The jewels, the robes, the throne. The Crown. All these things my right to own.

 The rivers, the mountains, the valleys 
             The land.
  My court supports me with rallies.

 The knights, the horseback, the castle,
           The sword.
  All bend to my will without a hassle.

 But all these things, mean nothing to me.
        Nothing. 
 What’s real is the people who depend on me.

Dear Me,

    If you’re reading this, then it’s to late for me and my World 318. I can only hope you’ll survive. This will be a lot to take in, but I know you can get through it. I know because I did, and you’re me. Let’s just dive right in then. Your reality is one in a infinite universe. Mine is World 318, and if you’re reading this, then your world is World 319. I’m the Katherine Brown from my world, and you’re the Katherine Brown from yours. And your in danger. A blight, a terrible plague is spreading across the multiverse, consuming anything in its path and leaving ashes and dust behind. It’s already on my world, and if you’re reading the this it’s already on yours as well. My advice- run or fight. If you run, run like the devil’s behind you. But if you fight, hold your sword high and swing until your last breath. 

      - You

My hand shook as I read the letter I had received two months earlier. Drops of blood spilled on the singed paper as I shudders a breath. 
“I’m sorry.” I whispered, my voice like a heaving cough. “I tried. I fought, and I promise I fought till my last breath.” A tear ran down my cheek, wiping away some of the grime. “But I lost.”
And I had lost. Lost everything to the plague, and not just me. My world. World 319. 

The air was thick with smoke as I laid there, trapped under the ruble. Skyscrapers were turned on their sides, showering the world with broken metal and glass. Small fires dotted my view, eating everything up in a hungry laugh. When the end of the world hit, I always pictured there would be screaming and cries. I was wrong. Instead it was just silence, and a high-pitched ringing in my ears. I found myself wishing there were screams, anything that let me know there were other survivors then me. But even I knew I was kidding myself. There was no one left. I grimaced, shifting in my position. Searing pain shot through my body like an electrical shock. A shard of hot glass was stuck in my side, and the rubble felt like it was about to turn me into a Katherine pancake. I inhaled sharply. They called it a plague, but in that moment I knew it wasn’t. The “plague” wasn’t some illness that wiped out people. It was a burning disaster that killed worlds. But I knew why the other me had called it that. A small mercy blinding me from what’s to come. It was time. Gritting my teeth, I cried out as I pulled a small pen and notebook out of my pocket. I’d kept it on me at all times since I got the letter. Up until now I never really knew why. Now I did. I closed my eyes, allowing myself one last moment before I surrendered. Then I began to write.

 To me,

    If you’re reading this, then it’s too late for me and my World 319...

Once upon a time there was a young and beautiful girl named Rose. She had a big heart, and loved all the creatures that walked the earth. Most of all she loved the fish.

“Please, oh please take me to the aquarium.” Rose would beg her mother. “I love seeing the fish.”

But her mother would shake her head and tell her: “Not today, I am too busy.”

So the next day Rose pleaded with her mother again. “Mom, please oh please can we go to the aquarium today? I love seeing the sharks.”

But again her mother shook her head and said, “Not today, little one. I have to many errands.”

And so again the next day Rose tugged on her mother’s arm and asked, “Today, Mom, if you do not have any errands or are busy, will you take me to the aquarium? I love seeing all the stingrays.”

“Rose, I cannot take you to the aquarium today for I have a meeting at work.” Her mother answered. “But, you may stay with the babysitter and watch a movie about the fish.”

But Rosy knew that staying behind would not fill her heart with warmth like being at the aquarium actually would. So, after she waved goodbye to her mother and told her babysitter she had to go to the bathroom, brave Rosy snuck out of the house. She skipped down through the city and made her way to the aquarium.

And when she saw the fish, the sharks, and the stingrays her heart swelled as if it might burst and she laughed until the moon was high in the sky.

The Banner had crashed. Belle’s mind was still buzzing with the news. It was so unheard of, so unthinkable that the legendary rebellion ship could be taken down. Everyone knew it was invincible. The Stellar Police had been trying to blow a hole in its side for years. But it fell. Belle had been scavenging for parts, scraps or remains of any ship who crossed planet Rithon. It had been a slow day, nothing but a few mega-screws and power cells to sell on the market tomorrow. And then the sky had tore open, a trail of fire following a huge object- obviously a ship- as it crashed down to Rithon. Even from where Belle was standing she could feel the ground shake, and the frosty air that slapped her in the face from the impact. Hands shaking, Belle had swung into her hover-ski and slammed on the gas. She had raced toward the crash sight, praying there was survivors. Survivors who had full pockets and grateful hearts wouldn’t hurt either. And then the ship came into view. Smoking and half buried in ice, but Belle knew what it was. She would be worried for herself if she didn’t, given that the Stellar Police had been waving its picture and bounty in her face fir years. The Banner’s metal was already starting to freeze over, with huge icicles hanging off the side. Snow covered the top like powder, and in large blue paint the words “The Banner” were painted on the side. It was obvious the crew had tried to make a crash landing. The landing gear was extended, and Belle could tell by the shape the engines were in that they had been put to full reverse thrust. It didn’t matter though. Even the finest rebellion crew in the galaxy couldn’t stop a crash like that. It was a miracle the Banner was in this good a shape. And then the Stellar Police arrived. It didn’t take them long, Belle timed their arrival to 16 minutes and 46 seconds. Their ships had shot above her, engines roaring as they landed and hundreds of people in red uniforms piled out. They had quickly surrounded the Banner, turning her up and down as they searched for the crew. Now Belle rested stomach down in the snow, peering through her binoculars at the action. Her knotted black hair flew in the attic wind, and the side of her face was covered in frost. Her layers of fur coat kept her warm in the day, but night would fall soon and the temperature would plummet to deadly levels.
Belle’s sea-glass eyes swept up and down over the scene. She bit her lip. ‘What should I do?’ She thought. Belle knew it was incredibly stupid to stay here. She could get arrested, freeze to death, not make it home in time, or ever worse- there was still rebels lurking around. A blaster clicked behind her. “Speak of the devil.” She breathed. “Get up,” Came a gruff voice. “Hands behind your head.” Belle’s survival instincts kicked in. She hadn’t survived on Rithon of all planets for nothing. Slowly, Belle lifted her gloved hands above her head. Then before the person behind her could react, she spun around and drove her boot into his knee. The man grunted as Belle shot up, her hand darting to her blaster as she aimed it at the man’s head. Now that she was up, she could actually get a look at her attacker. He had a scraggly beard with bits of frost clinging to it, and a unruly mass of brown hair. His eyes were a deep blue, and his nose was slightly turned as if it had been broken. Belle’s blood ran cold, and not from the temperature. The man gave a small smile. “Hey kid, I’m home.” He said it as if it were simple- just a normal guy coming home from a long days work, not a guy who just crashed out of the Banner and was currently pointing a blaster to her head. It was as if that never even happened. Belle’s words got caught in her throat. This couldn’t be happening. Not after 17 years. Mom had always told her- no, warned her that this man was a disgrace, that he became a rebel and turned his back on all of them. And yet Belle’s heart filled with warmth. “Dad?”

Ace held a knife to my sister’s throat. Ashley was trying not to look scared, but I could tell. While her face was a stone, the corners of her pink lips quivered like they always do when she’s nervous. Her bright green eyes darted around frantically, and her blonde locks were matted to her forehead with sweat. Me? I was so terrified my heart wasn’t beating. I knew this was always a risk, being a superhero and all. But slap on a mask and boom! Problem solved. Until Ace, no one had been able to figure out my identity, and therefore my loved ones stayed safe as normal unimportant citizens of New York. That all changed the moment Ace used his telepathy to figure out that the famous superhero Blink was actually Belen Carle. My whole world was on the brink of collapse, and I knew it. Ace knew it too. “Well well well.” Ace said with a sickening smile. “What do we have here? The famous Blink.” My tongue felt like a rock in my mouth. “Let her go.” I croaked. Ace’s grin widened. “No, I don’t think I will. We’re just getting started, right Ashley?” He asked as he pressed the blade deeper, drawing a thin line of blood. Ashley grit her teeth, stifling a cry. Instantly my body turned to fight mode, I took a step forward, closing my eyes. I felt the ripple of energy spread across my body as it had so many times before when I fought the latest villain. With my eyes closed, I couldn’t tell, but I still knew my body was invisible. Weird superpower, I know. Turn invisible, but fight with your eyes closed. Thanks for that universe. But I make do. My other senses honed in as I crept along the abandon wear house floor, dodging broken scraps of metals and tools. I wracked my mind for a plan as I went. If I could just get close enough to attack from behind- Suddenly Ashly’s voice cried out, stopping me dead in my tracks. “Ah ah ah.” Ace tutted. “None of that now.” His voice hardened, twisting with hate. “Come out! Or Ashly here gets a knife in the gut.” I snapped my eyes open. The energy in my body faded as Ace and Ashley came into view. Ace nodded. “That’s better.” “What do you want?” I demanded, clenching my fists so hard my fingernails drew blood. “I’m so glad you asked.” Ace said. “Reveal your identity to her. Now.”
Ashley’s eyes widened, flying between me and Ace. “What?” Ace pulled her hair, and Ashley let out a small yelp. “You don’t ask the questions, girl.” He snarled before turning back to me. “You have five seconds to do it before I kill her.” My heart was a drum line in my ears. Every part of me was numb. I couldn’t think. “Five, four, three, two-“ I whipped off my mask. “It’s me, Ashley! It’s your sister Belen.” Ace’s wide grin left me sick. “There we go.” I blinked, and he was gone. The abandoned wear house was empty, just me and Ashley. I ran up to Ashley, taking her hands in mine. “Ashley, I am SO sorry this happened! I would have told you, but I didn’t know how! It all just happened so fast!” My words came out fast and rushed, tripping over themselves but going silent when Ashley held up a hand. Her green eyes were watery, and her hand shook. She didn’t meet my eyes. I had to remind myself to breathe when her hand reached behind the chair, and pulled out a small camera. The blood drained from my face. “I’m sorry.” She breathed, still not looking me in the eye. Ding. A news alert from my phone. With shaking hands, I slipped my phone out of my pocket, knowing what was going to be there but not willing to accept it. I forced myself to look at it, and my heart stopped.

  BREAKING NEWS: ANONYMOUS VIDEO REVEALS SUPERHERO BLINK’S IDENTITY AS  BELEN CARLE.

“He made me, Bele.” Ashley pleaded. 
 But I didn’t hear her. My ears rang, my eyes stared off in the distance. My worst fear had just come true. 
EVERYONE knew.

Birds chirped in my ear as I sat on the splintered park bench. Sunlight broke through the clouds above, and soft chatter from the families passing by filled my ears. The New York park was as busy as always, with bikers racing by and small stands lining the street. I pulled my sand blonde bangs farther over my eyes, resisting the urge to check my watch again. My foot tapped against the pavement. Tap. Tap. Tap. “No need to be so nervous, Miles.” I jumped, spinning around. A teenage girl stood in front of me, with long black curls pulled into a high ponytail. Her eyes were a deep ocean blue, and freckles sprinkled her face. A grey sweatshirt hung on her shoulders, and she wore black leggings. The girl laughed. “I’m sorry I scared you, but you really don’t need to worry. Your plan will go as you want.” “How... how do you know my name?” I asked. “You’re Miles Brown.” She said. “And I know your secret.” I shot to my feet, swinging my backpack over my shoulder and turning on my heel. “Leave me alone.” I snapped. She’s bluffing. I thought to myself. There’s no way she knows. Your okay. She. Doesn’t. Know. The girl jogged after me. “Sorry. That was rather blunt of me. I just can’t help myself.” “I said, leave me alone.” The girl ran ahead of me, blocking my me off. “I think your plan is a bit foolhardy, if you don’t mind me saying.” I glared at her, moving around and walking faster. “You don’t know what your talking about.” “You mean your plan to run away?” She asked. I froze. The girl giggled. “So I’m right.” I spun around. “How do you know that?” “Allow me to demonstrate.” She said steadily. “I have no magical abilities, I’m just incredibly observant.” She pointed at a small child running around a tree. “Meet Sally, three year old who loves insects and has a pet tarantula.” I shook my head. “There’s no way you got all that from a look.” She shrugged. “I could be wrong. But I think we both know I’m right. Just like we both know your parents will be out of the bank in the next five minutes, and you have to be on the subway by then.” My eyes darted to my watch. She was right. I looked back up at her. She smiled. “Run, Miles. You got a train to catch.”