Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 5 - Family

 – Dove, everyone in this room knows you're a high-rank pureblood.

Venom's phrase didn't catch her off-guard as he envisaged; she simply shrugged, looking at the lodge's white tiles floor. It wasn't like her dreams were within her reach anymore, so at this point, why would she continue to pretend to be someone she wasn't? For some seconds, she stared at the ground, then she lifted her chin up, staring at him.

– Yes, I am, she declared. And yes, I lied yesterday. I know how to fight by controlling life flows. Sorry about that, Venom.

Her honesty made him smile and he nodded at her apology, leaning against the back of the couch.

– It's fine, he replied, you did what you had to do. So, I believe you already know we're all Amnesia's Lieutenants?

– Except for Claw, remarked Phase. But he's like, Blaze's Lieutenant, so kinda the same.

– Yeah, I know, she acquiesced.

– Now, we have a question, added Blaze.

Dove motioned a 'yes' from her head, observing them with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. She was getting impatient to know what it was, and they could easily see it. All looks turned towards Venom, who bent in, joining his hands together as he stared at her.

– How come someone as powerful as you is a stray?

Stray. This word almost made her flinch. It was what she always heard: if you're a pureblood, you're either a gang member, or a stray. And the last option was way more rough than the first. She knew it, and yet, she built her whole life around a lie, trying to conceal her identity as well as possible, for the sake of avoiding falling into this kind of environment. But now that she was seeing it all from her own two eyes, it didn't appear as disastrous as the rumors she heard. No, it was the exact contrary. While humans had been avoiding her for years, showing her that she was not welcome, may it be by words or punches, these four people had welcomed her nicely, and one of them didn't hesitate to go out of his way to save her life. Even the boy she thought was her friend let her down, but these strangers? They made her feel appreciated. All the doubts and suspicions were slowly fading away; no matter what their motives were, she couldn't end up worst than she had been. So, after a sigh, she decided to share some of her story.

– I'm an orphan, she began. And my parents themselves were strays. But I don't know much on this matter, they... They had been killed when I was five. From then, I have been put in foster homes, and I did my best to stay away from any gangs. I... I just tried to live as discreetly as I could, but some people had other ideas for me, I guess.

– Jun? Questioned Venom.

– He's one of them, yeah. And I know I could've defended myself easily, but I did my very best to hide who I truly was, so at this time, I preferred to endure all of this pain rather than blowing up my cover.

Feeling the sadness overpowering her, Blaze put a hand on her forearm, softly squeezing it and showing her a smile. The others acquiesced, but the blonde frowned; there was one question to which she hadn't answered yet.

– But why have you been hiding like that, to the point of lettin' yourself get beaten up, nearly to death?

Dove hesitated, swallowing back the tears which tried to get into her eyes. She took a deep breath, then replied:

– I made a promise to my parents. I promised to stay discreet, and stay away from all that violence. Kinda failed, it came to me by itself... I... I don't know what to do anymore, I'm lost.

The Lieutenants immediately understood why they would make her do such a promise; a power as big as hers would be devastating if badly used. If she had fallen into the hands of the wrong people in the past, she could have become a lethal weapon. Nevertheless, now that her discreet life shattered, there was no turning back for her. She passed a hand on her face, like she was chasing away the pain sticking onto it, while the other woman rubbed her back.

– First of all, you need to know we won't hurt you, Dove, she said, doing her best to comfort her.

– Blaze's right, added Phase. I know everyone's story is different, but for us, Amnesia had been our haven. Our family.

– So it's your choice, now, told Venom. But if you want, you can stick with us. Nobody will judge you, and we'll protect you.

– Just know that even if you say no, these gluey idiots will still check on you from time to time. They're sentimental.

Hearing this phrase, Dove abruptly swung to the right: it was the first time she heard Claw's deep voice. He gave her a light smile, and it ended up reassuring her. Their words resonated into her head as well as into her heart; she suddenly did not feel lonely anymore. That sensation had been following her since childhood, haunting her both at day and at night, and yet, these people managed to make it vanish in less than half an hour. She felt safe around them, and for the very first time of her life, she felt like she belonged somewhere. As if, soon, she would have a place to call home. A group to call family. Brightly, she smiled back to the black-haired man, who got all flustered, and turned his head away to avoid looking at her. Fuck, he thought, she's cute. She then showed the same cheerful smile to the others, and nodded.

– I-if you were serious, she started, then... Yeah, I'll gladly stick with you.

– In that case, welcome, Dove, announced Venom. You're one of Amnesia's members now.

– Yeah, added Phase. You're family.