Setting down his backpack, he rubbed the back of his neck and released a sigh. “Okay. I’ll stay.”
An awkward pause lingered over us; only the sound of Wes sorting his tapes remained. I filed tapes beside him, sure to pay careful attention to the video titles.
I scratched the back of my head and cleared my throat. “Many people died tonight.”
“How many?”
“Fifteen Dreamers.” my vision clouded, revealing how shaken I was. “I couldn’t even count how many Regime soldiers who— you know—”
Wes’ eyes widened. “The Regime ambushed you?”
“Enya didn’t listen. And I promised I’d protect her and Cal. Put her and Regime soldiers together, and it forces me to— hurt people.”
“Oh... that problem again. We appreciate you doing this every night, even if Enya can be a pain. One day Starbright’s gonna kick her out of field-agenting.”
“Enya’s confident in herself. I’ll give her that.”
Wes chuckled. “Spoken like a true brother. Most people think Enya’s dangerous.”
“Even you?”
“To me? No. My paintings? There’s no way she’s touching them.” Wes cleared his throat. “So what are you doing about it?”
“... I’m not sure yet. Military school would tell me to let her die, but…”
“She’s your sister. I get it. We might need to come up with one of those nicknames for her but…”
I laughed. “I’ll figure something out.”
Wes was creative and analytical, despite his painful past — not a strategist that jumped down others’ throats for a classified, selfish agenda. Wes was an artist. When Cal and I met him, it broke every Regime rule. He was the reason we fled to Safe Haven in the first place.
If being radical meant feeling alive, screw the rules. Some legislation was worth breaking.
THREE
CALISTA
Warm light peered into my cave room and touched my skin. Our time here in Safe Haven was invaluable: the genuine smells and tastes of nature, the space to clear your head. It was all unforgettable. Expression and dreams were a pleasure and not dismissed or cast out as The Regime wanted. Everything was so new and exotic: even the people! How long would we be staying here? So many questions ran through my head day after day. I was eager to learn more and more about dreaming. The eye-shaped Oracle brand on my side gleamed purple and silver, and even though I shook thinking about it, I knew it could help us somehow.
“Come on! Get up already!” Wes teased.
I yawned. “What’s going on?”
“Starbright’s asked for you at noon. That’s in an hour, and you aren’t up yet!”
“So… what’s going on? Why does she want me?” Just the thought of Chief Starbright wanting me to come to her room made my face redden and fluster.
Wes lifted me off the ground. “You’ve gotta get up!”
I moaned and exited the room. People clustered together, everyone of different ages, genders, and races. It left a unique array of voices and colors all over Safe Haven like I’d never seen before. Not under my father’s roof. A small girl lingered near the center of the valley. I didn’t think I’d seen her before. She seemed sweet and a little scared. Did Ambert and Enya find her last night? Between the rescue and the guards, The Regime must have traumatized her before that.
I should say hello… Ambert wanted me to make some new friends, didn’t he?
I approached the small girl and placed my hands in my khaki pockets. “Hi, I’m… uh... Calista.”
The girl smiled and offered her hand. “Ivory.”
Ivory pushed a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear to reveal a small star. Doll-shaped pink eyes stared back at me from a dark, round face. She was in a white dress with pink and blue flowers on it. Roses? I couldn’t be sure. On top of her head sat a sparkling silver headband. I was awestruck she had something like that on. My father was so strict, he’d never let me wear something so colorful in Fortress, let alone in The Regime. Golly, Ivory had to have lots of guts to wear something like that in the open.
“Where did you get that outfit?” I tilted my head.
Ivory's smile widened. “I made it.”
“Wow! It’s better than anything my Gran ever made. She knitted scarves.”
A jolt entered my chest. Gran… where was she now? Were she and Mom safe or were they caught by Father… or worse, The Regime? And for Ivory to make clothing like that, I couldn’t help dropping my jaw. She was younger than me and already knew she was a Dreamer. More than that, she made that beautiful outfit and showcased it!
She twirled, letting her poofy skirt puff up. “My sister taught me everything I know about sewing. Rules or not, it wouldn’t stop her!”
The skirt lifted upward to reveal layers of sparkle. Embellishments on the side represented hours of dedication and work. Just how brave was she? I couldn’t wait to see how her talents played into Safe Haven’s dynamics.
“Everyone here has been so nice to me since I got here last night. I can’t help but want to make new friends.” Ivory grinned.
“That’s nice… I guess. I’ve always been a little…”
“Do you want anything? Making something for you would be cool,” Ivory offered.
A small smile crept on my face. I hadn’t worn anything new since leaving my house. “Golly… you wouldn’t mind even if it’s banned?”
“There are so many tools here. I can’t stop myself! Let me call over some helpers. Vana! Mai! Come over here!” Ivory shouted.
“Why d’you call us over?” a girl asked.
“I’d like you to meet Calista. She seems nice too doesn’t she?” Ivory presented me like some kind of celebrity.
I produced a small, awkward wave. I didn’t need all that attention.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Vana!” Vana shook my hand with a firm grip, though her accent was foreign to Fortress: drawn out and slow. I wanted to know where she was from.
Vana’s deep brown hair curled and poofed despite the ponytail she wore. A red scarf, gray and black t-shirt, torn blue jeans, and fingerless leather gloves made up her outfit, more unique than anything I was used to. That made me even more excited to get some new clothes!
“Nice to meet you, Vana...” I started.
Mai mumbled something I couldn’t hear and twirled one of her pigtails.
“She’s a tad shy,” Vana said.
Mai turned away from me.
“Uh… I’m used to it now,” I said.
“I wish she would tell me who gave her that dress! Lolita’s a cool style.” Ivory smiled.
Vana cocked an eyebrow. “You’re making Calista clothes, aren’t you?”
“Mai, take notes,” Ivory commanded as she handed Mai a tablet.
Mai tapped the screen and nothing happened. “Um…”
“Wait a moment…” Vana grabbed the tablet and opened the back to reveal gears. “Y’all just might need a jumpstart on the battery… it’s chargeable.”
Vana grabbed two loosened wires and fused them together. The screen jolted alive with a spark of electricity. A proud grin twitched onto Vana’s face, as she held her newest accomplishment. I’d seen no one do something like that before!
“How did you…” I said.
Vana handed Mai the device back. “Papa makes these machines back in Filía! He taught me all he knows…”
Ivory wrapped the tape around my waist. “What’s your favorite color?”
“... Um…. Purple?” I always thought paints of that color were cool and purple clothes would match my Oracle brand.
“Ooh, a nice choice! Raise your arms please,” Ivory said.
I raised my arms so she could measure the length needed for sleeves. She measured my neck, my head, my upper waist, my inseam, my shoe size, and even across my breasts. Some of it tickled, but all of this new experience excited me. This was new dreaming I could experience and learn abo
ut: just like Wes’ painting or Ambert and Enya’s music. Ivory seemed happy to teach me the words, repeating them when I asked during her measurements.
Giggling, Ivory said, “All done! I’ll do a sketch and get cracking.”
“It’s gonna be wonderful! Right, Mai?” Vana asked.
Mai handed Ivory the tablet and its digital pen. “I guess…”
She turned to leave, clasping her hands together and bowing her head, just like I would do in military school. I didn’t get what her deal was. How hurt was she? Was her family like mine or more like Wes’? Was she insecure and new to this like me? She closed herself off so much, I thought I’d never know.
Vana flashed a smile. "Pleasure meetin’ you, Calista."
Ivory waved and walked off with Vana. “See you later, Cally!”
Cally?
As I glanced back at Mai, she pulled a cell phone from inside her black-lace belt. Where did she get that? When? She typed something on the touchscreen and placed the device to her ear.
I stepped closer, letting my curiosity take hold of me. Sometimes I didn’t know if it was my best or worst quality. It was too late to turn back and all I could do is listen. Listen and watch for what she was up to. First the constant run-ins with her and now a secret phone. Something was up, but I couldn’t explain what yet. Maybe this was my chance to prove myself to the other Dreamers!
“Everything’s on schedule.” Her signature crooked smile formed on her face.
Mai glanced to her right and quickly hung up her cell phone, stuffing it back into her dress’ belt. With a grim face, Mai stomped toward the back of the valley, lowering her head and keeping it hidden from everyone’s gaze… including mine.
A moment later, Ambert emerged from the direction Mai looked off to earlier. He raced after Mai without a second thought, just like he did with me several years previously. She only opened up to him and no one else, including her own friends. That was something else: that night in the cave she was so defensive. It was like she wanted nothing to do with The Dreamers. Like how I was before meeting Wes. At first, it seemed crazy, but I was once in her shoes.
“Are you gonna be ready by noon? It’s eleven thirty.” Wes caught me off guard and caused me to jump and lose sight of Mai.
“You scared me.” I caught my breath. Wes could be so sneaky sometimes! “Did you… um… order anything from Ivory? Shirts, pants, a new painting apron maybe?”
“My painting apron’s fine, Calista. Just a little worn.”
I laughed. “What’s Ivory’s story anyway?”
“When did you get so nosy?”
“I’m just curious. You’re the nosy one.”
“What makes you say that?” Wes blushed and changed the subject. “We’re already breaking too many government policies to count.”
“Getting new clothes, hiding in a Dreamer haven, helping people sentenced to death, running away from the law…” I started.
He cut me off. “Killed a few officers, made a stand for what we want and ignored conformity.”
“They have rougher policies.” I rolled my eyes.
“They have more?” Wes clenched his fists. “Gosh! I hate those people!”
He strolled toward Chief Starbright’s room, a good distance away from all the Safe Haven commotion. Guess that showed how reserved she was from all the outgoing Dreamers running around the place. Bright colors from easels and vibrant green grass filled the valley, and the smell of paint spread around in the warm breeze… all things The Regime hated. Along the edges, one could hear the laughter of Dreamers trying out new things. My eyes darted back to Wes, who seemed lost in thought.
We glanced at each other for a split moment. My heart skipped a beat before Wes changed the subject.
Wes kicked a stone in our path. “I can’t wait to see what we do after The Regime’s members are overthrown. That’s what they deserve for all the misery they’ve caused.”
The sun rose in the sky like a spotlight, placing our shadows below us. All we did was free people from The Science Department, but it was enough for The Committee to place us in field roles: protecting The Dreamers and gathering them for our cause. Everyone had a role, even if mine wasn’t a perfect fit. It terrified me to leave Safe Haven. Father could find me anywhere else and take me back home, alone. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want or leave Wes or my new friends.
FOUR
Calista
Wes and I approached The Committee room, finding Ambert and Enya waiting for us. Dreamcatchers in the doorway danced in the wind. Colors of gold, silver, purple, green, and blue coated the doorway with a magical and dream-filled atmosphere. The feathers themselves looked so light. How long did those take to make? It couldn’t have been that long, yet the designs were so complex. I could tell someone put enough work in for it to be like one of Wes’ paintings.
Chief Starbright looked upon us and shook her head, crossing her arms more firmly than Enya ever could. The woman was tall: over six feet in her heels. Her hair was a blue-black pixie cut, exposing the scars on her face. A rosary dangled from her neck, warding off anyone she didn’t trust. She was the only Oracle in the compound besides me, and something told me she just saw me as a little girl.
“You’re late, Knight.” Chief Starbright’s face reminded me of my father’s when she glared.
“I apologize, Ma'am.” my voice quivered. Chief Starbright wasn’t a woman anyone wanted to cross.
She sighed. “How are you meant to protect Dreamers if you can’t even show up on time?”
Enya raised an eyebrow. “Hard to save other people if we can’t protect ourselves.”
“Magic enchants this place, remember? We'd only have to worry if someone led them in. Until then, The Regime can't do us any harm since they can’t find the entrance," Wes said.
Ambert smiled. “Good enough for me.”
“Wow. You can be really naive, can’t you?” Enya said.
“Enough!” Chief Starbright ordered.
Not a soul spoke up.
Ambert lowered his head. “Sorry…”
A round table sat in the center of the room, with chairs all around the table. Were they made of wicker? That’s what they reminded me of from Gran’s old photos, but Starbright placed quilts over top of them. In the center of the table was a crystal ball, ready to be gazed into. It was perfectly clear, other than a small crack on the right side. Next to each chair was a teacup and a saucer, both made of porcelain? These Dreamer materials were so confusing!
Chief Starbright poured tea into her cup and breathed in the steam. “I only invited Knight. What are you all doing in my quarters?”
“We want to go rescue Dreamers. To find Aurelia.” Wes clasped onto his backpack.
“Your sister. I know,” Chief Starbright mumbled.
Wes took out a map of the country from his bag. “But where to first? Where would she be?”
The Regime divided the country into seven major cities including the one we were in. With so much ground to cover, finding and helping Dreamers would be a tedious, time-consuming job. I had a feeling it was the right thing to do.
Fortress, the capital city we were currently hidden in, was located on the northwest portion of the map. Next to the other city names were descriptions and events they had to offer.
Wellspring, Enya’s home, was positioned in the grasslands, which according to the map used to be known for its art fairs and high-class fashion styles. Nothing else was listed on it, which made it even more mysterious.
Outside of this map were areas of gray. Jagged rock formation covered the outside like a wall, defenses against our world. The colors of murky water plagued the seas. What laid beyond it? I had to know. Otherwise, my curiosity would find out a harder way.
“What's beyond the country's border?” I pointed toward a gray section on the map.
Chief Starbright shot her secretive dark eyes at me. “It’s a past war zone. Only rocks and ash are f
ound there. Water comes in great amounts too, but not clean.”
“You've got to be pulling my leg.” Enya chuckled.
“She’s right. That's why it's colorless on the map.” Wes rubbed his neck. “I hear it's used to help train officers.”
Ambert nodded. “I was almost sent there. They root out the strong from the weak by having them fend for themselves. Those poor guys...”
Enya smirked. “I could do that for a day. Men are wimps.”
“For a month?” Ambert raised an eyebrow.
We were the only society left. It wasn’t surprising seeing the gray sea surrounding us, but still, for the only humans in existence to fight a civil war against each other? It filled my heart with dread, sinking it lower in my chest. Maybe even more so than The Regime’s testing on Dreamers. An entire portion of the world was deemed wiped out because of creativity.
Wes cleared his throat. “Enough about the dream killers! Let's find out which city we’re going to. Calista?”
Enya didn’t let me speak. “Can we go to Wellspring? Ambert and I were born there after all… even if it’s horrible.”
“This is no adventure.” Chief Starbright’s eyes locked with Wes’ and then moved to Enya’s. “It’s a death wish to anyone who’s not careful.”
I faked my smile. “We won’t let you down, Ma'am.”
“You already have.” Chief Starbright slammed her hand down on the table. “I should throw you out right now. You’ve all refused to do magical training or find a niche to help and you question The Committee’s rules.”
I clasped my hands together and lowered my head. I knew it was true. With such new powers, I didn’t know exactly how Chief Starbright wanted me to help, Wes would do anything for his sister, and Enya, she could be rogue sometimes.
“Like anyone would like to be incinerated by my magic…” Enya mumbled.
“Can it, Greer! The only one of you four I like is Ambert. And that’s because he doesn’t break your refuge agreement!”
“Yeah, Enya! Be more like Ambert!” Wes nudged Enya’s shoulder.
Splintering Reality (Breaking Order Series Book 2) Page 2
