by H. J. Lawson
“I hope you poisoned your own meat as well!”
He spits the bio meat out, and food flies across the table and over onto me. I wipe it off my dress.
“Guards, get her out of here!” Time to face my fate. With a guard on either side of me, we exit the shuttle.
Up ahead, I can see my mother and Callie walking with guards at their sides, same as me. They had them at the shuttle farthest away from me so we couldn't message each other.
Who's that with them? I hone in toward the other silhouettes... it's Madam Enid. She is also surrounded by guards and her hands are tied behind her back. Madam Uri stands proudly next to them... she almost looks happy. She finally got her ticket back into Purenet.
Mother... Callie... are you okay? I'm so sorry.
Mother's turns back to face me.
My dear child, it is not your fault.
Oh, Mother, I'm so sorry... all I wanted was for you to get better.
And you did it. Somehow her mind stays calm.
What do we do now? I ask.
Do as they say, try not to upset them anymore. What does Xander want from you?
He wants me to be his Host.
Mother stops in her tracks.
You cannot be his Host, you are his sister!
The guards push her to walk faster.
What shall I do...? I think quickly as Mother begins to disappear into the hub.
“Mother!” I yell out. I pull the guards forward as I try to run, but it's pointless. Their rigid bodies are firmly locked to the ground.
“Ha... ha. Did you really think we would make it that easy for you?” President Tyler mocks. “Did your mother have any words of wisdom? Or tell you that you have brought shame to your family?”
I lower my head. My fight is disappearing, just like my mother.
“Ahh, shame it is... Guards, let's take her to Xander.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Through one white corridor after another, we walk around the edges of the hub, away from any prying eyes. I felt the anger and hatred from the second we arrived. They've already condemned me. Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty”? I guess in my case that doesn't apply.
The pain in my arm is the only thing reminding me that I'm still alive.
We stop at the end of a corridor and a guard reaches over to open a door.
Waiting at the other side are cars. I've never been in one before. They are like mini-shuttles with wheels, and I climb in as instructed.
“Guests of Xander,” President Tyler announces.
“Scan,” a female computer voice says from the car panel. President Tyler waves the back of his hand over it.
“Welcome, President Tyler. Xander has been waiting for you,” it says.
“Perfect,” he says, as he sits back in the seat. With that, the car begins to move through the tunnels. The tunnels are not like the glamorous ones around the hub. These are dirty, almost rusty, old metal panels with a damp smell to them. I'll bet he doesn't show these off when it's Sanction Parade Week, when the other five Sanctions make their visits.
“Are you excited?” President Tyler asks.
“What about?”
“To see the Chancellor's quarters; this is a rare treat.” He grins.
“Yeah, I'm over the frigging moon. I cannot think of anything else that could possibly be more fun.”
“You'd better watch your tongue,” President Tyler snaps, making me jump. “I think you need to remember, it's not just about you now. They have your family.”
I don't want to admit it, but he's right. I will stay silent for the remainder of the journey.
“President Tyler. Welcome to Xander's home,” a female voice announces. My gut drops before the car can come to a complete halt. I don't want to learn my fate.
“Prefect, let's get this over and done with, then I can go and see my Bazi,” he says, licking his lips. Just the thought of him and a young girl sends a shudder through my body.
He stares at me for a moment. “Maybe if you are lucky, when Xander is done with you, you can be one of my Bazi.”
“That's it, get me out of here. I would rather see what Xander has in store for me than spend any more time with you!” I retort. I climb out of the car, taking the guard with me.
He just laughs. “Ha, ha. Go ahead, little girl... go see Xander.”
“Chancellor,” President Tyler says into the car control panel.
“The Chancellor has been waiting for you, President Tyler,” says the computer panel, as the car begins to move.
“Tell Xander you are my gift,” he yells out from the car, leaving me with the guards.
Get down... Dax's voice rings through my mind. I instantly drop to the ground.
Suddenly bullets fly above me from every angle. I place my hands over my ears to block out the loud whizzing sound.
Then silence follows.
“Skylier, get up.” That's Hayden's voice. I look up and only three guards remain; the other bloody bodies are laid out around me.
“Hayden, is that you?”
The guard lifts his mask up to reveal his face.
“How could you?” I cry, as I swing my hand across his cheek with one loud crack. He stumbles back and his face turns red.
Dax lifts his helmet mask. “What did he do?”
“He left me!”
“He thought you were right behind him. He lost you, give the guy a break,” Dax says.
The other guard lifts his helmet; my heart skips a beat. It’s Lowell. “I thought I wouldn’t see you again.”
Lowell smiles, “Not letting you get away from me for a second time. Come on, let’s get out of here.” Lowell grabs hold of my hand, making me feel safe.
“Skylier!” Callie screams out. She is standing in Xander's doorway, with tears rolling down her face. Xander has a gun to her head, the blue light beams shining along the gun's barrel, as he drags her forward.
“Well hello, little brother. You should have told me we would be having a family get-together. I know Father would love to see you.” Xander stands in front of his giant quarters, with its own private dome. Flowers surround the marble staircase that leads up to his rotten home.
“Leave her out of this! It's me you want!” I release my hand from Lowell's grip, and I step forward to the staircase.
“Ahh... very good, Skylier.” Xander waves his hand to usher me up the stairs.
“Skylier, don't go with him,” Lowell pleads.
“I have to.”
“Xander, leave them alone. Don't bring Skylier into your cruel games. She didn't volunteer. She's my sister... she's your sister,” Dax says bluntly.
“Guards!” Xander yells out. Instantly there is a sea of white helmets behind him.
“Come peacefully, and this little one will not get hurt,” Xander adds as he swings the gun around.
Dax still has his gun up toward Xander. “Dax, we are outnumbered,” I tell him.
Hayden lowers his gun. “She's right, mate.”
Anger and guilt wash over Dax's face as he lowers his gun. Lowell reluctantly follows.
“Very good, finally listening to orders,” Xander smiles.
The guards sprint down the stairs, before the boys can change their minds.
“Be careful with that one, she's mine,” Xander says to one of the guards, as he takes hold of my arm, squeezing it tightly.
“She's ours,” a female voice orders. It's Xander's wife, Shristi. She is standing with her arms crossed and a smile on her face next to her husband as he rounds us up. “What are you going to do with the others?”
“I will let Father decide about Dax, and the other two—well, what do you think?” Xander asks her.
“Life for a life?” she says, giddy.
Xander shrugs. “Sure, why not?”
“May I present it? I have the most beautiful outfit... it's crimson red, with gems along the bust—”
“Yeah... yeah,” Xander cuts her off mid-sentence, but she d
oesn't notice, and walks back into the house.
They're going to kill Lowell and Hayden live, so everyone can see.
I glance over at Lowell. He begins to force the guards off him, once he realizes what they are going to do to him. More guards come running down the stairs, knocking him over.
“Xander!” Hayden yells as he takes off his helmet and throws it to the ground.
Xander stands back for a moment. “Yes?”
“I had a deal with your father,” Hayden mumbles, but I hear him.
“What? Speak up, let everyone hear you,” Xander says joyfully, enjoying every moment of this.
“I need to speak with your father,” Hayden says, staring at Xander; my eyes burn into him.
“And why is that?” Dax questions, as he pushes his body forward to get through the guards.
“Yes, why is that?” Xander repeats.
“Shut up, Xander, for once in your miserable life!” Dax yells. Xander just smiles and folds his arms.
“Why, Hayden?” I ask.
“Because the Chancellor offered me my life back in Purenet if I gave him the Grounders,” Hayden says.
“And how did you do that? If I recall, it was our airships that dropped the poison. We also had to collect their bodies. What part did you do?” Xander asks.
“I led the healthy people back here, thinking it was for the medicine. In fact, it was to leave it open for your troops,” Hayden explains.
“How could you?! They treated you like family,” Dax shouts, shaking his fist.
“They treated you like family! You were the great warrior... I was only your sidekick!” Hayden fires back.
“Now... now, ladies, this is fun, but some of us have work to do.” Xander laughs. “Guards, take them both to my father. I think he will have questions for them. Hayden, thanks for your services to Purenet.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“My sweet Host, what have they done to you?” Xander asks, almost concerned, as he takes me into his office. “Please take a seat; I will get someone to tend to you shortly.”
This office is one of the grandest rooms I've ever seen, with its high ceilings and beautiful chandeliers. There is a huge desk in the middle and it looks like a wooden, hand-carved table.
“My mother designed this room. It's a little over-the-top for me,” Xander says casually. “Can I get you some food or water?”
“Water,” I mumble. My throat feels as dry as the desert. Xander smiles as he pours me a glass. I drink it almost too quickly. It's hard to catch my breath.
“Better?” Xander asks.
I just nod.
“So... now, what is this Dax was saying about you being his sister?” Xander leans towards me.
I stay silent.
“Do you prefer mind games? We can do that instead?”
Come out; come out, wherever you are, Skylier... His haunting voice jumps into my mind.
Block.
“Now… now, Skylier, that is not very nice. Two can play that game,” Xander says. “Guards, bring the old one in!”
“Leave her out of this. She's sick,” I plead.
“Oh, so you do have a voice?” The office door opens, and my mother walks in with a guard. I leap out of my chair and hug her.
“How lovely, mother and daughter reunited once again.” Xander laughs. “Now ladies, please take a seat.”
Mother walks over and sits down.
“I'm starting to lose my patience, and your daughter is not being helpful,” he says.
Mother shoots me a concerned look.
“Were you Dax's Host?” Xander asks her.
Mother nods.
“And... Dax and Skylier are twins?”
Mother just nods again.
“Were you my Host?”
Mother moves closer to Xander.
What do you think...? Mother's voice rings through my mind. Xander jumps back—he hears her as well.
“Guards, take her away!”
“No, Mother!” I yell out as the guard drags her away. “Leave her alone!” With all my force I run at Xander. He sees me coming and raises his arm, knocking me to the ground.
“You are no son of mine!” Mother yells as the guard drags her out of the office.
“She is right. I will never be her son. People can never know about her.” He smiles, “I have the perfect place for her. So, little sister, are you ready to be a good little girl, keep the bloodline pure? Be our Host?”
I shake my head. The thought repulses me.
“Guard, bring the Outsider in!” Xander yells.
The door flies open once again, and Madam Enid walks in with a guard by her side, shadowing her tiny frame.
She stops for a moment and the guard shoves her in the back, knocking her to the stone floor.
“Perfect. Stay there,” Xander orders, as he gets up from his chair and walks toward her.
Madam Enid's eyes fill with fear, and she wraps her arms around her body as if she's trying to make herself smaller.
“Now then, Outsider, I hear you were helping Skylier escape,” Xander says as he pulls his gun from his holster. He starts stroking the glowing blue light with his hand, as if it's his pet.
“Skylier, do you understand what you have done to this Outsider?” Xander asks.
“She didn't help me escape, I ran into her. Leave her out of this! It's between me and you, no one else!” I yell.
“Oh, a bit of fire in you... I like it. Maybe you should be my Bazi.” Xander laughs again. “Anyway, the time for games is over. Her life, for our new life,” Xander points the gun directly at Madam Enid's head. Her body begins to tremble.
“You cannot take her life from her! It's against the law!” I cry out.
“Skylier, you are a dumb Cueva. I make the rules. This is my Sanction. One... two...”
Madam Enid's eyes bulge, and sweat begins to pour down her face.
Surely, you cannot do this...
Play time is over... Xander's voice rings in my mind.
“Three.”
Pop...!
Crimson blood appears at the edge of her mouth, as Madam Enid’s lifeless body falls backwards onto the ground. A circle of blood forms on her forehead, as her blue eyes bulge.
“Such a waste... oh well, on to the next one. Shall it be the little one, or Mother Dearest?” I cover my eyes with my trembling hands as I try to control myself.
“I think the little one next,” Xander adds. “Guard!”
“I will do it... I will do it!” I blurt out.
Xander's face lights up.
“Yes, Xander?” ask the guard as he enters the room.
“Clean the mess up,” he says, pointing to Madam Enid. The guard just nods and does as he's told, no questions asked.
Xander tilts his head sideways as he stares at me, and then he smiles. “Okay, let's get you cleaned up and over to the compound,” he says with excitement in his voice.
“What... about my family?” I mumble, still in shock.
“We will hold them until your Hosting duties are over. We cannot let you back out, now can we?”
My stomach clenches.
My brother, Rian...
“I want him to be selected for the Games,” I blurt.
“Ha. Why not? He’s the only chance I have of winning the games, and it will annoy my father.” Xander pauses, “Our father.”
“What will happen to Lowell?” I almost don't want to know the answer.
“Who? Oh, the other guard with Dax—sorry, life for life. I will make sure you get a good seat for the ceremony. Cannot disappoint the wife,” he adds as he shrugs his shoulders.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I am here in the compound. I am going to be my brother's Host.
“Oh, dear, let's get you cleaned up,” a nurse in the compound murmurs to me. I can hear her, but my mind is not registering. I'm here.
“Please remove your dress—well, what's left of it.”
I unbutton my dress, and it drops
to the ground, revealing my underwear.
“Ouch!” the nurse winces as she stares at my body, covered in cuts and bruises.
My legs buckle beneath me and I collapse in a heap.
Emotion pours out of me, as I begin to cry uncontrollably. My mind cannot take anymore.
“There there, child... it will be okay, we will take care of you,” the nurse says as she kneels down next to me, hugging me like my mother would.
I sent messages out for my mother and Callie, but I received no reply. Will I ever get to see them again?
“Let me tend to those wounds,” the nurse says softly as she lets go of me.
She carefully wipes my arm, cleaning the blood and grit away from my open wounds. Then she stops, confused. “You've been shot!”
I don't even have the energy to agree.
She carries on, cleaning me up. My arm burns in agony each time she touches it, but the pain will never be close to what I felt when I saw Madam Enid's body fall to the ground.
“Okay, I understand this is hard. We are on a tight schedule. Xander would like you with the other girls as quickly as possible. He asked us to take good care of you, how sweet is that?” She smiles.
“Please remove your underwear. And step into the shower. We need to remove any possible germs.”
I do as requested, like a robot following orders.
The cold drops of water hit my naked body. “Soap,” the nurse says as she passes me a bar. I take it from her and clean myself, washing my old life away from me.
Like a mindless guard, I follow the nurse's orders. Wash myself. Dry myself. Dress myself in my new, crisp, white uniform. I take a seat on the chair in the middle of the room.
A door swings open. “On time as always Frances, I will take it from here,” a flamboyant man announces.
“Good luck,” the nurse says as she leaves the room.
“Haircut time, your color is perfect. People would die for this shade,” he states, as he begins to comb my hair.
“The Chancellor likes his Hosts to all look the same, united in the Purenet family. You already look like family. Oh, how rude of me... what is your name?”
“Skylier.”
