The Demons

Chapter 16

Callie
I ran and I didn't stop. I didn't know where I was going or how I was going so fast but I didn't care. As long as I can get away from those weirdos as fast as possible.

After what seemed like forever I came to an opening in the forest. I stopped to give my burning legs a break and leaned up against a tree. After catching my breath I looked around to check if I could see any way to get to the city, but all I could see were trees. I sighed in frustration and got back up to my feet. It's around noon and I have no idea where I am, I shouldn't waste too much time. I circle around to see which way I should head. I stop suddenly when I see a person standing several feet away.

A man with short blonde hair, cargo shorts and a camouflage tee shirt stands completely still, both of us keeping each other's gaze. After a few seconds he speaks.

"Hello."

"Hello."
A few more seconds of silence.

"What are you doing all alone out here?"

"Trying to find my way back to the city. What are you doing alone out here?"

He gives a small chuckle. "Honey, I'm not alone."

My breath hitches and I look around, but all I see is him and the trees, no signs of anyone else.

"I saw you using those powers. My question is why would you want to go to the city with abilities like those"

"B...because that's my home."

"Well then you should know darn well that they do not take kindly to people with your powers."

"I..." He's right. I didn't even consider what would happen when I come back as a demon. They wouldn't kill me though, I have lived in the city my whole life. They can't kill me, that would be immoral. "They wouldn't kill me, I am a loyal citizen."

"I have seen them kill people more important than you lady."

"Well...well I have no where else to go."

"Where did you come from."

"People kidnapped me from the city."

He gives me a questioning look. "I have never heard of someone being taken out of the city for not having powers."

"They said they knew me and were saving me. But I don't believe them."

"Well, I have a camp a few minutes away. We can help you, if you want."

I look around again. What other choice do I have? I don't know where I'm going, and I don't want those other people to find me again. And if they try anything I have an upper hand with my new powers. What do I have to loose?

"I would appreciate that."

"Alright, just yell if you can't keep up." And with that he dashed off into the trees like he was never there.

Well, so much for having an advantage.

Baron
"CALLIE!" I shout for the hundredth time into the never ending woods.

Talikai and I had begun to search for Callie after she left, since we could run faster, and Blair and Theo stayed behind. Not knowing which direction she went we were going in circles around the forest, and making absolutely no progress.

With the sun on the horizon we head back to the camp, both exhausted and furious.

"I can't believe you thought it would be a good idea to give her powers when she doesn't know how to use them or what to use them for!" I scream.

"We didn't have time to waste! We can't all just sit around on our butts and be love-stricken!"

I stopped and glared at him while he kept walking towards the cave.

"Well I'm sorry I have a heart and I actually know how to love and care for people!" I throw my hands in the air.

He turns and walks back towards me with hard eyes. "Just because I have goals and actually want to get stuff done does not mean I can't love people. Just because I don't trust people does not mean I didn't love someone once!"

"Really? Taking over the world is a 'goal'? Last time I checked psychopaths can't love! And who could love a monster like yourself?"

"CHILDREN!"

We both turn sharply towards the entrance of the cave to see Blair with her fists balled and Theo standing next to her with shock on his face.

"We are all tired and frustrated but if we are going to find Callie you two have to stop acting like children."

Talikai turns back to me with a smirk on his face. "We don't necessarily need Callie."

I give him a confused look and then come to the realization. "No. No, you promised to help her and bring her memory and powers back and then I would help you."

"No, when we made the agreement we didn't know she wouldn't have memories or powers. I agreed to get her out of the city, save her, and bring her back. And I did."

"Saving her consists of having her powers and memories."

His face turns hard. "Look, by now the Council will know she's missing and they will begin to stock up on guards and weapons and it will become harder to attack. We don't have time to wait for her to show up."

I stand still and look at the ground. I know what I promised, but without Callie there is no way I can succeed. But I also don't have much leverage to bargain with.

"Either you do it now, or if Callie isn't dead already I will make sure she is."

I shoot my head up and glare at his determined face. For a moment I can see regret in his expression, but when he sees me staring he goes back to stern.

"What are you guys even talking about? Baron, what did you promise him?" I look over at Theo to see his sadden and confused look. It breaks my heart, but I don't have any other choice.

"We agreed that if he helps to save Callie," I take a deep breath. "I will fulfill the prophecy for him."