See You Yesterday

Chapter 19: Elvin

'Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong.'- Sarah Dessen.
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He is exactly where I thought he would be, and he is in exactly the same mood he is always in.

"I saw what you did the other day, Elvin," says a boy with a smooth voice standing in front of me, his back turned.

He spins around and I see him, faeries being the only ones that can.

Ally is tall with brown hair and blue eyes, clothed in periwinkle robes. He has no real hands anymore, only metal ones that clink and click every time he moves.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I reply with confidence.

"I think you do," he sneers. "Do not think for a second that I was not watching. You woke me when you dragged him through here the other night."

I sigh. "I did what needed to be done. All I do is for her."

"To fall in love is to drive a man out of his mind," Ally replies. "In love you may be, but love doesn't cover up guilt."

"You really need to be more specific, Ally," I snap.

"Love doesn't undo what Zanna did!" He yells. "Love doesn't show everyone the secret you've kept, the secret that could save us all!" He cries. "Love will never stop criminals."

"May I remind you that we are the ones that are hiding you in this pod with our own magic, which in itself is also a crime. Treason, Ally."

He doesn't reply because he knows I'm right.

He hides himself, and we help, ever since his powers were stolen and ever since the rebellion. He's in his own bitter, little bubble now, but in his time, before he was Ally, we respected him a lot.

"I am sorry," he eventually whispers. "My morals are fighting against each other. I have been feeling conflicted ever since that boy arrived."

"Charlie?" I ask him.

"Yes. Charles has managed to cause the first mutinous act since the rebellion. If I'd known one boy could scare people that easily, I'd have considered different attack methods in my time," Ally tells me.

"Yes, but Alexander has always feared the unknown. What if they find out what we know? Zanna will be banished, I will be imprisoned, and you will most likely be executed, Ally. You are the biggest criminal here."

"If he finds out. He hasn't; and he won't," Ally assures me.

"Zanna has been trying to get into contact with Leonardo," I admit to him.

His blue eyes widen and he shakes his head in disbelief. "I do not believe that. She would not put us at such a risk. Any contact with that man could give away everything we've been trying to hide."

I nod my head. "Well she has. She's always had a soft spot for children."

He raises an eyebrow. "Not so much like you, is she?"

"I told you," I snap, "I did it for her. It was necessary to keep her secret, and I will continue to keep her secret, and you will as well."

"This is all my fault," Ally whispers.

"It is," I admit. "But fault and blame don't matter anymore. What matters is secrets and being smart enough to be able to keep them."

"What does Zanna want with Leonardo?" He asks me.

I inhale, then exhale deeply. "What do you think?"

"No... She can't " Ally breathes.

"Yes," I confirm. "Exactly."

"Why?" He demands.

"Why else?" I answer. "A child who wants revenge is like a cub learning to hunt. They won't stop until they find some solace or get something real and rewarding out of what they're doing."

"And what kind of a man is Leonardo now?" Ally questions.

"I'd assume he's still a great one. But it'd probably be best if you stay hidden, in case he's the lion."