The only thing that works in this world is that you treat others as they treat you.

Those that have treated me with kindness, I will repay that kindness tenfold. 

And those that treat me with injustice.

That use me.

That hunt me down; that hurt my friends.

…

I shall repay that injustice a thousand times over.

There’s no other way. 

I choose blood.

* * *

They tortured me. 

They hurt me.

They defined me. 

They made me. 

And they feared me. 

At least that’s what I told myself in my head every time I had to go through my sessions with Dr. Buler and the other scientists.

It hurt. 

It hurt so bad.

It was their revenge. 

Their revenge on me. 

I blew holes in the Facility, but they retaliated with a blow I never saw coming.

Betrayal.

I haven’t seen Ronan ever since he knocked me out, but I already knew I hated him for what he did. I should have known that sleazy man had a secret.

I don’t know what happened to my friends; I doubt they know what happened to me. I can’t use my powers because of the device they force me to wear. It blocks my powers, so I can’t pull a little stunt like I did last time.

So, apparently, these totally insane, psychotic, wackos have hidden Facilities built all around the City. Goodness gracious, how much money do these people have, and how haven’t other people found out about this? Either this is really bad luck, or some sort of God is controlling this story in a way I’m not so happy about.

Now that I think about it, how long have I been here? A week? I don’t know, but I do know if I stay in here any longer, I may snap. Getting captured in the same month by the same people must be some sort of record for me. I don’t recall ever being this humiliated.

Dr. Buler sat down next to me, interrupting my thoughts. Every day I have a session with Buler, always the same: turns a device on, I scream in pain, he laughs with delight. So naturally, I try to get in as many insults as possible.

“What’s up tough guy?” I asked, glaring at him. 

“Your insults are getting weak,” he replied coolly. “Do you have any side-effects from the last session? Any headaches?”

“Yep, and it’s standing right next to me,” I replied.

Dr. Buler didn’t say anything, but instead turned on the device on my head. I screwed my eyes up in pain as the device sent throbbing pain through my mind. I had about gotten used to the first few settings, but I’d really just prefer not doing the whole din-dang thing.

“Does it hurt?” he whispered.  When I didn’t answer, he slammed his fist on the table. “DOES IT HURT!?” he yelled.

“Yes,” I muttered, used to his sudden outbursts of madness.

He chuckled with satisfaction, then increased the pain even more. I screamed as blinding lights invaded my vision. But I just had to get the last word. “Harming an innocent lady? Your brother had way more class in doing it,” I smirked.

Dr. Buler growled then turned the machine up to its highest.

Before I passed out, I saw a star.

* * *

“So, what’s your story?” I asked one of the guards as they walked me back to my cell. I struggled to untie my hands, but manipulating metal was Toby’s Ability, so the metal handcuffs stayed on.

“Shut up,” he said, shoving me forward.

“Wow, geez, it was a simple question,” I protested. “No need to get rough.”

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice. “How is she?” 

Our parade turned the corner and there stood Ronan in all his traitorous glory. He was in conversation with his brother.

“You could ask her yourself if you want,” replied Dr. Buler, gesturing towards me.

Ronan turned, surprised to see me. “Oria? I swear, you always have the worst timing.”

“What do you want?” I snapped, itching to get my fingers around his neck. “Death, eternal torture . . . what’s it gonna be?”

“I just wanted to know how you’re doing,” my enemy replied, smirking.

“Well, if you count being experimented on without any concern for pain, then I’m at my brightest. What do you think?”

He shrugged. “Sounds like you’re doing just fine.”

“Why did you betray me Ronan?” I shouted. “You were my friend.”

Ronan tilts his hat up. “I’m gambling man, and thus I know there are bets that you just don’t take. I’m a criminal; did you expect me to be a prince? Look, I’m sorry Oria, but business is-”

“Save it,” I snarled as the guards started yanking me away. “I don’t ever want to see your treacherous face again. If I do, I won’t hesitate.” I didn’t have to say anything else. He knew he had crossed the line by betraying me. And that’s where his downfall will begin.

I was shoved into my cell and the door locked behind me. I scooted up against the wall and pulled my knees in close. The sour stench of rubbing alcohol invaded my nose and made me dizzy.

So this is what heck feels like.

* * *

When I told the kitten’s friends what I did to her, they did not react well. 

And that’s saying it in simplest terms. 

After I was punched directly in the face by Animal Boy, I ended up hitting him over the head with my cane, and we kept brawling until the one boring Ability-less (is that even a word?) girl broke us up. 

(A-bi-li-ty less. That doesn’t sound right.)

“Stop it you two,” she said, backhanding us both. “Think about this logically. Ronan wouldn’t have come to us after what he did to Oria unless he had a true reason for it.”

Gosh, I like that girl.

“THE TRUE REASON FOR IT IS TO RUB ORIA’S CAPTURE INTO OUR FACES!” screeched Vincent, while being held back by Toby and the one invisible girl. Was her name Lilly? I think it was Lilly. Oh well, I’ll go with Lilly. They can correct me if I’m wrong.

“Partially,” I said, pointing at Vincent. “I do admit I like telling you, and only specifically you, that your girlfriend was betrayed by me.”

Vincent rushed at me. I side-stepped him and whacked him over the head again, only to have my legs pulled out from under me. I landed on my back (SERIOUSLY?? This coat is SILK. SILK I TELL YOU!) with Vincent’s hands around my throat. 

“Whoa, take it easy doggie,” I said before the pressure around my neck increased.

Lilly (Lilly?) threw Vincent off of me and helped me up. 

“Thanks, Lilly,” I said, brushing off my coat. “At least someone has the decency to be nice.”

“My name isn’t Lilly, it’s Lia,” the girl said coldly.

Great. I can’t even remember proper names correctly. I must be going insane.

“What do you have to gain from telling us about Oria?” asked Jenna, arms crossed. 

“I’ve had a change of heart deary,” I replied. “My brother hasn’t been the best to me lately, and what’s a better revenge than rescuing the one thing he’s passionate about? Plus, he owes me money.”

“Oria is not a thing,” snapped Vincent.

“Why don’t we just get the police involved?” suggested Angel timidly.

“I know this might be hard to believe this little girl, but well, I’m not the biggest fan of local law enforcement.”

“Yeah, I wonder why?” mocked Vincent. That guy was seriously getting on my nerves. 

“Listen, ladies and gentlemen,” I said, leaning against the table. “I am aware of your concerns, but you’re gonna have to trust me.”

“Why should we?!” shouted Vincent. 

“Because I’m the only one who’s got the knowledge needed to help your girlfriend,” I replied calmly. “Let me make myself clear. I may have teamed up with you people, but I’m no hired goon. Backstab me, and you’ll be the first ones to suffer consequences.” I slid a hard drive towards Oria’s friends, which contained my plan.I poured myself a glass of wine and walked smoothly away. “Consider it, won’t you?” I asked. * * *

I was bored. This whole capture was boring. There’s nothing to do. Either I sit in my cell, or I’m being strapped to a table and tortured. Not a lot of options for me.

I’ve resigned myself to insulting as many people as I can and counting the minutes of the day to pass the time. It’s very dull work, but with my hands tied behind my back and being under supervision 24/7, there’s nothing else I can really do at the moment.

I sighed, and let my eyes close a little. Suddenly, I was standing on the edge of a pond in the middle of a giant green forest. A cool mist danced across the treetops, and the water sparkled in the dim morning light. A small wooden cabin across the pond from me watched over the still water. The towering emerald trees wrapped around the pond, hiding it from aerial and ground view; it was the perfect haven. 

Why I was dreaming about this place, I had no idea. Until I saw Asher sitting on the rock next to me.

“Isn’t it pretty?” he asked.

“Yeah, it is,” I said, playing along with my dream.

“I found this spot a couple years ago, after you made the School For Lost Children. I went outside the City and explored the woods. And I found this little paradise.” Asher turned to look me in the eye. “You need to escape and bring our friends here. Only here will they be safe.” Asher grabbed onto my hand. “Promise me?”

“I-I promise,” I replied, shocked at how realistic this dream was. It was almost as if Asher was actually talking to me.

Asher gave a breath of relief and relaxed. “Will you sing for me?” he asked suddenly. “One more time?”

I blinked at the request. I never sing in front of people. “I-I guess.” But before I could start, I woke up. I sat in my dark cell, trying to tell reality from fantasy. Asher wasn’t here. He was dead. But . . . it felt so real.

I clenched my fists and took a deep breath. This was for Asher. 

I started to sing.

“Let your hand take mine in a song of peace. 

Swiftly take me to your dreamscape

As quiet as an icy hum

Listen as the last bell rung”

And of course, right in the middle of my song, there was a large explosion above my head, and the ceiling collapsed. A hot wind blew from above, and I yelped as I dove out of the way. Looking up in alarm, a large aircraft hung above me. The door opened and a familiar man jumped out. 

“Ya miss me?” Ronan asked, smiling at me. “You know, we really ought to stop meeting up like this. People are gonna talk.”

I froze as my heart skipped a beat.

He quickly undid my restraints and helped me up. I considered him for one second.

Two seconds.

Before I punched him dead in the face. 

Ronan went down hard, and I took advantage of him and pinned him to the wall.

“What the heck man?” I growled. “What exactly are you doing?”

“Rescuing you,” replied Ronan, coughing as he spat blood on the floor. “What else?”

“You nearly gave me a heart attack!” I screamed. 

“At least I didn’t kill ya.” 

Suddenly I heard frantic banging on the now blocked door and my blood turned cold. Ronan took me by the arm. “Ooh, we gotta go,” he muttered, before climbing back onto the airship. “By the way,” he quickly said, as he helped me on the ship. “Nice singing.”

I gave a shriek of rage, but Ronan pulled me on board before I could slap him. He shut the doors and pushed me over to the control center.

“Since when did you own an airship?” I asked. 

“Since your friends and I stole it two minutes ago,” he replied smiling. He turned over to the control and peered down over the many buttons. “Now let’s see, what does this button do?” he pressed a random button on the dashboard and I heard a loud explosion outside. “Hm, fun!” he exclaimed as I watched a massive fireball bloom beneath us.

“No, it’s not fun!” I screamed as Ronan pressed another button. My heart stopped as a holographic screen appeared off to my left, Dr. Buler’s face projected onto it. 

“I should have known,” Dr. Buler growled, seeing Ronan through the screen. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Ronan groaned. “Hello, Big Brother.”

“Ronan, you land right now, or I will give the command to kill you.”

“My my,” Ronan replied dangerously. “Seeing that look on your face makes me want to keep playing until you break. Do you really think I’ll land this plane? You know I never listen.”

I heard loud popping noises as bullets sprayed against the outside of the aircraft. Angel and Elliot screamed as Vincent and Toby held them close. Jenna and Lia ducked as windows began breaking. 

“Geeze,” said Ronan, looking towards his brother’s holographic screen. “You are just determined to be the hero of the City, aren’t you? What a shame . . .  You’ve gone and ruined a perfectly quiet night. I guess that’s alright. We might as well go out with a bang. ” He turned his gaze to a large red button on the panel. “Now this one,” he whispered as he stalked over to it. “This one’s going to be fun.”

He placed a gloved finger and pressed lightly on the button, making the airship come fully to life. I felt a shudder and then the plane accelerated, flying high into the sky. 

“Enjoy your night Brother Dear.”

Dr. Buler’s face disappeared with a snap as we flew out of range. I began to tilt due to the velocity, but Ronan caught me, holding me with one arm and skillfully driving the plane with the other. I blushed as I felt the protective hand clasp around my trembling shoulders.

“Ronan?” came a timid voice from a doorway. I turned to see Angel, who brightened as soon as she saw me. “Oria!” she flew into my arms and gave me a big hug. The rest of my friends heard the exclamation and quickly ran into the control room. The reception was one of the happiest moments of my life.

“Now then,” I said after official reunions were out of the way. I stood up and glared at Ronan “Why did you have a change of heart?”

“Did you really think I was on my brother’s side?” Ronan asked, smiling. “I rescued you because I care for you.”

Vincent crossed his arms over his chest and sighed through his nose. “He cheated his brother out of some money. Dr. Buler was going to pay Ronan to betray you, so he did. But then he came to save you.”

“Always about the money, isn’t it?” I teased Ronan. 

“You know it,” he said. He found the intercom and pressed the button, the speakers crackling to life. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to flight Breakout27. Please fasten your seatbelts, as this is going to be a very bumpy ride.”

* * *

It was just like my dream, down to the last detail. The cabin, the pond, the forest. I walked over to the rock that Asher sat on in my dream and ran my hands over the mossy stone. 

“Asher told you about this?” Ronan asked. 

“Yeah,” I said. “It’s hard to explain, but it was almost as if he was right here with me.”

Angel and Elliot ran throughout the spacious cabin. “This place is amazing!”

Lia rounded up the rest of my friends . . . my family to join me in goodbyes.

“Do you really have to go?” I asked, hugging Ronan. 

“Afraid so,” said Ronan, tilting his hat. “Banks won’t rob themselves.”

I smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for everything,” I said quietly. 

For the first time in my life, I saw Ronan at a loss for words. He smiled with a slight blush to his face. “It was my pleasure.”

The rest of my friends said their goodbyes in turn. Finally, it was Vincent’s turn. To my surprise, the two delinquents shook hands. 

“Thank you for your help,” Vincent said, giving a smile.

“No problem,” replied Ronan. “You have quite the special little lady. Be sure to keep her close.”

“I will.”

Ronan gave a final bow before climbing into the aircraft and taking off. I watched the large machine fly out until it was far above us.

I gave a small jump as Vincent put his arm around my shoulders. “This really has been quite the adventure, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I agreed.

“But every adventure isn’t quite over until the protagonist  finds her partner.” Leaning down, he kissed me. I was surprised, but then melted into the silent, yet powerful moment. 

“OOOOOOOOHHHHHH!” I jerked up as the rest of my friends shouted and clapped with delight. 

“Sh-shut up!” I protested, my face a bright red.

“Don’t let them bother you,” said Vincent gently. He took my face in his hands. “This is how a happy ending should end, right?”

* * *

I waltzed into my brother’s study like I was dancing on a tightrope. Buler was standing against the wall, his arms crossed. 

“You owe me money,” I said lightly as I strolled up to my brother’s newest experiment. I peered through the glass then lit a cigar.

“You helped them escape,” said my brother quietly. “I don’t think I’m obligated to give you anything.”

“On the contrary, I did capture her for you,” I said. “Then, I helped her escape. But either way, I still did get the job done.”

“I’m sorry, but I think I know when the job is done or not,” Buler said. “Unlike you, I actually tried to get work done. Look at what you’ve become: a street rat. You don’t deserve the praise that I get, and yet you do.”

“You know what,” I said quietly. “You’re really getting on my nerves.”

“And what are you going to-”

The sound of the gunshot hit my ears before the body hit the ground. I couldn’t tell if my brother was still alive, but there certainly was a lot of blood. I shrugged. 

“Now then,” I said, and quickly took my share of payment. I turned back over to the glass that housed the experiment and quickly opened the door. He walked out, recognizing me immediately.

“So, how do you feel about putting on a show for the world to see?” I asked him.

“Let’s do this,” replied Asher, cracking his knuckles in excitement. He smiled up at me, a sly grin on his face. “Let’s let the world know that we don’t take lightly to offense.”

The two of us walked out of the lab and into the quiet night. I tilted my head up and leaned on my cane. 

“The curtain has risen on this show of ours. No matter the conclusion, it cannot fall before the end. Remember this, villainy has its own sense of style. So come how – play my foil to the last. Oria Nightshade.”

~~

Hope yall enjoyed it. I will come back to this and probably do major edits, but my main priority right now is Code Luna and my book for LA. I probably will publish short stories, but the next big thing will be Code Luna. Thank you all!

 

Alora

~From Somewhere In America