by Dana Gricken
“No! Come back!” I said. “This isn’t supposed to be happening!”
“Nothing we can do about that, kid,” Patrick said, grabbing me. “You need to close that portal. If more get through, we’re screwed!”
I collapsed to the floor, shaking my head. “I can’t! The Quintessence is more powerful than me!”
“Take a deep breath, Riley. Think!” Jacob said, kneeling beside me. “You closed a portal before, when the bomb was about to explode. How did you do it?”
“I…don’t remember.”
“You have to remember,” Patrick said, shaking me. “Come on, kid—you’re Riley Stark, General of the Samaritans. You’ve been through hell and back. If you can figure out how to stop Doctor Zero, you can sure as hell figure this out!”
I stood up, nodding. I thought back to my lesson with Wanda, and one thing she’d said stood out the most.
It was always you, Riley—you were always in control.
She was right. And right now, my fear was getting in the way of that control. I had to calm myself down and focus my mind. It was the only way to close the portal.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to meditate. When I did, I swore I could feel the Quintessence—and I knew it was a part of me. Almost like an extra limb.
I stood as still as I could, concentrating on what I wanted to happen. With a loud groan, I felt something shift inside of me. The portal was closing.
“Your power is manifesting quickly,” the Cardinal said, in my mind. “You are strong, and you are learning to control it, but you still need practice. When you are ready to learn—and not from a fool like Wanda—I will be waiting for you.”
I opened my eyes again, relieved to see the portal was becoming smaller. When it faded to nothing, I sighed.
It was over. The afterlife was closed for now, and General Grissom and all his Red Sentinels were dead.
“That was a close one,” Patrick muttered. “I had some nervous sweats going on.”
I fell to my knees, exhausted. Sweat was starting to form on my skin from over-exertion. Patrick and Jacob rushed over, helping me to my feet. The fire was starting to engulf the building now, and I could feel its heat creeping closer.
“The Quintessence is strong,” I whispered. “What if I open a portal again? What if I can’t close it?”
“Let’s not worry about that right now, Riley. Let’s just get out of here before we’re burned alive,” Jacob said, pulling me out of the room.
We ran down the corridors, taking a right that led to the back exit. When Patrick tugged on the door, it was still locked.
“Damn, it’s stuck,” Patrick muttered. “Let me.”
He released his Deathblade from its sheath, stabbing at the door like a madman. A small hole formed, which he thrust his hand into and reached around to turn the handle. When the door clicked open, he grabbed me and dragged me through.
The three of us had just made it to the sidewalk when the building burst. I could see the Power Crystals crackling red in the flames, and I hoped I would never see them again.
As we watched the building deteriorate, I couldn’t feel its dark energy anymore. If coming here had led to anything positive, it was that the building wouldn’t emanate death and despair anymore. The souls that had died here had found closure.
I looked around to find the dark energy that had escaped, but it was gone. As we turned to walk toward the truck, I wondered how big of a mistake I’d made in coming here.
But it was too late to fix it.
When we returned to the headquarters, Violet waited outside for us. Her face was tight and somber. As I rushed over, desperate to make sure everything was okay, she nodded.
“I’m glad you’re back. You just made it,” she said, opening the front doors. “Come on. She doesn’t have much time left.”
“Who are you talking about?” I asked, following closely.
Violet didn’t respond. She just led me into the medical bay, pointing at the bed on the far side of the room. It was Mira, and as I looked closer, her body was degrading. Her skin looked bruised and bloody. Her Power Crystals were deteriorating, crumbling into her body.
“Riley Stark…is that you?” Mira asked, looking up at me. The Power Crystals had invaded the lids of her eyes, making it difficult for her to see.
“Yes, it’s me. How are you feeling, Mira?”
“I know I’m going to die soon. I can feel it,” she whispered. “Did you do it? Did you stop the General and Red Sentinels?”
I nodded. “Yes, I found a way.”
She smiled, weakly. “Good. My biggest regret is not standing up to the General when I still had the chance. I let him get away with murder and torture, and I deserve to be punished for it. Perhaps this is my karma.”
“What are you saying? No one deserves this. The General’s hatred for me and the soulless made him do terrible things.”
“Perhaps…but you’re our greatest hope, Riley. The soulless have shown me kindness since I came here. I see now that there can be peace,” Mira whispered. “Please…make it happen. End this ancient war.”
“I’ll try my best. Thank you for everything, Sentinel Stark—and goodbye.”
She smiled, her body going still. Violet walked over and glanced at the monitor, sighing. “She’s gone, Riley. It was a miracle she had held on for this long.”
Tears welled in my eyes. Mira hadn’t just been my ancestor, but also an asset to the Sentinels. She had suffered so much in her life—from fighting soulless to becoming the Reborn. Her death didn’t seem fair.
“Another body to burn. Shame,” the Healer said. “Liked Mira. She was brave. Wanted her to survive.”
I nodded. “She’ll be missed. She was one of the greatest Sentinels, and I’ll make sure her name is never forgotten.”
Caleb, who was lying on a bed across the room, sat up to look at me. “Were you telling her the truth? Did you stop the Red Sentinels?”
“Yes, but…I opened another portal. Spirits managed to get out before I could close it. I don’t know what they’re planning to do.”
The room was silent. I hung my head, ashamed. They didn’t have to say it—I could feel their disappointment.
Patrick entered the room a second later, clearly having overheard. “We need to talk about that, kid. Hate to say it, but you’re dangerous. Kind of like a ticking time bomb. Maybe it’s best if you stay here—let us handle everything.”
“Riley’s not dangerous,” Caleb argued. “She’s just inexperienced. She stopped the Red Sentinels, didn’t she? Her power can be used for good!”
“Not from where I was standing. You weren’t there, soulless. If you saw spirits floating around your head, you’d change your tune.”
Caleb scoffed. “I know Riley. She’s capable of keeping it under control. If you’d stop being stupid and trust her—”
“I’m being stupid? Says the soulless.”
“Enough!” I shouted, causing everyone to jump. They hushed immediately. “It’s been a long day, and I’m tired of arguing. I’m heading to the barracks to get some rest.”
I stormed off down the hallway, hearing Patrick and Caleb still arguing about me. I was sick of it—of my power, of their mistrust.
The barracks were empty this time of day, and I felt relieved. I just wanted to be alone with my thoughts right now. I climbed into bed, my bones aching. I couldn’t remember the last time I had rested.
There was a knock at the door before someone pushed it open. Wanda hobbled into the room, shutting the door behind her. “I know you wished to be alone, but it’s important we speak. Patrick told me about the portal and the spirits, my child.”
I groaned. “What’s there to talk about? You know what happened. I’m out of control, Wanda. Patrick was right. Just…lock me up and throw away the key.”
She sighed. “Must you always wallow when things don’t go your way? Yes, you have an incredible and dangerous power. But like all powers, it can be controlled. Even the Dark
Queen had to learn how to use the Mindfield, or else she risked it consuming her.”
I rolled over, looking up at her. “How did she do it?”
“With time and practice—and lots of trial and error. Soulless are not born perfect, Riley. They need to learn their power like a child learns how to walk.”
Maybe Wanda was right. Maybe more practice and determination was all I needed. But every time I thought that way, the Cardinal appeared in my head to tell me I was wrong.
“The Cardinal mentioned something about the Veil. What is it?” I asked.
“The Veil can be seen as a protective layer—something that divides our living world from the dead one. It can be thinner in places of great death and despair, such as General Grissom’s facility. It’s best if you stay away from such places for now.”
Another knock came at the door. I sighed, wondering who else was coming to bother me, but it was just Caleb.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” he said.
Wanda shook her head, walking toward the door. “Of course not. She is all yours, Caleb.”
When she left, Caleb walked over to me and sat on the edge of my bed. He linked his hand with mine, and we sat there in silence for a few moments, just basking in each other’s presence. We never had a moment alone anymore. It was nice, but I knew it wouldn’t last.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I could say the same about you.”
“Touché. What’s going on?”
“I convinced Violet to let me go. I couldn’t stand just lying there anymore. I wanted to make sure you were okay—that you knew Patrick was wrong. He’s speaking out of fear, you know. What he said wasn’t true.”
I sat up, tears glistening in my eyes. “No, he’s right. You don’t hear the Cardinal’s voice, Caleb. He…tells me awful things—that I have to go to him. That no one will understand me…”
Caleb wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. I cried into his shoulder as he kissed my hair. “Then tell the Cardinal to stop harassing the woman I love. He’s dead wrong, Riley—and he’ll pay for the suffering he’s caused you.”
“Will he? I’m starting to think I’ll never find him—that he’ll never be stopped.”
“He will. Everyone has a weakness—a way to be defeated. The Cardinal’s just trying to manipulate you, Riley—to put doubt and fear in your mind. Don’t let him win.”
I wanted to believe Caleb. In his arms, I felt safe and secure, like everything was all right. But it wasn’t. The world was falling apart and my power was part of the reason why.
“I’m sure you’re hungry. Saving the world can work up an appetite,” Caleb said, rising to his feet. He held out his hand for me to take. “Come, my lady. I’ll prepare a meal for you.”
I giggled, taking his hand. “Why, thank you, my prince. I’m lucky to have you, you know.”
Caleb shook his head. “For the first time today, you’re wrong, Riley. I’m the lucky one.”
As we walked into the lobby, intending to find a bite to eat, we found Jacob sitting at the front desk. He was typing madly on his computer, and Patrick was putting on his armor and Deathblade. A small handful of soldiers had lined up behind them—those who hadn’t been injured in the Guardian’s attack and wanted to help.
“John F. Kennedy High School,” Jacob said to Patrick. “That’s where the message came from.”
“Good work, Jake. You’re a natural,” Patrick said before he turned to the others. “You heard him. It’s time we get even.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, as Caleb and I walked over. “Why does it look like you’re going somewhere?”
“We are,” Patrick replied. “Turns out your dad isn’t a traitor after all. Sent us a signal this morning. We missed it then, but better late than never, right?”
“Were you planning on telling me?”
Patrick sighed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, kid…but you’re not invited. We’re doing this alone.”
Caleb scoffed. “You can’t leave Riley out, Patrick. She started the Samaritans. She’s in charge around here!”
“In charge? That doesn’t matter. What matters is taking out our enemies,” Patrick replied. “Look, it wasn’t just me. Ask the others. They’re not sure you should be the General anymore, either.”
I looked at the crowd. “Is it true? Are you firing me?”
“We aren’t firing you, Riley,” Jacob replied. “You’re just…being placed on leave. It’s only until your power is controlled.”
“You’re talking about her like she’s an animal—a Darkhound!” Caleb replied, and Angel growled. “No offense, but they are. Riley is a person, and she will never be a threat to us!”
Caleb was fierce in defending me, but I wasn’t so sure. Add in the Cardinal’s voice telling me I was dangerous, and it was enough to make me believe the others.
“Don’t be mad, Riley,” Lara said. “We aren’t trying to hurt you. We just want what’s best for all of us.”
Caleb stepped forward, fire igniting in his hands. “How ungrateful are you? Have you forgotten what Riley has done for us? She’s a hero. As second-in-command, I forbid you from going without her!”
“About that…” Patrick began, looking around. “They chose me to be their new General. There isn’t a second-in-command anymore. Sorry, soulless. Majority rules.”
That only intensified Caleb’s fire, and I didn’t want a fight to break out. We had enough problems already.
“Caleb, stop,” I whispered, pulling him back. “We can’t force them to change their minds.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie, but I agree with Patrick,” Mom said. “Please, take some time off and rest. You need it—both for your sake and ours.”
I had no choice but to agree. They had already decided my fate.
“Be careful, Patrick. The Darkhunters have stronger weapons than us, and the bomb might still be active. Protect my dad too, okay? Please get him out,” I said.
“I swear it. Won’t let you down,” Patrick replied. “All right, move out everyone. Time to get this show on the road.”
As the large group of people left—both soulless and soulful soldiers—I sighed, taking a seat in the lobby. There was nothing I could do but wait. Mom gave me an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder before she and the other civilians left the room to give me some space.
Caleb remained with me. “Are you going to let them do this, Riley?” he asked.
“What do you want me to do? Tie them up and make them obey me?”
Caleb sighed, sitting beside me. “No…but I know something else we can do.”
“What are you talking about?”
“We know where they’re heading. We heard Jacob mention John. F Kennedy High School,” Caleb replied. “That was your old school, wasn’t it? I remember leaving my signet ring there for you to find.”
“Get to the point, Caleb.”
“My point is, if they can start their own group, we can too,” Caleb replied. “Let’s check out the school—quietly. They don’t even need to know we were there.”
“Caleb…I don’t know.”
“The Darkhunters and the Guardian are a big threat, Riley—and you might be the only one who can stop them. What if they’ve repaired the bomb and made it stronger? Do you expect Patrick to do anything about it?”
I rose to my feet, nodding. “Okay, you’ve convinced me. But if my power gets out of control, we’re coming back here—and that’s an order.”
23
Man Down
Caleb and I entered the artillery room, arming ourselves. I attached an assortment of weapons to my belt, like spare Deathblades and some of the working guns the Darkhunters couldn’t bring with them.
Maybe it was a good thing I hadn’t destroyed all the weapons after all.
“Are you sure this will work?” Caleb asked, slipping a pistol into his holster.
“We need to take the Guardian down somehow. That robot is a
threat to both of us. Why not use its own weapons against it?”
I admired myself in the mirror. I had given up wearing the contacts, letting my dark irises free for the first time. I was different now—that much was true by my glowing hand—but I knew the same girl was inside of me somewhere.
So why couldn’t the others see it?
“You’re beautiful, Riley,” Caleb said, like he could read my mind, standing in the mirror behind me. “Don’t let anyone tell you your life isn’t valuable just because you’re soulless now.”
I sighed. “I know some of our people have had a hard time getting used to it, but you’re right. Like me or hate me, this is who I am. I can’t change it.”
As I turned around, Caleb grabbed my arm. “Wait. We need to talk about Patrick and the others.”
“What about?”
“They won’t be happy we’re following them to the school. If they see us and do something in retaliation, I need to know what you expect of me.”
“What are you saying, Caleb?” I asked. “Do you…do you think they’d attack us? Turn against us?”
He shrugged. “Maybe. After what happened earlier, nothing is certain. If they try something, how do you want to handle it?”
The thought of Patrick and the other Samaritans turning against me had never crossed my mind. After General Grissom and the others had left, choosing a different side in the war, I had assumed those who’d remained would always have my back. But lately, with my new power, their trust and respect in me had diminished.
They’d already kicked me out of my position as General. What if they deemed I was more dangerous than they’d originally thought? Would they try to kill me?
“Don’t hurt them. That’s an order,” I replied. “Even if they attack us…defend yourself, but that’s it.”
Caleb nodded. At least someone still had faith in my command.
As we left the artillery room, we found Mom and Wanda standing in the hallway. They were both looking at us curiously. I knew we had gotten caught.
“I was wondering where the two of you went, my child,” Wanda said. “We were worried about you after Patrick’s revelation. We wanted to make sure you weren’t disappointed.”