Chapter two. She isn’t who she seems

I perch on the edge of the roof, dangling my legs over the edge. The moon shined high above in the starlit sky, silently watching me. Just like it used to. "Hey," I whisper. "I haven't seen you in a while." Anemone flicks her tongue, looking at me with her grey eyes that matched mine. I jokingly flick my tongue back and stroke her scaly head. I look up at the night, stars glittering amongst the clouds slowly gliding across the sky. "All those years..." I say wistfully. "Hey," Blaze says behind me, making me jump up and face him. "What are you doing up here?" he asks. "It's late. You should get some sleep." I scowl at him, clenching my fists. "I don't need you hovering over me. I can handle myself." He turns to leave and I instantly regret my words. "Wait!" I cry out. He glances back expectantly, his forest green eyes meeting mine. "Sorry," I mutter. He shrugs and takes a seat next to me, rolling a smooth, brown pebble between his fingertips. We sit in awkward silence, glancing at each other out of the corner of our eyes. "I never got your name," he says finally. "Ananthanarayana. An," I say. I shouldn't be revealing so much about myself, for it would only be a matter of time before he finds out the truth about me. About my past. "So, An. Why were you talking to the moon?" I snapped toward him, sure he was mocking me, but there was no scorn in his eyes, no suppressed laughter behind my back. He genuinely wanted to know. I was slightly taken aback. He actually trusted me, even after I almost choked him. For some reason, I wanted to show him that I wasn't as cold as I came off as. I tried to answer as honestly as possible without giving too much away. I stumbled over my words as I searched for the right thing to say. "I can sometimes get...overwhelmed." I stop, unsure. His green eyes meet mine, urging me to go on. "It's like this feeling that creeps inside and takes over," I continue. "It feels like someone else is there, controlling me. That's why I can be so...violent sometimes. But talking to something kind of releases that feeling. Even if the person I talk to doesn't exist." I wait for him to laugh, but he doesn't. He just looks at me thoughtfully, like he's trying to figure me out. "Well, if you want to, you can always talk to me," he says, a small smile appearing on his face. The first smile I've seen in years that was directed toward me. Funny it was his. We don't speak for a few minutes after that, but a wall has been lifted between us. Eventually he gets up to leave. Before I can stop myself, I run up and embrace him tightly. He's surprised at first, but after a moment hugs me back. The twisted mass of snakes on my head slowly sank, gently hanging around my face. His arms are warm, and hold me with just the right amount of tightness. I release him with a start, watching his face carefully. His furry jaguar ears are tilted back slightly, and a smile lights up his face. "What was that for?" he grins, amused by my sudden display of emotion. I punch him in the arm, and he stumbles to the ground. "What was that for?" he asks again, bursting into laughter. "That was for questioning me." I smirk and walk away, fighting to keep the glowing smile that keeps resurfacing off my face. Anemone encircles my arm, and I can practically hear her snickering. I look back up at the moon and recompose myself. I hear a cacophony of sounds below, they guys hollering over each other. I close my eyes and try to focus on my breath, to center myself. My name is An. I am eighteen years old. I was locked away in the Cocoon by the Wizard. I was freed by Blaze. He is being nice to me for no reason. I was always told I was a monster, that I could never change. But maybe I can. I'm interrupted by a shriek of laughter coming from below. I look down at my hands and see they are shaking. I steady them, placing my sweaty palm against the smooth concrete roof. I stand up and creep toward the stairway, peering around the corner. The guys relax in a comfortable room, cushions and pillows tossed on the floor. Blaze sits with his legs stretched out, leaning against a wall. His hand gently strokes his Jaguar's back as he animatedly relates his encounter with me on the roof. "She punched me right after she hugged me," he says, laughing. "I don't understand girls." One of them, I think Blaze called him Oliver, strode in, carrying a white, fluffy rabbit with long drooping ears. A strange feeling creeped inside of me as I leaned away from the stairwell. Blaze shouldn't have told them about me hugging him. It was a mistake. Being here, around these people makes me vulnerable. It would be best for all of us if I left. I strode down the doorway and into the room, Blaze looking up expectantly. I walked around him and leaned coolly against the wall. "You guys need to shut up. Sounds like a clan of monkeys squabbling over a place to sit." I glare at the group, my arms crossed. "Do you need a place to sleep? You can hang out here for a while if you'd like," Blaze says. I scowl even deeper. Why was he being so nice? He looks at me unexpectedly, his eyes boring into mine. I glance at the floor. "I'll use one of the spare rooms," I grouch. The group files out, Aron kicking a throw pillow as he scuttles out. Blaze turns to leave, but I jerk him back by the shoulder, spinning him to face me. I have so much to say, but quaking anger blinds me. I need to show that I'm not weak after the...incident on the roof. I jerk my arm to hook him, but this time he expects it, dodging behind me with cat-like grace. He kicks me from behind, pushing me to the floor. As I fall, I grapple my feet to the floor and twist around to face him, grabbing his arms to flip him and smash him to the floor, his head banging against the hard wooden floor. I lean toward him, my lips inches away from his face. I feel a calm sort of resolution, knowing I had redeemed myself. I wasn't soft anymore. A sly smile dances across my lips as I bend to his furry ear, which was twitching with spite. "I guess you are useful," I whisper with poison-edged sweetness as I shimmy out the door. "Kitty."

. . .

I couldn't sleep that night. My stomach strangely full, I stared out the window of the dull spare room, complete with dust-coated furniture and a leaking water faucet. I scratched a line into the wooden bedpost with my fingernail, flecks of brown shavings twirling through the air to the ground. I recall Blaze's forest green eyes, studying me as I kneeled on top of him, something about them so familiar and warm. Suddenly I jerk up, unable to stand the still night anymore. I glance at the glowing clock on the wall, 1:42am blinking back at me unexpectedly. I sighed and got up, knowing I wouldn't fall asleep anyway. Anemone awoke as I moved, slithering up my leg and twisting herself gently around my torso. I looked at myself in the cracked mirror leaning against the wall. The snakes of my hair surrounded my head like a ghostly white halo, matching my glowing alabaster skin and white lashes. For a moment, I saw myself as beautiful, before banishing the thought and focusing on double-knotting the end of a length of cable that I took from a cabinet to one of the bed posts. I licked my chapped lips and cracked open the window to look down at a ten-foot drop, clutching the rope in my hands. I leapt through and fell through the air, wind rushing past me. I braced my legs against the side of the building, grasping the taut cord. I left it dangling as I jumped the rest of the short distance down, landing squarely in a crouch. I walked through the city, still in the early morning, the moon hanging silently above. Still, I kept to the shadows, darting from building to building until I came upon a dirt path I knew so well, one I hadn't seen in ten thousand years. My village. Buildings leaned perilously to the side, rubble scattered amongst the huts we lived in. Dried blood was splotched against the old carpet of the sweets shop, alongside crushed hard candies, long forgotten. I eyed the destruction guiltily, knowing I was responsible. No wonder they locked me away. I was deep in my thoughts when I realized I had unknowingly walked to my home, the hut I grew up in. Angry words were slashed onto the outside wall in peeling red paint. I looked away and walked up to the front door, pushing it open with a creak. I heard a crunch beneath my foot as I walked through, and lifted a note accompanied by something I thought I would never see again. I clutched the worn yellow blanket in my hands, rubbing the heart lovingly hand-stitched in the corner. I flipped open the note. My little butterfly... I know I might not make it out alive, but I will be with you every step of the way. I love you, Ananthanarayana. I always have. Tears well in my eyes, grey clouds looming high in the sky above. I barely noticed the pattering rain as it splashed to the ground, Anemone circling around me gently. I clutched my childhood blanket in my hands. The one my mother gave to me. Before she died. I shake violently in the rain, burning emotions rising up inside me. I feel outside my body as a primal scream fills my lungs, echoing through the village. I shriek until my voice is a hoarse whisper, filling the earth with my anguish and pain. I curl up on the ground, puddles of mud congealing around me, sobbing with my full heart for my mother to come back, to put her warm arms around mine and take me with her, up where things don't matter anymore. So we could be together again.

. . .

I dreamt of a dirty green cloak. I had seen it before, and a frown creased my face as I studied it, leaning in to pick it up. Suddenly, a red blotch spread from the center of the cloak, until the entire piece of cloth was encased in a pool of blood. The red liquid swam toward me, closer and closer until it grasped my arm and pulled me face first into the splattered floor. I awoke with a gasp, my heart pounding against my ribcage. My bleary eyes adjusted and saw yellow afternoon light streamed through open windows. I was back in the guest room. I numbly walked to the sink, my feet clacking against the tiles. I splashed cold water on my face, my eyes bloodshot, my nose tender and pink. As I scrubbed my nails free of the caked dirt, a sudden epiphany struck me, and I dropped the lavender scented soap. The wizard. That was his cloak. Anger consumed me as I stalked out of the room, combing the halls until I finally found Blaze. He looked up unexpectedly, but his eyes were wary. "Hey, An. How was your nap," he begins, stopping when he sees my face. "I need a favor. You owe me," I said. "I owe you? For what?" he asked incredulously. "I spared you," I said coldly, glaring at him. He laughed, loud and long. "Right," he chuckled. "I saved you. Who do you think brought you back here?" My eyes caught on his mud encrusted nails. My jaw quivered. Even after last night, he still came for me. Blaze gazed at my face and his expression changed. He sighed. "What do you need?" he asked. I refocused on my mission, hardening my heart. "I need to kill the Wizard." He immediately told me I couldn't do it, that it was impossible. But I was persistent. We went back and forth, each denying the other, until Blaze fell quiet and let me explain. I talked about sneaking out at night to my village, how it was desolate. Of finding my house covered in words painted by the other townsfolk. And knowing I couldn't hold it back if I wanted him to help me, I told him about the note. His eyes lit up, and he ran to get something. He silently handed me the blanket. I looked up with a smile. "Thanks." I left it in my room, and went to the armory. Jack was already there, examining crossbows. As soon as I entered, Jack glared at me, his face similar to my own expression. "Hey," he seethed. I nodded in acknowledgement before Jack tackled me, sending us flying to the floor. I pushed him off and flipped to my feet. "What was that for?" I exclaimed. Jack sneered, his amber eyes cutting into mine. "I know all about how you treated Blaze last night. After he saved you from the Ruins." He leaned in dangerously. "You hurt him, you face me. Because I am the wolf. My greatest power is loyalty." He stares at me angrily. I burst out laughing and shove Jack away from me. "I-is something funny?" he asks. I wipe my eyes, clutching my stomach. "Yeah," I say, my face morphing into a sarcastic smirk. "Loyalty. You see, I used to believe in that. Then I realized the only way to survive this messed up, backwards world was to look out for number one." My fingernails screeched against the wall, carving long grooves in the stone. I looked up at Jack with violent eyes. "You want to fight? I'll fight you," I said, blowing grit off my nails imperiously. "I haven't told any of you this, but I have killed before. It made me a different person. It was hard at first. But now?" I grin slyly, tracing my fingers delicately across his throat. "I have plenty of practice…. I never needed you anyway." The room stilled, Jack studying me. Goosebumps raised on my neck, sending a chill down my spine. Jack glanced behind me and I realized the rest of the guys were at the door, watching the scene nervously. An inkling of a smile wove it's way into Jack's face, and the commotion resumed in the armory. Blaze showed me different types of weapons, among them grenades, rifles, shiny new bows, swords, daggers, and staffs. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught two glinting, silver twin blades curved delicately with a deadly tip. The hilts were engraved with a rearing dragon, curving it's way along the edge to the blade, eyes venomous and cold. I edged my way to the swords, firmly grasping the handle and slashing them through the air, feeling the power and agility in them. I turned to Blaze who was watching me with a smile. "Those look good on you," he said, stroking his jaguar, Javari. I awkwardly look away. "Thanks," I mumbled again stupidly, feeling a blush heat on my cheeks.

. . .

I stroke Javari gently, watching An try out her new blades. I waved her over and along with the rest of the guys, who insisted on coming along, and led them down through a long, dark, shaft. Sticky ooze dripped from the ladder as we climbed farther and farther down, spiderwebs clinging to the dingy stone walls. Finally, after a seemingly endless pit, we came to the bottom. I pried it open and we dropped through the air, landing on crimson sand. I turned to An, who's eyes sparkled with child-like glee as she looked around her surroundings in amazement. I extend my arms proudly and grin. "Welcome...to the Midnight Cavern." Her eyes swept past me in awe and took in the bustling underground city of chaos, filled with the criminals and outcasts that called this place home. Stalactites hung from the high ceiling like razor sharp teeth, reflected in the pitch black pools of water amongst the streets, which crossed through the city in hundreds of different paths. Leaning shops and wrecked houses sat on the edges of intertwined roads, some even floating across the water, aimlessly drifting with the current. The residents came in all shapes and sizes, everything from burly henchmen with rippling muscles and tattooed, bald heads, to people whose faces were reshaped again and again to fit their new identity until they became a grotesque combination of human and machine. Even with their differences, they all had one thing that connected them, that had led them here to form this city: They were all outcasts, hidden from the outside world in this safe haven, trying to carve out a decent life in the one place that accepted them for who they were. The seven of us split into groups, Daniel swooping through the air above us with his wings, Jack and Leo heading off to the stalls, Aron and Oliver wandering aimlessly through the crowds, disappearing in the mass of people. I turn to see An grasping a young scrawny man with a snaking blue lizard tail by the shirt. "Where is he?" she shouted, clamping her hand around his neck. "I-I don't know," he quivered. "The wizard hasn't been seen for decades! He might not even be alive anymore!" I run up to An to stop her, feeling overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of watching over someone as dangerous as her. "An! What are you doing?" I ask, as calmly as I could. "You can't just threaten people!" She turns to me with her teeth bared, her eyes hard. "He knows something. I need to find The Wizard, Blaze. He's the reason my mother is dead." She leans in and shoves me to the side. I feel the glares of people around me as I tumble off-balance through the crowd. I whirl toward her and grasp her arm, tring to calm her down. "Don't touch me!" she screams, her eyes ablaze as she pushes me away. I took a deep breath and faced her, forcing a smile to rise on her face. "An," I started. "I understand that you are hurt, but that's no excuse to attack people." She froze, and glared at me. "Hurt?" she asked in a dangerously low voice. "You think you know what's inside me? You think you know how I feel? You could never imagine the pain I'm going through. She hardened her face and threw the man to the ground. He groaned, his eyes flickering open. I stared at the man, frozen in place. The man had almost been killed because of this girl, the girl I thought I could trust. I was wrong. Anger boiled inside me and I jabbed a finger at her. "That's it!" I shout. "I've had it with you! I let you live with us, I saved you from that cocoon, and I tried to help you. Not because you threatened me, but because I thought you were different." Anger blinds me, and perspiration lathers on my face. "You know what? You are different. You're ignorant and selfish and stupid. Your mother didn't die because of the Wizard. She died to get away from you." I look at her face, suddenly aware of my words. My eyes are wide with shock as I glance at An's pale, quivering face, her grey eyes brimming with tears. She breathes in shuddering gasps, looking down at her shaking hands. She swallows and races off through the crowds, sprinting across the intertwining streets. I watch her until she disappears behind a building in shock. I curse myself loudly, kicking the curb. I collapsed on the side of the road, hiding my face beneath my hands. I hear footsteps and look up to see Daniel, eyes wide. He had heard it all. He perches next to me, his feathers tickling my side. "I messed up," I say. "Big time. I made her cry. I was just trying to get her to leave the man alone, and one second he was there and the next he was gone." I sniffle, tears dripping from my eyes. "Th-then I yelled at her, because I'm an awful person." I feel Daniel's hand on my back. "You're not an awful person, Blaze. You just made a mistake," he coaxes. I nod and he leaves, letting me be alone. I stand with purpose, to find her and apologize.

. . .

I pulled my childhood blanket around my shoulders on the secluded rooftop of one of the shops, trembling as I finger the pale yellow cloth. I couldn't believe he would say that to me. Kind, sweet, Blaze, who had told me I could always talk to him when I was lonely, who had brought me back from the village, tears and all. Maybe he was right. Maybe I did chase my own mother away. I buried my chin in my hands, sniffling back tears. The underground city shimmered in what I took to be night, thousands of pricks of light shining in the quiet cavern, a murmur sounding empty in the large hollow. My ears twitched as padded footsteps made their way onto the roof. I fingered my blades, which lay next to me. "I'm sorry," Blaze said, sitting down next to me. I hid my shaking hands, keeping my eyes on the city. "I was a jerk." I scoffed. "You think a few apologies will make things better? You crossed a line. You have no idea what you brought back." My voice cracks, throbbing with emotion that I struggle to keep down. "The memories I've tried so hard to forget." I shudder. "An-" he starts. I look right at him, tears forming in the corner of my eyes. "No, Blaze," I say. "I'm done." He looks up, surprised. "You can't help me anymore. I'm leaving." I stand up, looking away. "It's over." He tries to stop me, reaching for my arm. "An, no! I know I was awful before, but I'm truly, really sorry. Please don't go," he faces me, pleading. "It won't be the same without you." I smile at him through my tears. "Don't you see Blaze? You were right. I'm not like you and the guys," I clench my jaw, pushing out the words. "I'm meant to be alone." I stare into his face, his green eyes wide. I force myself to turn around and climb down the ladder on the side of the building, looking at Blaze one last time before disappearing into the shadows. "Thanks for being my...friend, Blaze. Glad I got to have that one last time." I leaped off the ladder and hit the ground, already invisible in the gloom. A single tear drips off my face as I walk away from Blaze, because this was harder than any battle I've ever fought. This time, I was fighting myself.

. . .

That night, I slept on the streets aboveground, huddled against a softly glowing lantern. I shivered in the cool night, tremoring with chills. I waited for the sun to rise, then wove my way through the city, holding my blades defensively. I scavenged rotten fruit from a small kiosk, nibbling the food before the owner shooed me away. I squashed bugs instead, sharing them with Anemone. I was used to meager meals, but my stomach still mewled for more. I remembered the last meal I had with the guys that first night; creamy mushroom soup, thick and flavorful. I smiled wistfully. Suddenly I heard a familiar voice. I dashed around the corner to see Blaze quietly talking to a middle-aged woman with rippling muscles and long green hair. I peered around the corner, catching pieces of their quiet conversation. "I have the cash," he says, furtively pulling out a small zippered bag. He reached in and pulled out a gold coin, glinting as sunlight danced across the surface. "Now tell me, where did you see the girl, and what do you know about the wizard?" My eyes widened. The girl. He was still looking for me. I took in Blaze's tired eyes, rimmed with dark circles. The woman replied, too quiet for me to hear. Then she pulled out her shimmering dagger, glowing from the tech embedded inside. "You're too gullible," she laughed, spinning the knife at Blaze. He couldn't even breathe before it sliced through his shirt and pinned him to a tree. He cried out in agony as the woman grabbed the sack of gold and ran off in the other direction. I rushed to help Blaze, his eyes lighting up as he saw me. "An!" he said gleefully. "You came back!" I scoffed, putting my hands on my hips. "I just happened to be passing by," I said, eying the blade securing him to the tree. "Were you following me?" He looks up at me, his eyes meeting mine. "Of course I did, An. You really think you can just run off at night like the princess at a ball and not expect me to try and bring you back? Guess what, An. The prince followed her and brought her home! And I will too."A sly expression crosses my face. "You think of yourself as my Prince? I can handle myself, thank you very much," I say, stifling a chuckle. "Oh really? I don't believe it." "Says the guy pinned to a tree!" I retorted, full on laughing now. I struggle to pull out the dagger, which seems to have attached itself to the tree. "So who was that lady, anyway?" I ask, sweat beading on my face. "Her name is Lyme. One of the toughest out there. I was trying to get some information out of her since word is that she interned with the Wizard before she robbed him," I finally pulled out the knife, examining the paper-thin edge. Blaze winces, and I grudgingly check his shoulder. He yelps. "Relax, it barely touched you," I say, revealing a small gash on his skin. "Your hands are cold," he whines as I push gauze onto the wound. I roll my eyes and walk in the direction the woman left. "Where are you going?" he asks, hurrying to catch up. "To get answers," I say, stopping in front of him. He quickly offers to come with me, and I hesitate. "You can come. Just to stand guard," I say grudgingly. Blaze pads ahead, ears twitching. He raises his nose and confidently turns left. I shrug and follow him, trusting his heightened senses. Finally, we approach a small cave, two voices echoing from the shallow hole. "She's in there?" I ask loudly, glancing at Blaze. He nods, shoving me behind a tree. "What was that for?" I ask furiously. He cocks his head, his eyes trailing to the burly troll pacing inside the cave entrance. "Oh," I say sheepishly, my cheeks pink. I narrow my eyes and race toward the guard, punching him in his scaly face. He barely flinches, calmly grabbing my torso and holding me in front of him. I knew his stomach and he clutched it in pain, rage flickering in his eyes. Suddenly, he groans and slumps to the ground, releasing me. Blaze stood over the body of the unconscious troll. He helps me up, his rough hand brushing against mine. "You can't just rush in, An," he says worriedly. "I'm fine," I say. "I could have taken him." He snorts. "You didn't even go for the back of his neck. That's the only way to take these trolls down," I growl and look at him expectantly. "So?" I ask, taking in his forest green eyes. He cocks his head questioningly. I sigh. "What's the plan?" I grouch. He grins at me and whispers in my ear, a matching smile filling on my face. I creep into the cave, taking in the cavernous room. Thousands of distorted reflections of me bounce across the walls in embedded shimmering emeralds. Ten tall stalagmites reach up from the rocky floor, creating towering posts, a shadow sitting on each one. Lyme emerges to face me, her face a poisonous smirk. "Hey," I call out, unnerved. "So you're the legendary warrior, the greatest criminal to grace our city. Honestly, I expected more." She slinks up to me, keeping her distance. "And you are a fool, coming here to my territory." I hold my ground, staring into her eyes. "I need information," I say. "About the wizard." Raucous laughter filled the air above as Lyme chuckled. "And why would I tell you anything? After all, you're gravely outnumbered." I flash a wink and whip out my blades. "Not for long." Lyme's henchmen surged from their posts, dropping down to surround me. They were each an identical replica of the troll guarding the cave, with scaly skin and a burly build. I grinned as I dodged their swipes and smashed the back of their necks with my blades, knocking them unconscious. I silently thank Blaze for his tip for taking them down as I barely leap out of the grasp of a scaly hand reaching for my leg. Anemone bites them with her poisonous fangs, distracting them. But it wasn't enough. They backed me into the wall, about to strike the final blow. I squirm to escape, sweat dripping down my back. Suddenly, they stop. I look around them to see Lyme holding her hand out, beckoning them back to their posts. "Well," she says slyly. "Not so much big talk from you now." I glare at her, panting heavily. "I just realized. This isn't a fair fight." she walks up to me, towering almost a foot above. "First, you have a Wonder Beast. I'm afraid you can't fight with her this time. Second...I like the way you move, kid. Tell you what. I'll fight you myself. Win and I'll tell you what you want to know." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "If I lose?" I ask. She grins. "You'll find out soon enough." Anemone slithers down my leg and moves to the corner, her eyes alert. I square off against Lyme, her muscles rippling as she pulls out a sliver fighting staff, sharp and deadly at both ends. I extend my blades. I roar and race toward her, jabbing her stomach. She kicks me away and I skid to the side. I gash her arm with my sword, a streak of brilliant red streaking across her hand. She growls and wipes away the blood, using her staff to propel herself forward, kicking my chest with inhuman strength, pushing me to the floor. I gasp for breath, ignoring the tingling pain, and get up. She smiles at me, barely a hair out of place. "You still coming for more?" I harden my eyes to steel. "There's one thing you need to know about me," I say, walking toward her. "I don't always play by the rules." Her eyes widened and she turned to see her guards, crumpled on the floor. Blaze stood proudly above them, his knuckles scraped and a gleaming purple bruise on his face. His grin shines brightly, reflecting in Lyme's emerald eyes. In her moment of distraction, I grab her weapon and throw it to the side, holding my own blades against her throat. "You've lost, Lyme," I say, Anemone regaining her place around my torso. She snorts and throws me off, my hands losing their grip around the metal. I crash against the floor, watching her pick up both weapons, then turn to face me. She pulls daggers from her leather jacket, throwing them at me and pinning me to the ground. Her expression changes as she looks at me on the floor, pathetic and beaten. I can't win against her. She's too strong. Blaze jumps up and runs to her, looking into her eyes. "Lyme. Please. Can you help us?" he says, his green eyes sparkling. I shake off my cloak, leaving it pinned to the floor and stand up. I moved toward him, brushing my shoulder against his as I passed. Lyme sighs and brushes her hand through her long, ropy hair. "Fine," she says, meeting my eyes. "The wizard's name is Elijah. He trained me when I was around your age. He lives up in a tower, far away from here. I ran away to be...free." Her eyes shifted to the floor. "Free?" I ask. She squeezes her eyes shut and continues. "Yes. As long as I was his student, my path was set in stone. I was to uphold his legacy, until his son could take my place. I was expendable. I ran because at least out here, I could make something of myself. I could make my own legacy." I stare at Lyme with fresh eyes, no longer seeing a dangerous, untrustworthy criminal but a woman who had made her own life, even after she had been hurt. Suddenly she snaps toward me, her hand locking around my arm like steel. "No one knows about this," she growls. Blaze and I nod quickly, and she releases me. As we leave, Blaze turns around. "Thank you," he smiles. She nods in reply, turning away. Blaze and I high fived, big smiles glowing on our faces. Whooping, Blaze did a celebratory dance. "Stop it, you dolt," I said, laughing. For a moment, it was perfect. But then I remembered last night. I had chosen my path. I would be better off alone. I grew cold, stepping away from him. "I should go. I need to find him," I say. He smiles and grips my hand, smelling like the fresh sprigs of moss creeping past us. "We will," he says. I allow myself to look into his eyes and imagine a world where we could be together. A world where I could ride away with him, not a care in the world. A world where I wasn't a monster. I pull away from him, my face hardening into a mask. "I'm better off alone," I say firmly, my fingers slipping away from him. For the first time, he believed me, his face falling into regret. He leaves without another word, his feet crunching against fall leaves. I watched him numbly, until he turned into a faraway dot. I could barely feel my feet moving, faster and faster, until I was curled up on dirt, my village around me. I crawled into a desperate ball, hiding out in the world. I frantically told myself that I had made the right decision, but I didn't know anymore. If I stayed I would have just hurt him more. I wasn't meant to be with others. Truth became lies and lies became the truth until the line was blurred, a never ending sea of grey. I couldn't take it anymore. I extended my arm toward Anemone, asking for relief. "Bite me," I say. She slithers onto my arm, her soft head brushing against my throbbing forehead. She rears back and bites into my hand, allowing me to fall to the ground, eyes closing at last. "Thank you," I whisper before being pulled under. I open my eyes. Around me I see an ethereal emerald world, glowing brightly with stars. I hover gently in the air, floating weightlessly. Something moves in the horizon, a glowing orb flashing in warning. It circles me urgently before zooming away. I follow it, chasing it through the open air. It leads me to a glowing wall with a glassy, metallic surface. The orb slides through, leaving me on the other side. I gaze at it in dreamlike wonder. "Who are you?" I say, my voice echoing through the abyss. The orb pulses, slowly transforming into a young girl with curly dark hair and olive skin, wearing a white tunic trimmed with green. She stared at me curiously and I looked away. I felt her watching me and I glanced up, her big blue eyes meeting mine. "I...don't remember," she said, an alarm surfacing on her face. She paced furiously, her hands pressed against her forehead. "Pain-I remember pain and then they're gone. I need to get back-" she said in a panic, her breath hard. My eyes widened as I watched her, a child just as scared as me. I felt a stirring of empathy as I moved toward the wall. "Hey," I said gently, my palm pressed against its surface. She looked up at me, tears brimming in her eyes. "It's going to be ok," I say as her hand meets mine through the glass. Suddenly I felt a pull backward, the world erasing around me in white strokes. I gasped awake, a figure hovering over me. I punched them in the face and rolled to my feet. I glanced down at Blaze, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. I sigh and meet his eyes once again.

. . .

I stare into An's cold eyes, willing myself to leave. To go back and pretend I never found her that evening. But I couldn't leave her. In ways, An was just like us; shunned from the world and left to the shadows. As much as she may want me gone, I wouldn't let her be alone. Finally An sighed, breaking the silence. "Don't you get it?" she asked. "I don't want you here." I looked into her eyes, waiting. "You say you're better off alone, that you can't be around people," I start, searching her grey eyes. "But look around you, An. You came back here for a reason. You aren't just alone anymore, An. You're lonely. So you can run, you can leave me behind. But I'll always find you. I care about you, An." I smile. "Isn't that worth something?" Her face softens and she smiles back, light filling her eyes. She laughs and walks away, her arm grazing mine. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a tawny yellow blur. Javari races up to me, tackling me to the ground. I gleefully rub his fur, his face nuzzling against me. And watches us, her snake wrapped around her torso. She turns and leads us west, into the setting sun. "Keep up, Kitty," she calls before disappearing behind a building. I jog to keep up with her pace, a grin on my face as I follow her into the orange light. "So where are we going?" I ask. She smiled at me bashfully. "To get the rest of the guys," she says, her figure a silhouette as she smiles into the sunset. I shake my head and smile, my hand brushing against Javari's soft fur as I sprint to catch up.

. . .

The roar of a car engine speeds by and we slink farther into the shadow of a tall building that scraped the night sky. Oliver, Leo, An, and I huddled around a fuzzy holographic map that fizzled at the edges as our clothes brushed against it. Small figurines glowed on its surface, moving slowly about in a tight pack. "Zoom in," Oliver commanded, watching the map close in on the Queen's golden palace. I stroke Javari's back as I study my figure on the rooftop spire, slipping through the rooftop hatch. An pulls me aside and we step away from the group. She dangles a dead fish in front of Javari. "Here, boy," she says, her tone gentle. He sniffs the catch and steps away from her, baring his teeth. I sigh and hold out my hand, rubbing the fish against my palms. "He doesn't really like strangers," I murmured, my mind elsewhere. She leans against the wall, gazing into my eyes. "Blaze? What's wrong," she said, her grey eyes sparkling with intensity. "Nothing," I say. "I'm just focusing on the mission. You should be too." She gives me a venomous glance and stomps away, muttering under her breath. I slouch against the wall. Something was nagging at me, about this undertaking. We were aiming to capture the Queen, to hold her captive for ransom. It wasn't that I was afraid, but something about this mission just felt wrong. I shook away the feeling. Now was not the time to get a hold of my conscience. I rejoined the group, only to find myself in a heated discussion. "While you guys go on your little petty project, I'll be at the wizard's tower, showing him that you don't mess with me," An said, her snakes hissing ferociously. "Petty project!" Jack exclaimed. "It's what we were doing the day we found you, so it's kinda the reason you're here. This ransom is going to put food in your mouth." She sneered and pushed him away. "Thanks, dad." she said. My ears twitched, and I cooled the boiling lava inside me. "Quiet," I command, silencing them all. I swiveled to An. "Even you can't take the Wizard alone. Take someone with you." She looked at me, then the crew. "Aron?" she asked. He nodded and joined her side, grasping his silver boomerang. "The rest of us will be infiltrating the palace. It's not a petty project; this could be our big break." I looked up at the team. A bright gleam crossed my green eyes, glinting brightly in the sun. An looked at me with a smile before wheeling around toward the Wizard's tower. I grinned at the guys and we sprinted toward the palace gates. Jack straddled Amarok, his wolf, and pawed at the ground. "Here, he said, gesturing toward an unearthed silver manhole. We creep in and Leo pulls me beside me, his armadillo, Duster, burrowing in front of us. "Are you ok? I mean you kind of disappeared, man," he says, dodging a spider clinging to the wall. "I'm good," I sigh, averting my eyes. He rolls his eyes and pulls me farther along the underground tunnel. He gives me a look, prodding me to continue. "I don't know. It's this mission. Does this make us bad guys?" I ask, meeting his brassy orange eyes. He looked at the dirt walls, crumbling as his hands brushed against it. "There's no good or evil, just...life. We're just doing what we need to do," he says. "Besides, it's not like the Queen is that great of a person." I nod. "True," I say, quelling the loud voices in my head. I say nothing else as we trudge along the path, my feet moving forward on a monotonous path. We finally reached a silver plated cover in the roof, which I pushed back earnestly, breathing in fresh air. I peeked up to see the palace kitchen, bustling with cooks swathed in white, throwing themselves around the room. I sneak a glob of white cheese off a plate and lead the guys out of the guards view, padding silently out the door. I peek out the window to see Daniel swooping in on Sterling, guiding him to the glass pane. Oliver clutches the saddle behind him, holding Killer, his bunny, with one hand, his drooping white ears flailing in the wind. He tumbles inside, Daniel giving us a silent nod as he flies away to his position outside the palace. Oliver nudges me, a grin curling on his lips "Took you long enough," he says, stroking Killer. I shove him playfully and resume the mission. "You guys know what to do," I say, heading toward the royal suite. The sky outside shifted to a glowing lilac, the moon disappearing against the horizon. Jack shuffled next to me, keeping to the wall. We exchange excited grins, shared exhilaration burning in our stomachs. Suddenly, growing shadows loom on the wall, shaking in the light of lanterns placed on the wall. I dive behind a pillar, Javari on my heels, turning to see the guard, grabbing Jack. I jerk my fist into his face, pushing him backward. Jack writhes free and kicks him in the ribs, knocking him out. Javari drags him into a spare closet with his teeth and I slam the door shut. I turn to Jack, a startled expression on his face. "You ok?" I asked. "Yeah," he said, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry." I exhale sharply and press the tiny communication device in my ear, activating it. "Hey, Daniel. Are you in position?" His voice came through the ragged speaker, buzzing in my ear. "Yep. We're ready." I nodded. "Leo? Oliver?" I asked, waiting for their staticky words to come through. "The cameras are down and we dealt with security. Good luck," Oliver said. I grinned and crept toward the door. "Don't need it," I said, my hand grasping the doorknob. Electric shocks ran through my body and I crumpled to the floor, a buzzing filling my head. I barely heard It through the speakers as I struggled to my feet. "It's a shock system. All the doors in the palace have them," she said apologetically. "How do you know?" I rasped, studying the glinting silver doorknob cautiously. "A girl has her ways," she said playfully. "Plus, I went to school. It's pretty standard security for royalty. There should be a control panel nearby. Put in the right code and the door will open automatically." I glanced at the keypad on the wall, a sleek black box with numerous letters and symbols swimming across its smooth surface. "Oliver?" I asked, hearing the desperation in my voice. "I don't know, Blaze," he said, his voice doubtful. "We don't have much time and there are too many possibilities. Maybe an ordinary password lock I could hack, but the royal family's personal security? Not likely." I sighed. Daniel's tender voice came through the speaker. "Maybe we should get out while we still can," he said. The guys murmured in agreement, Jack's amber eyes meeting mine. I set my jaw and shook with determination, fiery anger boiling in my veins. "No. This money isn't just for us. If we get this, we can rebuild the Midnight Cavern, make it a better place for all of us," I seethed. "We may be outcasts, but only because we were left on the streets. We were given nothing, so we've had to struggle and connive for every ounce of respect. The rich, the heads that manipulate our city. They pull us apart, not bring us together. We're not going anywhere," Jack looked at me with admiration, the guys quiet through the speaker. And spoke, breaking the silence. "Blaze is right," she said. "That felt weird to say." I closed my eyes and imagined the Den. The people that depended on this. A hot flame burned inside my body, consuming me. I growled low and soft, my hands at the ready. I punched the door, quaking the walls. Wood splintered at the hinge, and I kicked the door, smashing the door off the wall. It skidded to a stop on the floor and I cracked my knuckles. Jack chuckled as he walked past me, giving me a subtle high five. Flakes of wood glided in the air, twirling toward the ground. "We're in," I said breathlessly.

. . .

I walked ahead of Aron, who had been silent the entire trip. My boots skidded against wet leaves plastered to the path, kicking up clouds of dirt. Suddenly, I heard a small gasp. I squeezed my eyes shut, certain the voice came from inside me. Omisha, the voice said. My eyes bulged with recognition. That voice belonged to the little girl I had seen, floating amongst an emerald abyss. "Your name?" I asked quietly, glancing at the silent white-haired boy behind me. Yeah, she said. I remember now. Her voice was wispy and melodious, like wind chimes tinkling in the breeze. She was silent for a moment, then continued. You know, you never told me your name. "I just met you," I said. "It's Ananthanarayana. An." She paused, her voice suspicious. You just met me? Then why did you trap me here? I wrinkled my brow. "I didn't trap you here. I only realized you were in my mind yesterday," I insisted. Silence passed, and she sighed. Yeah, you're telling the truth, she said. Best part about being here is I can feel your thoughts. I shuddered. "Creepy. I don't want some ten year old poking around in my mind." I'm thirteen! I snorted, feeling small wisps of innocent childhood resurface. "Big difference," I say, laughing. It is. By the way, who's Blaze? she asked mockingly. My cheeks flushed. "Stay out of my thoughts," I growl. I turn to see Aron, staring at me with a cocked eyebrow. I flash a quick smile and turn away, my cheeks pink. The sun begins to rise overhead, glowing softly in the pale lilac sky. Anemone circled my wrist gently, and I rubbed her scaly head. A jumble of emotions circles me as I imagine my encounter with the Wizard. A nervous pit formed in my stomach, my gaze dragging on the ground. Footsteps came up behind me, and I turned to see Aron. He gripped his boomerang and silently brought out a metal canteen, encased in a worn leather cover. I peered inside, sloshing around the bloodred liquid. I shrugged and sipped the juice, feeling the tart sweetness in my mouth. I sighed with satisfaction, taking a larger gulp. The juice pulled me awake, calming my mind. I feel the glowing warm sun on my face, the fresh air weaving between trees and blowing against my face. I smacked my lips in delight. "Suncherry juice," he said, his voice hoarse and brittle. "Calms the nerves." I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "So you can talk," I murmured jokingly, taking another swig. "Only when I have to," he says, his eyes solemn. I give him a smile, awkwardly patting his elbow as I pass him, strapping the canteen to my belt. "You realize you're taking my flask, right?" he said behind me, stifling a laugh. "It's not yours anymore," I call, heading toward the tops of spires peaking between trees. I approached the wizard's tower, peering at the stony white structure peaking through the swirling auburn clouds. I gaze up and pull a small green pill from my pouch, rubbing the smooth surface against my palms as I lay it on the ground. Anemone swallows the capsule and an emerald puff of smoke surrounds her, growing her to gargantuan size. I straddle her neck and look down at Aron, his eyes wide. "I go alone. If I want your help, Anemone will find you. I tenderly rub her neck, feeling her purr underneath me. He nods solemnly. A flicker of doubt crosses over his face. "You don't think I can do it, do you," I say. "The world keeps spinning, whether you do it or not," he says, light filling his greyish-blue eyes. My lips curve upward as I spin forward. I grip Anemone as she scales the tower, her body spiraling up against jagged bricks. We emerge at the top and I grab my blades, smashing through the thin windowpane. Shards of glass crunch against my boots as I thud into the tower. Anemone shrinks in a cloud of smoke and curls around my torso, exhausted. I rubbed her head in thanks. I peer down a curling staircase at the wizard; a scrawny old man swathed in dark blue robes dotted with shimmering white stars. His head was shiny and bald, his long beard a greying purple, and he walked with a silver cane. His spotted hand glows dimly, magically sweeping the floor with a wooden broom as he hums softly. I snorted at the once-powerful wizard, now a decrepit shadow of his youth. I leapt down behind him, gazing into his face. His green eyes twinkled mischievously, his face holding a placid expression. I gazed at his familiar features, unnerved. "Ananthanarayana," he says quietly. My heart thuds against my ribcage, short breaths struggling through my airpipe. I shake away the startled feeling and scowl, ramming my nails against his neck and piercing his skin, my eyes aflame. "If you kill me," he starts gently. "Sure, you may get an inkling of satisfaction. But ask yourself--why?" I scowl harder, deep lines creasing my forehead. "You know why. For my mother. Do you have any idea how it feels to wake up in a whole new world, to gain friends but know that they will leave you soon enough, because you can't help but hurt anyone who is near." A single drop of sweat dripped down my spine. He gazed calmly into my eyes. I breathed in deeply, tears welling in my eyes. "I know you left that blanket! I know you tried to cause me pain and suffering and make me doubt and lose hope." I glare at his wrinkled features. He looks up at me calmly. "I did no such thing," I clutched him tighter, shutting away the tears welling in my eyes. "Wrong answer," I mutter. I hardened to steel and squeezed his airpipe tight. His eyes widened into guilt. As the life faded from his eyes, he pressed something into my palm, closing my fingers around the object. He exhaled heavily, and collapsed on the floor, dead. I cautiously opened my fingers to see a small, glassy marble, glowing green. I peered inside and gasped softly, clutching onto the gift tightly as I dropped it into my satchel. I whirled around. The wizard was gone, his only remains a small pile of ash. I rubbed my fingertips in the grey dust, tasting salty tears as they dripped down my face. The marble glowed softly in my bag, holding inside a young woman, holding a small child. tenderly, the love between them is evident even in the faded photo. A child with lashes as pale as snow, and twisting snakes for hair. Footsteps sounded behind me, and I turned to see a young boy with baby blue eyes and almond skin, his hair a mop of curly violet hair. He gazed at my kneeling body on the floor. I quickly stood up, wiping away tears as I lifted my blades. "Who are you?" he asks. I smile cunningly. I walk up to him, lifting his chin with my sword. He looks at me in fear and lifts his hands, levitating me off the ground. I stiffen, waving my arms wildly as he flips me upside down. "Put me down, kid!" I exclaim, blood rushing to my head. "Sorry," he says apologetically, dropping his hands. I crash into the floor, a lump rising on the crown of my head. I growl and climb to my feet, clutching the boy by the neck of his shirt. Fear clouded his eyes, wide and scared. "Did-did you kill him?" I laugh, dropping him on the ground. I kneel next to him, clutching his cheek tight, digging my nails into soft flesh. Anemone curled tightly around his chest, binding his arms. "Yeah. Why does it matter to you?" He let out a cry of anguish, forcing away my hand. "Grandfather!" He yelled, sweeping past me. He kneels by the ashes on the floor. My hands shake, suddenly aware of the blood on my hands. Guilt coursed through me. You didn't know, I heard Omisha say. I stare at the boy on the ground, weeping. "Does it matter?" I reply softly. I walk up to him and he looks at me angrily. His expression shifts to surprise when I kneel beside him. "For what it's worth, I am sorry. I've taken from you something you hold dear-believe me, I know the feeling. You have every right to be mad at me, and there's nothing I can do to make it up to you," I say, beckoning Anemone to release him. He turns away, hiding his tears. I sigh. "I don't deserve forgiveness. But I know how you feel." He whips around, his eyes aflame. "How could you possibly know," he says spitefully. "My mother died when I was a baby," I say, drawing circles in the ash. "More like I killed her. I thought ending the wizard's life would give me clarity, but..." He sighs, getting up. He wraps his hands around my body. "What are you doing?" I ask. "I'm hugging you." I chuckle, patting his head awkwardly. He lets me go, and I turn to the door. Why did you let him go? Omisha asked. "I will hunt him down, and won't rest until the Wizard's legacy is dead along with him. But not the day he lost family to me."

. . .

I gaze at the empty room, furnished with comfortable chaise lounges and a four poster bed piled with downy blankets. Jack ducks behind an armoire and meets my eyes. A blaring alarm goes off somewhere in the palace, and the rest of the guys storm the room, and close behind. My eyes widen at the sound. Not good. "You broke down the door? What did you think, no one would notice?" An said incredulously. "I got us in, didn't I?" I say. She grumbles softly and huddles with the rest of us. "We've got about five minutes before security comes," Oliver says, peering at his holo-map of the palace. "In that time, we need to be in and out." I step closer, peering at the fizzling hologram. The Queen's figure paces in a room closeby, about to be escorted by security to her bunker. "No time to plan! An, Leo, Jack, come with me. We take out those guards, and get the Queen. Oliver, Aron, you two stall security coming this way. Daniel, take Sterling and get ready to escape. I know he's tired from carrying Aron and An here, but he's our only shot," I say urgently, gazing at their faces. They nod and we split, and keep up with my pace as I slink through the shadows toward the Queen. "She has a Wonderbeast guard. A rhino," she says. I look at her guiltily, heat coming to my cheeks. Anemone stares into my eyes, a twinkle in her grey pupils. "An," I say carefully, making sure Leo and Jack were out of earshot. "I never really apologized. I mean I did, but…" An takes my hand and I blush, looking into her grey eyes. "I forgive you, Blaze," she says. I smile, a weight cut loose. She drops her hand and runs ahead. "Now hurry up, kitty. Don't want to be left behind." I flash her a cocky grin and race to catch up, subtly wiping away a lone tear pooling in my eye. The four of us reach the door and peer inside at the queen, a middle aged woman with long auburn hair that hung at her knees. She wore a pale blue dress, beaded with white flowers. The Rhino stood above her, crossing their arms menacingly, muscles taut and shiny. I counted down on my fingers. Three...two...one...we storm the room, circling the Rhino.They raised their fists and we attacked at once with our Wonder Beasts; Anemone and An attacking their front, me and Javari at their flank, Leo and Duster at their back, and Jack riding on Amarok as he leaps into the air above them. They fall to the ground, and An delivers a final kick to their face to knock them out. We grin breathlessly, exchanging a high-five as we turn to the Queen. She backs up against the wall. As we approach her, her expression shifts from terror to smugness. She lifts her hands to reveal a small remote, guards clambering through the door with buzzing firearms, the barrel glowing blue. "Frig," An said, her eyes narrowing. "We can take them," Leo insists. They charge and we surge into the fight, vastly outnumbered. I dodge a punch and jab a guard in the stomach, taking him down. Javari pounces on two guards, pushing them to the ground. I hear A whistle from the back of the room with a sly smile on her face, the queen struggling against her grip. "Let me go you dirty peasant," She laughs, pulling her blade closer to the Queen's throat. "That may not be the best thing to say to your assassin." She squeezes her hand around her airpipe, the light in the queen's eyes fading. I surge forward, pushing aside guards. I rip them apart, air flowing back into the queen. I clutch her tightly, turning to An. "We need her alive," I say firmly. She pouts and smashes the skull of an incoming guard. "Fine." I scowl at the guards. "Not a step closer unless you want her death on your hands," I say. Leo snickers softly. "What are you doing?" he asks, knowing full well that we needed her alive. I shrug. "Bluffing." The guards scowl and charge, blasting their firearms at us in a swirling cacophony of sound. Leo charges in front of us and extends his arms outwards, expelling two glowing gold shields. Bullets thud against the impenetrable plates protecting us from the weapons. Duster curls up on Leo's head, his gold shell shining the same sheen as the shields. And looks at him, her eyes wide. "You could do that the whole time?" she asks as the shields disappear. "Thought it was time I should help you level the playing shield." I groan at the bad pun, slapping my forehead. Leo takes a knee, panting heavily as Jack lifts him back up. They share a smile. The guards gaze at us wide eyed, and we grin back. An runs up the wall and flips off, kicking two soldiers in the ribs and unleashing a rearing Anemone of the third. I race up and feel the powerful energy in me once again, I throw a guard in the air, jumping up and pushing him backward. He tripped on Javari's tail and stumbled backward into two other guards, sending them to the ground. Jack rides through the soldiers on Amarok like bowling pins, sending them crashing to the ground. Leo smashes his shields into their heads, knocking them out. We high five as bodies carren to the ground around us. A boomerang whizzes through the air, pinning the queen to the wall. Aron appears in the doorway, tying her with thick rope. "We forgot to bind her up, didn't we," I say, watching him work. He nods, an amused expression on his face as he leads us out of the room. An leaps into my arms, then punches my arm. She grins as she sashays out of the room. I stare at the doorway in surprise, slowly melting into a smile. Javari purrs at me mockingly, and I run my fingers through his soft fur as I follow An out the door and toward home.