The Phoenix Society

Chapter 31

They wanted to wait. That was what we decided to do. Wait and see what Monroe's next play was. The problem was, I knew what his next play was. And I wasn't going to sit around waiting for Monroe's next move. Because by the time he made it...it would be too late.

I knew I would probably get in trouble by sneaking into the PIT tonight. I knew I was risking my place in the Order just by doing this. But no one knew Monroe better than I did. And I knew that this was the only way to stop him. Too many people have died on my watch. I would not let another person die. This was me taking control of my future. This was me taking control of my life.

I found myself sitting in the weapons room. My heart was pounding at the thought of what I was about to do. For the first time in a long time, I was nervous. My plan didn't have a sure outcome. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, there was no telling what Monroe would do. All I know is that I had to try. I had to try and do some good. I had to try and save Marley.

I stood from the bench finding my way to the weapons vault. My hand traced over the metal handle on the outside of the wall. I gave a slight tug. The wall didn't move like the many times I had seen it do before. I cursed as I remembered the key code.

"Nice one, Kya." I scolded myself. Why didn't I think about the code? How did I just forget that key detail.

"You need help?" Banks said from behind me. I froze, like a deer in headlights. I was caught before I even had a chance to get out the door. The clicking of the heels of Banks' boots filled the room as he walked over to me. He eyed my frozen stance. "You can't get in without a code."

I released my grip on the handle. "I realize that."

Banks gave a small, sad smile as he walked over to the keypad. I took notice of Banks' attire. It was late, most people wandering around the Estate at this hour were in sweats and a sweatshirt. Yet Banks wore his classic work fit: dark jeans, a black shirt, and leather jacket. He even had his pellucid blade hung around his back.

What was he doing?

A soft, high-pitched beep filled the room as the weapons vault unlocked. Banks flicked his eyes to the handle, indicating for me to pull it open.

"You're not going to try and stop me?" I asked. I thought for sure he had come down here to give me a lecture. Banks stuffed his hands inside his pockets.

"I knew we weren't going to be able to stop you from going." That was true. It didn't matter what they said to me, I was always going to go.

"Then why are you here?"

"You're my TR. Do you remember what that means?" Banks asked as he began sifting through the rows of weapons.

"That I'm your responsibility?"

"No, it means that you're not going by yourself."

I hesitated for a moment. It wasn't that I didn't want Banks to go with me, because I did, I knew he would have my back. I just didn't want him to get hurt. I had no idea what I was walking into. I couldn't guarantee anything. There was no way for me to know if I could protect Banks. The weapons vault slid open revealing the rows of weapons hidden inside. My eyes studied the weapons for a moment. They were beautiful, each in their own way.

Banks sighed, "I came down here, because I'm going with you." He reiterated noticing my hesitation. "and before you tell me no," Banks continued pulling out a long seraph blade and sliding it next to his shorter one. "you should know that there's no stopping me."

"Banks-"

"No, Kya. I need to do this. Marley and Elias...they're my family." His voice broke at the mention of them. It was only then that I noticed the glisten of his eyes as he blinked away unshed tears.

I nodded slowly. I knew the look in Banks' eye. There was no stopping him. It didn't matter what I said. Monroe had made this personal. I picked up a pellucid blade, sliding it into my holster. A part of me felt relieved that I don't have to go alone. But I was also terrified of what was going to happen. Now there were two people I cared about in Monroe's grasp that I had to protect.

I picked up two daggers and slid them into my boot. Just as we were sliding the weapons vault back in place, a small sniffling sounded behind me. As I turned around, I saw Lakens small body in the doorway. His hair was ruffled from his time spent asleep and I couldn't help but wonder how he knew I was here. Normally, I would be in the piano room. Tears dripped from his eyes and onto the floor.

"Why do you have to go?" He whimpered running into my arms.

"Shh baby, its okay." I cooed as I bent down to the floor, allowing my brother to sit on my lap. I gently rocked back and forth, my hand playing with his soft hair as I tried to sooth him.

"I don't want you to go."

"I know baby." I whispered as I rested my chin on his head. As hard as it was going to be to leave Laken, this was something I had to do. I had to make up for my mistakes. I knew Laken would be safe here at the Institute, with Tyler. I knew they would protect him, no matter what happened to me. "I'll be back soon."

"I don't- want you t-to be hurt...l-like before." Laken said between his tears. This only made me caress him harder. I needed Laken to be okay before I left. I needed him to know that I loved him and only ever wanted to protect him.

"Shh shh...I know baby." I whispered into his ear. I knew this was hard for him. I was the only family he had left. If something happened to me, he didn't have anyone. Laken pulls away from my grasp looking at me with his bright blue eyes, which are filled with tears. I brushed my thumb over his tears offering him a small, reassuring smile.

"Do you mind if I?" Banks' voice asked over my shoulder. I nodded slowly, intrigued as to what he wanted to say to Laken. Banks knelt down beside us smiling slighting at my brother. "Hey Lake, can I tell you something?"

Laken nodded, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He looked at Banks curiously. He was almost as intrigued as I am.

"I'm going to make sure your sister comes back safe, okay?"

My brother nodded again.

"I promise you that." Banks stood up holding his hand. "Come here I want to show you something."

I watched as Laken grabbed Banks' hand and he led him into the pit. I'm going to make sure your sister comes back safe...I promise you that... I sighed. I wished that was the truth. But the truth was, there was no way he could promise that.

"Any time you miss you sister, look at this map, and you'll see us. Okay?" Banks voice carried into the weapons room. A moment later, they walked back into the room. Laken's tears had dried, and he had a small smile plastered on his face. That was all I needed to see to know that my brother was going to be okay. Whatever map Banks showed him seemed to cheer him up. Laken wrapped his arms around my waist once more, squeezing tight.

"You have to come back." He mumbled into my stomach.

I nodded, holding Lakens head close to me. I didn't want my last words to him to be a lie, so I opted to say nothing. Laken didn't seem to notice though. After a few seconds, he pulled away.

"I love you Kya." He said, sincerely.

"I love you too, Ducky." I responded as I brushed his sandy hair away from his eyes, allowing me one last look. He's going to be okay. Laken is going to be okay. I told myself over and over, trying to make myself believe my words. In this moment, that was all I cared about. I felt a slight tug on my elbow drawing my attention away from Laken.

"We need to go." Banks said, a look of determination written across his face. I took a deep breath, forcing myself away from my little brother as I followed Banks to the garage.

He's going to be okay. Laken is going to be okay.