Cataclysm

2.6

"You did what?"

I winced as Aaron shrieked. "I told you, I fought in the games. Then we ran here before I knew my old friend would betray us." I hated talking about Anna like that. She was only trying to help me. She just had the wrong idea.

"No, I mean you escaped with them? That's impossible! You're gonna be a legend!" He paused when we reached the back door to the alley. "This it? The thing you called it? Street fighters?"

"They're not street fighters. They're not on the street," I muttered, taking a deep breath. I was doing something extremely risky, and I hoped we wouldn't get caught doing it. I knocked softly on the door and stepped back, and a little panel slid open. That was new.

"What do you want?" a tired, familiar voice said, his Irish accent immediately recognizable.

"Eoin, where's Gus?" I asked.

He didn't answer. Instead, he slipped the slot shut. "Go away." His voice came muffled from behind the metal door.

"This is really important," I begged, knocking again.

"He's afraid," Aaron muttered behind me. "And angry. But mostly just sad."

"Eoin, please -"

The door burst open to reveal the fighter, fresh bruises covering his face. "Get out of here!" he shouted, pointing down the backstreet. His other arm was in a sling. "Haven't you done enough?"

"I - I don't understand." I backed up a little, my eyes wide in confusion. In addition to the purple bruises, I noticed two gashes across his cheek. One of them was still oozing blood.

"Gus is gone, alright? They took him last night. You turned him in. It's your fault he's gone!" His voice cracked and his eyes hardened. "In fact, they're still here. I should turn you in right now."

"Don't do that!" I said quickly, glancing at Aaron. "I'm sorry they took him. He revealed his Gift to save me. We'll get him back, somehow."

Eoin laughed coldly. "You barely broke out of there. There's no way you'll break back in and get back out."

"I'm sorry," I repeated, aching inside. Now Gus had to be part of their horrific games. He'd sacrificed himself to save me. "Is Varien here?"

"Yeah, upstairs. You'll be lucky to get through the hall. The Enforcers monitor this place constantly." He glanced behind him. "Wouldn't be surprised if they came right now."

"How bright is he?" I asked Aaron.

"Pretty dark, actually. Like I said, mostly just pale blues and reds," Aaron answered, shrugging. He didn't seem worried that we very well could be caught in a few minutes.

"What are you talking about?" Eoin demanded.

"You're just afraid," Aaron said softly. "You're afraid and sad, and you're not a bad person. You only care about your friend. About Gus."

"You're insane," he hissed.

"He's a Gifted - an Unnatural, too," I said. "He can see emotions and things like that. We'll tell you later. Please, I need to talk to Varien." I paused for a moment to think. "Come with us," I said softer, lowering my voice and glancing around to make sure we were alone.

"No," he said, backing up and shaking his head. He was definitely afraid now. I could see the nervous sweat on his forehead.

"It's a perfect place for you to settle down while we work things out. We'll find a way to get Gus back. I promise."