Lost Horizon

by Michelle Hercules

  “Darius … I don’t know why you have the notion you’re faulty.”

  I face him again. “Are you serious? I can’t remember the most basic stuff—for instance, in which drawer I keep my socks. Until a minute ago, I didn’t remember you! I’m tired of being a burden, of not being able to contribute to putting an end to this war.”

  Lennox breaches the distance between us. He grabs me by my shoulders, forcing me to peer in his direction. “You are not a burden. How many times must I tell you that?”

  I open my mouth to contest, but he keeps talking. “If it wasn’t for you, Emerald City would have fallen by now. Your ideas made the protective barrier possible. And you were only ten years old, for crying out loud. Let’s not forget, you were also the one who initiated Project Cosmos.”

  Lennox mentioning Project Cosmos makes me feel guiltier and more torn than I already was. Dorothy was counting on finding a starship here in Emerald City, and I gave her the illusion that she would. But Project Cosmos is nothing but a dream. I hit a major roadblock, and my mind has never stayed sharp long enough for me to fix the problem.

  “I’m excellent at starting things and never finishing them.”

  “You’re back in one piece, and that’s all that matters. You can pick up where you left off. I have confidence in you. But first, I want to know everything about the Witch Slayer and why she has the idea that we have operational starships.”

  Of course. He had to go and ask about Dorothy. As if I’m not already tormented enough about her. I’m guilty for giving her false hope, angry with myself for not being able to protect her when Reo attacked, and back to feeling guilt again, thanks to my abysmal attitude during the last leg of our trip.

  “I don’t know much about her. She saved me from a sticky situation in Scrape Town. Then, she invited me to tag along on her trip here. I didn’t know at the time that I was from Emerald City.”

  “You know she possesses three pieces of untainted crystals, right?”

  “Yeah, I know. She purified them.”

  “She did what? How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know how she’s able to do it, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

  Lennox rubs his face as he begins to pace the room. “Do you know what that could mean?” He pivots around, facing me with round eyes. “She could help us end the war. We must send word to our allies in the north and south immediately.”

  I should be sharing my cousin’s excitement. But the idea of embroiling Dorothy in our problems feels wrong.

  “I’m not sure she will be able to help us. She’s set on leaving Oz. That’s why she came all the way here.”

  My statement has no effect on my cousin. “Well, I don’t see why she can’t help us. Project Cosmos is not nearly ready for testing, as you know. It’s not like we’ll be keeping her here on purpose.”

  “We do have another problem,” I say.

  “What is it?”

  “She’s under the impression the Great Wizard of Oz can help her.”

  Lennox’s expression becomes somber. He should be concerned. “Did you tell her about him?”

  “She learned about him along the way. I’m sure the munchkins mentioned him to her. He’s known across the land after all.” My comment is loaded with irony—a fact my cousin, for once, doesn’t notice.

  “You should have tried to dissuade her of the notion.”

  “I didn’t remember him, and when I began to recover part of my memories, I didn’t have the heart to squash her hopes.”

  Lennox fixates his hawk eyes on me. “Oh, Darius. Don’t tell me you’ve developed an attachment to the girl?”

  Clamping my jaw shut, I pull my long bangs off my forehead. It’s useless trying to hide anything from Lennox. He can smell lies from across the country.

  “We sort of kissed.”

  “Sort of kissed? You either do or don’t. There isn’t an in-between. Unless you’re not doing it right.”

  “Well, we were under the influence of poisonous poppy flowers.”

  “Ah, I see. So, one more reason for her to stick around longer. Maybe, in the end, she will change her mind and stay in Oz.”

  “Right.” I glance at the hot-air balloon painting again.

  Lennox stands next to me, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Come on now. Don’t be such a downer. Where is your sense of optimism?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I lost it along the way, coming back to Emerald City.”

  “Ha-ha.”

  “What are we going to do about the wizard? Since there aren’t any starships, she won’t let go of meeting with him.”

  Lennox steps to the side, putting his forefinger over his lips. “Hmm, that’s indeed a problem. Give me a day to come up with a solution.”

  I don’t like one bit the cunning expression my cousin is sporting now.

  “Lennox, please. Don’t make things worse.”

  He whirls around, staring at me like I said something foolish.

  “When have I ever made things worse?”

  “Always.”

  30

  Reo

  As soon as I’m alone in my designated guest room, her call comes. I don’t answer right away, which, as usual, causes me great discomfort. But first, I must scan the perimeter and make sure the room is free of bugs. Surprisingly, I find none. I still can’t believe Prince Lennox took a group of strangers into the heart of his palace without hesitation. It’s mind-boggling that Emerald City has lasted this long.

  When I’m satisfied, I tap the side of my head.

  “You really ought to stop avoiding my calls, Reo.”

  “I had to make sure I was alone.”

  “I don’t appreciate your radio silence, but considering you’re making progress on both missions, I’ll let this minor aggravation slide.”

  “How do you know I’m making progress?”

  “Oh, silly cyborg. I have eyes everywhere. I know you’ve arrived in Emerald City and that you’ve met the Witch Slayer.”

  A sliver of apprehension runs down my spine. If my employer knows that, it means she must have spies inside the palace.

  “If you have eyes everywhere, why did you want me to gain access to Emerald City? It’s obvious you already have agents over here.”

  “If I do have agents in place, it is not your concern. Listen carefully. Now that you’re inside the palace, you must find the Great Wizard of Oz.”

  “Why?”

  “Because he’s part of your mission. You’re going to find him and kill him.”

  I knew my employer would want me to taint my hands once again. Once a killer, always a killer. With a hard swallow, I debate the pros and cons of following her orders.

  “Reo? Are you still there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  “You’re not having second thoughts about our agreement, are you? Remember, only I can grant your deepest desire. Besides, killing without mercy is right up your alley. I’m sure you’ll find great joy in reminiscing about your glory days.”

  Her venomous words drive a knife deep in my chest. My employer knows exactly what to do to inflict the most pain.

  I flare my nostrils. It takes great effort on my part to keep my voice cool and emotionless. “No, I’m not having second thoughts.”

  “Good.”

  “What about the girl?”

  I have to know if she wants Dorothy killed as well. I’m not sure what I’ll do if that’s her plan. I’ve already almost killed Dorothy once, and it made me feel the full blow of remorse, something I haven’t felt in a long time.

  “The Witch Slayer lives … for now.”

  Those are the last words my employer says before she disconnects. Even though I haven’t followed through with her mission, I feel dirty and despicable, only by agreeing to it. I question what she would do to me if I were to ignore the mission. How would she punish me?

  I drag my sorry ass to the front of the full-length mirror in the room. Staring back is a man I hardl
y recognize anymore—and not because of my new mechanical parts. Before my ship was attacked by pirates and I was held captive for all those months, I used to look like my father. Externally, my appearance has not changed. I still have the same squared, sharp jaw, the same long nose. But what’s inside is rotten.

  When I had Dorothy in my arms with the excuse that I was protecting her from the Raven Witch, I could tell she wasn’t disgusted by the proximity, as she should have been. Her heartbeat was accelerated, and her pupils were dilated. Two signs of physical attraction. Worst of all is that I wasn’t immune to it either. If she could scan my vitals like I could hers, she would have noticed the same anomaly.

  I can’t believe a naive young woman like her would make a heartless man have a pulse again. To me, that’s more miraculous than her ability to purify tainted crystals.

  It’s ridiculous to dwell on these inexplicable feelings we might have for each other. It’s also dangerous. Never mind that Scrawny is also enamored with her. He might as well have a neon sign flashing above his head.

  Suddenly, what was supposed to be a simple mission is becoming more complicated by the minute. My employer wants me to kill the man Dorothy so desperately wants to see now that Prince Lennox has squashed her hopes of getting a starship.

  I could kill the wizard without Dorothy ever knowing I was responsible for it. With the way security is lacking in this place, it wouldn’t take long to discover where he hides. There is only one thing that’s different than when I accepted the mission: my priorities have changed. The desire to end my pitiful existence is no longer paramount. And Dorothy is responsible for the shift.

  It’s hard to believe that a pretty girl would make me want to give up something I’ve wanted for the longest time. To unplug forever, to forget all the atrocities I’ve committed in the name of survival. I believed that was the closest I could get to paradise. But maybe there’s another way.

  No, Reo. You have no right to dream.

  With a grunt, I walk away from the mirror in disgust. As much as I try, the only thing I see in my reflection is a murderer. That’s exactly what Dorothy will see if she ever learns the truth about my past.

  Bringing forth the coldness I’ve grown used to since I was turned into a cyborg against my will, I push away the mushy feelings to the darkest recesses in my mind. Emotions are for the weak. I focus on what I need to do.

  The first priority is to get rid of the road grime. The room they assigned me is lavish and full of comfortable amenities. That includes an enormous bathroom with a bathtub that could probably fit a party of four in it.

  I haven’t indulged in a bubble bath since my time living on Old Earth, before my first trip as the captain of a colony ship. It feels like a lifetime ago. So, I turn on the faucet, letting hot water fill the mini pool. As I wait, I let my clothes fall to the granite floor, wincing as I feel every muscle ache possible.

  Once the tub is half-full, I dip my toes in it, testing the temperature. It’s hot to the point that it might inflict pain. But once my body gets used to it, I take the remaining steps down, submerging my body in the water. I don’t have to worry about my robotic parts. They’re waterproof.

  Almost immediately, my muscles begin to relax. I lean my head against the tub’s edge, regretting now not grabbing a towel to use as a makeshift pillow. But nothing will make me leave this tub now. My eyelids become heavy, which is something I haven’t experienced in a while, thanks to my cyborg composition. I don’t ever feel tired, but it seems that not only is my heart becoming human again, but my entire body is, too.

  I don’t know how long I slept. I’m wakened suddenly by the sound of someone knocking on my door. The water in the tub is now lukewarm. I’m tempted to ignore whoever is outside when the knock comes again, followed by Dorothy’s faint voice calling my name.

  With a lurch, my heart kick-starts. I curse the muscle for its traitorous ways. I attempt to get my heartbeat under control, but it’s harder to control my pulse this time. What the hell is going on with me?

  Letting out an annoyed grunt, I get out of the tub, not caring about the mess of splashed water on the floor. I grab one of the towels folded neatly on a shelf next to the tub and tie it around my waist. Ignoring my clothes, I stride back to my room.

  I’m filled with anger when I open the door, finding Dorothy poised to knock once again.

  “What?” I ask.

  Her eyes widen before they drop to my naked chest and then further south. Blushing covers her cheeks at the same time her vitals go haywire. With the way her heart is pumping at warped speed, one would think she was having a cardiac arrest.

  I’m one to talk. A myriad of emotions is swimming freely in my chest as I take note of her appearance. Her hair is damp and loose over her shoulders. Her skin smells like flowers, and even her clothes seem fresh. Shit. If she doesn’t bring her eyes up, she might see more than a mere towel wrapped around my waist.

  I clear my throat and ask again, “Well? What do you want? I was in the middle of a bath.”

  “I, uh … may I come in?”

  Knowing I won’t get rid of her easily, I let her into my room. Might as well get this conversation over with. She walks toward the window, keeping her back to me. I take the opportunity to rearrange the towel in a manner that better hides my reaction to her.

  When I’m satisfied, I ask, “What do you want?”

  She whirls around, keeping her gaze locked on my face. “You said Prince Lennox lied about the starships and the wizard. How can you be sure?”

  Ah. That’s why she’s here. After I dropped that nugget of intel, I couldn’t elaborate further without the guards overhearing it. I should have known my statement would drive Dorothy insane.

  “The same way I know that standing in my room when I’m almost naked is making you hella uncomfortable.”

  I didn’t think it was possible, but her cheeks become even redder.

  She crosses her arms and pouts. “Well, put your clothes on already.”

  I can’t help the sardonic grin that unfurls on my lips. “I’m sure you didn’t come here just to ask how I knew about the prince’s deception. So, go on. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  With a huff, she uncrosses her arms to place her hands on her hips. I force my eyes to remain on her face. I do not need to check her body, no matter how tempted I am.

  “If he’s indeed lying, I want to search for the wizard on my own. I suspect that once I find him, I’ll also find the starships.”

  The smile wilts from my face quicker than lightning. If I find the wizard, I’ll have to complete my mission. My employer will know if I don’t, thanks to her spies.

  “We can’t simply wander the palace, looking for secret chambers. Did you already forget how the guards were watching us like hawks?”

  “I know it won’t be easy. That’s why we’ll wait until nighttime.”

  It seems I’ll be experiencing a great number of firsts with Dorothy. I’m torn now about what to do. Indecision has never been part of my repertoire. I could go with her and learn the lay of the land while sabotaging her efforts to find the wizard. That would make me an asshole, but it’s better than the alternative. Besides, there’s no guarantee the starships and the wizard are linked. If we find those, she will soon forget about the mysterious man.

  “Why are you staring at me like that?” she asks, bringing me back from my inner debate.

  “Shouldn’t we wait to hear back from Scrawny?”

  Her eyebrows scrunch together as her lips become a thin, flat line.

  Trouble in paradise?

  “He’s been acting like a jerk since you … you know.” She grabs her neck with both hands, reenacting the episode I wish to forget.

  I don’t know what’s worse: reliving the memory of when I killed Philip or when I almost did the same to her.

  Heavens, who am I kidding? Of course attempting to kill Dorothy was much worse.

  “Besides,” she continues, “if the prince is lying,
Darius must be as well.”

  “He doesn’t remember everything about his life. I still think we should wait for him. Why risk getting on his family’s bad side? Regardless, nighttime won’t be for a few hours. We can’t do anything but wait.”

  Dorothy nibbles on her lower lip as her gaze becomes unfocused. Does she have any idea what that does to me?

  Idiot, of course she doesn’t.

  “Where is Toto anyway?” I ask to keep my mind from wandering to places it shouldn’t.

  “I left him in my room. I didn’t want him alerting the guards to where I was going.”

  “Are you saying you found none stationed outside your door?”

  “No.”

  “You’re kidding yourself if you think they don’t know you’re here.”

  She narrows her eyes a fraction before heading for the door. “I’d better get going.” She pauses once she’s holding the doorknob and looks over her shoulder. “You can stop trying to hide your arousal now.”

  She slips out before I can summon a reply. I don’t think I would have had one, not with the way my jaw is hanging loose. Dorothy is not as innocent as I thought.

  31

  Dorothy

  I lean against Reo’s door with my cheeks in flames. I can’t believe I actually said that to him. Covering my face, I let out a soft moan. I jump forward in the next second, remembering his super hearing. Most likely, he heard me just now.

  With quick steps, I move away from his room, noticing that what was once a deserted hallway is now populated with guards stationed in several points along the way back to my quarters. They don’t carry any visible weapons with them, but their eyes follow me as I stride along.

  The feeling of safety I had when we were granted entrance to this wonderful city has quickly vanished. With a hard swallow, I attempt to display a nonchalant attitude by focusing on my surroundings. The light-green stone floor is covered by a long carpet depicting a paisley motif in different shades of the only color these people know.