by R C Knight
The door to the hut came crashing open as Zane, Kai, and Ryder came pouring into her room. “What the hell?” Aria whispered loudly as she pointed at Myra, who was miraculously still sound asleep.
“See boys,” Zane chuckled quietly. “Maybe you should have checked her hut first before charging after me.”
Aria dropped the book and quickly stood up, ushering the men out of the hut. “Care to explain yourselves?” she asked sternly, her eyes narrowed at Ryder.
“Well, you see…” Ryder cleared his throat as he returned Aria’s gaze. “Bishop was –”
“Bishop couldn’t find me this morning so these two.” Zane gestured towards Ryder and Kai. “Assumed you were with me all night and came storming off into the woods to find us.” Zane chuckled as he slowly backed away from the group. “Now, if you don’t mind. I should find Bishop and see what the fuck he wanted.” Zane winked at Aria as he turned and casually walked away.
“Really?” Aria responded as she locked her eyes onto Ryder. “Did you think I would be that stupid?”
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Kai muttered as he laughed quietly. “You seem to be missing a lot of signs lately.”
Aria sighed wearily as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Shut up Kai,” she growled. Kai quickly looked down at the ground and started shuffling his feet. “Ryder. Did you really think I would be that stupid?”
“Well. I…” He sighed as he ran a hand through his dishwater blonde hair. “I don’t know, Aria. You haven’t been acting like yourself since we got to Earth. These humans are changing you.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing,” she muttered as she glared at Ryder. “At least I am trying to understand them and their issues. Maybe you should try it.” She walked up to Ryder, her eyes burning into him as she poked his chest. “Get your shit together, Ryder. There’s more important stuff going on than this petty little game.” She turned and walked back towards the door of her hut. Aria glanced over her shoulder, her eyes shooting daggers at Ryder. “And if you ever come barging into my hut again without asking, I will kick you off my team and send you back to Heaven.”
“Shit,” Kai muttered under his breath as he nervously glanced towards Ryder. His face was frozen, the anger clearly etched in every line.
“Now, if you don’t mind, Myra hasn’t been feeling well and I need to tend to her.” Aria softly opened the door to her hut and disappeared, quietly closing the door behind her. She looked at the discarded book on the ground, picked it up and gently placed the feather back in its spot. She quietly closed the book and placed it back in her satchel. This isn’t what Myra would want, she told herself as she sat next to Myra, her eyes examining her for any more changes from the corruption. I just need to have faith that this happened for a reason. I need to believe like Myra does. Aria sighed wearily as she gently pulled the hair off Myra’s face. This will all work out as it should.
~~~~
Ryder stood frozen to his spot; he could hear Kai quietly shuffling his feet next to him. He took a deep breath as he tried to calm his mind. Would she really send me back? he thought as he stared at the hut door.
Kai cleared his throat as he glanced over at Ryder. “Hey, we should, uh...” He looked down at the ground and shuffled his feet. “We should go find Zane and Bishop and see what the plan is with Dominick.”
“Huh,” Ryder muttered, his eyes burning as he stared at the door. “Yea...” He shook his head and ran a hand through his dishwater blonde hair. “Yea, let’s go.”
“I think Zane went that way.” Kai nodded towards a clearing a few huts behind them. “Come on.” Kai turned and started walking towards the clearing, he could see a wisp of smoke rise above the huts. “Looks like they’re making breakfast.”
“Great,” Ryder mumbled. “Just what I need, some rotten meat.” Kai chuckled as they made their way to the clearing.
“You’re telling me that you spent the night alone in the forest?” Keira’s voice echoed angrily from the clearing. “Are you sure you didn’t have company?”
Kai chuckled. “I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that shit,” he muttered to Ryder.
“Yea,” Ryder responded with a sigh as he looked over his shoulder at Aria’s hut.
“Of course not,” Zane’s voice was smooth and calm. “I just wanted to get some fresh air. Nothing else.”
Ryder and Kai walked around the hut into the clearing. Keira was standing next to the small fire, her arms crossed over her chest as she angrily tapped her foot. Zane had his hands up as he tried to defuse the situation. Ryder smirked as he saw Bishop standing to the side, a look of amusement on his face.
“You have nothing to worry about,” Zane commented as he shot a glare at Ryder and Kai. “It was just me in the forest. Wasn’t it?” He held his glare with Ryder as he nodded his head toward Keira. “Wasn’t it?”
“Oh, yea,” Kai responded quickly, his words running into each other. “It was just him, laying in a random crater. All by himself.”
Keira rolled her eyes in disbelief as she stared at the men. “A crater?” she responded wearily. “You expect me to believe you slept in a crater all night?” Her voice filled with anger. “Whatever.” She looked over at Bishop then back at Zane, Ryder, and Kai. Her blue eyes locked onto Zane, her anger making the air thick. “When you decide to tell me what really happened,” she responded, her eyes piercing into all the men. “You can find me in my hut.” With that she stormed off, her long red hair flowing behind her as she left.
Zane chuckled nervously as he eyed the group. “Women, even when you’re telling the truth they still don’t believe you.”
Bishop sighed with frustration as he rolled his eyes. “At least you’ve got one,” he muttered. “Why were you sleeping in a fucking crater?”
“I just needed –”
“Can you two talk about this later?” Ryder interrupted. “We need to discuss the plans for today.”
“Fine,” Bishop muttered. “I wanted to find that out as well.”
Zane sighed wearily as he ran a hand through his black hair. “I’ve convinced Dominick to take us to the Red Horseman’s city. Luckily for us, the yearly tournament starts in four months.” He smiled as he rubbed his hands together over the small fire. “So, we need to send some people to get Cain and Abel, so we can start planning our attack. Dominick is being kind enough to make a map of the area.”
“Oh, that’s so kind of him considering you chopped off his fucking fingers.” Ryder muttered angrily as he glanced over at Kai. “Kai and I will go get Cain and Abel. I need some time away from this place.”
“Sure,” Zane shrugged his shoulders. “What about Aria and Myra?”
“Myra isn’t feeling well,” Kai responded softly, “Aria is taking care of her. They’ll probably be in their hut all day.”
“I see,” Zane sighed wearily. “Well, get your shit and go. The sooner Cain and Abel get here the better.” Ryder nodded as he nudged Kai’s arm.
“Come on,” he muttered as he turned and quickly walked away, heading towards his hut.
“See ya,” Kai responded cheerily as he followed Ryder. “Don’t have too much fun pissing everyone off.” He chuckled as he waved bye to Zane and Bishop.
Zane turned towards Bishop, a sigh of sorrow escaping his lips as he looked into Bishop’s hazel eyes. “Look, I know Mikayla’s death has been hard on you. But we need you focused on the mission, Bishop.”
“I am focused,” Bishop muttered; his voice filled with anger. “I have never been more focused in my life. I’m ready to kill every demon we meet and then some.”
“That’s good.” Zane sighed as he examined his drawn face. “But this obsession is distracting you from your job. You are our fucking strategist, Bishop. But you’re too damn busy focusing on your revenge to make a coherent plan.”
“Damn right I’m distracted!” Bishop shouted as he began to pace, “and I have every right to be!” He glared over at Zane. “How would you feel if Keira was
killed? Wait, I bet you wouldn’t even care, would you?” He paused, staring at Zane’s blank face. “That’s right. You wouldn’t care unless it was Aria that was killed. Your precious little fuck angel.”
Zane growled as he quickly crossed the distance between him and Bishop. He grabbed Bishop by the throat and picked him up. Triumph filled Bishop’s face as he grasped at Zane’s hand. “Don’t you dare disrespect Aria,” he grunted, his eyes flickering black.
“See,” Bishop gasped as he glared down at him. “She’s the only one you actually care about. You don’t give a fuck about the rest of us. You just want us to do our jobs like good little soldiers.”
“I want you to do your job, so we can get the fuck out of this place. I want you to do your job, so we can go home and live our lives in peace.” Zane growled as he lowered Bishop to the ground. “The only way we will ever have peace again is if we help these angels defeat all of the Horsemen. I don’t give a fuck what you do after we finish that.” Bishop coughed as Zane released his throat. “I’m sure you’ll find someone else to settle down with.”
Bishop grunted as he glared at Zane. “There is no one else,” he shouted. “And if it wasn’t for you, Mikayla would still be here!”
“Oh yea?” Zane responded as he towered over Bishop. “Because, if I remember correctly, you are our strategist. It was your plan, Bishop. If anyone is at fault, it’s you.” Zane growled as he glared down at him. “Now, do your fucking job, and try to keep everyone alive this time.” He turned and started walking away, his chest heaving with anger.
“I may be the strategist, Zane.” Bishop shouted at his back. “But you are the one who agreed to go on that fool’s mission in the first place. You are our leader; you are the person we count on to protect us and see us through. When plans fail you always improvise and save us, and you didn’t. Her death will always be on your hands.”
Zane stopped and looked back at Bishop, his eyes black as night. “I can’t save everyone,” he responded darkly, “I’m not a fucking angel.”
“No,” Bishop agreed. “You’re stronger. Which is why this is so fucked up.”
Zane clenched his jaw as he turned away from Bishop, his anger swirling through his body. “Don’t get any more of us killed, Zane.” Bishop shouted as he walked away.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Earth
Myra walked slowly along the path that had been laid out before her. The golden stalks of maize seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. Her soul filled with peace as she walked.
“Myra.” The sweet voice floated on the breeze, sending shivers down her spine. “Just a little farther.”
Myra stared into the distance, the path seemed as if it would never end and she felt like she had been walking for hours. “It’s so far,” she whimpered, pain shooting through her bare feet with every step she took.
“Just a little farther,” the voice repeated confidently.
She sighed wearily as she continued down the path, her mind filled with questions. A clearing began to form in front of her. Her heart skipped with joy as a sigh of relief escaped her lips. “Finally,” she muttered as she made her way into the clearing. A small wooden box sat in the center of the clearing. The wood was worn and rotten, it looked as if a single touch would cause it to fall apart.
She slowly approached the box, confusion filling her mind. “What is this?” She asked to the sky as she knelt next to the box, careful not to touch it.
“This is what will heal you.” The sweet, melodic voice responded.
“But, how?” Myra responded; her voice filled with confusion.
“Open the box and find out.” The voice giggled. “What is inside can heal anything. But be careful, it can only be used once.”
Myra examined the box, her eyes lingering on the rusted clasp. She took a deep breath as she slowly reached out, her pale hand grasping the lid and gently unlocked the clasp. She slowly opened the lid and peered inside. Worn and tattered cloth filled the box, she let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding as she released the lid, a soft clunk sounding as it hit the back of the box.
“Don’t be shy.” The sweet voice giggled around her. “Look inside the cloth.”
Myra sighed as she slowly reached her hand into the box, her fingers grasping the delicate cloth and pulling it to the side. A gasp escaped her lips as a sliver of gold from beneath the cloth shined brightly. “It cannot be.”
“Ah, but it is,” the voice happily responded. “And I will show you where to find it. All I have is one request.”
“And what would that be?” Myra’s voice filled with worry as she examined her surroundings, searching for the mysterious voice.
“I want Aria,” the voice responded quickly.
“Why Aria?” Myra responded quickly. “Why not take me?”
“You don’t have what I need, little angel,” the voice stated matter-of-factly. “Aria is the one I need, that is all you need to know.” The sweet, melodic voice giggled. “So, what do you say little angel? Your life for hers?”
Myra stared into the worn box; the sunlight was shining brightly off the sliver of gold that had been revealed. “You said this can cure anything, right?”
“Anything and everything,” the woman’s voice responded confidently. “I guarantee it will cure you or your corruption.”
“Very well.” Myra sighed as she grasped the lid of the box and closed it. “Show me what I have to do.” The woman’s laughter filled the air around her as the golden maize swirled around her.
Myra bolted awake, sweat dripping down her forehead. Aria shouted in surprise as she jumped away from Myra. “What the hell?” Aria responded as she crawled back towards her. “You scared me.”
“Sorry,” Myra muttered as she scanned their hut. “Bad dream.” She sighed as her eyes locked onto her satchel. She glanced over at Aria, who’s bright green eyes were filled with worry. “What’s wrong?”
Aria sighed as she shook her head. “Your corruption.” She paused as she took a deep breath. “It’s spreading, Myra.”
“I know,” she responded quickly.
“I don’t know how much time you have left.” Aria reached forward and gently grabbed Myra’s pale hands. “Let me send a message to Laila,” she pleaded. “I’m sure she can find a cure for you.”
“No,” Myra replied, her voice firm. “I don’t need help from Laila.”
“What do you mean?” Aria asked, her eyes filled with confusion. “Myra, you’re going to die if you don’t get help.”
“Everything happens for a reason, Aria,” she responded confidently. “There is a reason for this, and now I know what it is.”
“What?” Aria stared at Myra, her eyes pleading for answers.
“I know what I have to do now.” Myra smiled as she pulled her hands away from her. “Whatever happens, Aria,” her bright blue eyes locked onto Aria, “just promise you will keep your faith in me.”
“Of course,” Aria responded sadly. “I just wish you would let me help you.”
“You have done all that you can.” Myra responded softly; a small smile crossed her face. “I am lucky to have had a friend like you in my life.” Myra’s voice was nostalgic as she smiled at her. “I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Not even for my life.” A tear rolled down her cheek as she memorized every fine detail of Aria’s face.
Aria nodded sadly as she pulled Myra in and wrapped her arms around her. “Neither would I,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. “Which is why I need to help you. There must be a way,” she muttered as she pulled away from Myra.
Myra smiled sadly as she shook her head. “Aria, there is nothing you can do,” she responded. “Now,” she said firmly. “What is the plan for today?”
“Uh,” Aria muttered as she realized Myra needed a distraction. “Yea, well Ryder and Kai have gone to get Cain and Abel from the ship.”
“That’s good.” Myra responded, perfect, in fact, she thought to herself with a smile.
“And the others?”
“They’re meeting with Dominick to discuss the layout of the Red Horseman’s city,” Aria responded wearily. “I hope they don’t screw it up,” she muttered under her breath.
“Aria,” Myra grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes. “You should go to the meeting.”
“What?” Aria stuttered. “No, I couldn’t. I need to stay here with you.”
“There is nothing more you can do for me, Aria.” Myra responded wearily as she motioned towards her body. “Look at me, the corruption is spreading, and nothing will stop it. Besides, I’d like some time by myself.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you like this.”
“I’ll be fine.” Myra smiled softly. “I think I’ll go outside and enjoy some of the sunlight, while I still can.”
Sadness filled Aria’s face as she glanced around the hut, her eyes glistening. “Very well,” she muttered as she grabbed her daggers and strapped them to her thighs. She slowly walked towards the door and turned back, her eyes scanning Myra’s stoic face. “Just.” She paused, her voice quivering. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Isn’t that your job?” Myra responded with a giggle.
A small smile appeared on Aria’s face as she chuckled. “I guess it is.” Her gaze lingered on Myra as her hand pushed the door open. “See you later, then.”
“Of course.” Myra smiled as Aria left the hut, softly closing the door behind her.
Myra jumped up from her makeshift bed and quietly walked to the corner of the hut. She grabbed her satchel and her bow, slinging them both onto her back. She scanned the hut, her eyes landing on Aria’s satchel. She walked over and knelt next to it. She dug through the satchel until she found the Book of Whispers. “Perfect,” she muttered under her breath as she opened the book and ripped out one of the yellowing pages. She grabbed the silver feather and pricked her finger. A fine line of blood formed on her fingertip as she quickly wrote on the parchment. She folded the parchment and laid it on top of Aria’s makeshift pillow. She sighed wearily as she stood up and scanned the hut.