Chapter 39 (last one for the day)

Chapter thirty-nine—Brother of woe

“How..?” I gasped.

Nikki walked up behind me and she freezed in her tracks. “Where the hell did you get that?”

“I don’t know why you guys had it, but I do know that you took some of the evidence from the crime scene of the Mysterious Woman!” Sierra’s face was pink, and she was seething. “What were you guys thinking?!”

“Sierra, get in here.” I ordered, and before she could protest, Nikki and I dragged her by her arms, and locked the door behind us. How were we supposed to explain the reason we had a tracking potion?

“Sierra, I know what this seems like.” Nikki spoke carefully. “But we are not breaking the rules.”

“In the crime, nobody could find the Mysterious Woman because it’s impossible! Of course you’re breaking the rules, but I do understand why, and it is a good reason. However, how could you do this without the team involved?” Sierra crossed her arms.

I sighed, trying to patch up this problem. “Because…”

“There is something weird going on between you guys.” Sierra stated angrily. “I don’t know what it is, and I don’t know what you’re after, but I’m going to figure it out.” She rushed out of the room, and slammed the door shut- with the tracking potion.

“Dang it!” Nikki slammed her fist into a dresser, making me jump. “Now I’m going to have to mooch it out of her!”

“Well, we should do it as fast as we can. Probably when she is distracted.” I decided.

Nikki and I glanced at each other. We were speechless for the next hour, until a maid came by to tell us the Enforcement Ball was beginning.

People in fancy gowns, long and silky or big and grand, walked down to a large ballroom. Men wore tuxes, top hats, and walked with fancy canes that they didn’t need. Half the population of the guests was animals.

The ballroom was gorgeous; it was as though it was made out of gold and white marble, with silver tables and wonderful decorations. People from the enforcement began to dance, and Nikki and I stood besides a window. I stared off into the distance of the city, watching the sun dye down, and see the night blacken.

A half hour into the Ball, Nikki rushed over to Sierra when she caught sight of her. I prayed and crossed my fingers for the potion, as I began to walk around.

Occasionally I’d catch a woman staring with jealousy, or a man looking at me in the wrong way. However, I thought most of the crowds were charming people: they welcomed me and acted as though they admired me as they talked and chatted and danced.

When I saw Abby, I rushed forward. However, when a sudden group of people danced past in front of me, I had to stop in my tracks. Trying to go around them, I bumped into something hard and tall.

I found myself looking up, and everything froze. My body became paralyzed, as I stared at the young man before me. He had dark chocolate brown hair, thick enough to look grand. His eyes were a magnificent blue, with flecks of green and gold. He had broad shoulders that showed off his “warrior” form, and a face that looked like it was sculpted from the heavens. I felt my heart flutter.

“Well, looky here.” He smirked, “It’s the schizophrenic’s daughter!”

I broke out of my paralyzed state, suddenly furious. “Pardon me?”

He took a sip of something that looked like water, which surprised me, because I was usually the only one who seemed to be not drinking. “You know what I mean- Malistaire. Wouldn’t you know your own father..? I bet you are just like him.”

I frowned, and almost laughed mentally at the complexity of this man’s rudeness. “You don’t know a thing about me.”

“Oh, darling.” He laughed. “I know enough about you; in fact, everybody knows why you’re running around.”

I put my hand on my hip, challenging him. “And what is that, smart-allic?”

He put on a serious face. “Spying. Killing.” Before I could protest, he spoke again. “Oh, honey, don’t think just because you’re in the Police Department that you get off the hook. Everybody knows you’ve got blood on your hands.”

I glared at him, shocked that he would say such a thing. I’ve never met anybody ruder in my life.

Well, besides Malistaire.

This event was happening so fast- why was this boy taking such a random grudge on me?

“The only one with the possibility of regret and blood on your hands will be you,” I growled, “If you keep being so stupid. Trust me, it won’t be my blood on you; it will be your own.”

I turned away, but I felt his grip suddenly grasp my wrist. “Did you just threaten me?”

I glared at him, and I knew he felt my fire in my eyes. “Yes, I did. Got a problem with that?”

He let go of me, as though he had nothing to say-but he wasn’t finished yet. “You’re just like your father.”

Then it happened. I don’t know how, or even that I could, but I slapped him. The sound of flesh against flesh caught people’s attention, and all a sudden everybody was staring at us. I tried not to stare at my hand in confusion, and stood up straight and proud to defend myself.

I felt somebody gently touch my arm, and I turned my head to see Abby. She looked furious, and I noticed her bright green eyes were darker. She was glaring at both the man and I.

The man was glaring at me with such hate, I almost felt the danger I put myself in. I didn’t know this boy- but with the look Abby gave him, I had a feeling in my gut that she did.

“Caspian, why in the world did you provoke her?” Abby hissed at him angrily.

“W-“Caspian, the boy, suddenly looked like he wanted to scream. He jabbed a finger at me. “She should learn to control her manners.”

“And you should learn to control your tongue.” I retorted. I felt Abby take me by the arm, and lead me away from Caspian. I didn’t take one last look at Caspian’s bewildered face.

When Abby was leading me to the exit doors to a balcony, probably to talk, I felt another hand grab my other arm. Suddenly being pulled both ways, Abby stopped in a rush to see what had stopped me.

A boy with tan skin, muddy eyes and greenish brown hair smiled a charming smile at me. “Don’t worry; Caspian can be feisty with girls. However,” he put a finger under my chin gently. “I’m quite nice, and I like girls with self-confidence.”

Disgusted, I wrenched my arm away from him. Following Abby out the door as quickly as possible, I felt relieved as we found an empty balcony. I breathed the cold night air, wishing for more.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Abby put her hands up, exasperated. “Nobody has ever stood up to my brother.”

“You’re… What?” I gasped. “You mean that Caspian is your brother..?”

“Caspian has a different last name than me… It’s after my father. My last name is from my mother.”

“Well, I don’t care about that.” I exclaimed angrily. “How the heck was I supposed to know he was your brother?”

“I don’t know! Guess? Geez, Mary, he’s not used to fighting with people. He was always my parent’s favorite, what all the girls wanted, the teacher’s pet, and so I want to know what you refused him that made him so angry.” Abby watched me with keen interest. However, my mind was on something else.

I saw a shadow dart across the rooftop. “Did you see that?”

“See what?” Abby replied, suddenly watching where I was.

I saw another shadow, and Abby gasped. “I saw it!”

“It’s on the roof.” I noticed a grapevine decoration, and I decided to climb it. Quickly taking off my heels, I climbed steadily to the roof.

“Mary, be careful!” Abby shouted, trying to climb up. “We don’t know whats up there… It could be dangerous!”

“That’s how we know it’s an adventure.” I replied, reaching the roof. It looked empty, but as far as I know, there could be a million things waiting for us.

Abby climbed up, and eventually was standing next to me. “Where do you think it went?”

“I don’t know. Let’s walk forward, but quietly.” I breathed out.

Taking a step, the world suddenly spinned out of control. I didn’t know where I was, or if we just ported to somewhere, but I held on to Abby’s hand as much as I could.

I opened my eyes, and Abby and I stared at each other wide-eyed.

Where we were wasn’t Marleybone anymore.

Then, I saw a flash of green light appear, then a spray of blood.

With dread, I knew by Abby’s scream, that we were in danger...

And Abby was hurt.

Omg!!

I just realized the next chapter i'm going to post is the chapter i've been waiting to write FOREVER!!! Lets just say true love at first sight ;)
Alrighty, back to writing... The chapter should be posted later tonight... I hope O:

Chapter 38 :D

Chapter thirty-eight—tracking the beautified

In a way, Nikki and I began to neglect our duties to the department, considering our studying and observations of the S.A. There were too many people in the department to notice, despite my status of genetics, I feel as though somebody told everybody to ignore me. Nobody talked or stared at me.

What a vacation.

Since tonight was the night of the Enforcement Ball, everybody was in a rush. Grateful for this distraction, Nikki and I were searching recent newspapers and documents to try to find Malistaire’s next plan, or wherever he is.

While Nikki was searching a document for Malistaire’s past, most of it we discovered was taken away when he destroyed the death school.

Meanwhile, I was studying the recent newspapers for sightings of Malistaire. Finding nothing, I sighed at the pounding in my head from the hours of searching. There was some much to do in my mental list: Find and track the next S.A., wonder if my dreams are actually correct, beware of Malistaire… And find him.

How do you avoid danger from somebody you are trying to find?

I looked up at her questioningly.

“Its head was cut off- or chewed off… We are still analyzing it. However, for now, I want you to find clues to why the Mysterious Woman would kill the dog. If you find anything, report back to me in my office.” Courtney walked out curtly, evidently stressed from the events.

“I have clues, alright.” I told Nikki when I saw Courtney walk out of view. Nikki grimaced, knowing the whole story of my dream. “The Mysterious Woman killed nobody; in fact, she’s the one trying to save these people. Thank the Fates that the wolf is dead.”

Nikki nodded, agreeing. “It makes it easier to find her, too.”

“I know.” I sighed. “Now, we should get back to work.”

“I can’t find anything but everything we already know about.” Nikki spoke through gritted teeth.

“Hah,” I fake laughed, trying to lighten up the mood. “As if anybody would know about the S.A.”

Nikki smiled weakly with exhaustion, but I suddenly seized up. I remembered the Wizard City Library all of a sudden, and the book. That dang book! How could I forget..?

“I know where to find better information!” I exclaimed, suddenly thinking of Adam Deathbringer. Unfortunately, my book bag was in my bedroom.

“Where?” Nikki now looked interested, now that I got her full attention.

“Follow me,” I smiled, taking her wrist to pull her up. “It’s worthwhile- trust me.”

Taking her to my bedroom, I unlocked my door with my silver key, and rushed to my desk. Hidden under textbooks and journals, I took out my book bag. Fortunately, the old copy of The Golden Age was still there, graying with age. The symbol in the front of the book seemed to glow with a blue color, but I ignored it. Opening it, the pages were yellowing and rough. A small bit of smoky dust flew from the pages, but I brushed it off and waved Nikki over.

Nikki raised an eyebrow, scanning the Table of Contents. “How exactly did you forget such an important piece of our quest..?

“I don’t know, but it’s just another reason I’m not like the Angel I am.” I grumbled. Nikki looked at me quizzically. “You know, the wisdom Angel?”

Before Nikki could say anything, she glanced down and gasped. “Mary, look.” She pointed a fine-manicured finger at a certain chapter. “The chapter’s name is called “Malistaire’s Quest.”

“It would be better if the chapter wasn’t written seventeen or eighteen years ago.” I sighed, flipping the pages. Reaching the right area, I let Nikki read the chapter.

While she was reading, I scanned my room boringly. Outside, a cloud shifted away from the sun, and a gleaming beam of light entered the room. In the corner of my eye, I saw something glitter a dark color.

Standing up, I walked over, realizing there was a parcel on the floor. I recognized that I probably had knocked it over retrieving the book of Adam Deathbringer. The parcel was covered in a velvety wrap, like silk.

Opening it, a large amount of sparkling silk poured out of the package. Gleaming in the light, Nikki looked up, and I thought I saw a glimpse of misery in her eyes before she took a look at the magnificent gift.

“There was nothing in the book… Well, all Adam talked about was how Malistaire wanted to bring Sylvia back from the dead… Of course, that’s not possible, since he made such an effort to kill her.” Nikki spoke, still eyeing the gift. “Mary, what in the world did you open? It’s gorgeous.”

“It’s a…” A cocked my head to the side, and raised my eyebrows. “Its something I’d never wear.”

“Are you kidding me?” Nikki asked, walking over and running her hand over the soft silk. She picked up a white card attached to the opened parcel. I saw a smile grow on her face. “It’s from the Queen, and apparently I got one too!”

Running out of my room, I heard her unlock the door to her bedroom, and I heard her squeal in excitement. I wondered what dress she had been given.

Given the time to study the dress, I lifted it onto my bed, and laid it out. It was gorgeous; I knew. But would it be so beautiful on me?

The gown was long, black, and strapless. The bottom of it swayed, and it seemed to glitter, even though it was just plain silk.

Five minutes later, Nikki walked into the room gracefully. She wore a dress that went to the middle of her calves; it was pure white, making her eyes and hair stand out. She blushed as she twirled, making her dress sway like a ballerina. The sun was once again covered by the clouds, but I could see the shimmering glow of her dress without the light. When she noticed me, she frowned. “Why don’t you try on your dress?”

I chuckled without humor. “I’m not going to wear that.”

“Why not?”

“It’s just…” I sighed, staring at the gown longingly. “I’ve never worn anything so glamorous…”

“Oh, please.” Nikki laughed. “We’ve got two hours to pretty ourselves up; it’s plenty of time to make you look gorgeous.”

“It’s not the beauty I’m worried about- It’s the attention.”

Nikki smiled sweetly. “Honey, tonight you’re going to want all the attention, because this is the night that nobody is going to be thinking about your past… Only you and you only.”

I smiled back at her. “Thanks, Nikki, you’re so sweet.” I hugged her tightly.

“That’s what sisters are for.” She answered, now opening drawers. She took out brushes, makeup, jewelry, tights, shoes, barrettes, and by the Fates, even more.

“I’ll go put the gown on,” I decided, as she began to brush her hair. She smiled at me encouragingly, and I left to dress in the powder room.

The cold flooring chilled my feet as I stepped into the silk gown. Pulling the gown up to fit my posture, the silk seemed to adjust to my body heat, but I still felt chills.

I’ve never worn a dress like this before, I thought. It was so slim at the waist, and I wasn’t used to showing off my curves. Walking out of the bathroom, I felt my face redden as Nikki clapped in encouragement.

Nikki did her makeup as I weaved the braid for her that my mother used to do for me. After I was done, Nikki was awed in amazement. “I don’t know how you do it, Mary, but the ways you make braids are beautiful.”

“Thanks, but it’s not me to blame.” I replied stubbornly.

In the next half hour, I finally looked into the mirror. I blinked, trying to think if this was actually me: The paleness of my skin glowed healthily, my colorful eyes stood out as much as my hair did- which I’ve never seen so golden. The black dress fit around my waist like a corset, and made my every step look graceful.

Nikki looked just as beautiful, with her hair in a braid and her gown gleaming in nimble grace.

By now, I wasn’t sure if it was our skills or the Angel blood inside us that made us look beautiful. However, I didn’t care.

We jumped when we heard a knock on the door. Opening it, Sierra stood there with a strange look on her face. I felt my face pale when I saw what she was holding.

The tracking potion.