Fragments - Book One of the Missing

Chapter 36 - Taniel

Taniel paced in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the loft, gazing out over the city he once loved. Fenesere was nothing more than a place of loss for him now. He was full of energy, but had to give up on his morning workout, too distracted by his own mistakes. Counting empty buildings was not like his tiles, but it would have to do .

It was frustrating to no end for him that Rowan had such control over her gift. In one reckless move, she had learned more about the Underground than he had living there for years. It angered him beyond belief that she had such little regard for her own life. She drove him crazy.

Taniel's own gift paled in comparison. He couldn't control the dreams, and if he could they would still probably all be of her. All the ways he could, or more accurately couldn't, protect her; how to save her sister; the ways she may forgive him.

Of course she hated him now. It was fitting, really, considering he hated himself. She called him selfish, and he knew he deserved it. She was right. How could he have been so focused on his own relationships that he ignored exactly what those he cared about needed?

After Rowan returned, her eyes held the first, albeit faint, spark of hope he had seen in recent days. It was enough to convince Scooter to hop on board with whatever outrageous plan she had schemed up for them. And what was Taniel to do? Of course he was doomed to follow her anywhere.

Scooter had proven himself time and time again. He had stolen for them, kidnapped Twitch for interrogation, and was more than willing to get dragged into a war with a powerful criminal organization, vigilantes and a lunatic leader. And now he was keeping Rowan afloat.

Taniel stole a glance at Rowan, sitting and talking easily with Scooter. She had no reason to laugh, but she looked lighter, freer talking to him. Taniel stared at them, unwilling to tear his eyes away. It wasn't the first time he wondered if she knew how much he cared for her.

Watching the two of them together was too much for him. He walked over and clapped his hand on Scooter's shoulder, exerting pressure as if to say 'Back off.'

"Rowan, I have an idea to help with your training. Want to come with?" The lie was weak. Taniel feared she could see right through him.

She glanced back at Scooter and shrugged.

"Get some supplies on the way back," Scooter called after us. "I'm tired of keeping this household afloat... And we need more flashlights!" After a moments pause he added, "And techie things for me, any weapons for you. Rowan has her hands." He winked at her, and Taniel felt an irrational pang of anger.

But then again, she would probably be happier with someone that light-spirited. Everything Taniel was, where he came from, what he has done made him so dark and cryptic. He pushed his feelings away and forced a smile.

"Ready to go, slowpoke?" She smiled and Taniel's no longer felt so forced.

****

Instead of leading them down to the street, Taniel turned up the stairs. He didn't turn to see if she was following. He knew she was still upset, but he didn't know how to make amends unless he showed her.

He pushed open the door to the roof and held it open for her before letting it clang back against the steel frame. He turned to face her on the roof, aware the surrounding buildings were empty.

"What are we doing up here?"

"Training." He took a deep breath. "I want you to try to fight me. I want to make sure you can defend yourself."

"You saw me at Hamza's. You know I can take care of myself."

"Humor me." His uneasy smile melted and his eyes narrowed on her. "Hit me like you mean it."