The Species of Power [Draft 2]

Chapter 2

Ruth had forgotten how much she missed the Hall. The second she and Joseph arrived memories began flooding her brain, but she pushed them back. Now wasn't the time to remember.

It was a clear morning. They were in a small town outside of the city. It was quiet, with the open smell of fresh air clouding her senses. It was a welcome change from the constant smell of cigarette smoke and garbage that the city wore like rich cologne.

The Hall itself was a multilayered underground base that spanned the entire town. On the surface, its entrance was disguised as a small, unassuming old church. Ruth appreciated the irony of it.

She wasn't surprised to see nothing had changed over the months she'd been gone. The church still had the white paint chipping off the creaky old wood and magenta flowers blooming around the surrounding area. Pretty as a painting, just like it always was.

The Hall of Learning was where she—and the rest of her kind—were trained. Underneath was the Elder's Sanctuary, hidden under the many layers of the complex.

As Ruth and Joseph approached the Hall, she smiled as she saw Marsh: the Hall's entrance guard.

He looked the same with his baggy jean overalls, red plaid shirt, and his old cap that he used to cover his greying golden hair. He moved with a limp as he swept the three broken steps in front of the church door.

The steps often caused old ladies to fall and break their hips. Whenever the Humans complained about it being a safety hazard, Marsh would flash his most charming smile and promise to fix them as soon as possible . . .

That was a lie, of course. Marsh always had some excuse prepared for the Humans, and usually they didn't press the issue. It had become private joke over the years.

"How's it going, Marsh?" Ruth said with a smile, hoping she didn't sound too uneasy.

"Well, look who's here," Marsh said. "Jesus . . . how do you keep your gear with what you're wearing?"

Normally, they'd wear clothing that allowed them to blend into society as well as conceal at least one blade and two daggers on their person at all times. Today, however, Ruth and Joseph decided to only carry a shadow dagger each. It was Joseph's idea since he didn't want her fully armed in the event that she'd rage. So, they got to wear regular clothes. Ruth was happy with that aspect at least, despite the fact she felt naked without a blade on her at all times.

"We're doing things differently today," Joseph said. "Regardless, we've come back to deal with a couple of things. Shouldn't take too long."

Marsh glanced at Ruth with concern. Ruth responded by giving him a tiny smile. There was worry in her eyes. He could see it—he could always tell when she was uneasy.

"Alright, you two better behave." Marsh kept his eyes on Ruth. "You remember how to get in, right?"

Ruth bent down and pretended to tie up the laces of her boots, but revealed an ethereal dagger so Marsh could see. She tucked it back in, finished 'tying' her laces and stood. Marsh tipped his cap, and continued to sweep the steps as if he hadn't spoken to them at all. Ruth and Joseph slipped past him and went inside.

The interior of the church wasn't much; white walls, wooden benches, an isle covered with red carpet leading to the altar. Confessionals were on either side—it was a typical layout. It still amazed Ruth that the locals didn't have a clue. Of course, there was protocol in place for when the Humans started getting suspicious. But still, she was surprised that more didn't suspect the world that was hidden underneath them.

Ruth and Joseph approached a confessional and stepped in. Ruth slid her dagger from her boot and stabbed it into the wood. She pulled it down, drawing a vertical line with ease. The line lit up with a bluish silvery glow that bended the wood—drawing it open like curtains. Soon there was a large enough gap for Ruth and Joseph to climb through, to reach the hidden elevator behind. They stepped inside, and Joseph pushed a button, and with a swift movement the elevator slid down to the lower levels.