35 Violet

Violet rolled over in bed, the ball would take place in two days time, she was going to see the dressmaker today. Her thoughts drifted to James, they hadn't decided on a color. Violet smiled taking that thought back, she had already decided on a color.

She stifled a yawn, she was tempted to go back to bed. She had awoken, as always much too early, it was still dark outside. Violet's thoughts floated to the energy within the school. With the ball approaching they had been told that their dismissal time from class would be noon. Rich people took balls very seriously, it was such a waste of energy. The entire school was being decorated: high end sculpture, hundreds and hundreds of flower bouquets, expansive meal plans, party favors, the list kept growing. There was rumor that a famous pianist was coming to play, although everybody seemed to care more that it was a pianist lord Zordyk knew. The students excitement was almost feverish: dates, plans, make-up, outfits, it was the same conversation all around.

Violet thought it ludicrous, for a school that emphasized structure and rigorous-never-ending hard work this was taking it far over the line. Violet drew herself from her bed, seemed like she needed the run after all.

She had just finished her run and was stretching out on an open courtyard when a beautiful blue jay fluttered down by her leg. The bird twittered at Violet excitedly, she extended her hand and it hopped on pecking lightly into her hand.

"I had no idea you were also a fairy princess!" It was Alex who had spoken, although she was followed by the entire crew.

"More like the evil stepmother, although in my world, I'd live alone with the animals. Much better than humans." The bird fluttered away as they approached, Zen, Violet noticed excused himself and left.

Tom plopped down next to her, "ignore him, he's got his panties in wad, she deserved it."

"Oh, I've much better things to worry about than another Hao's manners," Violet retorted slyly.

"What I can't believe is that they let you go with such a mild punishment!" Ted grinned, "I was really worried for a moment there."

Violet flashed Kieren a look, he hadn't told them. "Well, maybe I am a fairy princess after all."

"Definitely!" Alex chimed is as James approached them calling out for Violet.

"Hey, have you decided on a color, just realized I can't get my tux without checking in with you first. Oh hey all..." he inched away from Kieren and his instantly frosty eyes.

Violet grinned flaunting a stuck up gaze, "ohhh but certainly, we my dear date, are going in all black." She met their questioning gazes, "Gasp," she continued in her falsetto, "haven't you barbaric commoners heard, I was almost responsible for a funeral, I should pay my respects." Shouts of laugher echoed across the courtyard as Violet rose to her feet as though she was the head lady of a household. "Now, if you all would excuse me, I have a dress rehearsal execution appointment of some sorts."

Laughter followed her back to her down, her smile stopped as soon as she entered her room. She would have to rethink her day, she was being summoned.

As soon as they were released from class she disappeared headed into town. Violet spent an hour chatting with Mandy's aunt, Jennifer, while she pinned a truly beautiful gown to the right sizes. Violet was surprised at how efficient Jennifer was, true mastery of craft was displayed effortlessly. After promising Violet the dress would be ready the following evening Jennifer escorted Violet to the door. Violet walked deep into the center of town noting the crowd that was drawing in, she blended into the crown looking for an adept spot. An empty row of abandoned building to her far left called her name. She broke into one easily, an abandoned herb store, the smells of earth and dead plants filled the entire space. After verifying that she was indeed alone she disappeared into the silvery light.

She emerged into a dimly lit room, soft sunlight filtered in casting shadows and reflecting on all sorts plants. Violet looked around relaxing into the tranquility this place always gave her.

Movement from the adjacent room drew Violet's attention, a slim girl with blonde dyed hair appeared leaning casually against the door. "Hey name thief."

Violet lunged forward drawing the girl into a strong embrace, "name thief indeed, hi Vi."

The two girls hugged tightly for a few moments before Violet pulled away. She held the other girl, Violet, Vi to her, at arms length. "How many times do I need to tell you that while plants gain nourishment from the sun you do not? You must eat more Vi!"

Vi, kind brown eyes dappled with ever lasting sadness smile back, "I'm eating just fine Violet, you're the one living in constant danger, worry about yourself."

The two girls walked out onto a small balcony crowded with even more plants.

Violet turned to Vi, "You called?"

The twittering blue jay zoomed onto Violet's shoulder, she pet him gently while procuring sunflower seeds from a small bag. "I brought something for the worlds best messenger."

Vi laughed, "you're the reason he's getting fat!"

"Lies, it's been months since I've stopped by."

They looked to each other sad eyes emerging once more, there was a painful understanding between the two.

They re-entered and moments later sat on the floor facing each other tea in hands.

"I have some pictures for you, time just flows."

Violet took the pictures in her hands, eyes downcast, swimming in nostalgia.

"Thanks Vi, time does fly..."

Vi gripped her own knees painfully, "I always stop to think, maybe if it had been me with the ability, they would have taken me Violet, not him, and then perhaps..."

Violet reached out to hug her name twin once more, "I'll fix it Vi, I made a promise, I'll fix it."

Vi sighed softly, "I'm sorry you're living this life, but we met didn't we?"

Violet smiled, "we did, and I won't stop, not until every single one of them is held accountable."

Vi smiled, "I have information from you. It's surprising what I learn. I'm a nobody here, you know these days I'm calling myself Lily, and yet people tell all their worries to a flower shop owner. I mean setting up so near the center, and with the municipal center next door, I get all sorts of clients. I had a gentleman stop by, very important law officer, hates the Ruenen and all things related. He started talking about a group, calling themselves Nightmare Walkers."

Violet listened intently, "they have a hiding spot downtown. They've been recruiting anybody who will promise to join their crusade. A man by the name of 'Silver' is stopping by late tonight to encourage the recruits." Violet gasped, "you heard that right? Silver?"

Vi nodded gravely, "yeah, we need him don't we?"

"Where exactly?"

Vi produced a map and pointed out colored coordinates, "here, midnight."

"He was the one...." Vi's hands shook, "he took his life?"

Violet looked into her rage filled eyes, "yes."

The girls spoke quietly consumed by the task at hand until Violet was prepared to leave. They shared a last hug before Violet turned to Vi, "I'm sorry Vi, you gave me your story and name, you gave me a way in, and because of it, you're living here. Pretending you don't exist, I can never give you back the time. I'm-"

"You will always be a part of me, you've given me the hope nobody else dared give me. Give them hell for me Violet. I cannot fight like you, but I'll give you all you need from the sidelines. One day, you'll bring me his bones, I cannot ask for more."

She laughed removing the tension, "not to mention, we already shared a first name, all you're borrowing is the last name."