Anger Can Make Us Do Crazy Things
Charlie Cruin:
I stood in the ashes of my office, by the center, where the oak desk had been. Flames had ravaged the walls and books, leaving behind dust and the fingerprints of a past that cannot be maintained. Though this room was almost empty, it felt fuller than it ever had. Full of memories that were now bittersweet, and made my heart feel as if it had been peeled, and wrung tight, until every last bit of joy had been squeezed from it. This, was not a good feeling.
I had Missy’s grave placed in front of my window, so that I could look out, and remember her. Remember her laugh, her smile, all of the things I have long forgotten. Things I had sworn I would never forget. It does not matter how long you stare at a tombstone. The clock does not turn back.
It took time, for me to get used to Missy being . . . gone. To having the bed all to myself, to missing her cold toes pressed against my calf while she slept. And now, as if he were taunting me as a Cruin, Jasper had done it again. He had taken from me the one person, that I love more than anything in the world.
My daughter, the little redheaded girl who I held when she was born, so small in my arms. Who begged me to buy her a pink tricycle. Who was so much like her mother, stubborn and strong, and kind. She’s dead. My daughter is dead.
My daughter is dead.
Mark my words.
That bastard will pay.
Tahlia:
I heard the cries of the wounded echoing on the walls around me. My arms were crossed against my chest, as the music of the world was blown out, and only darkness and suffering remained.
Eathan was lying on the cavern floor, his palms bloody, and the scar across his face prominent.
“Eathan” I whispered, kneeling by his side. He coughed, and the blood came into the air in a fine mist, making it look like the world had gone red, and started to bleed. The changelings would not forgive us for what we had done to them . They claim to be level headed, but I knew, even moon spirits loose control. They would retaliate.
“How is he?”
Sophie stood at the door. The princess of Spark we called her. Jaspers favorite play thing. I stiffened.
“He’s fine.” Though clearly he wasn’t.
“Let me have a look at him.” She muttered, kneeling beside me. I could tell she cared for him. Caring was something Spark Warriors could not afford to do.
“Watch your back Sophie. Jasper will get tired of you, and then where will you go? You think he’ll just let you stay with Eathan?” I looked down at Eathan's weakened state. The blood trickling on the corner of his mouth.
“He won’t be able to protect you if he’s dead.” I hissed, and turned on my heal.
Angie:
I paced the section of cavern that had been walled up in order to create a new office for Mr. Cruin.
“Angie- I’m sure this isn’t serious.” Becca murmured, putting her hand on my shoulder. Her black eyes were kind, though she was worried.
“Like hell it isn’t.” Joseph whispered. He’d gotten bolder sense the attack . Jake and Lennon leaned against the far wall. Izzo stood beside me, her red hair cropped short, and her skinny jeans torn. Beth held onto Chester’s hand as tight as she could. We could all tell she was scared. Rachel ran a hand through her blonde curls, and took a breath.
“He wouldn’t have call us here if it wasn’t serious.”
Darius entered, with Max behind him. Darius is the Warrior trainer. If he’s here, this can’t be good. Max looked me up and down, nodded once, and stood stiffly beside D.
It was then that Mr. Cruin entered. His curls looked wild, and his jeans were smudged with ashes. He’d been out there again. If we lost Mr. C, we’d lose a leader. He had to be more careful. He stood in front of us all, surveying us like we were soldiers in line for battle. Half of us carried Moon Crystal weapons. We were soldiers.
“I called you here to speak to you about the war that Spark has declared.” Everyone held their breath. So, it now it was war. We all had seen it coming, but none of us knew for sure when it was coming.
Mr. Cruin reached into his pocket, and drew out a bottle of light. He uncapped it, and spilled the contents out on the floor. A map of glittering dust appeared. The blue light cast eerie shadows on our faces.
“This is where they are hiding.” Mr. Cruin pointed at the base of our mountain, to a space of black shimmering dust.
“This is where they have hidden for months, killing us off while we hunt.” We’d lost ten lives to them in the last three months alone.
“We will retaliate. And we will push them back.” Mr. C pointed at Lennon.
“You, will lead a battalion of stealth and warriors. Take only two healers. You may choose those you wish to command.” Lennon froze.
“Max, you will take a small force of warriors, and you will force them out of the mountain. Lennon will chase them back to their hole.”
“Rachel, Izzo, Becca, you will start the construction of changeling hospitals across the globe. It has become a warzone, and we must win this war. “
“Beth, you will call on all those who have left this place, and made lives for themselves in the human world. There are changelings we will need again.”
“Jake, you will act as an insurgent, with a force of spies. Make them doubt their own warriors. That is the only way we can hope to win this.”
“Joseph, you and your brothers are skilled killers. You are now our most lethal weapons. You, and you three alone, will be charged with the task of effectively killing off leaders in the Spark ranks.”
“K-killing?” I heard myself whisper.
“This is a war Angie.” Mr. Cruin turned away from us,. The blue shadow on his back made him look darker, more sinister.
“We will have revenge.”
“Chester, you will command the planes, and prepare them for the bombing of these worms.”
And Me? What about me?
“Angie-” There was a pause. As he turned, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.
“Angie you will follow Max.” And then he turned, and went away, and the world was quiet again.
