by L J Branch
* * *
Mages’ Circle, Inner Circle
“To think we were led astray and lost not just one but two members of our inner circle. June’s replacement has been chosen, but what about August? That position has always been a symbol of hope for the Circle, but after this…” a man garbed in a white cloak trailed off uneasily.
“It can still be such a symbol, Rhagfyr. What our people need now is a new champion, a reminder of the light that can come from the darkness,” Enero said before he turned to Xavier as the other nine Arch-Mages looked down upon him. “That is if you’re up for such a task?”
“I am.”
“Then come, take your position amongst us,” Enero said with a smile. “You are young but your power is great and there is much we can teach you,” Enero said as a silver light shone beneath Xavier’s feet. “Welcome to the inner circle, Xavier…or should I say, August?”
“Personally, I prefer Agosto,” the new Arch-Mage said using his native tongue as Enero smiled in response.
* * *
Moscow, Drakenova Corp.
“It seems that August failed his mission, defeated by the same ones that killed your father, Alexie,” an older well-dressed man said as he stood in front of a desk, his crimson eyes piercing the darkness of the office. On his neck was a crimson heart shaped tattoo with the letter “K” inside of it.
“That weakling was no father of mine. He simply donated his venom, nothing more and nothing less,” a woman responded as the chair that was facing the window turned to face him. In the chair sat a blonde woman wearing a pair of round framed sunglasses. The crimson lenses seemed to shine in the darkness. On her neck was a red heart shaped tattoo that had the letter “Q” inside of it. The woman smiled at her companion, her white fangs seemed to glimmer in the moonlight as she swirled a wine glass filled with a dark red liquid in her hand. “August’s failure was to also be expected, but to think some first-year thieves had a part in it. Perhaps the Guild truly has gotten less pathetic since I left?” the woman mused. “Has Morgana been informed of her son’s failure?”
“Yes, but she doesn’t care. She’s more interested in your project.”
“And for a good reason. For too long the Black Moon has depended on ancient weapons and myths,” the woman said with a scoff. “So, distracted by them, they ignored the perfectly capable tools that the civilians leave hanging around. Speaking of which, were you able to salvage the program?”
“I was,” The man said as he placed a phone on the desk. Soon the screen turned on as a golden “A” appeared.
“Perfect, Morgana will be most pleased. This year will prove to be very interesting, won’t it?” the woman asked as she pocketed the phone.
“It will indeed, Elizabeth.”
* * *
“Road trip!” Kat said with a cheer as they climbed into the car. “I can’t believe you kept this baby in such good condition!” Kat said as she laid across the dashboard and rubbed her hand against it affectionately. “There, there, mama missed you. I’m never leaving you again,” Kat whispered and Alice could swear she saw a tear or two.
“Honestly,” Diamond said with a shake of her head as Jack climbed into the back with her. “So, you wanted to be in charge of this since we’re on a break, where are we headed?”
“Where aren’t we is a better question,” Kat said with a grin. “We’re thieves, we’re supposed to be traveling yet we got stuck in Cali for how long? I’m stir crazy, Diamond!”
“Just remember, you promised to show me as many lights as possible,” Alice said and Kat grinned in response before she moved closer to Alice.
“And I plan to,” Kat said before she claimed Alice’s lips for her own while Jack groaned good-naturedly.
“As much as one can enjoy this sight, please don’t tell me this is going to be the whole trip,” Jack complained.
“Hey, bite me, I’m making up for lost time,” Kat said as she flipped him off before she started the car. “You should do the same, I mean it’s just your band here, no point in trying to be professional on break. Indulge yourself a little, we’re off the clock!” Kat pointed out and before Jack could say anything, a hand grabbed him by his collar. Jack’s eyes widened as he found himself being pulled down and kissed by Diamond. The moment their lips met, his mind seemed to explode with a pleasure that seemed to last an eternity. That said, it was gone all too soon. When they broke apart, Jack looked at Diamond incredulously.
“What? What happened to-” Jack was cut off when she placed a finger on his lips.
“Jack, just shut up and let me have this,” Diamond said as Kat and Alice smirked as they drove.
“Jack?” Jack said, not used to being call by his first name by Diamond. He looked at her with an amused smile as she rolled her golden eyes.
“We’re on break, right?” Diamond asked rhetorically. “There’s no need for professionalism amongst friends if there is no job to be completed.”
“I can work with that,” Jack said before he kissed Diamond once more. As they left the city, Alice received a text from Eric.
Eric: Hey out of town visiting my girl.
Eric: We’ll have to communicate overseas to coordinate our next moves.
Eric: Also, before I forget, my girl says hi.
“No way,” Alice said breathlessly as she saw a picture attached to the last message. When they stopped at a red light, she showed her bandmates her phone. Kat and Jack laughed loudly as Diamond’s eyes widened. The picture showed a happy Eric with his arm around a smirking blonde woman who was all too familiar. Diamond just shook her head as she realized that perhaps she and Dominique had a lot more to catch up on than she realized.
“Looks like we’re heading to France at some point,” Kat said and they all agreed. It was then Kat frowned when she saw a few air-shuttles flying overhead. “Fuck it,” Kat said suddenly. The tone in her voice filled her friends with dread as they saw a grin on her face. Alice felt the blood drain from her face when she saw Kat’s hand reach for a button it had no business going near.
“Kitten, don’t-” Alice was cut off when Kat pressed the button. Kat’s grin widened as the car suddenly began to hover off of the streets, its wheels folding within the body of the vehicle. Diamond grimaced while Jack and Alice shouted in fear when the vehicle suddenly took off and raced high into the skies. Kat laughed as she shouted that they’d reach their next destination in no time. It was then that despite Kat’s words, and current feelings of terror, Alice realized she didn’t care that much about the destination. Because as long as she was with them, she felt complete. She had friends, a family, and love thanks to them. She had become a far stronger person than she thought she was capable of and lived a life that was far beyond her wildest imagination. No, she realized, where they ended up didn’t matter because the only thing that she needed was their presence.
End.
