Time will tell
+2
Tolly12bells
PeggySnow
6 posters
Creative Souls :: Writing :: Your Stories :: Fantasy
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Time will tell
Okay, I know I have a some-what bad habit of not finishing stories, but I can promise you this, IT WILL BE FINISHED! Oh, and so will "Roses and Thorns", I've already written the next chapter Anyways, without further ado, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, "TIME WILL TELL"!
The blurb: When a leathery bird bites Anna, nothing is ever the same again. She finds herself in another world, filled with constant running, and terror. Will anything ever be the same again?
Chapter 5
Shattered
When you’re told that your own sister will try to literally kill if you see her again, you first go into denial. Then, your heart shatters. Absolutely shatters.
Edger’s eyes were sad, they seemed to droop. “I’m very sorry, Anna. That’s the whole reason we made the rule, so that we wouldn’t lose any more Demons.” his face now looked… sympathetic.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” my eyes filled with tears. “The last time I saw my sister, I wanted to kill her! And, and now, I’ll never be able to see her again!” my voice broke on the last words. How could this be happening. If I was chatting with Lacey right now, the faces I would’ve made would be: L :’( D’: All sad, depressed faces. That itself, is sad and depressing.
“Not always,” Edger said, his face lighting up. “You will see her again. In battle, though,” he added.
I filled up with rage, so much, that I felt like I might burst. With a mighty roar, I spread my wings, and lifted myself into the air, kicking Edger hard, square in the stomach. The force of it sent him flying back words into the wall, the rule bulletin board falling on top of him.
I angled my wings so that I had a clear shot of getting out of the room, and rocketed out, like a bullet sent from a gun, while tears streamed down my face. As I flew out, I heard the girl, Gail, call to me, “Hey, new girl! Anna, right? Your room is ready in compartment L-21. If you’d like to go there now, I’d be more than happy to show it to you!” she was very cheerful, though I knew that she was looking at my tear-stained face.
“S-s-sure, p-please -s-sh-show m-me,” I mumble-sobbed.
Gail frowned. “What happened, Anna? I’ve hardly ever seen a Demon cry before, and when I have, never like this…” she snapped her fingers, and a headset appeared on her head. She immediately began talking into it, a rush of words. When she was done speaking into it, she snapped her fingers again, and it disappeared. “Sorry about that. Now, please, follow me…” she continued to talk in her cheerful way, but something was a bit off.
“T-thank you,” I muttered, though I knew something was wrong. Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on….
“Miss Gilligan?”
“Hmm?” I asked, my head snapping up. Funny, I hadn’t even noticed that I was bent over, looking at my shoes again, until I was practically kneeling on the ground. “Are you coming?” Gail asked, looking more suspicious than before.
“Uh, yeah,” I said. “Just uh, just…” What could I say? What was I doing? “I was just, um, tying my shoes. I- I thought that maybe it’d become untied. Nope! Ha ha ha.”
Gail nodded, eyeing me. “Of course, Miss Gilligan. Now, as I was saying, please follow me into compartment L-21. Unless you had somewhere else to go, that is,” she added.
“Nope. Just… should I call this ‘home’?” I asked, sniffling.
Gail smiled. “You may call it whatever you like, really. Though please don’t use the term ‘Hell’, since, no matter how much it feels like you’re there, you’re not.” She turned around, and took a sudden left, not checking to see if I was following.
I trailed behind Gail, my mind fuzzy, and full of thoughts I didn’t really have the answer to. I reflected on what she’d said, “No matter how much it feels like you’re there, you’re not”. What had that meant? Anything? Should I be concerned? I sighed. If only there were someone to talk to here, someone I would be able to talk to, someone like…. Lacey. My best friend on Earth, pretty much my only friend on Earth-
“Watch it, punk!” A voice hissed angrily in my ear. I realized at that moment, that I had been knocked over, and was on my butt. Huh. Across from me, her back against the box-office type setting, sat a sneering girl, wavy bleach-blond hair that fell to her chest. She was average in everything; average looks, average height…. Only her weight. She was very skinny. She emphasized that, wearing a tight baby blue cami, and very tight light washed skinny jeans.
“Willow!” Gail exclaimed, dropping her clipboard, sending a flurry of papers flying everywhere, in her attempt to help the girl up. “Are you all right?!”
“Yeah, fine,” Willow said, giving me a death stare. “What’s your problem, moron?” she hissed again.
“I-I’m sorry, Miss Verch. She’s a new Demon; no sense sharpening herbs in her yet,” Gail laughed nervously, as she helped Willow onto her feet.
A bit angry at the fact that no one had helped me up, I sprang to my feet, and sniffed at Willow, turning my back on her. She gasped an “Oh no you di’int!” gasp, and, peeking out of the corner of my eye, I saw her small hands placed on her teeny hips. “Did you just turn your back on me?!” she squawked.
I couldn’t believe her! Who the heck did she think she was?! I squared my shoulders, my voice probably muted from being turned away from her. “Yes. And, oh em gee! I’m about to walk away from you, too. Gail, please show me to my compartment,”
I began walking away from Willow, until I realized that Gail was not following me. “Gail?” I called, worrying that I hadn’t taken a turn that she had, and had gotten myself lost. No answer. I turned around, but for some reason, everyone was gone. “Gail!” I shouted frantically. Nothing. Something was wrong, badly wrong. “GAIL!” I yelled a third time, knowing it was useless.
What had I done? From the looks of it, picked a fight with a very important Demon, and now, I’d lost my guide, to who knows where. I’d kicked the President, can never see my sister, and to top it all off, I’m lost. I’m just havin’ a FREAKIN’ WONDERFUL DAY. What was I going to do?
The only thing I could do. Sink down onto my knees, crawl into the corner, roll up into a ball, and cry.
When I woke up, I was on an extremely comfortable mattress, covered by thick blankets. They’re not uncomfortable, seeing as it’s still Summer, just kind of there. I don’t love ‘em, I don’t hate ‘em. But, that’s not my biggest concern. Who put me here, and, who found me?
I opened my eyes, and looked around. Everything in the room was white, from the sheets, to the mattress, to the carpet that ran up the walls, and onto the ceiling. Even the chandelier wass pure white. Not to mention, the room was huge. About the size of our whole house, back home.
“You’re finally awake.” It was not a question. I turned around to see Gale, sitting on white chair, at a white table. Next to him sat a girl with brown hair, brown eyes, and a pale flawless face. It was easy to see why anyone would like her. She wasn’t skinny, by any means, but in no way fat.
“Yeah,” I said. Then, his words sank in; You’re finally awake. “Gale? How long have I been out?”
“About seven hours,” the girl I’m assuming is Alicia piped up. “We found you in a storage compartment, completely passed out.”
“What? But, that’s impossible! I just sat down, and . . . ” I didn’t want to tell them that I’d pretty much passed out while crying! I mean, who does that? Anyways, how did I pass out?
“Well, as we said, you were in a storage compartment,” Gale said, “and you were leaning against a pipe. It just so happens that that pipe spews out toxic fumes, and you just put your head in them. Smooth move, jack donkey,” he says, frowning, obviously at least somewhat mad.
I hung my head, embarrassed, and ashamed. But then, I heard what he said. “‘Jack donkey’?” I laughed. “‘Jack donkey’?” I just about died laughing, my head thrown back.
“Hey,” Gale said, looking half amused, half irritated. “Swearing is frowned upon here, and it’s hard. You gotta use some improvising, around here,” he said, frowning. And that was fine with me, because I’ve never been on to swear, nor has my family.
I sat up, and also saw that instead of my denim shorts and cami, I was wearing a pale minty colored hospital gown. It hung just below my knees, and was held in the back by four large buttons. “How’d I get into this?” I asked, turning around and looking into the mirror that I hadn’t noticed before.
“Well,” began the-girl-I’m-assuming-is-Alicia, “when we found you, like I said, you were passed out by the vent. Concerned, we brought you to the infirmary, and tried to see if anything was wrong with you. I’m a healer, by the way,” she said, flipping her hair. “You weren’t knocked out long enough enough for any damage to be done. You’re lucky we found you when we did.”
“Oh . . . Well, er, thanks, I guess . . . ” I said, looking down. “Oh, hey, where’d my clothes go?” I asked. I didn’t want to go around in this.
“We confiscated them, they needed to be searched. Not that we think you’re dangerous, but--” Alicia was interrupted by Gale.
“Yes we do! That’s the whole reason she was searched was because she kicked the Pres, and pretty much had a mental breakdown. She’s not a child, Alicia, she doesn’t need to be lied to.” Gale said, somewhat fiercely.
“I was just trying to be nice.” Alicia muttered, looked mad and embarrassed.
“So,” I said, not wanting to get in the middle of the couple’s bickering. “When do I get my clothes back? I want to get out of this gown. Soon.” I’d never liked wearing dresses, I’d always felt too exposed, and this was no exception.
Gale looked down, while Alicia smirked. “Well,” began Gale, looking awkward, “you don’t get them back, exactly. You’re provided with one outfit, a grey t-shirt with jeans, and three hundred dollars. You may buy clothes wherever you like- in the US, though,” he said.
I nodded my head, but Gale still looked awkward, and Alicia was still smirking. “Am I missing something?” I asked suspiciously. Obviously, there was something, but what? Would I have to dress up in a clown costume?
“You’re provided a member of the Demons to shop with, and you must buy whatever they tell you to; it could be ridicules clothing, to lingerie, to, well, anything. But, like I said, you’re provided someone to shop with, and some people are nice about it, others brutal. Better hope they don’t put you with Jade, or Li.” Alicia said. She had that kind of smirk on her face that you just want to slap off.
“Or Eric. He made Ebony buy hideous bright yellow alligator skin boots, with a mini cocktail dressed. He made her wear it for a week. Man, it was funny! But awful for her,” said Gale, laughing at an old memory.
Alicia ignored Gale, and sighed, uncrossing her legs, putting her elbows on her knees, and put her head in her hands, rubbing her temples. “Gale.” she said shortly, as if she suddenly had a bad headache. “I want to leave, I have a headache.”
Gale stopped laughing, and sighed as well. “Our date’s over, I told you that you could leave if you wanted, but you insisted on coming with me. I’m not leaving my friend, Alicia.” Gale said, in the same short tone.
Alicia lifted up her head, and scowled. “Why?” she whined, only it dragged out, like Whhhyy. I hate that.
Suddenly, Gale shot up from his chair, and gave Alicia a look like he might strangle her. Instead, in a very strained voice, he said, “Alicia, please leave. What was left of our relationship is over.”
Alicia stood up as well, and gave Gale a “death stare”. “No,” he said, narrowing her eyes, and placing her hands on her hips. “You can’t make me-”
“Oh, but I can,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “You’re not welcome here anymore, Alicia. Please leave.” Gosh, what was her problem? Gale was to good for her. He didn’t deserve some whiney douche bag.
Alicia sniffed, and turned on her black high heeled shoe, her navy blue dress swirling. As she exited a room, she said a very nasty thing to us, and gave us a rude finger gesture before finally stalking out of the room. I turned from the door to Gale, who was now standing right next to me. “Can I tell you a secret?” he asked, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “I was paid to date her. I don’t even like her as a friend,” he said, “no one does.”
“Well, I can certainly see why!” I laughed.
Gale laughed too, but then looked away. “We, uh, better get you to see Edger, so he can assign you someone to shop with. After all, I don’t think you want to be wearing that hospital gown all day, eh?” he asked, but he wasn’t being funny in the slightest way. “He may be pretty mad about, um, earlier, so, let’s not waist time, and go to him.” he said, looking awkward.
“Er, right,” I said, looking away. We stood there for a couple of minutes, then Gale looked at me, as if questioning why I hadn’t moved yet. “Umm . . .” I said, looking down. “I don’t really know the way to his office- Does he have an office? Maybe it’s more of a--”
Gale gave me a crooked smile. “C’mon, follow me.” he said. Not checking to see if I was following or, not he too spun on his heel, and walked out of the room. Once he got to the door, he merely opened it, and, hopefully waited for me outside of the door. As I made my way out of the room, I noticed that there was a white-and-gold purse on the table. Unless Gale carries around a purse, I’m guessing it’s Alicia’s.
Outside, Gale was leaning against the wall, his golden eyes on the ceiling. Upon opening the door, the noise must’ve alerted him that I’d emerged. He smiled at me. “Lead the way,” I said, returning his gorgeous smile.
His grin widened. “With pleasure.” Once again, he started walking, leading me into unknown territory. I didn’t really pay attention to where we were going, I just kind of went with the flow, and started thinking about everything that’d happened, restating the facts: My name is Anna Gilligan. I am seventeen years old, and I am a “Demon”. My sister is a “Soul”, and if I see her again, she will kill me. I kicked the President of Demons. He probably hates me. Gale was paid to date an obnoxious girl-
“We’re here,” Gale said, turning to look at me, smiling a little. “Remember the way you came, because I don’t think I’ll be showing you back to your room, okay?” he said, his smile fading slightly. Heh heh. Whoops. I guess it was crucial that I paid attention. I would pay for that later, but one step at a time. Little baby steps. “. . . Anna! For the third time, I’m leaving now. ’Kay?” Gale said, looking at me suspiciously.
“Hmm? Oh, oh, right. Yeah, that’s fine. See ya Gale!” I said, about to go into the door he’d led me too. But then, something odd happened. Gale looked sideways, and, without thinking, (I think) he leaned in, and kissed me. It wasn’t long, just a little peck, not even an eighth of a second. As soon as it was over, he dashed off.
I touched my lips where he had kissed me, and then touched my cheeks, which were hot with blush. For once, I didn’t know what to say, what to think. I didn’t even know what to--
“Can I help you . . . ?” the voice belonged to Edger. Surprisingly, it didn’t sound angry, or like it was about to kill me; just is regular tone, maybe somewhat bored. Well. Another surprise.
It took me a while to find my voice. “Um, yeah. Gale directed be here to buy some new clothes. He said that you’d assign me someone to go shopping with, actually,” I said.
His eyes lit up when he saw me, like a small child looking at presents under a Christmas tree, on Christmas morning. “Anna! Just the Demon I’ve been wanting to see!” he exclaimed. “Come in, come in!”
Who would be so happy as to see me after I pummeled ‘em in the stomach? Something was seriously, seriously wrong.
Overview, "blurb", or back of the book
The blurb: When a leathery bird bites Anna, nothing is ever the same again. She finds herself in another world, filled with constant running, and terror. Will anything ever be the same again?
Character bio's.
Anna Raye
- Spoiler:
Name: Anna Raye Gilligan
Nickname: Anne, Sis, sissy, Raye-Raye.
Gender: female
Age: 17
Appearance: Anna is about 5’7” , and is some-what petite. She has a bit of an hourglass figure. She has wavy chestnut brown hair that falls to her waist, which she usually keeps in a high pony-tail. She has very large milk chocolate brown eyes, and very long lashes that surround them.
Her face doesn’t have any blemishes, but she does have a two inch scar from where she fell and cut her head when she was little.
Her outfits consist of: camis in the summer, along with (denim) shorts, and flip-flops. During cooler weather, she wears t-shirts, covered by a sweatshirt, or a leather jacket. She loved wearing skinny jeans- and kind, and she also likes to wear hi-top Converse.
Personality: Anna is bubbly, and at times, all over the place. She’s mischievous and cunning at times, and is not at all a girly-girl by any means. She loves to win, and is a bit of a sore-loser, as she hates losing, being wrong, and being told, “I told you so!”.
Other: She is the oldest out of a set of triplets.
Charlotte Allison Gilligan
- Spoiler:
Name: Charlotte Allison Gilligan
Nickname(s): Char.
Gender:female
Age: 18
Appearance: Charlotte is the exact opposite of her sister Anna. She stands about 5’4”. She has curly golden hair, that falls just above her tail bone. It is usually always down. She has piercing emerald green eyes, and a pale blemish free face. She is very soft.
Pink is a must in her wardrobe, and she always knows “what’s what” with fashion; what brands to wear, and how to wear it.
She is very much of a girly-girl, and is head cheerleader of her high school.
Personality: Charlotte is preppy, and excited. Though she doesn’t like to show it, she has a very hot, short temper. She also loves to be right, and loves to tell you that she was right. A bit of a bragger. She is shy at times, and is afraid to speak her mind.
Other: Zip.
Prologue
- Spoiler:
Spinning on my heel, I licked the envelope shut. Inside the envelope contained a letter. A letter explaining everything to my older sister, and two slightly younger brothers.
When they got this letter, I bet I’d be somewhere far away by now. Somewhere where I could live my life, and someday hopefully become an author. Well, my real plan was to just get away for a while. No more arguments, which all usually ended in tears. I would leave all that.
I placed the envelope neatly on the dining room table, and looked at it with a sad smile. I checked the clock. 3:30 a.m. My parents wouldn’t awaken for another six hours, and by then it would be too late. I’d be gone on a plain, or a train, looking to go to Minnesota. What a nice why to wake up on a Saturday morning. Their second oldest child run away, only seventeen.
I walked out of our dining room, and into the small walkway that led to our front door. “Good bye,” I whispered softly. “I love you, and I’ll miss you all. Someday, I promise I’ll see you again. But not now. Not any time soon.”
I walked up to our front door, for the last time in who knows how long. I turned to my left, and saw a family picture. All of us, smiling together. Mom, Dad, Sam, Al, Charlotte, and me, Anna.
I yanked open the door, and walked out onto the front steps. I’d long since loaded up the car with all of my belongings. With tears in my eyes, I continued the walk to my car, my feet crunching on some stray golden leaves, which my dad’d failed to rake.
My car, idle, was probably toasty warm inside, unlike the freezing air outside. Every breath made puffy clouds.
I swiftly got into my car, and stepped on the gas pedal, my mind wandering onto what my family’s reaction would be when their little girl was gone. The letter they’d open up to see…. My mind drifted back to the letter I’d written a week earlier when I’d began to pack.
Dear Mum, Dad, Samual, Albert, and Charlotte.
Let me begin by saying that, I love you all. And though it may seem like I don’t at the moment, I really do, and there are things for doing what I did. What I did do was run away, and don’t even bother looking for me, because I haven’t dropped a hint as to where I’m going. I did that for a reason, so that you wouldn’t look for me. And, I know that you’ll call the police to bring me home, but in less than four days, I will be a legal adult, and there’ll be nothing that you can do.
So, please, don’t take this the wrong way. I love you all.
-Anna.
P.S.- This won’t be the last time that you see me. I will find you again, after everything is over. In a couple years? Monthes? Only time will tell. I love you,
-Anna.
- Spoiler:
- Chapter 1I woke up from that same dream every night for a week now. A whole freaking week. What was this telling me? It was obviously calling me to do something, I’m superstitious like that. But, I mean, really, I was having the same dream for a week.
And, did I want to run away? No. So, why did I have this dream? Yeah, like I said, no idea.
“Anna?” Charlotte called. She shook her head, her golden curly hair swishing madly.
She did this a lot- she gets to shy to speak what’s on her mind, then says, “Oh, never mind.” When obviously, she wants you to know. Badly. It can get really annoying.
“Just spit it out, Charlotte,” I grumbled, as I hoisted myself out of bed.
“Well,” she began. “You slept through breakfast again. And, from the looks of it, you’ve been crying in your sleep again. What’s going on, sis?” she asked.
I hesitated. “Well. I’ve been having trouble sleeping. Not actually falling asleep until late. Or, well, early morning, if you think about it. And, well, the crying thing,” I was crying in my dream! I wiped a stray tear from my cheek, “no idea. A dream, I guess,”
Charlotte sat down on my bed. “Anne, it’s been happening for over a week now. Is there… anything going on?”
Ah, that was Charlotte. Always caring, and over protective. Yeah, she was a typical sister for you.
“Nothing. Really, Charlotte. Just really vivid dreams. The same one too,”
“Oh, really?” Charlotte. She sounded worried now. Typical Charlotte. “Like, same exact dream? Or, almost the same one?”
“Um…” I knew this was going downhill fast. I needed to think of an excuse, something to get her off my tail. Fast. “I’ve uh, been eating lots of sugary snacks before bed, when I can’t sleep. That’s all.”
“Ah,” Charlotte said. She got up off my bed, and walked over to me, patting my stomach. “That sure explains a lot. See ya downstairs, sis!” With that, she exited my room, with a bounce in her step.
“Hey!” I shouted, breaking into a staggering run after her. I heard her laughter like a maniac from downstairs.
My eyes narrowed, but soon stretched wide, as I ran into one of my brothers. Albert. The middle one, out of the three of us. (we’re triplets. Me, being the first born.)
“Hey!” he wailed, annoyed. “Anna, I’m gonna-” he began.
“Sorry!” I called in a rush. My feet were already fluttering madly down the stairs.
I could hear him grumbling swears angrily, but I payed no attention. He always did this, and, to this day, I’m still convinced he needs anger management treatment. But, like I said, I paid to attention to him- all I was doing was seeking revenge on Charlotte.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I ran head first into my mother- who showered scolding coffee on both of us.
“Mom, I’m so sorry!” I stuttered, as I winced in pain. Ow. Burning coffee can in fact wake a girl up in the morning. Trust me.
“Anna!” my mom screeched, setting her now dagger-like eyes on my huge brown ones. “You go to the bathroom, and take a shower. Then, you will wait in your bedroom until I come to explain to you,” She was mad now. Everything through clenched teeth. “For the hundredth time why you do not barrel down the stairs like that.”
“Mom, I-” I began. But, it was no use. When mom was mad, there was no explaining.
“Anna. I am not in the mood. Upstairs. Now.”
At this point, Sam and Charlotte had gathered at the bottom of the stairs around us, and were watching us with huge dopey grins on their faces.
I set my dagger eyes on them, and they both turned away, snickering.
In the meantime, my mom raised her eyebrows; the final step before she blew a fuse, and went all psycho. And, trust me, you did not want that to happen.
I turned away from my boiling mother -literally- and trotted up the stairs, took a right, kept going straight, and entered my family’s third bathroom. Ah, how I loved a nice warm shower.* * *“Now Anna,” my mom began sternly, wagging a finger at me, her icy blue eyes cold, and fierce. We’d both taken a shower, and were now sitting on my bed. “You absolutely do not run down the stairs like that. Why not?”
“Because you never know who’s down there,” I recited. My voice seemed to drag, this got so old!
“Correct. And I’ve been telling you this since you were what, six? Anna, I’ve told you numerous times not to do this-!”
“Mom, I know, but Anna called me fat, and I was just trying to find her, and teach her a lesson, and-”
My mom’s eyebrows raised. “Oh she did, did she? Fetch her for me, if you wouldn’t mind. I’d like to have a word with her.”
A huge evil grin spread across my face. “No, not at all. Excuse me, while I go and get her,” Oh, I was going to enjoy this, I thought, as I skipped out of my room, and to the top of our long twining staircase.
“Oh, Charlotte?” I called in a sing-song-y voice.
“Oh, what?” I heard an echo-y reply from not far downstairs- at lease it didn’t seem that far downstairs.
“Mom wants you! You better get here quickly-”
And Charlotte was there, already. Geez, even for a cross country runner, that was fast. Well, I guess it explained all’ve her trophies.
“Sis? What’s wrong? Where’s mom?” she asked. It came out in a huge rush. Oh- my sister’s also a huge worry-wart.
“She’s in your room, I think. If not, check mine. You know what you did, and I told you that I’d get revenge-”
“Sis, for your sake, I hope mom’s in my room. You’ve just got to change. Anne, that’s not even an article of clothing!”
Ah, of course. This was Charlotte. After she heard where mom was, her eyes had gone straight to my outfit- which wasn’t really an outfit, just a lilac towel.
Oh, Charlotte. How I want to kill you at times. But instead of lunging at my older sister, I filled my lungs with air, and marched right to my room, where I peered in. I already knew my mom wasn’t in there, for two reasons: 1.) Well, she wasn’t in there. 2.) Was the door slamming down the hallway, that seemed to be coming from Charlotte’s room. 3.) Well, the screams as well.
With a snicker, I walked into my room, closed my door, and locked it. When I’d been too lazy to lock my door, one of my brothers almost always barges in, only to run out, yelling, “I’m scarred! I’m scarred!”
I walked straight over to my dresser; oh, my dresser, which Charlotte hated dearly. Well, she loved my dresser- just not the clothes inside of it. I loved my clothes. Obviously.
Right next to my dresser, was a window, which I had a perfect view of outside. I always used that view for the weather, and the weather helped what I would wear. For example: Snowy outside, I’d wear jeans, some kind of boots, perhaps my beloved Uggs, a t-shirt, and one of my assorted hoodies.
I don’t know where the whole “Fall” part of my dream got there- it’s July, and very early July, definitely not September, by any means.
Well, my window did have a downside: the sun’s rays shine right into it, lighting up my room, and making in burning hot. Which it was doing right now. Bleh.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2- Spoiler:
“Sis, you’ve got to be kidding me. It’s about ninety-four degrees out!” Charlotte exclaimed, flustered.
We were in our basements’ bathroom, looking into a full sized mirror. Looking at the two of us, I could kind of see her concern, but then I’d remember how annoyed I was, and it would all disappear.
Unlike me, Charlotte was wearing unbelievably short-shorts, and a hot pink came. That outfit made her look stunning. Even more so then usual.
Her golden curls were tied up in a high pony tail, held in my a bright blue scrunches. She didn’t bother wearing make-up. This was Charlotte; she didn’t need to.
She has very long thick eyelashes, which guard her beautiful, piercing bright emerald green eyes.
Her pale face is flawless- not blemish, or scratch in sight. She really is a beauty.
Surprisingly though, she has no boyfriend. “It’s not like I’m not looking,” she’d said, on one of the many times I’ve asked her. “But most guys are only interested in my looks- not me. I want someone who loves and cares for me. I will look- in a couple years. Besides, the other guys I’ve dated are all pigs, who only want me for-” I’ve never let her finish her sentence, because, disgusted, I’d run out of the room.
Anyways, I, on the other hand, was wearing a dark purple cam, and light washed distressed jeans. So, because of the jeans, Charlotte is freaking out, convinced I’m going to get heat stroke.
“Sis, I’m begging you,” she tried again, “I’d hate for my gorgeous little sister to die of heat stroke. Now, please, change into something else.”
“Gorgeous?” I scoffed. “Gorgeous? Char, are you sure that you haven’t gotten heat stroke?”
Gees. Flattering me into changing my jeans. How… Charlotte.
“Anne,” Charlotte said. “Look into this mirror, and tell me that you’re not drop dead gorgeous,” she sighed, with what was…. Envy? No, how could Charlotte envy me?
But, against all odds, I did look into the mirror. And I saw…. Me. Wavy chestnut hair that falls to my waist. Huge milk chocolate colored eyes. A few freckles scattered across my cheeks, and nose. Not a blemish in sight. Nothing special, nothing hideous. Just…. Me. “I really don’t see anything special,” I said to Charlotte.
Charlotte sighed, made a face- that involved a tongue sticking out, and a rude finger sign- and exited the bathroom.
“Well,” I muttered to myself. That was Charlotte’s temper for you. Though she didn’t like to show it, and she tried not to show it, it was awful short.
Upstairs, there was muffled shouting, and the stamping of feet. I sighed. Typical, in my house-hold.
From the sounds of the shouting, my best guess was that it was Al and Sam. Figures. Those two always trying to one-up the other.
But when there was a loud shrill “Shut up!” I guessed that Charlotte was some how involved in it.
More yelling, then the sound of pounding feet against stairs.
Expectant of what was to come, I turned away from the mirror, exited the bathroom, and looked towards the stairwell, where sure enough, Sam was standing.
“Anna,” he said sharply.
I sighed again. “What is it this time, Sam?” I asked, sighing for a third time. Dang, these were so hard to settle. You couldn’t let one win without the other being upset.
“Who could burp the loudest,” Sam explained, proudly. “I just know that it was me. But of course-”
“But of course, Al thinks that he was loudest, and the two of you are arguing about it. You then went to Charlotte, but she doesn’t want to judge, so you go to me. I know the drill, Sam,” I said, dryly.
“Well,” he said, pausing to think. “Yeah, that’s it in a nutshell,”
“Well, I just so happened to hear you both,” I lied, not at all in the mood to settle another one of their little competitions. Sweat was beginning to form on my forehead. I was pretty hot now. “And it was a tie.”
“What?” Sam asked, crushed. “Aw, man. For once, I thought that’s I may’ve beaten my older brother. It’s hard being the youngest,” he mumbled.
“Sure, fine whatever, Sam. You were loudest. I just wanted to play with you first, before I told you that you were loudest.”
“Really?! Oh, I can’t believe it! Awesome!” exclaimed Sam, as he gleefully dashed back upstairs.
“I can’t believe you two were arguing about that,” I muttered silently to myself.
“What was that, sis?” I heard Sam call from the top of the stairs.
“Hmm, what? Oh, nothing, nothing, Sam. Just, uh, talking to myself again,”
“Ah, getting weirder and weirder everyday, sis,” he shot down to the middle of the carpeted staircase, so I could see him grinning at me. After he knew I saw his grin, he lunged back up the stairs, and raced into the dining room.
After some more thought -and sweating- I finally decided that Charlotte was right after all, and that I would get pretty hot today. I really should change into shorts.
As I walked out of our basement’s “gaming room” (it includes a pool table, foosball, air hockey, and our family’s only desktop. Along with several other little nick knacks.) and upstairs into our kitchen, I prayed that I wouldn’t run into Charlotte, for all she’d do is dance around me, screaming, “I told you so! I told you so!”. And I can tell you, there’s nothing that I hate (except maybe spiders…) more than when people say “I told you so.” Maybe because I can’t stand being wrong….
Anyways, I continued going (slowly) up the stairs, and opened the door, it turned out that luck was against me, because Charlotte was inside of the dining room, watching me, while eating an apple.
“Hey sis,” she called. “What’re you doin’ up here? You’re always downstairs at this hour… it’s your turn to go online. You don’t go back on until 8 o’ clock…”
“Um, well, you know. I was just…” I racked my brains trying to think of some excuse, “going to the bathroom, of course!” I said this as I shrugged.
Charlotte looked away, then her head snapped back to me, and she eyed my suspiciously. “Anna, you obviously know that there’s a bathroom down there….”
Dang!
“Wait, I know why,” she said, walking over to me, and tossing her apple up and down. When she got close enough, she wiped a bead of sweat off of my forehead. “You’re not, sis, you’re changing, ‘cause you’re hot,”
I slapped her hand away, embarrassed. “Am not,” I mumbled.
“Yes, you are!” she said gleefully, her green eyes sparkling. I hate when she does this. Also when she’s right.
“Fine!” I shouted. “Yes I’m hot, so I’m going up into my room to change into shorts. Happy now, Char? You got what you want, you’re right! Now, bye, Charlotte!” Without waiting for her reaction, I backed away from her, turned, and jogged up the stair case. But not before I could hear at least five “I told you so!” ’s.
Scowling, I dragged my feet to my bedroom, and shut the door, (Locking it, of course) and practically dived to my dresser.
Once I opened the drawer, I pulled out dark denim knee-length shorts, and slipped them on.
I sighed happily, as I was no longer sweating.
Rap rap rap!
The sound was coming from my window. A little weirded out, I walked over to it, and opened it up, only to have a two foot bird swoop in, cawing it’s huge head off. Once perched on my night stand, it looked straight at me.
The bird’s scaled (yes, scales) were a mixture of green and blue, and it had a large red crest. It’s tail’s streamer-like feathers flowed in the warm summer breeze, making it’s every-color tail feathers shimmer.
The bid squawked, and opened it’s four foot wing span. It’s wings caught the breeze, and suddenly the bird was soaring towards me. It all happened so fast, there was no time to scream.
As the bird was about to barrel into me, it opened it’s large pointy beak, and bit me hard, on the arm, squawking loudly again.
This time, I could shriek. And trust me, I did it as loud as I could. But the force of the bite sent my rocketing backwards, and I crashed into the wall.
I blacked out.
Chapter 3
- Spoiler:
Chapter 3
No. Just…. No. I know that you have never felt anything like this, every experienced anything like this.
It was like the feeling you get when your foot falls asleep, and you can’t feel it anymore. But, you know it’s there. That’s what it’s like now. Except, it feels like my whole body is like that. Like everything is asleep, and I can’t feel it.
It didn’t last very long, but obviously, there’s no way to tell. So, my best guess is that it was about five minutes.
The first thing that I noticed when the feeling was gone, and I’d opened my eyes was that I wasn’t in my house, and the bird was gone.
Anyways, like I said, I wasn’t at my house, in my room. I was in a field- or maybe a park, I guess. The point is, I was curled into a ball, in the middle of a field of grass. Everything was also dreary, grays, blacks, and…. Just dark colors. I stood, up, and stretched my arms, which were oddly stiff. My legs were also strangely sore, and, I felt something on my back, something that I couldn’t put my finger on…
“There she is! She’s one of ‘em, get ‘er, her ‘her!”
Huh? Who was “her”? Get who? And, “one of them”? What? The voice seemed to come from behind me, so that’s where I turned to. But, when I turned around, I gasped. For two reasons, really: 1.) I had wings. Wings! The seemed to be attached somewhere by my shoulder blades. Extremely dark grey feather fluffy wings. Huge ones, that could support me.
“Get ‘er!” the voice screamed again. “Get ‘er, before someone else does!” I traced the voice to where three men were standing. The on in the middle, was tall, and thin. His clothes were normal- jeans, and a white t-shirt. So was his face; brown hair, regular face, golden eyes- Golden eyes?!
“Er, hello,” I called out nervously, stretching out my wings. “Um, my name’s Anna. Anna Gilligan. Um, can someone please tell me where Park Street is?”
The man on the right laughed darkly. “Haha, look at ‘er. She mus’ be a new one to this life, yes she is,”
The man on the left nodded. “It’d sure make sense, yes it does. She’s not being tricky, and she hasn’t even flown off yet.”
“New or not, she’s still a demon. Get ‘er! Capture her before she gets away!” said the man in the middle, again.
“Now now, Reegan. The law does state we must explain the rules to new demons, and then wait five minutes for them to try to get away.” The voice came from someone new, someone I had not noticed had appeared, someone with glorious black wings, who was flying about ten feet above us. “You!” said the man in the sky, jabbing a finger at me. “Use your wings, and fly away. Careful of these three- they’re Souls,”
Yep, I was dreaming. Wings, demons, souls, creepy guys? I must’ve really gotten heat stroke. Pretty bad to. Why hadn’t I just listened to Charlotte?
“Well, what’re you waitin’ for?” asked the boy in the sky. He was cute. Some-what long messy black-brown hair. He had piercing eyes that seemed to be black. He was also lanky, and pretty muscular.
The three men crumpled to the ground, gasping. “Retreat!” the middle guy -Reegan- called out weakly. They all pressed a button on their watches, and they were gone. Huh.
“Umm…” I stammered. How did I fly? Why did I trust this boy, and, better yet, why hadn’t I woken up from this heat stroke yet?
“Oh, that’s right. New Demon. You won’t know how to fly yet. You’re doin’ good so far, just flap your wings now. I’ll explain everything soon enough,” he said. Was that a hint of a promise in his voice?
“Uh, okay.” I said, a bit uncertainly.
I did as I was told, and flapped my wings. After about three flaps, I was air born.
Lemme tell you, flying is about the hardest thing ever. You have to steer, and remember to flap and breath at the same time. Not so much of the best combo.
“Steady now,” the boy said. He flew gracefully over to me. “Now, we’re going to go meet the fam. It’s always nice to meet a new Demon. We don’t get many. Poker’s very picky, you know.”
“Poker?” I questioned. One of the many questions I had on the tip of my tongue. I hope all of them would be answered, but, I dunno, in this case.
“Oh, right. That bird that bit you. He chooses new Demons every once in a while. I’m sure you’ll like this life. Pokers knew that you would. Oh, and nice eyes, by the way,”
“Okay,” I said uncertainly. “M-my eyes?” I asked. My eyes were brown. No one says anything about them, except that they’re very big.
“Bright purple. Very pretty. You were lucky not to get pink, or anything like that. They’re very odd looking. Even for a Demon,” he shrugged.
“Yeah, okay. Now, would you please explain to me what the heck’s going on? Sure, I’m a ‘Demon’, but what do I do now? Why was I selected?”
“Well,” he said slowly. Thoughtfully. “Since you’re now a demon, it’s out job to overthrow the Souls. Ask Pokers why you were selected. Wait, no don’t. He’s a bird,” he smiled at me.
“Yeah, one more question. You are?”
“Oh,” he said. “How utterly rude of me. I’m Xavier. And you are?”
“Anna. One last question-”
“Ask away,”
“I was going to. But, anyways, I’m dreaming, aren’t I? I lied, one more question. How will I get back to Earth? Oh, I lied again. “Where are we?”
He shook his head. “No, you’re not dreaming, no matter how mush you want to be -no one does-. You cannot get back to Earth until you have your powers, and you can’t really…. connect with your family until you bring them here. Which, you can once you get your powers. Guess where we are. C’mon, just take one guess,” he smiled, deviously.
“Wait, wait, wait,” I said. “Hold the freakin’ phone. Did you say that I can’t go back to my friends and family until I have what?”
“Powers. You get them after you prove that you’re really a Demon,”
“And if I prove that I’m not?” Hopefully I won’t be….
“Well, it depends. If you almost pass, but fail, you go back to Earth. If you fail miserably, you get killed.”
“Powers? What do they do? And, I want them now. My sister’s going to be worried sick! So is my mom!” I grabbed his shirt. I was surprisingly strong. “Here’s an idea. Send me back, or I’ll kill you,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
“You don’t want to do that,” he said, menacingly.
My grip tightened. His eyes narrowed, and suddenly I was so over gone with pain, that I fell out of the sky, and hit the ground hard. But, it wasn’t any difference to the searing pain shooting through me. My back arched.
“What….’re…..doing……” I choked out.
“My power,” he snarled. “I can make everyone’s worst pain come back, and make it hurt everywhere. Tell me, what pain are you experiencing?” he said, with dark humor.
“Migraine…” I muttered, clenching my teeth. “Please……stop!” I felt like I may vomit.
He sighed. “I guess so. You may be quite useful, especially when you get your full powers.” He squinted at me, looking hard. I just now realized that he too, was on the ground. “Water. You’ll have something to do with water.”
The pain was gone. I sat up, gasping a little. “Water?”
“Yes. Now, c’mon, let’s get you back to the family. The sooner we do that, the sooner you get your powers.”
“Okay,” I said, leaping to my feet, and unfurling my wings.
“Heheh, that’s the spirit. Race you there. Wait, scratch that. You’ve no idea where to go. So, just follow my lead, if you will,” he said, as he unfurled his black wings as well. He gave one mighty flap, and was air born, all ready one hundred feet above me.
I did the same -but took four flaps, and was about seventy feet lower than him. I loved the feel of flying. The wind gliding through your hair. “Hey, I think I’m really getting the hang of flying!” I called.
“Great.” his voice was toneless, bored, even. I glared at him. He seemed to feel my gaze, and looked back at me. “Sorry, but when you’ve heard that as much as I have, you’d wish the person would shut up as well. Nothing personal,”
“Oh course not.” I muttered.
“Er, sorry. It does get old, though,” he said, as he turned his head to look at me. “You’re actually doing pretty… not good.”
“Oh, gee, thanks,” I growled. “Do you have to tell me everything that crosses your mind? Because that gets very annoying.”
“Well, kind of. We’re close to the family, Edger will explain anything when we get there. He’s the family’s leader, by the way. The longest surviving Demon.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t find that very-”
“We’re here.” He said, intrusting me.
I looked down to what looked like was a huge…. Oak tree? And when I say huge, I mean huge. The thing was absolutely massive! At least one hundred feet. At least. “You guys live here?”
“Yeah. It’s a lot better than the Souls’ suites,” he paused to look at me, “in my opinion, at least. And, well, everyone else’s.”
“The live in suites?” I asked, curiously.
“Edger will explain soon enough.” he muttered, darkly, his dark eyes looking away from me. He paused, than called loudly, “Yo! Edger! It’s Xavier. I’ve got a new Demon here!”
“Enter.” replied an old rusty voice.
Xavier swooped down into the top middle part of the huge tree. The upper half of his body suddenly emerged, and he motioned to me that I should do the same.
Once inside, I have to say that I was shocked. No, they didn’t sleep in the trees, no there was no rabid animals, or armed gunman, but… a massive tree house. Well, compartments, I guess. I landed in a large room, the size of a full house. Everything about it was wooden- the chairs, the table… well, that was all there was in the room, but still. There were also three doors on either side of the room.
“Hello.” called the rusty voice, that was coming from a man that looked about fifty. He had short dark brown hair, tinged with silver. Oh, he also had piercing red eyes. Huh. “My name is Edger, President of the Demons’. You may call me Edger. We’re pretty informal around here. Unlike those Soul scum-”
“Why am I here?” I demanded. “Better yet, what’s happening?”
“You were selected, dear child.”
“Selected?”
“Yes, selected. By Poker, to be a Demon-”
“What do you do? I mean, what do you do as a… Demon?” I asked, suddenly getting worried. What would I have to do?
“Survive. Kill any Soul that tries to kill you. Train. Find out your power. Not much, but life is never dull here,”
“Uh, okay. Yeah, one more question. This looks…” I wracked my brains. I knew that I’d seen this place somewhere before in my life. I know that I have. Ah, but of course! I only lived here. “New…. York?”
“Yes, little lady. You’re very good with directions. Perhaps that’ll be part of your gift. But we shall have to wa-”
“I know my New York. I know exactly where I am. But when I asked about Park Street, everyone laughed at me. Why is that? If they know New York, they obviously know where Park Street is,”
Edger turned to Xavier. “You didn’t tell ‘er?” he questioned, raising his eyebrows.
Xavier shrugged. “Er, no. I thought it was an order not to tell any new Demon anything, except who you are, what they are, and eye color. Oh, also where we live, and about Souls.”
“Very right you are!” Edger nodded approvingly. “Jus’ testin’ you, Xavier old boy. I am very proud. Better than with Sadie… and Emma…. And Fern-”
“Okay, Ed! I get it!” Xavier looked away, going red in the cheeks. “I think I’m late for a date with Alicia, anyway,” he said, getting up from the wall he was leaning on. With that, he walked out the door, with a barely audible, “See ya Anne!”
“What. Didn’t. He. Tell me?” I demanded, practically about to explode with curiosity.
“You’re definitely not in present day 2010, Anna. We’ve figured that much out, by now. In face, you are now in the year 8233.”
I froze. “What?”
Chapter 4
- Spoiler:
“Yes, Anna. You heard me correctly. We are currently in the year-”
“That’s not possible. It looks like we’re in modern day New York. Well, at least it seems like modern day New York…”
“Not many people pick up on that much, Anna. About four-thousand years ago, scientists -Demon ones, of course- found a way to duplicate the earth. You see, Anna, the earth was dying five-thousand years ago. Scientists came up with a way to duplicate the earth -far away from the real one- and live on it peacefully. Confusing, eh?”
“Er… Yeah, really confusing. But… doesn’t that mean that everyone on Earth will -or has- died already?”
“Well, no, not technically. When you’re here -on the clone Earth, I mean- no time passes in the real world. It’s frozen, nothing’s happening. Nobody will notice your absence.”
“Okay, while that’s all fine and good, I want to see my family again. When can I see them again? Can I bring them here, for them to live normally?”
“Yes, to an extent. You may bring three people to live here, Anna. But only three. No exceptions.”
“What?” I yelled, flying up from the chair that I was sitting on. “That’s no fair! I have three siblings! And my mum and dad! You must let me bring them all!”
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that, Anna. You have forty-eight hours to decide. Once you have decided, your training will begin, while we escort your chosen family members and friends to their cabin.”
“I’m not choosing. It’s either all of them, or I leave. And that’s that. Please, don’t make me choose. I…. I could never choose favorites.”
“Ah, but that’s what you’re going to have to do,” He closed his eyes, then opened them, narrowing them at me. “You’re thinking about choosing your sister Charlotte, and your mother and father, are you not?”
“Umm…” How could I? That was exactly what I was thinking. But… Al… and Sam… “Er… yeah, I guess so. But that’s not final. Just… a thought. Also, how did you know?”
“I, dear Anna, am a mind reader. That’s my gift -power, special, whatever the heck you’d like to call it.”
“Oh. Well, that’s annoying. But… I think I definitely would like Charlotte to come into… this world…”
“I’ll send Poker out to get her right now, if you like.” Edger said, smiling.
“Um… sure, I guess so.”
Edger whistled, and then the bird that had bitten me flew in through he top of the tree, squawking loudly. Edger held out his arm, and the bird landed on hi arm. (Not before nuzzling me on the cheek, though.)
“So, this is Poker?”
“Is this the bird that bit you?”
“Yes.”
“Well then yes, this bird is Poker.” He stroked the bird’s head. “Poker. Please find this girl: Charlotte Allison Gilligan.”
The bird bobbed it’s head, cawed, and sailed out of the hole at the top of the tree house.
“What will he-”
“She.”
“Okay, what will she do when she finds Charlotte? She won’t bite her, will she?” I asked, nervously. I just wanted to see Charlotte, not her to become a Demon.”
“Not unless Poker finds her of interest. Material to become Demon. So, most likely, she’ll just come back here, while one of our senior Demons escorts her to her cabin.”
“But what if she is chosen?” I asked.
“What if?”
I narrowed my eyes -then realized that I was still standing up, and quickly sat down in the chair across from Edger. “How long will it take Poker to find Charlotte?”
“Not long. In fact, she should be getting back very soon… I can hear her thoughts right now, and -oh boy…”
“What? Why did you say ‘oh boy’?” I demanded, flying up from my chair again.
“Er, well, you see Anna, Poker couldn’t find Charlotte. So, she checked her records, and…”
“What?! And what?!” I cried.
“Well, it appears that Charlotte has been recruited as a Soul. Which means, when battle comes, you may find yourself in a fight to the death with your sister.”
Sweat began to pour down my neck and forehead. What the heck was happening? I didn’t like this. I couldn’t be with my family? My sister? I might even have to kill her?! “I- I’m sorry, but I’m not much of a killer. Well, I mean once, I had this hamster when I was little, and I forgot to feed him, and-”
“You will need to. The Souls have magic to use, while we don’t. All we have to fight are ourselves, and a limited supply of swords. It’s crucial that you fight.”
“And if I don’t…?”
“Then you shall me executed immediately. We need all the Demons we can get, if we’re going to win this war.”
“Well, while that’s all fine and good, Charlotte I my sister, and I’d rather die than kill her!”
“Then that’s what we’ll have to do. We’ve had other situations like this, Anna, and there is a way to avoid killing her. However, you will need to figure it out on your own.” He looked at the ceiling, than back at me. “Now, onto the rules. Please, follow me,” he said, as he rose from his chair, and headed to a door straight ahead.
As I got up and followed him out the door, I couldn’t help but ask, “Why don’t you just tell me the rules? You obviously know ‘em. Do we really have to go to a separate room?”
Edger turned to look at me, his eyes icy cold, like my mother’s when she had scolded me this morning. “Rule number one: Never question a leader’s order.”
“Geez, okay, okay! Sorry, didn’t realize it. New Demon, remember? I didn’t even know there were rules!” I raised my eyebrows innocently.
Edger narrowed his eyes. “I’m going to tell you this right now, Anna. I don’t care for your attitude, not at all. You better knock it off, or face the consequences-”
“I know, I know, death-” I started to say, rolling my eyes.
“No. Torture. We slowly cut off your limbs, one by one. Then sew them back together with needle and thread.”
“Um… ew…” I said, flinching away from him. But, to my surprise, he began to laugh. And laugh. And laugh, until he was clutching his stomach, and his eyes were watering. “Um, am I missing something?”
“I’m just kidding! There’s no consequence for having an attitude! My goodness, we’d be doing that twenty-four/seven if that were the case!” he chuckled.
I eyed him. “You have a very sick sense of humor, I’m gonna tell you that right now. Gah, just like my father, always tricking people like that…”
“Speaking of your father- Anna, have you chosen who will accompany you here into the new world when the time comes?”
I sighed, exasperated. Honestly, I would’ve told him if I’d chosen yet. “No, obviously not. One thing you’ve got to learn about be, Edger, is that I’m not afraid to speak my mind. So, naturally, I would’ve told you. Also, I hate it when people ask me questions, and when they prove that I’m wrong. Got all that?”
He sighed. “Another one o’ you, eh?” He said, and, to my surprise, his eyes seemed to sparkle…. Sadly.
“Whadda you mean, ‘Another one of you’- er, well, me,” I asked suspiciously. Not many people were like me. Well, at my school, at least. They were all like regular school people, I guess: Preps, jocks, sluts, Goths, nerds, popular, semi-popular, respected by the popular, but not popular…. Than it was me, and my friend Lacey.
“We have a lot of gals ‘bout your age who are… catty. Snooty, think they know what’s right from what’s wrong. They end of being killed, most of ‘em…” He shook his head, zoning out, as if remembering something. He stopped where he was, and I nearly crashed into him.
“Um, excuse me! I thought we were going to the ‘Rule Room’?” When this didn’t work, I began to tap my foot impatiently. After about five minutes, I crossed my arms, a scowl forming onto my face. “Helloooo! Earth to Edger!” I burst out.
He blinked, and shook his head, his eyes stretching open. “Wha’?” he looked at me, and then nodded once. “Right, right. You’ll have to excuse me, when you’re as old as I’m, that’s bound to happen. You jus’ start thinking, then you can’t stop. Now, anyways, please follow me.”
I nodded, not really understanding, but intrigued.
As we continued across the room, we finally reached the door. “In here’s the break room, try not to do anything…. Disrespectful.”
“I thought you said that you guys are pretty informal around here?” I asked, cocking my head slightly. He had said that, hadn’t he?
He eyed around the room, before leaning close to me, and whispered very softly, “Look, Anna, all I’m saying is there’s a reason we have an office, and a break room. Everyone has their own personalities,”
A tall girl with tan skin, and long wavy dark brown hair, wearing a jean mini skirt walked by, with a cheerful, “Mornin’ Edger!”
“Ah, and good morning to you too, Gail!’’ he called back, just as cheerfully as the girl passed.
“Do you know her?” I asked, but then immediately felt stupid. Of course he knew her! He just called her “Gail” didn’t he? He was also the Demons’ leader for crying out loud!
Edger stared at her, raised his eyebrows, then narrowed his eyes. “No, I don’t know her. I’m just assuming that her name is Gail, and that she’s the 40th oldest Demon.” he said sarcastically.
I blushed bright red. “That was a pretty stupid question, wasn’t it?” I muttered, looking down at my purple hi-top Converse.
“Indeed. Now, a we enter the next room, there’ll we lots o’ big shots who work here, and, for whatever reason don’t fight, but we find useful,” he said, as we crossed the Break Room, and headed straight, and reached another door. “This here, is the Rule Room. Like I said, please be on your best behavior.” he turned to stare hard at me.
“Er, right.” I said, nodding, as Edger opened the door. Inside, it was set up like a court room, us at the very bottom, leaving us to walk down the isle. Behind where the judge would usually stand, was a massive white bulletin board, with colorful calligraphy written.
“These,” Edger sighed happily, “are the Rules. I’ve already told you rule number one: Never question my order-”
“But, under that, there’s more writing! And, I can tell that it’s not rule number two, so, what is it?”
Edger glared at me, his red eyes narrowed to slits. “The punishment to any violators. For number one, for instance, it’s power-off for a month-”
“Power-off?” I question, cocking my head again. So many terms, they should make a dictionary, for crying out loud!
“Yes, power-off. It’s when we shut off your power. Very annoying, is all, and it usually teaches new Demons not to sass. Something that may happen to you, very quickly, Anna,” he said, giving me a stern look.
“Hey, hey, hey! I don’t have ‘sass’! I…. I just… I’m not afraid to speak my mind! Like, right now, for instance, I’m telling you that I don’t have sass. Which, I don’t, but that’s beside the point-”
“Rule number 2: Never tell anyone of our existence. Punishment: Death. Rule number 3: Souls are your enemies. No exceptions. If you’re seen socializing with a Soul, in any way shape or form, you will be sentenced to death-”
I froze. “But…” I said, thinking hard. “M-my sister’s a Soul. Can…. Can I still see her, and spend time with her?”
“Well, of course you can!” he exclaimed. When my face lit up, his eyes glinted. “If you’d like to die, that is,” he said, a sly smile on his some-what wrinkled face.
“No.” I said. “No, Charlotte is my sister, and I’ll see her no matter what! And no one will stop me! Not you, or anyone else!” I snarled, my eyes hard. It was true.
“I’ve seen this happen before, young Anna. In, I think the exact same situation as you. Two sisters, one a Soul, the other a Demon… The Demon sister wanted to see her Soul sister, and -you have to keep in mind that this was very early, before the rules- so she went to see her sister….” he trailed off, shaking his head sadly.
“And….?” I asked, a bit curious. What had happened? Why’d he trailed off like that? Something had happened, I was sure of that.
“The Soul sister killed the Demon one. Souls are brain washed to kill anyone, and follow the rules. Anna, if you go to see your sister, she won’t remember you. She’ll try to kill you, and, will most likely succeed.”
Chapter 5
Shattered
When you’re told that your own sister will try to literally kill if you see her again, you first go into denial. Then, your heart shatters. Absolutely shatters.
Edger’s eyes were sad, they seemed to droop. “I’m very sorry, Anna. That’s the whole reason we made the rule, so that we wouldn’t lose any more Demons.” his face now looked… sympathetic.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” my eyes filled with tears. “The last time I saw my sister, I wanted to kill her! And, and now, I’ll never be able to see her again!” my voice broke on the last words. How could this be happening. If I was chatting with Lacey right now, the faces I would’ve made would be: L :’( D’: All sad, depressed faces. That itself, is sad and depressing.
“Not always,” Edger said, his face lighting up. “You will see her again. In battle, though,” he added.
I filled up with rage, so much, that I felt like I might burst. With a mighty roar, I spread my wings, and lifted myself into the air, kicking Edger hard, square in the stomach. The force of it sent him flying back words into the wall, the rule bulletin board falling on top of him.
I angled my wings so that I had a clear shot of getting out of the room, and rocketed out, like a bullet sent from a gun, while tears streamed down my face. As I flew out, I heard the girl, Gail, call to me, “Hey, new girl! Anna, right? Your room is ready in compartment L-21. If you’d like to go there now, I’d be more than happy to show it to you!” she was very cheerful, though I knew that she was looking at my tear-stained face.
“S-s-sure, p-please -s-sh-show m-me,” I mumble-sobbed.
Gail frowned. “What happened, Anna? I’ve hardly ever seen a Demon cry before, and when I have, never like this…” she snapped her fingers, and a headset appeared on her head. She immediately began talking into it, a rush of words. When she was done speaking into it, she snapped her fingers again, and it disappeared. “Sorry about that. Now, please, follow me…” she continued to talk in her cheerful way, but something was a bit off.
“T-thank you,” I muttered, though I knew something was wrong. Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on….
“Miss Gilligan?”
“Hmm?” I asked, my head snapping up. Funny, I hadn’t even noticed that I was bent over, looking at my shoes again, until I was practically kneeling on the ground. “Are you coming?” Gail asked, looking more suspicious than before.
“Uh, yeah,” I said. “Just uh, just…” What could I say? What was I doing? “I was just, um, tying my shoes. I- I thought that maybe it’d become untied. Nope! Ha ha ha.”
Gail nodded, eyeing me. “Of course, Miss Gilligan. Now, as I was saying, please follow me into compartment L-21. Unless you had somewhere else to go, that is,” she added.
“Nope. Just… should I call this ‘home’?” I asked, sniffling.
Gail smiled. “You may call it whatever you like, really. Though please don’t use the term ‘Hell’, since, no matter how much it feels like you’re there, you’re not.” She turned around, and took a sudden left, not checking to see if I was following.
I trailed behind Gail, my mind fuzzy, and full of thoughts I didn’t really have the answer to. I reflected on what she’d said, “No matter how much it feels like you’re there, you’re not”. What had that meant? Anything? Should I be concerned? I sighed. If only there were someone to talk to here, someone I would be able to talk to, someone like…. Lacey. My best friend on Earth, pretty much my only friend on Earth-
“Watch it, punk!” A voice hissed angrily in my ear. I realized at that moment, that I had been knocked over, and was on my butt. Huh. Across from me, her back against the box-office type setting, sat a sneering girl, wavy bleach-blond hair that fell to her chest. She was average in everything; average looks, average height…. Only her weight. She was very skinny. She emphasized that, wearing a tight baby blue cami, and very tight light washed skinny jeans.
“Willow!” Gail exclaimed, dropping her clipboard, sending a flurry of papers flying everywhere, in her attempt to help the girl up. “Are you all right?!”
“Yeah, fine,” Willow said, giving me a death stare. “What’s your problem, moron?” she hissed again.
“I-I’m sorry, Miss Verch. She’s a new Demon; no sense sharpening herbs in her yet,” Gail laughed nervously, as she helped Willow onto her feet.
A bit angry at the fact that no one had helped me up, I sprang to my feet, and sniffed at Willow, turning my back on her. She gasped an “Oh no you di’int!” gasp, and, peeking out of the corner of my eye, I saw her small hands placed on her teeny hips. “Did you just turn your back on me?!” she squawked.
I couldn’t believe her! Who the heck did she think she was?! I squared my shoulders, my voice probably muted from being turned away from her. “Yes. And, oh em gee! I’m about to walk away from you, too. Gail, please show me to my compartment,”
I began walking away from Willow, until I realized that Gail was not following me. “Gail?” I called, worrying that I hadn’t taken a turn that she had, and had gotten myself lost. No answer. I turned around, but for some reason, everyone was gone. “Gail!” I shouted frantically. Nothing. Something was wrong, badly wrong. “GAIL!” I yelled a third time, knowing it was useless.
What had I done? From the looks of it, picked a fight with a very important Demon, and now, I’d lost my guide, to who knows where. I’d kicked the President, can never see my sister, and to top it all off, I’m lost. I’m just havin’ a FREAKIN’ WONDERFUL DAY. What was I going to do?
The only thing I could do. Sink down onto my knees, crawl into the corner, roll up into a ball, and cry.
When I woke up, I was on an extremely comfortable mattress, covered by thick blankets. They’re not uncomfortable, seeing as it’s still Summer, just kind of there. I don’t love ‘em, I don’t hate ‘em. But, that’s not my biggest concern. Who put me here, and, who found me?
I opened my eyes, and looked around. Everything in the room was white, from the sheets, to the mattress, to the carpet that ran up the walls, and onto the ceiling. Even the chandelier wass pure white. Not to mention, the room was huge. About the size of our whole house, back home.
“You’re finally awake.” It was not a question. I turned around to see Gale, sitting on white chair, at a white table. Next to him sat a girl with brown hair, brown eyes, and a pale flawless face. It was easy to see why anyone would like her. She wasn’t skinny, by any means, but in no way fat.
“Yeah,” I said. Then, his words sank in; You’re finally awake. “Gale? How long have I been out?”
“About seven hours,” the girl I’m assuming is Alicia piped up. “We found you in a storage compartment, completely passed out.”
“What? But, that’s impossible! I just sat down, and . . . ” I didn’t want to tell them that I’d pretty much passed out while crying! I mean, who does that? Anyways, how did I pass out?
“Well, as we said, you were in a storage compartment,” Gale said, “and you were leaning against a pipe. It just so happens that that pipe spews out toxic fumes, and you just put your head in them. Smooth move, jack donkey,” he says, frowning, obviously at least somewhat mad.
I hung my head, embarrassed, and ashamed. But then, I heard what he said. “‘Jack donkey’?” I laughed. “‘Jack donkey’?” I just about died laughing, my head thrown back.
“Hey,” Gale said, looking half amused, half irritated. “Swearing is frowned upon here, and it’s hard. You gotta use some improvising, around here,” he said, frowning. And that was fine with me, because I’ve never been on to swear, nor has my family.
I sat up, and also saw that instead of my denim shorts and cami, I was wearing a pale minty colored hospital gown. It hung just below my knees, and was held in the back by four large buttons. “How’d I get into this?” I asked, turning around and looking into the mirror that I hadn’t noticed before.
“Well,” began the-girl-I’m-assuming-is-Alicia, “when we found you, like I said, you were passed out by the vent. Concerned, we brought you to the infirmary, and tried to see if anything was wrong with you. I’m a healer, by the way,” she said, flipping her hair. “You weren’t knocked out long enough enough for any damage to be done. You’re lucky we found you when we did.”
“Oh . . . Well, er, thanks, I guess . . . ” I said, looking down. “Oh, hey, where’d my clothes go?” I asked. I didn’t want to go around in this.
“We confiscated them, they needed to be searched. Not that we think you’re dangerous, but--” Alicia was interrupted by Gale.
“Yes we do! That’s the whole reason she was searched was because she kicked the Pres, and pretty much had a mental breakdown. She’s not a child, Alicia, she doesn’t need to be lied to.” Gale said, somewhat fiercely.
“I was just trying to be nice.” Alicia muttered, looked mad and embarrassed.
“So,” I said, not wanting to get in the middle of the couple’s bickering. “When do I get my clothes back? I want to get out of this gown. Soon.” I’d never liked wearing dresses, I’d always felt too exposed, and this was no exception.
Gale looked down, while Alicia smirked. “Well,” began Gale, looking awkward, “you don’t get them back, exactly. You’re provided with one outfit, a grey t-shirt with jeans, and three hundred dollars. You may buy clothes wherever you like- in the US, though,” he said.
I nodded my head, but Gale still looked awkward, and Alicia was still smirking. “Am I missing something?” I asked suspiciously. Obviously, there was something, but what? Would I have to dress up in a clown costume?
“You’re provided a member of the Demons to shop with, and you must buy whatever they tell you to; it could be ridicules clothing, to lingerie, to, well, anything. But, like I said, you’re provided someone to shop with, and some people are nice about it, others brutal. Better hope they don’t put you with Jade, or Li.” Alicia said. She had that kind of smirk on her face that you just want to slap off.
“Or Eric. He made Ebony buy hideous bright yellow alligator skin boots, with a mini cocktail dressed. He made her wear it for a week. Man, it was funny! But awful for her,” said Gale, laughing at an old memory.
Alicia ignored Gale, and sighed, uncrossing her legs, putting her elbows on her knees, and put her head in her hands, rubbing her temples. “Gale.” she said shortly, as if she suddenly had a bad headache. “I want to leave, I have a headache.”
Gale stopped laughing, and sighed as well. “Our date’s over, I told you that you could leave if you wanted, but you insisted on coming with me. I’m not leaving my friend, Alicia.” Gale said, in the same short tone.
Alicia lifted up her head, and scowled. “Why?” she whined, only it dragged out, like Whhhyy. I hate that.
Suddenly, Gale shot up from his chair, and gave Alicia a look like he might strangle her. Instead, in a very strained voice, he said, “Alicia, please leave. What was left of our relationship is over.”
Alicia stood up as well, and gave Gale a “death stare”. “No,” he said, narrowing her eyes, and placing her hands on her hips. “You can’t make me-”
“Oh, but I can,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “You’re not welcome here anymore, Alicia. Please leave.” Gosh, what was her problem? Gale was to good for her. He didn’t deserve some whiney douche bag.
Alicia sniffed, and turned on her black high heeled shoe, her navy blue dress swirling. As she exited a room, she said a very nasty thing to us, and gave us a rude finger gesture before finally stalking out of the room. I turned from the door to Gale, who was now standing right next to me. “Can I tell you a secret?” he asked, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “I was paid to date her. I don’t even like her as a friend,” he said, “no one does.”
“Well, I can certainly see why!” I laughed.
Gale laughed too, but then looked away. “We, uh, better get you to see Edger, so he can assign you someone to shop with. After all, I don’t think you want to be wearing that hospital gown all day, eh?” he asked, but he wasn’t being funny in the slightest way. “He may be pretty mad about, um, earlier, so, let’s not waist time, and go to him.” he said, looking awkward.
“Er, right,” I said, looking away. We stood there for a couple of minutes, then Gale looked at me, as if questioning why I hadn’t moved yet. “Umm . . .” I said, looking down. “I don’t really know the way to his office- Does he have an office? Maybe it’s more of a--”
Gale gave me a crooked smile. “C’mon, follow me.” he said. Not checking to see if I was following or, not he too spun on his heel, and walked out of the room. Once he got to the door, he merely opened it, and, hopefully waited for me outside of the door. As I made my way out of the room, I noticed that there was a white-and-gold purse on the table. Unless Gale carries around a purse, I’m guessing it’s Alicia’s.
Outside, Gale was leaning against the wall, his golden eyes on the ceiling. Upon opening the door, the noise must’ve alerted him that I’d emerged. He smiled at me. “Lead the way,” I said, returning his gorgeous smile.
His grin widened. “With pleasure.” Once again, he started walking, leading me into unknown territory. I didn’t really pay attention to where we were going, I just kind of went with the flow, and started thinking about everything that’d happened, restating the facts: My name is Anna Gilligan. I am seventeen years old, and I am a “Demon”. My sister is a “Soul”, and if I see her again, she will kill me. I kicked the President of Demons. He probably hates me. Gale was paid to date an obnoxious girl-
“We’re here,” Gale said, turning to look at me, smiling a little. “Remember the way you came, because I don’t think I’ll be showing you back to your room, okay?” he said, his smile fading slightly. Heh heh. Whoops. I guess it was crucial that I paid attention. I would pay for that later, but one step at a time. Little baby steps. “. . . Anna! For the third time, I’m leaving now. ’Kay?” Gale said, looking at me suspiciously.
“Hmm? Oh, oh, right. Yeah, that’s fine. See ya Gale!” I said, about to go into the door he’d led me too. But then, something odd happened. Gale looked sideways, and, without thinking, (I think) he leaned in, and kissed me. It wasn’t long, just a little peck, not even an eighth of a second. As soon as it was over, he dashed off.
I touched my lips where he had kissed me, and then touched my cheeks, which were hot with blush. For once, I didn’t know what to say, what to think. I didn’t even know what to--
“Can I help you . . . ?” the voice belonged to Edger. Surprisingly, it didn’t sound angry, or like it was about to kill me; just is regular tone, maybe somewhat bored. Well. Another surprise.
It took me a while to find my voice. “Um, yeah. Gale directed be here to buy some new clothes. He said that you’d assign me someone to go shopping with, actually,” I said.
His eyes lit up when he saw me, like a small child looking at presents under a Christmas tree, on Christmas morning. “Anna! Just the Demon I’ve been wanting to see!” he exclaimed. “Come in, come in!”
Who would be so happy as to see me after I pummeled ‘em in the stomach? Something was seriously, seriously wrong.
Last edited by PeggySnow on Tue 28 Sep 2010, 4:50 pm; edited 10 times in total
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
Ooh, sounds intriguing! Can't wait to read more, Peggy!
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
Why, thank you! *bows* More to coe soon!
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
Yayyy!
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
Glad you are excited! Xd
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
Yeah, that does look interesting! Can't wait!
superdork11- Rising Star 1
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Re: Time will tell
It makes you want to read more.
summer- Apprentice 2
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Re: Time will tell
Ooohh! This is defiantly going to be interesting. I'll be looking forward to more.
Re: Time will tell
Yeah, it does. Can't wait for more!
superdork11- Rising Star 1
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Re: Time will tell
Chapter 1 up!
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Re: Time will tell
That was good.
summer- Apprentice 2
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Re: Time will tell
Thanks! Chapter 2 is being written.
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Re: Time will tell
I liked it! Post soon!
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Re: Time will tell
Yes, please do!
superdork11- Rising Star 1
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Re: Time will tell
Okay! Hopefully soon, or I may wait a while.
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
*GASP OF SHOCK* Something unnatural has to happen, because guess who didn't use their observation skills? *waves hand around in the air* OOH! OOH! PICK ME!!! *gets picked* I didn't. This is in the Fantasy section. O.o
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
Yes, 'tis It'll all come together.
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
Ooh. Post more!!! But not tonight. I might spaz out if I have to read any more tonight. *glances at Hunger Games* No... No... I'm not gonna... Not... Must... Not... xD
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
xD Chapter 2 isn't done anyways, so... xD
You must read more! Or else.. something will happen! *Gasp of horror*
You must read more! Or else.. something will happen! *Gasp of horror*
PeggySnow- Scholar 3
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Re: Time will tell
I know! Katniss is just off to the feast on hopes of finding the medicine for Peeta. I feel so badly for Rue, though! I have less than 100 pages to go, and I started last night at 10:00. xD I still need to read all the HP books before I go back to school though. I'm on #4 at the moment, and I think I can do it, cause I can speed read those ones.
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
No idea what you're talking about! xD I soo wanna read Hunger Games...
OOOH! Good job, Lauren, it IS in the Fantasy section! I didn't notice! xD
OOOH! Good job, Lauren, it IS in the Fantasy section! I didn't notice! xD
Re: Time will tell
Get the book and READ IT! And I'm going to warn you, the first bit is confusing, but just kinda blow by it, instead of trying to figure out what the words mean. It all gets explained.
LOL! YAY! We just failed our observation quizzes!
LOL! YAY! We just failed our observation quizzes!
Tolly12bells- Rising Star 2
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Re: Time will tell
Yes, 'tis
I loved Rue! Yes, good job! With the reading, and just having a good eye!
I loved Rue! Yes, good job! With the reading, and just having a good eye!
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Creative Souls :: Writing :: Your Stories :: Fantasy
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