

"Exactly. Divide and Conquer. We tip over the right tile and the rest will fall. I regularly correspond with the Queen and now with Kingdom of the Rift. We know all their plans and the cards they have to play. I say we take this knowledge and you give it to King Maven."

"What?"

"You see? I told you, Mare. It's suicide at best. Impossible at worst. Davidson, you can't guarantee Mare's safety."

"I'm so sick in tired of people trying to protect me!" I stand to face Farley. The rage I try to keep in check, comes spilling out. The fire that I've kept hidden for months begins to burn everything in my heart except the need to hurt everyone who's hurt me. My fear of Maven, of the monster disguised as someone I once loved, is nothing compared to my hatred of him. If this plan will finally bring his end than I'm willing to listen. I turn to face Davidson.

"Continue."

"Mare-," I hear Farley protest, but I can't focus on anything other than the pulse of my own heart beat.

"Maven won't be easy to deceive," I say "When the time comes, equal parts of him will let his guard down as well as raise it. I'm sure you've thought of that."

Davidson nods. "I do. The best lies are the ones consisting of truth. I don't suggest when you come face to face with Maven you stay, but you visit at random times. Based on his obsession, having you there, even for a short a time, is better than not seeing you at all. You tell him this, and then you tell him about the Rift. You explain how they won't honor our alliance in the end. This is truth. You tell him how once he's finally removed, they will just supplant him with his brother. And that Anabel will just manipulate him into returning things to the way they were. Something I think we both know will happen."

It sickens me to agree. When has Cal ever made a decision that somehow wasn't influenced by someone else? Afterall, he only really sided with Scarlet Guard because he had nowhere to go and I sided myself with them. He may think he can bring equality by becoming king, but there are too many against it.

Cal follows orders, but he can't make choices. You know that as well as I do. Maven told me this after I made that dreadful speech at Whitefire. I silently curse him for being right.

"I explain to Maven how Cal has chosen the crown once again," I hear myself say. "Maven was the one who pointed out that Cal would never chose me over his birthright."

"Another truth," Davidson concurs.

"But what makes you think she can stand to see him again?" Farley asks. "She's been mentally, physically and emotionally scarred by what he's done. No healer can help anything more than the what's physical."

"I do have a solution to that particular problem but it's open for discussion."

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"I happen to know someone, a newblood who can...prepare you for facing him."

"A whisper. You're talking about a whisper."

"Are you insane?" Farley objects.

"It's only if you're up for it Mare. If not, I won't bring her into this."

"Her?"

"Yes," His face softens. "Her name is Alexandra Rivers. And believe me, she's not like any whisper you've encountered."

I take deep breath. I study Davidson. He's a difficult person to read but something tells me that if there was another way, he wouldn't be asking."Okay."

"Mare-" Farley warns, but I'm not listening anymore.

"Wait, but won't Samos or anyone else suspect us?" I ask.

"I doubt it. Still the Silvers chant their little slogan. The may want you think that they're strong and powerful, but our intelligence says otherwise. The crown Samos wears is barely held together. Houses Haven and Iral have not truly sided with the Rift. Iral thinks they're trading one dictator for another. While Haven despises the alliance between the Rift and Monfort and the Scarlet Guard. If there'll be any suspicion it will be of within their kingdom not outside. Afterall, why would lowly, stupid, red rats ever betray their only hope? Especially the Lightning Girl who hates Maven most of all?"

And then I see the plan form in mind. It could actually work. It's just like Davidson described in Monfort. The Silvers were divided and only reds to stood united. Everyone is running around looking for power, looking to show who is stronger. My heart may be in pieces, but for the first time in a long time, my mind is clear.

"When do we start?"

Things to Look Forward to:

Where's Jon? You didn't think I would forget about our favorite seer?

Oh Cal, where did Mare go?

Kilorn taught Mare to hold her breath for a ridiculous amount of time, why?

You poor fool Volo Samos, I have plans for you and your family. *laughs evilly*

Questions from last time still stand.

ANALYSIS

I'm lazy. And I really wanted to get this to you guys. I'll make up for it next time.

Love you guys.