The Zodiac War

Chapter 10

  The sun was in the process of setting over the horizon. The ceremony would begin soon, meaning the kids would have their chance to see Elizabeth one last time. The group drove the limousine, hoping to get there in time.

  "Daughter, stand up straight. Good posture is a sign of a good leader," Iona directed at her daughter, adjusting Elizabeth's stance. Iona was a petite woman, neat and tidy, too. Elizabeth was an exact replica of her mother, both women blonde with chocolate brown eyes and beige skin.

"Yes, mother," Elizabeth sighed, downhearted.

"Yes, what?"

Elizabeth sighed even louder. "Yes, ma'am."

Iona smiled proudly, studying her daughter. "You will be an amazing leader."

"Thank you, Mama."

"It is almost show time!" Iona sung cheerfully. "Are you not excited?"

Elizabeth shrugged, glancing down somberly. "Not really, no."

Iona didn't hear her for the ceremony had started. "Welcome, everyone, to the opening of Little Stars Orphan Home!" The people in attendance cheered and cameras flashed, making Iona grin with delight. She covered the microphone for a second just to tell her daughter, "Can you feel the power?"

-=+=-

The group arrived about five minutes after it had begun. Chase parked the car in the parking lot and everyone hopped out.

"I vote that Aria goes to talk to Iona," Rosalie stated.

"Why me?"

Rose pushed her forward. "Because the rest of us are too sassy and have no respect for our elders."

Aria near fell over from Rosalie's shoving, but managed to keep upright. She strutted confidently to the ceremony being held inside the orphanage. Her friends watched anxiously before heading that way.

"Mrs. Iona?" Aria began, "I would like to interview you. I'm a junior reporter."

  "Oh, wonderful! What questions do you have?"

  While Aria distracted Iona, the others snuck around to find Elizabeth. Rose spotted her and threw a pebble at her back to attract her attention.

  "Hm? Oh, fuck!" Elizabeth whispered, rushing to her friends. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

  "Well, 'hi' to you too," Blue retorted.

  "What are we, chopped liver?" Chase grumbled teasingly.

  "Hiya," Jewel saluted.

  "We feel loved," Colin remarked.

  Elizabeth shook her head vigorously, nervous. "We can't be talking anymore!"

  "Well, we just wanted to say goodbye. Was your mom hard on you?" Jessica questioned.

  The blonde sighed sadly, "Yes. But she's somewhat over it now. Being in public makes her more civilized."

  Rose asked her own question. "Do you know what happened to Jonathan?"

  "No. We were sent to our home states. Not the Capital. Although, I'd rather be punished by them than my mom."

  "Surprised they didn't eliminate you," said Wolf suddenly.

  "Same," Elizabeth agreed. "I think it's because not many people knew. Valinda only contacted our parents. I guess... she knew that our parents wouldn't want us to be eliminated."

  Rose noticed Aria looking confused and Iona beaming with excitement. The Capricorn Leader began to make her way over to Elizabeth.

  "Guys," Rose muttered urgently, pointing at Iona and shoving her friends. "We gotta go now! Glad you're ok, Elizabeth! Hope to see you again!"

-=+=-

  The group headed back to the hotel. They were relieved Elizabeth was not punished severely, but crestfallen that their adventures with her ended so soon.

  Spafina was the first to speak in the car. "Isn't our government system stupid?"

  Everyone agreed, some were strong in their opinion, others were more light about the situation. Blue, Chase, Rosalie, and Jessica were the ones who were the most annoyed with the system. They all discussed the topic for the length of the car ride.

  Upon exiting the limousine, the friend group was greeted with an elderly man wearing a suit.

  Jess and Jewel screeched, "You!"