Lost Names and Illusions

Chapter 6

The government officials came right on schedule. Zane slouched back on his bed, twiddling his thumbs. They went directly to his cell only to find that he was waiting for them calmly.

"Zane Longbourne, the president commands your presence immediately."

"Well, tell him that if he wishes to see me, he's going to have to either ask nicely or appear magically before me. This cell is quite comfy you know. It is rude to demand someone leave their little comfy spot without at least a notice three hours ahead. Don't you think?" He chuckled darkly. "Besides, there's no need for talking. I know why you're here."

"Seize him," the official closest to Zane instructed the guards. "And handcuff him too. Make sure he doesn't get out."

Zane smirked.

"I'd put a muzzle on you. You're just lucky we need some information out of you."

Arella led the Jamie out of the city. "If we stay here, they'll surely find us."

Cindy ran back to Jamie's house to act like everything was normal for as long as she could. Jamie was starting to get worried. This is not looking too good.

"Don't worry so much. As long as we get out of the city, we should be okay."

"But we were told to never leave the city. Isn't it dangerous out there?"

"Perhaps, but they're too scared to go out there themselves." Arella dug into her pocket to take out an oxygen mask. "Here, put this on before we open the gates."

"So, Wendell," Romeo smirked at his desk. "What's up? Graduation was the last time we saw each other if I am correct." He swung around his chair. "How are you?"

"I'm doing alright."

Wendell was caught on the street by Romeo who happily showed him into his office for coffee. It would be suspicious for Wendell to reject his offer so he took him up on it.

"Coffee or espresso?"

"Um I guess regular coffee."

"What would you like in it?"

"Cream..Sugar...Vanilla I guess."

He called for his assistant to get them coffee and his was to be black. He leaned back. "So, have you heard about Jamie?"

"Jamie?"

"You know, the president's daughter."

"Oh yea, Jamie. What about her?"

"We are to be wed. Did she tell you anything about that?"

"Jamie? No. We haven't talked in years."

"Oh is that so?"

"Yes."

"Well, let's keep it that way, shall we?"

Jamie could not believe her eyes. She held onto her oxygen mask. Arella closed the gates behind them. The ground was a wasteland. There was little grass and little vegetation where they stood.

"Are we in the desert?"

"Well, yes..kind of it. It wasn't always a desert. The climate is not even very hot so it is more just like a dirt land. If we go closer to whats left of the forest due north, we will find lots of strange plants and mutated animals. I built a cabin there." She points to the East. "Come on."

"Why do you have a cabin out here?" Jamie asked, following her.

"You see, my life wasn't always so hectic. My adoptive parents built that. In fact, they taught me everything I know even though they were just tailors. They are back in the city but they've been acting strange lately."

"What do you mean by strange?"

"Well you see... its hard to explain" Arella walked forward, playing with her fingers. I can still remember the day I was released into their care. I clung to Zane and I was picked up suddenly. I cried and hit the man's back...but it only resulted in me losing my doll. They then introduced me to a family of tailors. My adoptive father greeted me happily as did my adoptive mother. They had a daughter and a set of twin boys. Lily... Dante and Danny.

It didn't occur to me till I was older that the government made a mistake sending me here with them. At first, they seemed like normal citizens over the years. As I approached my teens, I realized they were very aware of my father's existence. They reminded me of him and how he died.

"Arella?"

"Yes dad," I had went to him one day. "What is it? Mom wanted help sewing the blankets."

He handed me a key. "If you are ever in trouble, run to that cabin I showed you outside of town."

"Even though you said it was illegal?"

"Even though I said it was illegal. They are still watching you as his daughter. They'll be after your brother too if he's not already dead."

"Arella?"

"Oh sorry, I was just thinking." Arella stopped at the cabin. "Here we are. My adoptive father told me to come here when I'm in trouble."

She unlocked the door and they both walked in. Locking the door, the oxygen tank turned on. Arella took off her mask. "The air in here is clean. Feel free to take it off."

"What were you saying about your parents again?"

"They were I guess you can say revolutionists – much like my biological father. But they were less obvious. And my brothers have been working under cover for the government to sabotage them but lately my family has been acting very...obedient... We only talk good about the government now and how awesome Lucien is... Not that your father's not cool or anything but...it's just odd.."

"Their attitudes changed that quick huh?"

"Yea, and my brothers have been wearing this weird watch too. They won't tell me what it is."

"Does anyone else have it?"

"Well my sister is always wearing this sweater and my mother is always wearing this strange looking bonnet. As for my dad, he's always wearing this weird chain around his neck. They all look very similar. I wonder where they got them from. Every time I asked they just ignored the question."

"Could they be possessed?"

"Yes but why what? A chemical or gem? And by who?"

"Do you have anything to say for yourself Zane?"

He sat underneath a white light in a dark room. His arms were behind him, restricted.

"Not anything I am ashamed to say."

"Then speak your mind."

"Your hair cut is stupid."

The officer groaned. "Forget my hair Zane. This is your last chance. We will forget this whole thing if you just go back home and join the military."

"Why should I?"

"Because we have your sister."

For once, Zane was silent.

"That's right. We have her and if you don't do what we say, she will not go home. In fact, we'll be sending her to be with your father in the afterlife."

Zane bit his lip. "Do you promise she'll be safe?"

"I swear."

"I'll go then."

The officer smirked and snapped his fingers. "Release him into the custody of his parents."

The officer guided him out of the dark room. Arella...be safe.