Casper/Aaron/Anna (21/Final)

              

Casper:

Anna leaned her head against my shoulder as we watched the last remains of Chem disappear into the fire. Life was going to be different without Chem, darker…I think Sonic was taking it the hardest out of all of us though. He hadn’t said a word since Chem died in the Retter’s hideout. I couldn’t blame him; those two were probably the closest out of everyone in the group. It’s hard to see your best friend die but Chem was so much more…he was a brother to all of us. I sure was going to miss him.

                I looked over when Spark walked over to us and he whispered “Time to go…” and then repeated it louder. We all nodded and started to head for the vans until we all realized that Sonic hadn’t moved “Sonic…” Spark said and Tiny walked over to her brother and hugged him tightly

                “It’s going to be ok…” She told him “He’s in a better place now…”

                I saw Sonic’s body shake and his head bent down “He’s dead Mary….he’s dead…”

                “Shhh.” Tiny said trying to calm him down and he looked up into the sky and took a deep breath and muttered something that I couldn’t hear. Spark walked over to them then and put his hand on Sonic’s shoulder and they exchanged a few words before Sonic nodded in reply.

                “Let’s head out then.” Spark said flatly

                “What about Fawn?” Tavin asked

                “Fawn…won’t be coming with us…” he said and we all knew that we probably wouldn’t see Fawn again. Tavin  said that she had betrayed us to save us, but one question that went through my mind; didn’t she know that we could take care of ourselves sometimes? She didn’t have to sacrifice everything for us…and yet…isn’t that what family does? I know I don’t know her very well but I just wish she’d stop running away.

                We all walked away from the site feeling defeated. Even though we had made it out alive we had lost so much more. As some people say victory comes with a price…how true those words feel right now. I felt Anna squeeze my hand and I looked over at her as she said “Like Tiny said; It’s going to be ok…we just have to keep moving forward.”

                I gave her a small smile “Let’s hope you’re right….I bet you’re happy that you’ll get to see your dad again.”

                She nodded “I am…it’ll be nice to be home again…It’s just…”

                “Just what?” I asked

                “I don’t know…things are just going to be…different…”

                I nodded “Your dad and you will sort things out I’m sure.”

                “I hope so…” she said but she seemed to have something else on her mind. Right now I wish I was like Tavin and could try to find out what it was but if she didn’t want to talk about it then that’s ok with me. She’d come around eventually like I did.

I looked up into the sky and saw Turtle hovering above and thought about what my mom once said to my brother and me; As long as there’s a white dove around one will be at peace…why do you think your father uses them in the show? He wants the audience to know that peace is the beauty of life and death and that is what the doves symbolize….no matter what happens peace will follow after…yes it might sound cheesy to some but I don’t care. Those words got me through a lot of tough times….and this is going to be one of the times where I’m going to need them most.ÿ

               

                As we drove back to Oregon I started to think about leaving Anna with her dad…was it the right thing to do? Yes we had promised (at least Tiny and I did) that we would take her back home but still. Spark didn’t seem to mind leaving her with him and I know I should trust his judgment but I can’t help but doubt. Tavin would probably keep an eye on her if he had to though…I think about staying behind to keep her safe but I know the others will say no…I just don’t want to leave her alone after all that has happened…

                I looked over as her head laid on my shoulder sleeping. I just had to hope that she’d be safe when I was gone. I waited for Chem to make a comment about this but it never came. The world felt empty without Chem; the drive was and had been very quiet without him and Twilight fighting too. For once I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t in the mood for talking. Chem was dead, Anna  was going back home (I don’t know what Tavin’s going to do yet), Noah turned out to be a traitor, Fawn was who knows where, and Aaron…well I’m not really sure what happened to him either…the group was already breaking apart and I didn’t know what to do to stop it. I thought it would be secrets to cause this and in a way it is…but it was the Retter who finished it all off…they always have to take something away that is dear…

I was in fear that Sonic would end up leaving, taking Tiny with him. He didn’t actually say it but just by how he had acted was enough of a hint that he was thinking about it. I wish I could talk to Tiny now but she was in the other car with her brother and a couple of the others. I prayed that Sonic would stay with us because Tiny is one of my closest friends…like the sister I never had. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

                Spark’s phone rang that moment and I knew it was probably Sonic suggesting we find a place to stay the night. Instead Spark just kept on driving and said “I’d try and get some sleep before we get there guys, we’ll be leaving right after we drop Anna off.”

                “Where will we be going?” I spoke up before the others and Twilight and Bryn gave me surprised looks

                He sighed “I don’t know…but we can’t stay in Oregon for very long. I’m sure there’s more Retter than just Anna’s dad living there.” We all knew this was true, we couldn’t chance it but I wish there was some way we could stay there for a while..

As the time ticked by all it did was bring the possibility of me never seeing Anna again even closer. I wanted to stay up and spend as much time as I could with Anna with the time we had left, she was the first person I actually confided in after all, but I didn’t have the heart to wake her up and my eyes were already drooping with tiredness. I leaned against the car door with my head against the cold window and watched a couple cars pass us along the road. I wondered where they were heading; were they going home too? Were they leaving home; trying to get away from their life? If only I could just run away too…forget everything that happened and start anew…but right now my new family needed me; the number one reason I couldn’t stay with Anna. I closed my eyes after a few minutes; there was no point in being tired when I say goodbye to Anna in the morning.

I dreamt of the dove act again…everything looked the same but something was different…I looked around the audience trying to figure out what it was but found nothing. Same people, same curtains, same act…but there was something in the air that was off. I tried to get up from my seat but I couldn’t move…I looked back up at my father who was wearing his old black cape and tall hat. I remember that Freddie has said that he looked like Abraham Lincoln as a superhero. I watched as my mom came out in a short sparkling outfit as she brought things in and out of the stage. Her blonde hair hanging in ringlets as they fell onto her shoulders. She was just as beautiful as I remembered her…

Trying to struggle out of my seat again I tried to yell at my dad to get off the stage because I knew what would happen next…but I might as well be a mute because nothing came out. I looked back and saw the Retter lining up in the back and I struggled even more. I had to stop this! I can’t let this happen…not again…I felt helpless as I heard the first gun fire and I was immediately released from my seat and I sprinted for the stage pushing past the frantic crowd.

“Dad!” I yelled as I saw him drop on the stage. I was too late…too slow…I couldn’t stop it.

Once I made my way up to the stage the scene changed…because it was no longer my father laying there dead on stage…it was Chem.ÿ

                Aaron:

I looked back in the backseat of the car where Brandon slept safe and sound, clutching onto Sia as she lay with him. My eyes drooped from time to time in drowsiness but every single time they fully closed I was brought over a vision of blood and the glinting of metal from a knife cutting into my skin. I looked down at my arms and the scars were proof that I was lucky to be alive…I shouldn’t be alive…why am I alive? Everything around me felt different, I don’t know how to explain it but it did. All that really mattered to me though was that Brandon was alive and alright.

The plan was simple now; Get Brandon back home, but what I would do after I’m still trying to figure out. What I was worried about the most was how Terence would react when he saw us…I wasn’t exactly picture perfect right now if you know what I’m saying.

To be honest I also thought about the group. What’s their plan now? I’m sure they made it out alive just as much as they probably are with me, but what’s their next move? Would they keep fighting like they always do? Keep searching for other Chosen? Maybe that’s all they know…maybe that’s the only choice for them…I know it shouldn’t really matter to me but I still can’t help but wonder.

I looked over at Nox who was keeping her eyes on the road. She didn’t know who I was and yet she offered to help get Brandon and I back home…not only that but if it wasn’t for her I’d probably still be back you know where…

“You should follow your nephew’s example and get some sleep.” Nox said then and looked over at me for a second before looking back ahead

I sighed softly “I tried…it’s not that easy.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to be,” she replied “What you went through isn’t something you can just get over in a few hours…it’ll probably take years…maybe longer.”

Which pretty much meant that there was a chance that it would never get better…at least she’s honest instead of trying to make everything sound better than it actually is.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked as I straightened up

“Depends…what are you asking?”

“Why are you helping us?”

“Why not?” She asked and I rolled my eyes. I hate when people answer with their own questions “Nothing better to do I guess,” she answered then “I figured “What the hell?” I might as well do something while the Retter are all running around like chickens with their heads cut off.”

I smiled at that remark but then winced when I tried to situate my body into a comfortable position. I guess the pain just proved that I was still alive even more.

“So how old are you anyways?” I asked her

“Why do you care?”

“I…don’t…”

“Then why’d you ask?”

I sighed in annoyance “Never mind then…” I said and she gave me a triumphant smile before going back to paying attention to the road.

My head started throbbing then and I laid my head back on the seat and shut my eyes tightly waiting for it to go away. The screams of the other Chosen and my own still filled my head and all I wanted was for them to stop. I looked out the window into the dark night and Fawn crossed my mind. Where is she now? What is her plan? Would I ever see her again? No…probably not.

You could go find her…a voice suggested in my head

No…I thought to myself as I watched the trees pass by I’m done wasting my time on her; She’s gone and that’s all there’s to it…nothing else.

“Hey…”Nox said slowly then “I just want you to know…you’re lucky.”

I let out a laugh “How?”

“Well…just think about it…you survived the experiments when there was a bigger chance you wouldn’t, plus you were only with the Retter a few hours compared to a few years.”

I couldn’t even imagine having to go through that for actual years…already the hours had seemed like years….years would probably seem like centuries…then a thought came to me “How long were you with them?”

“Four years,” she replied “Four very long years…but that reminds me; I snagged this back from the guards for ya.” She said taking out a little orange bottle that I realized was my medication

“Thanks.” I said as she gave it back to me

“Thought you might need it.” She said and then handed me a bottle of water

“Thanks again.”

She nodded and everything except the humming of the car went quiet. I started to nod off again when the screaming and everything that had happened at the Retter place came flooding back like an unstoppable tsunami. This was going to be a very long night.Ë

We ended up pulling over into an RV park and Nox got out immediately and I heard the back door open as Sia got out. Deep down I knew I should be weary of trusting Nox, but did I really have a choice? I looked out the window as Sia walked beside her for a little bit and then parted to go do her own thing like always. I half expected for Nox to run after her but she didn’t. I watched as she looked around and before I knew it a white owl took her place and flew off.

So that’s what she can do I thought as I watched the owl/Nox disappear into the night

I let out a shallow breath and looked back to check on Brandon. He switched positions from time to time but other than that he stayed asleep. I knew he would be hungry in the morning so hopefully Nox would let us stop somewhere so he can get some actual food down him instead of snacks even though there’d be the risk of Retter being close…we’ll just have to see.

 As the time ticked by and when there was no sign of the day getting any lighter soon I decided that I might as well try to get some sleep…again. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and was dragged into unconsciousness for awhile, but when something black with teeth and claws jumped at me from nowhere I jumped and woke back up. I took a few deep breaths trying to slow my heart beat back down but when has that ever worked? The screams replayed in my head for the third time and my body shook as they cried out for help or antagonized me over how I was still alive.

I opened my prescription bottle and popped one of the pills into my mouth and then opened the bottle of water and swallowed a mouthful down with it. I looked up at the car ceiling waiting for the medication to kick in but it wasn’t acting fast enough…I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was sleep but the voices in my god damn head wouldn’t let me! I thought they wouldn’t have to deal with this anymore with the circumstances…I shut my eyes tightly and waited…and waited…and waited…until finally I fell asleep and dreamt of a black wolf.Ë

Casper:

“Anna!” Her dad yelled as she ran up to him. We all stayed back weary of what Anna’s dad would do; he might be Anna’s father but that didn’t change the fact that he was still a Retter. Even so I could tell as he hugged her tightly that he was probably a good father to her. It made me almost feel guilty for separating them in the first place…

Anna and her dad exchanged a few quiet words and he looked over at us. There was still hate in his eyes but I also saw something else…relief…He stood up straight and Anna said something to him and he started to argue but Anna said something else and he sighed and glared over at us “Fine…” he sighed “Would you guys like to come inside?” he asked through his teeth.

Before we could object Anna came over and grabbed my hand and pulled me into the house “Come on! I want you to meet Melvin!”

Melvin? I thought confused and looked back at the group but Tavin just smiled and shook his head

It looks like Anna’s dad cleaned up the place last time we were here too, then I guess he would have to so no one would be suspicious. I let Anna lead me into what I was guessing was her room….and what a room it was. I don’t think I’ve seen such a colorful room in my life! She let go of my hand and walked over to a fish bowl and said while kissing it “I missed you so much Melvin!!”

I titled my head and saw a little clown fish swimming around in circles and I let out a laugh. So Melvin was her fish. Anna looked over at me and raised her eyebrow. I just smiled “Sorry, cool fish.”

She smiled “It’s just been so long since I’ve seen him…I don’t have that many friends here.”

I shrugged “I know how it feels; Turtle was one of my only friends for a long time too.”

She nodded and sat on her bed and laid back. I stood where I was in hesitation not knowing what to do. I looked around and observed all the murals that Ana had painted. I think the one on the ceiling had to be my favorite though…”Is that Melvin too?” I asked her

She laughed “Yah…I got bored one day…turned out a lot better than I thought it would too…took forever to paint it but it was worth it I think.”

“It’s really good Anna…all of them are.” I said taking another look around “I mean I’ve seen your drawings but I would have never…”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Please do because it is.” I smiled

She sat up then and looked at me for a few seconds “Casper? Are you alright?”

I was taken aback that she would ask that…I mean I was still a little shaken up from my dream last night but was it that noticeable? “Ya, why?”

I knew she could see right through my lie though “What’s wrong?”

“Did you ever think about going to college for an art degree?” I asked changing the subject quickly

“Well I was…” she said slowly still trying to figure out what I was thinking but after a minute or so she let it go and replied “but I’m not so sure I want to go anymore…”

“Why not?” I laughed “Anna…you’re amazing at art, why wouldn’t you want to go to college?”

She sat up and looked down “You’re not going to stay are you?” she said softly

I looked away and we both went silent. She didn’t know how much I wanted to stay behind, I didn’t want to leave her by herself and yet I had to tell myself that she was capable of taking care of herself…before I could reply Tiny popped her head through the door and said “Spark and the rest want to talk to you about something Anna, they want to get your permission.”

“For what?” Anna questioned

“Just meet us out in the living room in a few please.”

“Okay…” she replied as Tiny disappeared and looked over at me but I just shrugged. I didn’t know anymore then she did “Should we go find out?” She asked me and I nodded and headed out the door and out into the living room.

“What’s going on?” Anna asked when we saw the others sitting on the couch and her dad was nowhere to be seen

Spark lifted his pointer finger to his lips and then whispered “Anna…I don’t know how to ask this but we think it might be better if we make your dad forget about all of this…”

“What do you mean?”

“Well for one he wouldn’t remember that he was ever a Retter.”

“Why would you guys want to do that? He hasn’t done anything!”

“Except try to kill Tavin.” Twilight muttered and Tiny elbowed her “Ow!”

“Listen Anna it’s just that since we can’t stay here that it might be safer that he forgot.”

“How?”

“Think about it Anna,” Tavin said “If the other Retter find out that he helped me escape they come for both of you. They’ll kill him Anna…do you really want that?”

She went silent then and I walked over to her “They have a point Anna…” I couldn’t bear the thought of her being in the Retter’s clutches

“Does he really have to forget though?”

“Anna…” I said turning her around to face me “I know this might be kind of hard for you but it’s the best for both of you. You can have your old dad back, no more lies.”

“Just that I had his memory erased…” she said looking up at me

“It’s your choice Anna…we won’t force you to agree to anything.” Spark then said

We all went silent waiting for what Anna would say until she asked looking over at Tavin “What will he remember?”

“I’ll replace the Retter memories with other things, what did you think he did for a living?”

“I thought he was a construction worker…but I think he’d be confused when he learns that he doesn’t actually have that job….”

“Hmm maybe he got fired?”

“Tavin…”

“Ok ok,” he said rising up his hands “Social differences then.”

She laughed “Better….will it work though?”

“Yah…It should…don’t see why it wouldn’t.”

“You sure you’re up to it though?” Amber asked him “It’s a lot of memories to replace.”

“I’ll be fine.” He reassured at her “We’ll both be fine.” He said looking over at Anna and she nodded

“Ok…as long as you both will be ok.” Anna answeredÿ

Anna:

As Spark and Sonic helped me lay my father onto his bed I could only hope that Tavin would be right. So far so good though, Tavin said that everything went by smoothly after the others had knocked him out (I suggested to let him know but the others said it would be better if I didn’t). Tavin said that he would be a little confused though when he woke up because the memories had to set in (I feel like I’m talking about cooking for some reason), I would have to tell him that he got into some kind of accident so he wouldn’t freak out to much.

I wasn’t sure if I made the right choice as I watched my father sleep but all I had right now was trust. I walked out of my father’s room and sat on the couch next to Casper.

“Anna,” Spark said “I know I’m cutting things short but the group and I have to be going here pretty soon…”

“You guys aren’t staying?” I asked as I looked over at Casper and to the others and then looked over at Tavin “Tavin?”

He shook his head “I’m sorry Anna…but I don’t belong here, I’m going with the group. I can’t just sit around while others out there are getting killed.”

I looked down, I knew he was right…I just thought at least he’d stay here…then I’d have someone to talk to…”Will I ever see you guys again?” I asked looking around at everyone

“Let’s hope not.” Spark replied

I didn’t know what to say…after spending so much time with these guys I couldn’t imagine life without all of them…Chem’s death just proved that even more. He had always been so kind, it was horrible that he died like that and I wish I could have done something to stop it…

“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen though,” Tiny smiled and came over and hugged me as I stood up “I’m sure going to miss you girlie…”

“I’ll miss you too Tiny.” I replied and surprisingly was able to hold back the tears for a little while until everyone came around “I’m so sorry about Chem guys…I hope you guys win this war for him…”

“We will,” Spark said as he reached out his hand to me “That I can promise.”

I smiled and shook his hand “Don’t change Spark…you’re a good leader.” He smirked and bowed his head in reply.

I took in a deep breath as Casper came over and hugged me tightly and said “Don’t you change either…”

“I won’t…” I smiled as a tear escaped from my eye “I’ll miss you magic boy.” I said as I let him go reluctantly and he lifted his figure up and made a handkerchief appear from his hand as he handed it to me and I hugged him again.

Tavin was the last to leave…we exchanged no words knowing what the other would say. I understood why he wanted to go but it’s just that it’s going to be so different without him living here in town…. I hugged him like the others and I finally started to realize how tall he really was  ”Who’s going to drop their pen while I’m around now?” I asked him as I let go of him and a few more tears fell and he smiled looking down

“I’ll see you later Anna…” he replied and I nodded and wiped the tears away with the handkerchief that Casper gave me

“Be careful while you’re out there…” I told him

“You too.” He said and I followed him outside where the others were getting ready to leave.

I watched from the door as all of them got into the car and waved goodbye when Amber did. I was happy that she too had found another family. I leaned my head against the door frame as the first car drove off and then the next one which honked two times making me smile. I didn’t really care what happened I just hoped this wouldn’t be the last time I saw them…all that time I had wished that I was home I didn’t realize that I already was…you never know how much something or someone means to you until it’s gone…but sometimes you have to just let them go too…because one day…you just have to hope that they’ll come back.

I sighed and closed the door as I walked back into the house. I walked to the living room and stopped in the hall way as I imagined the night my father tried to kill Tavin over again…such a horrible night that had been…but it had led to many good things…and then one yet even more horrible in the end, but I just had to think that Chem was at peace now…I had to think of the good things.

I peeked into my dad’s room and watched as he slept peacefully. He was always bad at snoring though…I walked back into the kitchen and saw a note on the refrigerator

234 Lincoln Street Midnight

 Must be some Retter business he had to take care of…I thought as I took it off. What should I do with it? It wasn’t like I could tell anyone about it…should I throw it away? Should I keep it? It could be useful but what could I do? Plus if my dad found it after he woke up and he went…it would ruin everything…but then again what if it had nothing to do with the Retter?

I doubt he’d be going anywhere at midnight for anything else a voice said in my head.

Besides how old is this note really?

“Anna?” I heard a voice behind me ask and jumped. I turned around quickly hiding the note from view and saw that it was only my dad. He held his hand to his head as he looked at me “What are you doing?”

“Uh…nothing!” I said “I…was just throwing away an old note of mine is all.” I said while throwing the note in the trash

He nodded as he sat down in one of the dining chairs “I feel like someone hit me in the head with a base ball bat.”

“Ya you fell and hit your head on the edge of the coffee table after you slipped on one of my paint brushes I accidently dropped. Sorry…”

“Jeeze, some freak accident…”

“Well you aren’t the most graceful person dad.” I commented as I too took a seat and he laughed

“Yah, guess you got those genes from my side after all.” I was very clumsy when I was little…that’s all I’m gonna say about it. He grimaced for a second and stood back up “I’ll be right back, I need some Aspirin or something.”

“Ok…” I said as I waited for him to be out of sight before I ran and grabbed the note out of the trash, shoved it in my pocket, and sat quickly back down while stubbing my toe. I bit my lip and forced back a yelp, ok so maybe I still was a little clumsy from time to time; No one’s perfect.

A few minutes later my dad came back in and sat back down “So speaking of paint brushes…how did everything go at the art school?”

“Uh…good…it all went really good…but I just don’t think it’s the right one for me.”

“Well that’s ok,” he grinned “There’s plenty of other schools out there for us to check out. We’ll find a better one that will suit you.”

I smiled “Thanks dad…”

He looked at me for a few seconds as the lines on his forehead creased and he asked “What’s wrong?”

I looked at him confused and then noticed the burning in my eyes. I hadn’t even noticed that I was crying…”Nothing,” I said wiping them away “I’ve just missed you these past weeks.”

He put his hand on my shoulder and replied “Well you’re home now…”

“Ya…” I nodded “Home.”Ñ

Aaron:

                It was late afternoon when we had made it into Oregon. I lifted Brandon out of the car as he held onto me tightly. I felt terrible that the kid was still shaking from time to time but I knew I couldn’t expect him to be completely alright either…even so though it didn’t make things any easier.

                “You sure you don’t want me to drive you to their house?” Nox asked me but I shook my head

                “It’s not far, besides I need to think for a little bit before I come face to face with them…”

                She nodded “Ok…”

                “You sure you don’t want to stick around for a little while?” I asked Nox. I could sure need someone to help me explain everything

                “Sorry but I work better alone,” she replied “I’ll visit from time to time though.” She winked

                I smiled and nodded. Oh well I guess I can take care of it myself after all…hopefully “Thanks for everything Nox.”

                “Yah yah just go get that kid home,” she replied “and don’t get yourself killed while I’m gone either ok? I don’t want to have done all of this for nothing.”

                I sighed “Well…I’ll try not to.” and then smiled as she rolled her eyes

                “Goodbye Aaron.” She said and I pat the top of the car

                “See ya wolf girl,” I said and she drove off in her stolen black car. I let out a sigh and looked down at Sia and then to Brandon “Ready to go home buddy?” I asked and he shook his head

                Well at least one of us was then. I whistled for Sia as she started to go off and she came back running towards us. I walked down the sidewalk trying to think of what to say, how to explain all of this but I knew what I had to do; I had to tell them everything…after nine years of lying it was finally time to fess up. No mores lies…just nothing but the truth. Yah that last thought made me think of being in a courtroom….and my brother as the judge.Ë

                I walked towards the house still feeling nervous about how my brother and Becky would react after I told them everything.

                Family is there no matter what…Fawn’s voice spoke in my head

                “I guess we’ll find out if that’s true or not.” I muttered as I followed Sia up the stairs of the house and stopped at the door “You want to ring the door bell bud?” I asked Brandon but he shook his head and I sighed “Ok.” And rang the door bell.

                We waited for what seemed only a few seconds when the door opened and I saw Becky still in her pajamas and with her unusual untidy hair…I guess that’s what your kid being kidnapped does to you though on the outside though. She must have been worried sick about him. Before I could get a word out she was hugging us tightly and saying “Thank God! Thank God…”

                Her hugging me this tightly made all my bruises start to hurt again, but I didn’t want to tell her to stop either. I handed her Brandon after she had finally let go, she kissed me on the cheek with tears pouring down her cheek and she managed to whisper “Thank you…”

                I nodded and asked “Is Terence home?”

                Before she could answer though I heard Terence’s voice ask “Becky? Becky what’s going on?”

                “He’s back Terence!” She yelled “Aaron brought him back home!”

                I saw my brother appear from his study and he stopped for a second like his wife did taking it all in and then rushed over to his family and wrapped his arms around them as he kissed his son’s head. I watched as a family was reunited and I started to think…what would it be like to have a wife and child of my own? I shook my head. With everything going on that wasn’t an option; my life is just too complicated.

“What happened?” Terence asked me bringing me back to reality when I saw that he noticed all the cuts and bruises I had “Uhh…long story.”

                “We have time.” He replied and I knew that he wanted an explanation. Court is now in session.Ë

                “Wait…” Terence stopped me confused while holding the bridge of his nose “I don’t understand…so you’re part of some group called the Chosen?”

                “Well,” I said “In a way yes, we’re kind of spread out around the world though I’m guessing…at least I think there’d be more Chosen out there than just the ones in the United States…”

                “And these Retter…”

                I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck “Let’s just say I don’t have anything good to say about them. The Chosen and them have been at war since I can remember…they’re one of the reasons why I came back here.”

                “How?” Becky asked

                “Got shot by one at college, thought it be a good idea to come back home for a little while…apparently I was wrong.”

                “So that’s why you left…” He said and I nodded as we all went into an awkward silence for awhile until Terence leaned back and sighed “And you said that the Retter took our son because they wanted to use you for experiments?”

                “Yes.”

                “So you’re one of the Chosen too?” Becky asked

                “…I was…until the experiments took my powers away…” Can’t say that I mind that much either though

                “and you so happened to be able to control the dark?”

                “Shadows more likely,” I replied “that and I had super strength…one reason why your boss had to buy a new basket ball hoop…again sorry about that.”

                I waited for them to reply but they didn’t. I couldn’t tell what my brother was thinking and this was one of the times where I really needed to know. I let out a laugh to cover my nerves “You guys probably think I’m crazy…” but when I looked back up at my brother he still wore a serious expression

                “I think you need help.” He replied and that little thing called hope went right out the window, so much for understanding.

                “Of course you do…” I muttered “I shouldn’t have even told you.”

                “Aaron it’s just that…it’s just something that a child would believe in…people with superpowers? It’s just not rational…”

                “Actually there have been studies where people have claimed to have ESP.” I replied

                “I know, but people can do the things that you claimed to have been able to do…no one can actually manipulate shadows Aaron.”

                “I could.”

                “Yah and it so happens to be that you’re powers are gone.”

                “Hey if I still had them I’d be happy to show you, but I don’t.”

                “Why haven’t we learn this earlier then? If this is all real then why don’t the rest of us people know?”

                “To keep you all safe…some people do know about it, but a lot of people get killed because of it.”

                “I’m sorry but I don’t believe you.”

                “How else do you explain your son going missing then?!” I snapped at him getting frustrated and then got became even more frustrated when I realized that he thought that I must have took him “You think I took him?!”

                “Either that or your friends did!”

                “The Retter are not my friends!!” I yelled

                Terence started to reply when Becky stopped him “Terence? Can I talk to you in the kitchen?” she asked standing up and I knew that it couldn’t be good…but I had to make my brother realize that what I was saying was the truth. I sat on the couch and tried to calm back down as they disappeared into the kitchen. I knew I should just leave but like I said I have to make my brother believe me.

                What I should have done though was have told them all of those a whole lot sooner. I looked around the house and saw a couple pictures of the family hanging up…if only I could just go back in time before I had my powers and just stay there…life was a hell of a lot easier back then then it is now.

                A few minutes later they came back out and I stayed silent letting them having to be the ones to speak first.

                “Do you have a place to stay?” Becky asked me and I shook my head

                “Thank you Becky but It’s probably better that I leave as soon as possible…” I said standing up

                “Aaron…” Terence said and I stopped “Please…stay, just until tomorrow morning and then you can be on your way. Come on…just one last day with the family.”

                I thought about it for a moment This could be the last time I ever see them…I thought Besides I’ll be gone before he wakes up in the morning anyways.

                I sighed “Alright, one more day with the family…then I’ll leave you guys alone.”

                He sighed and nodded as Becky then clapped her hands together “How about I make us all an early dinner then?”

                “Sounds lovely dear, thank you.” Terence repliedË

                I can’t believe I fell for all this crap I thought as I sat in one of the chairs in front of a desk where a man with graying hair and kid glasses sat. I need to stop agreeing to things my brother says when he says that it’ll only be one day. I tried to leave early in the morning but noooo he had to get two guys from the nut house up there to help bring me to this fricken hell hole. Managed to get a few punches while trying to get away…but obviously that didn’t work. I tried to ignore the fact that my brother was sitting next to me. Becky stayed at home with Brandon meanwhile plus I found out that she was actually against the idea of Terence bring me here…Why couldn’t my brother be more like his wife? Ok now that sounded weird.

                “So Mr. Moore,” The doctor asked “I heard your brother and the two men outside had a hard time getting you here…”

                “Yah…I might have punched them a little…” I answered thinking that I wasn’t the only one who had b

He nodded and the room went silent for a few minutes I switched positions trying to get comfortable but I was starting to feel claustrophobic and my stomach felt like I hadn’t eaten in days…“So how have you been lately?” he asked me

                “Amazing.” I answered flatly

                “Aaron I think we all know that’s not true.”

                “Well congratulations you solved the mystery Sherlock, can I go now?” I asked irritated getting out of the chair

                “Mr. Moore please sit down.” The doctor said

                I sighed “Listen, I don’t belong here, so no offence but I’m not going to spill out my darkest secrets and crap to you like we’re at some kind of slumber party.”

                “What kind of dark secrets?” he asked

                “Aaron…please…” Terence said and I looked towards the door but since there were two guys positioned on both sides I knew I was trapped. I sighed and reluctantly sat back down. To be honest what I should have done was take my chances with the guards when I had the chance, because from the moment I sat down the doctor might as well have been signing me a one way ticket to this hell already. Yah you think life sucks already? Try it when you’re labeled as unstable. I guess that's what I get for finally telling the truth.Ë

Tavin/Fawn/Spark 20

Tavin:

Almost ten minutes after Aaron let to go get his medication I decided to go find him. He wasn’t telling the truth and I knew that. I just didn’t know what he was actually doing. I stood up and began to walk towards the door “Where are you going?” Amber asked as she petted Sia. I looked at her then to the others who where waiting for my reply as well. “I’m going to go help Aaron find his medication.”

“He said he didn’t want help though besides he tried to kill you just a little while ago.” Chem said

I shrugged my shoulders “He didn’t know what he was doing and without that medication he’s more likely to act that way.”

I saw Spark begin to stand up “I don’t think that would be smart.” Spark has not quite been himself he has been taking Fawn’s disappearance the hardest out of all of us. I think he was happy to just get rid of Aaron for awhile due to the things he’s done.  Spark tried not to show it but I could tell he wanted to go after Fawn but he knew he had to stay with the group. “The group always comes first.” he had thought awhile ago.

“Don’t worry. If I see anyone suspicious I’ll call you.” I reassured

He still wasn’t convinced but he sat back in the chair “Fine.” “His powers are improved enough he should be able to handle himself. Or Aaron...” Before he could change his mind I hurried out of the room.

Once outside I tried to focus on finding which way Aaron had gone. Something that I have been practicing to do is find people. I shut out all the sounds around me and tried to picture Aaron. Moments later I could see Aaron storming off in to the direction of the Retter experiment place. Where is he going? I thought as I began to jog down the road.~

By the time I finally caught up to Aaron we were standing in front of the terrible place that I swore I’d never visit again. I didn’t want Aaron to know I had been following him so I stayed hidden behind a tree. “They’re both in there.” he thought. I wanted to know who but before I could listen anymore Aaron was surrounded in shadow and disappeared then moments later appeared at the building. Following him was not going to be easy. What I should do is go back and tell the others but if I did that I would be wasting valuable time. Those Chosen kids are still in there, hopefully alive, if I could get in there I could save all of them. I know Spark would kill me but I think I’ll risk it.

I went over to where Aaron had just been “Since I can’t transport through shadow...” I say to myself. How am I supposed to get in there? I wonder... I know it would be stretching my abilities but it was worth a try, if I could just get the cameras to break I could get in.

Ten minutes passed with no success. What I was able to achieve was a terrible headache. I just want it to work!! I felt like kicking something. Suddenly I heard  loud pops and I turned my head to see that four of the cameras had broke and where now smoking. Did I really do that? Now wasn’t the time to wonder, the Retter would soon notice them broken and come out to fix them.  “Now or never.” I say to myself and run for the entrance. ~

This place filled me with dread. Being here once was bad enough. Whatever drove Aaron to come back must be really important. I walked down one of the many hallways and I could hear many different thoughts from all the rooms. Some I could tell were Retter while the others sounded as if they were being tortured. “I’m scared.” “Why can’t they kill me?” “I want to go home.” “I miss my mom.” And many more similar to that filled my head. It took all  my might to try and keep their thoughts out. I wanted to help them all but I couldn’t put myself in the situation of being seen.

It seemed like I have been searching for more than an hour and I haven’t seen one Retter. Which made me happy and nervous. I took another left and I heard a familiar voice “You told me they wouldn’t take him!” I stopped instantly hid around one of the corners. That voice belonged Fawn. What was she doing here?  

A voice of a man that I didn’t recognize replied “We had to make sure Aaron would believe us.”

“You’re sick! He’s only a little boy. I hope you rot in hell when this is all over.”  Fawn yelled

I then heard a loud smack and Fawn gasp. “Now,” the man said coolly “you don’t speak to me like that again. Is that clear?”

“Yes.” She replied softly

“Good. Now Noah you take her to go see Aaron. Show her if she doesn’t behave that’s how she’ll end up.”

It couldn’t be him. It had to just be a coincidence right? Of course it wasn’t. Noah walked out of the room with Fawn beside him. She had a large red mark across her face and I saw she had a silver band on her arm. Noah showed no emotion what so ever as he walked by. Rick had been right about him all along. We should never have trusted him. I knew I could have sent Noah to the ground crying in pain but I had to find where Aaron was.

Fawn and Noah walked in silence but Fawn’s thoughts were racing. “I got to get out of here. I need to save Brandon and get Aaron out. This is all my fault! I just wanted to help the group. They could do anything to me I don’t care as long as they let Brandon and Aaron go.” Noah on the other hand was thoughtless. I couldn’t hear anything from him.

I made sure I stayed far enough back from them so that I wouldn’t be seen. They soon walked into a room and left the door ajar. I quietly crept towards the door and I saw Aaron strapped onto a bed and he looked terrible. A woman stood beside him and I knew she was one of the Retter. She and Noah exchanged a few words to each other and I heard Aaron mumble something I couldn’t understand. Then the woman released Aaron from his restraints and began to lead him to the door. I quickly ran to the other side of the door and prayed it wouldn’t slam open in my face. Thankfully it didn’t first it was Noah and Fawn who came out and turned down the opposite direction, moments later the woman and Aaron came out going down the way I had came. Should I go after Fawn or Aaron? I wanted to say Fawn but Aaron was more likely the one in need of help. Besides wherever they took him would probably lead to other Chosen. However both of them lead to trouble, I have really gotten myself into a mess.~

Noah had called it a cellar but if you ask me this is a dungeon. Cells lined each side and chains hung from the walls. I could almost see my breath as I waited for the woman to leave. I had managed to follow them through an oak door and now I hid behind what looked like a medieval torturing device.

When the woman was finally gone I went instantly to the cell I saw her throw Aaron in. I could hear the whispers of questioning about who I was. I ignored them the best I could. Aaron must have heard me because he turned around and with surprise on his face he asked“Kid? What the hell are you doing here? Do the others know you’re here?”

“No,” I reply shaking my head “And I followed you. I knew you were lying.”

“How did you manage to not get caught?”

“I have my ways... Now I need to get you and,” I looked down and saw at least fifteen pairs of eyes watching me “them out of here.”

Aaron shook his head “No, you get the others and get out of here. Then once you’re out get the hell as far way from here as possible.”

“I can’t just leave you!”

“You have to kid, they have my nephew and you guys aren’t getting out of here without being noticed. If I leave they will kill him.”

“But,”

“No.” He said grabbing my shirt through the bars “Go now.”

“Okay.” I reply reluctantly as he released me.

Without another moment of hesitation I walked by each cell picturing each lock and it would instantly unlock. I ignored the thanks that came from all of them until the last cell was opened. So I wouldn’t have to make to much noise I sent a message to all their heads “You guys follow me. Keep as quiet as possible we want to avoid the Retter for as long as possible.” They all nodded their heads in reply and just as we began our march up the stairs I heard Aaron say “Hey kid, try and not get yourself killed.”

I looked back and replied “You too.” Though I honestly couldn’t believe that we’d ever see each other again.~
As we walked through a hallway one of the 16 (I had miscounted) Chosen (who’s name is Steve) stood beside. He was at least in his sixties. When I first saw him I was worried we’d have to take a slower pace, there was no way I was leaving anyone behind. The man surprised me though and was almost going faster than me. He also seemed to know the exact way out of here, which to me seemed impossible because of the hundreds of turns. When I read the old man’s thoughts all I read were him thinking of the way out of here. I doubt even the Retter know it this well. The man must have noticed me watching him because he said “I have really good memory.”
“I can tell.”  I replied looking back at the others to make sure no one was falling behind. “How long have you been here?”I asked the man

He scrunched his eyebrows then answered “I think it’s been six years.”

I was completely shocked. Why would they keep him around for so long? Before I could ask I heard voices approaching us. “Stop!” I whisper stopping Steve.

“You go find him now and I will meet you later.” A man’s voice said. I stopped instantly, I knew that voice. I haven’t heard it since the day Aaron and Fawn came to take me to the group and I had a knife close to being stabbed through me. It was no other than Anna’s dad.

I couldn’t let him find all of us. I had hoped that he’d just go the other way, but the footsteps began to get louder and louder. I looked back at the others and sent the thought “I’m going to distract him. When you guys see the opportunity run.Then you need to find a man named Spark, he’ll help you guys.” I headed towards Anna’s dad and I felt a hand on my shoulders. I looked back and saw Steve who thought “What about you?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be okay. Just make sure to lead them out of here.”

The old man nodded his head and backed away towards the others. I gave one last nod to the others and walked towards Anna’s dad. I tried to get into his head to see if I could stop him that way but there was a mental wall put up not allowing me to. Looks like I have to do this the hard way. “Hey bozo, ready for another go?” I said as I stepped around the corner. Had it been two months ago I would have never done this. Heck I wouldn’t have even bothered going after Aaron.

He gave me shocked look then asked “Tavin? How on earth could you get in here?”

“Guess I’m smarter than you think.” I mocked

“Well, I wouldn’t go so far.” He replied. Moments passed with us glaring at each other. Both of us waited for the other to make the first move. “Shouldn’t have come here Tavin. You should have known you’d just get yourself killed.”

“I don’t know that.” I taunted

Suddenly he had a knife in his hand and he lunged at me. I barely dodged him by ducking quickly but I managed to loose my balance and fall. My hand to hand fighting definitely needed improvement. I looked up and saw him grinning down at me “Not too powerful when your powers are useless are you?”

“Kill me now and you’ll never see Anna again.” It was my best alibi.

His eye softened a moment then became angry. He lifted me up by the collar of my shirt and threw me against the wall. “Where is she?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I spat

“Tell me now and I’ll kill you quickly.” he threatened

“No good.” I reply. I really hope Steve is getting the others out of here. This distraction has gone on long enough, even if I don’t know how I will get away yet. Then the thought of me being tortured like Aaron flooded my head because the chances of getting out of here was getting worse and worse.

He tightened his grip and put the knife closer to my neck “Where is she dammit?!”

“Obviously not with you!” I snapped

I saw worry and sadness fill his eyes and he lowered the knife slightly “Why? Why did you take the one thing I care most from me?”

I was surprised by how he was acting. I expected to be lying on the ground dead. “Honestly? It’s because we didn’t want her to be like you!”

“I never wanted this life for my daughter! Did you ever think maybe that’s the reason I never told her about this life?” He said defensively

“Then why did you try and kill me in front of her?” I demanded

“I couldn’t let you get away. You have some of the strongest powers I have ever seen, sadly for you you have weakness like anyone else.” he brought the knife back towards my throat.

Then I thought of an idea, I closed my eyes and pictured the knife in his hand. I imagined it to fly down the hall and you know what? It worked! He cursed and I saw the knife get knocked away from him. I grinned at his expression on his face and say “I’ve been practicing.” I then pulled his grip off me and held him against the wall. “Now listen to me,” I begin “I don’t want to hurt you, but only because your Anna’s dad, but I swear if you let me go and quit hunting me and my friends you will see Anna again. However if you want to fight then you can almost bet you won’t see her again.

“You can’t keep her from me!” he yelled shaking his head. I knew that someone would have heard us and would come looking, then I’d be out of luck.

“Wanna bet?” I replied harshly. I then lowered my voice and said “I don’t have to read your mind to know you love your daughter and that you miss her. She misses you too. We can’t risk anything though, so please if you want to see your daughter, let me go.”

Before he could say anything a voice filled the hall coming from a speaker “We have a break out, they have escaped. Everyone is to search the area and are not to stop until they are found.”

Anna’s dad looked at me and said with shock and anger “You got them out.”

I nodded my head “Sure did, and I distracted you long enough for them to get out... So do you want to see Anna or not?”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” he asked skeptically

“You don’t. You just have to trust me.” I answer releasing my grip on him

“If you are lying to me I will find you and kill you.” He warned

“Fair enough. Now you can either tell me how to get out of here we can wait for the others to get here and you can do what you please with me.”

I could tell that’s what he wanted to do but he loves his daughter too much to do it. “Fine. There’s a fast way out of here.” he said and motioned me to follow him. I could hear Retter beginning to flood the halls and I prayed that the others had gotten out. After passing many doors we finally stopped. He opened the door in front of us and pointed to a small door that you would have to crawl through to get out. “Go out that and take a right. It will lead you outside of here. Once you are out it’s up to you to not get caught.”

I nodded my head and replied “Thanks.”

He shook his head “I don’t need thanks, all I need is my daughter.”~

“What do you think you were doing?! You could have been killed!” Amber yelled shaking my shoulders. I expected Spark to be the one freaking out at me but not Amber.

“I had to follow Aaron. If I had come back to tell you guys who knows what could have happened!” I reply

“Explain to me what you saw again.” Spark said as I sat on the small couch with Amber and Anna beside me. The other Chosen were currently resting and being taken cared of by the others. Thanks to Steve he was able to get all of them out of there. I was able to catch up to them once I was out of the building and take them to Spark and the others.

“I’ve told you everything.” I reply not knowing what else I could tell.

“Noah really is one of them?” Chem asked

I nodded “Yeah,”

“Can’t believe we didn’t know that... I of all people should have been able to tell.” Bryn said while shaking her head

“He had us all fooled...” I say

Anna had remained rather quiet even with the news she’d see her dad. “I hate how you used me as a threat to him.” she thought knowing I’d be listening to her thoughts.

“I’m sorry.”I reply “I didn’t know what else I could do.”

She bit her lip and looked away. I saw Casper come over and she stood up walking towards him. “So what’s the plan?” Sonic asked

“Why do we need a plan? We have the other Chosen so let’s just get out of this town.” Twilight blurted out.
I let my anger get the better of me “Because Aaron’s still in there! Along with his nephew,” I paused a moment then added “And Fawn...”
“If we go back we may not come out again!” She replied though I knew she really didn’t care about Fawn.

“If it was you in there wouldn’t you want us to come help you?” I yelled

“Of course, but”

“But nothing! We can’t just leave them!”

“Fawn obviously chose to go with them! Why does she need saving? She’s just a trader!”

“I heard her thoughts! She did it to save us!”

“What if she’s lying?”

“She wasn’t.”

“How would you know? Fawn’s never been the most reliable.”

We both stopped arguing when we heard Spark stand up. He then walked out of the room without saying a word. “What’s his problem?” Twilight asked

I wanted to smack her across the head and I knew I wasn’t alone. “You are definitely not the brightest crayon in the box.” Chem said with a chuckle

She glared at him and threw a pillow at him “Shut up Chem!”

Chem laughed again and just shook his head “Kids these days.”~
Fawn:
I paced back and forth in the room they had thrown me in. 16 Chosen escaped and I prayed one of them was Aaron. I tried to itch my arm where they had put a band on my arm that kept me from changing forms. Being locked in this room isn’t helping either. I feel like one of those animals you see caged at the zoo. I've been in here for at least two hours now. I haven't been able to sleep a wink since I've been here. I can't block out the cries from the people being tortured in other rooms. Every time I did hear them my heart would sink and I wish I could kill all those murderers.


I stopped pacing when I heard my door beginning to open. I expected to be Adalrik, he's the leader of this whole operation here, my face still had a faint outline of his hand print. Instead it was Noah, his eyes were cold as he looked at me. I couldn't stop myself from asking "Is he still here?"


Noah knew I meant Aaron "Yes." he replied coldly grabbing my arm


"Where are you taking me now?" I asked


Without looking at me he answered "Adalrik wants to talk to you again."


"Joy..." I mumble 


He ignored my comment and quickened his pace. We passed groups of Retter talking about the Chosen who had escaped. They would all stop and stair when they saw us. One would give a smart comment "Here kitty kitty kitty." or "Look what the cat dragged in." I wanted to rip all of their throats out.


Once passed them I could hear sobbing from a small child. Brandon.  I completely stopped as we were walking by a room and a small cage was on the ground inside it I saw Brandon. His face was covered in tears and the Retter watching him merely laughed. "You're all sick." I said just loud enough for Noah to hear me.


"Be quiet and keep walking." He said tightening his grip


I gave one finally look at Brandon and continued walking. I don't know how I'd do it but I was going to get him out of here. I'll do whatever it takes...


Each room we passed I wondered if Aaron was possible in there. I couldn't even imagine what they would be doing to him. When the forced me to see him I was flooded with guilt. I didn't want to make that call, but I had to, I had to save the group. 


We finally reached the other end of the building to Adalrik 'office'. Noah knocked on the door and we waited. I then turned when I heard growling coming from behind us. Standing in front of us was a black wolf baring its fangs at us. If only I could turn into my panther form, I'd show the dog a good show. "Nox that's enough." Noah ordered. The wolf then turned into a woman with dark hair and was surprisingly still clothed. She must have noticed my surprise because she said with a grin"New clothes that allows me to change and keep them on. They're quite convenient."  I tried not to roll my eyes at her. Nox then looked back at Noah "What does Adalrik want with her?"


I clenched my fist and bit my tongue to not snap at her. Noah looked at me then to her "I don't know. He didn't say."


She nodded her head "Probably just wants to play with his new toy."


"I'd shut your mouth dog." I snapped


She gave me a furious look ""I don't think you have any room to talk cat."

"At least I'm not someones little guard dog!"

"Get in here!" Adalrik's low voice yelled ending out argument. We exchanged final glares and I walked into the room. I could barely breath in there the room was filled with cigar smoke and the smell of vodka.


When he saw us he sat the cigar down and said "Took you long enough. You can leave Noah."


I saw a flicker of worry go through his eyes "But sir..."


"No buts about it. Just get out of here and I'll call you when I'm done."


Noah hesitated a moment but nodded his head and left the two of us. "Sit." He ordered pointing to worn chair in front of his desk.  I sat without saying a word.  "Cat got your tongue?" He chuckled


Okay I was seriously getting tired of all these cat jokes. Adalrik then stood up and walked around his desk towards me. He placed his hand on my chin and lifted my head up "It's a pity a pretty girl like you had to be a vermin." That's not the first time I've been called that. He the moved his hand to my shoulder "If you please me, I'll see to make sure you get to live long here, assuming you follow all the rules."


I gave him a sickened look and hit his hand away "Don't touch me!" I yell jumping to my feet.


"You're quite the spirted one." He said coming towards me.


I backed away from him "Get away from me."


When my back hit the wall panic began to set in "Please." I begged as he approached me. I hated feeling weak. Knowing that there was nothing I could do to stop this man honestly scared me.


"Oh sweet heart don't be this way." he said locking me with his arms on the wall. His face so close to mine I could smell the cigars and alcohol.


Suddenly the door flew open and the woman who killed Jane walked in. She acted as if there was nothing going on and said in a panicked voice "Adalrik come now! There's been a breach and we're being attacked!"


He released me and said "By who?"


"The Chosen that had gotten in here earlier!"


My heart began to beat faster. Spark and the group were here? I wanted them to get away as far as possible. Adalrik swore in German then said "Get everyone ready."


The woman nodded her head and left. I hoped he had forgotten about me, but he turned around and grabbed me by my hair "You stay here and behave like a good kitty."


He threw me to the ground and walked out of the room locking the door as well. I stood to my feet and began to search the room. There has to be a spare key somewhere! I know this would be my only chance of getting out of here. "There has to be something!" I say desperately going through Adalrik's things. "What's this?" I picked up a small pocket knife, I had unlocked many doors and this would be easy.


It took only a few minutes of prying to get the door unlocked. I could hear people yelling mixed with gunshots. I swear I could hear the sound of thunder in the distance. "Spark." I say as I run down the hall. I'd find Spark and the others  later. Right now I have to find Brandon and Aaron.


I finally came to the room I knew Brandon was in and the door was wide open, thankfully all the Retter were gone. He looked up at me with big eyes and said "Kitty." I was surprised that he even remembered. I knelt down beside the cage and took his small hand "Yes, Kitty's here, and I'm going to get you out of here." I let go of him and began to look for the key.


"Is this what you're looking for?" My heart nearly stopped when I heard Aaron's voice.


"Oh my god Aaron." I say but when I turned around it wasn't Aaron it was the woman who killed Jane. In her hand she had the key. I saw the mark on her arm glowing just like mine.


She grinned at me and said in her own voice "Oh I love when that happens."


"Give me the key." I said clenching my fists.


"Or what? At the moment you're pretty powerless." she replied pointing to my wrist


"I don't need my powers to take care of you." I growled lunging at her.  Her grinned disappeared as I knocked her to the ground.


The woman glared at me as I placed my foot on her neck. "Move and I'll break your neck." I threaten


"You know you could have been very useful here. At least you would have lived, this is the winning side."


I put more pressure on her neck "At the moment you seem to be loosing."


"What will you do if you get out of here? They won't want you back you lied to all of them and betrayed them." Then her voice changed sounding like Aaron "Not even he will want you here.  Because of you he and his nephew are dead."


"Shut up!" I yell kicking her hard enough to knock her out. I took the key from her hand and went to Brandon who had started crying again. I opened the cage and I picked Brandon up. He wrapped his small hands in my hair. "Shh." I say trying to sooth him. "It's okay, we're getting out of here now."


"I don't think so." a voice said accompanied by the click of a gun.


I turned around and saw Adalrik pointing a gun at me. "Put the child in the cage and come with me." He said


I shook my head "Not gunna happen."


"Then you better say goodbye, because I don't miss."


"Put the gun down."


Adalrik and I both turned our heads and saw Noah. "What are you doing Noah?" Adalrik asked still pointing the gun at Brandon and I.


"What do you think? Now put the gun down." he replied coolly


"You're making a mistake Noah." Adalrik growled "Be a good boy and leave me and the cat alone."


Noah shook his head and walked towards him. I could tell Adalrik couldn't decide who to point the gun at. "Interfere and I'll kill her and the child." Adalrik threatened.


I tried to sooth Brandon who had begun to shake in fear. It wasn't easy because my own legs were beginning to knock together. "Get back." Adalrik yelled at Noah who was only feet away from him "Come any closer and I'll kill them."


Noah stopped and I thought he was actually going to listen to Adalrik. "Good." Adalrik said with a accomplished grin. Before I could completely comprehend what was going on Noah reached for the gun. I watched in horror as the loaded gun moved around wildly.


"Fawn go!" Noah yelled as he struggled for the gun. I couldn't move though, my body froze. I was shaken from my trance by the whizzing sound of a bullet passing beside my head. Another bullet was fired and I heard Noah cry out in pain.


"Noah!" I exclaim as I watched him fall to the ground. He somehow managed to bring Adalrik down with him sending the gun across the floor. I ran to it instantly and with my free hand I pointed at Adalrik's head.


He noticed me hesitate and said "Kill me. You may never get the chance again."


My arm shook wildly. I want to kill him. I just couldn't. If I killed him I'd be no better than him.  I felt Brandon's small hand touch my cheek as he whimpered "Kitty. Kitty I wanna go home." This kid has been put through hell and I don't want his innocent eyes to look at me as a murderer.


A single tear rolled down my eye. I looked back at Adalrik and said "Go." I then unloaded the gun and threw it to the other side of the room. Adalrik glared at me and disappeared through the doorway. Without another moment's hesitation I knelt beside Noah who had a bullet wound in his chest that was bleeding very bad.


"The key to unlock your arm band is in my shirt pocket." Noah managed to say.


I nodded my head and found the small silver key. Once it was off I could feel my powers surge through me. Noah then said "Go Fawn. There will be more Retter here soon."


"I can't leave you here, not like this!" I said forcing back my tears


"You have to." he replied "I'll be okay."


"They'll kill you."


"I've done a lot of bad things Fawn. Maybe karma's coming back to finally get me."


"Noah..." I say desperately


"No. Please Fawn just go and find Aaron."


I leaned over and kissed Noah softly on the lips and prayed I'd see him again. I knew though I was praying for something that would never happen. I stood up and gave one final look at Noah. "Bye Noah." I whisper and with Brandon in my arms I walk away.~


"Fawn?" Aaron's surprised voice said as I walked towards him. It didn't take me long to find him. He looked horrible. His face was badly bruised and cut and his arms were even worse. He wasn't alone however, standing beside him was the wolf girl, Nox, who I had met earlier. Without saying a word I handed him Brandon. I tried to not look into his green eyes that were filled with relief and anger. I can't blame the guy for hating my guts now. Aaron hugged his nephew tightly then looked at me "Why Fawn?"


I shook my head. I couldn't answer that question. "Take Brandon home." I turned quickly and began to walk away.


"Fawn!" Aaron yelled.


I wanted to turn around and run to him, beg for his forgiveness and hope he wouldn't hate me. That wasn't an option right now. I had to leave before I convinced myself to stay. I have done more harm than good and it was time for me to go on my own even if it means loosing everything I know and love.~


Spark:
The echo of a gun shot filled the room but suddenly became silent. Everyone including the Retter stopped. I felt my body shake when I saw Chem fall to the ground. "Chem!" I yelled shoving the Retter in front of me to the ground. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. The group and I came here to get Aaron and the other Chosen trapped here... and Fawn. Seven of the Chosen that Tavin brought earlier had come with us to fight as well. The other eleven were either too hurt or afraid to come back here and I couldn't blame them. 


We were way out numbered from the beginning of the fight. We had managed though, thanks to the extra seven it did make it easier. I didn't expect to get out of here without any of us getting hurt, but nothing could have prepared me for this.


I knelt down beside Chem who I could tell was having a difficult time breathing. I looked down at his chest and saw the wound. It was bleeding fast. I tore a piece of my sleeve off and tried my best to stop the bleeding. "Don't worry Chem. We'll get you out of here and mend you up." The others were all around us now, tears filled all of their eyes. "Chem look at me!" I say desperately slightly shaking his arm.


Chem let out one chuckle and difficultly he said "What are you kids gunna do without me?"


"Don't say that." Sonic said kneeling down on the other side of him. He was trying to keep back his tears.


Chem slightly turned his head towards him "Come on Pinky you know as well as I do..." He stopped and winced "I've... never been afraid of death.... It's... quite... peaceful."


"Chem don't talk like that." I say. This was all my fault. I shouldn't have brought all of them here. We should have gone back to Rick's and I would have come back on my own.


"It's alright Spark. Just make sure... when I'm gone... to take care of these guys."


I nodded as I choked back tears "Always."


"I love you guys." Chem said and I could see the light begin to fade from his eyes.


"We love you too Chem." Tiny replied as tears flooded down her face.


"I think it's time to go... I hope I don't... see any of you soon." With one final breath I knew he was gone. I closed his eyes and stood up. Not one of us could keep from crying now even the seven others were crying. We had lost our partner, our friend, our brother...  I felt like I was going to be waking up from an awful dream but it never happened. This was realality


After nearly fifteen minutes of crying I wiped my eyes and say "We have to go." The Retter had all disapeared now but I knew they'd be back. We came here to save three but instead we lost one. I looked at Casper and asked "Can you get all of us out of here?"


He nodded his head as we all joined hands, Sonic was kneeling on the ground holding on to Chem's. I could have sworn before we left I saw Fawn with tears pouring from her eyes. I couldn't go after her though not now.~


We all had said our final good byes to our beloved friend as we watched the fire engulf Chem. This was the way any Chosen would want to go. The girls had gone and picked flowers and lined Chem in them. Sonic stood beside me and I heard him say "Bye Brain." I couldn't believe that he was actually gone. It felt like I'd wake up in the morning and find him drinking his coffee as he finished the crossword puzzle. That would never happen again though. Chem was gone. Why had it been Chem who got killed? Why couldn't it have been me instead? Without Chem I don't know what we'll do. Chem had always said he was the 'adult' of the group and now I wonder, will all us 'children' fall apart?


I wrapped my arm around Twilight shoulders as she sobbed. "I shouldn't have fought with him so much." She cried into my shoulder.


I patted her back and said "You couldn't have known this would have happened. Besides Chem always enjoyed fighting with you."


I wish I could hear Chem ask his once familar question "So what's the plan?" but instead it was Tavin who had asked. "What are we going to do now?"


I wanted to answer the question but I didn't have an answer. "I don't know." I reply shaking my head. "I just don't know what to do now..."


Tavin nodded his head and wiped another tear from his eye. He then looked towards the nearby forest as if he had seen something. "What is it?" I ask walking towards him.


He looked at me then back to the forest "I could have sworn I something."


"What?"


"It looked like a giant black cat..." He replied


Fawn... She had come. How did she find us here? "Stay here." I say and jog towards the trees. There was no sine of her anywhere though "Fawn? Fawn come out please."


I then heard her voice in my head "I can't Spark. I came here to say my final goodbye to Chem..."


"Just let me see you."


"No, I'm leaving Spark. I've done more harm than good and right now you need to be strong for the group. Without me..."


"Fawn!"


She didn't reply though. She was gone. I had lost her as well. Fawn was right though I need to be strong for the group. They'll need me more than ever and I'll need them. I turned away and walked back towards the others, this is not how I wanted things to be but life has ways of giving you the worst of things. I had to go back and be strong because without the group I was no one. Chem wouldn't want us to sulk and be in misery without him. I don't know what we're going to do now but we'd have to figure something out. We are a family and we need to stick together.~