by Tara Chau
We all look at the page, taking in as much as we can.
"So, there's only one entrance and two exits,” Hayden clarifies.
Both Ty and Anne nod regretfully.
"What is this?" I ask, pointing to a smaller rectangle just a few centimetres away from the door on the left platform.
“That… we have no idea,” Ty says, peering at it as if he were seeing it in real life.
"It's a big stone block, has signum neither of us has ever seen carved into it,” Anne says, looking at Ty. Both of them seem to recall the sight.
“Do you have any idea what it might be for?” Jess asks.
Both of them shake their heads, and I try not to flinch as they all come to look at me.
“No,” I say, biting down the urge to correct my lie. Whatever it is, I'm positive that it has something to do with raising the sin.
“Do you know where they’re keeping the book?” Gabe asks.
"We assume it's in Lucien's tent. He takes it with him whenever he leaves it and hands it to this warlock whenever he goes out."
Again, we sit here, staring at the layout, the piece of parchment that is supposed to be our ticket to getting that book and stopping Lucien.
"Alright," I say, snapping everyone out of their trances, "like Hayden said, Gabe, Jess, and I will find the book, Jess you will run it out and back to the Sanctuary before Lucien or anyone else can notice,” Jess nods her understanding, "Anne, Ty, and Hayden will watch the Xavia to make sure they don't interfere while listening for anything that can get us some edge. Then once Jess sends word that the book is safe, we'll gather here,” I say, pointing to the jagged lines which mark the stairs, “Confront Lucien where I’ll hold him long enough for my person to come in and secure him before sending him to the Sanctuary.”
“What about the Xavia? How will we hold them in place?” Jess asks.
I'm taken aback, being caught off guard. I hadn't thought of that, actually.
“We’ll hold them back,” Gabe says, pushing himself off the bookshelf.
“The whole Xavia?” Anne asks incredulously.
"When Jess gets to the Sanctuary, she can send help. It will be a good opportunity to get the Xavia as well as Lucien,” I decide, breathing in relief as they accept the idea that had been non-existent moments before.
We’re all quiet, nodding as we continue to watch the page, and soak in the precious, perhaps lifesaving information.
“Okay, this has gone too far, Di,” Gabe suddenly blurts.
He's been silent the whole time except for a few questions, the whole time watching me carefully, or maybe not, his eyes have that far-off look again. Turning to face Gabe, I see his full focus snap to me. I inwardly cringe as his harsh features stare at me.
“You need to tell them, now,” he demands, drawing confused and worried looks from everyone.
“I-I…” I have no idea what he’s talking about.
In truth, I've lied so much over these few months that I don't know what he's asking me to reveal.
“Please,” he begs, “Just do it.”
His eyes are pleading as if holding this secret for me was going to destroy him. And now, I see that keeping all this from them has skewed my beliefs too far.
What?
I ask Gabe, silently asking him what he’s talking about. A flash of annoyance glimmers in his eyes,
Your possible death.
He answers, and I see his shoulders drop instantly as if he's truly accepting it for the first time, letting himself imagine that what I am proposing is not false.
Letting out a shaky breath, I close my eyes, trying to make their faces disappear, leaving me without this mess to explain.
“Dianna,” Gabe urges, great.
I open my eyes to see each of theirs widen as if anything but my nickname on his lips is a sign of trouble, which is usually correct.
Steeling myself, I begin to explain. I explain everything. Even things that I think Gabe doesn't know. About how I worked with Vain, about my new powers that I can feel coming to life, about Lucien's plans, about all the things that he's told me, and with everything I spill, another weight lifts until I feel almost feather-light.
“It’s going to be soon; I’m going to die,” I finish, letting out a heavy breath.
Looking around the table, I take in each and every expression of theirs. They all look shocked, not angry like Gabe was and is now, just shocked.
“So?” Anne asks, amusement cracking her face.
“Um, take as long as you want to feel sad,” I say surprisedly.
"Di," she begins, shaking her head, "you, along with so many of us, have cheated death more than once. Why should this be even the slightest bit different?"
“Because, Chax has seen it,” I remind.
"Yeah, but he could just be lying. He might even be on Lucien's side."
Hayden says, shrugging casually.
“Already suggested that one,” Gabe says, shaking his head. "What she's telling us, guys, it might be true, it might not. All we can do, is to be ready, be prepared."
“Hey, remember that you’re the one – capitals?” Jess mocks, “You’ll be okay.”
“Thanks, I’m glad that I told you all,” I admit, “and I’m sorry for keeping it from you,” I say, looking down at my hands.
“We’re glad you told us too, even if it was a bit late,” Ty says, smiling.
“Okay,” I say, shutting out my guilt, coming back to focus, “does everyone understand the plan?”
"Yes.," they all nod in unison.
“Then that’s it. We’ll do this as soon as I get the plan to Vain.” They all bristle at the name, even though I have told them about her and our partnership.
They all get up to leave. I watch as they all file out, noticing that Ty and Gabe have gone off the side. Creeping as close as I can, I strain to hear their words.
“I can’t believe you let her work with Veronica Vain,” Ty hisses
“Do you really think that I have much of a say with who and who she doesn’t work with?” Gabe glares, “I can barely keep her from doing something truly crazy, like killing herself!”
"Well then, you're not really being the best boyfriend, Gabe."
"You tried controlling her once. How did that work out for you?" Gabe sneers.
“Terribly, but I would rather be on her bad side than let her work with that witch,” Ty spits.
"She makes up her own mind. You know that,” Gabe answers calmly.
“Yes, I know that,” Ty says defeatedly, "But Gabe, it's just not smart to let her anywhere near Vain. You really think she's the best influence?"
“No,” Gabe says, rubbing his face, “no, you’re right.”
“I have experience with dating a girl that comes with her own doomed prophecy. Di has already snapped once; we need to keep her away from anything that could cause her to do so again.”
"We need to trust her to do what she thinks is right; she knows what she's doing,” Gabe says uncertainly.
Ty nods but doesn’t seem satisfied, none the less, he walks away. I scramble quickly back to the desk, desperately trying to look oblivious.
Ty grunts a goodbye, walking out the library door as if the conversation never happened. I suppose it was supposed to never hear it anyway.
Gabe comes out from behind the bookshelf a moment later, his face set in an unreadable expression, devoid of any emotion. “Ready?” he asks steadily.
“Yes,” I say, rolling up the plan and tucking it under my arm. “I have to tell Vain her part of the plan,” I say as we walk out the doors.
“I’ll come with you, Di,” he says, walking next to me quickly.
“It’s fine, Gabe,” I say, turning around, so I'm walking backward, "She may not be the best influence, but after all, I've already made up my mind. And as you said, I know what I'm doing,” I say with a grin.
Gabe gapes, then his eyes widen just before I t
umble, tripping over my shoelace and landing flat on my ass.
“Serves you right for ears dropping,” he says, trying to hold back his grin.
Hitting away Gabe’s hand, I push myself up from the floor, brushing off some invisible dust.
“Sorry that your dramatic exit was ruined,” he says with a snark smile. I glare at him, picking up the scroll and continuing to walk down the hall.
“Are you going now?” he asks, coming to a matching pace next to me.
“Why not?” I say with a shrug.
“You could just send her a wish,” Gabe offers.
I stop, looking at Gabe with a questioning look.
He huffs a laugh, “I’ll show you.”
Following him down the hall into his room, I sit down and watch. He pulls out a piece of paper and a pen, passing it to me.
“Write what you want down,” he orders.
I put pen to paper and begin to write, "Gabe, the pens broken."
“No, it’s not. The inks invisible,” he explains, smiling at my obliviousness.
Nodding my understanding, I continue, hoping that it all matches up to everything and it is readable. I briefly outline the main plan and explain in detail her parts, making her cue and which signals to follow very clear.
Handing Gabe my finished note, I watch him carefully as he seals it in an envelope.
Ruffling through his desk drawer, he comes back with a stamp of some kind. Taking it in my hand, I squint to see the print. Carved into a marble block, a signum.
“Stamp this in ink then onto the message, wait for it to dry, then throw it into the wind,” Gabe orders.
Swallowing my scepticism, I follow his instructions. Dipping it into his ink pallet, I stamp it firmly onto the edge of the note, blowing it dry.
“Does it really work?” I ask.
“Would I ever give you that kind of false hope?” he says.
“I’ll choose not to answer that,” I say, ignoring Gabe's offended look and walking out the door, making my way up into the car park.
The cool breeze blows, clouds shielding me from the sun. Hearing footsteps from behind me, I speak, "What now?"
“Now, just throw it like a frisbee,” Gabe says, as if throwing a magically sealed letter is completely normal.
Positioning the letter between my fingers and thumb, bending my elbow, I extend and release. The letter shoots off, a white blur in the sky before it disappears from sight. Spinning around to face Gabe, he chuckles softly at my wide eyes. A heartbeat later, his expression shifts into a cold and serious thing.
“When?” he asks.
“Soon, but I think we have to watch the Xavia for a little bit longer. Figure out their habits and when each of their shifts ends,” I say, despite my urge to run straight there now and take Lucien out.
“That’s pretty much the smartest thing that’s come out of your mouth in days,” Gabe says with a satisfied nod.
Ignoring him completely, I begin to walk back to the entrance.
“Duck!” Gabe yells.
“What?” I say, turning around just in time to see the flying letter heading straight for my face.
Gabe’s instantly in front of me, his hands in a namaste pose inches from his nose, with the note between his palms.
“What part of ‘duck’ don’t you get?” Gabe asks, spinning to face me.
“Well, maybe next time when a flying letter comes at me, you could be more specific,” I grumble.
Gabe shakes his head, amusement outweighing annoyance. Pointedly handing me the letter, he steps back. Ripping the sealed envelope, I hastily read her old-fashioned writing, stumbling over some words that are unclear.
“Gabe,” I call.
“Yep?” he asks, coming to read over my shoulder.
“What’s this word?” I ask, pointing to a messy scrawl of letters.
He peers at it for a moment before I hear a snort of laughter. Turning around, I glare at him. He steps back, holding his hands up in surrender.
“What does it say?” I demand.
“Moronic,” he chuckles.
"Context, please,” I say, rolling my eyes.
"Right, she said that 'The plan is adequate for a girl of your age and experience.' Then she goes on to say that 'You're a moronic idiot for not including when this so-called plan of yours is going to go down.' She's also 'Not at your beck and call, so some notice would be highly appreciated.'."
“God, how the hell am I going to deal with her for… my whole life?” I huff.
"You don't have to. We can use her help with this, I'll help you pay her back, and then we never have to go anywhere near her again."
“No, that’s not how it works. She’ll keep me with her until I’m no longer of any use. I just have to deal with that.”
“Alright,” he nods.
“Alright?” I say in surprise.
“Yes, I don’t just pick fights randomly, only the one’s I know I can win,” he says defensively.
I click my tongue in disbelieve, grinning at his offended expression. "Come, Chip, we have more fights than an old married couple.”
“For good reason,” he counters.
“Whatever,” I say lightly, turning around to go back into the Sanctuary.
“You’re a very difficult girl, Dianna,” he sighs, following me through and back into the foyer.
We walk through the halls, turn after turn before Gabe speaks again.
“When?”
“Tonight,” I reply. “We’ll start taking note of everything they do, every watch and log, what times they change. You and I will go tonight.”
“I don’t think that’s the best idea,” he says.
I continue to walk aimlessly, letting my body decide my next destination for itself. I smile slightly as we come to a stop just outside the training hall. Turning to face Gabe, I look at him, from his feet to his fingertips to his face. I attempt to read his thoughts, but again he's shut himself off.
“Why?” I ask.
“Because Ty and Anne have just spent hours and hours watching them. Walking their own territory, both their scents will still be there, making them suspicious. We should wait, just a few days to get their guards back down,” he advises.
I take a step closer to him so the edges of our shoes touch, watching him. “I have waited so long to get him, Gabe. To get justice for what he did to Ronnie, for what he’s done to countless others. Are you willing to wait longer for that?”
“For true absolute justice?” he clarifies, “I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
* * *
Gabe speaks true. Nearly every route leading to the training hall has been blocked off, prepared for painting. Striding up to the fluoro tap, I slide under the warning, daring to approach one of the many people preparing the wall.
“Excuse me?” I ask politely.
The man turns to me, his hair streaked with grey from age and stress.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” he states.
“Yes, I know,” I say, taking a breath, “But I was wondering if I could see the design for the wall?”
"That's for me to know and for you to find out… when it's done,” he says, dropping his brush to start pushing me back, with surprising force.
“Hey, come on,” I say, spinning out of his grasp, “My name is Dianna Reeds, surly that has some value.”
“I don’t know anyone by the name of Reeds, sorry girl,” he says, shaking his head.
I let out a huff of annoyance, “Fine, do you know the name Iysador?”
The man stumbles, letting go of me immediately with wide apologetic eyes.
“Calm down, I’m not going to kill you for offending me or anything,” I say, eyebrow cocked, “I just want to see what the design is, please.”
This time when I ask, he scrambles off to a nearby table, picking up a sheet of laminated paper, shuffling back over. He hands it to me delicately, peering into my eyes
. I look up to lock eyes with him. He shrinks back from my gaze, returning to his paintbrush.
Raising the sheet out in front of me, I take it all in - every intricate detail. It's a picture of the whole battle, and somehow, they've managed to capture a picture of it all in motion. In the centre, perfectly drawn, three figures. Ty, Ronnie, and I. All around, I can spot the faces of everyone else, Gabe, Anne, Jess, Hayden, Astrid, Daniel, and so many others that I don't even know. They have managed to capture everyone's heroism, but truly the one thing I can't stop staring at is the brightest light in the middle of it all - a golden glow surrounding Ronnie. Her face skilfully focused into a mask of excitement and strength to hide her real fear. I feel tears slide down my cheeks, and I let them slide. She is a light, and they'll all know, they'll all know her story as the youngest Protector to die in battle. The youngest, too, in her own small way, stands up to the atrocity I used to call a friend. I search the image for that face, for Lucien's face, finding him in the very corner, eyes locked on me, a hungry, wicked look gleaming in his features. It sends a racking wave of anger through me, framing my view with red. That over-powering fire fills my veins, making me clench my fists till my knuckles bloom white.
"Excuse me," comes a voice, "Could I grab that back? We need it now."
It's the same old man, the one that denied me access in the first place. I cock my head to the left, looking him up and down at his stiff frail structure and lack of strength. Another burning wave comes crashing, pushing me down to my knees, burning my eyes, and blurring my vision. The man falls to his knees in front of me, talking frantically, words that I can't seem to understand. He reaches out, a shaky hand that touches my shoulder lightly before he jumps back in horror. A feral smile spreads across my face, the red I see pulses and glows brighter, the fire in me spreading slowly, beating back that annoying ancient feeling, beating it to a smear on my soul. I let out a shriek of pain as the fire surges for my heart, a human sound; somehow, I'm drowning.
Falling further, I fling out my arms, so they catch me. I'm kneeling over the design, kneeling over the last memory of Ronnie. More tears spill from my eyes, but they, too, now feel like liquid fire. My eyes seem to search the sheet for a target, coming to a clear focus on one face. Lucien. Another cry escapes my lips, but this time not from pain, but anger. I've waited long enough.