No. 12

No. 12





                                         We’re in







I was sad to leave Nibraca, and all those adorable little girls, but I have a bigger job to do at the moment, and this is where it beings.

You teleported us to the apartment.
We ended up in middle of the living room. I was slightly startled when we found Sav and Quorra sitting on the couch, deep in conversation. (well more like an argument really.)
It looked like they had been at the opposite ends of the couch, but through their argument, they had moved closer to each other.

You and I glanced from them to each other.
You shrugged.
“Well.... only the Creator knows.” You whispered. I nodded and started to walk to the kitchen, while I was still watching my best friend and my sister.
(which were now only a hair’s breath away)
“We’re back!” I hollered at them. “Quorra do we have any chocolate?” My blood sugar was still low.
Both Sav and Quorra jumped and realized how close they were.
They both turned red and moved away.
You and I chuckled.
“Um... chocolate.” Quorra muttered as she got up and helped me ransack the kitchen.
“So... what was the argument about?” I questioned with a grin.
“Um... it was about guns... and stuff.”
I rose an eyebrow.
“Well it’s true!” She shouted. But she was turning a deep shade of red.
I got serious.
“What did he do? Do I need to beat him up?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“No... I - it’s nothing.” She turned away.
I stepped closer to her and lowered my tone.
“Quorra.... I know when your lying, I also know that he did do something.”
“... It’s Savrin Zaydie! He would never do something,... bad to me. But... he touched my hand, ever so gently.” She turned to me. “And I know that it shouldn’t be such a big deal. But I got butterflies! And their still flying around in my stomach!” She exclaimed in a hushed voice.
I laughed.
“I know how you feel Quorra. I know how you feel.” I said. “I get butterflies every time Kylun touches me.”
“But... he holds your hand all the time.” She pointed out I nodded.
“But I still don’t get use to it.” I said with a wink.
I yelped as I felt someone tickling me... again.
You wrapped your arms around my waist and rested your head on my shoulder.
“What do you think your doing?” I demanded playfully, looking down at you. You shifted your head a little, and met my gaze.
“I thought that I should at least get a hug for my work.” You remarked.
“Oh and what work would...” I looked down at your hands. You opened one reveling small chocolates.
“Oh! Thank you!” I said reaching down at taking the candy.
“M-hmm.” You muttered, letting go of me and walking away.
Quorra rose her eyebrows.
“Butterflies.” I said, unwrapping my candy and popping it into my mouth.
She nodded. “Right.”
I tired not to loose my chocolate when I laughed.
“But... I would feel weird in taking your best friend.” She said slowly. I swallowed.
“Quorra, take him! He’s all yours!”
She looked shocked.
“No I’m serous. I can see the chemicals reacting between you two. And I’m happy for you guys. Just make sure you pray about it ok?”
She blushed and nodded.
“There’s chemicals?”
I laughed.
Yeah that’s us. The innocent girls that hardly know a thing about this kind of stuff!





                                                                ++++




When we had settled all that we would need in order to get into The Fallen, we walked out of the apartment, and we were now completely different people.
I was now Skye.
Quorra was Reesa.
Sav was Brian. (really exciting right? ha!)
And you were now Zero. (oh how original haha!)

We were all top students in several different classes at V. M. U.
Matrix had called Vegg up and had her forge fake documents for us.
Apparently, in V. M. U, we have a reputation for being arrogant, bullies, and really “disturbed children that need help”, with major attitude problems.... oh dear.

You led the way through Vecina, and we all followed.
“Does anyone else notice a chilly breeze?” Quorra asked. I nodded. I had noticed it as soon as we had stepped outside. And it felt like it wasn’t going away any time soon.
“It’s a sign.” I said excitedly, meeting my little sister’s gaze with a grin.
“A sign for what?” You asked.
“Winter’s coming!” Both of us girls shouted in glee.
You looked back at us. “and... this is a good thing?”
“Yes!!” We both shouted.
“Just think about it.” I prompt. “Christmas will be coming. Everything will be decorated with small lights that’ll twinkle. Green garlands will be hanging everywhere. Christmas trees will be seen in every window, but most of all...” I took a small leap forward, coming up beside you. I linked my arm through yours. “Snow will be falling in snow flakes, and we can see just how amazing the Creator really is.” I finished softly.
You smiled.
“I take it that Christmas is your favorite time of the year.” You said, shoving your hands in your pockets.
I nodded.
“yeah. When I was little, all year I’d save up as many creds as I could so that when Christmas came around, Quorra and my daddy would find a small present on the table. Just for them.”
Quorra came up next to me and swung her arm through mine, and pulled Sav up with her.
“Yup. Those were the only store bought presents I ever got. Dad was a carpenter so he would make us little figurines and stuff. And then he would always make one more, so that we could give it to our best friend.” She said smiling as she gave Savrin’s arm a squeeze.
“That’s a real nice story guys. One I have a feeling that you’ll tell your own kids someday... along ways down the road.” You said looking down at me with a grin. I smiled back and gave your arm a squeeze.
“I hope so.” Quorra stated. We all agreed.

Christmas always meant a lot to me and my family.
On Christmas eve we would gather around with steaming cups of tea between our hands. Keeping them warm, and several other families always came to join us.
We would share stories around the fire, and sing carols all night long.
We all have memories that won’t ever fade.

Reminiscing in old memories always has to come to an end.
And it did when you turned to us.
“Ok, girls. I know you both are really sweet, and that’s a good thing! But.... your going to have to stop being sweet, at least in front of everyone else.” you instructed.
Quorra nudged me and gave me a wink.
“I’m talking to both of you.” You stated, shooting her a look.
“Ok, so.... cold slabs of emotionless marble with major attitude problems right?” I asked.
Savrin scoffed.
“We’re doomed.” He muttered. Quorra turned to him and slugged him in the arm.
“Well aren’t you Mr. Optimistic?! Come on, let’s go.” I retorted. You laughed as Savrin got a mix of shock and surprise on his face.
“There you go Zaydie. Keep it up.”
“Kylun!” Sav shouted in pure shock. “what are you thinking?! Don’t encourage her!”
I snickered, and my sister did too.
“I’m thinking, that that’ll be the only way she’ll survive.”
You got a dark look in your eye that I had seen only once before.
When you tried to convince me that you leaving would protect me.

I slipped my hand in yours and squeezed.
Quorra then did a complete spur of the moment thing, which made me feel so happy for her!
She dove into Savrin, and buried her face in his shoulder.
His eyes got huge and he looked at me as if he wasn’t sure I’d approve.
I smiled and gave him a head nod.
And it was as if in that moment, I had just given him the key to a precious treasure and told him to protect it, yet enjoy it, but respect it.

He looked relieved when he saw my response. And hugged my little sister back tightly. With the most happy look on his face I’ve seen in years.
I grinned.
Thank you Creator. I prayed. For giving me everything I’ve ever needed.




                                                      ++++




You took us deep into the city. You didn’t let go of my hand either. Even after I tried to slip mine out, because it was getting sweaty. But it gave me an anchor to cling to.

By the time you stopped, I was so confused by all the twists and turns, I was dizzy!
We all gapped at a building that looked so out of place!
It was a tall building with two towers in the front.
There was two extremely large doors at the top of the steps. And from the outside, it looked cold, uninviting, and very mysterious.
The wind picked up and with a really strong burst, the doors swung open, and everyone took a step back as we were hit with the wind.
“Just remember, I’ll be right there with you.” You muttered. I nodded and gave you a tight hug.
“Don’t forget who’s with you all the time, even if you can’t see Him.” I said quietly.
“yeah.... I know. Thanks.”
Then you let go and bravely stepped in between the doors, and got swallowed up by the black beyond.
Creator... keep us and deliver us from evil. Let us be strong and to not fall. I prayed. I took a deep breath and walked up the steps.
Determined, and with an emotionless face.

Inside I found that you were no where to be seen.
Instead, I met a boy who was leaning against the door frame.
I was slightly taken aback by his hair. (yeah I know. but it’s the first thing I saw)
It was red, and long-ish. Well it was longer in the front then in the back.
He wore a band around his head, and his hair fell over it, covering the left side of his face, but what was really startling about it, was that at the tips, it was green. Like it had been colored that way. Purposefully. It was odd.
He wore a dark trench coat with fingerless gloves. A pale green scarf was wrapped around his neck and hung down his chest and back. (it was an extremely long scarf!)
His trench coat was left open, and underneath, I could see a red shirt that matched his hair. His black cargo pants and combat boots reminded me of the Shieven boy uniform.
His trench coat was odd, because it had silver shoulder pads on it, but nothing else.

“come on sweetheart. Don’t want to keep the boss waiting.” He stated with a cocky grin, and a jerk of his head. Which made me notice the small silver earring.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
He led me through the large foyer. It was rather dark. Lights were built into the smooth and seamless black marble roof. Casting eerie light which gave off shadows, that ran across the dark glossy walls.
The boy kept glancing back at me with a lopsided grin and a shake of his head.
Like he knew something I didn’t.
Which he probably did, given the circumstances.

At the end of the foyer, and up the stairs, the boy waved his arm across a panel on the wall. It flashed white once  and he put his hand on it.
The light went up and down, scanning his hand print.
A holographic screen came up. It looked like it had an ID up there, then a blank for a password, along with a check box under it with some words above it that I couldn’t read.
He typed in his password, then chuckled as he checked the box.
He then suddenly reached over and grasped my wrist.
I was taken by surprise and automatically went into defensive mode, hitting his wrist with my free hand. (diagonally)
“Whoa! I just need your hand print.” He said. Spinning around me, pinning my arm against my body, then pinned my body against his.
He took my right hand and placed it onto the panel.
Oh snap!
I used my Controlium to override the system. (with out tripping any alarms.) and forced it to bring up my fake ID.
I could feel the boy’s breath on my neck as he leaned over my shoulder to look at my fake picture and name.
“Hmm.... V. M. U.... Nice.” He muttered.
“Let go now. Before you loose your two front teeth.” I ordered through gritted teeth. He let go and took a step back.
“Easy tiger. Come on.” He walked away. He stopped in middle of the wall, and leaned back against it with his hands in his pockets and the one eye I could see, closed.
I walked over and crossed my arms over my chest, shifting my weight to one foot.
“What’s your name girlie?”
I was relieved when he didn’t call me sweetheart again.
“What’s yours?” I shot back. He laughed.
“I asked first.”
“Humph.” I said with an eyebrow cocked.
He grinned at me as part of the wall slid back, reveling a small white room. He gestured for me to step in, and I did.
“Your a smart one, sweetheart.”
I was sorely tempted to punch his face.

The white room was actually an elevator. Not that you could tell really. But I felt gravity pull at me when we went up.
“Don’t talk unless your spoken to. Unless you have a major death wish.” He muttered with a chuckle.
“Hmm...” I hugged myself and wondered what had happened to the rest of the gang.
I hopped they were ok. And got past security ok.

The elevator door opened and the kid led me into a room. It was circled, big and dark. Except the lights on the roof. And some of the panels on the floor lit up as I stepped on them.
I glanced around but kept my emotions under control, and my face blank, except for a cocked eyebrow and glanced around.
high backed, uncomfortable chairs were lined around the back end of the room. The end one would see when you first walk into the room.

Men were sitting on the chairs, but it wasn’t just men. It was boys and girls too.
Wow this is bigger then I thought.
The boy that had escorted me, moved off and sat down in one of the chairs.
I looked from one chair to another. There was about 13 members out of all of them.
about half of them looked like older men, and the other was younger kids.
They all wore black for the most part, though there were several kids that wore other colors too.
One girl caught my eye immediately.
She’s what I would call ‘a natural beauty.’ She’s got the perfect blond hair that falls just right, with the curls and everything.
Her big blue eyes told me she had lots, and lots of secrets.
She had pale skin and thin red lips that were pursed as she studied me.
She did not look like someone I would ever trust.

I found you,... with your arms crossed... sitting in the 13 chair.
Oh gollie your just full of surprises aren’t you?!
It was just like you had said too... your face was cold and masked.
But so was mine.

The man right in front of me had grey close cropped hair, and an expensive suite on.
I had seen him before.
I kept my face under control as I suddenly remembered where.
I had fought him before. The second time I saved your life.
“Well.... and who might this black haired raven be?” He asked in a controlled tone with his hands folded in front of him. “Your name my dear.” He requested.
“Skye sir.” I said stiffly.
“Hmm.... Kigo!” The red headed boy leaned over and looked at the old man.
“Hmm?”
“Is she legit?”
Kigo nodded.
“Yup. Clean as they come... ha except she’s an extremely naughty girl.” He piped up.
I rolled my eyes. Boys.
The man turned to me.
“I am known as the Captain. And only the Captain. Understand?”
I gave a curt nod and placed my hand on my hip. He cocked an eyebrow.
“Why are you here?”
I scoffed. Portraying myself as someone who... was the dark side of me.
“Because I’m tired of all this school work crap they pile on me every day and I want to kick someone’s butt.”
“And how did you come to find us.”
“Easy. I know a friend, who knows a friend who knows you guys. Not to mention I’m an extremely well connected person and I know everything that goes on anywhere.”
I stated, meeting the mans gaze head on.
“Everything that goes on anywhere? oh come on dear I don’t believe that’s possible.”
“Uh... yeah... it is, actually. I know for a fact that you have agents all over Dresher. Squeezing info from pirates and low lives. Trying to figure out a way to weasel their way in to the high ranks in almost every capitol on the planet. Starting here in Vecina.” I said, opening my arms out to emphasize. “Then you took over Lothomer, then Ulrikima, and then you tried to take over Konsor. That didn’t go to well now did it?” I remarked, turning my face innocent for a moment.
Everyone started murmuring as the “Captain” exchanged words with the man next to him.
“How do you know all this?”
I chuckled.
“I have my sources.” I said, cocking a lazy eyebrow.
“Hmm.... Well Willa, it seems like you will have some competition.” He said with a smile.
Willa, (the blond headed girl that I said I would never trust) scoffed.
“I highly doubt that.” She said in a tone that gave me the feeling she thought she was good at everything.
“Well we’ll just have to see about that now wont we?” I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest and giving her a cold stair down.
The Captain laughed.
“I like you Skye. Your very naughty indeed. Kigo! You stick with her and show her how it’s done.”
Kigo nodded.
“Welcome to The Fallen.” The Captain said, spreading his arms out gesturing to everyone.
They all gave me a curt nod and then Kigo led me out of the room.
What had I just gotten myself into?!

No. 11

No, 11







                                                  My own little Paradise









Jinx kicked us out as soon as we got what we needed, and then we were back out on the streets.

I took a deep breath of fresh air that wasn’t spoiled by the smell of oil and grease.
I sensed you come up next to me as I watched the people walk by on their way to work.
How clueless they were to everything around them.
They suck! I wish I was that clueless.

You slipped your hand in mine and I squeezed.
“Your shaking.” You pointed out.
“Yeah? well that might have to do with the low blood sugar, and my anxiety acting up.” I replied, closing my eyes and trying to block out the noise.
“You have an anxiety disorder?” You asked in shock. I nodded.
“I’ve always had it, but it really kicks in when I’m in a big city. Not to mention I’m already stressed so it’s really bad right now.” I explained.
You didn’t say anything for a moment.
“Hey I’ll be right back.”
I nodded and let go of your hand rather reluctantly.

I watched as you walked over to the gang through my senses.
You all started muttering with each other for awhile.
I was too far away to hear what was being said, but I could tell that both Sav and Rix weren’t to happy.
Though somehow you and Quorra managed to persuade them.

I chuckled when Quorra said something to you with that smile I knew all too well.
You denied something and walked back over smiling.
“Come with me.” You said, taking me by the waist. I knew what was coming, so I wrapped my arms around your chest and held on hard.
“Like I have a choice!” I shouted. You laughed then teleported the two of us... somewhere.
We ended up in a small quaint town. I let go of you and looked around.

The town looked old. But a charming kind of old.
The most charming part about it though, was that each of the houses had a stained glass window.
The sun was hitting off the ocean that was near by, (I could hear it) and the sun rays were projected through the glass, making a rainbow of colors wash upon the wooden decks that acted as roads.

The town was small, one where if you lived here, you would know everyone by name. Even down to the little kids that ran up to us laughing.
They all linked hands and formed a circle around you and I.
We both laughed as they sang a little song.

“We love
We fall

But the
Creator
Picks us up
Again

He always
Picks us
Up again.”

Once they finished they ran off giggling.
I smiled as I watched the girls in their full colorful skirts, with ribbons woven into their hair, skip across the wood in their bare feet. While the little boys wore just shorts, that looked wet, pushed each other around with grins on their faces.

“Welcome to Nibraca Zaydie.” You said with a sincere smile on your face.
I smiled back and looked around. there was something about the name that rang a bell, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

Woman walked around with large baskets full of fresh and good smelling fruits and veggies, balanced gracefully on top of their heads.
The men walked around with freshly caught fish hanging off of a string.
As we walked past houses, older girls waved at us as they grinded wheat for bread.
Boys said ‘hi’ while they sharpened their knives.

“Come on. There’s a place where we can stash our weapons and coats.” You said eagerly. Taking my hand and leading me down the street into a small store.
Inside I found that it was an odds-and-ends store. It sold pretty much anything.
The “clerk behind the counter” was an old man sitting on a low stool at the end of the one room store, weaving a necklace.
He looked up and gave us a wrinkled smile.
“Do my eyes deceive me in old age or is that master Kylun and his mistress?”
I chuckled when you turned red.
“No your eyes do not deceive you Rin, I am Kylun, but she’s not my mistress. This is my friend Zaydie.” you introduced, leading me farther into the shop.
“Oh... but I think she will become yours someday.”
I smiled at him.
“Well maybe. But only if that’s what the Creator has in plan for me.” I said kindly.
I could see you beaming in the corner of my eye. Silly boy.
“Good answer miss Zaydie. Good answer. I think that you are a very bright girl with a bright future ahead.” Rin said kindly.
“I hope so.”
“Now what can I do you for?” He asked, turning to you.
“We just need a place to stash our stuff.” You explained.
Rin cocked an eyebrow, and looked at the two of us holding hands.
“Not that kind of stuff.” You said. “She would kill me before I ever got anywhere near close.”
For a moment I was slightly confused, but then I caught on and nodded. Letting go of your hand and crossing my arms.
“Yes, and it wouldn’t be a quick death.”
Rin laughed.
“Oh you youngsters. You think you know all the tricks to everything! Haha. Well I’ll be glad to keep your “stuff” in the back so long as the only clothes are those heavy boots and coats.” He stated.
I smiled down at him and nodded.
“It’s a deal.” I said.

We were led into the back where I unbuckled my holsters and wrapped my gun in my jacket. I slipped my feet out of my boots and pulled my long socks off after them, shoving them inside the boots. On second thought, I ditched the black tie too.
I turned to see that you had taken off the black robe, and I found that you were wearing baggy kaki colored shorts with two big pockets on each leg. You wore a blue t-shirt with a white design on the front. You had kicked off your own shoes and now stood looking like a complete stranger!
No I’m dead serious. If I hadn’t gotten use to the blond hair and blue eyes before now, I wouldn’t have known it was you.

I smiled.
“I think you look better in something that’s not black.” I said as I stepped out into the shop.
You chuckled behind me. “Thanks.”
I looked at you over my shoulder and smiled, giving you a nod.
“Ah, there. Now you’ll be able to enjoy the nice cool breeze from the ocean, much better.” Rin said from his position on the stool.
“Thank you for letting us keep our stuff here.” I said kindly. He waved a thin hand.
“Don’t mention it young lady.”
I grinned and tucked my now black hair behind my ear. (it sure was weird to see it like that and think that it’s my own! though thinking about it now... you probably feel the same way.)
“Here. Just a trinket to remember old Rin by.” Rin held up the woven necklace he had been working on.
“Oh no I couldn’t.” I said, pushing his hand back gently.
“Of course you could.” He muttered seemingly to himself. “But you won’t, I think is what your trying to say. But anyways, take it please?” He asked holding it out again. I was about to give in. “Just to please an old man.”
I sighed and took it out of his hand.
“Well if you put it that way.” I said quietly with a smile. “Of course I will.”
The necklace was made of different colored strings all wrapped tightly around a leather cord.
In the middle of it hung a small pink sea shell.
I clasped my hand around it and put a hand on Rin’s shoulder.
“Thank you. For making a girl happy. Takes a lot these days.” I said kindly.
Rin scoffed.
“Don’t I know it.”
We all laughed and walked out of the store.

I turned and looked down at the south end of the road. It opened up and seemed to lead right to the ocean. The sun was hanging over head, and the breeze was cool. Tugging at my hair and skirt.
“help me out would you?” I asked, turning to you, holding out my new necklace.
You hesitated for a moment then took it from my hands.
I pulled all of my hair out of the way as you placed it around my neck.
You clipped it closed and then tickled my ribcage.
“Ah stop! Kylun stop!” I cried through the laughter.
You were laughing right along with me even though I hadn’t even touched you.
You did stop and I caught my breath.
“Hey you’ve got to see this!” You said, taking my hand and running to the end of the deck.
The sun warmed wood felt good under my bare feet, and the wind whipping my hair around only added to the happy feeling.
We came to a quick stop at the end of the deck and I looked down.
There was no land under us.
We were on water!
“Most of Nibraca is floating on docks on top of the water.” You explained as we looked out at the big blue ocean. “There is a bridge that links Nibraca to the main land, but mostly, the people stay out here.
Nibraca is big enough to be considered an island. So now it’s referred to Nibraca Island. Even though it’s just one town.”
I smiled and looked around at all the houses and their glass stained windows.

The houses were built out of wood panels, with wooden roofs. The buildings were all round, and most of them seemed to have a smaller house on top of the flat roof of the big one. (all though they were still all just one house.)
The smaller “house” was the one that had the stain glass window on it.
I also noticed a flight of stairs leaning against one house, that led up to the roofs.
The houses were built so close together that you could easily walk from one to the next.
The first roof (that you would walk on) was made of wood. And the smaller one was made of straw and probably tar to keep it from leaking.

I noticed one bridge that went out over the road, then noticed that this wasn’t the only road.
I ran over to the side of the road, and looked down. There was a big gap, and water was running down there, but then there was another road a few yards away, that had another row of houses on it.
“This is amazing!” I cried, glancing back to you. You chuckled.
“Yeah it is. I loved coming here when I was a kid. My mom use to come here on vacation. That’s how Rin knows me.”
“Ooh. I like it here. It’s so quiet... so peaceful. You know what?!” I asked, jumping around and clasping my hands in front of me.
You looked taken aback slightly by my random burst of energy.
“What?”
“I want to live here when this is all over.” I said more calmly as I walked to the edge of the deck and sat down. Dipping my feet into the cool water.
You sat down next to me with one foot in the water.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Yeah.” Then it struck me. And I laughed. “How ironic don’t you think?”
“How so?”
“Because Mikaiela use to live here too.”
I said quietly.
I looked over my shoulder.
And for a split second I saw a phantom of a girl that looked just like me. The long brown hair (that I use to have) the green eyes, and the ever so present smile.
She held a basket on her head with one hand, and held the hand of a small blond headed girl in her other.
She glanced back over her shoulder and gave me a smile.
I smiled and looked back out at the water.
“Oh! I have a promise to keep!” I cried suddenly.
“Huh?”
I turned to you and gave you a bashful smile.
“You wanted to know how everything turned out for Genesis and Mikaiela.”
“Ooh! Ok.”
I smiled. “Aarek decided that Mikaila should tell the ending of their story, so in the book, she came in and wrote the ending. I wrote it down in my own notebook because I just thought....” I pulled a small notebook out of the pocket on my skirt. “.... that it was the ending that I wanted to my story. But if it’s not my ending, at least I can be happy for her. Right?”
You nodded. I flipped through the pages till I found the entry. Then I read it out loud.

“You want to know the first words that Genesis ever said to me were?
He said ‘I didn’t think I’d ever see you again .’
Now obviously I was confused because I had never met him before.
But then I figured out that he was talking about another girl.
One that looked exactly like me.
He never mentioned this girls name, which was fine by me.
And he never got us confused again after that.

The ending of this story is definitely a happy one.
I’m sure Aarek has told you all about Genesis and I,
so to answer your unsaid question.
Yes.
He did finally propose to me. (I was so happy when he did, though I
thought he’d never get to it!) Haha.

The wedding was spectacular. It was held right here. Right where I’m
writing this. Right here with my best friend, and my husband.
(I will say this though. Being 17, and having a husband is one of the
scariest thoughts!)

The wedding took place in Nibraca. Genesis was kind enough to let
me have that childhood wish.
Everyone came! And I do mean everyone!
The docks were packed full of everyone dressed in their best,
And all of them were pushing to get a chance to see the new couple.
I wore the dress that my mother made for me.
I won’t waist the next several pages explaining it, because it would take
just that. The next several pages.
But I will say that everyone said I looked like an Creature from Paradise.

Genesis and Aarek are still the same old same old, even though
relationships have changed. For the better of course.
Aarek thankfully doesn’t feel awkward when he hangs around us,
and the two of us keep the kissing to a minimum during the day. Haha.

Aarek though, I am afraid to say that I think he will grow old and grey
alone. Though I don’t think he minds. He says he wants to travel,
with the Creator’s blessing, I’m sure that he will.

I can’t say much for the future sense the Creator is the only one who knows
what’ll happen.
I can only hope that it brings good things, and we won’t be needed in another
fight.
Who knows? Maybe it’ll bring children... haha lots, and lots of children.”


I looked up at you and closed the notebook.
“So there you have it. Everyone’s happily ever after.” I said sweetly. Placing the book back in my pocket and swinging my feet around.
You smiled.
“Sounds pretty good to me.”
I nodded.
“Though I can’t believe she was only 17! I know she’s legally an adult, but that still seems young to me.” I commented.
You laughed.
I started to study you. Trying to figure out how old you were. Only you didn’t know it.
“What?” You asked glancing down in a panic.
I smiled.
“How old are you anyways?”
“Um... well lets see, going by how long I was gone in the future time, I would be... 20.”
My jaw dropped.
“But here seeing as you said it was almost a year since I was gone, and this month is my birthday so I’m almost 19.”
“Oh... is that all?” I said in shock. Didn’t expect you to be that old! (not that there’s anything wrong with being 19 of course!)
You chuckled.
“How old are you Zaydie?”
“I’m 17 now.” I chuckled after I said it. Ironic!
“An adult now, whoa where did the time go?”
I nodded and smiled.
“I don’t feel like an adult though.” I commented.
“Yeah? and how’s an adult suppose to feel?”
I paused. “No idea. But what I meant, was that I still feel like a kid, you know? And I don’t really want to grow up.” I said. Leaning forward and cupping my face in my hands, which were propped up by my elbows on my legs.
“No one’s asking you to. Least of all me.” You said with a smile. “Don’t they all say ‘stay young’?”
I laughed.
“Yeah I guess they do.”
“So don’t grow up Zaydie. Just stay like this forever.”
I smiled and looked down at our reflections in the water.
“Stay like this huh? I guess I can do my best, but I can’t make any promises.” I said kindly.
“I know.”
A sudden feeling washed over me, threw myself at you and squeezed you hard.
“Uh...” You muttered as you hesitantly placed my arms on my back. “Zaydie are you ok?”
“Yeah...” I mumbled. “... so long as you stay right here with me. And stay this way all the time.” I said, a sudden tear rolling down my cheek.
“I can’t promise you the last one...” You muttered. I clutched your shirt harder and buried my face in it.
“But I can promise you the first one.” You finished in the kindest tone I had ever heard you use.
I raised my face and looked you in the eye.
“Really?”
You nodded.
“Yeah. Really.” You said kindly. Wiping away a tear from my cheek.
I sniffed and laughed, wiping my hands across my eyes.
“Sorry. Don’t know what came over me... I guess I was just in need of a hug.” I said quickly. Really, I was trying to hide this new feeling that was developing inside me.
I had no idea what it was!

You chuckled.
“It’s fine. That’s one of the things I like about you. Your always so open with everyone, but in a kind way. You don’t really push yourself on people... except maybe me.”
I laughed.
“But that’s fine. I guess I’m a bit of a bonehead sometimes.”
I looked over and measured with my fingers.
“Just a bit.”
You shoved me playfully, and I shoved you back. But we were both laughing.
“Hey.”
I felt someone tap my shoulder, I turned around and found a small girl with short brown hair that was windblown. She had the biggest blue eyes ever! It was so adorable.
She wore a multicolored patch skirt with a sash around her small hips that had little creds hanging off of it.
She wore a white, square neck line tank top. One strap kept falling off and she was constently pulling it back up. She had a ribbon in her hair that was rainbow colored and was longer then her actual hair.
“I’m Nina. Who are you?” She asked.
I smiled and turned around fully so I was now facing her comfortably.
“My name is Zaydie Nina. How old are you?”
She held up a whole hand, plus one on her other.
“A whole hand, and one!” She said with glee. I noticed that she was missing a front tooth.
“Oh wow! Your so big now!” I commented. She giggled.
“How old are you?”
“To old to count on my fingers.” I said with a smile.
“Well you can use my toes!” She suggested. I laughed.
"Yes I guess I could, well here let’s see.”
She sat down in front of me with her feet on my lap.
“Now hold up all ten of your fingers,” I instructed with a kind smile. She held up her two hands with her fingers spread out.
I then counted on her toes, tickling her as I did.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, and seven! That’s how old I am.”
She studied her hands, then her feet.
“So, two hands, one foot and two toes?” She asked.
I laughed.
“Yup! Good job.” I held out my hand and she gave me a high five.
“Cool!” She then jumped up and ran off to tell her other little friends.
I smiled and turned back to you.
You had been watching with a grin on your face.
“You sure are something Zaydie.” You muttered.
“Oh? ha how’s that?” I asked.
“You have such a way with kids! It’s just... I don’t know. It’s neat. Real neat.”
I smiled.
“That’s what I really want to do someday.”
“What?”
“Work at a preschool! I love all the little kids at that age, their just so cute and adorable!”
You laughed.
“I can imagine you doing that Zaydie. I really can.”
I looked up and grinned.
“Really? do you think I’d be good at it?”
You gave me a tender look, that I hadn’t seen before.
“I think you’d be the best teacher those kids could ever ask for.”
I blushed and looked back down at the water.
“Thanks. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” I said quietly.
Your jaw dropped and you leaned back a little.
“Are you serious?!”
I nodded.
“Yup.” I shrugged. “Hey what can I say? I don’t meet a lot of decent guys these days.”
You rose your eyebrows.
“So your saying I am a decent guy?”
I nodded.
“Well sure. Yeah.”
You nodded slowly.
Then a whole group of little boys that looked to be around seven, maybe eight came up to you.
“Would you fight with us?”
You were slightly shocked by the request.
“Excuse me.”
“Could you play swords with us? We don’t know much, and we usually end up beating each other up real bad.” one cut in.
“Oh!” You looked at me as if you were asking for permission. I laughed.
“Yes go! I’ll be fine.” I said with a smile.
You leaned forward and kissed my forehead then jumped up and went off to teach the little boys how to play fairly.

I turned around to watch you when Nina came back.
“Can you play with us?”
“Sure, if I get a hug first.”
She dove into my arms so suddenly I almost fell backwards into the ocean. (which wouldn’t have been good.)
I then got up and let her lead me to her little group of friends.
I knelt down on my knees as the smallest one climmed up into my lap.
“This is Tika.” Nina said, pointing to the little four year old.
“This is Yuna,” She pointed to another little girl with long blond hair that was woven into a really pretty braid that ran around her head.
“This is Riena.” A little girl that was really shy.
“And this is my twin Hakia.” Nina said, pointing to one of the girls closest to me. She looked like a spinning image of Nina only she had long hair instead of short.
“Everyone this is Zay-die.” She said pronouncing it slowly. I smiled and waved. “She’s two hands, one foot and two toes old!!” Nina shouted. All the girls ’oh’ and ’ahed’.
“You have such pretty hair! It’s so long!” Yuna exclaimed touching my hair.
“Well thank you. The Creator has blessed you with pretty hair too! Can you do that to mine?” I asked. Yuna shook her head.
“No my mommy does mine. But we can all do something to it if you want.”
“Sure go for it!” I said with a laugh as Tika scrambled up off my lap.
I sat there real still as all the girls did my hair for the next ten minutes.
“Wow, you guys sure are doing a good job.” I heard you say. I turned slightly, and all the girls yelled at me.
“Hold still!” They cried.
“Oops. Sorry.” I said, becoming stiff again.
You came around in front of me and collapsed on the dock.
“Boys wear you out yet?” I asked with a smile.
You nodded.
“Yeah... man their so full of energy!”
I laughed.
“Yeah I’m sure they are.”
I could hear the boys yelling at you to come back over and play. You gave me a smile and rose to your feet.
“Hair looks nice by the way.”
“Well I’m trusting your judgment because I can’t see it!” I called after you.

The girls finished a few minutes latter.
“There! It looks really pretty!” They all exclaimed excitedly.
I reached back and touched it. It felt like they had put it up in some kind of bun at the back of my head.
“How are you keeping it up.
I then noticed that they all had their hair ribbons out.
“Aw you guys you didn’t have to do that.” I said. They all gave me a confused look.
“Well... it would have fallen out if we didn’t.” Nina said.
I smiled and gave them all a group hug.
“Well thank you. I’m sure it looks beautiful. I’ll give you back your ribbons by the time I leave.” I said letting them go.
“Your leaving?” They cried in shock.
“Well... I have too. I have a job to do.”
“What kind of job?” Hakia asked, bending down on her knees.
“Well... it’s a very dangerous job. I have to fight people in order to keep people like you girls safe.” I explained in my best story telling tone.
“Oh really? Do you fight dragons?”
I nodded. Harpies were close enough.
“Have you met Prince Charming yet?” Riena asked. I looked at her with a smile.
“I don’t know... I might have, or I might not. But I won’t know till the Creator tells me.”
All the girls nodded.
“And don’t chose yourself! Because he might seem nice on the outside, but he might not be right for you on the inside.” All the girls gave me a curt nod at the same time.
I smiled.
“Exactly! I will keep that in mind. You girls do the same ok?”
They all giggled.
“We’re too little to think of a boy anything but a friend!” They all exclaimed.
I laughed and lifted my hands.
“Well of course you are!”
“Hey Zaydie! We need to be getting back.” You called.
All the little girls wined.
I gave them each a hug, then I was about to take down my hair so I could give the ribbons back when they all shook their heads.
“No! You keep them as a promise! You come back and visit someday soon ok?” Nina exclaimed.
I smiled.
“Alright. I promise I’ll come back ok?”
They all nodded and gave me such big smiles that their eyes squinted shut.
I laughed and got up.
“I’ll see you girls soon!” I called over my shoulder.
“Ok! Bye!!” They all yelled, jumping up and down waving at me.
Then you took me back to Rin’s store.
We grabbed our stuff and put them back on.
Outside the store Rin said farewell to us.
He gave me a hug.
“You watch this one carefully now you hear? He’s a keeper.” He whispered.
I smiled.
“I will. Thank you again.” I called.
You gave him a hand shake and then took me around the back of a house and teleported us back.
Away from my own little Paradise.
But I made a vow that day.
I would come back.

Their new guns

I thought you might be able to picture the guns a little better with pictures!

This is Quorra's (there's another one just like it. So just imagine two of the same gun) XD

BS - Savrin's

Yura - Zaydie's

Blood Taker (silver) & Heaven's Light (black) - Kylun's

So yup there you have it. Just thought it would make it a little easier on you.

^_^

No. 10

No. 10









                                               21 guns... or more










Well.... what happened next sure was interesting.... that's really all I can say.
The extent of Jinx's weapons collection.... was guns and a few swords.
Well... I guess it's time to learn something new.

"We have a very wide verity of guns here. Most of them I have modified in one way or another. But their all real good. If you girls want ones with less of a kick back I would suggest these over here."
Jinx had taken us to the far side of the non-cluttered area of the basement. Which was a shooting range.
On the wall, (behind bars I might add) was a very, very LARGE collection of guns.

Jinx unlocked the bars and they slid up into the roof automatically.
He pointed to a section of small hand pistols to us girls.
Most of them had long barrels like Quorra's. However there was a set that was....um... kind of rounded. The handle was about as big as the barrel. Ok so you had the usual handle and barrel, but then at the tip of the barrel (on the bottom) a piece of metal came down and met the bottom of the handle. Creating a rounded look.

"You got some close range weapons Jinx? Zaydie doesn't really like guns -" you started.
I wrapped my hand around one of the pistols and picked it up along with a magazine.
The pistol was a silver plaited one, with a long barrel.
I walked over to the range and loaded the mag into it. Cocking it, I aimed for the paper target.
Squeezing the trigger, there was a loud bang as the hammer ignited the powder, sending the bullet out of the barrel and through the paper target.
It had more of a kick then I expected, so my aim was off.
I released the mag, and placed the gun back.
"Nope." I muttered.
"Did I miss.... something?" I heard you whisper to Quorra after a moment of silence where I could sense you starring at me. "In the past year. Because she could never shoot a gun before! let alone load one!"
"Um, yeah you did. You've been gone a year! she was a little... lost. So she trained hard everyday with any weapon she could find beside her own." Quorra explained.

It was true. I even forced myself to train with a gun. I figured that if I was going to have to fight the Puppeteer, or anyone else that good, I had better make myself useful.
So I trained. Day and night most of the time.
I think the real reason behind it though... was the fact that I didn't want to deal with the fact that you were actually gone.

I looked at another pistol. It was black, and on the bulky side. It's barrel wasn't as long as the other's, and when I picked it up, I was surprised by how light it was seeing as there was so much metal on it.
I grabbed it's magazine and walked back over to the shooting range.
After I loaded it, I squeezed the trigger again. This time it didn't have a kick. So I hit the bull's eye.
I walked over and examined it a little bit more.
"Yeah. I like this one. It's not heavy at all, and there's no kick back." I said, looking up at Jinx.
"Yeah that's the modification on that one. I tweaked it up a little. The metal is actually Yura It's a metal, but doesn't weigh anything! I mean you could put a whole ton on a scale and it would weigh zilch. But it‘s real sturdy."
I nodded.
"And yes you can have it. Here, here's the holster. But if you break Yura you'll pay for it."
"Yura?" I asked as I took the holster. It was one that strapped on to your leg. Oh boy.
"Guess it's a good thing your skirt's short." Savrin whispered in my ear as he passed by to look at the pistols. I slapped his arm and he chuckled.
"It's not that short." I muttered.
"I thought it was fitting." Jinx stated going back to the name.
I put my hands up and didn't argue.
I focused on strapping on the dumb holster. But I couldn't get the last buckle. I had positioned it so that it was just below the skirt, around my mid-thigh.
"Um, Quorra. A little help please." I asked. She snorted as she bent down to help.
She did it tightly so it wouldn't fall off.
"Tight enough?"
I did several flips across the room, and ran back.
"Yeah it's good." I said giving her a thumbs up. I noticed all the boy eyeing me, and I looked down at myself subconsciously.
"Ok guys don't get any ideas. Or you will seriously regret it." I sated, crossing my arms over my chest.
They all immediately looked away and occupied themselves with something.
"Well anyways! Quorra, I think you'll like these ones." Matrix said, pointing to two pistols and handed them to her.
What gave those two a look, was the fact that the bottom part of the barrel was slanted inwards.
"These are the Twins." Jinx introduced, giving her the two pistols and two magazines.
Now it was Quorra's turn to walk over to the shooting range. She had her back to the poster as she loaded the guns in a few swift movements.
Then she spun around on her heel, with her guns pointed sideways one on top of another, she squeezed the trigger and two whole appeared in the head of the silhouette.
"I like them!" She decided. Jinx handed over the two holsters, that she strapped around each leg.

Savrin chose a silver pistol with a long barrel, and the handle was black wood.
"That's Blood Spewer." Jinx said. Sav looked at him with a look that said 'are-you-for-real?’
“BS for short.”
Sav rose his eyebrows and shook his head.
“Okay then.” He gave the ‘BS’ a spin and came back satisfied.
Jinx gave up another holster. (Sav’s went around his waist, then around his right leg.)
You picked up two pistols that looked like they were suppose to be twins, but they looked different. One was silver, the other was black. But they both had gold trim. (like the trigger, the hammer, the safety button, and the bottom of the handle)

“That’s Blood Taker,” Jinx pointed to the silver one. “and that’s Heaven’s Light.” The black one. Oo-kay then.
“Ok, so all of you now have guns, do you need anything else?” Jinx asked while he handed you a holster. I could tell that he wasn’t exactly happy with us taking his guns.
“Um I don’t mean to be a burden or anything but do you have any close range weapons?” I asked.
He gestured over to another section of the wall.
I walked over to it and looked at the variation of knives, and swords. A metal tube caught my eye. It was long enough that I could hold it with one hand. There was lines engraved onto the smooth metal, they swirled their way around and around.

I rolled it around in my right hand. Looking at it.
I lifted it, and looked at the end of it. It looked like just like a tube... I mean it didn‘t look like anything special. So what was the use of this thing?
Ok so um I was a little.... uh.... dumb when this happened. But I will say, that I had NO IDEA IT COULD DO THAT!!!
Just saying.
Because suddenly, something pushed it’s way out of the tube, and shot strait up. I gasped. It was a cold blade. And I had it so close to my face that it had parted my bangs, on it’s way up, right in the middle, and it rested right in the middle of my face.
My eyes got big as I looked around. Not daring to move a muscle in my body. (besides my eyes obviously)
My eyes met yours and you suddenly burst out laughing!
I slowly moved the sword/tube thingie away from my face and pointed it down to the ground.
My eyes still big, and my body still tense.
You were still laughing at me, (which was really weird because you hardly ever laughed before) and everyone was now looking at me to see what I had did.
“What? What did she do?” Quorra asked.
You tried to explain but you couldn’t get a full breath, so you just leaned over your knees and tried to calm down.... though I don’t think it worked to well....
“Well... I won’t be doing that again.” I muttered.
Which just sent you into another laugh attack.

“Whoa! You opened it!” Jinx exclaimed. He came over and reached for the blade... thing. But as soon as he took it out of my hand, the blade shot back into the tube and it closed up. Not even looking like it had opened before.
“Uh....” He handed it back, and as soon as I grasped it like I was about to use it, the blade came back out.
I looked at it up and down now that it was back out.
It was a sword. A very slim sword.
“Think fast!”
I turned just in time to see Ryota aimed for my head. I raised the sword in defense and sparks flew as metal clashed against metal.
Savrin attacked me several more times, each time I blocked with ease. (Ha! I guess all that training was useful after all.)
After a few minutes, he stopped and made Ryota disappear.
“That’s real sturdy for something so small.” He remarked.
I nodded.
Yes it was. I liked it!

“So are you guys from  V. M. U.?” Jinx asked. I looked at him as I closed the sword. It had a hook on one end so I clipped it onto the left side of my belt.
“V. M. U?” I asked.
Jinx looked at me like I was an idiot.
“Yeah Vecina Military University.”
I glanced at everyone else with a confused look.
“Um... no.”
“Then how did you get the uniforms?”
We all glanced down.
“Ok we just bought these in the store. What’s V. M. U?”
Jinx looked at us in shock. But Matrix got another grin on his face.
“V. M. U. Is a perfect cover story.” He said.
He and Jinx smiled at each other and gave a high five.
Alrighty then.... what did that mean exactly?

No. 9

No. 9





                                       A complete new transformation









The next morning - Ok I guess it wasn't morning, it was just when ever I happened to wake up again.
I found that I was lying on a couch in middle of a living room.
I lifted myself up and looked around.
Quorra was in a small kitchen at the far end of the room in front of me, while the boys were lying down on the floor watching a holocast behind me.
I got up, stepping over feet, as I made my way to the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" I asked, rinsing my hands off and splashing water on my face.
"Oh hey your awake! I'm just making some sandwiches. Would you like one?"
I nodded.
"What time is it?"
"Around noon. Ha it was funny we all jumped when Kylun brought you in his arms, we were all like "Oh my gosh what happened! did someone get her?! Is she dead?! bleeding?! Needs help?!" Turns out you were just sleeping.
Ha it was like Sleeping Beauty all over again. I was just waiting for your Prince Charming to kiss you and break the spell." Quorra rambled.
I laughed.
"You sure do have an imagination Quorra." I said with a smile.
"Yes well, it's better then being boring. Here you go." She handed me a plate with a veggie sandwich on it.
I nodded my thanks and dug in. She hollered at the boys and they all came running.
"Hey Zaydie." Matrix stated, scooping up his plate and running back over to the holocast.
"Hey Zaydie." Sav shouted, taking a bite out of his sandwich.
"Hey Zaydie." You said with a grin. Then all of you guys went back to the holocast and ignored us girls like such gentlemen.
"Hey to you all too." I muttered, waving at your retreating backs.

After we all finished out sandwiches we all gathered around the island counter in the kitchen.
"Ok so if we're all going to have complete make-overs -"
"No, it's just Sav and I that need our hair redone, but all three of us need a new wardrobe." I cut in.
"Ok... oh so new hair-do's and stuff?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Ok cool. Matrix doesn't need anything sense he wont be going in. And what kind of hair cut?" Savrin asked.
I messed up my mouth and looked at him.
"Hmm... I have an idea."
"Am I going to like it?"
I gave him a look.
"No your going to hate it." I rolled my eyes.
"First stop we need to make is to the hair salon. What we're doing is going to take several hours, so let's get going." I said, rising from my chair.




   
                                                    ++++




I was right. It did take several hours to do what I had in mind.
In the hair salon I showed the hair dresser what I wanted Savrin to look like when he was done, then we went on to me.
They cut my hair (I know, very sad) till it came just below my shoulder blades.
Then they started to die it.
Which took a very long time. First they had to bleach it, then they had to wash it out, then they had to do that one more time, then after they finished bleaching it, (which at that point my hair looked snow white) they put the die on it and soon my whole head was full of tinfoil!
(yeah Savrin was laughing at me.)
Then to give him a shock, they took me into the back after several hours and washed my hair out, then blow dried it.
When I looked into the mirror, I hardly recognized myself.

I walked out into the main salon area and Savrin's jaw dropped as he watched me walk past. I gave him a wink and pushed the door opened.
"What could be taking them so long? I mean it shouldn't take that long just to get a hair cut and.... excuse me do you want something?" Matrix asked.
I gave him a polite smile.
"Um yeah actually. Savrin wanted me to tell you that the girl that just walked out was Zaydie." I said. I couldn't keep the laughter from my eyes as they all looked wildly around.
You were the first one to figure it out.
You stared at me for a long time. (and I do mean long!)
Quorra glanced around me then finally took a second glance.
"Zaydie?!"
I smiled and waved.
"Hi! glad you finally noticed."
Everyone (except you) lost their jaws.
"Your joking right?! I mean...." Quorra turned around me and ran her hand through my now midnight black hair.
"Oh my gosh you look fantastic! It's just so...."
"Creepy." Matrix cut in.
I turned and looked at myself in the reflection of the salon window.
My hair was now midnight black, it was long but not as long as I use to have it, and the other majorly new thing, was the fact that now I had bangs. They ran right across my forehead, and then there were slightly longer ones that fell down next to my face. (though they were shorter then the rest)

I turned as the salon bell rang and Savrin walked out with his hands in his pockets.
His hair was a little longer, and it wasn't spiked out on the top of his head anymore. It hung down around his face, though around his face it did spike out a little.
"Oh! I like it!" Quorra announced skipping over. "At least it's not as drastic as hers!" She said.
Savrin chuckled and looked me over.
"Looks good Zaydie." He remarked with a smile. I nodded.
"Thanks. You too. Now come on! We have clothes shopping to do!"

We marched into the clothes shop and Quorra and I went to work. You insisted in keeping your black robe, which was fine with me.
So we were just looking for Savrin.
"Hey guys... how about you let me pick it out." He said. Us girls looked at him for a moment then backed off.
"Do they have anything in particular they like?" I asked you.
"Black. Mostly black. It can have hints of other colors but mostly black." You said. I nodded and looked for a new outfit for myself.
I grabbed a white collared shirt with another black skirt. Then I noticed a jacket that was about the same length as the skirt. I picked it up and looked it over. It looked military, it had the bars on the shoulders.
It was black mostly, and outlined in red.
I took it all to the dressing room and slipped it on. The shirt came with a black tie, and I quickly tied it.
Then I slipped the jacket on. I was right, it was the exact same length as the skirt.
There was a belt that went all the way around my waist and buckled in the middle. I buttoned up the jacket and did the belt loosely. The belt it's self was actually made up of two white ones that crossed over each other in the middle.
As I turned around I noticed that there was a string of pearl looking things in the back. I chuckled and turned around again.

I shoved on a pair of boots that came up a little bit past my knees. The heel on them was very small so they were very comfortable.
I walked out of the room and shook my head as Savrin and Quorra came out.

Savrin wore a red shirt that was tucked in. Over top of that he wore a close fitting jacket that didn't come all the way down to his pants so you could see a small portion of the red shirt underneath.
The jacket had a 'V' cut neck, and a high collar. On the shoulders it had two straps that buckled, and then a few more random buckles that didn't seem to do anything on the lower part of the jacket. (the whole jacket was black as well)
He wore dark pants with it and black shoes on it. He had his hands in his pockets and wasn't looking at any of us. Oh great, so he had turned into the moody you. (haha)

Quorra was dressed in a black button up corset resembling sleeveless shirt. And a red and black pleaded skirt with several belts sitting on her hips.
She wore one of the warmer sleeves-that-weren't-really-attached-to-a-shirt thing on her left arm with a spiked bracelet over top of it. It was black with a red design on it. She also wore a red tie that had what looked like a spider web on it.
On her right arm she wore a red spiked band around her arm, a fingerless glove, and then several silver bracelets.
She wore plain black boots on her feet.

"It's not that I don't like the outfit." She started. "but I'm changing the next chance I get."
"I'm with you on that one!" I agreed. she nodded and sighed.
"But this'll have to do for now." I said.
We all nodded in agreement.
"We found out what we can here, then when we move on, we change agreed?" I asked. Everyone nodded.
"You to Kylun." I said looking up. You finally gave me a curt nod.
"Alright, then lets get on with it." I ordered.
And we moved out.

"Um... Kylun,... what do we do about weapons?" I asked, jogging in order to keep up with your pace.
"I mean, would they think it a little weird if we can summon our weapons when ever we like?"
You froze and looked at me.
"That's.... a good question. They won't know about me, or Shiro. But we had better suit up."
"If it's weapons your looking for, I know just the place." Rix jumped in with a sly grin.
We nodded and followed him around Vecina.

I wasn't really sure where Matrix was taking us, or what he had up his sleeve. But he had proven useful before, so I was willing to go along with him.
Though I could tell that no everyone had much faith in him.
"Where is he taking us?" Quorra whispered. I shrugged.
"Who knows."
"Hmm.... I don't like it."
"What, you don't trust me Quorra?"
She stiffened when Matrix shot her a grin over his shoulder.
"Well your not exactly being very open." She shot back.
"True. Ok." He turned suddenly and stopped, making us all ram into each other. Quorra bumped into Sav, who bumped into me, who bumped in to you. (oh look we're dominos)
"There's a bunch of us who have formed what we call The Averse. There are members all over Dresher. And we are against The Fallen. So we've made bases in almost every town and city."
We all exchanged glances.
"And you didn't tell us this before because...?" Quorra questioned.
"Because you didn't ask."
Then he led the way again, and we walked into a utilities shop.
"Hey Joe." Rix said waving at the guy behind the counter.
"Matrix! Been awhile! How's that sister of yours?" Joe asked with a smile.
"Just fine. See you."
We all slipped into the back of the store and found ourselves in a big storage room.
"What -"
"Shh."
I closed my mouth and watched as Matrix moved a few boxes around.
He smashed his hand on a brick in the wall and Quorra jumped forward.
"What are you doing you insane boy?!" She said, grabbing his hand and looking at it. Then she dropped it and examined the brick he had just punched.
"Oh that's weird."
I walked over and felt the brick. It was soft.
"No kidding."
"You guys over react to much." Rix muttered. Down on the floor where the boxes had been, the floor lowered, revealing a dark staircase.
"Hoaky stink!" I muttered.
"What?" You asked with a laugh. I glanced up at you and smiled.
"Um. It's just a saying thing-ie I say." I explained. So as I didn't further embarrass myself, I went down the stairs after Matrix.

Down the stairs, I found myself in an extremely large room. It was dark and looked like a basement. It was marked off by arches. Several arches ran side by side down the middle of the room. The area we stepped into was covered in metal scraps, tools, old dirty rags, and half finished.... things. Like machines.
There was a corner desk (in the corner. The far corner of the room) that held a whole ton of computers, and when there wasn't enough desk space, they were mounted on the walls.
Half of them had programs running on them, others had security cameras.

"Yo! Jinx! You in here?!" Matrix yelled.
There was a clatter, then a big crash. A head peaked out on the other side of one of the arches.
"Rix what are you doing here? Can't you see I'm busy!" The head disappeared, and Matrix beckoned us to walk over there with him.
I followed slowly, careful to step over or around the junk on the floor.
We all waked around the arch and came face to face with a huge gun! (yes a gun)
We all jumped back and the four of us summoned our weapons.
"Whoa guys! Calm down. Jinx is that thing loaded?" Rix asked.
"Of course!"
We all looked at Rix with shocked faces.
"Not!" The kid finished. He turned the gun away. It was more like a cannon really. It was built on a stand and the person behind it ducked down behind the frame and fire.

The kid was probably... 13. Maybe.
He wore baggy pants that were black with a red zigzag stripe down the left leg. And a chain hanging on the right.
He wore a sleeveless black shirt with a red bandanna tied around his neck.
He had brown hair that was cut short, and his face, arms and hands were all smeared with grease and dirt.

"What are you doing down here?" He asked in a harsh voice as he wiped his gloves off.
"We need weapons."
"Oh yeah? doesn't everyone these days! You got to keep a knife with you at all times in order to ward yourself from getting mugged! I personally always carry a Ryhben, but that's just me."
(a Ryhben is a full automatic pistol, real small, easy to conceal)
"And these days you don't even need a license to carry one! What is this world coming to?"
Jinx turned back to us and looked us up and down.
"Who's the hottie?"
Again he was looking at me.
I groaned this was getting on my nerves. (now I will warn you ahead of time, I wasn't going to hurt the kid)
Before Matrix could warn him.
I jumped forward and knocked his feet out from under him, then I put my foot on his throat.
"Don't. Ever. Call me that again." I remarked.
The kid's eyes were big and he nodded. I moved my foot and backed off.
Matrix helped him up.
"I was going to warn you. But there you go again, letting your mouth run before your brain." He muttered.
Jinx rolled his eyes and dusted his pants off.
"You said you need weapons?" He asked, wiping his hand under his nose.

No. 8

No. 8







                                          All it takes, is a leap of faith










Raquel thanked us over and over again for saving the show, and she gave us the creds in a red pouch. After we had all changed back in our normal clothes, we thanked her for letting us do this and we walked out.

The first thing we did outside was check the bag for a bug. There was none.
"Well, you can never be to careful." Matrix stated, repositioning his hat on his head.
We all nodded in agreement and walked out into the street.
"Now what?" Quorra asked.
"We find this other guy... who ever he is. Zaydie, Tasin said you would know so?" Savrin asked.
I felt pressure when everyone suddenly looked at me.
I rubbed the back of my neck nervously as the crowds got to me.
"Um.... I - I don't know." I sighed and started to shake my leg along as hum.
"Well think Zaydie. Is there anyone you know from Vecina?" Rix demanded in a way that didn't help my anxiouty.
I shook my head.
"I haven't been out of Konsor till now." I said. Closing my eyes my humming got slightly louder.
"What?!" He shouted. "You're from Konsor?!" he groaned and tossed his hands up into the air.
"Ok, why don't we go outside the city and take a breather ok?" Quorra suggested. Rix was about to object when she turned a hard gaze on him. "That wasn't a suggestion."
I let my sister lead me out side the city and as soon as we did my headache died away and I was able to breathe again.

"Hey Zaydie! Can you hear it?" Savrin asked, coming up beside me. I nodded energetically. I could hear it. I just couldn't see it yet. All I could see was grass.
Quorra came over, jumping up and down.
"The ocean! Let's go find it!"
I nodded and we all ran off away from the city, and towards the green grass.

After running over several hills I started to notice that the whole plain was just that.... a plain. there wasn't a tree in sight.
I was in lead, but I had to skid to a stop suddenly.
"What's up Zaydie? Whoa." Quorra noticed the sudden drop to a certian death if we jumped.
We were at the edge of a cliff. A very tall cliff.
The beach was down there, but there was no way to get there.
I noticed something strange....
"That sure is a lot of palm trees." Savrin stated as he peered down the edge.
"Well that is definitely not worth the fall. Take a good look Zaydie because this is the closest you're getting." He stated, shoving his hands in his pockets and walking away.
"Aw...." Quorra wined and followed him.
"Come on Zaydie." Matrix stated. "I can't believe you guys are from Konsor." He muttered. He seemed to have gotten over the whole thing from earlier which is good.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as the wind whipped past me, making my hair and skirt fly out behind me. The sun was coming up. Oh wow. We had been up all night!! Time sure does fly when your having fun... or so they say.
I sighed and turned to go.
I could just make out the outline of a tree as I did. It was dark, but I definitely could see an umbrella shaped tree.
I gasped.
No way!

"Hey guys!" I called. They all turned, I ran over to them.
"Wow you got out of your moody mood quick." Quorra remarked. I nodded.
"I have a hunch."
"You have a hunch." Savrin repeated. "And what is this hunch for?"
"The whole mystery on who we're suppose to be meeting!" I said in glee.
"Oh? and this hunch would be...?" Quorra asked. I looked at all of them with a sly grin.
"Do you guys trust me?"
They were quiet.
"Well yeah." Rix said.
"I don't know.... the last time she asked that she jumped off a tower, dragging me with her." Sav pointed out. I waved my hand in front of me.
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes." They all said. (Sav was a little reluctant but Quorra jabbed his ribcage.)
"Then trust me to know what I'm doing."
Before they could say anything, I turned around and ran strait for the edge of the cliff.
As I neared the edge I hoped I was right.
If I wasn't.... well at least I get to meet the Creator right?

As I neared the edge I heard screams behind me, but they dulled out as the adrenaline pumped through my vanes.
"no matter how hard I fall, he'll always catch me."
I kept my eyes on the horizon as I took that last step. I pushed off the ground and flipped my feet over my head.
I fell head first with my face up to the sky instead of the ground.
For a few minutes, I floated in the sky, my arms outstretched, and my hair floating all around me.
I closed my eyes to slits as I fell.
It was blissfully quiet. Why couldn't be this quiet all the time?
I kept my panicky feelings hidden, if I was going to die, then I'd die peacefully. Not all panic stricken.

I heard a 'whoosh' and suddenly felt hands lift me and pull me close. Then a tingling sensation ran through my body.
When I opened my eyes I was standing on the beach.

I looked up and smiled.
"You sure do have a lot of faith Zaydie." You said. Crossing your arms over you chest.
"Yeah... I guess I do." I muttered.
I shook my head and pinched my arm.
You laughed.
"What? Come on it's a little unbelievable." I snapped back.
"I didn't say it wasn't." You remarked.
I still couldn't get over you new hair style. Blond, spiked up in a wave. And an earring! I mean come on!
But... your eyes were extremely different!
There wasn't a trace of Sindo left in them, and they were blue! not red. (which I like much better!)
"Are you... actually real?" I asked. Taking a cautious step forward.
"I think so." You answer. Looking down at yourself. You still wore that black coat with the large zipper down the front.
I couldn't help it. I'm sorry! haha.
I reached up and yanked the tip of that blond wave.
"Ouch!" You reached your hand up, and I pulled mine away.
"I'm sorry. It's just....weird to see you as a blond." I commented.
Your eyes got big.
"Blond?!"
"Yeah.... your hair... is blond." I said with a confused look.
"What?!"
"Well yeah..." I looked around for something to use as a mirror.

I used my Controlium Power and brought some water from the ocean over. Hardening it, then making it shiny, I lifted it up so you could see.
"WHAT?!?!"
I jumped.
"Ok... so obviously you didn't know you had... blond hair?"
You shook your head as you touched your hair. Like you hoped it was just a wig or something.
"This is insane.... it must have happened once I kicked Havrin out."
"You kicked him out?"
I moved my hands and the water disappeared.
You looked at me and nodded.
"Yeah. That was one of the things the whole journey was about. Now he's out of me and he'll stay that way."
"Hmm... Maybe this was what you looked like before he came in."
You shrugged. "It's a possibiltiy."
I ran forward and flung my arms around your waist.
Yup. You were really there.
You stumbled backwards and we fell into the sand. Your arms held me close instinctively as we hit the sand.
I reached up and moved my hair out of your face.
"Do I pass?" You asked with a grin. I smiled.
"Yup. Definitely. So long as you actually stay with me this time."
You smiled and squeezed me gently.
"I don't plan on leaving any time soon Zaydie." You whispered.
A warm feeling passed through me and I clutched your jacket harder.
"Good."
I crawled off you and sprung to my feet.
I glanced up at the cliff and saw heads peaking over. I laughed and glanced back at you.
"Boy are they in for a surprise." I stated.
You nodded and brushed the sand off you as you gazed up at the cliff.
"come on." You opened your arms up and I walked into them.
There was another tingling sensation, and when I looked up we were back on top of the cliff.
I smiled as you let me go.
Everyone jumped and scrambled back.
"Hiya." I said with a smile.
"Uh - uh - Za - Zaydie - you just - I mean." Quorra stumbled, pointing from me to the cliff. Her eyes were huge.
"Yes I know. But lucky for me, he owed me." I said. Pointing a thumb over my shoulder.
"I told you I would repay you." You stated.
"Yeah. But don't think you're done yet mister." I remarked, looking at you with my hands on my hips.
You shook your head and laughed.
"Kylun?" I turned and saw that Quorra was now on her feet and moving over to him.
You nodded.
"Yep."
"Kylun?.... why you jerk!" She then jumped him and started to punch him.
"Ouch! Quorra - Quorra stop!"
"You think it's fine to go around - " Another punch. " - and leave us behind, and think 'oh yeah they'll be fine' well we weren't!" Another punch. "While you were off - gallivanting - Zaydie was over here mopping -"
My jaw dropped.
I jumped in between her and him with my armor up.
"Quorra. Quorra stop." I ordered with a hand on you and her. But she kept on going.
Savrin jumped her from behind hand pinned her arms to her body.
She huffed and I let my armor go.
"You mopped?" I turned to you with a hard look.
"No. I did not."
"Yes she did." Savrin jumped in. I turned to him.
"And who was asking you?" I asked. Marching over and giving him a flick on the head.
He got a grin on his face, and I turned to hear you laughing.
"You were mopping. I know." you stated, coming up next to me.
"Humph. Would you guys cut me some slack! I mean come on! I don't exactly have the easiest life you know!" I stated, crossing my arms and looking away from the group. (even if there was a smile on my face)
Everyone started to laugh at me, I just shook my head and walked over to Matrix.
"Rix, this is the third One. Kylun." I said slapping a hand on his shoulder.
He gave you a chin-up nod, and you did the same.
"Kylun! This is Matrix." I introduced while I tried to keep myself from breaking out into laughter. "And for the record, he only held my hand because I couldn't see anything seeing as the headache was so bad." I added, dropping my hand.
"What?" Rix asked.
I grinned.
"Nothing."
"Why do I get the feeling that this isn't the first time you've seen him as a blond?!" Quorra asked, looking over Savrin's arm. I walked up next to her and gave her a wink.
Her jaw dropped.
"So that's how you - Oh man and you let me make a complete fool of myself?!"
I put my hand over my mouth, and the boys snorted.
Quorra turned into Sav and hid her face.
"Quorra it's really -"
She put up a hand and stopped all my words.
"I'm not here."
I shook my head and tossed my arms above my head.
You caught me starring at you. Which made me duck my head. I turned around and walked to the edge of the cliff again.
"Um... We'll go find a place to stay for the night." Quorra said, shoving the two boys away.
"Savrin will call you when we do." She called over her shoulder.

I sighed and looked out at the ocean as it turned red when the sun came up.
You put your arms around my shoulders, and I leaned into you.
"Did you miss me?" Real random yes I know. But come on! I couldn't think of anything else to say.
You laughed.
"Yes. I did. Everyday."
I smiled.
"It's been a long 9 months." I said. You dropped your arms and came up next to me.
"9 months?!"
I looked at you in slight shock.
"yeah. It's been 9 months sense you left."
You shook your head.
"No... Zaydie it's been two years."
My jaw dropped.
"Where did you go?!"
You opened your mouth to say something but then closed it.
"Come on Kylun. Let me in." I pleaded. "I don't want to go though this again. Please? just let me in."
You sighed and plopped down on the ground with one leg hanging over the edge of the cliff, and the other you placed your arm over.
I sat down next to you and hung both legs over the edge.
"The Creator took me ahead in time."
"How far?"
".... ten years from here."
My jaw dropped.
"Whoa... that's.... really far."
You chuckled.
"Yes it is. It was real weird to see alternate realty. Haha. Especially yours."
I looked at you.
"What the heck is that suppose to mean?"
"I mean that in that world, you were a twenty year old singer and dancer who shreaded the dance floor every night."
At first I looked at you in disbelief.
But then I smiled.
"Really? who knew? Ha! That's awesome."
"Yeah... it was great. Sort of. you still had all of your fighting techniques in you. And you looked real hot in your stage dress."
And that's when I slapped you.
You laughed.
"So what was yours?"
You got that dark look back on your face. When you didn't say anything I knew the answer to that question.
"You... didn't exist then did you?"
You shook your head.
"Then... who was the third One?"
"You never knew."
My eyebrows arched and I shook my head.
"Alrighty then..."
"Well anyways, I searched and searched for a way to get back to my own time with the Creator's help. I was finally able to find a way out and that's when I ended up here. Just in the nick of time to save you from falling to your own death." I laughed.
"So! What's been going on with you? no guys I should be worrying about?" You asked.
I laughed and fell onto my back.
"Nope. I mean you know unless you count Sav. But he's always been the more brotherly type."
"What about this Matrix dude?" You leaned back and laid down next to me.
"He's quiet most of the time. but he's just a friend."
"Has Sav fallen for you sister yet?" I laughed.
"He fell for her a long time ago. He's just real good with hiding it. Her.... um... not so much."
"Ah. Alright then. So what have you been doing?"
"Let's see.... well right now. We're going to try and join up with The Fallen. And I think you're suppose to help with that."
You propped yourself on your elbow and looked me in the eye with a very serious face.
"You want to do what?"
"Tasin says we have to get in with The Fallen and find out what their doing, then figure out a way to stop them. So, you have to help us get in... somehow."
You were quiet for a moment while you locked me in your gaze like you do all the time. Only this time it was really weird because your eyes were blue, not silver-red.
You sighed.
"Alright fine. I'll help you get in, but these guys are cautious. The Puppeteer is already with them so he knows what you look like. You'll have to change that."
I glanced down at myself
Oh dear.
"Does he know what we all look like?"
You shook your head.
"No. Just us three. Well now it's just you two because I've already had my make-over."
I nodded.
"But Savrin could look like tons of other people, all he needs is a different hairstyle. You might need to die and cut yours though."
"Oh really? what do you think? would I look good as a blond, a red-head, or a raven?"
You messed up your face and picked up a handful of my hair.
"Uh.... don't know... black might be good. Can't imagine you as a red-head sorry." I laughed and looked up at the sky.
"Well that'll take a while to get use to." I muttered. You sighed and lied back down.
"Zaydie, these people are ruthless. You're going to have to be very, very careful. Especially how you act. Your real sweet. That's just part of you. There, everyone's cold. It'll be the hardest for Quorra. Seeing as she...."
"Let's everyone know how she feels?" I suggested.
"yeah. And that's not what they do. I'll be there with you, so you won't have to worry about that. and I'll be there to keep you guys in line. But I apologize ahead of time if I turn to a cold slab of marble."
I chuckled.
"No I'm dead serious! They expect you not to exhibit any kind of emotion. They'll test you Zaydie. They did the same to me. Hard, cruel test. But if you really need to get in there, you'll have to pass them."
The tone in your voice sent a chill down my back. You were dead serious. I could tell.
"Alright. Then I'll do just that. We all will if that's what it takes."
You nodded.
Weariness suddenly swept over me.
Oh yeah, we've been up all night. Bother.
My eyes started to get heavy. I rubbed them with my fists to try and keep them open.
"Well at least we'll be able to pay for this whole transformation." I said.
"How's that?"
"I just got a pay check."
You looked at me with a confused look.
"What's your job."
I grinned.
"A lead singer and dancer."
You shook your head and laughed.
"Your joking. Well good for you." I smiled and my eyes closed.
"Zaydie?"
"I've been up singing all night...so... I'm a little.... tired." I then nodded off, but I was concious enough to feel your arms around me as you picked me up and started to walk off.
"Ok Zaydie. You sleep, and we can go on from there when you've rested." You muttered. I remember you press your warm lips against my forehead, and then I really went into lala-land.
At least I had sweet dreams.

A note from the author

Ok guys sorry about this but I have decided that The Fallen don't wear the black robes. Kylun does still, but the rest of them don't.
Thanks for the understanding!

^_^

No. 7

No. 7







      "'Cause you know I'd walk 1,000 miles if I could just.... see you tonight..."






Inside Vecina, I was dizzy.
All of the buildings were short and stubby. They were all round with big domed roofs made of glass. It was all very beautiful don't get me wrong. But it was just like seeing one building after another.
I started to hum mindlessly. Which meant I wasn't doing good.

The streets were wide, yet they were full of people. People shouting and some were singing.
It was like a constant buzz, a constant headache, a constant.....
"hey are you Zaydie?"
I looked around and found that a twelve year old boy was talking to me.
"Um... who want's to know?" I asked.
The rest of the gang stopped and looked at him.
"Your the one that sang in Mr. Estra's club right?"
I nodded. "yeah. What of it?"
"Come with me please. My boss has a job for you."
The boy took my hand and started to pull me down the street.
I couldn't do anything but follow him.
The gang followed behind me. I could sense them all tensing. I was too.

The boy led me down into a back alley and into a large building.
We ran up several flights of stairs and into an office room.
The room was large and richly furnished. The left wall was made of glass and looked out into an amphitheater that had a large whole in the middle.
"What is that?" Quorra asked running over to the window/wall thing.
"That is my amphitheater. I'm glad you like it."
We all turned to see a woman lying on the couch.
She gracefully swung her long legs over the edge and stood up.
Se wore a tight red dress that flowed out at the bottom along with red high heels.
Her long red hair was pinned up with ringlets falling down her graceful neck, and she had pale skin and ruby red lips which turned into a pretty smile.

"Hello Zaydie. I'm Raquel. How are you doing?" She introduced, offering a hand. I shook it politely and smiled.
"I'm doing fine thank you ma'am. Um... may I ask why I'm here?"
She laughed.
"Of course my dear. You see my show for tonight canceled. And I need someone who's equally talented to take in his place. Would you do us the honors?"
My jaw dropped. I glanced at everyone else. Who were just as shocked.
"Um. How did you even find out about me?"
Again she laughed.
"Word travels fast on Dresher. Everyone's buzzing about you and how well you sang in Mr. Estra's club. So will  you?"
"Um... I guess."
"How much are you paying?" Matrix jumped in. Raquel turned to him and smiled.
"A pretty penny. See for yourself."
She walked over to her desk and opened a drawer. Pulling out a pouch, she handed it over to Matrix.
He opened it and his eyes grew wide.
"We'll do it."




 
                                                            ++++




The rest of the afternoon was spent practicing with the DJ machine, and figuring out who all would be singing.
It was narrowed down to me.
Great.
Quorra and Matrix would be back up dancers and singer. There were also going to be professional dancers there as well.
After we got all that settled, we practiced our dance moves.
Quorra and I were great when we were the ones coming up with the moves. But now?.... we just couldn't seem to get them down!

"Here you three can wear these. It'll show you what move to do next." One of the dancers said. "it's also attached to your mic." He handed over a set of headphones to each of us that were going to be on the stage.
They were white and blue with a mic piece coming down from it. And then also they had an eye piece that was clear glass.
I put them on and the music was blasting in the headphones. (it was just dance music. No words)
The eye piece came out from both headphones and came over my face like goggles. Clear goggles but goggles. haha.
"Ooh! These are deffinatly different." Quorra stated.
"Press the button on the side." The dancer ordered. All three of us pressed the button and suddenly stuff came flying across the glass.
I jumped and leaned back instinctivly.
"This will show you what move to make next. Just remember to sing as well." He explained.
A girl figure came up onto the screen outlined in blue on the left side of the goggles. She started to sway to the beat and then the words,
"Follow her."
Crossed the screen.
"Try it out. From the top!" The dancer said. Everyone got into position, and it the music started again.

The girl figure moved her left elbow out and then her right. The words
"Left, right" flashed across the screen.
I just followed the instructions.
Soon we were all dancing it out pretty well!
Even Matrix was doing great!
It took your breath out of you, and you got really tired afterwards but at least we got use to the goggles instructing us what to do!

We finished the routine and we all took a break.
"That was totally awesome!" Quorra shouted, I nodded.
"Yeah. I never knew I could dance like that." Matrix commented. We all laughed.
"Zaydie, Quorra, and Matrix!" We all looked down and saw a girl with a clip board calling us from the first row of seats. "Time to get dressed."
We glanced at each other and dashed to the edge of the stage.

The stage was much like the one in Mr. Estra's club. Only it was round and ten times bigger!
We took that daring first step of the edge and our feet met with stairs that led to the first row of seats.
We followed the girl behind the stage, and into a dressing room.
"These are your outfits, they all work together quiet nicely don't you think?" She asked, pointing to clothes that hung on a rack.
We all nodded our thanks and walked over to them.
They were white, with blue lining.
Matched our headphones.

We all quickly got changed in the dressing rooms and came out to admire each other in the floor length mirror.
Quorra and Matrix both had on white pants that flared out at the bottom with blue shoes, their long-sleeved shirt was white again, with a blue strip running down the left side, and also had blue cuffs.
My outfit was slightly different.
I had on a white skirt that had blue lining on the bottom. I wore a collared sleeveless shirt that had the same blue strip down the left side. Only then I had blue sleeves on each arm that was tied to my arm, yet not attached to the shirt. Those were kind of opposite of the rest of the outfit. Like I said, their blue, with white lining. The ends of the sleeves draped and it looked pretty cool.
I had on blue boots that came up to my knees with white laces on them.

"Oh...my word we look totally awesome!" Quorra exclaimed.
Then the girl with the clip board poked her head in.
"Oh good you all are dressed. Time for the hair!"
She then rushed us off to another room where we were forced into chairs and had our hair done.

My long hair was pulled up into pony tails with blue holders and hair clips every where.
Quorra's was pulled away from her face and then braided down her back.
Matrix's was just brushed and they gave him a hat much like his last one he wears all the time.

Then the same girl with the clip board came back in and reported that it was five minutes till show time.
We were led away again and met up with Savrin on the stage. That was now lowered into the hole in middle of the amphitheater.
"Hey you guys - whoa!"
We all smiled and looked down at our new outfits.
"That's... very.... um..."
We all laughed.
"Ok just remember that the first one is mostly for dancing. With a little singing, just to get the crowd up and going. The next one is really where you get going Zaydie." Savrin reminded.
I nodded.
"Alrighty then, let's do it!" I said with a hand pump.
"yes!" Quorra and I exchanged high fives.
Then the music started and Savrin said good luck then ran off the stage and into the DJ's corner.
We put our headphones on as the music started, the headphones geared up.
"You got this kids!" Several of the dancers yelled. We gave them a thumbs up and moved to our starting positions. (very dramatic starting positions. The lights on the stage were off, and I stood there in the middle with my feet apart, my hands clasped in front of me with my head down. All of the professional dancers were in a semi-circle near the back of the stage, and Quorra and Matrix stood on either side of me, but again farther away. They all stood with their heads down to the left side, and their backs to me.)

Like Sav said. The first song was just to get the crowd into it.
And boy were they!
When the stage rose to the amphitheater and the lights turned on. Everyone was screaming as we moved across the stage.
It. Was. Insane!

I just followed the movements on the goggles, so it was pretty easy, and surprisingly! We all stayed in sync!
(which was my biggest fear that we wouldn't, and then we'd all stumble over each other!)
The song ended with a big bang, and I ended the routine with what they called a "triple spin" and landed with my hands on my hips.
Yes, yes I know. It's all very dramatic, but the crowd loved it so....

I took a deep breath and glanced over at Quorra.
She gave me a thumbs up and I shook the nervousness as the music to the second song started.
This one was much slower then the last, and it was mostly piano. (really pretty sounding piano!)

I looked up at the clear night sky.
Creator.... thank you so much for helping me through all this. Words can't express what I feel right now. Though I know you already know what I feel.
Then the music started and the singing came.

"Making my
Way
Downtown,
Walking
Fast

Faces past and
I'm homebound."

The crowd died down enough that they could hear me. I moved gently and gracefully, though mostly I stayed in the same place.

"Starring blankly
Ahead,
Just making my
Way,
Making a way through
The crowd..."

The crowd cheered as I rose and dropped my voice flawlessly. I smiled and closed my eyes.

"I need
You
And I miss
You
And now I
Wonder..."

I opened my eyes again and looked up at the sky.
Thinking of you.

"If I could
Fall,
Into the
Sky,
Do you think
Time
would pass me
By?

'Cause you
Know
I'd walk
1,000 miles
If I could
Just
See you...
Tonight."

Thoughts of you swarmed through my head as I faced the crowd. (who was now silent.)
I chose this song because it was all true. I was singing it from my heart.
I would  walk 1,000 miles if I could just see you again.
I moved to the piano's music, swaying back and forth with my eyes closed.

"It's always
Time
Like these,
When I
Think
Of you,
And I
Wonder...

If you ever
Think
Of me.

'Cause everything's so
Wrong,
And I don't
Belong
Living in your
Precious
Memory..."

Haha. Again I think that's all true. I've always caught myself thinking of you, then wonder if you're doing the same.

"'Cause I need
You
And I miss
You.
And now I
Wonder...

If I could
Fall,
Into the
Sky...
Do you think
Time,
Would pass
Me by?


'Cause you
Know
I'd walk
1,000 miles
If I could just
See you
Tonight..."

There was more piano music and the crowd started to cheer again, and sing along. I smiled as I swayed my hips to the music and looked up at the sky.

"I... I don't
Want
To let you
Know.

I... I drown in your
Memory.

I... I don't
Want
To let this
Go.

I... I don't.

Making my
Way
Downtown,
Walking
Fast

Faces past and
I'm homebound.

Staring blankly
Ahead,
Just making my
Way
Making a way through the
Crowd.

And I still need
You,
And I still miss
You.

And now I
Wonder..."

The melody started, the music died down a little, and my voice rose softly.

"If I could
Fall,
Into the
Sky,..

Do you think
Time,
Would pass
Us by?

'Cause you
Know
I'd walk
1.000 miles

If I could just
See you..."

Then I got into vocalizing a little, and I sang louder as the music rose higher.

"Oh, oh

If I could
Fall
Into the
Sky...

Do you think
Time
Would pass me
By?

'Cause you
Know
I'd walk
1,000 miles."

The music slowed down as it came to an end and I gazed up at the sky and found our stars.

"If I could just
See you...

If I could just
Hold you...

Tonight...."

I held the last note till the piano stopped playing and the lights died down slowly.
I looked down at the crowd and saw that I was clutching your medallion again.
I smiled and gave a curtsy as the stage lowered.
Back under the amphitheater, everyone who had worked behind the scenes. The hair dressers, the people who made the clothes, the girl with the clip board, and even Raquel were clapping loudly for us.

The dancers all gave us hugs and congratulated us. We smiled as we stepped off the stage.
Savrin came over and gave me a big hug, which lifted me off the ground. I laughed and hung on tight so he wouldn't choke me.
When he finally put me back down he was beaming from ear to ear.
"You were amazing!!" he shouted. I smiled and took the headphones off.
"Thanks."
Quorra came over and slung a hand around my shoulder.
"Yes you were. And I think I know who you dedicated the song to." She remarked.
I smiled and looked up at the sky.
"Yeah... I'm sure you do."