The Darkest Souls

The Fourth Chapter: Traitor

Michael dragged me up the stairway and pushed me into my room. "Go grab your bag of stuff. We're leaving."

"NOW!?" I yelled back.

"YES. Now. There isn't any other time that could possibly work," Michael said, "My mother is in her room sick, and my father is away.

"I guess so..." I replied. Michael nodded at me with a know-it-all expression, and turned, hurrying, down the hallway.

I walked across the room and picked up my stuff. I felt awkward having such a small amount of stuff to carry along, but I guess it was everything I needed. I exited the room and shut the door calmly behind myself.  My heart jumped and my eyes widened as Theo surprised me by walking out of the door across from me the minute I turned around. "Theo," I started.

"Don't go off about it Lacey. Michael is a moody brother. It isn't he who should be blamed. It's Dad who should be blamed. He made Michael the way he is anyways," Theo interrupted.

His dad huh? I guess that's why Michael was in such a hurry to leave. Because his dad was gone, which meant he could get away easier. I guess without as much guilt too.

"Lacey come on let's leave-," Michael started before he saw that Theo was standing in the hallway.

"LEAVE?" Theo questioned wildly, "Where are you two going!?"

Michael pounded his fist against the wall and glared at the ground. "Just keep quiet Theo. It's none of your business."

"Yes. It is," Theo replied stubbornly.

Michael groaned angrily. "We're going to find a group of people who are with World. Come with us and don't make a single objection."

Theo's eyes shined. "World! Michael... are you serious? Maybe you're not such a lazy jerk after all..."

"Lazy, and a jerk?" I repeated. "You sound smart kid."

Michael sighed in resignation and pulled the both of us down the stairway.Our feet hit the ground loud, and carelessly. I worried that their mother would hear, but apparently they weren't worried so I supposed I didn't need to either.

Theo ran ahead of Michael and I to open the front door, and I saw streets thick with buildings. I was glad I wasn't claustrophobic. There was hardly any space to move between people on the narrow sidewalk.  

Theo walked beside me as we followed Michael down the street. He looked around uncomfortably. I guessed he was scared. He had every right to be. One minute safe in your home, the next minute leaving because your older brother was going to drag  you along to a group of people whom your father considered enemies.  

"Wait," I said, as I stopped in the middle of a step, "How do you know where we are going, Michael?"Theo grabbed my hand and tugged me until I started walking again.

 "I've been there before," Michael answered, "It was a while back in time, but I know where it is. I helped lead- well... I participated in a raid against the World follower's base here in Washington before. We didn't do any damage. We couldn't... They have strong defenses, and we didn't want to get a headline on the newspaper. Who knows what the president would have done if he had found out about an active attack."

"Why wouldn't they have moved locations?" I asked Michael.

 "Because there isn't anywhere better," he replied matter-of-factly.

"Nowhere at all," Theo interjected.

Michael sighed, "Like you would know?"

"Of course," Theo responded.

"Just-," Michael started.

"Shut it up you two. How far away is it?" I interrupted.

Michael raised his eyebrows at my comment. "About twelve minutes if we walk," he replied, "Which we are."

"How do we get in?" Theo asked.

"First we get captured, then we explain our reason for being there. It's quite simple really," Michael answered coolly.

"Will they kill us?" I asked.

"No. They shouldn't at least. As long as they see you first. They'll know who you are. The girl who came to fetch you, Perry, she'll recognize you as well," Michael said.

"Alright."

We continued down random streets in silence. Everything got less crowded, and the building seemed to become more broken down looking. I felt uneasy in a setting like the one I was in, but I didn't really see how things could go too badly.

 I stared at the sky, it was turning a dark blue, and even the moon looked blue. I imagined light shining from the stars down onto the broken road, shimmering against my dress, and engulfing me into the light. I concentrated on Michael who was still walking casually in front of me and I tried to find his soul. I focused on its pounding as it rhythmically beat with his heart.

"What are the people like where we are going?" Theo questioned randomly.

"Enough questions children. I'm not a search engine. I'm a human being," Michael said sarcastically.

"I wish. You're more like a monster. You've got dark magic after all," Theo chimed.

Michael smirked. "Yeah right. It's not magic. It's genetic overdevelopment. Lacey's got it too, so unless you're calling her a monster I'd shut up. Between the three of us, you're the odd one out who can't do anything interesting."

"Michael... isn't that a bit rude?" I replied softly.

Theo snorted. "I'm a perfect child. Mom says so too. At least I didn't almost kill her when I was young because I couldn't control myself."

"You still are young Theo," I muttered.

 He stuck his tongue out. "That depends on whose perspective it is."

"I never got close to killing her Theo," Michael said with an annoyed ring to his tone, "That was somebody else."

"Well Lacey didn't know that..." Theo said.

"Yeah. And you wanted her to think I was some messed up human?" Michael ranted.

"I guess so. I think she already does," Theo replied cheerily.

I sighed, "No I don't. Now shut up again until you're all done arguing. I don't think I can bear twelve minutes of this."

"We're here already. You don't have to worry about your precious twelve minutes anymore alright?" Michael offered.

I looked around and tried to notice something that I had missed. Nothing looked incredible or anything. Everything just looked abandoned. There was a gate in front of me that towered, and some buildings behind, but that had stretched out for quite a bit. I didn't realize that the place would be so large.  I walked up and pressed my hands against the gait.

A crowd of people started running towards us. I felt completely calm. I was glad we had made it here, and I was glad Theo got to come as well. I anticipated seeing what life would be like now that I had finally reunited with people all going for the same achievement. I hoped it would be good. Maybe I would be able to go back to get Ellen as well. I sure wasn't going to just leave her alone like this. She would need to see this too. If anything I at least wanted a good parting with her. I do not think a simple note was that great of a farewell.  

The people held various weapons in their hands. Their expressions showed unspoken questions and fears. They stared at us impatiently.  "What is your business here?"