Conquered (previously known as Veni Vidi Vici)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

    The next few days went by fast, and before anyone knew it, it was the night before Rebecky and Leif were to come by. That night, Aspyn dreamt about the day she lost Lia. When she woke up, around 3:00 in the morning, she was sweating and tears were streaming down her face. She ran over to the bed where Ali was sleeping. When she saw the little girl sleeping peacefully, she sighed with relief. I should never have gotten this family involved. Aspyn thought, Ali was supposed to be my second chance. I might blow it. I might wipe out the entire family. Aspyn sat by Ali’s bed crying and thinking about everything that could go wrong.

    “Are you okay?” said a voice.

    “T…Terrence?” Aspyn asked, still crying, “W… what are you d… doing h… here?”

    “I heard crying and thought that Ali might have fallen out of bed again, but I realized that I didn’t hear the thud. I came to see what was wrong.”

    “Oh.”

    “So, what’s wrong?” asked Terrence.

    “I’m s…so sc… scared. I d…don’t want to f… fail you guys and w… well everyone.” Aspyn said between sobs.

    “You’ll do fine.” Terrence reassured her, “I’ve seen you do pretty amazing things. Remember what Rika’s parents told you? The Mockingjays are always behind you, every one of us, especially me.”

Aspyn already started to look better. Terrence took her hand and led her outside, to the tree.

    “I know this isn’t the best time, but I have something for you.” said Terrence.

    “What?” asked Aspyn.

    “Well, you helped me get over my fear, so I want to help you get over yours.”

Terrence pulled out something small and sleeping from his backpack.

    “She’s only half wolf and she’s yours. I found him abandoned. I thought she would be a good companion. Are you going to name her?”

    “Hmm… I think her name should be Ema, after my sister.”

    “After your sister whose name is Lia?” Terrence pointed out.

    “My sister’s name is really Emalia. Lia’s just my nickname for her.” said Aspyn.

    “Oh, that makes sense. So I take it that you’re not afraid of Ema?”

    “No. I think you helped me get over my fear. Actually, fears. If I hadn’t explained to you about Lia and the wolf, I wouldn’t have accepted you gift so eagerly, and If you didn’t bring me out here, I would still be terrified out of my mind of my task. Thank you for always believing in me.”

    “No problem.” Terrence said, blushing, “No reason I shouldn’t.”

They sat under the tree talking for a while, and then they went back to the house and back to bed.

    The next morning, they were woken up by Terrence’s mom. She had breakfast ready and Rebecky and Leif were at the table.

    “Look who’s finally up!” said Leif.

Aspyn ran to him and gave him a hug. She was so happy to see someone that, at least, represented her district.

    “I don’t expect a hug from you, Terrence, but a ‘hello’ would make me perfectly happy.” said Rebecky.

    “How could I forget the lady with purple hair sitting in my kitchen?” said Terrence shaking Rebecky’s hand.

    “That’s my kitchen.” said Terrence’s mom.

    “You made a wonderful breakfast Mrs. Everdeen.” said Leif.

    “Yes. We should get your recipes for the capitol!” Rebecky said excitedly.

While Rebecky and Terrence’s mom talked, Aspyn brought Leif to Ali’s room so they could get started on the disguise.

    “Just wear the disguise all day today so you can get used to it again. Then, we’ll keep it on overnight and touch up in the morning. Is there anyone that can help me out by handing me things?” Leif said.

    “Me!” said Ali, “Can I help Ashley, please?”

    “Who’s Ash… oh yeah, sure you can help! What’s your name?”

    “Alianna, but you can call me Ali.”

    “Okay, Ali, can you get me the hair brush?”

Leif and Ali worked on Aspyn’s appearance the entire morning. Soon, they were done with the make-up and hair. They moved on to the outfit. It was a strange looking blazer that was all different shades of orange. It had twists and turns in the design. She also had an orange skirt and peach blouse. Finally, she was done. When Aspyn went to the kitchen Terrence was the only one there.

    “Finally your… wow!” he said, “It’s so… bright.”

Terrence barely recognized his best friend. Her normally black hair had been dyed so the tips looked like they were on fire. Her shoes had satin ribbons that tied around her ankles like ballet shoes. She wore lots of make-up, way too much mascara, and glitter… lots of glitter.

    “I know.” said Aspyn, as if she read his thoughts, “I never wear make-up. It’s so annoying.”   

    “Don’t forget your capitol accent.” Rebecky reminded as she walked in.

    “Thank you for the blazer.” said Aspyn.

    “Oh it’s no problem.” said Rebecky, “I don’t really agree with Capitol styles.  I prefer a more subtle look. I knew that blazer would fit you.”  

Later, after dinner, the group of rebels met.

    “Let’s go over the plan,” said Leif.

    “I’ll be on stage doing what I’m supposed to do.” said Terrence.

    “Meanwhile, I’ll be with my hippogriff and getting some boulders ready. When Terrence gets off the stage, I’ll drop some boulders from the sky leaving no escape for President Hale. Then, we’ll promise to leave everything alone if he listens to our demands.” Aspyn added.

    “What if he doesn’t listen to your demands?” Leif quizzed.

    “We force him however we can.” Terrence answered.

    “Looks like we’ve got the plan down,” said Rebecky, “let’s all get some rest now. We don’t want to be half asleep tomorrow.”

Everyone went to bed, except Terrence and Aspyn.

    “Aspyn, don’t forget that, tomorrow, I’ll… I mean the Mockingjays will always be behind you.” said Terrence.

    “Same.” said Aspyn, “Terrence can you promise me something?”

    “Anything.”

    “Take care of your family whatever happens including Ema.”

Terrence knew that Aspyn was expecting a turn for the worst.

    “Aspyn, listen to me, nothing is going to happen. The plan will go through without any problems.”

    “I could hug you right now but, my costume. You know.” said Aspyn.

    “I don’t care.”

Terrence and Aspyn sat together and they both thought the same thing: What if something did go wrong?