Lightning Strikes

17

I guess you could say there's some kind of commentary (satire?) on despotism in this chapter, and maybe a few words on puppetry. Our favorite characters will once again be the most OOC people in the world, but hey, I hope you have fun! The ending of this story will come up in a couple of chapters, don't be surprised if things escalate quickly in the next two or three parts!

Also, try not to cringe at my weird biology. Who knew magic and science don't mix?

It wasn't that hard to break her sister out of jail. All she really had to do was break in — and the two guards on duty were happy to let Aru in once she had knocked them out.

Zia wanted no part of the drama, choosing to pray to Ra in order to atone for her perceived sins. Aru hoped that the sun god would explain to the girl that she was not responsible for the chaotic minds of a furious society at such a tender age. Life rarely went according to plan, but those who planned for the lives of others? They lived in eternal disappointment.

Aru shook her head. She walked up to the cell's metal bars, looking into it. Kara looked just like her old self when she was asleep — calm, collected, and kind. Aru often couldn't believe that Kritika hadn't traded Aru for her. Considering Kara's personality, Aru would've done it in a heartbeat.

She unlocked the cell's door with the guard's key and walked in. "Hey," she whispered. "Are you awake?"

Kara didn't stir. "Okay, then, guess I'm doing this the hard way."

Aru gently placed her hand on Kara's cheek. Then she carefully shook Kara's head. The girl's eyes fluttered open. "W-where am I?"

"Kara? I'm here to break you out."

"I'm Kara, right, right. Okay, who are you?"

"Your sister," Aru informed her, confused. Was this a trick? "Call me Aru. Come on."

Kara still didn't budge. "Who was the peacock guy?"

"Which peacock guy?" Aru asked. "There's nobody here but the two of us."

"The one in my dream?" Kara sounded confused. "He said that he could only do this much and that you would have to show me the rest."

"Oh, shit," Aru sighed. "I hoped he'd return your old memories as well. It's okay."

"Why am I here?" Kara asked. "You know, in jail?"

Aru hesitated. "It doesn't matter right now. It's just good to have you back."

She wrapped her arms around her older sister. Kara returned the hug.

Aru carefully snuck Kara out of jail and crept into the tunnel. She felt bad about hanging the other praetor out to dry — there was no way that he could deal with this mess. He'd be lucky to escape with his life.

The mob was still there, sacrificing animals to Jupiter with loud cries. Thunderheads were building up in the sky, and Aru didn't know if it was a good thing or not. She didn't want to stick around to find out.

Zia was waiting for them in the tunnel. She scowled at Kara, who looked at Aru. "Did I do something to her?"

Zia was bewildered as Aru held back a laugh. "No, don't worry," she said.

Kara nodded. Aru whispered to Zia, "she's lost her memories."

"We need to get her to Brooklyn," Zia said. "Or even Egypt, but I don't think we have enough time."

"How?" Aru asked. "A flight?"

"No, I'll make a portal. But we'll have to get to, say, the Golden Gate Bridge to do that."