Young Writers Society

Kirsten Rhett

As I sat folded in Carlos's arms, letting the sobs rack my body, Only a single thought cycled through my shocked mind.
How could he?
How could he know this and not tell me?
I felt another hand, gently, but more hesitant than Carlos's touch, brush the braid over my shoulder onto my back. "Kir," Leon's voice, husky with emotion. "Kirsten, I'm so sorry. I should have told you. I wanted to, but...it would've put you in danger."

I lifted my head from Carlos's shoulder and stared at him. I wasn't sure if I felt happy, or betrayed, or angry. Maybe a combination of the three. "In danger of what?" I demanded, my voice breaking as I swallowed a sob.
Leon's gaze dropped, then he suddenly became rigid. His eyes became wide and his chest heaved "I...Aauugh!" The anguished cry expelled every emotion but fear.
Fear for Him.
Leon.
My brother.
"Leon! What's happening?" I push away from Carlos and try to approach him, but he recoils from my outstretched hand.
"No..don't touch me. Please....He'll... hurt you..." Leon let out another scream, chilling my blood. Carlos and I were on our feet now, trying to get close to him, but no matter what we tried, Leon only repelled us. Then, he suddenly became still, the only movement was a slight tremble in his shoulder. I cautiously crept forward, like the night when I had chased him into an alley, all those month ago in New York. I slowly reached out, but Leon's hand shot up, grabbing my wrist in a vice-like grip. I pulled fruitlessly as Leon slowly rose, a small chuckle escaping his lips. Everything was different about him now. There was an insane light flashing in his eyes, a grotesque smile twisted his face. "You would have been in danger of me." He purred. His voice sent shivers down my spine. I was so smooth, so cold. Perfect to the point of unnatural.
"Blak..." I whispered hoarsely.
Carlos watched, frozen in shock.
Blak's chuckle grew slowly into a laugh. "Oh, so you've heard of me? Good. It wouldn't be fair to kill you if you didn't know everything. After all," His voice grew deathly quiet. "I know all about you. Leon thought I wouldn't find out you were his sister, he thought he could save you. A heroic but futile effort. Even if I hadn't seen through his pathetic ruse, I would have killed you anyway."
The hand Blak was gripping my wrist with glowed with black energy. It surged up my arm, and through my body, bringing with it an unnameable pain, it felt as if every fiber of me were being torn apart, one by one.
I choked on my agony, falling to my knees. Blak let go of my wrist, and prepared to attack again, to flood my body with his dark magic.

"Leave her alone!" Carlos screamed, and launched himself at Blak, bowling straight into him. Blak only stumbled a few steps, then dissipated into black mist, reforming just outside of Carlos's grasp. He looked down at him, disgusted.
I had never seen Carlos look so angry. He was literally snorting smoke from his nostrils. Leon was much taller than Carlos, even with his slumped posture, now that Blak was in control, he stood straight, which made Carlos look positively miniscule.
"Fool." Blak snorted. "You have nothing to do with me." With an idle flick of his hand, Carlos went flying sideways, screaming. He crashed into the wall, and landed on the floor with a sickening thud. "Carlos!" I screamed, and began to run to him, but Blak appeared in front of me, smirking. "Not yet. We aren't finished."
I backed up, staring horrified at the monster that had destroyed my brother. "What are you?" My voice trembled and I cursed my own weakness. Blak gave no reply, the glow in his palms grew blindingly bright, and he thrust his hands outwards, sending a pillar of darkness hurtling towards me. I shot my own golden energy out to meet his, and as the two forces clashed, a bright flash illuminated the room. On one side, bight gold, on the other, pure black, as dark as the abomination I was fighting. The lights sent a crowd of people running to the barracks, I could see Matt, Tybalt, Kevin and Zandra among them. Ty was taking a key form his pocket. I called up as much energy as I dared, and pushed my light further into Blak's mass of shadow. His dark pillar shrank until my light was nearly brushing his fingertips. Blak only laughed maniacally. "Is that all you can do?" He roared, still laughing. Blak fixed me with a cruel stare. Those familiar red eyes filled with malicious pleasure. "It seems I've underestimated you."
Blak began glowing with a red aura, and the black of his magic rocketed forward, completely enveloping my pillar of light, and encasing my left hand, which began to burn with that unimaginable pain. I screamed as the darkness spread up my arm and began to encasing my body. My voice wavered and then stopped. I had no more energy even to scream.
I let my eyes close.
I opened my eyes when I heard a thick sort of thwack. The darkness faded and I collapsed to the ground, my skin still screaming from the pain. My hand was twisted and blackened. I lifted my eyes from my mutilated hand to see Zandra, the end of her gun dripping with blood and Leon lying still on the ground. Zandra pointed the barrel of her gun at his head.
"No!" I shouted, shooting a small band of magic out of my unmangled hand. I knocked the barrel aside just as Zandra pulled the trigger.
"Please...Don't kill him." I pleaded weakly. "He's the only family I have. He's my brother...Please...don't..."
My voice faded once again as I drifted into unconsciousness.

Scarlette Fawn

Astral and I sat like that for what felt like a long time. Both of us cried as I hugged him tight until I drifted off. I wasn't sure how long I was asleep, or when I actually fell asleep. All I know is I didn't have the nightmares this time. Maybe my mind was so burned out it didn't have the energy to dream. It was...nice.

I woke up in the same spot, only now somehow I was in Astrals arms. His breath was calm. He must be asleep as well, but when I stir a little he speaks.
"You're awake." He says.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm must have fallen asleep." I sit up and he gently grabs my wrist. It's almost as if he is afraid to let go.

"You didnt scream." He states.

"No nightmares this time...Look there is something I want to ask you. Please, just hear me out."

"What is it?" He asks curiously.

"My powers, they are still very dangerous, and I need to train. I can't train with my friends though for the fear of hurting them. Now that I know I can't hurt you I want you to train me."

"But why?"

"You're the only one who can help me fully unlock this power. I'm not ready to face my friends and family, and tell them about my past. There is so much grief, and fear. I need to learn to come to grips with my situation and conquer it. I no longer want it to control me. I no longer want to be scared of my nightmares. There are things. Things I don't want my family to know just yet. Things you seem to already know. You understand that part of me, and you seem to know how to control it. I...need you."

"I think I could. At least I hope so."

"And, I could help you. Both of us need something before we can face what haunts us. We both know it too, and I think we can do it together. We just have to understand that it will be hard. It'll be a fight, and it's up to you whether or not you want to fight. No more hiding in the shadows. No more being completely alone. Do you understand?" I ask.

"Why are you doing this?" He asks.

"Because, I would want someone to do the same for me. I have one last request."

"And?"

"Let me contact my family. Let me tell them that I'm okay, and explain what I'm doing. Please." I beg. He hesitates a moment as I stare into his eyes.

"Fine."

"Thank you." I hug him tightly, (you know as much as I can before crushing someone) and I feel the return of his strong grip.

After that Astral and I make our way upstairs to a room that looked like a control room.

"This intercom will message you to Matt. He won't be able to track you, but he will see you." He explains.

"Thank you. Do you mind if I have a minute with him?"

"Not at all." Astral steps out of the room, and I begin the message.

(Readers of SB. Just know that Matf never receives this message. Blak will corrupt it hiding the info from the team. So during the time skip everyone still belives she is gone, or dead.)

"Hey big bro. I know, you're probably worried sick, but listen to me carefully. Some things have happened in the last few days while I've been gone. I conquered my fear of wanting to forgive myself. I'm nowhere near there, but in time I might find a way. That, is time I need to take for myself. Away from the people I love most in this world. So that I can have a chance to understand who I am now without the influences of who I used to be. So many things have happened in my past Mattie. Things I haven't even come to grips with yet, and I need to do this. Please don't hate me.
I also discovered something else. There is good in Astral. And I know this seems kind of like Stockholm syndrome, but hear me out. Astral is someone who was corrupted during the tests. Like all of us he was turned into something he didn't recognize. Some of us have has difficulties adjusting to this new life. I can help him. I can help him help people. I'm giving him the one thing you always told me to give to people...forgiveness. I will never excuse him for what he did to me these past few days, but I also know there are people out there who won't forgive for what I have done." I'm crying now.
"Mattie. I can save him, and I can save myself. You have to let me do this. I know what I'm doing, and I'm not the little girl I once was. For once in my life I'm accepting what I am. I just need time and training to figure out who that is. I love you so much, and I love everyone else too. But I have to do this. I have to protect those I love. From both me and Astral. This is the only way. You have always protected me Matt, but now it's time for me to return the favor. I'm sorry."
I click the end message button, and send it hoping he will see it soon. A few minutes later I recieve a message from the same ID.

I love you, and I know you have to do this. Stay safe. You are the strongest person I know.

I sigh in relief as I walk out of the control room. Astral is leaning against the wall.

"How'd it go?" He asked.

"It was good. Now. Let's begin." We walked torwards the training area, and I grabbed his hand as we walked.


2 months later.

It's been almost 3 months since I've seen my brother. Since I've seen everyone. Since Carlos most likely died...
Many things have happened. Everyday Astral and I train. We train in combat, mental capabilities, and meditation. Each component my strengthens my powers. He teaches me how to use my powers, and to control my fear. I teach him how to control his emotions, and I teach him that he isn't a monster. Not anymore.
I never thought the guy who was torturing me less than three months ago would end up being one of most important people in my life. I also never expected myself to become who I was today. For the first time in my life I don't feel weak and scared all the time.
I'm almost there.

Today is no different than any other. We started off the day by jogging around the whole bunker. (It's huge) Then, after we would eat some lunch and then go right back to training. Right now we are in the combat room. I watch as he bounces around in the fighting stance he taught me. He stares intently into my eyes as I copy his form. Like usual he charges me first. I quickly deflect his punch, and I wrap his arm around his back into a lock. While in the hold he manages to swing his leg under me resulting in me falling over. He pins me to the ground.

"Had enough yet?" He smiles. I smile back. We sit there a moment just staring at each other before I use my knees to force him off of me. I manage to grip his wrists, and pin him to the ground just as he had done to me.

"Nope. I'm just getting started. Rule number 1: never let your guard down." I push down harder on his wrists, but he smiles.

"Well done. Now. Do it again." He says. I get off of him and I hold out a hand to help him up. He grabs it firmly and pulls himself up.

"Go!" He yells, and we do it all over again.

Leon Rhett

I woke up in a cell. My head was still throbbing, but at least it had stopped bleeding.
I sat up, and heard the sounds of clinking chains. I lifted my hands. They were shackled and chained to the floor.
So were my ankles.
I shook m head, ignoring the ache, and thought back to what had happened. The only picture my mind pulled up was Kirsten, lying on the floor. Broken; half dead.
I had done that.
Kir could have died because of me.
I pulled my knees up to my chest and rested my head between them.

She probably hates me now

I betrayed her.

I could have killed her.

What have I done?

I stared wearily out at Tybalt, who was standing guard beside my cell, his gun at the ready.
"Tybalt?" I rasped.
The wolf looked back at me, in his eyes were a look of pure hatred. "So you're Kirsten's brother." He grunted. "I don't know if things are different for you, but in my mind, trying to kill someone isn't usually how family reunions work, kid."
His voice was tarting to rise and I could tell Ty was only getting started, but I had something important to ask him.
"Will she be alright?"
I could tell the question surprised him. He stopped snarling and just stared at me, as if he wasn't sure to be angry or touched by the question.
"Is she going to be okay?" I repeated the question.
Tybalt paused before answering. "Kirsten's still unconscious. The doctors don't see anything seriously wrong, besides her crippled hand. They think she might still be able to use it. She'll be out of the hospital by tomorrow."
I sighed with relief, and laid back down on my side. I whispered "Thank you."
Before falling back to sleep.
...
I woke up to someone prodding me in the ribs with the end of their gun.

'Ugh. These people are so annoying.' Blak whined

I huffed and scooted away from the prodding, but the person only poked me harder. "Up." Said a hard female voice. "Your sister wants to see you."
I sat up and looked back at the blue haired woman. "Why?"
The woman only rolled her eyes. "Heck if I know. But she won't let the doctors examine her till she talks with you." She unlocked the shackles on my wrists and ankles and strapped a pair of handcuffs on me. I stood and followed her to the infirmary, where Carlos was sitting beside Kirsten's bed. He looked over when the door opened, and his eyes narrowed with suspicion when he saw me. Kirsten reached out and gave his hand a squeeze. "It's alright, Carlos."
I slunk over to Kir's bedside, keeping my eyes fixed on the floor. Carlos went over to stand by my escort in the doorway. They were both watching me closely. I sat on a stool by her bed, staring down at my lap, scared to meet Kirsten's eyes.
"Leon, look at me."
I obligingly lifted my gaze from my knees to her face. She was smiling.
"It wasn't your fault." She said gently. "I don't blame you for what Blak did."
I almost cried. "Why?" I asked desperately. I needed to know she meant it, that she really did still love me. "Why don't you hate me after what I did to you?"
Kirsten sat up. I noticed she was keeping her left hand carefully hidden under the covers.
"Because that's what a family does. They love each other," She said, kissing my forehead.
"No matter what."

Scarlette Fawn

After the first month or so, Astral finally let me leave the bunker in the afternoons. I didn't go far, I just took long walks around the area. It helped me think. You see, the bunker was surrounded by a large wooded area outside of the city I grew up in. I figured that out one day when I discovered an abandoned cabin that was just like the ones my family vacationed in when I was younger. The area must not be that popular anymore. The old house looked just like my family now. Broken, and missing pieces...
Some days I would walk alone (At least I thought I was alone), or I would walk with Frisky. Some afternoons even Astral would choose to walk with me. We didn't really talk out loud, but during those walks we still learned things about eachother. It was strange, but slightly therapeutic.

Today, it was Frisky who chose to walk with me. The sun was low in the east, and the trees created a broken shadow onto the forest floor. Fall was just now settling in, and the trees seemed to burn in a fire of yellows, reds, and oranges. The sounds of birds, and the crunch of leaves under my feet fill my ears. You'd think the sounds would distract from my thinking, but they don't. They actually have a way of making thinking easier. I have found that silent thinking is worse than thinking with noise. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone else, but it has always made sense to me.

"You're always silent on these walks Miss Scarlette. Everyday for an hour or two for the past month and a half. What things could you possibly be thinking of?" Frisky asks after a while.

"I'm thinking of everything Frisk. That's the crazy thing about humans. We never stop thinking about things. Life, death, why the sun comes up." I slightly laugh.

"With the way Astral created me I feel like I can relate. I think so, but it's not the same as a human."

"I know. My new power continues to get stronger everyday, and I can feel myself slipping into Astrals thoughts at times. Everytime I notice it I quickly get out, but it's weird. I feel like I'm watching him through a window, and I can't look away at first glance. I have to realize where I am before I can leave. It's different with you though. When I look at you I don't have to worry about getting sucked into your head."

"Because my mind doesn't exist." He says.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. You're one of the most human-like beings I know." We both laugh.

"Well thank you Miss Scarlette. Kind of a strange way of saying we are friends, but I'll take it."

"I'm worried Frisky. What if I can't keep up with the growth of this power? What if I accidentally hurt Astral, or it I lose control?"

"I won't lie to you Scarlette. That may happen. And if it does, you'll be okay. Astral is strong, and he can take care of himself. From what I've seen you are also very strong. If anyone can conquer this it's you." He assures me.

"Thank you." I smile.

"What have you two been working on anyways?" He asks.

"I can show you." I say.

"Are you sure?" He asks.

"Yeah I'll do the basics....I'll be fine."
I look around at the environment around me. I imagine the leaves becoming weightless, and then all around me they do. They begin to spin around me like a tornado of color. I breathe in the smells of fall and slightly smile. The wind carries my hair across my face.

"It's beautiful." I hear Frisky whisper.

I release the hold on the leaves, and I watch as they gently fall to the ground once again.

"Yeah, but not all of it is."

"PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND TURN AROUND NOW!" Behind me a voice screams. It's a young man no older than 22. A patch on his black jumpsuit reveals that he is FBI. Me and Frisky glance at eachother. We both are thinking the same thing.

He's here to either kill us, or take us.

Can't let that happen can we?

"Go!" Frisky yells. I stare at the young man, and I force the handgun to his head.

"Scarlette-" Frisky starts but I don't let him finish.

"Are you alone? Why are you here?"

"Look I have orders... I just..."

"I don't want excuses! How did you find us?" I yell.

"We've been searching this area for months. I swear! We've been looking for you!" Fear is in his eyes, and just like that I'm in his mind. I see his fears, his wants, his desires. I pull every moment from him one by one. It isn't until I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder that I realize the young soldier is screaming. I drop the hold on him, and he collapses ground. My eyes are wide, and I let out a gasp.

Was I holding my breath?

"Scarlette!" Astral shakes my shoulders. "Wake up! See what you are doing!" I fall to my knees, and the world starts to spin. I turn to see the soldier running for his life, and when I turn back Astral grabs my face. He is saying something, but I don't hear him. Instead, I fall out of his grip onto a sharp rock. The last thing I feel is a sharp pain above my eyebrow before I lose consciousness.

2 Days Later

My eyes flutter open to the bright lights of my bedroom. Frisky sits in the corner of the room, and Astral sits at my bedside. He scoots closer when he notices I'm awake.

"Scarlette! Are you okay?"

"I think so...what happened." A sharp pain shoots through my head. "Ah!...What happened." I ask.

"You hit your head, it was pretty deep. It will most likely leave a scar."

"Hey. At least now I'll fit my nickname." He slightly smiles, but it quickly falters.

"Something else happened though. Do you remember..."

"There was a soldier, and...." My eyes go wide. "Oh my god!" I try to sit up, but he stops me.

"Calm down Scarlette. Please..." He whispers urgently. Tears are falling from my eyes.

"What the hell did I do?" I ask.

"I don't know..." He grabs me, and I cry into his chest.

What the hell did I do?

Kirsten Rhett

We all sat at the rectangular table in the map room. No one spoke. I ran a finger around the inside of my new glove. A plain, but lovely garment, made of black velvet. But I wasn't wearing it for the look of it. I had it to hide my mangled hand.
"If someone doesn't say something I'm going to lose it." I said without looking up. "What's the deal, calling an urgent meeting and then just sitting there like a dead frog for five minutes? If this is so important, Matt, then tell us what needs to be discussed!"

Carlos tapped my shoulder and once I was looking at him gave me a look that said "What's up with you?" I just shrugged and looked back down at my glove. Two days ago, we had received a lead on Scarlette's location. At first I had been relieved, then all the anger I felt towards Astral came flooding back to me.

It's strange, how quickly anger can evolve into hatred.

I was jerked out of the dark reverie by the sound of Matt's voice. "We locked on the exact location of Scar's whereabouts. A helicopter is waiting outside, all we need is to pick who should go."
My head snapped up. "I'll do it." I blurted. Everyone looked over at me. I had just gotten out of the hospital a few days ago and they were still sort of babying me.
Ugh. Was this how Carlos felt?
"I can do this, guys."
Plus, I have a score to settle. I thought it best to keep that part to myself.
"I'll go with a partner if that makes you feel better."
Carlos jumped up, "Me! I'll go with her!" He caught Matt's eye, and sat back down. "Sorry. you probably want to go more than me."
Matt's eyes flicked briefly towards Leon. "No. It's alright, Carlos. It'd be better if you went, anyway. I still have things I need to take care of here."
I stood up and began to head toward the door. "Well, that settles that then."

"How soon can you two leave?" Matt asked.
I glanced at Carlos, then over at Matt. "Right away." Carlos and I said in unison.

....

The helicopter blades sliced through the air, and I could hear the roar of the engine from the inside of the cabin. I looked out the window at the sky around us, and down at the ground below us, A patchwork quilt of reds and yellows.

"Kirsten?" Carlos said

"Hmm?"

"Is something wrong?"

"Hm."

"Kirsten..."

"Yes... No...I dunno."

The pilot's voice crackled over the radio "Alright kids, we're going down."

Saved by the agent. Phew.

The helicopter descended over a thickly forested area, and we dropped the rope ladder down. Our feet hit the ground, leaves crunching under my boots. I drew the black jacket I was wearing tighter around me. The cold didn't bother me much, but I still didn't want to feel it.
Through the trees, I could just see the roof of a large building. "Come on." I said, and set off through the forest.
Carlos fell into step beside me, jogging to keep up with my brisk pace. Just as we emerged from the foliage, a very familiar metal lion came padding around the corner of the building.
Carlos and I backed up back into the woods. Once Frisky had passed We cautiously sneaked back around until we were behind the building, some kind of bunker by the looks of it. "Okay, what's the plan?" I whispered.

"Maybe we should split up. One of us could go find Scar, the other could follow Astral and keep him away until we have her out and hiding somewhere safe." Carlos suggested.
I nodded.
"You get Scarlette. As for me," My expression darkened. "I'll go after Astral."

....
It started to rain after Carlos and I split up. gently at first, but by the time I had left the bunker behind it was pouring. Through the gale loomed an austere looking house. Bigger than anything I had seen. I splashed through the puddles and mud, the thick material of my combat boots kept the water from soaking my feet.
I reached the house sooner than I had expected. I could see a tall figure shadowed against the window. I jumped up onto the top of the building, then, launching myself into the air once more, blasted through the roof in an explosion of gold. I couched in the middle of the room for a moment, rain streaming down my face, ripples of magic shimmering through the sparsely furnished room. I stood slowly, glaring ferociously at the silver haired boy. Astral took a very small step back. I smirked. More likely I had only surprised him by crashing into his bedroom, but I chose to believe he was scared. I windmilled my arms, and a golden orb of energy began to grow in the air in front of me, I thrust it towards Astral. It exploded against his chest, sending him flying back and crashing through the door. I lunged for him as he was standing back up. I lashed out with a fist but this time Astral was ready for an attack. he deflected blow after blow, but never took an opportunity to mount any kind of counter attack.

Why won't he fight me?

It doesn't matter. That just makes things easier for me.

"Kirsten!" I ignored him and while his guard was down leaped up and sent a flying kick crashing into his ribs. Astral stumbled sideways, gasping as the air was knocked from his lungs.
"Just...let me explain..." He panted

"Explain what?" I snarled, swinging a fist. "Explain why you captured Scarlette? Why you left Carlos to die? Sorry, but I'm not in the mood for conversation!"

Astral caught my wrist as I snapped out with another punch, then hooked a foot around my ankle and swept my feet out form under me.

Finally gonna fight, Silver? Fine by me.

I hit the ground and flipped back onto my feet, throwing myself at Astral with a roar that almost didn't sound human.
Astral was a surprisingly skilled fighter, but so was I.
as evenly matched as we were, Neither of us could win on human strength alone.
Time to pull out my new secret weapon.
Super agility.
The next time Astral attack, I jumped over him, propelling myself off the opposite wall caught him under the chin with a hard kick.

My feet hardly touched the ground for the rest of the fight. I was moving too fast for him to track my movements.

He couldn't stop me.

He couldn't even see me.

He couldn't fight back.

some rational part of my mind noted that this wasn't a fair fight anymore. I pushed the fact aside.

He deserved every bit of what he was getting.

I struck him one last time and Astral crumpled onto his back, bruised and bleeding.
That was it. I had served the justice I needed to serve, my lesson had been taught.
But now...
Now was my opportunity to get something I didn't realize I needed.

Revenge.

I dropped to the ground, striding over to him.

"You think this is over?" I hissed, putting a foot on his throat. My eyes flashed murderously. I slowly began pressing down on his windpipe, drinking in the shock in his expression.
"No." I growled softly. "It's not over,not until one of us is dead."

Matt

I closed my eyes, listening to the chop chop chop as the helicopter rotors whirled around. My team was doing there last gear checks as I looked over at Ying. He was glancing around fearfully. When he saw me looking at me he twitched, a full body spasm. I pull him into me in a tight squeeze as he shivers against my body. My team watches apprehensively. "All right colonel, we're pulling into the base. You got the Cargo?" I heard over my helmet radio." Private, his name is Ying Xuan Bau. Treat the kid with respect. He could tear this whole copter in half with a thought." My team looked at Ying with newfound respect, and obvious fear. Sighing I helped him out of the copter as my father walked up." Let's get the poor boy situated. Also, your pilot said he dropped off the kids, they should be attempting to get Scarlette right now."

"Dad, when she gets back, it's probably best if she doesn't see you... She could kill you." I said, as Ying was carried off.my father looked at me." I know son... I know. But that not the plan. I have a ranch in Texas. Commander Speel wants you to take Ying there. As soon as everyone else is here we'll send them there too. You children need to recuperate, and you need time with your sister." He hobbled away as Davit walked up." The kid is safe and secure, and Doctor Hernandez is seeing to him right now." I turn around angrily." Probably seeing what the Chinese did that's different from the other kids."

I turned to Davit." Get me a four man team. I'll be taking them with me to Texas. I don't trust the FBI, and they're supposed to protect us." Davit nodded and walked away. I sat down in the dirt as the helicopter crew watched curiously, than wandered off by themselves. Almost instantly I doubled over as a splitting headache erupted from my head.

Enemy
Pain
Fear

I knew it was Ying. He was started to become hysterical. Something was happening. I started stumbling to the doctors tent as I heard the first scream torn from his lips. Tybalt looked on, unsure what to do, as Ying writhed on the table in spasms, screaming out in Chinese. The translator was at a loss for words, as a sickly green glow began to appear from under his skin. Than it was silent. The glow disappeared, and Yings body went still. Than the splitting headache began again. And than I heard his voice. Thank you, Matthew Fawn. You're helping me in ways you can't even begin to imagine. The voice stopped, but somehow, I knew Ying was speaking to me. But how? Tybalt watched me fearfully, as if I might fall down dead.

"You okay?" He asked, placing a steady arm on my shoulder. I nodded slowly, sweat dripping from my hair." Ya, I'm fine. Just worried about Carlos and Kirsten." Tybalt nodded in sympathy as some medics moved Yings sleeping form to a more comfortable bed." Let's hope this all ends soon." He said. I nodded in agreement.

Leon Rhett

At this point, I wasn't quite sure how to feel about my whole situation. On the one hand,I had gotten to ride in a helicopter, which was unbelievably cool. On the other, I was back at this curse of a base, surrounded by US government agents, and sharing a cabin with a kid even more unstable than me, and that's saying something. To add to the stress, Blak was acting really wired. Not his snarky sarcastic self. He sounded frustrated about something. The copter landed, and the kid started getting twitchy.

In my head, Blak growled. 'You don't give in easily, do you Mr. Xuan Bau?'

Um...Blak?

'Don't bother asking, I won't tell you what I'm up to, Leon. It's a surprise

Matt was talking into the radio "Private, his name is Ying Xuan Bau. Treat the kid with respect."

Matt continued talking but after I heard Ying's last name I stopped listening.
Xuan Bau.
It was obvious Blak wanted something with him, but what? The kid couldn't even walk on his own.

I followed the group escorting Ying until we came to the infirmary, where he was settled on a bed. Dr Hernandez swept in, pristine labcoat and all. Ying watched him suspiciously. I caught his eye, and jerked my head toward the scientist "If he gives you any trouble, beat the tar out of him." I murmured.
Just as I had thought, Ying could read lips. He smiled a little and nodded slightly.

'It's time!' Blak laughed

What're you talking abou--

Pain.
It felt like someone was driving a spike through my head. It hurt so bad I thought I might pass out. I clutched my head, dropping to my knees.
"Blak...what...what are you doing to me?" I gasped, forgetting about my rule of not talking out loud to him in public.
Blak laughed. I was vaguely aware of someone screaming. I hoped it wasn't me.
'Oh, it's not so much what I'm doing to you, Leon. You see, I've decided I need a new host. Someone stronger. Someone hungrier for power, and our friend Ying fits my needs perfectly.
I stood up laboriously, ignoring the splitting pain in my head. Ying was writhing on the bed, screaming something in Chinese.
The only word I understood was yaumo.

demon.

You can't do this, Blak. You'll destroy him!

Blak chortled as Ying began to glow a sickly green.
When Blak spoke agin, I could barely hear him, it was as if he was calling from somewhere far away. 'Oh can't I, Leon? There's nothing you can do. There's nothing anyone can do!'
Then it was silent. Ying was still, and I only stood there. I could feel Blak's absence, as if I had gotten a bit of Kirsten's amnesia. I knew he was gone, but I couldn't figure out why or how. I watched them move Ying to a different bed. I could hardly believe Blak was finally gone. After two years my mind was finally my own again.


What now?

Kirsten ground her foot into Astral’s throat, pinning him to the ground. He clutched weakly at his neck, his vision growing dim. “Scar...lette,” he grunted.

The black combat boot dug deeper. “Don’t say her name,” Kirsten snarled. “Don’t you dare say her name!”

Astral forced strength into his neck, struggling to breathe. Already, lights danced before his eyes; although whether that was Kirsten’s doing, he could not know.

Kirsten removed her foot for a second, then stomped it back down with twice as much force. Astral’s eyes widened as blood flew from his mouth, staining the rug. It dribbled from his lips as he stammered. “S-scar-”

The boot crushed in on his windpipe again, but he didn’t have the breath to scream. “Scar-”

Kirsten screamed as she stamped on Astral’s throat again and again, destroying his throat beneath her sole. Pain shot up Astral’s neck with each impact, making the world spin.

Her wrathful image grew blurry, and the last thing Astral saw before the world faded to black was her hate-filled, amber eyes. Desperately, he managed one last croak. “I’m...sor-”

Squish.

--------------------------------------


Astral felt the mist curl around him, cavorting between his fingers. It swirled over his chest, elusive in color, and impenetrably enigmatic.

Brushing the iridescent dreams from his chest, he sat up. “Oh, not this again.” The endless, shifting void spiraled outwards in all directions, the rippling colors moving everywhere and nowhere.

“So this is how I’ll die,” he murmured, standing up. “As a dreamer.” It was a fittingly futile fate.

The mist clumped together, walling him into another scene. Astral smiled, musing vaguely what it could be.

All at once, color flooded into the world, and he found himself standing in a bedroom. Dark curtains smothered the sunlight outside, which drew a sickly line along the opposite wall.

Two shadows sat in silence. One sat on the edge of the bed, kicking its feet out innocently. The other sat backwards on the computer chair by the desk, hunched over the backrest. The one on the bed had copper-brown hair that glinted as the frail light kissed it.

“Dad?” The brown-haired boy spoke, voice thin with innocence. “What’s a hero?”

The man in the chair seemed to regard the boy strangely. “What brought this on?” he said in a voice like smooth gravel.

The boy clasped his fingers, twiddling them in his lap. “Oh...nothing much.”

The man gave a snorting chuckle, shaking his head. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose a hero is...the person who defeats the villain.”

The boy frowned. “Isn’t that a little...vague?”

“Not at all,” the man insisted. “A hero defeats what people perceive as evil. That’s what makes them the good guys.” He grinned.

The boy nodded, swallowing dryly. Astral did the same. Going over to the wall, the silver-haired god gave two sharp knocks against it. “I’d like to go back now,” he said.

The mist tore away from the wall, and a rope ladder dropped from thin air, leading into a portal that swirled with the light of beyond. Astral seized it, climbing out of the dream. As he went, he heard the voices behind him again.

“So...how do you make a really big hero!” the boy said enthusiastically.

The man’s mirth escaped with a sigh. “You make a really big villain.”

-----------------

Astral’s eyes jolted open, driving him upright. Kirsten whirled around from halfway across the room. “What the-”

She was cut off as Astral crashed his bedframe against her, slamming her into the wall. The silver-haired king rubbed his throat, feeling the windpipe heal.

“Now then, Kirsten,” he said, fully revitalized, “if you want to deliver justice, for goodness’ sakes, do it properly!”

The mattress burst apart in an explosion of light, scattering goose feathers floating across the room. Astral grinned. “Foolish…”

Kirsten triggered her agility once more, dashing around the room at mach speed. But this time…

Astral’s eyes flashed as a feather pressed flat against an invisible surface. Immediately, he thrust his fist forward.

Kirsten appeared at the end of his knuckles and spiraled backwards, crashing into the wall. Astral dusted his hand off, smirking. “Featherweight,” he said.

Kirsten jumped back to her feet, snarling, this time running in a circle around the room. Astral staggered, struggling to breathe as the feathers were sucked into the vortex of Kirsten’s movement.

At once, the winds ceased, the silver feathers blowing out across the room. Kirsten dashed forward, forming a ball of light in her hand. Thrusting her arm forward, she shoved the grenade into Astral’s face. It detonated in a radiant blast, searing Astral’s eyes blind.

The god cursed, stumbling backwards. Kirsten slammed another fist into his chest, knocking him off of his feet. He tumbled the floor, rolling to escape.

Astral rolled to his feet, rubbing his eyelids furiously. Focusing on his eyes, he tried to regenerate, but the attempt threw daggers into his focus, and he leaned dizzily against a hard, flat surface.

Kirsten’s voice rang through the darkness. “I’ll kill you!” The sound of rapid footsteps approached.

She’ll aim for the face, Astral realized. Ducking to the side, he shifted his head as something whistled past his ear.

Next, the arm. Astral dropped to the floor, rolling sideways. Kirsten’s leg smashed down beside him, thudding against the stone floor.

Is she going to try something new? Astral leaped to his feet, hesitating. Nothing happened.

She is.

Astral dove forward as light seared his back, burning at his shirt. He hissed softly as a piece of rubble stabbed into his arm.

A footstep to his left. Move!

Kirsten was upon him, flipping him over with a dynamic kick. Astral skidded to his feet, but Kirsten slipped forward, landing an uppercut that rocketed him backwards.

His head hit the ground with a wet crack, sending pain shooting through his skull. Scrambling to his feet, he paced backwards, nearly tripping over more shards of stone and glass. He grimaced, turning towards the sound of Kirsten’s movements..

“Are you satisfied?” he enquired softly, one hand drawn over his eyes.

Kirsten laughed darkly. “Never,” she growled.

“Hm,” Astral mused. Then he grinned. Brushing his fingertips against his face, he removed his hand, showcasing one, sinister golden eye staring right at Kirsten. “That’s too bad. However, there’s no use changing it. If you want to be a hero, I will gladly oblige you,” he cackled, “as the villain.”

Astral surged forward, blasting Kirsten with a barrage of punches. Adrenaline gushed through his veins, charging his muscles at an insane rate. Kirsten fell back, barely managing to block each strike.

Cackling madly, Astral crashed his fist into Kirsten’s stomach, launching her backwards. As the girl crashed to the ground, Astral stopped.

His fingers rifled through his silver hair. He stared at the ceiling, shaking violently. “No...no,” he muttered. “I can’t do this again. Scarlette-”

A wave of pleasure washed over him, and he started laughing again. “I can’t change it, can I? This is the role I was born to play.”

Another twitch. “It doesn’t matter what I’m trying to do! I can’t hurt people!”

“Selfish bastard! You’d do anything to make yourself feel good, wouldn’t you?”

Calm down, Astral thought faintly. Pull it together, or you’ll end up like Leon. He needed to remain whole; one side had to win. The question was, which one?

Kirsten dashed forward, yelling furiously. Without hesitation, she smashed her knuckles into Astral’s face.

The world fell silent. Astral breathed out softly, then grinned. Chaos it was.

His blood began to boil, curling through his body. A trickle burst from the veins of his arm, running down his hand. It collected in his palm, swirling in a crimson globe. Astral focused, giving the sphere shape. Gradually, the sphere stretched, elongating and clotting into a scarlet sword.

Astral slashed the blade downwards. Kirsten’s eyes widened, and she leaped backwards, skidding to a halt a meter away. Apprehension shone in her gaze.

“Now then,” Astral said, “I believe one of us was going to die here.”

Scarlette Fawn

"Stay here!" Astral yelled before running out the door.

God does he even know me?

I slightly laugh to myself before swinging my legs over the side of my bed.

Not the time for jokes Scarlette.

I push myself off the bed onto the cold floor. I wobble a bit as my head spins, but I force myself to keep going. I reach the doorway, and see Astral has completely disappeared. In the distance I hear lots of loud slamming noises. I run down the hall way towards the noise.

"Don't you dare say her name!" I can't recognize the voice, but it feels oddly familiar.

Don't stop running.

Don't stop running.

When I reach the doorway Astral is standing across the room with...a blade? In front of him is a girl.

I would recognize that hair anywhere.

"Kirsten!" I yell. She turns to look at me.

"Scarlette! Stay back! It's time to end this.” She says.

“I agree.” Astral says from across the room. I look at him, and I recognize that look. He isn’t the Astral I know right now. Not even close.

“Kirsten listen to me…Please leave the room. You don’t understand. You are in danger.”

“I don’t understand? This psycho kidnapped you. Besides, I’m stronger now. I can kill him, and I will!”

I watch as the charge each other.

“No! Stop!” I watch as both of them freeze. I watch as Kirsten gets thrown across the room into the brick wall. She gasps.

“What the hell? You’re helping him? Scarlette!”

“Kirsten listen to me. Please stay there. I will explain. Please…. I can’t control you both for long.” I plead.

“Control? What the hell!” She asks. Warm blood drips from my nose.

“Trust me! Before you both get killed!” I yell. I run towards Astral who is still frozen in the hold.

Please don’t kill me.I know you wont kill me.

“Astral. Hey, please look at me.”

“I will end you!” He tries to push past me as he yells at Kirsten.

“Astral, you need to calm down. Please…” I grab his shoulders. He wrenches out of my grip slicing up my arm with the scarlet blade.

“Ah!” He turns back towards me when I scream.

“Scarlette?” A light seems to go off in his head. His mind is battling him.

“Astral.” I grab his face with my hands. “Fight it. Don’t listen to the voices in your head. You don’t have to kill her. You’re not the bad guy. You’re not the bad guy! Please don’t make me go into your head. You once promised me you wouldn’t make me. Please. Stay with me. Please don’t leave me. Please.”

“Scarlette....Ah!" He grips his head. "Let…me…go!” He moves past me once again.

“Stop!” His feet stop in their tracks. He says something, but I don’t hear him. Suddenly I’m sucked into his mind. I’m seeing memories so fast it makes my head spin. I hear his screaming, but I don’t care.

Almost there...

I watch as he falls to the ground unconscious. I look towards the doorway to see Frisky.

“Put him in one of the cells now.” Frisky nods and I lift Astral onto Friskies back. I watch as they leave the room. I turn to Kirsten who is now watching in horror. I wipe the dried blood from my nose. The gash on my arm doesn’t hurt, but strangely the veins are turning dark.

Infected. Not possible. Is it?

“What the heck!” Kirsten says after a moment of silence.

“Look Kirsten-“ I try to say before she interrupts me.

“You’re helping him. You…you care about that monster!” She spits at me. “You left us panicking for months wondering where you were while you played house with a murderer. You selfish little bitch!”

“Kirsten…" I'm stunned. "What are you talking about? I messaged Matt, and told him about my plan. He told me all of you were okay. That you were training. He told me about Carlos’ death. How you all were taking time to cope with it. I had my way of coping. I needed time, and he said everyone understood. I was trying to get Astral to help us.”

“Are you kidding me? I don’t want your stupid lies Scarlette. Matt hasn’t slept in months, and if you really messaged Matt you would know that Carlos was… Wait, wait, wait a second. Your plan? You actually think you could change that freak? You actually think he deserves another chance?”

“You gave me one didn’t you?”

“But you didn’t kill innocent people Scarlette!” Tears started to fill my eyes. “Scarlette…you didn’t kill innocent people…did you?”

“We…all have things that haunt us Kirsten. The only difference between Astral, and I is nobody knew about it. You probably wouldn’t have given me a second chance if you really knew the truth about me. I thought he deserved that, because everyone does. Don’t they?” I now see that Kirsten is crying too. “Please say something…”

“Why…why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because…it’s something that I can’t cope with yet. I can barely stand to look at myself. I didn’t want you all to see me that way either.”

“Scarlette… I….I’m sorry.” She rushed to me and hugged me. I hugged her back. After a moment she pulled away. “You’re pretty much my sister, and I would never give up on you. But now we have another problem. Matt never got your messages. That means someone at the base stopped your messages, but why?”

“To make Astral look like the bad guy. To weaken us. But why and who?”

“I don’t know…”

“Scarlette?” My blood freezes.

That voice. A voice I thought I would never hear again.

Carlos.

I turn to see him standing in the doorway.

He’s alive.

"Carlos" she said surprised. Why was she surprised? Maybe she didn't want to see me. Her eyes widened and she ran straight at me. The moment I thought she was trying to strangle me, she hugged me. Tight. And then she broke down in tears on my shoulder.
"I thought you were dead." She whispers. How could I have never thought of that? How could I forget that the last time she saw me I had eleven bullets spread around my body? A shiver passes my spine. She thought I had been killed.
"I'm sorry." I whisper back. She removes her head from my shoulder, her eyes widening in shock.
"Don't be. Ever. I'm sorry. I'm the one that left..."
"But you're okay now. Kirsten kicked the bad guys ass  and we can all go home and we live at a base now full of soldiers.... and this guy said that if I  worked really hard, when I would be 18, I could join too." I said excited. She shaked her head. "Only when I'm 18 you're not loosing me yet. Don't worry."
"No...its not that....I can't go with you...I need to stay here and take care of Astral."
"Astral the bad guy? Or have you met a nice Astral?" I ask cautionesly.
"Funny enough, both."
"Something tells me there the same person."
"I'm sorry. I promised I would take care of him."
" then take him with!" I suggest. A soldier leaves no one behind, and I'm not leaving her now.
"Carlos! This is the same guy who shot you ten times." Kirsten protests.
"Eleven actually, and we can't leave her behind."
"He's in a cell, Scarlett." A lion says, yes you read that correctly, a huge talking metal lion said it.
"Thank you Frisky." Scar says with a polite smile.
"If I may ask, are you going anywhere?" Frisky asks.
"No"
"Yes"
Scarlett and Kirsten say at the same time.
"I'm sorry. I have to.I need to become stronger, then I can come back, when I know I can't hurt you guys, but can you before you go, tell me if everyone is okay? Tybalt and Matt and.. "
"There not okay. Not since you've been gone. Please, we need you." Kirsten begs.
"I...I..." She stumbled on her words.
"Empower yourself at the base, take Astral and Frisky with, please..."
"Okay." She says. Its a soft okay and clearly an unsure one, but it was an okay. Kirsten and Scarlett walked away. I guess to talk and I directed myself to the lion.
"Hi my name is Carlos" I say, introducing myself to him.
"Hello, I'm Frisky."

Matt Fawn

There's nothing more interesting than having another person share your head. I could feel him. I couldn't reach him though. It's like trying to think of a word, but it constantly eludes your grasp. It wasn't painful... Much. It was definitely odd. I couldn't help but notice Leon stare off into the distance at odd times, as if waiting for something to happen. And I hadn't heard from Blak in a while either. I was beginning to get ised to Ying being silent when it happened.

I was sitting in the mess hall with Davit and some other soldiers when I first noticed things beginning to change. I was reaching for my Coke, which was out of hands reach. I reached for it again, stretching my hand further, when the Coke seemed too... Leap into my hand. I dropped the Coke I was so suprised, and the boys started mocking me for dropping it. I feigned laughter with them, but I was staring at my hand, as if I had grown a tentacle. I looked around and saw Leon watching me. Closing my mouth I put my hand back into my pocket.

I was waiting for the pilot to report that he was bringing the kids back, when I got a call from Commander Speel."I want you to take the kids with you to your new safe house in Texas. But watch out for the FBI, they may try to get the drop on you and snatch up the kids." Inter government war was never my thing."Yes sir, I'm just waiting for the others to get-" he interrupted me." Soldier that's an order. Take those with yours a chopper and get going. Dr. Hernandez will be staying with Ying, the kid is to weak to move on his own. When the others get back we'll just send them your way." I nodded and turned off the computer. I looked around and nodded. Davit saluted and left the tent, starting to gather some trustworthy men and supplies. Leon approached me.

"What's going on?" He demanded. I took a step back." Up all in my space kid. I've got new orders to take you somewhere safe. A nice ranch in Texas. It'll give you something to do. There's horses there, and plenty of space to practice your powers." He raised an eyebrow." What about the others? We're going to wait for them right?" I shook my head." We're leaving ASAP. Someone will send them our way as soon as they get here don't worry." I glanced at Tybalt as he walked up." You'll need to get permission from General-" he waved a peace of paper." Already got it." He grinned, showing his teeth. I smirked." Maybe we'll see your cousins in Texas." I let out a laugh as he growled at Me. This was gioong to be an interesting trip.

Kirsten Rhett

The helicopter lands back at the base, and Carlos, Scarlette and I jumped out.
Astral had opted for lion back riding instead, (Apparently Frisky could fly now.) so it had only been the three of us.
The base seemed emptier than it had when we left. Where were Matt and Leon? I thought they'd be waiting here for us.

An older looking African american man came marching over to us.
"Welcome back you two."
Carlos and I looked at each other. Who the heck was this guy?
Seeming to sense our confusion, the man introduced himself.
"Commander Speel, FBI. You three must be Carlos, Kirsten and Scarlette."
None of us said anything. There were only a few government men we trusted, and he wasn't one one of them.

Commander Speel turned to adress me.

"You're wondering where your brother is?"

I nodded.

"He's in the bunkhouse. Captain Fawn and Tybalt have already left for a new safehouse in Texas, but Leon refused to leave without you."

I smiled a little. Just like him to worry for me like that.
"I'll be back." I said. Then thought of something. Scar hadn't met Leon yet.
"Scar? Do you...?"

Scarlette smiled. "Sure."
.......
We trekked to the Bunkhose together.
Side by side like we had on the island.

"Leon...That was the person you kept seeing in your flashbacks?" Scar guessed.

"Yeah."

"How'd you find out you two were related? Did he tell you?"

"Oh, well umm...no...the exact opposite actually. It's a bit of a long story."

Scar seemed to get that I didn't want to talk about it and dropped the subject.

Leon was already outside the barracks when it came into view.
I called a greeting and ran over to him, Scar jogging at my heels.
Leon and I hugged, and stayed in each others arms for what seemed like eternity.

You have to get the most out of things when you don't know if you'll live to be held like that the next day.

When we finally broke apart, I noticed something different about him.
His eyes weren't red anymore. They were a handsome orange-brown, the color of rust.
When did that happen?
Making a mental note to ask him later, I introduced Scarlette to him.
"Leon, this is Scarlette." I couldn't help grinning. "Scar, this is my older brother, Leon."

Scarlette Fawn

"Leon, this is Scarlette. Scar, this is my older brother, Leon." I looked him over as Kirsten introduced us. It was very obvious they were related. They both had the dark hair, a pale complexion, and really compelling golden eyes. He held out his hand to me, and I shook it.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Kirsten talks a lot about you. At least she did before the whole memory loss thing.” I say a little timidly. A moment of awkward silence passes and I laugh to pass the awkwardness.

“Its nice to meet you too. Scarlette huh? So you’re the one who caused so much trouble.” He smiled like it was a joke, but it still struck a chord. I saw Kirsten glare at him, but he didn't notice.

“Um...yeah that me.” I slightly chuckle. “Anyways, I’m going to go check on Astral. Make sure he’s okay. I’ll leave you two. I’ll see you later Kirsten.” I quickly rush off not waiting for a reply, but I can still hear Kirsten say something to him before I get out of earshot. Something like “You idiot!”. I look down as I make my way to the infirmary.

When I arrive the nurse leads me to a room towards the back of the building. When I reach the door I see Frisky is there lying next to the bed Astral is hooked up to. The nurse, with a scared expression, continues down the hallway without stopping to look at the patient.

“Hey…” I say as I slowly step into the room. “How’s he doing?” Frisky turns to me, and his expression lightens.

“Scarlette. I thought you wouldn't come.”

“Of course I did. I just hope that everyone will one day see him how I see him. He is good, but he’s still struggling. It's my fault. If I wouldn’t have-”

“Scarlette.” Frisky interrupted. “They would have found us eventually anyways. Besides, it's not your fault. It's the fault of whoever stopped your messages from going through.”

“You’re right. How’s he been?” I ask.

“The same. Not much activity. Whatever you did, it worked. What exactly did you see?”

“Things I can't say Frisky. Things that only he can tell others, and I want to keep it that way. The reason I believe victims pass out is because I open parts of their lives that should not be opened. It’s too much for even him to handle.”

“I see.”

“Hey, why don't you go explore the base? I’ll take Astral duty.”

“Alright Miss Scarlette, but if he wakes up tell someone to find me.”

“I promise.” Frisky stands, and makes his way out the door. Hopefully the camp knows of his presence, because seeing a giant mechanical lion could cause some issues. I take his spot next to Astral's bed. I pull up one of the uncomfortable hospital chairs, and watch the monitors. His heart rate is calm, and his vitals are good. It's only his brain activity that's abnormal. According to charts though it has been going down. The bad part is his brain activity at this moment is really really high. I grab his hand.

Please wake up.

An hour passes and nothing has happened. His brain activity is slowly going back to normal, but it's still scary. I'm about to lose hope, and that's when I feel his fingers twitch in my grasp.

“Astral?” His eyes suddenly snap open. They are bloodshot, and filled with fear.

‘Where am I?” He says loudly. I go to answer, but before I can get any words out he is already jumping out of his bed and pinning me to the wall. I groan and his lifts me off the floor by my neck. His strength is heightened right now.

“Astral…” I turn towards the doorway. A nurse stands wide eyed, but I send her away with a hand gesture. “Astral...look. at. me” I say through harsh breathes.

“Shut up!” He yells.

“Astral. Really. Look. At. Me.” Tears start in my eyes. “Come on.” I grab his face with my hands and force eye contact. “Come. On. Please.” I plead. My vision goes spotty.

“Scarlette?” His hold on me loosens and I fall to the ground. I gasp as I try to catch my breath. He falls to his knees next to me.

“Are you alright. I’m sorry. I was confused.” He says.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Are you okay?”

“What did you do to me Scar? Also, thanks for stopping me from killing Kirsten. That wouldn't really have gone well.”

“I don't know what I did, but I know I had too.”

“I know…” He looks down. He rests his hand on my arm, and I cringe. “What is it?” He asks.

“It's nothing. Just a scratch.” He quickly lifts up my sleeve to look at it. I force it back down, but his expression tells me he has already seen it. “What is that?”

“Its nothing honest. It doesn't even hurt that much anymore.”

“Scarlette-”

“Just let it go.” I interrupt him. “Please. Im fine...I promise. Just don't tell anyone about it. I want to know what it is first.” I plead.

“Okay…” He says. He grabs my hand, and we sit there as I catch my breath.

“Well, look who’s awake.” I look up to see a figure standing in the doorway.

Kirsten Rhett

"You idiot." I sigh. I was more exasperated with him than anything. Leon's face flushed slightly.

"Come on...I haven't been friendly to anyone for two years. I'm just...a bit out of practice."

Translation, 'I'm just a bit socially awkward.'

We walked together to the helicopter, passing the infirmary on our way.
General Blaze was standing in the doorway.

"Fromwhat I've heard of you, you caused a lot of trouble, kid." He growled.
I pushed past him.
"Don't waste you're ammo, general." I muttered abrasively.

Leon stayed a ways away from the building, watching attentively in case he had to intervene.

I give Astral a contemptuous look before jerking my head at the courtyard outside.

"Copter. We're going to Texas. Matt's waiting."

Astral eyed me suspiciously and I raised my eyebrows in exaggerated interest.

"Unless, you know, you want to stay here. With the big soldiers and scary scientists." I said with as much sweetness as I could pack in to the phrase.

He glared at me and I gave him an angelic smile and a wink.

I could practically see him frothing at the mouth.

Scar gave us both a "Don't Make Me Come Over There" look.
I turned on my heel and left the room, not waiting to see if any of them would follow.

..............

The helicopter landed in front of a huge house. Three stories high with a large front porch.

"Whoah." Carlos breathed, turning in a circle to take in the surrounding land. The house sat on a hill overlooking a pasture where a few horses stood grazing. Beside the house was a barn almost as big as the house.

Carlos grinned at me. "Race you to the house?"

"Yeah, just like on the island? No way I'll fall for that again, Mr. Super Stamina."

We ran anyway.
Side by side.
By the time we reached the house, I was out of breath and Carlos was swinging on the proch swing, completely unfazed.

We were both grinning. I sat down on the swing next to Carlos, watching Leon, Scarlet, and Astral hike up the hill to the house.

We heared the sound of the door opening, and Matt joined us on the porch.

Scar's eyes met his, and she broke into a run. She had her arms aroung his waist before he was even down the steps.

I watched the two grasp each other, Scar was crying. Matt had his back to me, but I could guess that he was crying too.

We were together again. Our family was whole.

All six of us.

“Do you think they would let me ride one?” I ask, looking at the horses grazing.
“Not sure...” Leon says. We leaned against the fence. Leon was watching the house and the sky while my eyes were completely focused on the awesome four legged animals.
“Should we do it anyway?” I grinned.
“No way you could come close to them, they would run.”
“Doesn't mean I can't try...come on!” I open the gate and start walking inside the field.
“Carlos!” he screams after me.
“Come on, don't tell me you don't want to ride a horse!”
“Fine...but...” I had already started to run to a gray horse closest by. He looked up curiously from his grass to see who was interrupting him.
“Hey...my name is Carlos....What's yours?” I said in a whisper. He didn't answer. Leon ran after me but didn't come closer to the horse than I was.
“You know...that doesn't actually work...”
“What?”
“Asking an animal what his name is...he can't answer.” the horse looks at us and munches the apple in front of him.
“I want to call him Joel!” I said excited.
“Joel? Well, better than Fluffy, so I guess.”
“Want to ride him?” I ask.
“No.”
“Come on, it will be fun” I grab his hand and push him towards the horse. “What's the worst that could happen?”
“Fine, will go together...”
“Okay! That could work too!” the horse looks at us oddly as Leon awkwardly climbs on him. Then he helps me up. I hold the horses manes and point to the sky. “To the west and beyond!”
Joel kicks the air with his back legs and runs off.
“Joel! Joel! Calm down! calm down!” I start to shout, patting his neck. Why did I do this? This was the first time I had seen a horse that wasn't in a screen and I decide to ride it? What's wrong with me?
I look behind me to Leon who is laughing so hard it seems like his cheeks will fall off.
“This is amazing!” he shouts. Assured by Leon's confidence, I look in front again and realize riding faster than I could in circles on a distressed horse isn't actually that bad.
“Leon! Carlos!” It was Kirsten and beside her was Scar.
“Should we stop?” I ask. “They look angry...”
“Nah...we have no idea how so we shouldn't really worry anyway.” he said relaxed.
“What are you guys doing?” they ask, standing near the fence.
“Nothing much...this is Joel!” I shout back happily. He starts to calm down and walk towards the girls slowly.
“Umh, Carlos, that's a girl horse...” Scar points out.
“Oh...” Leon says.
“Joelle it is!” I shout.
“How about Apple, since that's her real name?” Kirs tell us.
“Apple, I like it.” Leon whispers.
“Umh....Leon, now how do we get off?” Leon looks around for a little while before grinning.
“That's a very good question, Carlos, and I have no idea.”