CLOUD 9INE (OG)

6

"This test is simple. If you have a pure soul, you get to stay," said Rob over the loudspeaker. "Well maybe now it's not so simple, because of that weird girl."

The small crowd of 100 stared at him blankly. Ava inspected Evyn's new hands, and Tetra shivered in Lo's arms.

"Okay, starting up the tracker now." A low hum was heard.

Nothing happened for a few minutes, but then one by one, people began to simply evaporate. Tetra and her friends stared at Evyn, seeing if she would disappear or not. When the dust settled, only 25 people were left standing, Tetra and friends included. Rob was amazed and pulled out his clipboard. "So, she has a pure soul, interesting. Well, you remaining survivors, you get to stay in Cloud 9. Thank you for participating and thank you for your service. You may exit that away." He pointed at a door that appeared with his pen. The last survivors began rushing to leave the arena, nearly clambering over each other. Tetra and the rest were about to go with them, but Evyn warned them. "Don't go in that door. Something feels off about it."

When the last participant, minus Tetra and her friends, got through the door, the door collapsed in on itself. Another of Rob's signature smiles crossed his face.

"Looks like you passed the test," he said in a low voice. "I don't know how you did, but you beat me. So, I will let you go." With a wave of his hand, they all poofed to the outside of the arena, away from the crowds.

Ava collapsed because she'd been separated from Evyn. Rich fell into Tetra but got up hastily and was blushing.

What's his deal?

Tetra just stared into Lo's eyes. He had kissed her before. What if he was willing to do it again?

"Guys?" Evyn said. Everyone turned to her. The crimson color had traveled up to her biceps and the purple color was halfway up her long hair. "What's happening to me?" "We don't know yet," said Rich. "But we'll find out."

Tetra said, "We? Dude, we just met you."

"Tetra, be nice. He wants to help," said Lo. Tetra remained quiet for fear of disappointing him further.

Rich peered at Evyn's hands, which appeared to be gaining a black tattoo pattern on top of her now red skin. He felt them and her new nails as well.

"Her skin feels firmer, and her nails aren't really nails anymore. More like...claws." Evyn sighed. "I must be cursed."

Ava rubbed her arm. "You still feel like you. Even if you are cursed, you're still our Evyn." Tetra and Lo nodded in agreement.

"Thanks guys. What do we do now?" Evyn looked at the crowd. Her purple eyes flashed brighter. "All those people will suffer just as we will. And they don't have me for the final trap." Lo looked to the sky dramatically. "We save them. Stop Rob, and free Cloud 9."