Chapter Nine

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CLARA

Clarisse Cendure had no idea why she had this mission. She was only a minor in the Crossbones, and way too young for something important like this. So why had they sent her to do this? She looked back at Axis in the backseat of her car. He was sprawled all over the leather seat, a tangle of arms and legs. She smiled, and went back to the road.

One thing that didn't make sense to her in the world. They still had cars. Cars were invented so long ago, when the mortals still thought they were just mortals. She loved history, and the Crossbones specialized her in that.

The mortals had never realized what they could do. They tested for it, but only with machines that couldn't see the magical mana. Machines that were not made by fairies, so how could they see their own magic? The fairies had blessed them with their machines and by then, there was war. Humans were cocky that they had this much power. And it ruined the world.

The fairies had been sent to a cage, a cage of otherworldly magic. And they were trapped there. The mortals could only pray to them for their help, but the fairies were harsh now. They regretted their blessings and only gave them out to the pure. It was the mortals' fault they were trapped. And only a special one could free them. And the Crossbones were looking for the one. They were also against the royalty government, their monarchy. The world was blinded by Ashton's rule, so they never outbursted or rebelled. Those who wanted to went to the Crossbones.

When the destination was close, Clara parked. She carried Axis out, and he was too heavy. She let him lay on the ground for a second. Whew, she would need help.

She looked around for the steps. She had been a Crossbone for only about three months, and she hadn't gotten used to the secret entrance yet. There! She lifted a fat log, and uncovered the steps of the entrance. They led downwards, downwards to the base.

She went down and when she got to the bottom, she saw the whole base. It was dug out, and chests aligned the outline. A path led to the greenhouse, and another led to the bunks, where all of the Crossbones slept. Weapons were thrown into the chests, and armor as well. It was home now.

She had expected the Crossbones to have a much bigger base, to have a whole armory, to have a den for dragons, but no. It was just this, a medium-sized underground base.

At the bunks, the girls and boys were separated. She went to the girls, and found Kecia sleeping on one of the mattresses.

She shook Kecy's shoulder, and the girl murmured something unintelligible. "What?" she mumbled.

Clara held back a snicker. "Come. I need help with something."

Kecia grumbled and rolled off of the mattress. The impact made a loud noise, but she got up and followed Clara.

Axis was still there, the sleeping injection still in effect. Kecia shook her head and rubbed her eyes. "Am I dreaming or is that the king's son?"

"It's him," Clara answered, grabbing his legs while her best friend grabbed his shoulders.

"He's better looking in person," she said. She lifted him up and grunted. "And heavier too."

They carried him down the stairs and let him lay on the floor. Kecia wiped her forehead and sighed. "What now?"

Clara looked at her. "We wait until morning."

***

Avril woke up, and the sun leaked through her window, causing her to squint. She yawned, and got out of bed.

As her feet hit the cold floor, she realized that Axis was gone.

He always woke later than her, and she always had to wake him up. It was almost like a tradition and now Axis wasn't here.

He had been doing very suspicious things; acting quiet, not telling her anything. He had something going on that he didn't want to tell his own twin. What was that important? What was do important that their relationship wasn't worth it?

They knew each other inside out. And Avril had followed him one day, and she found him talking to an older man. She couldn't tell who it was, but she knew he was doing something bad.

She had to find him.

Avril cleaned up and got dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and a tight skirt. She wrapped around a belt around her thigh and stuck a blade in it where her skirt hid it, just in case she had I defend herself. Her elemental powers weren't strong enough.

The Tournament was in three days. She was sure she was going to die, but she didn't care. Only one could win in the Tournament, and she wanted it to be Axis. She wasn't important. No one knew her like they did him; he had a reputation. She had nothing.

And... she wanted to see Dargo again. If only.

She went out into the woods, and followed a slight path that led to the flat fields where she saw Axis talking with the man. He wasn't here, and it was oddly quiet.

And then, she heard something. Hooves, stomps, neighs of stallions. She saw the bright colors of black and red, and men that had swords on their backs. What was the Guard doing here?

There was Gordan Morales, Captain of the Guard and several dozen men behind him.

"Secure the perimeter. Check for the boy and the man," he said.

After a while of searching, they gave up. "Smart," Morales said. "They're gone now. Let's go."

They rode off, and the galloping faded away. What was that? Why were they searching for Axis and the man he was talking to? Axis must be in danger. Then why wouldn't he tell his own sister?

She went out into the fields. There was nothing there. Nothing at all, no clues that she could use that would hint that he was here, or where he went.

A moment later, she heard a sniffle. A man with salt and pepper hair walked through the leaves and into the fields. He looked up at Avril, surprised, and then curious.

"Axis's sister?" he said, but not really asking the question since he knew already.

"Who are you?"

"Rastiv, you may call me. But I am known as the Mages Sir."

She realized it now; but he was so cleaned up, much more now. His dirty rags of robes were gone and he wore a nice black shirt and pants.

"What are you doing with my brother?" She asked, trying to sound intimidating.

"Training."

She summoned a fireball in her hand. "Tell me the truth."

The man chuckled and raised his hand. The fire extinguished, and she stood there in shock. Would he really kill her? He was much more powerful than her, that was for sure.

"It is the truth. No need to get feisty now."

"Where is he?" She demanded.

"He's supposed to be here. He's probably late as always."

"He wasn't home."

Rastiv raised his eyebrows. "Oh?"

"Yes."

Rastiv went silent, and his eyes widened. "No."

"What?"

"My boy, he's-"

"What?" Avril screamed.

"I'm afraid he's in great danger."

A/N

It's back! I'm back on a roll with this again (I think). So hope you still enjoy this book. Feel free to go over it if you want. I did, lol.

So thanks again. Have a great day, afternoon, night, whatever! Just do it!

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