9 Lost

~Lost as time can pass and futures become. A single choice can mean millions of lives are born, die, succeed and fail. We are our own assets, and our own downfall.~

The General sat across from me. "Why should we go with this plan of yours, Bentlian? It seems almost suicidal."

"It is the only idea anyone has come up with. if anyone has a better suggestion, please, please say it now. Ekhart has amassed a deadly force and there is no way that we can stop him. This is our only hope." Bentlian sounded desperate. The general was right, even though I thought that the plan brought up was almost suicidal. We would need perfect planning and forces to pull this off.

"Give it a rest, General. It is our only shot at victory, even if the chances are 40/60, not in our favor. We have to take it." Jaklean stated, "this war has taken its toll on ancientian lives, on the universe as well. Ekhart will be a cruel leader, and an even worse King."

"Skylen? What are your thoughts on the plan?" another seated at the table asked. Dasha or Galsh was his name?

I almost laughed. They really didn't know about the traitor in our midst. They were talking so freely, except for the General. Poor man probably didn't know what to do with himself right now.

***

Another dream? What could they mean? Waking up to the sound of rain hitting the metal above me was not my favourite experience.

But, last night was one of the best sleeps my life has ever had. Guess it is a good thing I found a random sheet of tin in the backyard woods of the school.

It's been three days since I left. Well, left is relative, more like released. I tried running away once, never again. I was caught before I was two blocks away. It was the first time I ever had any sort of fractures, and that includes teeth.

He started using me to satisfy himself after I was returned "home". Shuddering, I headed to the school entrance. Last thing needed now is the principal suspicious of my attendance. Plus, there was that new substitute teacher in for Mr. Matten. He, Mr. Lash, is a nice person. Genuine even.

But why did Ruby act that way? Does she know him from another school?

"Diana Frost was murdered two days ago. Her body was found just two blocks from her home, in a dumpster. The police believe the Broken Heart killer has claimed another victim.

The total makes 28 young girls who died. All girls under 20, or who look under 20, please stay inside or don't go out alone." The announcer sounded melancholic over the speaker.

Another death. I should be careful, and better find a safe place to stay as well. First thing, I have English for the first period.

*

"Come away with me, Hermia. My little aunt lives far in the woods, where we can hide." Mrs. Mitchell's voice droned on, it was making me sleepy. Resting my head on my arms, I dozed off.

_She gave me control. I don't blame her, her mother has quite the strong arm. But a whipping? Don't make me laugh, my father did so much worse. But, Penny has endured this abuse long enough.

Turning I grabbed "whip" from the supposed mother of this young girl. "What? Didn't expect me to stand up for myself, mom?" I asked. The shock on her face was as sweet as candy.

"How? You're just a weak little bitch. How are you stopping me?" The anger in her voice was mixed with just a hint of fear.

"Your right, Penny is weak. But you have hurt her too many times, and you have pushed it too far." _

"Ms Skriben, are you quite done with sleeping in my class?" Mrs. Mitchell's voice cut into the dream. Groggy was an understatement. What the hell was that?

Still... "I'm sorry Mrs. Mitchell. I didn't sleep well last night." At least it was the truth, and not a lie again.

---------

Sleeping on the ground was a bit more comfortable than the floor in my room, but the lack of walls unnerved me. Anything could get to you... stop panicking. Let's just get through the day first.

"Penny, are you alright? You seem zoned out." Ruby has been talking to me more and more.

"I'm fine. I got to go to the next class. Thank you for asking." I got away. The rumours may have been dying down, but she has been trying to get closer to me.

I shouldn't worry about any of that. I should find food first. I heard the sushi place downtown tosses out a ton of food.