by C. J. Lloyd
He nodded. “I’m good. I’m good,” he said, digging his fingers through his thick hair. “Yo, I gotta walk. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Enzo darted off down one of the corridors, slinging flames at a few candles until there was enough light to brighten his path.
Elric didn’t say a word. He had never seen Enzo that way before, and to be honest, he didn’t think Enzo had shown anyone that side of him, not in a while anyway.
Elric threw his head back, wondering if they had moved too quickly, but NATO was such low-hanging fruit, he couldn’t let the opportunity slide.
“How much do you know about Enzo’s past?” Rai asked.
Elric shrugged. “About as much as I know about yours, I guess.”
“Well, that’s not fair.”
“What’s there to be fair about? It’s not like I asked. I’ve told both of you everything about me; there’s nothing to hide. If you two have things buried that you want to keep buried, well, let sleeping dogs lie.”
“I see.” Rai stepped beside him. “Well, do you want to know?”
Elric moved to a crevice in the cave wall that had been dug out and smoothed over and plopped inside comfortably. Rai took a seat on the floor, leaning against the wall beside him. For a long while, they were both silent. Maybe she was second-guessing her decision to talk about her past, or maybe it was more painful than she cared to dig up. Regardless, it was her choice.
“That picture you guys saw of me,” Rai began, “was a high school photo.” She pulled one of her blue strands back from her face. “Those days seem impossible in comparison to where I am now. My mother and I went from shelter to shelter in Detroit; we did that until I was about fourteen, I think.”
“You were born in the US?” Elric asked.
She nodded. “Mom went to the US government and told them she was the Water Titan. They offered her a home and a life away from Japan.”
“And she bought it?” Elric pursed his lips.
“She didn’t have a choice. It was that or have me in Japan where my dad would’ve used me as a weapon. He pretty much did anyway.” Rai arched a brow. “So, Mom, as slithery as she was, gave birth to me in the US, making me a citizen, and then left the hospital so nobody could track us. What the Feds didn’t realize was my mom had a duffle bag full of money that she yanked from one of my dad’s safe houses, and we lived off that sparingly until the day she died.”
Elric thought about the picture of the girl who looked like she had been over life. Eyes sagging, hair unkempt, and a face long with hopelessness. He wondered if he looked like that back in high school. “Did you have any friends or family here?”
“My mom met an elderly couple who I thought were my aunt and uncle. They took care of her and me when we had to hide out, and Mom paid them to watch over the stash of money and keep us in the underground. They were the reason we were able to hop from shelter to shelter without anyone being suspicious for fourteen years.”
Elric’s eyes widened. “Sounds like life wasn’t too bad, duffle bag girl.”
Rai hacked a laugh, wrapping her arms around her knees and tucking them closer. “I was bullied a lot, and then when I finally thought a boy was interested in me … he tried to …” She hesitated for a moment, and Elric watched her eyes drift to the ceiling. “Let’s just say I discovered my powers in a bloody way.”
“What happened?”
She swallowed, rocking back and forth as she wiped her face.
“Now I’m a mess like Enzo.” She sniffed hard.
Elric caught the glimmer of her watery eyes beneath the cave torches.
“He hit me and tried to force himself on me. I was fourteen, not even a hundred pounds soaking wet. He was a college student from a wealthy family. From what I remember, he volunteered a lot at the shelter for points toward his degree. So … Mizuchi grabbed the wheel, and we killed him. Left his body in the boiler room of the shelter. I ran and told my mom. She didn’t bat an eye. I thought she figured I was insane. Instead, she packed our bags, and we headed to another shelter.”
Elric watched her posture, submissive, or maybe just comfortable and relaxed? Either way, that murderous intent and ruthless savageness behind Rai’s gothic punk exterior had fallen. She’d exposed herself and to no one but Elric.
Why would she think he’d care? Someone who destroyed cities, killed hundreds, and planned to kill more for a goal that wasn’t truly hers? Why would she tell him? Or the better question was why deep down in his core was there sorrow for her? Sympathy?
“My life changed from that moment forward,” she went on. “I thought it would get easier, you know? A girl with the power to control water. I thought I could be some kind of superhero, maybe. What kind of crazy bull is that, right? Instead, things went from bad to worse. Mom was killed by some dirty cops that were part of an underground human trafficking ring, all kinds of crazy shit …” Rai looked up with tears shimmering down her glowing eyes and gave Elric a nod. “They tried to kill me too, but they didn’t know .… I killed over a dozen people that night. Thirty, maybe forty.”
Elric’s head smacked against the cave wall as he contemplated her childhood experiences. He thought he had it bad, but it sounded like Rai had him beat. “How did you end up in Japan?”
She flipped her hair back, revealing black streaks of running mascara. But she regained some attitude in her voice. “On my delightful path for revenge, I found out the human trafficking ring had ties with the Yakuza, so I grabbed the rest of the money my mom had, smuggled my way onto a ship run by said Yakuza, and … I guess I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.”
The word sorry almost left Elric’s lips, but it would’ve been fruitless and bitter to a girl who had survived such atrocities. He could tell by the way her thin pale frame shivered beneath the crackling flames that there was so much more she hadn’t said. But he knew now why she was with him, why she accepted his goal no matter how much damage was caused.
In those sorrowful red eyes glistening with the powers of her Deva, Rai wanted change more than anyone. Not revenge, not power. Just change. She placed her chin on her knees, pulling her hoodie sleeves over her fingers.
A sickening warmth pulsed from within him. Why do I feel sorry for her? It was that boy in the light. That boy deep within him— his humanity or whatever. His fists shook with anger. He wished he could avenge her. He wrapped his fingers around his wrist and dug into the skin. Stop it. Stop this nonsense!
He rose from the crevice, going deeper into the shadows so she couldn’t see his face. “Rai, we’re going to change everything. You understand? We’re going to create a world where things like that will never happen again. I promise.”
She cleared her throat. “I know we will. And thank you. You’re the first person I’ve ever told that much to. I don’t want your sympathy. I just wanted you to know me, I guess,” she said with a raspy voice.
Elric turned and stalked down the corridor, fighting his inner turmoil with all his might. That cursed last glimpse of light he thought had been snuffed out when his father was killed. But there it was deep inside like a rattling gate, scraping back and forth against the inner foundation of his darkness.
Chapter 8
No Strings
Elric stared into the ceiling of the cave for hours as he fought the urge to sleep. He missed the bedroom in Villa Verde; the cave bedroom he’d created couldn’t compete. Maybe it was the stale, mildewed air or the constant darkness that he’d grown tired of. Regardless, it was irritating. He needed a clear head to think his plans through.
His new world was at a fingertip’s length, and he was well prepared for the fruit that it would bear. The Titans would shoulder the hatred of billions and destroy millions, but it would all be worth it for this new world. He was starving for it. Yearning. He could taste the juicy sweetness of peace, the land of milk and honey. He could see children playing without fear of war. Men and women from all walks of life treated equally, working side by side aiming to make t
hings better. Everyone at peace. And if anyone went outside the realms of this peace, the gods of the new world would rain judgment.
A cold draft flurried about the room. He rolled his eyes at the familiar presence as Calamity began to rise from the floor of his bedroom. She glanced upon him and strolled to the foot of his bed.
“The deed is done; I dropped him off at the White House. I’m sure he’s telling them everything. I hope you know what you’re asking for.”
His eyes focused on the ceiling. “When the first Dark Titan waged war against the world and the other Titans, how much mercy did he show?” Elric asked cordially.
“Well, considering he nearly destroyed all of humanity, I would say none.” Calamity took a seat on the bed.
“If the other Titans knew how destructive the darkness was, why didn’t they finish him off when they had the chance?” Elric furrowed a brow, thinking of his ancestors. “Why risk the chance of a repeat situation?”
“You really don’t understand. Just when I think you have it all together ...” She laughed, shaking her head. “Balance is what keeps the world turning. You’ve heard the saying, ‘What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?’ Right? Light and darkness can’t exist without each other, sometimes good rules and other times, darkness conquers. But in the end, the world will always self-correct.”
Elric sat up. “It all sounds like rules to me. Rules created by an unforgiving world. Society is balanced by this false reality of garbage. I’m going to shatter it. I won’t make the same mistake my ancestor made. I’ll die before I give in to the light.”
“That’s what I was hoping to hear.” She stood and walked out of his room, scanning the gaping hole in the wall. “You should fix this.”
“No need. We’re moving out of the bat cave.”
“What are you talking about? You’ve been here for almost a year and a half now. Where else can you go?”
Elric gestured to the ceiling.
“There’s no way we can stay up there. Where would we go? They would find us.”
“Rai, Enzo and I were doing fine.”
She shook her head. “You were only up there for a few days, barely a week. Where up there can you possibly stay?”
Elric thought about Area Zero, the military base he annihilated after General Cloud killed his father. “That island. Seems like as good a place as any.”
“You can’t be serious? Area Zero? There’s nothing left.”
Elric folded his hands behind his head and crossed his legs with a soft exhale. “You made this cave out of nothing, right?”
“I can create a structure out of what’s left on the island. That’s not the issue. They’ll find us there, Elric. And they will bring that war to our doorstep.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.”
She glared in silence.
“They’ll attack. I’ll annihilate their forces and demoralize them,” Elric swore straight-faced. “What’s the issue?”
She leaned back, clutching her chest as she hacked out a laugh. Her cackle rippled in the darkness like the clucking of a house of hens being ravaged by a fox.
“What?”
She wiped a tear from her cheek. “You … You really are a monster.”
Elric’s dark brown eyes locked on Calamity with unassailable confidence. He earned the right to be cocky now. The boy she took advantage of to use as a pawn was now the one giving commands. Elric knew she’d make a move against him soon, and he’d be ready.
“So, back to the surface, I guess.” She shrugged, throwing her hands out. “Might as well check on your messenger. After, we’ll go to Area Zero.”
“Perfect.” Elric grabbed two hoodies and threw one over his shoulder. He made it to the gaping hole and turned to the place he considered home. The bookshelf stuffed with titles on personal growth, leadership excellence, meditation, and goal setting had kept him sane over the months, helping him to hone his focus and aspirations and utilize his gift as a Titan. They were a well-needed resource.
She watched him closely. “Was it really all that bad, Elric?”
“This place served its purpose.” The same with you, he thought.
Elric turned as they made their way to the center of the cave. The air was a mixture of humidity and frost, and in the dull light provided from the torches, he saw the fiery flashes of Enzo and Rai sparring. After everything that happened earlier, they needed to relieve some stress.
A golden glow danced about Enzo’s shoulders, his flesh and clothing unscathed by the blaze that stretched down his arms and fingers. The whites of his eyes darkened to gray as the flames consumed his pupils.
“Check this out!” Enzo shouted to Elric.
Stretching out his arm, the flames flickered to his wrist then rolled to his fingertips. Showers of red sparked, sending bursts to the ceiling, stretching into a fiery blade of blue. Hissing flames etched across his face up to his ears.
“I did it!” He gripped what must have been a flaming hilt that blazed orange while the blade burned blue.
Rai laughed. “Yeah, it took him long enough. I kept showing him how I did it with ice. I just assumed it would be the same with fire as long as he put his own spin on it. With discipline and the right amount of focus, anything’s possible. Enzo’s living proof,” she said, mocking him.
Wielding the fiery blade, Enzo didn’t take notice of Rai making fun of him. He was too excited, a complete night and day emotion compared to earlier. He plunged the blade deep into the earth and ripped it free, kicking up smoldering stone.
“I’m catching up,” Enzo said, looking up at Elric with a sliver of a grin. “Then we’ll have our rematch.”
Elric didn’t say a word, though deep within him, excitement overflowed like the flames that manifested over Enzo. He couldn’t wait for the rematch. Elric never said anything, but he always caught glimpses of Enzo out back, struggling to meditate in the grassy corner of the villa. He would walk by in the late evenings heading to his bedroom as Enzo and Rai would be out sparring. They would be out there for hours. The bright flashes from blows connecting kept Elric up on those nights.
“So, I have good news.”
Rai placed her hands on her waist, shifting her hips. “Please tell me we’re heading back to the villa?”
“Even better—”
“We’re finally heading to the condo in Italy,” Enzo jumped in before Elric could finish. “Oohhwee, Italian women are beautiful!” The flames burned even brighter over his shoulders.
“No, but we are leaving this place. For good.” Elric glared at Calamity. “She’s going to make us a new home. Beachfront property on our own island.”
Rai’s head whipped back, then her eyebrows bunched. She chewed on a fingernail. “What’s the catch?”
Allure glided down from the ceiling of the cave, her white fur vanishing beneath the black silk cloak that dragged across the floor. Pieces of her pale white flesh glistened from the guttering candles.
“What’s happening?” She stuck her nose up at Elric and looked to Calamity for answers.
“An island,” he said, ignoring her blatant disrespect. “Let’s just say it’s an inheritance of mine. We’ll make our new home there on the surface. No more caves. Might be a sad day for you, Allure, since I know how much you love the smell of sulfur, mildew, and bat shit.”
Allure grimaced, baring her fangs with a growl. “Is this a wise choice, Calamity?”
Calamity’s iridescent eyes twinkled as she shrugged. “The three of them are tired of the cave life. They’re still kids . . . even Elric. They shouldn’t be kept inside a cave their entire lives. It could stunt their growth.”
“An island? Sick!” The flames of Enzo’s eyes faded to his human dark-brown, glistening with hope and adventure. Like a child in a candy store. “This bad guy gig has way too many perks.”
“You’re an idiot. I swear .…” Rai mumbled under her breath.
“First, we’re going to check some th
ings out to see how our NATO trip played out,” Elric said, playing with a black sphere that formed in the center of his palms.
“How about we meet you on the island?” Calamity tilted her head. “Allure and I have a lot of things to move and prepare for. You three go.”
Elric glared, pondering what she was planning. “Fine.” He threw on the hoodie and pulled the hood over his face. Rai and Enzo followed suit. “We’re leaving.”
The dull glow of the candles flickered faintly in the mildew permeated cave. Sinking below the surface, Elric kept his eyes on the ceiling, waiting to rise in the city. Soon they would have fresh air. The smell of bats, wet and foul air, and the constant dripping water would not be missed. He craved the salty air and the hissing of waves crashing at the seashore. He was a Maine boy at heart, after all.
They rose in an alley, greeted by the chaotic rhythm of people on the sidewalk. The conversations and the aggressive sound of traffic drowned out the once dribbling and foul smell of the cave. The streets of D.C. were flooded like they once were when the president made that big speech, the same speech Elric hijacked after he nearly killed Violet and the others.
Enzo looked around. “Where’s the speech going to be held?”
“After everything we’ve done, you really think they’re stupid enough to have it out in the open?” Rai asked.
She was right. Elric made a clear point to the ambassador. There was no way he’d be dumb enough to not follow through. But then again …
“Hello. Do you know when the president’s speech is expected to take place?” Rai asked a woman walking by while keeping her hood over her eyes so nobody could get a good look at her.
“Ah, yes. I believe it’s already started in the White House. But they aren’t letting anyone in unless they’re with a news broadcasting station. I guess it’s something big, though. People are filling stores, restaurants, anywhere with a television.” The woman scurried across the street.
“Well, let’s head to the White House then. No fun, no foul, right?” Enzo cracked his knuckles.
