She hurried through the streets. “Please let there be time,” she whispered to herself as she got closer to her destination. “What are you doing?” The voice floated through the air toward her, but she didn’t stop. She knew what he wanted. She started to run. “I see how it is.” The voice came again, and someone stepped into her path. A guy around her age wearing a dark overcoat and dark glasses watched emotionlessly as she fell to the ground after tripping over the foot he had planted in her path. She hit her chin and elbows on the sidewalk, but the pain didn’t register. She was already high on adrenaline. She couldn’t stop. With a groan she pushed herself to her feet. She stood shakily. But before she could take a step, his hand clamped down on her shoulder. He spun her around so she was facing him. “Let go of me.” She didn’t meet his eyes as she said it. “We need to talk.” “We will,” she finally agreed. “But not right now.” Right now, she needed to be several blocks down, stopping a murder. “Why not?” He demanded. She finally met his eyes. She saw his expression darken. “What has he done now?” “It’s bad.” She nearly started crying. “It’s bad. I have to go. Let me go.” “Okay.” His hands lifted from her shoulders “Where are we going?” She told him, and a moment later they were there. Travelling through the shadows of the city was far quicker than running through them. But when they arrived, she feared they were already too late. “Grey! Don’t do this!” She shouted as she ran toward him. His face had splatters of blood on it, and he carried a knife that was not clean. He was dressed in a hero’s suit, a dark cape flying behind him, his symbol on his chest for all to see. But he was no hero. No one knew but Taylan and her. They had planned to expose him. Until she’d gotten word from Lyra about an intruder at her apartment. “No,” she sobbed, falling beside the body at his feet. It was Lyra. Her best friend. He had taken her to get revenge. It was all her fault. “She’s not dead.” Grey told her, his voice void of warmth or kindness. She looked up at him through blurry tears. “What?” “It’s fake.” He touched the knife and showed her the blood on his fingers. It was too red. Her sobbing slowly subsided and her body shook as she struggled to catch her breath. “Why?” She gasped as Gray crouched down beside her. “I knew you survived,” he sneered. He had drawn her into the open. Just as she’d feared. The last time she’d seen him, he’d tried to kill her. He had found out she had the ability to manipulate mechanical devices and revert them back to gears and pieces. She’d been his ally, but he’d felt threatened, especially after she’d suggested the idea that they could work together publically. Taylan had rescued her before the knife Grey had plunged into her stomach took her life. Grey didn’t carry a gun now. He had a knife, once again. There was nothing she could do if he decided to plunge it into her heart. She was sure he’d aim true a second time. She looked up at him and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He grabbed her arm and forced her to stand. His knife pressed against her neck. She willed herself to stay calm as they turned to face the other witness. “You should go, Taylan.” She managed to say. “And miss this moment?” He spread his hands wide. “My two favorite people in one place. I can’t wait to see what we do.” “We are going to do nothing. Though I wonder.” “Wonder what, brother?” Taylan quirked an eyebrow. “Do you know your partner as well as you think you do?” “Gray,” she began, but his grip tightened painfully on her arm and she fell silent. “Do enlighten me.” Taylan’s voice was calm and cool, even as his hand inched toward his weapons. “She’s not who she says she is.” “Who is she then?” Taylan questioned. “Did she tell you her mothers name?” “No,” she gasped, but he ignored her. “She did not.” Taylan admitted. His eyes met hers. She winced as Grays knife pressed into her neck. A single slash and she’d be dead. “Please,” she breathed. “It’s Kata. Kata Sif.” Taylans eyes widened. “Your mother is the Director of the Enhanced Individuals Unit?” The unit they all belonged to. Genetically altered with enhanced senses and special abilities, all three of them were borne from that unit. And they all answered to Kata Sif. But she hadn’t told Taylan. She hadn’t wanted him to see her like that. Too late. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Taylan asked, his voice a little shaky. “I’m sorry.” She couldn’t stop the tear from slipping from her eyelid and rolling down her cheek. “Are you?” Gray’s voice growled in her ear. “I didn’t mean to lie. I just didn’t want you to think…” her voice trailed off. She didn’t want to make excuses. She had lied. She’d deal with it. Her eyes met Taylan’s again. She was surprised by the strength of his gaze. He watched her intently. “I know why,” he said, not unkindly. “I understand.” He took a deep breath and let it go. “It’s okay.” He smiled faintly. “Seriously?” Gray demanded. “You’re letting it go? She’s the enemy. She lied to us, and she put you at risk. You were at her house. What would Kata Sif do if she found you there?” “Technically, I made the decision to go.” Taylan pointed out. “She tried to stop me. Several times.” “What?” Gray scoffed. His grip on her arm momentarily loosened. Realizing this may be her only opportunity, she reached up and pulled the knife away from her neck while elbowing Gray in the stomach. He gasped, stumbling back, and she turned, throwing the knife as far away as she could. It landed a couple rooftops away, skittering on the surface. Gray snarled and lunged, but she ducked, nearly tripping over Lyra. She scrambled back from Gray. He was strong and fast, faster than her. This fight wouldn’t last long. She spared a glance at Lyra. But she had to try. Just before he reached her, something dark slammed into him. Taylan stood over her instead, offering a hand to help her to her feet. She took it, rubbing her neck as she stood. “Thank you.” She said. For more than what he had just done. He nodded, his eyes dark with determination. “Always.” His promise returned to her. It was like they were back in her house, sitting opposite each other and strategizing over the dinner table. She’d confessed her worries about confronting Gray. He’d assured her, saying “I won’t let him hurt you.” He said it again. She glanced toward Lyra. “This time you might get hurt,” she worried aloud. “Eh.” He shrugged with a smile. “If I was worried about that, I’d be in the wrong business.” Fair enough. She returned his smile. Together they turned to face Gray. “You’ll fight for her, even after she lied?” Gray demanded, rising to his feet and touching his bloody lip with one hand. “I will.” Taylan raised his chin. “She may have lied, but she’s not the enemy.” He glanced at her. “She never was.”

“I’d like a a Carmel macchiato with three pumps of caramel and only one pump of hazelnut.” He spoke quickly as his eyes scanned the menu. “And a piece of chocolate cake.” She watched him evenly, her expression neutral. It was five minutes until they closed. No one else was here. Who ordered a coffee at 4:55? “Will that be all sir?” She questioned politely. He nodded curtly. “Yes.” He paid, and she started his order. His chocolate cake came first, they didn’t offer warming services so she just scooped it up and put in in a small brown bag. “Chocolate cake.” She called, despite the fact that he was still standing in front of her. He didn’t say thank you. Who was this guy? She started on his drink, and resisted the urge to only add two pumps of caramel. As she worked, he received a phone call. He didn’t like the news he received. She didn’t mean to evesdrop, but they were the only ones in the shop. “If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t say no.” He spoke angrily into his phone, then slammed his finger down on the End Call Button. She didn’t recognize him, and he didn’t seem to be wearing expensive clothes. Maybe he was just delusional. “Your drink is ready,” she called after a moment, making sure the lid was firmly clasped. He took it without thanks. She regarded him evenly. He received another call, and loitered in the doorway as he took it. She gritted her teeth, and started the process of cleaning the machines. He finished his call a few minutes later, and left. He was back the next day at the same time. And the next. Always brusque and bordering on rude. Always receiving calls. One day, she had been having a particularly rough shift. She wasn’t in the mood for him. He opened the door, and started walking toward her. “I’m sorry sir, but we are closed.” She gritted out. He scoffed. “You’re open till five. I still have four minutes.” “Not today,” she told him. “We are closed.” He ignored her. “I’d like…” She slammed her cleaning tools down on the counter. “Sir.” She met his gaze evenly. “Leave.” Their gazes locked for a moment. Then he nodded silently and left.
He didn’t come back the next day. In fact, it was almost a month before he returned. She couldn’t say she welcomed his prescence. But he made a point to be polite. He even came earlier, almost a half hour before they closed instead of five minutes. Something was different about his demeanor too. He was polite. Quiet. His visits were shorter, and he didn’t take any calls. She didn’t mind the changes, though she wondered what had caused them. A few months after the change, she spotted a poster for an upcoming movie: The Villain, being produced by a prestigious, popular, and well-known company. People whispered about the leading man. Apparently he had been a child actor, but this was his first big role since he was in his teens. When she saw his face, her mouth fell open. It was him. Back again.

She knew they weren’t telling the truth. She was too tired. Too slow. Too weak. It made her angry, being lied to. It made her feel small and helpless. She gritted her teeth as she lay in bed. They had made every effort to make her comfortable. When it has first come on, her and her husband had moved to her brothers property where he had access to the best healers. Her children visited often, bringing her tales of adventures from their travels across the globe. She loved them all. Her eldest daughter was staying with them currently, recovering from giving birth to twins. A knock sounded at the door, and she looked to see her brother standing there. His black hair peppered with grey, he walked with a slight limp. His usual adornments were absent, and he wore only black pants with a deep blue shirt. He sighed and sunk into a chair opposite her bed. “Hey,” she greeted him. He nodded without a sound. She picked up a pillow and threw it at him. “Ow!” He protested. “This is my room,” she told him. “If you’re going to act like a rock just do it in yours.” “Sorry,” he sighed, sitting up straight. He met her gaze. She was surprised to see tears in his eyes. “Its bad.” She said softly. The healer had been there a few hours earlier to check on her. But the healer hadn’t told her anything new. Simply assured her everything was fine and she’d take a turn for the better soon. “No.” Her brother barely got the words out. His voice was thick. “You’re going to be fine.” “I always knew I wasn’t going to live forever.” She dismissed it, scowling as he still tried to muster up a lie. The look she gave him as he opened his mouth made him close it again. She was done with the lying. “Do you need anything? Are you comfortable?” “I’m fine.” Her husband was bringing the rest of their possessions from their former home to her brothers residence as they spoke. He had been gone for nearly a week now, and should be back any time. He hadn’t wanted to go. That was her first clue that it was worse than the healers said. Another knock came at the door. They both looked over to see one of her grandchildren being escorted into the room. “Hello darling,” she patted the blankets beside her as he slowly walked into the room. “I’ll let you two have some time,” her brother nodded to her and stood, leaving them. “How are you on this lovely morning?” She asked her grandchild as he clambered up onto the bed and sat beside her. When he turned to meet her gaze, she saw the sadness in his eyes. “Do you hurt?” He asked softly. In that moment, he reminded her of another child she had watched grow up. They were so similar, she caught herself wiping her eyes. “No darling, I’m not in any pain.” She pulled him into a tight hug. When she let go, he was crying. “But mom said you’re getting worse.” The honesty hit her like a stone. She nodded. She couldn’t deny it. But looking into his big eyes, she knew what she had to do. “She’s only saying that because she’s worried. I’ll be better soon, so don’t you worry too. I promise, we’ll go flying and travel across the world together.” He had always been the most enthralled with the stories she had told her descendants of her younger days. Now his eyes lit up. “Really?” He asked breathlessly. “You bet.” She winked at him. “And for your birthday, I’ll take to you my favorite place of all.” She hadn’t known it was possible, but his eyes got even bigger. “For my birthday?!” He exclaimed excitedly, so loud she was sure others could hear. His birthday was only a month away. She looked down at her shaking hands, then up at him. “So you’d better be good until then, help you mother with your new siblings and listen to your father,” she reminded him gently. “I will grandma,” he promised, bowing his head for a moment. They talked for a while, he told her about the newest addition to the family, the twins, and she had to laugh as he mentioned how alike they already looked and confessed he was already mixing them up. He left the room with a spring in his step, and a smile on his face. She settled back into bed as exhaustion finally overtook her. When she drifted into sleep, one thought came to mind. Maybe sometimes, lying can be loving. She’d have to admit her worsening condition to him eventually. But for now, she would smile through the pain, and keep his spirits bright.

He watched her disappear down a dark alleyway. The same one she had visited last week. Ordinarily he wouldn’t have followed her, but something was off. She was the nicest person he knew, always full of light and joy. She took rude clients without complaint, and handled the situation so well they were laughing with her a few minutes later. Ariana was a star, shining though the dreary world. After the Queen of Tivern was killed 5 years ago, her royal line obliterated, everyone had been so scared. But she never showed her fear either. Not even when the new king’s guards ransacked the shop looking for contraband. Once she’d even convinced the captain to leave with a purchased drink in tow. But recently, she’d been acting off. Like there was something on her mind. Roman had only known her for a few years, but he could tell. They were coworkers, but recently he’d taken the jump to become something more. And she’d jumped with him. Everything had been even greater than usual, until now. She still showed him the same care and compassion as usual, and he could tell she put efforts into their dates, but there was something wrong. Like the shadow of a cloud hanging over her shoulders. So he’d followed her after work. And he’d seen the pattern. Now he followed her closer, stepping into the alley after she’d dissapeared from sight. Her white sweater would have stood out against the night, but she was nowhere to be seen. He scanned the alleyway, running his hands along the coarse bricks. He felt something give under his hand as he did, and a doorway appeared beside his hand. “What?” Roman breathed. It was magic. But magic had been outlawed since the new kings rise to power. He glanced toward the mouth of the alley. Guards could make the rounds at any moment, and if he was caught with magic…Roman stepped through the portal. He entered a lush green world. Rolling hills and streams of crystal blue water dotted the landscape. He turned around to see he was on the edge of a forest, with trees every color imaginable, and small animals and birds scuttling around. “Whoah.” Roman couldn’t believe his eyes. He smacked his cheek to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Nope. Definitely not. Something flashed out of the corner of his eye, and he turned in time to see a boot connect with his face. He fell, and the last thing he saw was an unfamiliar girls face frowning down at him.

When Roman came to, he was on the ground in the alley. He groaned, rubbing the back of his head as he sat up. He became aware of whispers behind him, and twisted around to see two figures watching him. Ariana was there, along with another girl. The one who had kicked him. Roman struggled to his feet under their gaze. He straightened his coat, brushed some dirt off his pants, and faced them. “What happened?” He asked Ariana. “What was that?” The green world floated above him, a beautiful memory in a sea of gloom. “Why did you follow me?” Ariana asked softly. Her eyes, usually bright, were underlined by dark circles, like she hadn’t slept in weeks. Everything about her seemed dimmer. “I was worried about you,” Roman told her. His eyes flicked between her and the other girl, who met his gaze evenly. “You’ve seemed off for a couple of weeks. I wanted to see if you were really okay.” She had, of course, insisted there was nothing wrong when he had initially asked. “I could hit him again,” the other girl offered. “He might forget if I do it hard enough.” Roman hurriedly backed up a couple of steps. “No way.” He said hurriedly. “Don’t hurt him,” Ariana told the girl, putting a hand on her shoulder. “He’s done nothing wrong.” She gave him a small smile. “Ariana,” he dared after a moment. “What is going on?” Ariana shared a glance with the other girl before taking a deep breath. “I’ll tell you. But firstly, my name isn’t Ariana. It’s Hope.”

The wailing started soon after their first discovery of the wave. It was huge, and headed straight for them. As Eliot faced the receding sea, his heartbeat thudded with the gong of the bells. His brother was up there, ringing and ringing and ringing, until everyone was away from danger. But not Eliot. He waited. He knew his brother would be the last to evacuate. Crying near him drew his attention away from their doom. One of the villagers, a woman he couldn’t remember the name of, was trying desperately to carry all of her children. The twins had been a good omen, but she now had three kids who couldn’t walk. Her husband was nowhere to be seen. The coward. Eliot ran over and picked up two of the children, holding them close even as their mother’s cries filled the street. When she looked up through her tears at Eliot, she inhaled sharply. “I can help you get them to a wagon,” Eliot offered, gesturing into the street with a nod of his head. But he could take them no further than that. His brother still needed them. Eliot and the woman hurried toward one of the carts left in the street, the horse still harnessed. It wouldn’t be faster with the wagon, but she still had a chance. As he set down the children gently, their mother thanked him before hopping onto the horses back and snapping the reins. Some maternal instinct had clearly kicked in, as Sliot watched them go he noted how she lead the horse through the crammed streets like an expert. Fear would do that to a person. The wailing was quieter now, as whoever was crying had started their departure from the town. Eliot returned to his post outside the bell tower door, facing the sea. His brother was hitting the bell more frequently now. Since he was up high, it was likely he could see the wave approaching. Eliot scanned the bare rocks of the harbor, the occasional unfortunate fish or… something larger was down there. He peered over the harbor wall. Something dark, misshaped. Before his eyes it shrunk, getting smaller and smaller. The water line was only a few meters away, but the further it got from the creature, the smaller the creature got. Eliot glanced behind him, but his brother was still diligently ringing the bell. The creature was now no larger than Eliot’s head. He sprinted. Jumping the short harbor wall and bounding onto the pier, not a moment of hesitation met him as he jumped. He landed in a soft patch of sand, got to his feet, and ran for the creature. It was the size of his hand, and as he picked it up, it began to cry and shake. Eliot ran for the waterline, struggling under the creatures growing weight as he got nearer. Once he was able, he tossed the creature back into the sea. It dissapeared, melding into a shadow of the water. Eliot panted, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. The water receded even more, and now he could see the wave. It loomed in the distance. “Eliot!” He turned to see his brother in the tower, leaning over the edge. From this point they could see each other. “Roman!” He smiled and waved. A brave face was what they both needed. “What are you doing?!” His brother shouted, hands waving above his head. “Just enjoying the view!” Eliot called back, beginning to pick his way toward the ladder on the end of the pier. “ELIOT!” His brothers voice had taken on a hysterical edge that made Eliot pause. His brother’s eyes were wide. Eliot slowly turned around. The wave was here.

Eliot crouched down, knowing either way that he would be swept into the rocks. “I’m sorry, Roman.” He whispered as it loomed above him. His brother would have to watch him die. At least Roman had the chance of surviving in the tower. He closed his eyes. But no impact came. After a long moment, the sound of water rushing cascaded around him, but it sounded… off. He opened his eyes. Standing before him was the creature he had rescued, now twice the size of the tower Roman was in. It loomed above him, blocking the brunt of the wave. The water cascaded off its back, eventually calming and returning to its normal level. Eliot was left treading water as he faced the monster. It’s black eyes bored into his as it stood a mere few feet away from where he swam. Eliot glanced back at the pier and realized the water hadn’t hit the town at all. The beast had saved him and Roman. “Thank you,” he told it as it watched him. A soft screech emanated from the ocean as the creature dipped its head. A few seconds later, Eliot was lifted out of the water, held by a clawed hand. He would never admit it, but when he had first felt the creature grip him, he had soiled himself. But it lifted him up and over to the pier, rising with him so they were always at eye level. Once Eliot’s feet touched the dock, he sank to his knees. “Eliot!” Footsteps pounded on the dock, and a few seconds later, Roman embraced him. “Are you okay?” “Yeah,” Eliot nodded. “I’m ok.” “The… monster?” “It saved me.” A low whine echoed across the ocean surface as the monster raised its head, then slowly sank beneath the waves.

The knock on the door was weak, but she still came. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped as she took in the scene after opening the door. “Hey,” I said, hands pressed to my stomach to staunch the bleeding. “Can I get some help?” “O-of course.” Her voice was shaky, but she widened the door so I could pass by her. I knew the way to the pantry, where they kept the medical supplies. She pulled them out as I lay down on the floor, trying not to get too much blood on the hardwood. “What happened? Why are you here?” Her initial shock seemed to be wearing off and as she rummaged around for the wraps and gauze, her questions started to fly. “Fighting a bank robber. I didn’t realize he had a knife, along with the gun I knocked from his hands.” I looked down at the wound and winced. The blood wasn’t spurting, so he probably hadn’t stuck anything too vital. Of course it hurt, but it could be worse. “And I didn’t know who else to go to. You’re the best in class.” This made her freeze, and she turned to me slowly, her arms full of medical supplies. “What?” She whispered, her face twisting in confusion and hurt. One hand on my stomach, I used the other to pull off my mask. “Hey, Kiera. It’s been a long couple of days.” I attempted a smile, but my hands were shaking, and my eyesight was staring to blur. “Lyn?” She narrowed her eyes as if trying to pick apart my face and see if I was somehow lying, faking her out. “That’s me. Just bleeding out on your kitchen floor.” She hurried to my side and started applying cream and wrapping to the deep cut. “You got lucky.” She told me, intently focused on her work. “This narrowly missed your appendix.” “Eh, it’s useless anyway.” I attempted a shrug, hissing in pain as she pressed on the wound to seal the bandage. “Useless until it fails.” She agreed, sitting back to survey her work. “Am I gonna die, doc?” I queried. “No. But you need time to heal.” “Time shmime.” I slowly stood, using the nearby counter for support. “Where are you going?” “I gotta give the bank robber his knife back.” I twirled it around my fingers as I headed toward the door. When she said nothing, I turned to see her pale face even paler. “I’m going to put him in prison.” I elaborated. She breathed out, a now-bloody hand going to her heart. “Thank you.” I told her. “And… I’m sorry. I should have told you before.” She stepped forward until she was inches from my face. “You’re the strangest best friend I’ve ever had.” She said after a long moment, making me laugh. “But by far the most memorable.” I added. “Good luck.” She told me, reaching out for a gentle embrace. “Thanks.” I told her once again. Then I left, off to fight once more.