《Sentinel : Book 2.5》


 Providence 1.1

    The Shard


    Look into the shattered


    See the whole


    <h4> Providence 1</h4>


    ¡°Where is he.¡± His hand was gently gripping a hunting knife.


    The blade had found a place to prowl just beneath her throat. Her eyes continued to stream as she glanced at her husband. His heart was splattered across the room.


    ¡°Look at me, no, no, no, come on. Look at me. I know he''s here. Tell me now and I won''t kill you and I promise you he won''t feel a thing¡± She was sobbing.


    Her body lurched as she took rapid breaths. He placed the knife on her belly button and looked into her eyes. The piercing blue breaking her will.


    ¡°I''m going to ask one more time¡± She didn¡¯t feel the blade part her skin as he pushed. ¡°Where is he?¡±


    She shook her head and whispered ¡°no.¡±


    Her body slumped over as she knife split her spine. He quickly snapped her neck and stood up.


    ¡°Danny, Danny, he''s gone!¡± the voice his suit made was now identical to hers.


    The device in his armor working just as planned. He grabbed her body and dragged it around as if she was struggling for life.


    ¡°He''s gone. We have to get out of here¡± Providence listened to every step as he made his way down.


    He aimed his handgun and fired repeatedly then heard his body tumble down the stairs. He slowly made his way over. A deafening screech began to shake the house. Providence knew his eardrums were about to burst. He opened fire and the noise stopped. His ears were still ringing as he walked over. He looked up the stairs to find the child with chunks of his body missing. He walked up to the body and knelt down beside it. He slit the throat of the child and tossed the body in a bag.


    He walked to the door and sparked a fire. He walked deeper into the woods. He dragged the body through miles and miles of woodland.


    He dragged the body up a cliff and into a massive cave. He had reached his home. He walked over to a wall and removed a newspaper.


    ¡°Six dead after the alleged bombing in elementary¡±


    He crossed it off with a red marker and looked over at the body. He looked through the newspapers and found his next target. A woman had killed everyone in a bank and stole millions. He sat down and looked the other news articles. For every good enhanced human two vile abominations walked the world. He knew full well what they would become if consumed by the power. He had seen it before.


    He walked over to his computer and went through his data files. He began to write down everything he could about the child he could remember. He walked to a table and looked at the bag.


    He grabbed his medical gear and placed the child on the table. He began the process of cutting him apart to find what anomaly had created his power. Slowly he found two abnormalities. The lungs were unlike anything he had ever seen. They seemed to be capable of compressing air to the point that it nearly became a liquid. The lungs themselves proved impossible for his obsidian scalpels to cut. He looked at them and sighed. He looked at the child''s throat and found nothing out of the ordinary. They were far more rubbery than anything should be but it was nothing spectacular. He looked at his heart and found black threads growing in the heart.


    He knew that the child had been using the power more than he let on. Providence looked at his notebook. He looked at his notes with annoyance. He had found nothing but knew there was more to this. He knew that he was close to finding what created them and how to stop what was making them.


    He looked over at his fridge and knew he was running low. He walked over and opened to find what remained of his food.


    ¡°Why¡± It was empty. He looked around and wondered if she had found her way here.


    He knew he had just enough time and he had another target nearby. He slung a sniper over his shoulder and looked at the newspaper.


    He knew where they had taken the man. He had managed to find the locations of five people in the information he had stolen from the police station. He knew if he killed them all they would know he had taken the information. He had spent two weeks trying to find enough flaws in their safeguard to make it look as if they had messed up.


    He began his walk back to civilization. He looked up at the empty sky. The city was dim. The gray walls ate the light and his cloak blended into the shadows. He slowly made his way to the home and setup the sniper rifle. He looked at building and knew they would be there.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He set up his gear and his spotter. He waited and saw someone move by the window.


    ¡°Come on¡± he took a deep breath and saw his face. He pulled the trigger and shattered glass. He could see the body drop and he knew.


    ¡°Fuck¡± He grabbed all his gear and began a full sprint. He knew they would be on his trail. His airtight suit would keep the dogs from following his trail but not from the thorn in his side.


    He knew the target was lost he had taken the only shot he would get. He ran for hours and made his way back home by the break of dawn. He tossed his sniper with enough force to snap it in half. He slammed a wall cracking it. He took a deep breath and leaned against a wall.


    ¡°I let him get away¡± He looked at his hands and knew he wasn¡¯t good enough. One was one too many. He couldn¡¯t let murderers and monsters live. He knew so many more he could kill but if he did those that had yet to do something wrong would hide and he would never be able to stop the monster at rest.


    He knew he had to create before he could destroy. He grabbed a belt of knives and made his way to the slums. He could see the sun begin to wake. And the shadows grew in strength. He made his way through the dark alleys and passageways. He was almost a shadow himself. He looked at people as they walked by. He looked at their every detail and began to find who belonged to what gang.


    He heard a scream ¡°Stop!¡± the sound of thrashing plates and cries began to pour out a house a few blocks away. He made his way over and found a mother beating her son. He knew she didn''t hear him.


    The armor he had would be perfect for striking fear into her. His voice was like a drum. A deep booming that passed through her like a bullet. ¡°Never more¡± She froze but didn¡¯t look back. The boy looked afraid. Providence let coolant out of his armor and the woman began to shake.


    He moved out with enough speed to not be seen. He moved and continued to stride throughout the city. The empty streets he had spent weeks bending to his will had slowly grow to know him.


    He knew the king pins were in rage with all the mayhem he was causing.


    He looked at the world and smiled. He had taken the lives of so many of their killers. They never knew but he had taken full advantage of greed. He found it remarkable of how much people would do for a few hundred marks. They told him everything over a talk. He never meet them face to face but he was alway nearby. He never liked making face to face contact.


    He moved passed the world and left to his home. He looked through his world wondering if she had found him.


    ¡°A professional, that''s what I need.¡± He looked over at his gear and let out a cold breath. He knew it was possible. ¡°How the hell do I get a mercenary.¡± he took a seat and began to think. ¡°Got it.¡±


    He got a full cover motorcycle helmet and an outfit to match. He looked to make sure that it covered every inch.


    ¡°Good enough¡± he road his way into town with a old beast of a motorcycle he had in the part of the cave he called a garage.


    He looked at the town. The rats had begun to eat one another because they couldn''t find enough food.


    He slowed just outside what he could only call a meet and greet for serial killers. He parked his bike and took a look around.


    He placed a volt charge on the bike and walked off. He knew anyone who touched it would be in for a shock.


    He kept everything on and when he stepped in several guard had their guns trained on him.


    ¡°No sudden movements, we just need to give you a quick pat down buddy.¡± She began to par him down and made sure he wasn''t hiding anything.


    ¡°Gonna need you to take off the helmet.¡± He looked at her and knew.


    ¡°I''ll show you why that''s a big no no¡± he lifted the inky black visor.


    Her mouth opened just a bit and she moved back. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were watering.


    ¡°What are you¡±


    He looked away sealing the vizer.


    ¡°I just need a mercenary¡± He turned away from her.


    ¡°Hey Tulip what''s wrong?¡± Asked another guard.


    ¡°Nisha, you don''t want to know. Just let him keep that fucking thing on for all that is good¡± she placed her hand over her mouth, seemingly holding back vomit.


    ¡°Thanks¡± He chimed.


    ¡°Please just go¡± She seemed sick.


    He looked around wondering how exactly this whole place worked.


    He looked over the tops of everyone around him. He was just shy of seven feet. But meet the mark with his boots.


    He walked over to what looked like the serving area.


    ¡°Hey¡±


    ¡°Holy fuck you''re big. You wouldn''t just so happen to have a older brother would you?¡± Providence took a moment and lost this man in his words.


    ¡°No?¡± He spoke slowly.


    ¡°You sure? Big fellow about your size but more bulky. Dark brown eyes, dark hair, buzz cut?¡±


    ¡°No idea¡± Providence knew his brothers looked nothing like the man was describing.


    ¡°Welp, what can I do ya for?¡±


    ¡°I''m looking for a mercenary¡±


    ¡°You got um all around ya bud. Anyone in particular?¡±


    ¡°Someone good with a sniper¡±


    ¡°Dime a dozen. What you need is a fucking legend. We don''t come cheap just so ya know¡±


    ¡°That''s fine. So could you show me where this person is?¡±


    ¡°Buy a drink and I''ll show you¡± ¡°Have any wine?¡±


    ¡°What? Hell no. Do I look like a butler? We only get that good stuff. Hard shit none of that fancy crap.¡±


    ¡°Alright, two of your best¡±


    He walked over to a box and unlocked it. He pulled out two large white bottles and smiled. ¡°Got these all the way from Earth. This ain''t no cheap shit¡±


    ¡°I''ll take them both¡±


    ¡°I''ll be damned. You are rich. Three hundred hundred each¡± He slapped the money down on that table and grabbed the bottles.


    ¡°Right this way, your reward awaits¡± he followed the bartender and found a small group of merks.


    ¡°Gentlemen,¡± they looked anything but gentle. They were armed and looked like they had spent their whole lives in this line of work. ¡°this is¡­ what''s your name?¡±


    ¡°Providence¡±

 Providence 1.2

    ¡°Providence¡±


    ¡°So, what you here for big guy?¡± The woman was covered in tattoos. Her eyes were wild, rabid, ready for the hunt.


    The green of a grassy field where predators hid.


    ¡°I need a good sniper¡±


    ¡°We''re mercenaries not idiots. We can all use snipers¡± His bushy beard wiggle with every word.


    ¡°Who''s the best?¡±


    ¡°Don''t even bother. He''s a greasy little shit. You''re better off finding someone who shoots half as good and a tenth the price.¡±


    ¡°I need the best¡±


    ¡°The little bitch spends his time over by the dartboard¡±


    Providence looked around and looked back at them. ¡°Can one of you show me?¡±


    They all ignored him and got back to talking about what drugs they had recently.


    ¡°Hey, I got you hunny¡± She had a light caramel complexion and dark curly hair. Her steel eyes looked unnaturally beautiful.


    ¡°Thanks¡± He followed her and she tossed a cup at a man who was struggling to throw darts at the board.


    ¡°Who the fuck do you think you¡­ oh¡­ I''m dead aren''t I? Okay at least tell me the bounty was high.¡±


    ¡°I''m here to hire you actually.¡± Providence looked at the man and noticed a lack of scars and tattoos. The man smiled and clapping his hands


    ¡°Finally someone smart enough to see my talents! Not like every other dumb brick in this shit hole. Except Sarina but she''s a prosti¡­¡± She punched him sending him face first into the ground.


    ¡°I''m not a prostitute you stupid fuck¡±


    ¡°So about that work. How much are you¡± He propped himself up and sat up with a red cheek.


    ¡°I''ll make you the deal of a lifetime. 1,000. No more no less. Solid numbers.¡± Providence smiled thinking it would have been something outrageous.


    ¡°You drive a hard bargain but the best is the best.¡± He smiled.


    The usual contact was about five hundred.


    ¡°But I will also need you to help me by extracting information from areas I can''t infiltrate.¡±


    ¡°Woa woa woa, hold up. I can''t exactly do that. The thing is. I''m a wanted man. I don''t do close range and sure as hell don''t do any talking. I''m only this talkative when I''m drunk and I sure as hell don''t drink on the job. It gives me the shakes.¡±


    ¡°How about you?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Me?¡± Sarina raised her eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips.


    She placed her weight on one leg and then to the other. Her shorts reached as far as her fingertips did and her shirt was just above her belly button.


    ¡°What kind of a job you hoping for. And I meant it. I ain''t a hooker. I have a Doctorate in psychology for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Just talk to people. Get information from them.¡±


    ¡°It''s harder than you think¡±


    ¡°How much?¡±


    Sarina bit her lip and hummed a light toon. She pressed her palm against her face ¡°Fifty percent more than the boy wonder on the floor¡±


    ¡°Alright then. We start tonight. But meanwhile I want to see what I''m paying for¡±


    ¡°Buy me dinner first¡± Remarked the boy wonder.


    He was still on the floor. Sarina kick him and he yelled ¡°Alright I''ll get off your stupid floor. Not need to kick the crap out of me. You know you can be a real pain in the ass¡±


    ¡°You would know. It''s no wonder you walk all funny¡± Smirked Sarina.


    Providence walked out of the strange place and they followed. Providence looked at the man on the floor next to his motorcycle with pissed pants.


    ¡°He pissed himself! I gotta get this¡± boy wonder pulled out his phone and took a picture of the man.


    ¡°He''s gonna be mad¡± Sarina looked over at him.


    ¡°You mean, pissed? Eh, eh? Come one that was perfect¡±


    ¡°Kill yourself¡± Sarina rolled her eyes.


    Providence grabbed his bike and looked at the man. Sarina unlocked her own bike and they looked at him.


    ¡°What, it got stolen.¡±


    ¡°Anyway. Let''s get going.¡± Providence looked at Sarina and she groaned. She punched boy wonder sending him into a pile of trash.


    ¡°Use my bike. Sorry I forget your name?¡± Sarina looked up at him with a half smile.


    ¡°Providence¡± he reached out to shake her hand.


    ¡°Mind if I ride with you so that thing can use my bike?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡± she took a seat behind Providence and looked at boy wonder.


    She reached into her pocket and tossed a beer can at him. He fell back into the trash and grabbed the beer.


    ¡°Much better¡± he hopped on the bike and they began racing to wherever Providence had in mind. They arrived at an open field and looked around.


    ¡°So, what are we doing here?¡±


    ¡°He wants you to shoot something dumb ass¡±


    ¡°Well excuse me you royal tight a¡­¡± a ball made of what looked like snow smashed into his face.


    ¡°What her hell was that!¡± he was on the floor again and was holding his face.


    ¡°A rice ball¡±


    ¡°And I don''t have my gun with me¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it. I always have my own.¡± Providence got off his bike and opened a compartment.


    He pulled out a massive sniper along with an arsenal of guns.


    ¡°What should I call you?¡± Said boy wonder looking at the gun.


    ¡°A fucking mistake¡± smirked Sarina.


    ¡°For the last time I was a planned baby. Oh, and just call me Epic Boss God forty five. Spaces between each work and the 45 is in numbers not spelled out¡± He picked up the sniper


    ¡°What you want me to hit?¡±


    ¡°How about that bird¡±


    The bird looked no bigger than a pin prick, he looked over and shot once without aiming. The bird began to frantically fly away. He took a second shot and the bird was a puff of feathers. He was still standing. He hadn''t used the skope.


    ¡°Fuck you bird¡± Grinned Epic Boss God 45.


    ¡°I''ll have to test your silver tongue later¡± Providence said as he nodded.


    ¡°Is that some kind of innuendo?¡± Winked Epic Boss God 45.


    ¡°You know what he means jackass¡± Sarina looked over at Providence.


    ¡°So, what exactly are you doing that you need two mercenaries for?¡±


    ¡°I''m hunting down and killing a few super powered individuals¡±


    ¡°Not to be rude but do you have some kind of vendetta against them?¡± asked Sarina.

 Providence 1.3

    ¡°Not to be rude but do you have some kind of vendetta against them?¡± asked Sarina.


    ¡°I''m surprised, you got it right. Anyway I have a few targets but I have two that can be taken out today¡±


    ¡°So, you actually kill people?¡± Sarina was looking at where his eyes would have been behind his helmet.


    ¡°And I was thinking you were some rich guy wanting to kill a family member to get their money¡±


    ¡°I don''t have any surviving family. I''ll contact you both tomorrow¡± Providence got on his bike and rode off.


    He didn''t look back. His engine slowed as he found nothingness. He stopped and looked at the empty land. He closed his eyes and prepared his mind for his task. He set his weapons down and brought his head to the dirt. He stood and began his practice with the blades. Without fail he had kept to practicing for three hours a day everyday.


    He began his occasional task of two thousand pushups. Then two thousand crunches, squats, and so on. He lay in a pool of sweat and looked up at the sun. Pain, it only grew worse. He knew someday he would be forced to return or kill himself to end it. He could not escape his order.


    He was bound to them as thick as blood. He knelt down and looked up at the sky.


    ¡°I''ll stop you.¡±


    He took a breath and stood. He had a war to start. He knew full well that the Mars was pushing to this. A war that would consume this recovering planet. The plague that ravaged the world two years ago shook the world to its very core. Over a billion people vanished in the three months of the outbreak. And now the world was collapsing because of a gangs, poverty, warlords, and drugs unlike anything the world had ever seen. But the threat that stood leagues above all else were the abominations that were the super powered.


    Providence though himself lucky. When the world began to collapse he managed to take everything a bank had inside.


    But he knew most others only received death at the hands of what he knew was a super powered mad man hell bent on ending all life. He had transformed the plague into something so much worse. He could never allow another person like this to walk the world.


    He knew once he finished Mars he would take on Earth. For this task he would need to prove himself capable of it on Mars.


    He knew once he wiped this world clean he would be able to move on to the next. The damage he had received through his countless missions served to prove that they were monsters and he was the angel of death come to rid the world of evil. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The sun dropped light upon him and he knew it was time, he had to return home.


    He road his way home and looked into the vast red land. He arrived and began his research. Each and every target he had taken down had nothing in common. He was unable to find anything to help.


    He looked at his desk and sighed. His brothers would always hold a special place in his heart but they was no different. One day he would need to take a look and find a way to kill him. No matter what happened he had to end him some day. Even if it was the last thing he ever did.


    He began to look through his file and wondered if anything helped show what might finally be his end. He shrugged and knew he would eventually need a weapon of mass destruction.


    He looked at files and research for hours and looked at his watch. He knew where his mercenaries lived and knew they would be home. He had taken the information from their phones and knew that they would be exactly where he needed them to be.


    They lived in rather different areas. Providence looked at his map and began his hunt. He had a short mission of his own first. He knew were the guard that he had allowed to see him lived. And where she would stop living.


    He made his way to her home and looked in her street. The street was oddly clean for a middle class area. Providence walked nearby and looked at the cameras the house had. He knew they wouldn''t open the door and he couldn''t attack the home in broad daylight. He would have to kill her later. He knew he would need a new outfit if he killed her. Something he would never put on again.


    He looked at his map and made his way to the home of his mercenary. Providence knocked on the door and heard nothing. He waited a few moments and kicked the door in. He walked inside to find him sleeping on the floor


    ¡°Wake up.¡± He looked over at Providence and covered his face with a pillow.


    ¡°Come on, you never said I''d have to get up early.¡±


    ¡°I need you to kill Tulip.¡±


    ¡°Just curious here. Why? I''ll do it but why?¡±


    ¡°She has seen what I look like. Kill her. That''s all you have to do for today.¡±


    ¡°Just thinking here but is this my contact?¡±


    ¡°We agree upon one thousand per day didn''t we?¡±


    ¡°Holy hell I thought you meant per contact!¡±


    ¡°No, per day. And you do what I tell you until our agreement is terminated.¡±


    ¡°Fine by me¡±


    ¡°I''ll be going now but when can I expect her to be gone?¡±


    ¡°By the end of the day. And how did you get in here?¡±


    ¡°I walked through the door.¡±


    Providence walked out and made his way to Sabrina¡¯s home. He got many odd glances as he made his way to her home. Providence walked up to a fenced home and unlocked the gate. A few seconds after he did a large dog ran at him. It''s massive body leaped at him. It''s yellow fangs were slick with saliva. His hand came down and brought the mut to the grassy floor. He lifted the dog and held it. He walked over the fence and tossed it over. It continued barking as he walked to the door.


    He knocked and the door opened a few seconds later.


    ¡°Hey, how you doing?¡±


    ¡°I have your first task, find everything you can on these people¡± Providence handed her a list of high ranking officers, politicians, warlords, and dozens of civilians.

 Providence 1.4

    ¡°I have your first task, find everything you can on these people¡± Providence handed her a list of high ranking officers, politicians, warlords, and dozens of civilians.


    He knew once he had them in his pocket he would be able to move on with his plans. Everything depended on her ability to take information.


    ¡°For each person you find I''ll give you a two thousand marks bonus in addition to your daily pay.¡±


    ¡°Daily pay?¡±


    ¡°The one thousand five hundred marks we agreed upon. Anyway I''ll be on my way, and if you don''t mind tell your dog to sit.¡± Providence walked to the door and looked at the dog.


    Sarina walked out first and walked her dog back in.


    ¡°I''ll get started right away.¡±


    Providence checked the news and found something beautiful. A group of powerful humans had robbed a bank. Providence smiled and was on his way. He had hacked every video camera his hands could get a hold of. Notably cameras were almost exclusively on the homes of the rich and federal buildings but it was just enough.


    His knee his toys had better surveillance than the actual government. They were busy buying hookers and drugs. But the bulk of the wealth went into buying land and drug rings. Providence had tens of thousands of bird like drones that could capture images just about anything for him. He knew where they were within minutes.


    Providence spent hours waiting till darkness arrived once again. He knew the location of one but because of how many times they jumped between cars he only knew the location of one out of the four.


    Providence found the house in a rather nice looking neighborhood. He took his time and found the only target he was certain of. He could see the man''s wife, his son and daughter. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    They didn¡¯t know that their father was a killer. He had killed two cops and three civilians.


    Providence waited till three in the morning. He looked at the house and knew they had a dog. He moved in and found exactly what he needed. He captured the children first.


    Providence found the dog. The mut felt nothing as his fist crushed its head.


    He took his wife without a sound and had them all waiting in the living room. Providence woke him and he grunted.


    ¡°What do you want, it''s still dark.¡±


    ¡°Get up¡± he shot up and a split second later was laying back down.


    Providence hit him just hard enough to daze him. He needed him to be afraid. Providence dragged him off in a choke hold.


    ¡°Wake up. And don''t yell. Yell and I''ll kill you.¡± The man was breathing heavily.


    ¡°Now,¡± he looked behind Providence and had full view of his family.


    ¡°Tell me who helped you rob that bank. And if you''re a good tool I won''t kill you¡± Between his hysterical cries and screams came the calm.


    ¡°My phone! I have where they live in there.¡± He was crying as he spoke. Providence held his phone out.


    ¡°What''s the password.¡±


    ¡°277656, no I mean 267656¡±


    Providence smiled and said ¡°Which ones¡± He held the phone out.


    ¡°The first four¡± Providence set a bomb down on the table.


    ¡°If you scream for help it explodes if you move it explodes so no matter what happens I''ll know. I''ll be back once. I make sure you gave me all the right people¡±


    Providence had a video camera in the bomb as well so no matter what happened he could take care of them. He set two bombs up and walked off. After capturing and verifying the other culprits he smiled.


    He crossed examined each one and knew he had all the right people. Providence walked back to the first home. Providence looked at the children and his wife.


    ¡°Good news, they get to live.¡± Providence turned the bomb off and splattered his brains all over the kitchen.


    His family screamed and he knew his time was up.


    He knew that whatever power he had resided somewhere in his eyes. Providence picked up his body and dragged it home. He placed it in the cooler alongside all the rest. He walked over to his bed and hit the hay.

 Kira 2.1

    <h4>Kira 2</h4>


    ¡°That rich prick always walked down Harper Street. You''re gonna stab that son of a bitch and take his wallet, you got that? And if you''re a good girl you don''t have to work this week.¡± Said Momma.


    She blew the smoke from her pipe into Kira''s face. Mamma¡¯s flawless skin was a soft caramel. Her eyes a mix of gray and green.


    ¡°Now then,¡± Said Mamma standing up ¡°Get the fuck out and get to work¡±


    Kira walked out, passed the other girls and boys.


    I can do this.


    Kira had seen him many times before. He alway had the same cloths and the same items in his grocery bag. He always passed by a place that had once been a thrift shop and always stopped to look at an office building. She knew exactly when he would walk by and exactly when to strike.


    ¡°Hey¡± Said Stella with her dark brown eyes and hair to matched.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Said Kira lowering her head.


    She knew by now not to look at Stella.


    ¡°You better kill that fucker. He tazed my boy.¡± Said Stella.


    ¡°I will.¡± Said Kira.


    She walked to the exit and felt a cold hand slam her against a wall. Kira felt his hand around the majority of her head.


    ¡°You better not fuck up,¡± Said Kiber crushing her arm. ¡°He''s loaded and if you fuck up I''ll kill you if he doesn''t¡±


    ¡°Yes sir¡± Said Kira.


    He let go and she ran outside. The air was thin and cold. She knew he would be leaving his work place at ten thirty and pass where she needed him to a few short minutes later.


    Fuck them, if he''s as rich as they say he is I''ll take the money and run.


    She walked to where she knew she had to be and placed her knife down.


    ¡°Well look at this beautiful shit hole¡± Said Kira.


    She set her timer and went for a walk. She still had five hours to burn. She walked by the a mountain of fliers and propaganda that the civil war would break out any day now. Mars had no public schools and was more slum than planet. The super rich lived like Gods and the middle class was just alright. But the poor were slaves. They needed to work in order to just barely survive. Kira looked around and spray painted a red two. The mark of the rebellion. She walked down town and waited at a thrift shop.


    ¡°Hey BOSS!¡± Said Tamry.


    Her soft brown eyes rested beneath her stormy gray hair.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Hey¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°So do we have any plans today?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°I do, but I have time to kill. Want to look for stuff at the junkyard? Maybe we could freak the school kids out? What do you think¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Let''s spook some kids¡± Said Tamry.


    She pulled out a mask and smiled. She began to draw tattoos on one another and looked at each other.


    ¡°You look freaking scary¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°You too, come on let''s go¡± Said Kira.


    They ran to the school knowing the rich little pricks would be out of their after school sports soon.


    ¡°Hey, I see one¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Let''s so¡± Said Kira.


    They pulled up their masks and sprinted at him. The boy was walking with a stick of some sort. Scraping the ground all around him. Probably to push garbage away before he reached it. They reached him and continued to walk. They stood in front of him and he whacked them with the stick. ¡°Hey punk!¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Sorry, I can''t see, didn''t mean to hit you¡± Said the boy.


    Tamry and Kira walked away. He was to fun.


    ¡°That was horrible. He was fucking blind, of all things blind. He couldn''t even see how scary we are¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Hey, how about we go and get wrecked?¡± Said Tamry with a smile.


    ¡°Can''t, I have a super important job today. Need to have a clear mind¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Want to get some food¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°Why not¡± Said Kira.


    They walked back to the part of town they could afford to eat at and looked through the menu.


    ¡°What do you have on the menu that doesn''t have rat meat mixed in¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°I''d tell you the water but that''s where I clean them,¡± Said Ann. ¡°Well I got some cheap rabbit meat today.¡±


    ¡°I''ll take two sandwiches¡± Said Tamry.


    Ann passed them two sandwiches ¡°and wipe that marker off your face before it gets stuck to you face¡±


    ¡°Okay mom¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°And Kira, you look beautiful¡± Said Ann.


    ¡°Thanks¡± Said Kira.


    They walked around town and pick pocketed a few people. They only had a few bucks but she didn''t care.


    ¡°Man, there''s nothing to do here¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Tamry, I want to know if you''d run away with me¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Why?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°If this guy is as rich as my mom thinks he is, I won''t have to do anything anymore. We could run away and have a good life¡±


    ¡°What about my mom. I can''t leave here¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°She can come with us. We should get out of here before the war begins. So far it''s just talk but I know it''s about to go down¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°All right, if everything turns out okay today we''ll go with you¡± Said Tamry.


    She looked at her watch. She had a hour.


    ¡°Wow, I must be really nervous, I didn''t feel time pass me by¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°It''s almost ten¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°I know I''m gonna go¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Can I be to be their to help? I could just be waiting nearby¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Sure¡± Said Kira.


    They slowly walked all the way back and Kira walked into the garbage filled alley way. She covered herself and waited. She looked at her watch and knew that man would arrive soon. Kira didn''t like his ugly outfit. The tuxedo showed just how stuck up he was. Kira grabbed her full foot long knife and could hear his feet tapping their way to her. She stood up and got ready to strike. He stepped around the corner. His massive eight or seven foot tall form turned to face her. She slammed the knife through his chest and twisted the blade. I did it! I did it! She tried to pull the knife back to slit his throat but it was stuck.


    ¡°Are you trying to mug me?¡± Asked the man in a calm tone.

 Kira 2.2

    ¡°Are you trying to mug me?¡± Asked the man in a calm tone.


    His eyes, they were a ice blue that froze her very soul.


    She felt like death itself stood before her. He pulled the blade from his chest and reached into his pocket. Kira knew, this was the end. He pulled out a black object and opened it.


    ¡°Here''s three hundred Marks. It seems like you really need them.¡± Said man.


    He walked away and Kira stood frozen. Her mind was battling with itself. Had he really shrugged off what she had just done. The man walked off as if nothing ever happened. She stood for a few minutes and tried to understand what happened.


    ¡°Kira?,¡± Said Tamry. ¡°Are you okay? What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°He¡­ I¡­¡± She looked at her knife.


    Blood hung to it.


    ¡°He''s a monster¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°I stabbed him. He just stood there.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, he''s probably one of those people with powers. Did he hurt you?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°No¡±


    She held the three hundred Marks. Three thousand American dollars. She thanked the explosion in Mars currency. An overabundance of expensive material was found within Mars. And the simple fact that people began to get powers at random only added to the worth of living on mars.


    ¡°Holy shit¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°He gave it to me¡­¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Wait, what are you going to tell your parents?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°I''m gonna shoot him in his sleep. Or cut his head off. He''s still rich. If I cut his head off he can''t tell anyone¡± Said Kira


    ¡°You''re still going through with this?¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°I have to, if we want a normal life¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°I don''t think it''s a good idea the fucker took a knife to the chest like nothing.¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Alright, I''m sorry but I''m gonna. If I don''t come back you know what happened¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Fine but I''m going with you¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Let''s go¡± Said Kira.


    They walked to his home and wait next to his massive home. They played card games until it was three in the morning.


    ¡°He should be asleep by now¡± Said Kira.


    She checked her handgun and walked towards the house. They checked for cameras and silent alarms. The pitch black night held a billion stars over them. They chilly air slithered passed them as they hopped to a window. Kira had her kit and unlocked the window with a wire. They stepped in and looked around with a red light. Kira locked her sights on a massive animal. It stood ten feet tall and she nearly screamed. They could see a stuffed bear along with several other animals. Statues covered in armor and weapons from ancient times. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°His bedroom¡± Said Kira.


    They walked through the house looking for the right room and moved up to the second floor. The shadows within the house twisted and crawled as they moved about.


    ¡°Wait for me at the door¡± Said Kira.


    Tamry nodded and walked to the door. Kira held her gun with a iron grip. She opened the door again and walked up to his bed. She looked at his massive shape beneath the blanket.


    ¡°What are you doing in my house?¡± Asked a voice like rolling thunder.


    Kira locked her sights on him and pulled the trigger seven times. He clapped and the lights came on. His body was massive. He was easily seven feet tall and looked like he was a gold medalist in every sport. His eyes were an electric blue, his golden hair was short and well kept. His sweatpants were gray and so were his socks. The seven holes in his chest seemed not to bother him.


    ¡°Are you paying attention? What are you doing in here¡± Said the man.


    ¡°Get away from me¡±


    The distance between them vanished and he held Kira up by her throat.


    ¡°I''m going to kill you now, I''m sorry but I can''t have you telling anyone I have powers. Or just trying to kill me in my sleep.¡± His calm soft voice nearly made that sounds like a good thing.


    Kira shot him and he let go just long enough for Kira to run. She had enough time to take three steps before his iron grip stopped her.


    ¡°How about we make a deal¡± Said Kira as he lifted her into the air as he asked.


    ¡°All right, what can you do for me. I really need a maid. Also I only know how to cook two dishes, so if you can cook that also works¡±


    ¡°Just don''t kill me¡± Said Kira.


    Or do. I kinda wanna die...


    ¡°My name is Apollo. Nice to meet you¡± Said the man.


    He set her down and seemed to be processing the situation.


    ¡°I''m guessing you came here to rob me. You did stab me in the chest today after all¡± Said Apollo.


    The door creaked open and Tamry ran at Apollo.


    She stabbed him in the ribs and grabbed Kira¡¯s hand. His hands were locked around their arms before they could step away.


    ¡°Don''t run please and this must be the individual you were talking to.¡± Said Apollo.


    They said nothing.


    ¡°Please take a seat. I need to clarify some things.¡± Said Apollo.


    They sat on his bed and he sat on a chair. ¡°So, my name is Apollo Colson. I''m a human who has powers as you can tell. I like my calm life and I would really appreciate if you didn''t tell anyone about me.¡±


    ¡°We promise, we will never tell anyone¡± Said Kira.


    Nope, telling everyone I can just you wait.


    ¡°So about your offer. I still need someone to clean my home and someone to cook. What kind of job experience do you have?¡± Asked Apollo.


    ¡°I''m a prostitute and occasionally I hurt people for cash.¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Oh!, well¡­ can you cook?¡± Asked Apollo nervously.


    ¡°Yeah¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°And what do you do?¡± Asked Apollo.


    ¡°I''m a drug dealer¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Can you clean?¡± Asked Apollo.


    ¡°I guess¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Good, so you will both start work tomorrow. Be here at seven and please come in through the front door this time.¡± Said Apollo.


    ¡°Can we leave?¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°Not yet¡± He walked to his closet and picked up two necklaces.


    ¡°These are for you. Please don''t take them off or we might have a problem¡± Said Apollo.


    ¡°What? Why, what are those thing?¡± Asked Tamry.


    ¡°They have a tracking device. I just need to know that you aren''t running away with information about me¡± Said Apollo.


    ¡°What if we don''t want to put it on?¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°I''ll have to kill you¡± Said Apollo with a smile.


    He held out the beautiful necklaces and handed one to each of them. They seem to be rather simple but had an air of beauty about them. They put on the necklaces.


    ¡°So if you don''t mind me asking what do you do for a living?¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°I own a few small casinos a law firm, a weapons development company and a weapons manufacturing company, a shipping company, and a children''s hospital.¡± Said Apollo. ¡°Well have a good night and see you here tomorrow.¡±


    They stood up and walked out. Once they were far enough away they grabbed a hold of the necklaces. They pulled and were unable to snap the thin strands.


    ¡°What the hell¡± Said Kira.


    Tamry tried to unclip the necklace but it had locked itself shut.

 Kira 2.3

    Tamry tried to unclip the necklace but it had locked itself shut.


    ¡°That crazy son of bitch¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Well you did try to kill him. Twice¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°Wait what are you going to tell your mom¡± Said Tamry.


    ¡°I got it. For now just get some rest and I''ll see you here tomorrow.¡± Kira walked to her hideout on the edge of town and got to work.


    She began to think of her plan.


    I could tell mamma that I tricked him into thinking I liked him. He works at a law firm so I could say that helps us when we have problems with the army police. The casino, I could say it''s a good way for us to gambling. And I could tell her that he''s so desperate he wants to marry me. Perfect.


    Kira closed her notebook and took a moment to remember his name.


    ¡°Alix? Ally? Pallo? Apron? Erin? Apollo! That''s it''s¡± Said Kira.


    She wrote it down and on her hand. She walked home and saw it was almost five. She arrived home and knocked at the door. Weasel opened the door and gave a twisted smile. His nearly vanished hair was thin and gray. His crooked back was like a candy cane.


    ¡°So he didn''t kill you. That''s too bad. But you have a customer. He''s waiting in your room¡± Said Weasel.


    ¡°I''m not working tonight. Mamma said we had a deal¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Not till you give her the goods. And she''s sleeping so go and give him a good time. He looks the rich type¡± Said Weasel licking his cracked lips.


    Kira walked to her room and sat down outside the door. She began to cry quietly. She had left the money hidden at her hideout just in case. She knew Stella would beat her and take it. She didn''t want to live like this anymore. She almost felt tempted to kill herself but she knew how much it would hurt Tamry. She took a few minutes to prepare her mind for what was going to happen like it did almost every night. Seventeen years of life and almost half spent being used at a toy for men and women. She stood up and opened the door. The most intense eyes she had ever seen stood in the center of the room. His eyes were a blue so cold they could freeze a star.


    ¡°Sit down¡± Said Apollo, his voice void of human emotion.


    Kira sat down and looked at him.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you. So, first things first. I don''t like your line of work. So I payed to have you every night and I reserved you for myself for the forcible future,¡± Said Apollo.


    I don''t know whether he''s a sick bastard or if he really wants to help me¡­


    ¡°are you going to use me?¡± Asked Kira.


    Please say no, I need to know there''s a few good people in this world. Please just say no even if you are.


    ¡°No, I want you to have a better life than this. I can help you but only if you help me. So starting tomorrow you can move in with me and go to school. It''s up to you. All I ask is that you do your best to help me when I need you. When I can''t handle things on my own. I need you to be stronger¡± Said Apollo.


    What are you. Why are you helping me? Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°There''s plenty of other people out there that need help. Why me?¡±


    ¡°Because you''re different. You are the new face of the rebellion. I''m gonna make the world see you as a knight in rusty armor. They won''t follow me because I''m just another rich bastard¡± Said Apollo.


    ¡°You mean shining armor?¡±


    Why did I just say that¡­


    ¡°A knight in shining armor might as well be a dead man. It just means they are shield by true knights in battle. Anyway enough of my crap. You have the right not to come to my home tomorrow. But remember, this world won''t change without you. And kids around the world will grow up hurt like you did. You can change that¡± Said Apollo walking to the door.


    ¡°Don''t leave, if mamma find out you left so soon after I''ll get a beating¡± Said Kira.


    ¡°Well, how about you make a discussion sooner than later. Come with me and I''ll show you exactly what we are starting or stay here and do as you please¡± Said Apollo.


    I can''t change the world, do I really believe this crazy guy? But what if I''m wrong¡­


    ¡°Let''s go¡± Said Kira.


    I won''t be


    They walked out and he walked up to a car she knew was worth twenty seven thousand Marks.


    ¡°Is that yours¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°Yes, you can have it if you go to school¡± Said Apollo.


    He handed her the keys.


    ¡°Test it out¡± Said Apollo.


    Kira smiled, a true smile.


    This is fucking awesome. Maybe I should stab people more often.


    She got the car keys and slammed the accelerator. Kira smiled as the air rushed by her. They drifted around a corner and shot down the road.


    ¡°Take a left¡± She drove as he gave directions.


    They arrived at his home.


    ¡°Want to pick up your friend?¡±


    ¡°Can she live here too?¡±


    ¡°If that''s what she wants. Also I''ll be showing you your room later today. I hope you don''t mind but it''s up stairs.¡±


    ¡°So, why would a rich guy like you care about the rebellion? Isn''t the way things are real good for you? You''re probably a billionaire right? All you have to do is buy up smaller companies and you''ll be rich till the day you die¡±


    ¡°I grew up seeing this world eat itself from the inside out. I''ve seen kids sold and used as slaves. I''ve watched brothers kill one another for scraps. This isn''t the world I worked so hard to rebuild.¡±


    ¡°What if we fight and lose everything. Remember what happened to earth. They all almost died. Most of the earth was ash. Main reason so many people live here is because of what happened their.¡± Kira could tell by his expression that he knew this.


    ¡°Look at Earth, they spent nearly a century to recover and now they¡­ they''ve changed. All they do is take from their brother and they won''t stop till it''s dead. Earth had its chance and now it''s our turn. If we don''t do something they will strip the world clean. So, starting in four weeks I''m stopping all my interplanetary ships.¡±


    ¡°They''ll come for you ya know. You know what the government''s like. They''ll force you too.¡± He smiled at this. He seemed to enjoy the notion.


    ¡°Let''s go get your friend¡± Kira nodded and made her way to Tamry. The car was a gold mine on wheels for anyone what could steal it. They stopped and looked around the rotting neighborhood.


    ¡°I''ll go knock on the door. The windows are bulletproof so you should be fine in here.¡± He stepped out and turned back.


    ¡°What house does she live in?¡±


    ¡°The one attached to the Sheep sack¡± Kira couldn''t recall the days when they still had sheep on the menu.


    ¡°Right¡±


    He walked over to their building and Kira could feel Ann say ¡°I didn¡¯t order a striper but you sure as hell will do.¡±


    Apollo blushed and ran his fingers through his golden blonde hair.


    ¡°Thanks. Umm, so I''m Kira''s friend.¡±


    ¡°Not her boyfriend right?¡± She moved in close grabbing hold over his tie.


    ¡°Just friends. Does Tamry live here? Kira told me to come here?¡±


    ¡°She¡­ went to the store. She should be back in a half hour.  So cutie, you single?¡± Ann winked and licked her lips.


    ¡°Yeah, I am¡±


    ¡°Would you like to go out for drinks sometime?¡± Ann pulled him closer.


    ¡°I''m not sure, our age difference doesn''t make you uncomfortable?¡±


    ¡°What''s that support to mean?¡± Ann crossed her arms and leaned against the door frame.

 Kira 2.4

    ¡°What''s that support to mean?¡± Ann crossed her arms and leaned against the door frame.


    ¡°Well, wouldn''t a woman as young as yourself feel strange with a man my age?¡±


    Eww, I''m just gonna kill myself to get this whole thing out of my mind. Now all I need is bleach¡­


    ¡°How old could you possibly be?¡±


    ¡°Twentysix.¡±


    ¡°Now you''re just trying to flatter me. How about, me and you get inside and¡­ talk¡±


    Kira stepped out of the car and walked over to Apollo.


    ¡°Kira! How are you cutie? And I just meet your friend, he''s very charming.¡±


    ¡°Cradle snatcher.¡± Hissed Kira


    ¡°Oh come on, he''s not that much younger.¡±


    ¡°So where Tamry?¡±


    ¡°Sleeping. I just told hottie here she was out so he would spent some time with me. It''s not every day I get to see someone this hot. Just look at him¡±


    Apollo was blushing and smiling.


    ¡°Let''s go get her. Would you mind if I come in?¡± Apollo looked at Ann.


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer if you did.¡± Winked Ann.


    ¡°Eww, I''m right here¡± Kira knocked on Tamry¡¯s door and was able to hear her crawl out of bed.


    Tamry looked at Kira and grimaced when she saw him.


    ¡°Why is he here?¡±


    ¡°He made a deal with me and I was hoping you would join me¡±


    Kira placed a hand on Tamry¡¯s shoulder ¡°I was hoping we could talk about it at my place. We do have a lot to talk to you about.¡±


    His alluring blue eyes gave her the feeling it was something she would enjoy. Kira cringed ever so slightly. She knew he was cute but he was just someone she was working with.


    ¡°What kind of things are you planning on doing with Kira?¡± Ann crossed her arms as she looked into his eyes.


    ¡°Mom, I''m right here.¡± Tamry was glaring at her mother.


    ¡°I meant to include you but you interrupted me. And come on, you knew your not that cute.¡±


    ¡°Anyway he wants us to do is¡­¡± Apollo interrupted Kira.


    ¡°Undress for money! Yep, that all¡± Apollo spoke quickly and nervously.


    ¡°Wow your a horrible liar. So what is it what''s the truth?¡±


    ¡°He wants to overthrow the government.¡±


    ¡°He wouldn''t be the first to try. People have been trying for decades. What makes you think you''re so special?¡± The look on his face told her he had the entire world in his pocket, he just needed to reach for it.


    ¡°I''m not special at all. They are. They are going to show the world something they have never seen. I''m gonna show Earth and the government why you don''t mess with Martians.¡±


    ¡°So what is it you need them in your bedroom for?¡±


    ¡°But I don''t need them in my bed room.¡±


    ¡°Well, are they going to be in your house and by the fact Kira isn''t at her own home I knew she was going with you overnight. And because you own your house it is your bedroom right. Therefore they are going to be in your bedroom.¡±


    ¡°Never thought of it that way. But more importantly I''m sending them to school¡± Apollo smiled.


    ¡°School? Why the hell would you do that?¡± Ann leaned against a wall with a confused expression on her face.


    ¡°It''s part of my plan. But soon enough things will start being clear. Shall we go?¡± Apollo walked back over to the door.


    ¡°Wait, if I''m going over with you I need to get my clothes.¡± ¡°No need. I''ll get you everything you need.¡±


    ¡°Oh I get it. You want to be my daughters sugar daddy. I won''t allow it. Don''t worry sweetie¡± Ann hugged Tamry ¡°I''ll take one for the team.¡±


    ¡°Mom stop hitting on him¡± Tamry shoved her mom and Ann giggled.


    ¡°But keep this in mind. We have to have as many massive interplanetary ships from Earth here before we can take action. We need to put a choke hold on how many troops they will be able to send here.¡± Apollo took another step towards the door.


    ¡°So, you''re going to start a war. And you seem to have this all planned out.¡± Kira smiled.


    ¡°I''m trying to stop the war before it ever starts. If I manage to do everything right we should be able to force the government to give in¡±


    ¡°Alright then, take good care of my daughter. Take over the government and call me every night. Maybe a lunch every now and then or a date.¡± Winked Ann.


    ¡°Let''s go¡± Kira grabbed Tamry and they left together.


    They got back to the car and Apollo sat in the driver''s seat. As they made their way back to his home he spoke.


    ¡°Your mom,¡±


    ¡°Don''t tell me you''re into her.¡± Tamry pretended to barf and smiled.


    ¡°I was going to say she was nice.¡± Apollo slowed the car as they arrived.


    ¡°So, ummm, I kinda forgot your name¡± Tamry played with her hair as she spoke.


    ¡°Apollo.¡±


    ¡°So Apollo, you really aren''t going to use us for other things if you get my drift¡± Tamry winked.


    ¡°You tempt me more than you know. Just look at you, your lust incarnate. Your curvy body, your soft pink lips, your outfit leaving me with little need for imagination. If I wasn''t gay I''d take you right now.¡± His rough husky voice contrasted his ever so kind and gentle dampener.


    ¡°You''re gay? Crap, now I can''t have you once this is all over.¡± Tamry crossed her arms.


    ¡°Apollo do you have bleach in your house?¡± Kira glanced at Apollo.


    ¡°Well, yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I need a drink after that¡± Kira walked closely behind Apollo and walked into the house.


    ¡°So, you both have a room to chose. I''ll be in my study. If you have any questions feel free to ask.¡±


    ¡°Can I have some money? I''m really hungry¡± Said Tamry. Kira hadn''t noticed it before but the house was full of artifacts from Earth. Old armor probably thousands of years old. Blades, maps, blueprint, paintings, and what looked like crests. Objects covered shelves like dust.


    ¡°Right here you go. Keep in mind once morning comes you will have the instructions of what school you will be attending and everything else you might need. Good night¡± Apollo walked to his study and locked the door. Kira looked at Tamry who was holding five hundred marks.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°It''s like eleven, it''s not too late to go out and have fun.¡± Tamry winked.


    ¡°Let''s go¡± they ran to the door and left the door open. They ran out and made their way to a bar. They walked to the bar and smiled at all the options.


    ¡°Are you old enough to be here?¡± Asked the bartender.


    Tamry slipped the man a twenty and smiled. ¡°What would you like?¡±


    ¡°Choose a good beer for us¡± Said Kira.


    He looked around for a moment and grabbed to drinks from a metal box. He poured the drinks into chilled ice glasses and slid them over. ¡°Got it from Earth, good stuff they got their. Real good¡±


    Kira and Tamry continued to drink and smiled. About two hours into their drinking a man walked in.


    He had a scowl on his sacred grizzly face. He had thick black hair and gray eyes. His massive seven foot tall body was covered by a trench coat. His every foot step sounded like a knock from the grave. He sat down and lit a cigar. It gleamed in his eyes as he took a drag. The smoke that seeped from his mouth flowed down falling on the table. The bartender looked at him and waited. ¡°Vodka¡± the man''s chilled voice rumbled.


    Kira notice him and couldn''t help but see he was about the same size as Apollo. Maybe just a tad taller but just about right. He was quite a bit bulker than Apollo. The bartender was looking for a clean shot glass.


    ¡°Just give me the whole bottle¡± Said the man.


    He passed him the bottle and waited. Kira looked at Tamry and glanced over to the door.


    ¡°Thanks mister man dude but we gotta go¡± Tamry slapped down a fifty and they waved their way home.


    ¡°So, I got an idea¡± whispered Tamry clinging to Kira''s arm.


    ¡°Hu?¡±


    ¡°An idea, once we start school. I''ll get in a big fight with the biggest guy I see. We will be top of the pack¡± Tamry lifted her hand as if she was touching the words in the air.


    ¡°Alright, let''s get home. I need to sleep it off¡± they walked in and found a nice couch to sleep on.


    A sweet smell filled her lungs the second she woke. Something sweeter than she had smelled in years.


    ¡°Tam, you smell that?¡±


    ¡°No, I''m not getting up.¡± Kira sat up and yawned.


    She walked to the smell and saw something that looked like a pie with chicken. She walked closer to see it had other ingredients she didn''t recognize. She felt her mouth water and smiled.


    She looked over at a pile of scrambled eggs and bacon.


    ¡°Oh hell yes¡± She wasn''t too excited about the fruits or vegetables but that pie smelled like heaven.


    ¡°Tam, get your butt over here. This looks so good.¡±


    ¡°Piggyback!¡± yelled Tamry.


    Kira rolled her eyes and walked over. She got Tamry on her back and sat her down. Kira sat on Tamry¡¯s lap and grabbed some bacon.


    ¡°Hey, good morning¡± Apollo had pants on but that was it.


    ¡°Hey, so what school we going to?¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°The good one. Imperial Bay, fancy as they get. But don''t worry I have everything you''ll need in the car. You can each take one or share, it''s up to you. Well I have to get to work see you tonight.¡±


    They looked at each other and smiled. ¡°Sharing is caring¡± they giggled and got to the car.


    ¡°Is that what I think it is¡­¡± Tamry looked sick.


    ¡°A uniform¡­¡± Kira pretended to shoot her brains out and Tamry joined in.


    ¡°Well, it''s not as bad as prostitution¡­¡± muttered Kira.


    ¡°Still gonna be a pain in the ass¡± Tamry nudged Kira.


    They got in the car and followed the GPS.


    ¡°Let me see the paper¡± Tamry pulled the paper out of her back pocket and handed it to Kira.


    ¡°It has our classes, did you even try reading it?¡± Kira jabbed Tamry with the paper.


    ¡°Kinda, but I''m driving so, yeah deal with it.¡±


    They grabbed the tags they had to carry to get in and the outfits. Kira got dressed as Tamry swerved through the streets than they switched halfway. They arrived and parked the super sports car. They stepped out and walked to the front gates. The security guards were armed and stood at the ready. The self operated machine guns glanced side to side and locked on to everything that moved. As they walked up the guards turned to face them.


    ¡°New here?¡± The guard was dressed head to toe in black. His shotgun had a scanner so only he could use it.


    ¡°Yeah, we''re new.¡± He nodded and they walked in pass the security guards and gate. A boy stood holding a sign with the name ¡°Kira¡± and a girl stood beside him with the name ¡°Tammy¡±.


    Kira walked over to the boy ¡°Hey, I''m Kira.¡±


    ¡°I''m Alexander.¡± The thin boy smiled. His coat pocket had three identical pens.


    ¡°I''ll be showing you around and giving you the rundown on the rules.¡±


    Kira walked off with him as Tamry got acquainted with her own tour guide.


    ¡°So where you from?¡± Asked Alexander.


    ¡°The ghetto, I live in the big house.¡± He chuckled and nodded.


    ¡°So, your first class is physics, I''ll be going with you and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Meanwhile I''ll give you our main rules. Uniform must be clean and you must always have them on. Second, no weapons if any kind. You can''t use any profanity. No littering, no drugs.¡±


    ¡°Doesn''t sound like much fun.¡± Kira walked into the class and could see a wall full of things she didn''t understand.


    She stepped into the classroom and looked at the people looking right at her.


    ¡°You must be Kira,¡± a single empty seat sat in the back of the class next to a single chair.


    ¡°Welcome to AP physics¡± The woman at the front of the class spoke.


    ¡°Yeah, I''m gonna to sit now¡± Kira walked to the back and saw a large boy sleeping. His hair was jet black and his eyes were hidden. His thin black jacket that was most likely extra large fit him like a glove.


    Kira looked at the strange boy and wondered if he really was sleeping. She could see his hand could not help but think of how muscular they looked. Just something about his hands seemed as if he could crush stone. Kira was handed a binder with what looked like a random language.


    What the hell is this?


    She flipped through the binder and closed it.


    ¡°Chapter 21 section five¡± Said the Teacher lady.


    Kira looked at the sleeping boy. He hadn''t opened a binder or get anything out. He just kept sleeping.


    ¡°Hey, mind opening the binder?¡± Said Alexander.


    Kira tossed open the binder and left it on a random section. The teacher began to talk about some dude named Archimedes.


    ¡°Answer questions one through twenty. And give me a two paragraphs write up on the uses and importance of the Archimedes principle. Once you''re done you can take notes and pick up your homework.¡±


    The teacher looked at the boy with a quick glance, a smile skid across her face. Kira wondered what was going on.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s he?¡± Asked Kira.


    ¡°Oh, his name is Mauretania. He doesn''t speak really.¡±


    Alexander looked at the boy.


    ¡°Can he talk?¡± Kira glanced over at him wondering if he would do anything.


    ¡°He only talks to one girl no idea what they talk about.¡±


    Kira looked at the binder and flipped to chapter 21 section five. She looked at the writing and realized she didn''t know any of it. The shapes didn¡¯t look like english or any other of the three languages she knew.


    ¡°What the hell does this mean?¡± Asked Kira.


    Alexander nodded slowly and wrote something down on the paper he had.


    ¡°Its physics. Have you taken this kind of class before?¡± Alexander tilted his head.


    ¡°No, this is my first time in school¡±


    Alexander seemed as if he was going to say something but stopped. Kira looked behind her and looked at the boy. His face had been hidden until then.


    The light hazel eyes seemed to be the most beautiful things she had seen in her life. He looked like he was handcrafted by the gods. Every little detail about him was all to perfect. His lips seemed like they needed to be kissed. He rested his face on his right hand looked down at his binder as if contemplating what to do after solving the secrets of the universe. Kira almost didn¡¯t notice she was looking at him.


    His hand glided over his papers as if he was painting a masterpiece. It seemed to take him just about ten seconds to finish all the questions and he looked as his paper as if he was about to fall asleep.


    Kira averted her eyes and looked around the classroom. Almost everyone was stealing glances.


    Kira took the few moments she had to copy his work. She had no idea what the work was but he had very little of his own.


    He finished his paper after about fifteen minutes and looked up. He stood up and walked over to the teacher. Kira rolled her eyes and looked at the shapes. Nothing but the shapes. She decided to take a short nap and set her head down. A few seconds later the teacher tapped her shoulder.


    ¡°What?¡± Kira looked up to see the teacher.


    ¡°You aren''t here to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Then why is he?¡± Kira looked over at the boy.


    ¡°Because he has his work done.¡± Kira rolled her eyes. She looked at the sleeping boy and stood up once the teacher walked off.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he looked up and she felt warmth cover her face. ¡°How do you do this stuff?¡±


    Kira could feel sadness and pain in his eyes. Something about his eyes looked like he needed a friend. He began to write something down and handed it to her. It was the meanings of each of the symbols. Kira looked at the equations and understood a few. She at down and continued her work. The bell rang and she stood to leave class.


    ¡°They call you in order.¡± Said Alexander.


    ¡°Mauretania Markader,¡± Said the teacher.


    He stood up and walked out of class. He carried a satchel in his hand. White with a black heart etched in.


    As the list slowly passed along Kira finally left the classroom. She could see that everyone was walking to get breakfast. Kira looked around and found Tamry talking to some boys.


    ¡°Hey Tam Tam, let''s go get food.¡± Tamry looked at Kira and glance back at the boys.


    ¡°Let''s get us some grub.¡± Tamry followed Kira and they looked at the breakfast.


    ¡°How much did he give you?¡± Asked Tamry.


    Kira looked at the roll of cash she has in her pocket and smiled.


    ¡°Just enough.¡± They looked at the menu and looked at each other.


    ¡°Ten pancakes, three large soft drinks and four pieces of toast¡± Kira smiled at the lady serving the meal.


    Kira and Tamry look at their food with joy. They sat down at a nearly empty table. In just under ten minutes they ate everything.


    ¡°I haven''t eaten this much in forever.¡±

 Tatiana 3.1

    ¡°You fucking worthless piece of shit¡± her mother screamed from the other side of the door. ¡°I should have aborted you! You''re nothing but a mistake!¡±


    Tatiana hugged her pillow waiting for her friend to get out of school so they could text. She knew he would still be at school because of the time zones.


    ¡°Please,¡± She looked at her phone as she attended to split her focus between calculus and her friend.


    ¡°You should be home by now¡±


    Her mother eventually got tired of insulting her and left with the bottle.


    ¡°Hey you alright? Sorry that I''m so late.¡±


    Tatiana looked at her phone with joy and texted him. ¡°It''s fine I just missed you xoxoxo. My mom was yelling at me again. So when you coming?¡± Tatiana looked at the picture she had printed of him when he was younger.


    He was on a beach somewhere far away. He said he didn''t remember where.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting a house in your city in about a week. We will be able to see each other every day. It''s going to be so amazing!¡±


    ¡°I can''t wait to see you face to face.¡± Tatiana looked at his distant face in the photo but couldn''t help but feel like shy.


    They confirmed to talk about random bits of their lives till it was late.


    ¡°I gotta go to sleep text you in the morning bye kisses.¡± Tatiana looked at the clock. It was almost midnight. She lulled herself to sleep and woke at six.


    She looked around her room and smiled. Just how she wanted it. The sun wasn''t up yet but soon. The door to her room had survived the night.


    She looked under the door and picked up her backpack. She brushed her teeth in her bathroom and brushed her hair. She walked out as silent as possible. She began her travel.


    She stopped by a small coffee shop and picked up her lunch. She looked at her watch and hummed.


    ¡°Good morning¡± Said the text a minute after seven.


    ¡°Hey cutie¡± Tatiana smiled as she typed.


    ¡°How are you today?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Pretty good just got up¡± Tatiana looked up the street to make sure no one was near by.


    She continued walked and they talked about what they would be doing once he arrived.


    ¡°I''ll text you during lunch just tell me if you''re not busy today.¡±


    Tatiana looked at the guards that would always be up at about five to check the campus.


    They would clean up any dead animals that had been shot apart by the auto targeting machine guns. Tatiana knew they could program the guns to ignore the animals but they simply didn''t care. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    She walked to the garden they had placed in the school to show off how rich they were. She sat on a bench and looked at the time.


    Eight thirty, school was half an hour from starting. Tatiana looked at the story he had sent her. She could barely believe he had written it.


    She had spent almost a month and just reached page 1900. The images that accompanied it almost seemed real.


    She looked at the bookmark on her phone and continued where she left off. The bell rang far too soon and took her from the strange world.


    She smiled to herself knowing he was willing to go all this way to entertain her.


    She told him a week and a month ago to write out his dreams and he had been adding hundreds of pages per day.


    She walked to her first class taking a seat. She started on the work on the board. She looked around the class rome every now and then. She wished she had someone to talk to but nobody liked her.


    ¡°Tatiana, did you do the homework?¡± Coraline¡¯s curly blonde locks bounced as she turned. Her green eyes blinked as she waited of a response.


    "But you told on me last time¡­¡± Tatiana looked away from her.


    ¡°Come on it was a joke get over it.¡± Coraline smiled and looked at her book bag.


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t want to get in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Bitch.¡± She turned away and continued talking to her friends.


    Tatiana kept to herself for the rest of the class and kept working. Once class was over she walked out to the garden and sat down. She began to text him.


    ¡°Hey, I got to the part where the Old Kingdom falls. One thing I don¡¯t get is why the high council did nothing to stop it. The guard could have stopped them couldn¡¯t they? You did say they were semi immortal super weapons.¡±


    She waited a few seconds and he sent his response.


    ¡°The guard had a program even if it was just mental. Even if they were truly alive they were told to follow the orders of the council. When the last original member of the council died the guard had no masters. They just had people yelling at them when to do what they wanted. But it wasn¡¯t in their programing to follow the orders of the new council.¡±


    ¡°I wish I was smart enough to pick up on that.¡± They talked about bit and pieces of the story and talked about what they planned on doing.


    ¡°I was able to get the day moved up. I should be able to have my house set up by wednesday.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait!! Got to go. Xoxo.¡± She smiled at the idea that she now had only to wait two more days.


    She took a moment to calm herself. She tried to be hope full but it never worked. She could never quite get along with anyone. She managed to get through the day and was ready to get to reading and to texting him.


    She walked out of town and reached her favorite place. The forest was still small but she love how quickly the trees grew. She could see a few extra feet of tree every time she came. The trees had a few tiny flowers growing on them. They looked like daisies with an almost glowing neon color.


    She took a seat on a rock that was just the right shape for a seat. She spent a while reading his book and taking notes. She wanted to crack the code of what had he written into the story. She swept page by page till she found something. She smiled to herself and knew she was onto something.


    Her phone vibrated and she looked at her the word ¡°Hey.¡±


    She smiled and said ¡°Hey I know this a bit sudden but I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my boyfriend?¡±


    She waited as the tiny panda scribe wrote in the corner of her screen.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t want to disappoint you. I want to let you know what I look like before we start dating. Just two days to go right?¡±


    ¡°I like you for who you are not for what you look like I don¡¯t care. I like you¡± She once again looked at the tiny panda as his words came to pass.


    ¡°So I have two things to say. I¡¯ll let you decide on wednesday and I was hoping I could shadow you in school I did the paperwork. Now all I need is someone to show me around.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, I was hoping you would ask me.¡± She smiled as she wrote.


    ¡°And fine if you want to wait I¡¯ll wait.¡± She looked at the text and smiled.


    She knew once he arrived she would bring him here. She got her homework out and started to work on it.


    ¡°Maybe I can take you around town. I¡¯ve been saving up and I could totally take you somewhere to eat or watch a movie.¡±


    ¡°Sure it would be cool to go around town.¡±

 Tatiana 3.2

    ¡°Sure it would be cool to go around town.¡±


    She looked at the clock and knew her mother would be too drunk to hear her come in. She walked as she texted him and looked at her house from across the street.


    She looked at the house and tied to spot her mother. She saw nothing and walked to her house.


    Slowly she looked in through the windows and walked in after confirming she was asleep. She walked into her room and thanked her lucky stars that her mother was too stupid to remove her door.


    She checked to make sure that the door could still lock. She locked herself in her room and smiled. Tatiana continued to text with him and smiled.


    ¡°I got an idea. I¡¯ll tell you where I live. I know its kinda dumb. I know you told me not to do things like this but I trust you. You can just stop by my house when you get here.¡± Tatiana smiled as she wrote.


    ¡°I always get bad vibes when people send stuff like that. But if you want to. You better not send everyone your address things like this are dangerous.¡±


    She looked at her room and smiled at her tiny collection of books. She looked at her laptop and smiled. She found it funny how paranoid he was. It was cute in a over protective way.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my address along with the satellite view¡± The image popped up on her screen.


    A warm feeling passed through her. She looked in her mirror and frowned at her tubby reflection. She knew she wasn''t pretty.


    She took a deep breath and told him good night. She looked up at the stickers on her wall. She had gotten them for her birthday many years ago. She remembered he her mother had beaten her after finding the stickers on the wall.


    She sighed knowing she had never been good at small talk. The idea of being unable to talk to him made her nervous.


    She woke with the usually profanity at about two in the morning. After about an hour her mother walked off to drink. She woke up again at about six and ran through her usual routine.


    She began her walk and smiled once he sent a ¡°Hey¡±.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡± She texted him with hearts.


    She walked past the guards and into the school. She sat and saw he had added almost as many pages as she had read.


    She looked through her note and wondered what the Eternals were. The way people in the story talked about them seemed as if they were talking about deities. Something far beyond their ability to understand.


    She added a note remarking her favorite character.


    ¡°What time do you usually get home at?¡±


    ¡°Usually at six. Are you planning something?¡±


    ¡°I might be. Anyway I will be sending you my address later today.¡± Stolen story; please report.


    The bell rang and she rolled her eyes. ¡°Got to go xoxo¡±


    She walked passed the halls glancing at the few people she could see. She sat in the class waiting for something anything. She just wanted to find a moment of joy in the class. She knew it would not come. Not once had someone started a conversation with her without wanting something from her. She passed to class after class and waited for the bell.


    She walked to her usual spot and continued reading. She sent him a massage and waited. She kept reading and stopped after about ten minutes.


    ¡°Hey?¡± She waited and still saw nothing.


    She looked at the clock that held its place in the corner of her phone. She wondered if his phone died.


    She began her walk home and hear a terrifying noise come from her home.


    She jogged to her home and looked in through the window. She was able to see her mother at the table talking to someone. Her mother was having water of all things.


    She wondered if the Order was right and the anti Christ was real. Someone had to have turned her wine to water.


    Tatiana felt strange hearing her mother like this. She had never heard her act this way. Tatiana walked up to the door.


    She wiggled the handle and looked into the living room. She looked around the corner and could see her mother was trying to look as decent as possible.


    Considering her looks it wasn''t that hard.


    The voice of the man was soft as could be. A lullaby in a way but it was easy and clear. ¡°Will she be here soon?¡±.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. She usually arrives late. So let¡¯s get back to you. So it''s your first day here right?¡± Her mother smiled.


    His soft voice chimed like a bell in a storm. The calm overwhelmed the storm.


    ¡°Well, yes.¡± He paused.


    Tatiana could hear him put down a cup. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being so rude but maybe I should come back  later.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go. Spend the night.¡±


    Tatiana stepped into the room and looked at the well dressed boy. She felt her breath leave her lips when she saw him. He was pretty.


    That was all she could think of. He was as cute as could be. His jet black hair was nearly cut. She could see his skin was soft to the touch with a light tan.


    ¡°Tatiana?¡± He whispered.


    ¡°Ehh¡± Tatiana felt embarrassment hit her like a truck.


    She hadn''t noticed but his face was bright red.


    His eyes darting around the room and his hands were fiddling with his tie.  ¡°It''s me, Mauretania.¡± His voice sent his words slowly, spaced out by breaths. It seemed if he was thinking about every words right before he spoke.


    She looked at him and took a few moments to think.


    ¡°Hi¡± Tatiana said with a smile spreading across her face.


    She walked closer ¡°How you doing?¡±


    ¡°Um. I, good?¡± He was shaking slightly and was still looking everywhere.


    He seemed to have regretted his word.


    ¡°Dear, why didn''t you tell me you had a friend?¡± Asked her mother with a smile.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He was telling me a bit about how you two have been friends for a while now. Why didn''t you invite him over sooner? He looks... seems lovely.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m, shy¡± his voice flowed. He was holding himself ever so lightly. His feet were set close together.


    ¡°Let''s go to my room. If that okay with you.¡± Said Tatiana nervously.


    He nodded slightly followed her. She could feel her mother eyeing him as he walked away.


    They walked into her room and she locked the door.


    ¡°You''re here?¡± Tatiana was letting the idea sink in.


    ¡°You''re not mad are you?¡± He whispered.


    ¡°No, I just can''t believe it.¡± Tatiana looked over him as he looked to the ground.


    ¡°I wanted to surprise you. I''m sorry I arrived before you were here. Please don''t hate me.¡± his voice was the definition of submissive.


    ¡°I''m not mad! I swear. But umm, I thought you would be smaller¡­¡±

 Tatiana 3.3

    ¡°I''m not mad! I swear. But umm, I thought you would be smaller¡­¡±


    ¡°It was an old picture of me back when I was scrawny.¡± He glanced at her for an instant and looked away.


    Tatiana looked at his face. She could tell by his looks that he was still young. Still developing. He wasn''t a man yet.


    ¡°How old are you?¡± Tatiana stepped a bit closer.


    ¡°I just turned sixteen.¡± She could not believe she was two years older than him.


    ¡°So, umm do you want to go around town?¡± Tatiana took another step forward.


    ¡°Do you want to?¡± He was red as could be and his eyes were intensely gleaming at the floor.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Asked Tatiana.


    ¡°Fine.¡± His voice was shaking and his eyes were darting around like flies.


    Tatiana touched his hands ¡°Hey, it''s okay.¡±


    His breathing slowed and his body became still.


    ¡°Sorry, I have anxiety problems. I was worried you hated me. I got myself all worked up.¡±


    ¡°I could never hate you.¡±


    ¡°I don''t think your mom noticed but she made me black out twice when you weren''t here.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry about her, she''s just terrible.¡± He still had one of his hands free and used it to pull something out of his pocket.


    The card had the words ¡°Will you be¡­¡± his once printer like handwriting became squiggles.


    ¡°Will I be?¡± She looked at him and he was red again.


    She knew it was too much.


    ¡°Mauretania, do you want to sleep over?¡±


    ¡°You can call me Mar if you want to. And do you want me to sleep over?¡±


    ¡°It would be kinda cool. We could talk all night and talk about anything you want to.¡±


    ¡°If you want to¡± Mar was looking at the ground again.


    ¡°It sounds fun, right? We can do that if you want. So, umm, if you are alright with it can I ask you a few questions about the book. I want to know a few things.¡±


    ¡°Anything you want.¡± A twitch of a smile crossed his beautiful face.


    She smiled knowing any conspiracy her mind had thought of would finally be answered. He whispered his responses with enthusiasm.


    The war of words went on till a knock at the door shook the room.


    Mar froze his eyes became wide.


    ¡°Dinners ready. I hope you''re hungry.¡± Chimed Madeleine.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Dinner? She can cook?


    ¡°Well, let''s go eat I guess.¡± Tatiana unlocked the door and walked into the kitchen.


    She guided Mar behind her and walked into the kitchen. She took a few moments to realize it was her own. She hadn''t seen it so clean in her life. She could smell food that wasn''t store bought.


    ¡°You can take a seat right here next to me.¡± Madeleine smiled.


    Mar nodded and took his seat. Tatiana looked at her mother as she glided across the kitchen picking up the little treats she had supposedly made.


    She opened the oven and got loaves of bread from the fires. She set the bread down right in front of Mar.


    Madeleine exposed her bust to him as much as she could.


    ¡°I almost forgot! Here''s some milk, just in case you''re thirsty. Drink up big boy.¡± his eyes were now on his hands.


    Tatiana sat across the table from him and his breathing began to slow. She began to uncover the food she had supposedly cooked. Random dishes with over the top garnishes.


    A full sized duck laying upon plants she didn''t recognize. Her mother put down the plates and napkins and anything else he could need.


    Madeleine took her seat next to him and smiled at Mar.


    ¡°Mom when did you learn to cook?¡± Asked Tatiana.


    ¡°A long time ago. To bad you never wanted to learn.¡± Her voice in a light teasing voice.


    She wagged her finger and winked as she took her seat. Tatiana knew she couldn''t say anything, even if she did she would just get shot down. Tatiana took her food on her plate and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Now don''t have too much, you''re getting chubby baby.¡± Her sharp smile cut across her.


    ¡°Mar, sweetie you''re just touching your food, not feeling the Duck or lamb? Want me to make you something else.¡± He shook his head and kept his dark eyes on the floor.


    ¡°Mom, I think he''s getting nervous.¡±


    She could see the change on her face. Her eyes went wide and she covered her mouth with one hand. Tatiana knew she was putting on a show at this point.


    ¡°I''ll be in the living room if you need me.¡± Her voice had more love in it that it did when she first saw Tatiana.


    She walked out and took her meal.


    ¡°Sorry¡± Whispered Mar.


    It wasn''t for her mother. She knew when his eyes glance up at her.


    He took a few bits and half of his food vanished.


    ¡°Thanks¡± His voice chimed. ¡°Anything for you.¡± Tatiana smiled and they continued eating their meal.


    ¡°So, your shadowing me Friday?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± A tiny smile crossed his face.


    ¡°Want to go somewhere cool?¡± Asked Tatiana.


    He looked up and spoke slowly ¡°Do you want to?¡±


    Tatiana looked at the living room door and shrugged.


    ¡°Let''s go.¡± She walked besides Mar glancing at his hand every so often. ¡°So, Mar. What do you think of Dawn?¡±


    He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. ¡°Don''t understand the question.¡± His voice chittered lightly.


    ¡°Do you like the city I mean.¡± Tatiana watched his lips part and it seemed like he was going to say something but he nodded.


    ¡°Do you know the history of Dawn?¡±


    He nodded no this time.


    ¡°Well, a few years back during the peak of the drug underworld just before the plague crisis, an entire school was killed by some terrorists organization. And you might remember how the plague just swept across the word but stopped right here. Some people think ghosts had something to do with it. Or that the plague was self aware and wanted to get back home. I think that it was self aware because all the people who got infected gathered here.¡± His eyes had a hint of wonder to them. She asked questions and he always had a yes or no nod.


    They arrived at the newly born forest. He looked up at the trees and smiled.


    Tatiana looked at the buds of flowers that had some time to go before they bloomed.


    ¡°Beautiful aren''t they?¡±


    ¡°Yes you are.¡± She smiled and enjoy that he like the trees to.


    ¡°I just love the colors¡­¡±


    Did he say yeah you are or they are¡­


    ¡°What is this place?¡± His voice spoke with a little more normativity.


    ¡°It''s a project some rich guy is working on. Supposedly it''s going to be the stuff of tomorrow. I just stop by every time I can. Mostly because I like to see how much the trees have grown.¡±


    They sat together and talked. Tatiana did most of the talking and Mar would say yes or nod every so often.

 Tatiana 3.4

    Tatiana did most of the talking and Mar would say yes or nod every so often.


    As the sun began to vanish behind the trees they began to walk back home.


    ¡°So, maybe if you''re free tomorrow after school we could hang out?¡± Tatiana took a slight side step to look at Mar.


    She was inches from the white fence to her left. He looked up and gave a slight smile.


    A soft tearing reached her ears. She felt a chill crush her mind. She reached back and could feel the massive massive hole in the back of her shirt.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Asked Mar. She knew there was no point in lying.


    ¡°I think I just tore my shirt.¡± Tatiana sighed.


    ¡°Well, you can take my shirt.¡± Mar crossed his for arms and grabbed the ends of his shirt. He pulled up and in less than two seconds his shirt was off.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    She could see the light tan skin of his body. His body seemed like a pantheon of gods had come together to craft something to surpass them, but didn¡¯t know just how far they had gone.


    The tattoo over his heart seemed to represent him. A tree on which fruit did not belong. She didn¡¯t know at what point she had grabbed the shirt, she had it in hand.


    The cloth was soft. As if it were meant for something newly born. Something that had yet to see the world.


    ¡°Put it on if you want. It will cover the hole in your shirt.¡± Mar seemed as shy as ever.


    She put his shirt on and felt it reach half way down her thighs. The sleeves reached just above her knees. She walked besides Mar. She could barely catch her breath. He seemed to still be nervous but just a bit distracted.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Tatiana noticed her voice had the same hushed whisper as his voice.


    ¡°I feel bad for thinking something.¡± His voice was shaking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad. What were you thinking?¡±


    He took a little breath and said ¡°I was thinking that you look like you have a weird dress on.¡±


    Tatiana could not help but smile. She had no idea he could be so innocent. They walked to the door of her house. Tatiana wondered if they should walk in or not. If her mother was still awake she would be up to something. The door flew open and her mother froze.


    Her mother began to fan herself ¡°Oh man, come in.¡±


    Tatiana glared at her mother and knew she didn''t care.


    ¡°Let''s go get you a shirt. Come on just follow me.¡±


    Mar looked at Tatiana with worry in his eyes.


    They walked to her mother''s room that was up stairs. Tatiana looked at this new part of her home. She had never been up there. She walked all the way up and stopped at a door. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°You can wait outside while I find him a shirt.¡± Madeleine glared at her as she spoke.


    His eyes seemed to say ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll go with him.¡± She knew she would regret it later.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Her mother smiled. She walked into her mother''s room and smiled.


    She looked at Mar and he was still looking the floor. She looked through a range of clothes and found some clothes. The shirt was far to small for him but she knew it could fit her.


    She looked at Mar and gave him his shirt.


    She grabbed one of her mother''s new shirts and smiled. She looked in the mirror and gave a twirl.


    ¡°So do you want to sleep over? You could take my bed.¡± Tatiana could feel the floor shake. His face was red to the tips of his ears.


    ¡°Mar? You okay?¡± His eyes seemed to be darting back and forth desperately looking for something to hold on to. Tatiana reached out and touched his hands.


    He seemed to wake from his strange state and looked up with a questioning ¡°Hmm?¡±


    She found it interesting how he always responded in a similar way when she did this.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± He slowly pulled his hands away and whispered ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to touch your hands¡±


    ¡°No that''s my fault. I grabbed your hands.¡± Tatiana watched him look around the room before finally settling right in front of her feet.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    She opened the door and her mother seemed to be taking Mars¡¯ angelic form in. Her mother seemed to be unable to restrain her joy. She bit her lip lightly and placed her right index finger up to her lips.


    ¡°Dear, how old are you.¡±


    ¡°He''s sixteen.¡± The look of confusion graced her face.


    ¡°What?¡± Mar reached into his pocket and got his wallet out. He got a card out and Tatiana looked at it. His driver''s license. She could see that he had just turned sixteen. No more than a month ago. She held it up to her mother and she seemed to be in shock. He was less than half her age.


    Her eyes looked up and down him and seemed to say fuck it. Tatiana could read her mother''s expression and glared at her with disgust.


    She turned away and said ¡°Feel free to spend the night.¡±


    Most men would melt at a glance of her mother but he merely seemed just a tad more nervous than usual.


    Tatiana grabbed his hand and they walked to her room. She locked the door and looked at Mar.


    ¡°Do you think I''m too shy?¡± He had his hands at his sides and a fearful look in his eyes.


    ¡°Everyone is different. You just so happen to be shy.¡± He nodded sadly and stood shifting one leg to another.


    ¡°I have medicine that''s meant to help with it but I don¡¯t take it because makes me¡­ bad.¡± The way he spoke his final word lacked any and all connection to himself.


    His voice seemed sinister when he spoke that word.


    ¡°If you''re okay with it can you tell me what''s your like when you have your meds?¡± He looked around the room and found a place for his eyes at her feet once more.


    ¡°I get angry fast and I''m not nice. You don''t know him but I would be like my brother and he''s not nice. He doesn''t respect people either.¡±


    Tatiana looked at his hands. ¡°So what you feel like talking about?¡±


    She watched him shift his weight back and forth.  He reached into his pocket and got a paper out of his pocket. He tossed it at Tatiana and she managed to catch it.


    ¡°Can I be your boyfriend?¡±


    Tatiana smiled and looked up at him. ¡°Yes.¡± Tatiana walked up to him with a grin.


    ¡°Mind if I give you a hug?¡±


    He nodded and she wrapped her arms around him.


    When she pressed her ear against his chest she heard a rapid thumping. She could barely hear it but is was their. She could feel heat emanating from him. She looked at him and knew he had fainted.


    ¡°Mar?¡± He was still and seemed sleepy.


    A few seconds later  his questioning ¡°Hmm¡± returned.


    ¡°You feeling sleepy?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to sleep?¡± He was looking around the room again.


    ¡°I have an extra toothbrush. Let''s brush then sleep.¡± She unlocked the door and looked around.


    ¡°Come on.¡± They walked into the bathroom and she closed the door behind them. She grabbed the extra toothbrush brush and looked at Mar.


    He looked up and said ¡°I''ll just take half of one.¡±


    ¡°Are those your meds?¡± He nodded yes and took a deep breath.

 Scars 4.1

    The hiss of the sniper rifle rustled the leaves around her. She shifted her sights and looked at the headless form that was once a rough Warlord. She looked at her guide.


    ¡°Let''s go¡± The light hiss of her armor added to the symphony of noises her gear made.


    She knew the shielding was just enough to keep her from getting cancer but didn¡¯t enjoy the idea of running the twenty miles she had left to reach the extraction point.


    She started her slow jog. The snow was starting again. The black snow fell across the sut earth. She slowed after a half mile.


    Her guide was lucky even if he didn¡¯t have the protection. She stopped for a few seconds and looked round. She got her handgun out and saw darkness leap at her guide.


    She shot steel through its black fur and splatted it head across the black earth. From the ashes dashed dozens of wolfs. She knew the guide was already dead. She turned away and began sprinting as they took the easiest pray.


    She jumped off what she hoped was just short cliff. She skidded down and tumbled down the mountain face.


    Shit shit shit!!!


    She could see she still had a long way to go or she just hit her head to hard. She leveled herself and could see them pacing back and forth at the top of the cliff.


    She looked at the scorched forest and shrugged. She knew at least she didn¡¯t have to kill the guide herself. She looked at the ash snow as it began to flood the air.


    ¡°I got to get the fuck out of here.¡± A crack of lightning illuminated the world for just a second.


    She knew they would be able to see her just as well as she could see them. She started her jog once again.


    ¡°They always have to send me to the middle of nowhere don''t they. To some random ass place that isn''t even on a map. Go kill this go kill that, why can''t I ever do some cool spy shit.¡±


    She knew only her own ears would hear it but that was enough for her. She knew if they her found she would have to spend all her time killing them and not reach the extraction point in time.


    She kept on for a full four hours before the gear began to get to her. She knew she was heading straight forward but her range of view ended ten feet ahead of her.


    She kept her gun at the ready just in case a wolf decided to try and rip her throat out. Ash danced behind her with every step. A sunless sky shone down on her.


    She could feel her body begin to slow again. The ash began to thin as she reached the objective. She kept on for the next five hours and smiled as she saw the jet.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Finally.¡± She smiled as she was just able to see the two people.


    She looked through the scope and knew it was someone she recognised. She shrugged and knew she didn¡¯t have to kill them.


    She walked to them and yelled ¡°Open way.¡±


    She waited and heard ¡°Day Breach.¡±


    She walked into view and waved at the two men.


    ¡°Shit.¡± Said the woman who piloted the jet.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I put money on you dying.¡± The pilot snickered.


    ¡°Sucks to be you.¡±


    She climbed onto the jet and smiled. She heard the engine rumble lightly. They shot off into the sky and took a well deserved nap. She woke as they entered her home. She could hear them exchange codes as they waited for the all clear.


    The light shaking of her jet took her from the dream like state she was in.


    ¡°Good to be back.¡±


    She looked at the massive military facility with tanks like ants. Soldiers like dust and jets like flies.


    She could see an armored car rolling in as she removed her gear. She got the last of the armor off and stood at the ready.


    The man dressed in a black uniform had old gray hair and eyes. His eyes looked surprised to see her.


    ¡°You''re alive?¡± His voice reeked of several thousand dollar cigars.


    ¡°Let me guess, you bet on me dying too.¡±


    ¡°Well to be frank, yes. But you got back just in time. You have another target. He''ll explain once we get there.¡± He turned and took his seat in the armored car.


    She grimaced for just a moment.


    Who the hell were they worried about?


    She could feel the unease in the air. The stink of cowardice that had infected the air.


    She hopped on and did her best to learn what she could from the way they conducted themselves. The general wiped the sweat from his brow and placed his handkerchief in his sweaty pants.


    They arrived and walked to the main building. They passed through scanners and decontamination blocks. The buildings was just big enough for a small city to live in.


    They walked and entered a room where two dozen people sat.


    ¡°Maybe, you can offer something to resolve my predicament?¡± His twisted smile sent a familiar chill through her spine. His earth brown eyes seemed far too old for a man of his from. She could feel that something was wrong about this man.


    ¡°Please take a seat.¡±


    A hand full of people she knew were their. Mostly more high ranking officials.


    ¡°Call me. Mr.End. I have a contract. Six billion dollars to the group or individual who manages to catch an experiment of mine.¡±


    She took a moment to let his words sink in.


    ¡°Are you up for a challenge?¡± He asked.


    She smiled and said ¡°I''m the best there is.¡±


    He took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose.


    ¡°Well,¡± He slapped his hands together with a light clap ¡°you aren''t their first to say that. I''ve had fifty four other so called best go out and try and find him. So far half of them ended up as nothing more than chunks. Notably he did leave them scattered all across Mars so I have no real way to tell if they got close. What I do know is it found them. I have a few others looking into this as we speak! But I''m getting off topic. If you manage to capture him alive the prize is yours.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with your experiment? Is it even human.¡±

 Scar 4.2

    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with your experiment? Is it even human.¡±


    ¡°Well kinda. The problem with it is it thinks humanity is a threat to him. I have a package with details on how you should be able to contain him.¡± He reached into a bag and set down a book.


    The white cover had the words ¡°Project Zero. Containment and care.¡±


    He pushed a book across the table and watched it stop right in front of her.


    ¡°So, I''ll be going now but remember. Six billion dollars, and I need him alive.¡±


    He stood up and his snow white lab coat danced beside him.


    ¡°Did you make this thing?¡±


    He smiled that twisted smile and said ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    ¡°Yes, because if you''ve interacted with this thing it could help me find it.¡±


    He clapped his hands together and grind. She could see his teeth. Nearly all of his teeth were sharp like his knines with the exception of the top and bottom four front teeth. He seemed more monster than man.


    ¡°In that case all of you get out, now.¡± She watched them hurry out as this mad man sat with that sick smile.


    ¡°So ask away.¡±


    ¡°What is it like. Does it have particular behaviors or specific things it does? How about places it might avoid or things it might have an affinity too?¡± ¡°Well all I really know is that he is extremely intelligent. Everything else I know is in there. One tip I forgot, try and knock him out as quickly as possible so he doesn''t try any funny  business.¡± She stood and looked at him.


    ¡°So, what''s your name? Your real name?¡±


    He nodded slowly and smiled ¡°It''s better if you just call me Mr. End. Anywho you have a ship to catch and don''t worry it''s first class. I''ll be seeing you again soon I hope. Preferably alive.¡±


    She walked outside and was guided to a massive ship. She knew it was his. This mad man had his hands in every honey pot and every cookie jar.


    She walked into the ship expecting it to be full of something, anything. Perhaps people or weapons or drugs but all it had was a few chairs and displays with lots of food. She didn''t mind the luxury items but would rather sleep through the event. She walked all the way to the cockpit and sighed. It was empty.


    She walked back to her seat and took a sleeping pill. She could hear the roar of the engine as she took off. She dozed off and heard the on board computer ¡°We are about to land. Please prepare for landing. Thank you.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Scarlet shot up with hair in her mouth.


    ¡°Ew¡± She spat her long fiery red hair out of her mouth and stood.


    She walked off and cringed. ¡°Why.¡±


    She walked down the stairs of the ship had and looked at the city she had fled. She looked up a few places to eat on her phone and began her short walk to a taxi.


    She walked to the street and looked at the self driving car pull up. The smell of the car was strangely clean. She took a seat and told it where to go.


    She knew where to go to find exactly what she needed. She looked at the slowly decaying city and the countless drug dealers trying to get anyone to buy their drugs.


    She slowed and reached a casino. The bright lights shined brighter than the dim sun.


    She walked to the gate and looked at the massive bouncers. They had faces like bulldogs. She knew they let everyone in but they had to check you for weapons.


    ¡°Sup, I''ll just start giving you my guns.¡±


    She placed down her backpack and reached into the sides of her boots she pulled out two small guns and four knives and one wire. She placed her coat in the table and removed the guns from each pocket. She placed a few hand grenades and flash bangs down. She eventually ran out of pockets and removed her shoes. She removed the blades and the poison gas containers that was placed in the heel of the boots. She reached into her handbag and placed down a small box of toothpicks.


    ¡°All done.¡±


    They looked at her with confusion and started to count the guns. They looked back at her and wondered what kind of monster was hidden behind those soft emerald eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡± Asked one of the bouncers dispute his better judgement.


    ¡°Just girly things.¡± he let her pass after that. She knew she had to leave her things.


    She walked in and walked passed the millionaire''s that were scattered all around the cucino. The smells of over priced perfume and cigars saturated the air.


    She walked up to the vip section. Six guards that were undoubtedly armed to the teeth stood around the entrance.


    ¡°My card.¡±


    Scarlet watched at they stepped back in unison. She walked up to the next level of wealth. Multi Billionaires walked about eating food that was worth an average martians annual salary.


    She walked passed a table and saw a odd man. He was a large man with blonde hair and from what she could see of his eyes they were the deepest blue. She walked in and walked to meet the main man. She looked at the next set of guards and they moved. She walked in and looked at the man with a large white beard.


    He placed his fists on where she believed his hips were and smiled. He had the voice she expected. She always had Santa Claus on her mind while talking with him.


    ¡°Scarlet!¡± he walked over with a jolly hop in his step. He put his hand out and wiggled his nose.


    ¡°It''s been ages.¡±


    ¡°Only a year.¡± Scarlet took her hand and shook his hand.


    ¡°But we did get that visit last year. And we only had a day together. Your training was far too strict if I say so myself.¡±


    ¡°So enjoying your empire?¡± asked Scarlet looking back at the hoards of people dancing about.


    ¡°It''s all thanks to Lucius. I wish he could be here to see this. I donated a full fifty million to an organization that helps children in need in his name a month ago.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that wasn''t a good idea. Some organizations are pretty crafty. They might be misusing your money.¡±

 Scars chaper 4.3

    ¡°Maybe that wasn''t a good idea. Some organizations are pretty crafty. They might be misusing your money.¡±


    ¡°You see, I''m not fool. I have all my investments checked. He''s a brilliant man and as kind as they come.¡± Moriarty seemed all too confident in his words.


    ¡°Oh really. How can you be so sure?¡± Scarlet raised an eyebrow at the notion.


    ¡°Sometimes you can just tell. He moved here yesterday from a town far in the east. It would be a pleasure if I could introduce you to him. Perhaps the day after tomorrow but I''ll warn you in advance he is remarkably shy. Not to brag but Anastasia was able to have a rather long chat with the lad.¡±


    Scarlet smiled as his ever so posh voice. ¡°That would be nice. But I have a few questions and a favor or two I was hoping you could help me with.¡±


    ¡°I''ll do anything I can. If it weren''t for all of you I wouldn''t have anything to begin with.¡± Scarlet knew he was giving her too much credit. ¡°I''m looking for someone. He''s genetically augmented, the last time he was see he was six foot nine. I have his fingerprints and a few photos but I really don''t think it will help. He''s supposed to be extremely intelligent so he''s changed his appearance without a doubt. All I really have is DNA and his last known height.¡±


    ¡°So you want me to make a checklist of all the people he can''t be? I''ll get everything and anything I can to look for him. Also while you''re in town Anastasia wanted to spend some time with you if you have the time.¡±


    ¡°Well if you can help me find him I''ll do just about anything.¡±


    ¡°Last thing I want to say is Morrie lives in the next town over. She said if you''re ever around that you should drop by.¡±


    A small smile spread across her face. She felt the sweet sting of memories.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop by. And thanks.¡± She knew this was going to be a long job.


    She left and made her way to the slums. She watched the buildings shrink and become nothing more than big chicken coops.


    She smirked the at kingdoms of trash. The drug lords had tried so hard to make something of themselves. The only thing they had left was information and information was power, the drug lords had to find some way to stay relevant.


    They hadn''t changed at all. Same old deals with a few face. Buildings made of trash and scraps were everywhere. Like grains of sand in a beach.


    Scarlet looked around and eventually guessed just about where she once live. She kept her sharp eyes ready.


    She looked at the people as they looked at her. She didn''t look like she belonged. Scarlet walked to the door or perhaps is was a large window of the house. She knocked and smiled when the door slightly slid open.


    She could see the makeshift lock on the door.


    ¡°What you want.¡± Hissed the raspy voice of an old woman.


    ¡°How much for the house?¡± Scarlet looked the building up and down as if she was impressed by its craftsmanship.


    Scarlet doubted there was a single nail in the building. Mostly just sharp scraps slammed together with sap and rocks.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Who the hell said I was selling?¡± Scarlet knew she was interested.


    If she wasn''t she would have never of opened the door much less carry on with the conversation.


    ¡°How about two thousand marks and you walk out with whatever you want right now.¡±


    The crooked toothless smile on her face told Scarlet all she needed to know. Scarlet was happy to know this was the biggest perches of her life.


    The woman reached out watching with her hand ready. Her had was shaky and pale. Scarlet handed her the money and the door opened.


    She pulled a cart along and snickered as she left. Scarlet looked around inside and made sure there was nothing worth stealing.


    She shrugged and closed the door. She carved her name into the door and the date. She left a little warning and left to buy wood and steel for her home.


    Scarlet could see a few people pick up her trail. She walked and before they knew it she was gone.


    Scarlet spent an hour to get to a part of town here the wood wasn''t scraps from old homes. Five security guards stood at the entrance to the lumber store. Scarlet looked around and looked up what was on sale.


    She walked around for about an hour slowly collecting the parts she''d need for her new home. Once she got everything she needed she walked to the delivery trucks.


    She looked for the meanest looking guy and walked over to him.


    ¡°Hey, how much to deliver at the flats.¡± His once stone cold expression became grim.


    ¡°Gosh, well how far in?¡± ¡°Just about a mile.¡± Scarlet watched his lips flatline.


    ¡°How about two hundred?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Scarlet helped him toss everything in the truck and smiled to herself.


    She kept the tools she had just bought in her bag. Scarlet kept her eyes open as they sputtered along in the truck. Eyes were examining the truck wondering if they should try. Would the cargo be worth the risk.


    ¡°Left here.¡± Scarlet commanded.


    They stopped and Scarlet pushed everything out of the back of the truck.


    She passed him his payment and he hurried off. Scarlet looked around quickly and got to work. She could see a few children had began to stare at her.


    They probably didn''t know what she was doing. Scarlet shoveled garbage out of her home. She began to collect a gathering of children. They watched Scarlet slowly build the frame of a house and add steel plates to the outside.


    When she finished she it the sky was getting dark. She tossed her sleeping bag on a makeshift bed frame and closed her steel plate that she called a door. She set up an alarm system and lay in bed.


    She closed her eyes waiting for sleep to take her somewhere beautiful. She felt a warm breeze wash over her.


    She looked back at the creatures that had spread across the world. She could hear the jets flying over her rain down artillery.  The creatures leaped down from the building landing on people that were trying to run away. Scarlet turned to see one of them looking at her.


    She sat up in bed and looked around in the darkness. She felt a chill run up her spine. She turn on her flashlight and looked for something to explain this sensation.


    She grabbed hold of her necklace and closed here eyes. She woke and hugged her bed.


    ¡°That''s it. I''m going to say hi to Morrie today.¡± Scarlet got out of bed and brushed her teeth. She looked out her door and could see a few more people that there should be in the area.


    Scarlet locked most of her gear in a box. She unlocked the door and started walking away. She could see a few people had their eyes on her. She knew beyond a dough that someone would try to get into her home. She walked out of the slums and found what seemed to be a bus stop.


    She sat down and only ten minutes later a bus arrived. She knew the windows were ballistic glass. The entire bus was made like a tank. Scarlet walked through the first pair of door and waited.


    The doors locked behind her and a scanner checked her for weapons. She knew the scanner was too old to pick them up.


    She walked in and paid the two marks. She took a seat near the front and waited. She pulled on the wire that let the driver know someone had to get off.


    The bus slowly screeched to a stop and arrived at the drop off. Scarlet walked the rest of the way to the neighborhood Morrie lived in.


    She looked at the massive fences that lined the homes. She noticed that the houses behind the fence didn''t have dividing fences. She arrived at the gate and looked at the device that was recording her.


    The black seemingly steel fences surrounded everything.

 Scars chaper 4.4

    The black seemingly steel fences surrounded everything.


    A guard walked over and asked ¡°You need something?¡±


    ¡°I''m here to visit Morrie.¡±


    ¡°Name and reason for the visit?¡± he held out a phone ready to check her response.


    ¡°My name is Scarlet. I''m an old friend.¡±


    ¡°Last name?¡±


    ¡°Scarlet Valderin.¡± Scarlet watched a slight image of surprise cross his face.


    ¡°Oh okay come on in.¡± Scarlet walked up to the gate that opened on its own.


    She looked at the guard and he realized the problem.


    ¡°She''s over there working.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Scarlet walked into the stone building.


    It seemed like a prison of sorts unlike the rest of the buildings. Scarlet walked down the halls and looked at the cold illes. She couldn''t help but feel a little off.


    She walked farther into the gray build and slowly became aware of what she was in. She could see the steel stretchers and anatomy posters all around.


    She walked into a room with the cabinets on the walls like she would see in the movies. She saw a body in the middle of the room on a table.


    Scarlet looked around and called out ¡°Morrie?¡± Her voice echoed off the cold steel of the walls.


    Scarlet heard something move. Scarlet turned finding nothing. She looked over at the body on the tables as it began to move. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Hell no.¡± Scarlet turned to run and her her own name.


    ¡°Scarlet?¡± She kept running for the door but when she reached it she turned around.


    Morrie was on the table stretching.


    ¡°Morrie!¡± Yelled Scarlet. ¡°You scared the shot out of me!¡±


    Scarlet ran back over to her with a smile. Morrie''s sleepy eyes meet with her own and brought back the days when they had a choice in staying up late.


    ¡°I''ve missed you.¡± Morrie hopped off the table and hugged Scarlet.


    Scarlet realized at that moment Morrie had vastly outgrown her. She was a full head taller and was overall larger. She still had the sweater she had gotten from him. Each inch of the once lose cloth was hugging her lightly.


    Her seemingly purple hair was just about halfway down her thighs. The wavy purple of her hair contrasted against her jade green eyes.


    ¡°So, what brings you to Earth?¡± Asked Morrie with her all so sleepy voice.


    Scarlet yawned and smiled ¡°I''m looking for someone.¡±


    Morrie looked over at the shelves.


    ¡°No someone living. I do have a question tho. Since when did you have a morgue? And how did you get all this?¡±


    ¡°Well after what happened here I made a funeral service a construction company, a few hospitals as well as a therapeutic company. I also made a power company, mining company, shipping company and manufacturing company. I started small but I was the only one left standing so now I own seventy seven percent of all the power on Mars and almost all of everything else.¡± Morrie seemed to be underwhelmed as she spoke.


    ¡°Wow you must rule the world.¡± Scarlet wondered if she had enough power to help her find the monster.


    ¡°Na, but I have an offer you might want to take up.¡± Morrie''s eyes carried a light purple hue beneath them.


    ¡°What kind of offer?¡±


    ¡°I would like for you to be the head of my guards and the head of the if  you want.¡± Scarlet smiled at Morrie''s Morrie just wanted her around.


    ¡°I''d love to but I kinda got a job right now and we both know you just want me around as much as I want you around. So you have any idea what Aurora and Hex are up to?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I was talking to them yesterday. Aurora works at a social service center and a children''s center. She''s basically a saint. Hex is a singer and plays the piano. She just went triple platinum. Cool stuff that they''re doing but next exactly the super spy girl life you''re living.¡±


    Scarlet looked at the necklace Morrie had. The same one she had gotten from him. ¡°One thing real quick.¡±


    Scarlet looked up at Morrie. ¡°Have you see Athena?¡±