Sequel: This Ends Now. ›
Status: Sequel is coming your way soon :D
Forever Hold My Heart
Born to interrogate.
I walked over to Mathew’s office, I needed a ride. I needed to talk to someone. I didn’t care who was at that house, I just needed to talk to Blake and Damien.
I was about to knock on Mathew’s door when he opened it.
“Oh Katelyn, just the person I was looking for,” Mathew said and reached into his pocket, he handed me a key. “Clarence said this was yours if everything went smoothly today.”
I looked at the key.
“Is this a car key?” I asked
“Yes it is,” he said
“But I thought I wasn’t allowed to drive unless it was a last resort...” I trailed off and he shrugged. “I also thought I wasn’t suppose to be by myself.”
“You’re not,” Mathew said
“So if I wanted to go somewhere I still need to ask permission.” I said
“No, but you should have someone with you.” Mathew said
“Okay,” I said
I walked over to the cafeteria the guys were still eating, the only one that wasn’t with them was Mason. I went over a took a seat.
“You guys should be resting,” I said
“We’re fine,” Tyler said and his arm was in a sling.
“We have our first assignment tonight.” I said and the mood instantly changed, “I can’t really tell you all the details right now but you’re not allowed to say anything to anyone but each other.”
“By what time should we be ready?” Oliver asked.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll come wake you guys up.” I said
“Where are you going right now,” Hunter asked.
“I have some business I need to handle.” I said as I got up. I went looking for Devin. I passed by his office and saw him asleep. I contemplated whether to wake him up or not. I lightly knock on his door and he jumped up. “Tired much?”
“A little,” Devin said and I thought twice before asking him. “So what’s up?”
“Well I was going to ask you if you would come with me. I need to talk to Damien and Blake.” I said
“Yeah sure no problem.” Devin said and he opened his drawer and pulled out some of his keys.
“I’m driving,” I said holding up my key.
“Okay,” Devin said and we walked to the parking lot. Once we were there I just looked at the cars, I wasn’t even sure which one was ‘mine’. “So they got you a scion fr-s”
“The red one?” I asked unsure
“Well yeah it’s the only car here that doesn’t belong to any of the rest of us.” Devin said
“Right,” I said as we got in the car, before I turned it on I sent Clarence a quick text. I wanted to know if I could tell anyone about my assignment. I couldn’t believe that no matter how many times I had been to the house, I still needed Devin to give me directions.
I started pulling up the driveway, I was hoping that I didn’t see Gavin. I think that it would be awkward or maybe even infuriating. He didn’t even try to get in touch with me and it was more than two months since the break up.
“Keep tabs on Gavin, I don’t really want to see him.” I said
“Can’t face the ghosts from the past.” Devin asked
“That and I don’t know how I’ll react. It’s not everyday that someone you spent your whole life turns into a complete asshole.” I said
“Alright I’ll keep tabs on him.” Devin said and my phone started ringing. The caller id read Clarence.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Who did you tell?” Clarence asked
“Nobody, that’s why I was asking.” I said
“Well it doesn’t really matter but try to keep it on the down low.” Clarence said
“By the way is everything ready?” I asked
“No, I’ll drop it off once it is.” Clarence said
“Such a lag,” I said
“Bye,” Clarence said.
“You ready,” Devin asked and I nodded.
We entered the house, I could already feel an awkward tension.
“Where’s Damien and Blake?” I asked Devin and he put his hand up telling me to hold on. “They’re coming.”
“Okay thanks,” I said
“I told them we’d meet them in the back.” Devin said and I followed him out back. On our way back I could hear singing. I froze, I knew that voice anywhere. I hurried out back with Devin as we sat down around one of the tables by the pool.
“When they get here could you gives us some privacy,” I asked Devin
“No problem,” He said
“Thanks for understanding.” I said. This is why I asked him instead of Marcus. Marcus was always questioning my actions. I closed my eyes as a nice cool breeze passed by.
“It’s been a long time,” Blake said and I opened my eyes. I got up and hugged both of them. “So what brings you around.”
We sat down and I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking.
“Travis is dying.” I said and I could feel my throat tightening. “He doesn’t know I know, but I heard him talking to Marcus.”
“What’s causing it?” Damien asked
“When he saved me that night, one of the bullets had this poison. With each day its multiplying, its so bad he has marks all over him and he’s even coughing up blood.” I said and I could feel the tears. “It should have been me.”
I wiped away the tears that fell down.
“No Katelyn, don’t say that.” Blake said as he rubbed my back.
“He only has a month left.” I said
“Is there anything we can do?” Damien asked
“No, I just need your support. You guys know I made a team right?” I asked
“Yeah we heard about that so when do they decide if your team is ready.” Damien asked
“It was today, they passed. We were already given our first assignment, which is hunting down latronums,” I said and they just looked at me. “They want me to go only after the ones in the book, but I need to help Travis.”
“So you’re going after your moms...” Blake said
“Yes but I’m not supposed to, they made it pretty clear that if I did it wasn’t going to be pretty.” I said
“But you’re still going to do it anyways.” Damien said
“Yes,” I said and I ran my hand through my hair, “I just don’t know where to start.”
“Start by finding the latronums in the book and interrogate them.” Damien said
“Wait we shouldn’t let her go through with this,” Blake said
“Please Blake,” I said
“I’m just worried,” He said
“I’ll let you know when I’m going to make my move on my moms group.” I said
“I guess there’s no changing your mind anyways.” Blake said
“So are you just trying to find an anecdote or do you plan on finishing them off while you’re at it.” Damien asked
“Right now my main focus is getting my hands on the original poison. Travis said that the doctor said if he had that then he would be able to make an anecdote.” I said
“So it’s not even a for sure thing, even if you get the poison, there’s going to be a chance the anecdote won’t be able to be made in time.” Blake said
“I have to try,” I said
“You have to look at the bigger picture.” Damien said, “If she gets the poison then they can make an anecdote. So in case of future scenarios where someone is poisoned they’d have an anecdote ready on hand.”
“What kind of consequences would happen if you didn’t listen.” Blake asked
“I’d probably have less freedom, but I don’t even care.” I said knowing that there was more than just that.
“I swear Katelyn if you don’t come back we’ll personally go out looking for you,” Blake said
“There’s no need for that. My team is pretty top of the line and if something were to go wrong I would be sure to send back Mason and he’d be able to report everything that he learned.” I said
“Is your team okay with this?” Damien asked
“I haven’t really asked them but I wouldn’t force them into anything,” I said
“How do you plan on telling them?” Blake asked
“After tonight I’m going to decide on which of them I want to go with me. I’m hoping it’ll be all of them. Tonight we’re going to start going after latronums from the book.” I said and I looked at Damien. “I was going to ask you for a favor. I wanted to know if I could use the tree house. So that I could talk freely to my team about it without risking Mathew or anyone else finding out.”
“Yeah, no problem. I actually still have the key it’s in my room.” Damien said and he got up, “I’ll be back.”
“Okay,” I said and he walked away.
“I can’t believe you’re going through with this.” Blake said
“It was going to happen eventually,” I said
“It’s so dangerous out there,” Blake sighed, “It’s like the board was sending you out on a suicide mission.”
“Right the board.” I said
“Have you talked to Gavin?” Blake asked.
“Nope,” I said
“Are you just going to ignore him for the rest of your life?” Blake asked and I shrugged.
“I mean it’s not like he’s tried to contact me or anything. He hasn’t even said sorry or has the decency to try and be friends.” I said
“He’s actually been putting it off. Adam’s pretty tired of hearing his thoughts. Adam told me that he feels like he was the one that cheated on you.” Blake said
“He seemed pretty content earlier,” I said
“You’ve seen him?” Blake asked
“No, I heard him singing,” I said
“The darkest songs I’ve ever heard.” Blake said
“Oh no, last time I said something about Cecilia, you guys said no, so I believed you and now this. I don’t think so, you guys are the worst when it comes to reading other people.” I said.
“No let me get Adam,” Blake said getting up.
“That’s not necessary,” I said
“Fine I’ll just tell Damien to get him.” Blake said
“I’ve been lectured enough in my life.” I groaned
“Then will you please talk to the boy, you don’t have to be his friend just talk to him.” Blake said.
“I just don’t think that I should be the one that has to reach out to him,” I said
“Here they come,” Blake said and I saw Damien followed by Adam. He had bags under his eyes, he looked really bad.
“Oh my god, Adam what happened to you.” I said and he sat down.
“Please just please talk to Gavin. I can’t take it anymore.” Adam said as he grabbed my hands. He looked like he was on the verge of tears. “I’ll do anything you want just do something.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll go talk to him.” I said.
“Thank you!” Adam said and he hugged me and kissed my cheek, “You’re an angel.”
“Go get some sleep or something,” I said and I got up. “Well I guess I don’t have a choice.”
“Oh before you go here,” Damien said handing me the keys.
“Thank you,” I said
“Don’t forget to tell us when,” Blake said and I nodded. I walked inside the house, Devin was standing by the doors.
“You ready to go.” Devin asked
“I still have some unfinished business.” I said as I followed the sound of piano and Gavin’s voice. As I got closer I heard him slam down on the keys and the creaking of the bench.
I peaked my head into the living room, his back was towards me.
“Gavin?” I said and he sat up straight.
“Katelyn?” he asked without turning around.
“You can’t be like this,” I said and I saw him clenched his fist.
“I know I messed up.” Gavin started.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to act like this though. I forgive you.” I said
“But I haven’t been able to forgive myself or you,” Gavin said.
“Me?” I asked confused.
“You made me look like a horrible person.” Gavin said
“You made yourself look like a horrible person,” I said. Gavin was talking crazy. He stood up and the bench fell over. He turned around.
“I was there for you. I tried to make it work, I knew you didn’t have a clue of what was going on in my life. Even though I went out of my way to get Cecilia to find out. What about you, though? It’s always been about being a guardian! You go from being someone who had dreams to some robot. The Katelyn I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly but you, you killed Daphne. You’re walking around like some emotionless zombie, its disgust me.” Gavin said
“I disgust you? Where is all this coming from you need to relax. As for Daphne she was a latronum, what did you want me to do?” I said
“You could of at least had some sympathy,” Gavin said raising his voice. “She use to hang out with us at lunch! She probably didn’t even really know.”
“She knew exactly what she was doing.” I said
“If they would have found you first and told you to become a latronum would you have denied it?” Gavin said
“Yes,” I said
“If your own mother asked you to.” Gavin said and I paused. “You don’t even know. Can’t you see what you’ve become.”
“You make it sound like I’m some monster.” I said and he didn’t say anything. “I’m just trying to make things right.”
“Even if you ‘fix’ things it doesn’t change the type of people your parents were.” Gavin said and I lost it.
“It doesn’t fucking matter. You’re such, such an asshole” I yelled.
“Why are you yelling!,” Gavin yelled
“Because you infuriate me and you’re yelling too!” I yelled back.
“Well I’ll stop yelling when you do,” Gavin yelled back and I just glared at him, then he started laughing. He sat down on the couch, he was genuinely laughing. I stopped glaring, I was confused.
“Why are you laughing?” I asked
“We’re supposed to be best friends and look at us we’re fighting like cats & dogs.” Gavin said. I walked over and sat down next to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I said
“I’m sorry for being an asshole, I’ve just been feeling overwhelmed lately,” Gavin said
“I know, I saw Adam.” I said
“Oh it’s because every time he’s around I try to tell myself don’t think about anything, but I find myself thinking even more.” Gavin said I slowly nodded and looked down at my hands.
“What’s happened to the lives we use to know?” Gavin asked
“I have no idea,” I said
“If you could change becoming discovered by the guardians would you?” Gavin asked me.
“Honestly,” I said and I looked up at him, “I wouldn’t.”
“I had a feeling you would say that,” He said
“What about you,” I asked
“Well if I changed you coming for me, I probably would have been killed.” Gavin said
“So I’ll take that as you a no,” I said and he didn’t say anything. “Are you telling me you would have rather died that night?”
He stayed quiet. I leaned over and hugged him as he started to cry. Gavin only cried once in a blue moon. The last time he cried was when his cousin died a couple years ago.
“It’s going to be okay. It’s all going to be over pretty soon,” I said
“I just can’t take it here anymore.” Gavin said, “I just want to go home.”
“I know, I know,” I said and I pulled away, “Look I promise I’ll come hang out more often hell we’ll even go out places. You just have to be strong.”
He nodded as he wiped his eyes.
“I can’t be as strong as you though,” Gavin said
“That’s not true you’ve always been stronger than me,” I said
“Not anymore.” He said and my phone started ringing. I looked down at my phone then back at Gavin. “It’s okay.”
“Hello,” I answered
“I need you to drop by the office and pick up the keys,” He said
“For what?” I asked
“For the all the weapons you’re going to need. You will be using the weapons from camp but you need a key to get in. Mathew is aware that you will have access.”
“Okay and as for the rest of the stuff.” I asked
“The medicine to work against the anti-sleep serum is only enough for 3 people. Its the most that I can have ready.” Clarence said
“Alright well then I’ll see you in a few.”
“Bye,” Clarence said and I hung up.
“If you need anything facetime me,” I said to Gavin. “I don’t care how late or how early you think it is.”
He nodded and I hugged him.
“Unfortunately I have to go,” I said
“Be careful out there,” Gavin said
“Man I’m invincible,” I joked and he smiled. I left Gavin in the living room, I was glad that everything was better between us. When I reached the foyer, Blake was talking to Devin.
“Hey Devin, Clarence wants me to stop at his office.” I said and he nodded. I tossed him the keys. “You’re driving this time.”
“Okay,” Devin said and he started to walk out.
“What were you telling him.” I whispered to Blake as I smacked him upside the head.
“Nothing I swear, I just asked him about your team.” Blake said
“Alright well take care,” I said and he just shook his head.
“So abusive,” Blake called out as I closed the door.
When I got to Clarence’s office I made Devin wait in the lobby. As usual Clarence’s office was a disaster, I think it only got worse. He handed me a bag and a key. I thanked him and left. Once back at the camp I pulled out my map and the compass from the bag. It was a map of the city and all of the forest around it. Alius was pretty much a big city with an even bigger forest around it. I remembered reading how there use to be more cities, but with time. It just became one city. I began marking parts of the map according to the book of wanted Latronums.
I wasn’t sure how many of them we were planning on hitting up we would discuss it at the tree house. I started to map them out on my phone. I left the medicines in the bag. Everything seemed to be in order.
I went to go see Travis, he was asleep so I pulled up a chair and just went through the map on my phone. Where could my moms group be at? Weren’t they always close to the city at night?
It made no sense, if they were always so close how come they didn’t make a move every night. I furrowed my eyebrows, where did they go in the day? I think the most important question here is if my mom took all those kids to the other world how was she bringing them in and out. Maybe there was another portal, or worse maybe they had an insider.
My stomach turned at all the thoughts. Tomorrow morning I would have to do a load of research. Shit just got that much more real.
I looked up at Travis he was still sleeping. The chances of getting an anecdote were low but I wasn’t going to give up. Travis always had my back, even when it felt like everyone grew frustrated with my lack of skills he pushed me to keep going. He never stopped, so I wouldn’t stop for him either.
I got up and went to go secure all the weapons. I had everything in order, now all I needed was the guys to wake up. I wanted to leave just before the sun began to set. I got dressed I walked over to the guys room to wake them up.
I glance over them to check on their wounds. They seemed to have been fully healed. I wasn’t sure about Tyler’s arm though. I started to wake them up one by one. They all were sitting on their beds.
“Before I continue how do you guys feel?” I asked and they didn’t say anything. “Tyler?”
“I feel like I just woke up,” Derrick said
“This is serious and nothing to joke about.” I said
“So what’s our assignment?” Oliver asked as I watched Tyler rub his eye with his bad hand. It was like he forgot it was broken to begin with.
“We’re out for blood, Latronum blood,” I said and it got dead quiet, “If you guys lose focus for even a second it could cost you your lives. It could also put the rest of us in danger. So let me ask you again, how do you guys feel?”
“We’re ready,” Hunter said and no one said anything other wise.
“Get dressed, I’ll be just outside the door.” I said
It took a half an hour to get the guys ready and prepared. I had explained to them the plan about hunting Latronums in the book. I wasn’t ready to tell them about the other part. I did tell them that we would try to get as much information out of them before killing them. If it wasn’t to dangerous. It was currently lounge time but we were going to be heading out.
“Alright, remember everything I taught you guys.” I said and they nodded. I was actually nervous as hell. I was standing before 7 brave guardians, who were entrusting their lives with me.
I looked up and saw Emma flying above us.
“They found the first ones,” Mason said
“How many?” I asked
“2,” Mason said
“Let’s go,” I said and we jumped over the camp walls and followed Mason. Through the course of training I taught Mason certain hand signals to let us know; when we were close, when to stop, when they had spotted us, and when they started to make a run for it.
I could feel hands becoming hot with sweat. There wasn’t enough information in the books about offense against Latronums, it was all about the defense system. If any of the guys were to die tonight then I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. The weight of the world was sitting on my shoulders. Mason gave the sign that we were close. I listened to every sound and tried to keep my eyes out for anything out of place.
Mason gave the sign to stop. We hid behind some bushes, he pulled out his gun. I could hear laughing.
“Shhh, did you hear that,” A guy said none of us moved. I don’t think we even breathed.
“No,” A girl said and then we heard a small noise from the opposite side. “It’s just rabit.”
“I’m just thinking of what James told us.” He said the boys looked at me to give them the signal to go.
“What that’d they kill us if we tried to go after anymore Periculums?” She said and I gave the single to wait.
“James isn’t the only one I’m worried about,” He said
“Seriously I highly doubt that Custos would come out looking for trouble,” She said
“Just keep your guard up,” He said
“Whatever,” She said and I reached for my gun and counted down with my fingers. 5.....4.....3.....2.....1....
Right after me, Tyler was the first one to react. I jumped towards the Latronums, I shot towards the guys head but he was way faster than I anticipated. I had lost view of the girl, I was kicked in the right side of my ribs. When I hit the floor I immediately got up, I could hear gunshots being fired. I had lost sight of both Latronums, I jumped up to reach one of the branches, but widened my eyes when the girl had dropped down at the exact time. I brought my gun forward but last minute decided to kick her. I thought she was too focused on my gun butt she grabbed my ankle but immediately let go. She had been shot in the wrist. I landed on my back, only to be towered over by her. I shot her shin, but she only flinched. Just as I was about to jump up, she was tackled by Jeremiah. I could hear screams followed by a bears growl.
I stood up, as Jeremiah jumped back. We circled around her, she kept glancing between the both of us when Bryson dropped down on top of her back. He quickly reached for her arms and snapped them back. Bryson stayed on top of her as she fell.
“Mason’s bear killed the other one.” Hunter said as he came over.
“Tell Mason to scan the area for others.” I said and he left.
“You stupid bitch,” The Latronum cried.
“What do you know about Caroline Henderson’s group.” I said as I kneeled next to her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, even if I did I wouldn’t tell you shit. You’re just going to kill me anyways” She snarled.
“Look you can tell me what you know or I can leave you hear to die a slow painful death. I’m sure the rats would love to eat you alive.” I said and as if on cue a rat came up to her head. Mason had to be doing this.
“I swear Caroline doesn’t have a group,” She yelled panicked.
“If it’s not Caroline’s group then who’s is it.” I said
“There are a lot of Latronums out there,” she said
“Okay they’re about a group of 20, give or take a few.” I said
“They go by the name Frigus Iustitia,” She said as the rat climbed onto her head.
“You know you’re only wasting your own time,” I said
“That’s all I really know,” She said
“Do you know anything about the poisons being used?” I asked
“Like what poison ivy,” She said, I raised my eyebrow. She was seriously going to mock me.
“Hey Bryson, didn’t you read that the first things rats usually go for are the eyes.” I said as the rat sniffed her eye.She started to shake her head.
“I really don’t know, I was never apart of them.” She screamed.
“Interesting,” I said
“All I know is that a lot of the Latronums, that are not apart of the Frigis today, use to be with them. Then they were kicked out and replaced.” She said they were probably replace by all those missing children.
“Well thank you for your time,” I said as I got up.
“You’re nothing against them,” She said as she kicked her feet.
“And you’re nothing against us.” I said as I shot her in the head. Her head slumped forward and the rat ran away. “Regroup”
We all got together.
“They’re way faster than I would’ve guessed.” I said
“Close combat also seems to be dangerous,” Jeremiah said
“They might just get harder from now on,” I said and Bryson reached out for the side of my ribs, I winced. “What was that for.”
“I saw when she kicked you,” Bryson said
“I’ll be fine.” I said
“There’s a group approaching,” Mason said he sounded uneasy. “There’s about seven of them.”
“Shit, Mason take us back to camp. Make sure to steer us clear of any other Latronums. Formation B,” I said and we hurried off. Formation B is where I stayed behind all of them just to make sure nobody would fall behind.
“There’s more,” Mason said “They’re trying to close in on us.”
“Run faster,” I said and we ran our full speed. I told the guys we were only to run full speed in cases where we were running away. This was the perfect case. I saw Mason give us the sign that we were close, close to camp. Once we jumped over the camp wall I started to feel safe, that was until we heard gunshots.
“To the lounge,” I yelled, they were shooting at us. “Keep going no matter what.”
I took a sharp left turn they were aiming at me after all. Once the guys were inside the lounge I ran towards the lounge myself. Just as I was about to reach the doors a bullet skinned the left side of my neck.
“Fuck!” I yelled as I closed the door. I gripped my neck, I was bleeding. I looked up and the lounge was dead silent. Everybody just watched.
“They’re retreating,” Mason said as we all tried to catch our breath. “It’s clear.”
“Nothing to see here,” I said as I opened the door. We walked over to the First Aid Office. “Is anyone hit?”
I let out a sigh of relief when they all shook their heads.
“Well I think it’s too dangerous to go back out there for tonight, rest up because we’re going in the morning instead.” I said, they all nodded. “Good job today guys, two down about 80 left. Hunter please stay with me for a minute.”
“Okay,” He said as the others went to go rest.
“Will you accompany me to the doctors?” I asked
“Yeah sure but shouldn’t you just rest and you’ll heal.” Hunter suggested
“I have to make sure, the bullet didn’t have any poison.” I said and I could hear Marcus yelling my name. He didn’t sound happy at all. I groaned as I waited for the wrath of Marcus. How was I supposed to know they would follow us all the way back?
I was about to knock on Mathew’s door when he opened it.
“Oh Katelyn, just the person I was looking for,” Mathew said and reached into his pocket, he handed me a key. “Clarence said this was yours if everything went smoothly today.”
I looked at the key.
“Is this a car key?” I asked
“Yes it is,” he said
“But I thought I wasn’t allowed to drive unless it was a last resort...” I trailed off and he shrugged. “I also thought I wasn’t suppose to be by myself.”
“You’re not,” Mathew said
“So if I wanted to go somewhere I still need to ask permission.” I said
“No, but you should have someone with you.” Mathew said
“Okay,” I said
I walked over to the cafeteria the guys were still eating, the only one that wasn’t with them was Mason. I went over a took a seat.
“You guys should be resting,” I said
“We’re fine,” Tyler said and his arm was in a sling.
“We have our first assignment tonight.” I said and the mood instantly changed, “I can’t really tell you all the details right now but you’re not allowed to say anything to anyone but each other.”
“By what time should we be ready?” Oliver asked.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll come wake you guys up.” I said
“Where are you going right now,” Hunter asked.
“I have some business I need to handle.” I said as I got up. I went looking for Devin. I passed by his office and saw him asleep. I contemplated whether to wake him up or not. I lightly knock on his door and he jumped up. “Tired much?”
“A little,” Devin said and I thought twice before asking him. “So what’s up?”
“Well I was going to ask you if you would come with me. I need to talk to Damien and Blake.” I said
“Yeah sure no problem.” Devin said and he opened his drawer and pulled out some of his keys.
“I’m driving,” I said holding up my key.
“Okay,” Devin said and we walked to the parking lot. Once we were there I just looked at the cars, I wasn’t even sure which one was ‘mine’. “So they got you a scion fr-s”
“The red one?” I asked unsure
“Well yeah it’s the only car here that doesn’t belong to any of the rest of us.” Devin said
“Right,” I said as we got in the car, before I turned it on I sent Clarence a quick text. I wanted to know if I could tell anyone about my assignment. I couldn’t believe that no matter how many times I had been to the house, I still needed Devin to give me directions.
I started pulling up the driveway, I was hoping that I didn’t see Gavin. I think that it would be awkward or maybe even infuriating. He didn’t even try to get in touch with me and it was more than two months since the break up.
“Keep tabs on Gavin, I don’t really want to see him.” I said
“Can’t face the ghosts from the past.” Devin asked
“That and I don’t know how I’ll react. It’s not everyday that someone you spent your whole life turns into a complete asshole.” I said
“Alright I’ll keep tabs on him.” Devin said and my phone started ringing. The caller id read Clarence.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Who did you tell?” Clarence asked
“Nobody, that’s why I was asking.” I said
“Well it doesn’t really matter but try to keep it on the down low.” Clarence said
“By the way is everything ready?” I asked
“No, I’ll drop it off once it is.” Clarence said
“Such a lag,” I said
“Bye,” Clarence said.
“You ready,” Devin asked and I nodded.
We entered the house, I could already feel an awkward tension.
“Where’s Damien and Blake?” I asked Devin and he put his hand up telling me to hold on. “They’re coming.”
“Okay thanks,” I said
“I told them we’d meet them in the back.” Devin said and I followed him out back. On our way back I could hear singing. I froze, I knew that voice anywhere. I hurried out back with Devin as we sat down around one of the tables by the pool.
“When they get here could you gives us some privacy,” I asked Devin
“No problem,” He said
“Thanks for understanding.” I said. This is why I asked him instead of Marcus. Marcus was always questioning my actions. I closed my eyes as a nice cool breeze passed by.
“It’s been a long time,” Blake said and I opened my eyes. I got up and hugged both of them. “So what brings you around.”
We sat down and I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking.
“Travis is dying.” I said and I could feel my throat tightening. “He doesn’t know I know, but I heard him talking to Marcus.”
“What’s causing it?” Damien asked
“When he saved me that night, one of the bullets had this poison. With each day its multiplying, its so bad he has marks all over him and he’s even coughing up blood.” I said and I could feel the tears. “It should have been me.”
I wiped away the tears that fell down.
“No Katelyn, don’t say that.” Blake said as he rubbed my back.
“He only has a month left.” I said
“Is there anything we can do?” Damien asked
“No, I just need your support. You guys know I made a team right?” I asked
“Yeah we heard about that so when do they decide if your team is ready.” Damien asked
“It was today, they passed. We were already given our first assignment, which is hunting down latronums,” I said and they just looked at me. “They want me to go only after the ones in the book, but I need to help Travis.”
“So you’re going after your moms...” Blake said
“Yes but I’m not supposed to, they made it pretty clear that if I did it wasn’t going to be pretty.” I said
“But you’re still going to do it anyways.” Damien said
“Yes,” I said and I ran my hand through my hair, “I just don’t know where to start.”
“Start by finding the latronums in the book and interrogate them.” Damien said
“Wait we shouldn’t let her go through with this,” Blake said
“Please Blake,” I said
“I’m just worried,” He said
“I’ll let you know when I’m going to make my move on my moms group.” I said
“I guess there’s no changing your mind anyways.” Blake said
“So are you just trying to find an anecdote or do you plan on finishing them off while you’re at it.” Damien asked
“Right now my main focus is getting my hands on the original poison. Travis said that the doctor said if he had that then he would be able to make an anecdote.” I said
“So it’s not even a for sure thing, even if you get the poison, there’s going to be a chance the anecdote won’t be able to be made in time.” Blake said
“I have to try,” I said
“You have to look at the bigger picture.” Damien said, “If she gets the poison then they can make an anecdote. So in case of future scenarios where someone is poisoned they’d have an anecdote ready on hand.”
“What kind of consequences would happen if you didn’t listen.” Blake asked
“I’d probably have less freedom, but I don’t even care.” I said knowing that there was more than just that.
“I swear Katelyn if you don’t come back we’ll personally go out looking for you,” Blake said
“There’s no need for that. My team is pretty top of the line and if something were to go wrong I would be sure to send back Mason and he’d be able to report everything that he learned.” I said
“Is your team okay with this?” Damien asked
“I haven’t really asked them but I wouldn’t force them into anything,” I said
“How do you plan on telling them?” Blake asked
“After tonight I’m going to decide on which of them I want to go with me. I’m hoping it’ll be all of them. Tonight we’re going to start going after latronums from the book.” I said and I looked at Damien. “I was going to ask you for a favor. I wanted to know if I could use the tree house. So that I could talk freely to my team about it without risking Mathew or anyone else finding out.”
“Yeah, no problem. I actually still have the key it’s in my room.” Damien said and he got up, “I’ll be back.”
“Okay,” I said and he walked away.
“I can’t believe you’re going through with this.” Blake said
“It was going to happen eventually,” I said
“It’s so dangerous out there,” Blake sighed, “It’s like the board was sending you out on a suicide mission.”
“Right the board.” I said
“Have you talked to Gavin?” Blake asked.
“Nope,” I said
“Are you just going to ignore him for the rest of your life?” Blake asked and I shrugged.
“I mean it’s not like he’s tried to contact me or anything. He hasn’t even said sorry or has the decency to try and be friends.” I said
“He’s actually been putting it off. Adam’s pretty tired of hearing his thoughts. Adam told me that he feels like he was the one that cheated on you.” Blake said
“He seemed pretty content earlier,” I said
“You’ve seen him?” Blake asked
“No, I heard him singing,” I said
“The darkest songs I’ve ever heard.” Blake said
“Oh no, last time I said something about Cecilia, you guys said no, so I believed you and now this. I don’t think so, you guys are the worst when it comes to reading other people.” I said.
“No let me get Adam,” Blake said getting up.
“That’s not necessary,” I said
“Fine I’ll just tell Damien to get him.” Blake said
“I’ve been lectured enough in my life.” I groaned
“Then will you please talk to the boy, you don’t have to be his friend just talk to him.” Blake said.
“I just don’t think that I should be the one that has to reach out to him,” I said
“Here they come,” Blake said and I saw Damien followed by Adam. He had bags under his eyes, he looked really bad.
“Oh my god, Adam what happened to you.” I said and he sat down.
“Please just please talk to Gavin. I can’t take it anymore.” Adam said as he grabbed my hands. He looked like he was on the verge of tears. “I’ll do anything you want just do something.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll go talk to him.” I said.
“Thank you!” Adam said and he hugged me and kissed my cheek, “You’re an angel.”
“Go get some sleep or something,” I said and I got up. “Well I guess I don’t have a choice.”
“Oh before you go here,” Damien said handing me the keys.
“Thank you,” I said
“Don’t forget to tell us when,” Blake said and I nodded. I walked inside the house, Devin was standing by the doors.
“You ready to go.” Devin asked
“I still have some unfinished business.” I said as I followed the sound of piano and Gavin’s voice. As I got closer I heard him slam down on the keys and the creaking of the bench.
I peaked my head into the living room, his back was towards me.
“Gavin?” I said and he sat up straight.
“Katelyn?” he asked without turning around.
“You can’t be like this,” I said and I saw him clenched his fist.
“I know I messed up.” Gavin started.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to act like this though. I forgive you.” I said
“But I haven’t been able to forgive myself or you,” Gavin said.
“Me?” I asked confused.
“You made me look like a horrible person.” Gavin said
“You made yourself look like a horrible person,” I said. Gavin was talking crazy. He stood up and the bench fell over. He turned around.
“I was there for you. I tried to make it work, I knew you didn’t have a clue of what was going on in my life. Even though I went out of my way to get Cecilia to find out. What about you, though? It’s always been about being a guardian! You go from being someone who had dreams to some robot. The Katelyn I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly but you, you killed Daphne. You’re walking around like some emotionless zombie, its disgust me.” Gavin said
“I disgust you? Where is all this coming from you need to relax. As for Daphne she was a latronum, what did you want me to do?” I said
“You could of at least had some sympathy,” Gavin said raising his voice. “She use to hang out with us at lunch! She probably didn’t even really know.”
“She knew exactly what she was doing.” I said
“If they would have found you first and told you to become a latronum would you have denied it?” Gavin said
“Yes,” I said
“If your own mother asked you to.” Gavin said and I paused. “You don’t even know. Can’t you see what you’ve become.”
“You make it sound like I’m some monster.” I said and he didn’t say anything. “I’m just trying to make things right.”
“Even if you ‘fix’ things it doesn’t change the type of people your parents were.” Gavin said and I lost it.
“It doesn’t fucking matter. You’re such, such an asshole” I yelled.
“Why are you yelling!,” Gavin yelled
“Because you infuriate me and you’re yelling too!” I yelled back.
“Well I’ll stop yelling when you do,” Gavin yelled back and I just glared at him, then he started laughing. He sat down on the couch, he was genuinely laughing. I stopped glaring, I was confused.
“Why are you laughing?” I asked
“We’re supposed to be best friends and look at us we’re fighting like cats & dogs.” Gavin said. I walked over and sat down next to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I said
“I’m sorry for being an asshole, I’ve just been feeling overwhelmed lately,” Gavin said
“I know, I saw Adam.” I said
“Oh it’s because every time he’s around I try to tell myself don’t think about anything, but I find myself thinking even more.” Gavin said I slowly nodded and looked down at my hands.
“What’s happened to the lives we use to know?” Gavin asked
“I have no idea,” I said
“If you could change becoming discovered by the guardians would you?” Gavin asked me.
“Honestly,” I said and I looked up at him, “I wouldn’t.”
“I had a feeling you would say that,” He said
“What about you,” I asked
“Well if I changed you coming for me, I probably would have been killed.” Gavin said
“So I’ll take that as you a no,” I said and he didn’t say anything. “Are you telling me you would have rather died that night?”
He stayed quiet. I leaned over and hugged him as he started to cry. Gavin only cried once in a blue moon. The last time he cried was when his cousin died a couple years ago.
“It’s going to be okay. It’s all going to be over pretty soon,” I said
“I just can’t take it here anymore.” Gavin said, “I just want to go home.”
“I know, I know,” I said and I pulled away, “Look I promise I’ll come hang out more often hell we’ll even go out places. You just have to be strong.”
He nodded as he wiped his eyes.
“I can’t be as strong as you though,” Gavin said
“That’s not true you’ve always been stronger than me,” I said
“Not anymore.” He said and my phone started ringing. I looked down at my phone then back at Gavin. “It’s okay.”
“Hello,” I answered
“I need you to drop by the office and pick up the keys,” He said
“For what?” I asked
“For the all the weapons you’re going to need. You will be using the weapons from camp but you need a key to get in. Mathew is aware that you will have access.”
“Okay and as for the rest of the stuff.” I asked
“The medicine to work against the anti-sleep serum is only enough for 3 people. Its the most that I can have ready.” Clarence said
“Alright well then I’ll see you in a few.”
“Bye,” Clarence said and I hung up.
“If you need anything facetime me,” I said to Gavin. “I don’t care how late or how early you think it is.”
He nodded and I hugged him.
“Unfortunately I have to go,” I said
“Be careful out there,” Gavin said
“Man I’m invincible,” I joked and he smiled. I left Gavin in the living room, I was glad that everything was better between us. When I reached the foyer, Blake was talking to Devin.
“Hey Devin, Clarence wants me to stop at his office.” I said and he nodded. I tossed him the keys. “You’re driving this time.”
“Okay,” Devin said and he started to walk out.
“What were you telling him.” I whispered to Blake as I smacked him upside the head.
“Nothing I swear, I just asked him about your team.” Blake said
“Alright well take care,” I said and he just shook his head.
“So abusive,” Blake called out as I closed the door.
When I got to Clarence’s office I made Devin wait in the lobby. As usual Clarence’s office was a disaster, I think it only got worse. He handed me a bag and a key. I thanked him and left. Once back at the camp I pulled out my map and the compass from the bag. It was a map of the city and all of the forest around it. Alius was pretty much a big city with an even bigger forest around it. I remembered reading how there use to be more cities, but with time. It just became one city. I began marking parts of the map according to the book of wanted Latronums.
I wasn’t sure how many of them we were planning on hitting up we would discuss it at the tree house. I started to map them out on my phone. I left the medicines in the bag. Everything seemed to be in order.
I went to go see Travis, he was asleep so I pulled up a chair and just went through the map on my phone. Where could my moms group be at? Weren’t they always close to the city at night?
It made no sense, if they were always so close how come they didn’t make a move every night. I furrowed my eyebrows, where did they go in the day? I think the most important question here is if my mom took all those kids to the other world how was she bringing them in and out. Maybe there was another portal, or worse maybe they had an insider.
My stomach turned at all the thoughts. Tomorrow morning I would have to do a load of research. Shit just got that much more real.
I looked up at Travis he was still sleeping. The chances of getting an anecdote were low but I wasn’t going to give up. Travis always had my back, even when it felt like everyone grew frustrated with my lack of skills he pushed me to keep going. He never stopped, so I wouldn’t stop for him either.
I got up and went to go secure all the weapons. I had everything in order, now all I needed was the guys to wake up. I wanted to leave just before the sun began to set. I got dressed I walked over to the guys room to wake them up.
I glance over them to check on their wounds. They seemed to have been fully healed. I wasn’t sure about Tyler’s arm though. I started to wake them up one by one. They all were sitting on their beds.
“Before I continue how do you guys feel?” I asked and they didn’t say anything. “Tyler?”
“I feel like I just woke up,” Derrick said
“This is serious and nothing to joke about.” I said
“So what’s our assignment?” Oliver asked as I watched Tyler rub his eye with his bad hand. It was like he forgot it was broken to begin with.
“We’re out for blood, Latronum blood,” I said and it got dead quiet, “If you guys lose focus for even a second it could cost you your lives. It could also put the rest of us in danger. So let me ask you again, how do you guys feel?”
“We’re ready,” Hunter said and no one said anything other wise.
“Get dressed, I’ll be just outside the door.” I said
It took a half an hour to get the guys ready and prepared. I had explained to them the plan about hunting Latronums in the book. I wasn’t ready to tell them about the other part. I did tell them that we would try to get as much information out of them before killing them. If it wasn’t to dangerous. It was currently lounge time but we were going to be heading out.
“Alright, remember everything I taught you guys.” I said and they nodded. I was actually nervous as hell. I was standing before 7 brave guardians, who were entrusting their lives with me.
I looked up and saw Emma flying above us.
“They found the first ones,” Mason said
“How many?” I asked
“2,” Mason said
“Let’s go,” I said and we jumped over the camp walls and followed Mason. Through the course of training I taught Mason certain hand signals to let us know; when we were close, when to stop, when they had spotted us, and when they started to make a run for it.
I could feel hands becoming hot with sweat. There wasn’t enough information in the books about offense against Latronums, it was all about the defense system. If any of the guys were to die tonight then I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. The weight of the world was sitting on my shoulders. Mason gave the sign that we were close. I listened to every sound and tried to keep my eyes out for anything out of place.
Mason gave the sign to stop. We hid behind some bushes, he pulled out his gun. I could hear laughing.
“Shhh, did you hear that,” A guy said none of us moved. I don’t think we even breathed.
“No,” A girl said and then we heard a small noise from the opposite side. “It’s just rabit.”
“I’m just thinking of what James told us.” He said the boys looked at me to give them the signal to go.
“What that’d they kill us if we tried to go after anymore Periculums?” She said and I gave the single to wait.
“James isn’t the only one I’m worried about,” He said
“Seriously I highly doubt that Custos would come out looking for trouble,” She said
“Just keep your guard up,” He said
“Whatever,” She said and I reached for my gun and counted down with my fingers. 5.....4.....3.....2.....1....
Right after me, Tyler was the first one to react. I jumped towards the Latronums, I shot towards the guys head but he was way faster than I anticipated. I had lost view of the girl, I was kicked in the right side of my ribs. When I hit the floor I immediately got up, I could hear gunshots being fired. I had lost sight of both Latronums, I jumped up to reach one of the branches, but widened my eyes when the girl had dropped down at the exact time. I brought my gun forward but last minute decided to kick her. I thought she was too focused on my gun butt she grabbed my ankle but immediately let go. She had been shot in the wrist. I landed on my back, only to be towered over by her. I shot her shin, but she only flinched. Just as I was about to jump up, she was tackled by Jeremiah. I could hear screams followed by a bears growl.
I stood up, as Jeremiah jumped back. We circled around her, she kept glancing between the both of us when Bryson dropped down on top of her back. He quickly reached for her arms and snapped them back. Bryson stayed on top of her as she fell.
“Mason’s bear killed the other one.” Hunter said as he came over.
“Tell Mason to scan the area for others.” I said and he left.
“You stupid bitch,” The Latronum cried.
“What do you know about Caroline Henderson’s group.” I said as I kneeled next to her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, even if I did I wouldn’t tell you shit. You’re just going to kill me anyways” She snarled.
“Look you can tell me what you know or I can leave you hear to die a slow painful death. I’m sure the rats would love to eat you alive.” I said and as if on cue a rat came up to her head. Mason had to be doing this.
“I swear Caroline doesn’t have a group,” She yelled panicked.
“If it’s not Caroline’s group then who’s is it.” I said
“There are a lot of Latronums out there,” she said
“Okay they’re about a group of 20, give or take a few.” I said
“They go by the name Frigus Iustitia,” She said as the rat climbed onto her head.
“You know you’re only wasting your own time,” I said
“That’s all I really know,” She said
“Do you know anything about the poisons being used?” I asked
“Like what poison ivy,” She said, I raised my eyebrow. She was seriously going to mock me.
“Hey Bryson, didn’t you read that the first things rats usually go for are the eyes.” I said as the rat sniffed her eye.She started to shake her head.
“I really don’t know, I was never apart of them.” She screamed.
“Interesting,” I said
“All I know is that a lot of the Latronums, that are not apart of the Frigis today, use to be with them. Then they were kicked out and replaced.” She said they were probably replace by all those missing children.
“Well thank you for your time,” I said as I got up.
“You’re nothing against them,” She said as she kicked her feet.
“And you’re nothing against us.” I said as I shot her in the head. Her head slumped forward and the rat ran away. “Regroup”
We all got together.
“They’re way faster than I would’ve guessed.” I said
“Close combat also seems to be dangerous,” Jeremiah said
“They might just get harder from now on,” I said and Bryson reached out for the side of my ribs, I winced. “What was that for.”
“I saw when she kicked you,” Bryson said
“I’ll be fine.” I said
“There’s a group approaching,” Mason said he sounded uneasy. “There’s about seven of them.”
“Shit, Mason take us back to camp. Make sure to steer us clear of any other Latronums. Formation B,” I said and we hurried off. Formation B is where I stayed behind all of them just to make sure nobody would fall behind.
“There’s more,” Mason said “They’re trying to close in on us.”
“Run faster,” I said and we ran our full speed. I told the guys we were only to run full speed in cases where we were running away. This was the perfect case. I saw Mason give us the sign that we were close, close to camp. Once we jumped over the camp wall I started to feel safe, that was until we heard gunshots.
“To the lounge,” I yelled, they were shooting at us. “Keep going no matter what.”
I took a sharp left turn they were aiming at me after all. Once the guys were inside the lounge I ran towards the lounge myself. Just as I was about to reach the doors a bullet skinned the left side of my neck.
“Fuck!” I yelled as I closed the door. I gripped my neck, I was bleeding. I looked up and the lounge was dead silent. Everybody just watched.
“They’re retreating,” Mason said as we all tried to catch our breath. “It’s clear.”
“Nothing to see here,” I said as I opened the door. We walked over to the First Aid Office. “Is anyone hit?”
I let out a sigh of relief when they all shook their heads.
“Well I think it’s too dangerous to go back out there for tonight, rest up because we’re going in the morning instead.” I said, they all nodded. “Good job today guys, two down about 80 left. Hunter please stay with me for a minute.”
“Okay,” He said as the others went to go rest.
“Will you accompany me to the doctors?” I asked
“Yeah sure but shouldn’t you just rest and you’ll heal.” Hunter suggested
“I have to make sure, the bullet didn’t have any poison.” I said and I could hear Marcus yelling my name. He didn’t sound happy at all. I groaned as I waited for the wrath of Marcus. How was I supposed to know they would follow us all the way back?
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Enjoy! :D hehe