Chapter Forty-Six

Zandra sucked in a deep breath as she surveyed the noisy casino that she and Hawk had selected as their first target destination. They had very little time to convince as many people as possible that now was the time to fight the Chosen. She figured it wouldn’t be too difficult, people were getting fed up with the Guardian’s tyrannical rule, but they would have to hit large groups of people to make the best use of their time.

“You ready to do this?” The handsome male Gaian inquired, hovering nervously over hear at the table she had chosen to sit at. At that exact moment Great White, Silver and Aya were in different locations in the city, doing the same as she and Hawk. She had wanted Hawk to off on his own as well, but he had refused, saying that she was in too frail of condition to be by herself.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Zandra pursed her lips together, tucking a lock of wavy sapphire blue hair behind her ear. She had momentarily entertained the idea of wearing her lieutenant’s uniform, knowing that she would get everyone’s attention rather quickly with that pale blue robe, but quickly discarded the idea. They wouldn’t trust her if she was in uniform.

“Then let’s do this.” Hawk assisted her to her feet, though Zandra did not feel she needed help. He had been extremely protective of her and in a way it was quite flattering, though she knew the only reason he was doing it was because she was essential to the success of their plan. It had been a long time since she had someone pay so much attention to her, though.

They pushed past the tables of gamblers and towards the front where the owner of the casino stood behind the bar, surveying the crowds to make sure no one got too rowdy. Zandra took a deep breath and placed her most charming smile on her lips, praying this man would be easy to convince and that the crowds after him just as so.

~*~*~

Lex let out a long weary sigh as he leaned every so slightly against the firm supportive wall in the mall, just outside the bedroom that he and Tai-San had shared that one beautiful night after they had gotten married. He had been told that the new, or rather true, Supreme Mother was in there, purifying herself, and though Lex knew he should not jump to conclusions and it could very well be someone else in that room, he knew in his heart that it was Tai-San. She was the Supreme Mother.

“You there,” Lex’s attention was jarred back to the moment as the face of the Guardian, staring down at him with disproval, suddenly filled his vision. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Um,” Lex shifted back into a standing position awkwardly, ashamed of being caught lazing on the job. “Lieutenant Luke told me to stand watch over the Supreme Mother while she prepares for the coronation tomorrow. Is this wrong, sir?”

“No, of course it’s not wrong.” The Guardian sneered. “That was not what I was referring to. I was referring to the fact that you were practically asleep on the job. How can a sound asleep guard protect our Supreme Mother?”

“I, uh…” Lex found himself at a loss for words. Never before had someone had this affect on Lex. He had always been able to mouth off, but Lex knew he couldn’t do that with the Guardian. If he did, he would blow their cover and everything they had worked so hard for would be lost.

“I’m sorry, sir.” Lex decided he might as well just be honest with the Guardian, or at least as honest as possible. “I’m really quite tired. We left the Southern Province only a few days ago and pushed forward day and night in order to get here in time for the new Supreme Mother’s coronation.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” The Guardian nodded, seemingly with understanding. “I did not realize you were from the south. Nevertheless, the guard on the Supreme Mother should not be lax. I will send someone to replace you as soon as I’m done with the Supreme Mother.”

Lex blinked, taken aback by the Guardian’s words. ‘Done with her?’ “Of course, sir.” Lex felt himself straighten even more so. “Thank you, sir.”

The Guardian gave a tight-lipped smile then brushed past Lex, hesitating at the doorway for several seconds. Lex watched him as he waited at the door, almost afraid to knock. At last he did knock, though it was only a few quick tentative raps.

“Tai-San?” The Guardian whispered shyly, like a schoolboy with a crush on the most popular girl in school.

“Guardian?” As if by magic Tai-San materialized at a now open door and Lex felt his heart seize up in his chest. It had been months since he had last seen her and she was still as beautiful and mesmerizing as ever. Her skin, so creamy and smooth, her eyes alight with fire and desire.

‘Desire?’ Lex felt a sick twisting in his stomach. Those eyes were not for him, they were for the Guardian. Just what was going on here.

“I’m sorry to disturb your purification rituals, Supreme Mother,” The Guardian spoke carefully, well aware that he and Tai-San were being observed. “But I was wondering if I could have a moment alone with you.”

“Of course.” Tai-San smiled the smile Lex had thought was once reserved for him and only him. She opened the doorway even further and allowed the Guardian to step inside, though she made sure it was impossible for him to do so without him having to brush up against her body.

The door quickly shut and Lex felt his heart become sick inside him. She was sleeping with the Guardian. That much was painfully obvious now. He knew the looks, the touches and carefully guarded words only too well. Less than a year ago he and Tai-San had been exchanging the very same dialogues.

Without really being aware of what he was doing, Lex stepped over to the wooden doorway and pressed his ear up against it, catching snatches of the conversation that passed between Tai-San and the Guardian. He could hear most of it quite clearly, though it was rather dull as the Guardian inquire if she was ready for the ceremony the next day.

They exchanged small talk for several minutes before Tai-San said the words that really grabbed his attention. “Guardian,” She spoke, her voice soft and sultry. Seductive. “I have finished my purification rituals and am nearly ready to become the Supreme Mother on the morrow.”

“Nearly ready?” The Guardian’s voice squeaked nervously and Lex could imagine Tai-San kneeling on the floor in front of him as he sat on the bed, her body pressed against him, arousing him.

“Yes, Guardian.” The way she spoke his name was enough to make Lex’s skin crawl. “Nearly ready.”

“We mustn’t do this, Tai-San.” The Guardian was protesting, though without much conviction. “You are set apart for Zoot.”

“Yes, for Zoot. But you are his guardian. Why not guard the thing most precious to him?” Tai-San continued to seduce him and it was all inside Lex that kept him from breaking down the door that very instant, strangling the Guardian where he sat, stood, kneeled or whatever.

There were no words exchanged for several seconds and already Lex’s imagination was pulling up quite disturbing images. He wanted to walk away, to pretend he had not heard what had taken place between Tai-San and the Guardian, but something told him her words and actions would forever be burned in his memory.

“No!” The Guardian suddenly called out loudly. “We must not do this Tai-San! We will not disgrace Zoot!”

“But Guardian,” Tai-San protested loudly, but the Guardian was already obviously up on his feet and walking away.

“No, Tai-San. Zoot has sent you to test me. I know this now. You have been sent to test my purity…” He was pacing, Lex could tell. He could also tell that Tai-San would not be able to seduce him that night and he quickly returned to his position, unwilling to put himself through another moment’s torture.

“Oh Tai-San.” He moaned softly, his head falling back against the wall. “Why? Why have you done this to me?”

~*~*~

“Well, at least some things haven’t changed.” Amber wrinkled her nose as she and Ebony descended into the depths of the sewers. They still smelled and rank and disgusting as they had when she and the others had first arrived in the mall well over a year ago.

“No kidding.” Ebony chuckled next to her, though Amber could not hear any humor in the laugh. “I’m surprised the Guardian hasn’t stationed more guards here on the sewers. If we were going to attack this would be the ideal spot to hit.”

Amber nodded, then realizing Ebony could not see her head movement in the dark added, “But he’s extremely undermanned. I doubt he can really spare anyone. I only counted thirteen guards. We more than outnumber them once we add those in the resistance inside the mall.”

“It wasn’t like this when they attacked.” Ebony puzzled. “It seemed like they were an endless sea of blue robes. I wonder what happened to the rest.”

“Honestly, I’d really rather not speculate on that.” Amber frowned, not wanting to admit to her friend that she had been wondering that very same thing all day. The only thing she could come up with was that the Guardian must have many other headquarters throughout the Province. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Quarter past midnight.” Ebony quickly informed her. “Zandra said she would meet us precisely at half past. We’re a little early.”

“Let’s hope she will be too, then.” Amber stated, a nauseas feeling filling her more and more the longer she was in the sewers. She was wrong. They had changed. They smelled worse now. “I don’t think I can stay down here too much longer.”

“Maybe that’s why the Guardian didn’t bother to post guards here.” Ebony laughed. “He thought the stench would drive them away.”

“And it obviously has.” Amber joined Ebony in the brief moment of merriment. “It really doesn’t look like anyone has been here for a long time. Probably since the last time we came through here.”

“Oh, someone has been here.” A new voice joined the conversation, however they were not alarmed. It was Zandra. “You guys are talking loud enough to wake the entire mall.”

“That’s alright.” Amber grinned as she and Ebony quickly made their way towards Zandra’s voice. “If anyone finds us down here we can say we heard a noise and came ot investigate.”

“And just what would I do?” Zandra jested, now directly in front of them. “Become your prisoner?”

“Why not?” Ebony added with a quick laugh. “We could throw you in the cage with Trudy.”

“Is that where he’s keeping her then?” Zandra’s voice dropped into a low hiss. “The bastard. I heard what he did to her, saying she is a fake. Of course she’s a fake. They’re all fakes. And now Tai-San is one of them.”

“We’re not too sure of that.” Amber glanced over to where she knew Ebony was standing. They had discussed Tai-San’s situation earlier and both came up with the same speculation. Tai-San was doing what she could do to try and overthrow the Guardian from the inside.

“We’re pretty sure Tai-San is trying to weaken and influence the Guardian in her own way.” Ebony informed Zandra quickly. “Or at least that’s what Alice said. Alice is worried about her, though. She says that she thinks the Guardian is influencing her more than she is influencing him.”

“Probably.” Zandra snorted in disgust. “He has a way of doing that. We’ve got to stop him. I know we can do it. Everyone’s just so sick of him in the city. It barely took any convincing at all for us to get people to agree to come to Tai-San’s coronation and start a revolt.”

“The coronation?” Ebony echoed.

“Yeah, sorry. After Great White and I had heard it was taking place tomorrow we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to attack. I wanted to tell everyone when and where to attack while I had them right there.”

“You did good, Zan.” Amber quickly assured Zandra, sensing that the former Mall Rat had become quite paranoid about her decision. “That’s what Ebony and I were going to suggest, but we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to get word out on the street fast enough. You’ve taken care of that problem.”

“Good.” Zandra breathed out a sigh of relief. “I was worried that, well, you know.”

“No, it was a right decision.” Ebony voiced her opinion. “The coronation is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. That will give us enough time to take care of the few remaining guards here in the mall. Amber and I will watch over Tai-San, get her back to the mall as quickly as possible, protect her from the mobs and from influencing the mobs.”

“What about the Guardian?” Zandra voiced.

“I’ll take care of the Guardian.” A male voice rang loudly through the sewers, causing them all to jump back in alarm.

“You!” Zandra gasped loudly.

~*~*~

It was shortly after midnight by the time Luke had quietly slipped out of Ellie’s room. They had celebrated together their soon coming freedom, though Ellie was obviously far more excited than Luke had been. The entire time they were together, Luke found himself distracted, mulling over the information she had fed him. The Rebels were here. They were going to attack, and most importantly, they were going to win.

He let out a long and heavy sigh, shaking his head slowly as he smoothed down his now wrinkled light blue lieutenant’s uniform. He had momentarily entertained the idea of the Chosen being able to defeat these Rebels who had infiltrated the mall, but Luke knew their numbers were far too few and they were too vulnerable to really do anything. Whether the Rebels realized it or not, they had struck at the exact right moment and if they moved quickly enough, there would be absolutely no way the guard Luke had dispatched to the Safe House would make it in time.

As Luke was slowly making his way towards his own private chambers he noticed two of his Chosen guards silently creeping towards the sewers, clinging close to the dark shadows and walls in an attempt not to be seen. Obviously, these two women were no true Chosen. They were Rebels, more than likely going to go meet a contact who had not come inside the mall.

After only a brief moment’s hesitation, Luke decided to follow the women, a plan already beginning to form in the back of his mind. He watched and waited as they slipped behind the dark and ugly green wooden doors that led to the rather putrid smelling sewers, then after several minutes had passed, quietly joined them in the one place in the mall he thought he would never willingly enter.

They were talking rather loudly, confident that they had not been followed, and rather than discuss plans for their attack like Luke had hoped they would, they laughed and joked around, clearly not worried about anything, especially not being overheard.

Luke furrowed his brow, beginning to wonder if perhaps he had made a mistake, that these really were his own guards who had just come to the sewers to check the gates, but he quickly discarded that thought. Why else would they have been sneaking about at midnight?

After several seconds of just the two girls talking a third voice, a voice that sounded vaguely familiar to him joined them. Their contact. They began to discuss their plans of attack for the next day, just as Luke had suspected. What he had not been prepared for, however, was how the one woman, their contact, had stirred up the few remaining free city tribes. They were ready to revolt, to overthrow the Guardian and his Chosen. Now Luke knew for certain they stood no chance.

“You did good, Zan.” The woman that Luke recognized as Jade, the leader of the ‘Chosen’ who had arrived that morning, spoke softly, assuring their contact that she had made the right move. “That’s what Ebony and I were going to suggest, but we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to get word out on the streets fast enough. You’ve taken care of that problem.”

Ebony! She was here at the mall? How did she slip past him? Luke had been keeping his eyes peeled for the braided beauty, knowing that Zoot would want her taken immediately if there was any possible chance. He had some unfinished business with the traitorous woman.

“Good.” The woman Jade had referred to as Zan breathed out. “I was worried that, well, you know.”

“No, it was a right decision.” Ebony, the third woman, spoke. “The coronation is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. That will give us enough time to take care of the few remaining guards here in the mall. Amber and I will watch over Tai-San, get her back to the mall as quickly as possible, protect her from the mobs and from influencing the mobs.”

Amber. That had to be the woman who called herself Jade’s true name. Amber, Jade. Good choice in names.

“What about the Guardian?” Zan voiced.

The three women were silent and Luke knew it was at last time for him to make his move. Clearing his throat and taking a step forward so that the dim moonlight streaming into the sewers would illuminate his face, he spoke. “I’ll take care of the Guardian.”

He could tell he had taken them all off guard, all three women jumping back and together in alarm. Ebony moved in front of Amber and Zan, clearly in a protective stance, though Luke was not certain she was even aware of what she was doing.

“You!” Zan gasped loudly.

“Yeah, it’s me.” Luke nodded, studying the woman carefully. Now that he was close to her he recognized her instantly. Alana, or at least that had been the name she had taken after the Guardian had found her half out of her mind wandering around the Eagle Mountain area. “You three should be more careful. If it had been anyone else coming down here you and your plans would be through.”

“Excuse me?” Ebony narrowed her eyes at him, placing her hands firmly on her hips.

“Look, I’m on your side.” Luke lied easily, having gained practice in the art in the months that he had been with Ellie. He had managed to convince her, May and Salene that he was on the up and up. The only member of the Resistance who didn’t seem to trust him was Alice, but Luke suspected she had her own motivation for that. “I want the Guardian thrown down just as much as you do.”

“You do?” Amber looked unconvinced as she folded her arms against her chest. “And just why would you want that?”

“Because,” Luke hesitated, running his fingers through his deep blue hair, musing it slightly. “I’ve fallen in love with Ellie and I’d do just about anything to be with her.”

“Including betraying your master?” Ebony posed the question to him.

“The Guardian is not my master.” At least that much was the truth. Luke served only one man, and that man was Zoot. “Look, the Guardian is insane. He’s planning on executing all of the captives this week. I’ve been trying to figure out how on earth to stop him, but I jut haven’t seen the chance. When Ellie came to me this morning and let me know that you, the Rebels, were inside the mall I knew there was hope.”

Luke paused dramatically, seeing that he had still yet to convince any of the women. “I want to help,” He whispered softly, studying each of their faces in turn, “Alana, you know that I never fully supported the Guardian.”

Ebony’s and Amber’s eyes shifted to the woman he knew as Alana but now seemed to go by the name Zan. “It’s no longer Alana.” She furrowed her brow, nervously pushing her dyed blue hair away from her face, “It’s Zandra.”

“Zandra.” Luke smiled, deciding that a little flattery might be in order. “It suits you much more than Alana. Zandra is a beautiful name.”

“Look,” Ebony rudely cut him off, “There is absolutely no reason we should trust you, Luke. You’re Chosen, you’re the enemy.”

“Yes, I may be Chosen,” Luke addressed Ebony, knowing that she would be the most difficult to convince, “But I’m not your enemy. Not all of the Chosen are evil. We’re not all the same. All I ever wanted was to see order returned to the city. But now the Guardian only wants to bring death and chaos, I cannot support that.”

“The Guardian,” Amber spoke up, her voice ringing with authority, “You said you would take care of him. Would you mind telling us how you were planning on doing that?”

“The Guardian trusts me.” Luke explained carefully, still hatching the plot in his mind, “I can get him to follow me away from the ceremony tomorrow, but instead of leading him to freedom and safety, I’ll take him back to the mall, put him in the cage.”

Amber nodded, pursing her lips together thoughtfully. “A moment please.” She turned to the other two women and they huddled together, obviously discussing what they would do. If any of them were thinking logically they would see that they had no choice but to trust him, that if they didn’t trust him then he could very easily report them to the Guardian. Though they suspected the Chosen were weak, they did not know for sure. They needed him.

“Alright,” Amber spoke at last, “We’ll go with your idea, but you will not take the Guardian on your own. One of our men, Jaguar will go with you.”

“The Guardian will not trust him.”

“He’ll be dressed in a Chosen robe.” Ebony supplied. “The Guardian should not suspect a thing.”

Luke rolled his eyes, knowing that the Guardian would never fall for that stunt, but decided not to press the issue. He was thankful that the girls seemed to buy what he had told them. “Alright, it will probably be better anyway. The Guardian may look weak, but he’s not. He can more than defend himself.”

“Can he overpower you?” Amber queried.

Luke hesitated again, knowing that the Guardian would never stand a chance against his black belt skills, but he decided to keep that information privy. “Yes.” He lied, exhaling his breath softly. “But with your Jaguar I should be able to overpower him and get him inside the cage.”

“Good.” Zandra nodded. “Then we all know what we must do. Right?”

“Right.” Ebony and Amber spoke at once, echoed moments later by Luke.

“We should disperse.” Amber was watching him with distrustful eyes. “It’s getting late and tomorrow will be a very busy day. But hopefully by the time we are able to meet like this again the Guardian and everyone behind him will be overthrown and the city will be free once again. We must keep the dream alive.”

“Keep the dream alive.” Zandra murmured softly.

“Keep the dream alive.” Ebony echoed.

Luke hesitated, then added his voice, “Keep the dream alive.”

‘Or rather,’ He thought privately to himself, ‘The nightmare.’