The City

by Rachael Byrd

  "Why did you want to talk to me, Hawk?” Intrigue reclined against the cafeteria wall.

  "You're going to be Queen of the Nest."

  "You didn't seem to like Phoenyx much and she's still Queen."

  "She won't be for long, I think. That doesn't matter, though. You never betrayed us."

  "Never betrayed who?"

  "Me. Crow. Yourself. Any of us. Don't you remember?"

  "Remember what? I've never met you, Hawk. I'd never met Phoenyx before Angel brought me here."

  "Yes, you did."

  "When?"

  "Before."

  "Before what?” Intrigue snapped.

  "Before we died."

  "You mean before they bit us?"

  "No, I mean before. Before Angel used your blood to make the river glow golden. Before you committed suicide. Before Crow killed you. Before he carried you into the river so bright with life, and baptized you. Before we all drowned, before we were reborn."

  A golden river. A long, beautifully carved sword, and the most impossibly unusual handgun she'd ever seen. The pain, suddenly muted by sweet warmth. The life flooding her lungs.

  Crow.

  "I don't know what you're talking about; I've never met anyone named Crow. I've never met you and I don't know why I'm talking to you. You're drunk, Hawk. Maybe we should talk some other time."

  "After the ceremony?” His eyes glinted and Intrigue frowned.

  "Yes, since the ceremony begins in less than half an hour, and I doubt you'll be sober before then."

  "You're not planning on going back into the Den after the ceremony, are you?"

  She remained silent.

  "If I had to guess, you're planning on going AWOL. Is it the life of a Chaotic for Miss Gemstone Ivora?"

  Intrigue's shoulders twitched harshly.

  "I thought so. You recognize that name yet?"

  She stared at him, her heart racing.

  "You recognize your own name? I wasn't sure, even after I saw you, but when I heard your voice, I knew. I'm sure you don't understand how or why; you sure didn't seem to recognize me when you first saw me. But you were drawn to me, weren't you? You were curious about me. You wanted to talk to me, know about me, didn't you?"

  "Yes,” she muttered.

  "You believe me?"

  Intrigue hesitated, then shook her head. “No."

  "You know you've got amnesia?"

  "I guess,” she admitted. “Partial."

  "Guess what happened before you got caught by Aymir?” Hawk smiled.

  "What?"

  "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Aymir probably never even caught you. It came from here. This whole existence, I mean. You woke up with a complete memory rewrite. Do you remember killing your sister?"

  "Crystal died in a car crash. They never even found her body. It was tragic but it had nothing to do with me."

  "How do you know your sister's name?"

  Intrigue drew back. “I ... don't know why I said that. I don't remember having a sister. I don't have a sister."

  "Yes you do."

  "No..."

  "Yes. And you plan on running to join the Chaotics as soon as Angel's back is turned, don't you?"

  "What if I do?” Intrigue's hand crept toward the stake she'd stashed in her pocket.

  "I'm coming with you."

  "Why?"

  "I can help you find the others, and I can help you bring them together. It won't be as hard as you think; the rumors are lies. Chaotics do fight together sometimes.” He paused. “I want to help you remember yourself, too."

  "I don't need to remember,” she sighed and dropped her hand away from the stake.

  "Your name is Gemstone Ivora. Your mother's name was Myriad Ivora, your father's name was Ares Bryx, and your younger half-sister's name was Crystal. Her father's name was Taur. Note that I said ‘was’ for all of them, because all of them are dead. Got it?"

  Intrigue blinked slowly, then shook her head. She had known that Intrigue wasn't her real name but it was surprisingly hard to trade the name that she had accepted for the foreign-yet-familiar one that Hawk offered her.

  "How do you know that I'm her?"

  "The way you act, the way you talk. Mostly, though, it's the way the room fills with this odd power when you walk in. That's the only way I can describe it. You have the same indescribable charisma that you did before the rebirth."

  "I look the same?"

  "Not at all. You're tall, but she was taller—much taller. Six inches taller, maybe, and almost skeletally thin. Her hair was dark and her eyes were black. You look nothing like you did."

  "Why do you think I want to leave to become a Chaotic?"

  "You could hardly end up as anything else. Gemstone Ivora become one of the blood suckers? Never!"

  "I wish you wouldn't call me that."

  "Gem? Hell, why not? It's the name your poor mother gave you after your father died. It's the name Crow knew you by. It's the name you had when you plunged the world into the golden waters."

  "It's not my name. Maybe you're right; maybe it used to be, but I don't think so."

  Hawk raised an eyebrow.

  "It isn't now, anyway,” she snapped.

  He paused, then nodded. “Fine. Maybe it's not your name anymore, but you're still her.” Hawk glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “I'm coming with you, though. The sun is falling; you'll have to get dressed quickly. Where should I meet you?"

  "Outside the front door. Where should we go?"

  "I'll show you when we get there. It's about half a mile away from The City, but we can run. It shouldn't take a minute to get there."

  "All right, but—"

  "Get dressed. You can't be late."

  "But..."

  "You can't be late. I don't care what he says he feels for you; he's not your Crow. If he gets the thought into his mind that you might be thinking about running off as a Chaotic, that's the end. He'll kill you. Now go!"

  She turned, carefully keeping her pace down to a brisk walk. Nytala was waiting anxiously for her in the restroom.

  "Where have you been? You've got fifteen minutes to get ready for your ceremony! Miss Arizona has been dressed and ready for three hours!"

  "Phoenyx is going to be there?"

  "Of course!” Nytala turned and lifted the sleeveless ceremony dress off a hook. The top few inches of the dress were a pure, icy white, but the color darkened from there. The last few feet of the dress were a deep, bloody crimson. Nytala helped her into the dress, zipped up the back, and expertly painted Intrigue's face with an array of unneeded cosmetics. She settled a long, raven black veil over Intrigue's red-gold hair and handed her a bouquet of black roses. Intrigue lifted her feet and slipped them into a pair of silver slippers, her mind awash with dismay at the needless extravagance of the whole affair.

  "Hurry!"

  Nytala led her out of the room and Hawk sidled up alongside her. She handed him her clothes and he walked away briskly.

  The chamber where the ceremony was to be held was immense. The long, thin strip of plushy carpet that led to the altar was a deep black and the walls and windows were draped with curtains of a rich, vibrant red. Angel stood beside the altar; Phoenyx was opposite him, resplendent in her crimson gown.

  Biting at the edge of her lip, Intrigue entered the chamber. The eyes of perhaps a thousand ordinary house slaves were upon her. She could see Melissa sitting in the front, staring at her, her cool eyes filled with respect and something else—that couldn't be jealousy? Regret bit at Intrigue's heart; she did not want to leave Melissa alone to rot in this Den of wolves.

  Angel was as beautiful as ever and Intrigue's stomach tightened with a moment of regret at the betrayal she was about to commit. She shook her head slightly, forcing her remorse aside; she was not meant to be a slave or Queen of the Vampires.

  She walked down the thick carpet, the back of her dress dragging along the floor, and she wondered how long this would take. She stopped on a step below th
e altar, looking up at Angel, her admiration genuine. He reached down, took her hands in his, and began to speak.

  "Intrigue, slave of this Nest and honored soldier, you have come here this evening to be exalted before these witnesses."

  The candles flickered all around the room, casting the three of them into partial shadow. “I have chosen to take you as a second Queen,” he continued. “You will rule beside Phoenyx and me. I will treat you and her equally; I will favor neither of you. Do you find this acceptable?"

  "Yes."

  "Do you understand all the rights and responsibilities that will accompany your acceptance of this position?"

  "Yes."

  "Do you accept this position?"

  "Yes."

  He pulled the veil from her. Her golden red hair tumbled down over her shoulders and she forced herself to focus on Angel. Angel raised his head and surveyed those assembled in the pews.

  "Are there any here who would question Intrigue's right to rule beside me?” For a moment, there was silence. Angel opened his mouth to speak again and was interrupted.

  "Yes, my love."

  Angel and Intrigue both looked at Phoenyx. She stared straight into Intrigue's eyes and Intrigue felt a sudden hot rush of fear wash over her.

  "What is your qualm, Miss Arizona?"

  "I do not believe Intrigue will be a loyal Queen."

  "Why do you think this, Phoenyx?"

  "Do you know, Angel, how difficult it is for a leader to remove his Queen? You must either kill her or expel her from the Nest. Permanently."

  The audience was beginning to get restless. Intrigue could hear the whispers and knew the rumors were already circulating.

  "What does this have to do with Intrigue's loyalty?” Angel asked tersely.

  "Did you plan to kill or expel me to take her?"

  "Neither, Phoenyx, and you know that,” Angel growled. “She is taking a place as my second Queen; she will not replace you. Is this the end of your complaints?"

  "No, Angel. Had she not insisted otherwise, you would have either killed me or expelled me; I'd like to know which it was before I continue."

  "Neither, my love, and if this is your only disagreement, I will thank you to hold your peace."

  "It is not."

  "What other question do you have?"

  "That which I stated first."

  "Repeat it,” he snapped.

  "Intrigue cannot be a Queen loyal to the nest. She could not even be a loyal slave."

  "Why is this?"

  Phoenyx smiled gently. “My love, she cannot rule beside us because she is a Chaotic."

  There was a loud, collective inhalation from those gathered behind them. Someone shouted but was quickly hushed. Angel looked furious, but his glare was not directed at Intrigue.

  "Why do you say that? You had better have some way to back up that allegation, Miss Arizona."

  "Of course, my love. It will be easy enough to prove. Offer her a drink of this.” Phoenyx lifted a large golden flask from beneath the altar, and Angel's eyes flew open. Phoenyx twisted the cap off the flask, and the smell was unmistakable; it was Angel's blood.

  "You know there's not much of my blood left, Phoenyx. It's been preserved, but it's old and cold."

  "Do it, Angel, if only because you wish to prove me wrong. You asked me to drink of it when I became Queen. Besides, I've warmed it and added enough water to bring it back to its original consistency.” Phoenyx tipped the flask back against her lips. Several drops ran out over her chin, shivered delicately for a moment, then splattered down onto the carpet. She handed Angel the tin. “Take a sip, Angel. Not many vampires ever get to taste their own blood, and you were right; there's not much left."

  Angel paused, then tilted the flask to his lips. He paused as a few drops of the fluid trickled into his mouth, then he pulled the flask away. “I don't want my own."

  Angel passed the bottle to Intrigue, his eyes fixed on hers. The smell of Angel's blood was hot and strong; Intrigue felt like vomiting before she got the flask to her lips.

  The sudden noise of shattering glass distracted everyone. Intrigue turned, saw that one of the tall, stained glass windows had been smashed into thousands of shards, and set the flask down on the altar. She could see a figure outside the window and her only hope was that it was Hawk.

  She wrenched her hands away from Angel and lunged for the window. The entire vampire population of the audience, along with a few of the humans, had lurched to their feet and was rushing toward her, cursing her for a Chaotic.

  A strong hand closed around her arm. Intrigue wheeled, adrenaline and fear giving her the strength she needed to wrench free. Angel stared at her, his eyes a whirl of scarlet and violet.

  "Get her!” Phoeneyx shrieked, and Intrigue hurled herself into the night.

  Hawk caught her as she fell and threw a cross through the broken window. He turned and fled, holding Intrigue tight against him. He ran like that for several blocks, ducking through backyards and around abandoned buildings, before he set her down.

  "Hurry. The cross slowed them down, but they'll be here sooner or later anyway. We can move faster if I'm not carrying you. Change into these."

  He handed her back the clothes that she had slipped to him less than five minutes earlier. Intrigue shed her dress and pulled the clothes on. She was relieved to find the comforting weight of the stake pressing against her chest. She checked and found the silver knife still in its place.

  "Let's go."

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  11

  The ruins reeked of smoke and charred bodies. Intrigue set her dress down outside the door, and followed Hawk into the house.

  In actuality, the house was really more of a multi-room shack, and Intrigue could not imagine what had happened here. There was something oddly familiar about this scene, something that made the hair on the back of her neck rise and her stomach tense.

  "I rebuilt it myself before they took me. I didn't know whether you'd approve, but I figured if you ever needed somewhere, well—” He gestured around the room they were standing in. There was a small, lumpy couch against one wall, and a chair with one leg broken off leaning against the opposite wall.

  "What do you mean, you didn't know whether I'd approve?"

  Hawk frowned. “Don't you recognize it? I mean, there's still fire damage, but I thought I did a pretty good job of rebuilding and repainting; everything's its original color."

  "Why would I recognize it? I've never been here, as far as I know, and who would paint everything black?"

  "This was your house, Gem ... uh ... Intrigue. Your mother brought you and your half sister here when you were young. She—Myriad, I mean—she'd lost something in the attic somewhere along the way. From what you told us and from what I learned, she started losing it a few months before your father committed suicide. Myriad brought the two of you out here to raise you—I don't know how she got away with it; she didn't own the land or the house—and she painted everything black. She burnt your food black and darkened your water. She clothed you in black and she lit the house with black candles. There was no color here, nothing to connect any of you with anything real. I think that she liked the escapes that insanity offered her and she wanted you to see the same light. She regained much of her mind after her death, but never enough to realize what she had done those few years when her thoughts were in the dark."

  "How do you know this?"

  Hawk ambled slowly toward the opposite wall, brushing his fingertips across the black wall as a daddy longlegs scurried up toward the ceiling. “I don't know; I just do."

  "What were their names?"

  "Whose?"

  "My mother's? Maybe you already mentioned it, but...” Intrigue shrugged. “My sister? What was she like? And what was her father's name, if it was through our mother that we were related?"

  "It was. Your mother's name was Myriad, truly unique for the times, but not at all uncommon in these confused days. Crystal was your ha
lf-sister, a slight, scrawny little brat. From what I've seen, she would have been better off had you left her in the fire that you set here; she ended up possessed by the Queen of the demons."

  Intrigue's heart skipped a beat. “Fire that I set here? Why would I do that?"

  "You wanted to kill the children."

  Disgust gripped her. “Why would I kill children?"

  "To save them."

  "What!"

  "They couldn't live; there were demons waiting to take them.” Hawk paused, his deep green gaze dropping uneasily to the floor. “In all truth, Gem, I don't understand why you didn't try a little harder to save them. It seems out of place to me, but there's a lot of what I've seen of our previous existence that confuses me to Hell—the drink helps with that, I've found; it mutes the mind and numbs the senses. There was no purpose in that existence, no goal, no plans; there is no evident reason for your murders. Shall we leave it at that?"

  "No."

  "You killed them because they were selfish and unhelpful and because most of them would have frozen during the nights. Those that might have been strong enough to survive alone would have starved before the end of that winter. You thought it would be best to end them quickly, rather than let them suffer."

  "Why were there children here to begin with? Where did they come from?"

  Hawk's lip had split open where he'd been chewing it and dribbles of blood splattered across his chin. “I don't know. I never even met you until after Phoenyx saved my life. All I know, I learned while the golden river was filling up my lungs and bringing me here."

  "Phoenyx saved your life?"

  Hawk nodded solemly. “From your friend, Miss Drake, who was ironically a vampira and a follower of Angel at the time. A lot was different there, on that unreachable side of the river, and the memories you don't have are irreplaceable. They never happened. The history of this house matters little, Intrigue, and our conversation is straying...” He yanked the flask from his hip and twisted the cap free, coughing a little as the tainted blood burned at his throat. “You've got Chaotics to find tonight and I still have to show you the lay of the house."

  They stood in the room together; the silence was a thin and fragile wall that helped to keep Intrigue on this side of reality, the side which had begun when she stepped out of her door to find Tylenol. Even when Hawk spoke, the silence was not truly breached. The dead beneath this house were not really there—they had not died in a fire in this house, because Gemstone had never been here, and hence had never killed them—but they were uneasy sleepers nonetheless.