CHAPTER 6

I've been used, cheated on, lied to, and stabbed. How could my perfect life turn around to these? My mom, the person I thought was my mom was just another woman. I don't even know her. And I thought I did.

Walking to my supposed home, my mind kept on tossing back and forth. Why did I have to be such bad luck? My sadness turned to overwhelming pain. I've been living with a stranger. I was so into my thoughts that I didn't notice Trace moving towards me.

"Hey, babe." He leaned in for a hug. I let him. Trace was my cute comforting boyfriend, I thought we were going to be together. Now I realize I was wrong. I felt his emotions right there and I found out he was just doing it for protocol's sake.

"Stop fooling me." He peeled off me. His eyes widened with fear.

"I know. I saw you and Maddison together." I said quietly. He looked crestfallen.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. He stood there still, waiting for me to say more.

"You could have just told me, you know. You should've broken up with me. Not for me to find out like this. Just say you want it to be over and I'll accept it."

"I haven't been honest with you and I'm sorry." He pleaded.

"It's over then."

"I'm sorry." He said again.

"Just don't break my best Friend's heart." I walked away. My heart ached but I told it to let go. Trace wasn't for me. I felt relief wash over me as I walked home. The feeling that I'd done something good for someone. But the pain that came with finding out that my supposed mother lied to me invaded my relief.

I walked into the house without calling out for my mom. The house was empty anyways.

Or I thought it was. Not until I heard whispering from the study. I silently tiptoed to the door. It was slightly open so I peered in. I saw her and a woman who dressed like she was a warrior. All shield, chainmail, sword in sheath and knife in boot. No trace of civilization at all. Her hair was in a high ponytail. She looked like she came straight out of a old time war movie.

"She deserves the truth. You need to tell her."

"I'm keeping it from her for her good. She could get hurt. Worse, she could die. I won't be able to forgive myself. I promised her mother that she will be safe. You're better in combat and magic, you're strong, you can take on Zuka."

"Zuka is not a child's play."

"Exactly. She's too young."

"She is a goddess in a child's body. She's stronger than you think. Have you ever asked what she will do if she found out from someone other than you? How furious she will be. She'll never trust you."

"And that is why you are not going to tell her. She's safe here. I am going to keep her alive if that's the last thing I do."

"I'm not a kid." I opened the door wider and stepped in.

"Autumn, when did you get back?" She nervously asked.

"It doesn't matter. I want to know the whole truth now."

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Lena, the warrior, perched on the armchair close to Molly's. I sat far away from them on the cane chair facing my mother directly.

"The truth is I'm not your mother..."

"No kidding."

"I was a maid to your mother. When war broke out she gave you to me, told me to promise her that no harm will come to you, that I'll protect you from Zuka. And that's how I fled. She stayed with her husband, Prince Lester. They fought the war together with the warriors and led us to big cargos that carried us to different parts of the outer world. We still don't know who and who is alive."

"What about what she said, about being a goddess?"

"You come from a long chain of goddesses with special powers that no other Wester lander possesses. On the hierarchy of goddesses, you were given from our goddess Diana and that makes you as great as her." Lena replied.

"And what brings me in?"

They both exchanged a look I didn't understand. Molly was first to speak.

"You have been destined to save Wester land from Zuka."

"Why me?" I asked calmly.

Lena spoke up.

"You were chosen. It's hard to take in but I know you can do this. You were chosen for a reason. If I know anything it's that you are stronger than you see yourself, than we see you."

"Autumn, please don't do this," Molly begged.

"What about my parents?" I asked ignoring her pleas.

"We have a feeling that they are alive. We don't know for sure but if they are then they need saving."

I sat there thinking, should I believe this. Well, an imaginary being made me it's a friend so why not. A part of me is looking for flaws but I know this story is already sold.

"I'll do it," I said with finality.

"Autumn please..."

"No! You're not my mom, you can't tell me what to do." I burst, rising to my feet.

"I didn't want to lie to you, but I did so you won't do the same thing you are doing now."

"Well guess what, I prefer to die than stay with a liar." I knew I had hit a soft spot. I turned to Lena who was quiet throughout the 'you lied to me' scenario.

"What do I do?"

"You'll have to go for training. You need to learn the Wester way." She stood up." I will turn you into the best warrior Wester land has never seen."

"I'm looking forward to that." And with a nod, she was gone. I didn't expect anything less.

I turned to go to my room but Molly stopped me.

"Autumn," I stood still listening to her. "I know you are angry but I only did it all for you. Forgive me."

"I know you did it because you love me. What I am not happy about is the fact that I got to know about it from someone else. I forgive you but you are not my mom and you will never be my mom."

I walked up the stairs straight for my room. I sank to the ground. Tears threatening to spill but I held it in. Being lied to sucked but having this responsibility, exciting but scary.