The Zodiac Cycle

3.16 An Intervention

"Olive, welcome back." It was one week until the plan would make or break. In 4 days, the rebellion would have the riot in the town square. That day was the last day Olive could visit the base before the riot.

That was also the day, Vel decided, that she needed an intervention.

She ordered a small group to get Olive and bring her into Vel's office, but before she came, Vel checked Olives locker. There was nothing in it that seemed out of the ordinary, save for an apple that was getting wrinkled from age and a large amount of breath mints.

That and one other thing.

Olive entered Vels office, her feet tapping against the hard floor and her tail making a small whistling noise when she walked. Vel sat at her desk and had seemingly figured out what the other thing from Olives locker was.

"Hey Vel, what'd you need? I thought we were calling one more strategy meeting to make sure our plan is clear." Olives voice bounced across the room and siphoned through Vels ears several times before Vel spoke.

"Do you remember how we met?"

"Hmm? Yeah, of course." Olive had a hint of confusion in her voice.

"The rebellion you started went behind your back to give me a host." Vel continued, rubbing the object between her fingers. "And when you found out, you were not upset. Instead, you welcomed me, and you befriended me. All your other followers, those who did not help me, were against my existence, holding onto their grudges over my disgrace."

"Yeah, but I told them off anyways."

"You defended me when I was at my lowest. Why? Why would you help someone like me after all I've done?" Vel set the object on her desk, turning to the other person in the room and standing. "Why would you give me a leadership role over people who'd already lost their respect for me?"

Olive was quiet for a moment. "Because when I was raised to lead, you were born to." She shuffled a bit. "I never wanted to lead, and I never had the natural talent for it. It was a skill I developed over the years. But you," she huffed, perhaps in admiration, perhaps exasperation, "you were born with an enchanting air about you that makes everyone listen to you without question. It's who you are."

Vel sighed, rubbing the back of her neck which had started to cramp. "I tried leading once. I was no good at it."

"You only say that because you lost Sargon."

Vel flinched at the name, turning toward Olive. "I told you never to speak of him."

Vel heard Olives footsteps approach her slowly. "I only mention him because it's what you need to hear. What happened to him wasn't your fault, and it doesn't make you any less worthy."

"You say that, but you still dare to defy me." Vel swiveled away from the vampire, crossing her arms. She felt a small headache forming. "Where did you even come from Olive Roman?"

"A children's bedtime story." Vel was confused by the answer. It seemed intricate, yet simple.

"Which story?"

"The one of The Ultimatums Nursery."

Vel stood in silence, allowing the story to filter through her head, before she spoke again. "Lies, that's a tall tale told to kids to scare them."

Olive stepped over to Vel once more. She reached out for Vel's hand and placed it over her chest. "Feel my heart and tell me again that I am lying to you. The Nursery is real."

Vel felt no irregularities in Olives heartbeat. She was not lying at all.

"Tell me about it then."

Olive released her hand and took a step back. "I'd rather not."