The Glade and Its Glitch: Book 2 Allies or Enemies

Chapter 10

 "You really should be resting."

Huntress looked over, "I'm alright Protector."

The older woman shook her head, "You need to stop doing this to yourself. You're not immortal Huntress."

"Are you sure?" Huntress joked, but the look in Protector's eyes stopped her.

Her brown eyes were intense, and Protector was not happy, "I mean it, Huntress. You've been wounded before but never shot."

Huntress subconsciously ran a hand down her arm. "I know that, I've got the scars to show it," she laughed and looked up at Protector.

"Walk with me, Huntress."

"Protector-"

"Carrie," Protector said, smoothly.

Standing up, Carrie shrugged, "Fine, but where are we going?"

"Nowhere," Protector started walking, leading the way. She had no final destination, or idea of where to go. But she wanted to get Carrie moving.

"So why-"

"Shh."

"Ugh, Protector, will you stop being so mysterious and just give me the motivational speech I know you've been planning since I passed out yesterday."

"Oh, I'm mysterious? Very well, I'll give you the speech. But take off your coat first."

Carrie stopped and looked up at Protector, "What?"

"Take off your coat. Show me your arms."

"No."

"Carrie, oh fine, never mind. Your scars are important. They show where you've been. What you've accomplished. Take Sunbeam, for instance, he's got colored patches all over his hands and arms. And I'm not talking about the lighter patches of skin he and Kiki have. He's got purple, yellow, and blue on his hands. Almost like he splattered paint on himself."

Protector looked down at Carrie and kept walking, "You following? Supernova, she's got darker fingertips. Like she dug around in smoke or ashes. They got them by using their powers. After years of painting our world with color, and our faces, Sunbeam's color had become a permanent part of his skin. After blowing up so many things, Supernova constantly looks like she's been involved in a fire. Still following?"

Carrie looked up at Protector, "Yeah. you're saying our powers have become a part of us. They may hurt, but they do good and leave a lasting imprint. On us and our world."

"Exactly."

"Without our scars, we would be just like every other elemental master. We'd also be too strong. Overpowered."

"You've got it. Now please Carrie, for the last time go rest."

~~~

Later that night Carrie sat on her bed in her treehouse. Being the queen of the Glade had its perks, even though Skylight was technically the leader now. She had her bed, a chest with her clothes, and a desk shoved against the wall on one side.

There were a few makeshift beds for animals that followed Carrie around. Rider was curled up on the floor and Kata had her own little hammock above Carrie's bed. Kata and Rider were some of her favorites and the only ones who consistently followed her around.

After her talk with Protector, Carrie returned to her room and changed into looser and more comfortable clothes. She rolled up the sleeves of her sweater.

Like Sunbeam and Supernova, Carrie had her fair share of scars. When people outside of the Glade saw them, they always thought they were tattoos. For this reason, she typically kept her sleeves rolled down.

All along her arms were silver swirls and spots, caused by her powers. They matched the silver dust that settled every time she changed form. Carrie still knew the first one she'd ever gotten. A small silver stripe, right below her wrist, it'd come first, and the dots soon followed. At that moment, one entire arm was completely filled, and the other was getting close.

"Where do you think they'll go next?" Carrie asked, looking up at Kata. "My legs? Or will they travel over my shoulders?"

Kata just huffed and rolled over.

"No comment? Sounds about right for you. What do you think, Rider?"

The wolf stood up on all fours and stretched. With a yawn, he made his way over to Carrie's bed. Jumping onto the bed and taking a seat next to Carrie, he let out a soft growl.

"You don't have a comment either? Well, at least you're comforting. Unlike some friends of mine." She said looking back up at Kata in fake anger. "Just kiddin' I love you both."

After tracing over a few more of the swirls, Carrie flopped onto her back. "You know, they're growing on me. I used to hate them, but it's getting better. They're kind of pretty. I guess..." she trailed off.

She looked back down at her hands and squinted. Pushing on her power, she let the silver dust seep from her fingers. It dripped down and acted like liquid smoke as it hit the ground.

Rider nuzzled Carrie's leg, and they promptly fell asleep.