Detective Harris had been on the Blue Cartel's trail for months. The notorious gang, named for their signature Blue heroine, a potent fentanyl laced drug that had flooded the streets of Nicholasville. The gang had always managed to evade capture with cunning and violence. But tonight, Harris had a lead. An informant had tipped him off about a drop at an old warehouse on the outskirts of town.

Broken beer bottles reflected the silver moonlight as gravel crunched beneath Harris’s feet. His heart raced as he approached the old warehouse. Inside, he found crates filled with packets of the blue powder. He couldn’t believe it. The informant wasn’t lying, and this was the break he had been praying for. His camera clicked quietly as he documented the scene. That's when he heard a noise behind him.

Turning, he saw a figure emerge from the shadows—Rico Martinez, the Cartel's enforcer. "Rico Martinez, you're under arrest for possession and distribution," he announced, badge in hand.

Martinez laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "You think you've won, detective? You've got nothing on me."

Harris snapped photos to expose the operation. "I've got enough here to put you away for the rest of your miserable fucking life.’’

Martinez's eyes narrowed, and he lunged forward, pulling out a knife. "You think this is over?" he hissed.

"Drop your weapon!" Harris commanded, drawing his gun with practiced ease. But it was too late. Martinez advanced, plunging his knife into Harris’s gut.

As the detectives body convulsed and dropped to the warehouse floor with a thud, Martinez glared down at his lifeless body. ‘’ Fuck the police,’’ he spat, before wiping the crimson stained blade on the leg of his pants

She was ending it tonight.

Allyson Duffy was tired of being a doormat, a punching bag, and a convenient hole for her boyfriend‘s desires. she was tired of the assaults, of working her fingers to the bone, and of simply not being treated like an actual human being capable of rational thought, complex emotion, and a person in need of actual rest. She was tired of being treated like a possession. She was tired of the late nights where she relished in being alone while at the same time, dreaded the moment Scott came back. she was tired of being taken advantage of, but most of all, she was tired of feeling like she didn’t matter.

Because she didn matter.

It had just taken her a while to remember that.

Or rather, it had taken a while for her brother to drill it back into her head.

The very same brother she had thought cut her off.

It’s funny that even though she’s known pretty much from the get go that Her boyfriend was a compulsive liar, she had believed him when he had told her that.

She really was pathetic.

“Stop it.”

Despite the voice being soft, Allyson couldn’t help but flinch as she was drawn from her self deprecating thoughts. Her shoulders hunching as she automatically braced herself for a potential blow. Only managing to relax when she caught sight of her brother, Jeremy, out of the corner of her eye.

“I’m sor-“

Knowing better than to raise a hand, Jeremy shot her a quelling look that automatically stopped her apology in its tracks.

“ You have nothing to apologize for,” he smiled carefully before gently reprimanding, “ and you’re not pathetic.”

She looked away, continuing to idly play with the soul tube of lipstick that had survived her moving in with her soon to be ex. It was crimson. Her favorite color. she remembered liking wearing make up.

Maybe she would again.

Jeremy gently tap her chin back up. Making her meet his gaze once more.

“ Are you ready to go, kid?”

She nodded.

“and the little guy?”

A hand automatically Went to Rest upon her gently rounded belly, a smile tugging at her lips when she felt a flutter signifying her baby kicking.

Yes, she was ready.

Because she would be damned if she’d expose her baby to her living nightmare.

She was ending this.

She had to.

The night often grows cold when I’m alone. The stars are always much more quiet and there’s no reason in sight. Despite the many tellings, at the end of the day, my conclusion is that there isn’t one.

Although there’s the crimson sparks in the sky and the beauty of it all - I see myself sitting in a car that keeps driving and there’s no way to stop it. I would argue with those who say “keep going” because I have no choice. I can’t stop going.

I am in possession of every emotion and I feel them greatly. I most especially enjoy it when I’m happy - when I can look at the sky and see those multicolored sparks of life and joy. I enjoy listening to the jubilant laughter of the blobs of people floating around me.

It is a clear reminder that I am real: this is real. This is happening now. Open your eyes. There is something happening everywhere at every time and in order to see it, to understand it: you must expose yourself to the uncomfortable.

I surround myself in darkness and misery and accept the pain in my aching heart. I go out into the light and feel a cold drop of water or simply just sit there. I accept it.

(A/N: I scrapped this. I have no idea where I was going with it. (It’s not 400 words either))

The crimson red, vibrant blue, and pearly white fireworks, against the cloudy black sky, a beautiful sight indeed. A day for independence, always a-glee. With family and friends, the punk in my possession. The night full of laughter and colors, full of joy and smiles. A night to remember, full of my friends and family’s faces. A day for Independence, once never there, we appreciate our proud country, loyal brave and true. A day to expose your joy and pride.

(Umn….don’t take this to heart, I saw fireworks earlier and this popped into my head…since well…it’s July fourth for me, and to be honest, not all of it is joy and glee and whatnot, so yeah. I also didn’t do 400 words)

It was cold. That was the all encompassing characteristic of the week. James and I had found a corner of the old house that kept most of the frigid air away. No one had lived in it for years. The smell was nauseating, but it was better than freezing to death. In theory anyway.

Rumors spread around by the other street kids said this house was cursed. The ghost of the former owner tormented anyone that spent time in here. Possession was his favorite.

My magic didn’t work on any living thing, I wasn’t sure if a ghost was still considered living. If he showed his face, we’d find out.

“I know you aren’t afraid, but I am. Can we find somewhere else to stay?” James asked.

“In the morning. I don’t want to be out in the weather tonight.”

I was afraid. I just didn’t want him to know that. James lived openly, heart on his sleeve, never let the world harden him. At 12 I was already jaded and bitter. Cold and closed off to the world; at least openly. I couldn’t stop myself from caring. I shouldered the burdens and never showed any fear.

“Vanessa, I can’t stay here…” James said softly.

“Ok. Stay close, and do exactly what I say,” I replied just as softly.

We were only two weeks apart, but from time we were in diapers I always tried to protect him.

We slid out the back door quietly. This was a dangerous neighborhood at night. I lost track of time and we got caught here too late to make the trip back to our regular makeshift house.

A girl only slightly older than me sprinted around the corner panting. I stepped back into James, pinning him against the house. A crackle of electricity filled the air just before a bolt hit her. She screamed.

I muttered the best incantation I could to shield us both from sight. Even with all the practice, I still needed the incantations. I hoped whoever was throwing lighting bolts didn’t hear.

Another bolt hit the girl and she stumbled forward, cracking her head on a stone step. A pool of crimson slowly spread from her prone form. As the wind whipped around the corner, I watched as ice crystals formed in her blood. James shifted enough to cover his mouth. I willed him to just close his eyes but I didn’t dare move.

“You didn’t have to kill her, Lisa,” a man said as he came around the corner.

“She had all the information she needed to expose us. I wasn’t going to let her walk away just because you had a little crush.”

I held my breath. They couldn’t know we were here. My magic was waning. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep us shielded from view.

Just as my magic was starting to slip, they turned their backs to us and started walking away. I grabbed James’s hand and pulled him in the opposite direction. He didn’t need anymore time to look at that poor girls body.

Detective Barnes picked up the rectangular device from the table. It was small enough to fit in his hand, and it had strange crimson markings along the sides and back. “What is it?” “Some sort of device used for interstellar communication,” said Sam. The tall man in a disheveled shirt and tie took the device from Barnes. “It’s undeniably a Hiver device - look at how the controls are laid out. It’s completely unnatural for a human.” “So then it’s a fact,” said Barnes, “Lewis has been in contact with them. Despicable.” “The question is, how long has he been in possession of the device?” “Does that really matter, Sam? He has it now, and who’s to say he hasn’t used it already? He’s a criminal - a traitor!” shouted Barnes. Sam took a deep breath. “I feel your anger,” he said, “this war has taken its toll on all of us. But if we turn on each another so quickly without seeking clarity, then they’ve already beaten us. We have to be braver than that.” Barnes knew Sam was right. He was always right. “Fine,” Barnes said. “So we don’t expose him to the public. Not yet, at least. How else could he have come by the device?” “I don’t know,” Sam said, “I suppose we ask him and see what he says. Or maybe we turn it on and see what happens.” He tossed the device to Barnes who caught it with a disgusted look on his face. “I’d rather die than be caught using their technology.” “Don’t be so dramatic.” As Sam spoke, an alarm went off through the building. Knowing what it meant, Detective Barnes cursed under his breath and ran out of the room, the device in his hand. Sam ran after him.

Down the damp underground labyrinth they went until they found a body on the ground in front of the holding cell. Barnes knelt down and touched the guards neck. “She’s dead,” he said. “And Lewis is gone,” said Sam. “We need to find him before he escapes.” Barnes stood up and started down the hall again, but Sam stopped him. “Wait, look,” Sam said. “The door.” The industrial latch on the cell door was bubbled and warped as if burned by acid. And upon further inspection there was a handprint near the top where someone - or something - had pried it open. “We need to warn the others,” Barnes said as he handed the device to Sam. “Take this. Go to the garage and take a squad car to Gamma station. I’m going to shut the blast doors and seal this place down so Lewis won’t get away. You have five minutes to get out. Go!” And he ran off into the flashing red tunnels towards the control room. Sam never saw him again.

[COM Chapter Six]

Edgaron’s loud screeching filled the air around them. The whipping of his large wings sweeping sand into the air. Exposing himself to all the men who quickly went to fearfully shaking, scimitars in hand. Felnir shot her hands into the air, hardly able to see within the new sand storm caused by Edgaron.

“Please let us speak to the boy!” Felnir pleaded, watching in horror as Edgaron broke through the clouds. His large scaled body slowly floating down, eyes fixed on the men scattering as fire held in his jaws.

“Edgaron no!!” Devum shouted over the roaring of the weapon wielding men. Standing between the dragon and the men with outstretched arms. Looking for the boy who had spoken their northern tongue.

Edgaron plopped down onto the sandy ground, a burst of fire slipping from his mouth as the men surrounded him. All their eyes and swords on him, yet he yawned and watched the smaller dragon land on his back.

“You have two dragons in your possession?” An elderly man with a cane stepped from a nearby mud hut. The young boy from earlier at his heels. “sayurid milik alraml altahaduth maeaha” The old man shuffled out into the clearing towards the two girls and their dragons.

“hum shayatin!” One of the guard men hissed, glaring at the girls.

“Demons they are not” The boy shouted.

His grandfather laughed a bit as Edgaron gave the boy a head nod. Watching as he approached.

“Can he touch them?” The old man looked at the girls. “I never expected to see something like this in my lifetime “

“He may touch them” Devum watched the boy slowly reach for Edgaron. Who without warning blew out warm air knocking the boy back playfully. Looking to Devum with a grin.

“You expose them to our people. They are very superstitious.” The old man touched Colaxy and then waved the men away. “Our king will want to meet you, he doesn’t speak much of the northern language but I’ll send Till with you” he motioned for the boy to come.

“We are in a hurry, the crimson sands used to house a ship. One which held our next relic.” Devum questioned, watching Felnir with Colaxy out of the corner of her eye.

“Our king has the relic. It’s part of his crown” The old man smiled. “Follow the river half a day south Noburon will be hard to miss”

“Thank you.” Felnir added in.

“Not ever day you meet the chosen ones” He waved as the boy bowed to them, his light brown eyes fixed on Edgaron.

Keys in hand a small knock on the door, I know no ones here but it’s always nice to be plight. Honestly some people need to learn that skill. Being plight I mean.

My old roommate definitely needed a lesson or two. Get this the guy would just barge in with no regards for what’s going on. Once even walked in as I was getting out of the shower, ugh I felt so exposed but hey that in the past as with this small key I finally have not only a place of my own but a hole flipping house. Inheritance am I right. Anyway I’m so excited.

Inserting the key I give a small twist finally opening the grand large set of doors in front of me and, I must say… it’s darker then I expected. Dustier then I thought to. I know gram gram didn’t use this place often but sheesh it looks almost abandoned. Hey it’s still mine now though. I can clean it up. I’ll just take a walk around and assess the damages.

Inside the house is filled with colourful throw pillows a few rather interesting paintings and old furniture. No clue where all the pillows belong there’s just like one every few steps or so. Just some odd possessions for an odd person.

Eventually I also stumble upon a well set up bedroom that looks fancy as flip all. Like it has one of those king beds with the canopy vail thing over top. Once I’ve got wifi here I’ll look up what it’s called. Ether way this is probably one of the coolest looking rooms yet. Still has some random pillows though.

Also there’s this large vanity in the corner with a hole cherry chocolate theme going on. Dark smooth wood making the bulk a nice crimson trim around he hole thing. there’s a cheery magnet attached to the top of the vanity and finally there’s a translucent set of red hair tools lined up on top of it. You know a pair of sizers a comb and this really pretty looking hair brush. May just be my silly little monkey brain being all “oh shiny” but without thinking I just go and pick it up.

This is quite a pretty item. Red, a bit see through almost looks like a crystal of some sort. A bit heavier then I thought but still a nice brush. Not even a hair on it. Wouldn’t hurt to use it.

So that’s what I do. I bring it up to my head and gently begin to run it through my darkly coloured locks. My face is starring back at me through the mirror copying my movements as any mirror dose but something seems… off. Like it’s me my hair my eyes even my birth mark on my nose but it’s not quite right. I just can’t pin it. Oh speaking of pins there’s some hair pins here what if I try… oh god something moved in the mirror. What is that?

I’m moving im turning on out of here I am leaving I’m not dealing with this. A loud crash brakes out behind me.

“What the fu-“ I scream but get cut off as I see a large grey mated mess that looks like an arm break free from the glass mirror.

“ GERAUuooooo THAT iS MINe” the beast roars out reaching towards me. Oh holy my word flipping flip flap get me out of here. I turn around real fast burst straight on into the sprint I never knew I had in me. Hall way after hall stair after stair. not looking back because that’s what gets horror movie protagonists killed and I’m not gonna trip over my own feet either that’s just stupid. Oh shoot a pillow.

Okay that was even dumber couldn’t even have one to soften the fall. Wait the thing is it still. A course somewhat damp fealing wraps around and crawls up my leg. Looking back I see it. A towering blob of hair shaped as some sort of beast.

Snarling it again shouts “ITS MINE” I scream and then everything goes black.

Burnt damp wood, the stench smacked Myrtle across the face. Covering her face, Myrtle touched her fingers to her temples. On Enceladus, and in most new domed urban centers, the air is neutral, manufactured, filtered, sterilized. Some retailers pumped a cocktail of sales inspiring scents but mostly there was a scent of nothingness. The bookshop was a husk. Black and charred countertops and melted organic plastic stools littered the floor in soggy heaps. Shelves like exposed bones hung empty. Myrtle could hear her Chief of Detectives Hatchet arguing with Officer Madgalene of Drug Trafficking whether this arson was related to drug possession or a part of a string of arsons related extorsion in the flower markets. Their angry words stirred the thick smoke. The daughter of teachers the sight of books actual books burnt opened a wound inside a crimson gash. Myrtle blinked hard and gave a sigh. Her eyes landed on who must have been the bookshop owners. She could see their wound, bright and bleeding. Nothing burned anymore. Even the cheapest dives would have fire suppression sensors and powder sprayers to knock out a flame before it could flicker. It took work to create this level of destruction. Myrtle surveyed the crime scene techs. Reporter drones lined up to record the rarity of a building fire. "Madgalene is a foolish. It is evident--" Hatchet said. He stopped trying to read her face. "He is an idiot. Fools are the people who argue with idiots. Interview the shop owners away from the press and the neighbors. They want to talk. Find the connection to the Saturnines." Myrtle climbed back into her car.

Finally, I have it in my possession.

I stare at it, caressing its smooth surface, my dark eyes reflecting in its crimson surface. It’s mine, all mine… the Gem of Eternity.

Truth be told, I had my doubts. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get my hands on it. I sent Norris, my goblin servant, to go speak with the Agency, see if they’d be willing to work with me… and they were. But that didn’t mean I fully trusted them. I had my suspicions. I thus had plenty of backup plans in place, just in case they tried to pull something.

But they never betrayed me. They helped me steal the Gem from the dragon’s lair, and all I had to do was offer them the promise that I’d join their little clique.

Ha! As if I’d like ever be caught dead working with the likes of them. But the Agency didn’t need to know that. All they needed to know was that I signed on the dotted line. Never mind what’s going to happen now that I actually have what I desired.

I press the Gem to my face, snuggling it against my cheek. I smile. It is cold and hard and beautiful. I still don’t know how the Agency managed to steal it, but quite frankly, I haven’t got the mind to care. Nothing else matters now that I have this. I’m going to live for all of eternity!

I hear some bustling, and I whirl around, annoyed. “What is it, Norris?”

“S-sir,” Norris says. He’s blubbering. I always hate how he blubbers. “Sir, it’s one of the knights from the Agency!”

“What? Where?” I growl.

“Outside of the cave, sir! She’s come to collect their debt.” He shuffles on his tiny goblin feet.

“Debt? What debt?”

“Well… you, sir. You did promise the Agency you’d join their ranks if they helped you, did you not?”

I grab him by the collar of his ratty tunic with one hand, dragging him towards me. He squeaks.

“Tell that foul knight,” I sneer in his ear, “That I don’t care what I promised the Agency. I don’t care if I owe them a debt. I don’t even care if they expose me as a liar to the entire kingdom! It doesn’t matter, and do you know why?”

Norris gulps. “Why?”

“Because I have THIS!” I shove the Gem into his face, and he stumbles backwards.

I cackle loudly with glee. Then I point to the door. “Now. Go deliver my message, you pathetic excuse for a servant.” I caress the Gem in my hands again. “Little Gemmy and I are going to have some alone time.”

Norris bows shakily, and then is gone.