~|Welcome To The Messed-Up Place I Call My Life|~ Mega-post!
Cody jumped down and stood beside Rhythm, Micky and Sara following.
This is your new home, Cody announced, The land is yours to farm. Build a house, make a life. Rhythm spoke next, pointing at a rut in the ice behind us.
That is the border, and to cross it will be treason. That, over there- he pointed to a large, grey building- Is the guards station. You are not allowed to enter unless invited- again, treason.
But how are we supposed to live? Mum spoke, her voice distraught. You can't just leave us here to die!
I can do what I want. Rhythm, Uncle Mick and I will all stay here overnight, and leave later for a plane back from Islandia.
And me! sara put in. Rhythm shook his head and smiled.
My dear Sara, we're giving you a promotion.
You're leaving me here?
Yes we are. The head of the station will show you your quarters.
But- You said I'd be home by Christmas! You promised!
Sorry Sara. Official business. If you return before ordered, I'll have you fired, and Cody will outlaw street-people and have your family executed. You can still send your wages back to your family. Come on, let's go outside. You lot; collect any belongings.
We did as he said. Sara disappeared and came back minutes later with five bags full of things.
You'll need these- matches, food and freshwater. There's some furs and sleeping bags in there, too. Come round to the back of the station in ten minutes, and you'll find some stuff to build a house with- but out of sight of this place. Go now.
Thank you Sara, I whispered, Why are you so kind?
You remind me of my family, Lucky.
Rhythm came back, grinning, holding extra furs in his paws. Sara rushed over to him, leaving the stuff. Rhythm nodded at her, and said something we couldn't hear. His next words changed my life forever.
Coming, sister?
Of course, brother! Cindy walked fowards to meet him, pulling on the furs he offered. The last jigsaw piece was put into place. Cindy was the one who put me up to this.
Cinderella had betrayed me.
Cindy! I cried in horror and distress, You betrayed me! How could you?
I was never with you, so how could I betray you? I'm third in line for the throne, I'll let you know. You were never my friend. You've been living a lie, Lucky.
Anger surged up in me, full of heartbreak.
Just because you say you know me, doesn't say you know it all.
Don't acuse me of a crime I never did, don't say that you'll catch me if I fall.
No, not everyone is the same. No, not at all.
But in the end, I'll come out on top, because I know I can try.
And there's nothing that can stop me.
I will try, and I shall not stop untill I have got what I have looked for.
No need to insult me, I already know some is true, no need to push it, I've already had my fill. Except, you never knew me Cindy. It was you living the lie. Because I'll never give up, I'll die trying, and you can't say or do anything about it.
I don't really care, Lucky. By Easter Cody's plan will be successful. And we're going now. Have a nice life.
I was left standing there, staring after her through the snow.
The construction of the house took almost a day.
Dad, Aaron and Heather collected the stuff, swearing Sara wasn't there. I hadn't expected her to be.
We wore the furs, dropping a layer as we worked. It would be a one-floored house, with five rooms- a lodge with four small bedrooms.
Dad had been a builder once- first we had to dig a hole in the ice- it was so thick it didn't matter. Then we used some of the stones for a floor, and used bricks and cements to make the walls. Then we lined the outside with wood and made the roof from wood and slate.
The house was done, and a small fire burned inside.
I was about to go in, when I hesitated.
That's when I saw them.
The Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights.
I'd always dreamt of seeing them, and knew I never would. Stories say they lead to another world. They're beautiful, so that no words could describe.
My breath caught in my throat. A mass of blue, green, pink, purple, yellow, orange, a tiny bit of red, trailed across the sky like a bright blaze. They were like heaven. Something from a dream long ago, changing colours and creating a blazing paradise. They looked like something from another world; I could hardly believe what I was saying.
Lucky, are you coming in- woah.
Jess stood behind me, staring up at the amazing sight in the sky. No matter what anybody says, that has got to be magic.
I've always wanted to see them, at least once.
She nudged me.
Now you get to see them all the time.
Girls, come inside, it's freezing out there.
Dad, look! The northern lights!
Wow, Lucks. Come inside now though. You can look through the window.
I sighed, and stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
We sat inside, sipping cocoa (thank you Sara!) around the fire, my eyes straying to the makeshift window at the lights. We all still wore at least one layer of furs, as it was freezing. Aaron was trying to make a fireplace- he felt uncomfortable with it in the centre of the room. We had wood as a floor, and plain brick walls. We sat on logs covered in more furs- I have a feeling I'm sat on some kind of bear. Eww. As for what I'm wearing- trust me, you don't wanna know.
Well, J, as far as things can go, I think we're doing pretty well. We're (semi)warm, (kinda)full, and all together(completely).
So, here we are. Indy went to our room about 10 minutes ago, too tired to stay up. Dad's building us all beds- so far he's done Aaron's and his/Mum's, Book's/Heather's and Indy's. The rest of the beds will be done tomorrow. Oh, here are the roommate pairs:
Mum + Dad = Bedroom One = Double Bed
Me + Indy = Bedroom Two = Two Single Beds
Jess + Aaron = Bedroom Three = Two Single Beds
Book + Heather = Bedroom Four = Bunk Bed
You kids ought to go to bed now.
But Mum-
Please, Lucky. We need to discuss things, and you're not old enough to understand the situation.
What do you mean? Haven't the past few weeks been proof that I'm grown up?
Lucky-
Lucks, please, just do as your mother says. We can't do this tonight.
Ok, I sighed, and went through the half-open door into my room, and closed it again. Indy was asleep in her bed, furs pulled over her. It was a tall bed (Dad laughed when Indy had to jump in), and I slept in a sleeping bag underneath it. I was asleep in minutes; the murmuring from the living room and the scuffing from Book and Heather next to us didn't disturb me one bit.
I woke, and it was brighter in the room. Indy was shaking me.
Lucky, get up! Daddy's got your bed!
I crawled out and looked at Dad and aaron, who were pushing a bed the same size as Indy's(just a little longer) in. I rushed over and helped them, settling it on the other wall. I kicked my sack of stuff underneath it, and like Indy, pulled my sleeping bag and furs onto it.
Go get some breakfast, Lu, Dad told me, and I did as he said. Mum smiled at me and gave me a honeyed bread roll. I ate it on a log around the fire (which now burned in a fireplace aaron had finished earlier).
Your Dad and aaron have been up since six, Mum said. I yawned. What time is it now?
Half eight, Lu! Book laughed. I grinned. You calling me lazy?
In a very discreet way, yes!
I laughed, chucking a pillow at her (Mum was knitting last night apparently. Mum, knitting?).
Nice sleep, Lu? Jess asked, coming inside. Heather followed her. Turns out, we forgot one crucial room, so we were just building it. I've taken the wood off, and I just need to make a door in here.
She beconed to Heather, who karate'd the wall with a hammer. The bricks crumbled, revealing a small cupboard-like room. They bricked up a hole in the wall on the far side, and began to dig.
Uh... What room is that? I asked in confusion. Heather laughed. Bathroom. We've made a hole in the Station's sewage pipe, and are going to dig a hold to it, so the room doesn't stink. We'll leave a bucket of water in the corner for you to pour some down to wash it to the pipe.
I mimed being sick and she laughed.
I finished the roll, and washed it down with some water. Dad came back out, Aaron behind him.
The last bed is done! How's the bathroom going, girls? No answer came.
They're probably halfway to the sewer pipe by now, Aaron half-joked.
We lazed around for a couple of hours, and Heather and Jess joined us. Dad built a makeshift door, and the house was pretty much done. Then Mum gave a cough.
Indy, Lucky... Family conference, please. Our room.
Confused, I followed her and Dad. What is it? I asked, closing the door.
Well, the thing is... You're having a new sister.
I choked on an apple I was eating, spraying it everywhere.
Uh, WHAT?!
Ok, J, I was stupidly stupified. That's a whole load of stupid.
Yay! Indy cheered, wile I was stood there, apple still in hand.
Lucky? Mum asked worriedly.
Uh... again, WHAT?????
Are you shocked, or angry?
Shocked.
Well, better than the other, I guess.
I shot him a glare. But... Will she just grow up here?
Yes, she will, Lucky.
But how could you live here your whole life, not knowing any different?
Lucky, please. It can be done.
So what will you call her?
We were thinking about 'North', or something that means North...
Kiya.
Huh?
Kiya. It means 'north'.
That's perfect! Our little Kiya.
I smiled at them, and went out of the room. I was in a way, dumbfounded. But also excited. A sister, an new sister to replace Cinderella(I'm never calling her Cindy again).
My life is just getting better.
Hey, isn't it boxing day today?
Yurp!
I totally forgot! Hey, I'm gonna go for a walk.
I'll come with you.
Me too! Bye everyone!
Have fun! Be careful!
Don't freeze to death! Dad joked. I grabbed a pillow from by the door and aimed it at his head.
We walked for a while across the icy landscape, away from the Station which was hidden from view by a huge rock. Ice crunched beneath our feet- still, it made no difference, as it was so thick.
What was that? Heather asked, freezing. Jess and I did the same. That's when we heard it.
A kind of grunting, and footsteps crunching in the snow. Ever so quietly, Heather and I stood in front of Jess, protecting her. This is what we had trained for, for years. We were both black belts; we were ready for this.
A dog appeared over a rise. Immediately he flew at us, kicking and punching. Heather and I, we weren't daunted, fighting back with equal skill and strength, carefully trained blows. It was clear this dog knew nothing about fighting. We easily pushed him down into the snow.
Don't hurt me! he grunted. I know I'm not supposed to be here. It doesn't belong to me. i just wanted to explore, that's all.
He was about Heather's age, a year younger than me. He looked like this:
It's ok, we wont hurt you, I said, exchanging a surprised glance at heather. Where are you from? I can't quite place your accent...
Islandia.
Oh! And your name is...?
Phoenix. And you are?
Lucky. This is heather and Jess. I pointed to each in turn. Jess helped him up. He brushed down his fur.
They'll never let you leave, you know, she told him, pointing towards the station. Phoenix looked suprised. Oh.... Oh. What will I do?
Come home with us. You can have my half of the room- can I move in with you, Heather?
Sure, you can drag your bed in! Come on, let's go back.
We walked back, Heather and Jess chatting about sharing a room. Phoenix was muttering about christmas presents, I think.
We went into the lodge, and Dad looked surprised.
Hi guys, who's this?
Oh, this is Phoenix. He's from Islandia. He'll be staying with us- is it ok if Jess moves in with Book and Heather, and he shares with you, Aaron?
Great! Come on Jess, Lets go move your bed.
And I guess I'll make you a bed. Phoenix. Unusual name.
Yeah, I get that a lot. My sister's name was Patty. She died last summer of sickness.
My sister died, Jess said, smiling at him and taking his hand. I smiled.
Love is in the air~
Anyway, bye J! It's dinnertime! (Potatoes- yum yum!)
Hiya J!
It's New Years Eve, and we're huddled outside, swathed in furs- that's Jessica, Aaron, Phoenix, Book, Heather and Me- holding cups of hot chocolate and cream. The Northern Lights are shining, more green and pink than I've ever seen them.
"One more minute!" Book cries, and We're all laughing. The stars glittered overhead.
Ten!
Nine!
Eight!
Seven!
Six!
Five!
Four!
Three!
Two!
One! Happy 2013!
We jumped about cheering, wishing each other a happy new year. Indy bounded out of the house.
Lucky! Lucky! Kiya's here, Kiya's here!
What?! I cried, racing after her, through the house and into Mum's room. She held a little baby in her arms. It looked like this:
I walked over to her and perched on the bed. The baby Kiya blinked open her large, grey eyes.
Why are her eyes that colour? I asked. I knew it was an unnatural colour.
Kiya? Kiya, look at me. She gasped. She's blind, Lucky.
I blinked, confused. How can you live without seeing?
Her other senses will be twice as powerful, you wont notice. Maybe she'll have an extra sense- a sixth sense- for the lack of sight.
Cool, I said. Mum retreated under the furs, Kiya still in her arms. She's getting cold, Mum explained. Dad smiled at us. You two should go to bed. It's late.
Happy new year, Daddy, I said- I hadn't called him Daddy for years, I realised as I walked out with Indy and shut the door. I walked to the front door, where the others were singing.
Dad says it's time for bed, I told them, and with several 'awws', we all went inside and shut the door. I led Indy into our room and shut the door. I climbed into bed, cuddled up in my sleeping bag, in a pile of furs.
I was cold, I realised, yawning in the darkness. Drowsiness overcame me. Happy 2013...
I awoke several hours later to the sound of voices. Outside the thin walls, someone was talking. Silent as a feather, I wrapped polar bear around me and walked to the wall, listening. The voices were unfamiliar.
They're inside, boss, about nine of them.
Good, and how are they coping?
Well, sir, very well.
Ugh, how I wish we could starve them! But Cody said not to, didn't he? You're Arcian, fool, what would he be plotting?
I don't know sir- your united states of Islandia, Vereterra, and Smaragdus know as much as us.
Yes, the Vere Glacies are a fine group of countries, aren't they? But why the Arcian royal family? Why not the Islandic one?
I don't know sir, I don't know. So what will you do?
I'll call them for a meeting tomorrow. Send that idiot guard Sara to fetch them. See what they can salvage.
His majesty wont like that.
Tough. I could burn their house down and Cody cannot lay a finger on me, as he is not my king.
I gave a small gasp, and as my paw went to muffle the sound, it hit the wall. The dogs outside froze.
What was that?
Maybe someone inside heard our conversation.
Whoever it was, when I find out, they will be punished severely.
Yes, if you find them.
If? No if, fool! When!
Yes, when. Unless...
Unless what?
Unless it is the girl Cody told us not to hurt.
What is he up to? The voices were getting fainter as the dogs moved away.
I don't know, sir. What was her name again?
I strained to hear his answer, but they were too far away. I cursed my clumsiness, and climbed back into my bed, wondering: Who the waffles is this mystery girl???
Well, J, it's like 7:00am so I'm just gonna pass around...
Hi, J, it's me, Jess again! Lucky's doing a pass-the-journal-around thing, so ya.
I'm gonna pass on now. See ya!
Hi Uh J. Wow, Lucky sure needs a life, doesn't she. Uh, don't tell her I said that... Wait... She'll probably read this... Just gonna pass along now...
Hello J. My sister Patty used to have one of these, and we shard it. It's at home on my desk. So bye.
Hello, it IS Book! I'm writing a book; ironic, huh? It is gonna be called 'Through The Lights.' Maybe you'd like to read it sometime.
I'm gonna go and get a life now...
It's Aaron. Loving the adventure, and having a roommate who's a boy. Cold now, and Lucks wants her journal back- it's a diary, Lucky. Hate to break it to you.
Oh my god, Heather, Aaron, you are in BIG trouble!!!!
They came for us at 8 o'clock. A rough, quick knock at the door. Dad jumped up and opened it, and a freezing-cold Sara blundered in. She seemed worried, upset, unsettled.
They want you at the station- she panted- All of you, ASAP. Something important. You'd better hurry.
You ok, Sara? I asked. She seemed different... more unsettled, like I said before. We dashed into our bedrooms and grabbed more furs, Mum wrapping some of hers around Kiya, who she carried in a sling around her neck. We then ventured outside in the freezing cold, nervous and curious at the same time.
Ice and snow blew around us, and I walked side-by-side with Jess and Indy. We were stood outside of the station, a weird wall blocking off the worst of the blizzard. Sara stood slightly to the side, looking anxious and chewing her claws. A dog came out of the station, grumbling. Stand still, and wait patiently- the Boss will be along shortly.
It was one of the dogs that had been outside last night! I'd totally forgotten! I'd have to tell them when I got home. He stepped forward so we could see him. This is what he looked like:
I heard Aaron swear under his breath and Jess's gasp of shock and horror.
Dad?!
Wait- WHAT?! This guy who was creeping around last night was Jessica's Dad???????
What in the name of pancakes is going on here? Dad? Her voice, which had started off angrily, had dropped to a sorrowful murmur. Her Dad didn't look surprised.
I'd have thought you'd have figured it out by now, Jessy, darling. You see, while you thought I worked in a coke factory, I was actually a spy, in Cody's right-hand agency. When he offered me a promotion up here, I couldn't say no- but I couldn't say yes either. I told him I had to look after you three, and he told me of his plan- and I had no reason to do anything but agree! It was pure genius! So, I got a plane here, and you arrived weeks later. You didn't see me, but I saw you. Cody filled me in on what was happening, and I totally agreed.
So you agreed that Jo had to die?
Yes! Of course!
Nix, fool, stand back and let me talk!
Speak of the devil, here she comes now.
It was a girl. That was what I could fathom from the dog stood in front of me. She wore a bundle of furs. Silently, she slipped them off, until she stood in a plain fur coat. She looked like this:
The fact that she had a heart on her head was kinda ironic and it made it hard to take her seriously- she looked young, barely older than Sara. Hard to believe that cold, harsh, icy voice belonged to this sweet dog. But her smile was sickly sweet, and her eyes were cold and hard as ice. She was a monster in disguise- I knew that far.
My name is Red, she announced, Head of the station. I have gathered you today to have a count-up of you. Get some ground rules and things down. Her voice, like her smile, was fake and sweet, a voice that you'd expect to spread lies like sticky syrup.
This is Nix, my second-in-command. We are the top two, in case you didn't know. How many of you are there? One, two, three.... Eleven! My, my! A big family of sorts we have, don't we. As you know, this land is yours to make a home. Find some way of making a profit, and we'll give you clothes, money, food, drink and furs as you please. Work hard and maybe you can become one of us, living in the station. You, boy- she poked a finger at Aaron- Maybe you'd like the job?
No. I will not work with my traitor of a father.
Oh, is this your boy, Nix? Very spirited, I'd say. Oh, what have we here? A newborn? Red flounced over to Mum and peered at Kiya, stroking the blankets away from her face. How sweet! May I?
Without waiting for an answer, she picked up Kiya, and wrapped her in more furs. A place like this is no place for a newborn. I'd be happy to take her from you, raise her as my own daughter- it would be doing you a favour, one less mouth to feed.
You wont have our Kiya, Mum says, Never! I'd rather die with her than watch her grow up in another's arms!
Red's eyes turned dark. Handing my baby sister to Nix, she raged forward and pinned her against the wall. She held a knife pulled from her fancy coat at her neck.
I'll let you off this once, she snarled, Just because of the kids- I'm not a monster.
Sara was holding Kiya, and Nix came out of the snow, dragging a dog by her arm. The prisinor was trying to escape again!
Red laughed and turned to the dog. Again? You really think you could survive out here, in the harsh cold of winter? It's still January, you know!
Maybe I could, the dog replies. Remember last year, the Spirit of Zima? Phoenix gasped. Zima! That is where I am from! The Spirit of Zima appeared last year- a ghostly dog who whispered words to children as they slept and spread good dreams to all!
The snow had cleared and Nix yanked the dog forwards. She was weary, as if she had not eaten in a month- I wouldn't be surprised if that was true. Her eyes were full of sorrow, longing and exhaustion. This is her:
Mum?! Jess gasped once agin. Wait- I thought her Mum was dead! This must be as confusing to her as the Day I found out that Cindy was Rhythm's sister.
Hello, Jessy. Her voice sounded pretty much the same as Jo's, but with a silky hint. (That's why her words will be in the same colour,as Jo is dead...
)Oh, right! Your mother isn't dead, as I led you to believe. She wouldn't do as I said, disrespected me, so I pulled a few strings and had her imprisoned up here.
You really are heartless, aren't you?
Proud of it, kiddo!
Now this little heart-fest is over, get her to the Torture Chamber. Jess whimpered. The rest of you get back to your hut- except for you. She grabbed onto my arm. Everyone froze- Mum back holding Kiya, Phoenix, Heather- everybody. Than the world swung back into motion, and I was yanked away into the station by Red. I caught Jess's gaze as a large metal door swung shut, isolating me from the outside world.
I turned to look at Red, who was smiling. I like you, she said to me, You have spirit. And no matter what you say, you're going to become my apprentice. In a couple of years, you could be in charge of this place.
But I don't want to do that! I protested, horrified. You threatened to kill my mother! To turn my sister into a traitor! I hate you! Why would I work for you?
Ah, well, you see, you'll have no choice.
Why not?
Because I am going to erase your memory.
Fear shot through me- here I was, locked in with this mad dog, armed guards around me. No karate could save me now.
I was doomed.
Red led me along corridors. Sara and Nix had disappeared, along with Jess's mum- Ezzie, I think her name was. Anyway, I was let along a route I could not possibly remember, and into a dark room. Cages hung from the ceiling and lined the walls, most empty. Long tables, scary-looking machines and weapons filled most of the room, which had a bare stone wall and floor, and a small, barred window on the far side. I could guess what room this was- the Torture Chamber.
I saw Ezzie in a cage in the corner, looking tired and defeated. Hello, she called, and Red shot her a glare. Ezzie looked away immediately.
Red opened one of the cages and pushed me into it. She swung the door shut. Wait here a moment, she told me, and exited the room.
Who are they? I asked, noticing other dogs in the cages, several moaning and groaning.
The other prisoners, Lucky.
Wait, how do you know my name?
It says it on your butterfly hair clip.
Oh. I am so stupid.
Anyway, these are Ella, Ocean, Shadow, and Crystal-Dream- Crystal for short.
She pointed to each dog in turn. They looked like this:
Ella:
Ocean:
Crystal:
Shadow:
Uh, what happened to Shadow?
Oh, right. When they have a new technique, a new idea, they test it out on you until you can stand it no longer- that's when they leave you out there to die. Shadow's been here longest- ten years.
Woah. TEN WHOLE YEARS?!
That's probably about the time you 'wear out' as they call it.
I may be broken, but I will always be myself, Shadow grunted, his voice gruff, No matter what they do to me.
Or me, Crystal said quietly. Me either! Ocean chipped in. Ella's voice was a shy whisper. They can kill us, but we'll never die.
The others agreed. I had no idea what they were on about. Nix came in, Sara following nervously. We need two dogs, he called, Sara collect Ocean and Shadow.
Sara unlocked the two cages and the dogs stood together. Nix collected an eletric-blue powder in a pouch, and, careful not to get any on his skin, sprinkled it over the two dogs. What happened next was amazing. They seemed to be zapped by lightning one minute, glowing like the Lights the next. Then they returned to normal, but something green was flowing out of Shadow's chest, into Ocean's, tinged with the Northern Lights'. Shadow then collapsed, gasping. He lay on the floor almost ten minutes until Nix sighed. Shadow, you've finally Worn Out. Sara, go leave him outside in the snow.
As if on second thought, he sprinkled a pink powder on the two dogs, and the light-thingy flowed back. Nix shoved Ocean back in her cage, and Sara towed Shadow outside. I stared in horror as Nix left the pouches on the table, one labelled Connecting Powder, the other Returning Dust. He then left the room, closing the door.
What was that? Crystal asked after a while.
I held his spirit in my paws for ten minutes, Ocean breathed, awed, I felt his pain, read his mind, knew how he was feeling. He knew what I felt, as well. I could control him- he couldn't disobey me. Then the pink stuff came, and it was gone.
Scary, Crystal breathed. Totally, Ezzie added.
The door opened once again, and Red strolled in. She unlocked my cage and led me over to a wooden table. Li on there, she commanded, and I did as she said. I don't know why.
She fastened leather straps round me so I couldn't break free. Then she pulled something down from the ceiling and placed it over my head. Lights flashed on inside, and a whirring began. Then my life flashed before my eyes.
As each memory passed, it disappeared. I tried to go back, remember it, but there was nothing but blinding white. All my memories gone in the space of ten minutes. Name, I told myself, What is my name? But it was gone. Name, age, friends, family, all gone. I don't know who I am.
Red removed the helmet after fifteen minutes. I stared around blankly, then blinked. Confusion filled me as I gazed around.
Who am I? I asked, Where am I?
You're in the Chamber, and you're... uh... you're Lily. I am your mentor, Red.
Oh, right, yeah. And who are these? I pointed at the unfamiliar faces around the walls. No-one, darling, just our prisoners- they've done very bad things. Now, lets go upstairs to your room, shall we?
Ok! I agreed enthusiastically. I don't remember Red, but she seems nice.
I found this journal on the floor. It looked like it was mine- it has my handwriting. I also found some rainbow pens inside. I flicked through, but I think the rest was just a story- a story of a dog called Lucky who came to live here. Well, I'm not going to write a story of a dog named Lucky any more. I'm not a storyteller. I'm going to tell of my life.
So, here I am: 15 years old, in my bedroom at the Station, in charge of prisoners, with Red as my mentor. My name is Lily, Lily Smith.
Hello, Journal, and welcome to the real world.
So, I've been completely busy for the week I can remember. Red tells me I hit my head and have amnesia. It's weird, barely knowing who I am.
Anyway, it's kinda cool. Like a whole new start. I can be a different person, without people giving me strange looks. Unless, of course, you're Harmony. If you're wondering, harmony is my best friend. She looks like this:
She grew up with her Dad and brothers, and people often mistook her for a boy. So she ran away and found shelter up here, where she was given a job. She wears a bow in her hair to prevent people getting confused. Though her brothers taught her a lot, and she can fight almost as well as me. I do karate, though, and she does wrestling. Apparently Nix gave her the nickname 'Sumo'. Why, yhough, I haven't a clue. What does 'Sumo' mean, anyway? This is what happened when I met Harmony (her words will be in purple):
So, I was just walking down the corridor, with a pile of papers Red had given me, to 'refresh my memory'. I was busy flipping through my journal and wasn't looking, and tripped. I'd bashed into another dog, who'd also fell to the floor.
Watch where you're going!
Huh? Oh, sorry. Who are you?
I'm Harmony. And you're Lily.
You remember me?
Of course.
I don't remember anything.
As we spoke, we were collecting the papers. I still held the journal, and piled the papers on top of it.
You're Red's golden student, y'know. She does nothing but chat about you, and how great you'll be.
...Right.
Hey, can I come to your room? You've got the skylight, right?
Yeah! It's cool, seeing the stars and all.
...Right. Well, can I?
Sure you can! Where's your room?
Fifth floor, underneath yours. Sara's on the fourth, Red on the second, and the Guard's barracks on the first.
Why aren't we there, then?
Well, you and me, we're only Apprentices. We get our own rooms- plus, the rest of the guards are boys. Sara sleeps in what will be the Girls' Barracks, and Her Majesty- she did a mock bow- Has her own room, of course, being head.
Right. Why don't you share my room? It'll be fun.
Oh... Wow. That'll be great! Let's go ask her majesty now. We stood up, clutching papers, and giggled.
Well, gotta go for training now. That's underground, and even further underground is the Chamber. I often hear horrible screams coming from underneath us while we train. I wonder what they do in there?
Lily, darling, I have a treat for you! Red comes into my room. I look up from writing, my hand scribbling by itself. Oh yeah? What is it?
I'm taking you to the chamber. It's time for our Apprentices to see how we treat prisoners.
She leaves, and now I shall wrap up my writing, and follow her downstairs.
I followed Red excitedly, Harmony beside me. We walked into the chamber, leaving the door open. Nix, who I had come to realise that he's not friendly, was standing beside a black-and-blue dog, who was strapped to a table. A large mechanism brought down knives onto her; her fur was bloodied and matted.
Curious, I stepped closer. The mechine was a wonderful thing; and if Red was right, this dog deserved it.
Can I have a go at something? I asked. Everybody stared at me in astonishment. I shrugged. What?
Red shook her head. Nothing, darling, nothing, chose a dog and strap her to that chair- She pointed at a worn leather chair.
I chose a dog- an orange-y dog with blue sparkles. I dragged her over to the chair and strapped her in. I noticed a control panel on one of the straps, and pressed a 'go' button.
The dog- Ezzie, Nix called her- screamed in pain. Fire lapped around her, and electric waves shocked her. Knives came up from the chair and back down again.
Ezzie was in so much pain.
I laughed, clapping my hands. Nix and Red exchanged glances behind me.
I didn't know what was up with them, but I was enjoying this.
The chair halted.
I had a sudden urge to do it again, but let commen sense get the better of me- didn't want her to wear out too early. Instead I threw her back down in her cage.
Harmony and Red high-fived.
That was awesome! You're truly one of us Lil! We thought losing your memories would make you soft, but hey! Look how that turned out!
I grinned. Red held onto our shoulders, stood behind us.
I think it's time our apprentices get promoted.
The graduation was short. We were given 'official' badges, and new beds in the barracks.
But that night, it all went weirdly wrong.
I heard voices, just down the hall. So, careful not to wake anybody, I crept out of the room and followed the sound. The murmurs came from the communication room, just down the hall. Red was sat there, talking to a dog I'd seen on TV once- Cody, I think his name is. I found one totally perfect to run the station in a few years! I erased her memory, and told her she had amnesia!
Great job! So, what's her name?
Well, I don't know her real name, but I called her Lily.
I gasped. I had no doubt she was talking about me. I was so confused. Who was I, if I wasn't Lily? Was I one of the roamers, who lived in that hut of a lodge? It couldn't be, could it?
Could this last month have been a lie?
Have you got a picture of her? Cody asked. i opened the door, flushed and angry.
No need, I said, glaring at Red, I'm here.
Lily! I- uh... Were you listening?
Yes, Red, I was. How could you lie to me? Tears began to fall. Who am I, Red?
I- I don't k-know...
Well, that's just great then, isn't it!
Red! You idiot! She's the one I TOLD you not to harm!
Oh... Oops. Didn't think that through, did I?
Well, why are you standing there? Go fix her!
I- I can't. The changes were irreversible.
Isn't there ANYTHING you can DO?
I can take her back to her friends. That's it. Maybe it will uncover several memories?
Fine! But if she's not well by Easter...
I got it, I got it! Come with me, Lily.
She led me out of the room, cutting the communication. She knocked on the door. Sara, go and get the roamers for a meeting.
It's six in the morning, Red.
Just do as I say, or you're fired.
Sara jumped to her feet and ran off. Nix and Harmony followed Red, who dragged me outside. The eight roamers stood outside in a line. Why do you want us here again- one of them started, then stopped, hands going to her mouth.
Lucky! one, a white-and-orange dog cried.
Jessica, I said, remembering my journal- the story! It had been the truth, not some fiction, not a fantasy. Red chucked me down into the snow. I looked back up at her as she closed the door. Fear shot through me. These dogs were criminals!
Red! I cried, fighting towards the door through the blizzard. But she had gone, taking the others with her. Jessica, Book and Heather - who I remembered from the journal - rushed over to me, and Jess hugged me, shielding me against the snow. Lucky! she cried, happiness in her voice. I pulled away from her, stood up in the snow.
Get away from me! I screamed at her. I don't know you!
Worry crossed her face. Lucky?
I'm not Lucky, and I never will be!
She took a step back, fear in all their eyes.
Great waffles, she breathed, What did they do to you?
They took me back to their shack- or 'lodge' as they called it. They gave me furs, and showed me my room, that I'd share with my supposed 'sisters', Indigo and Kiya.
Nobody met my eyes or talked to me. I was glad. And the longer I sat with them, the more I came to realise- how could these dogs be criminals?
I had no idea who was wrong and who was right. Was Red evil? Were these dogs evil?
I was so confused.
There was another dog who I did not recognise from my journal. This is her
Her name is Rayla,and she came about 2 weeks ago, according to Lilac, who I am supposed to call 'Mum'. She shares with Aaron & Phoenix, as the other rooms are full.
So build a new room, I tell them. Why not?
It's a little more complicated then that, Lucky.
Lucky. that's the weirdest part- having a new name. Lily, Lucky. Lucky, Lily. But who am I, really. I know who I've been, but who AM I?
I go to bed early. The beds here are tatty and wooden, with no mattresses- just sleeping bags and piles of furs. I'm not tired yet, though. I search under my bed- I find a sack full of things- pens, papers, drawings, a musical instrument, a shattered friendship bracelet. I find something caught in the lining, and tip it out. A sleek, smooth, golden edge appears in my hand. I pull gently, and reveal a photo. It was taken three years ago, I see- the date reads 3.3.2009. I would have been twelve, Indy four. And then there's another dog- Cindy.
i stroke the golden frame, the glass covering the ink, and sigh. I wish I could remember.
Then, memories start coming back. Most are blurred and hazy, as if they never happened, images from a dream. But then comes one, one that isn't blurred, hazy or dream-like, but on as clear as day.
I was eight, if I remember correctly, and I was playing with my best friend. But not Cindy, or Jess- it was foxie. Yep, shy old Foxie from school. We were playing in my room, and we promised to be best friends forever.
What happened to us? I wonder, How did we drift apart? How did I forget, even when I remembered?
Then I realise the though that will haunt me my whole life.
How could I forget?
Hi, J, it's me, Jessica, again!
You can't imagine the day Lucky came home. When Sara came knocking on our door, unnerved, I thought they were going to take another one of us. I hung close to Aaron, scared of losing him... We went outside to the Registry Plain as they call it, and waited as the dog, Red, appeared. She flung something to the floor, and that's when I realised... It was Lucky! I ran over to her, calling her name, hugging her.
She's my best friend, and I missed her.
Then she threw me to the floor and I felt confused. What was going on? She started yelling, and I got so scared... What had they done to her?
Sara came around a couple of days after, told us what Red had done. I felt so angry. Poor Lucky- or Lily, as she calls herself now. She's been a little strange since coming back. Some days, she calls herself Lucky, laughs and plays like before... others, she'll blank us and forget our names and what's she's doing here. And then there are the days when she sits in her room and cries, hiding away from the world.
I miss you, Lucky. Wherever you are, come home.
Please, come home...
Easter.
Todays one of my better days. Yesterday I had no idea where I was, and I forgot Jessica's name... how could I forget?
My memories have slowly been coming back... Old ones, like my tenth birthday party, and newer ones like the day Jo died.
Remember anything new? Jess asks me as I come into the room for breakfast.
Yeah. Um... WhenIndy and Kiya were born, When we found Phoenix, and... and... I struggle to remember. Something about a dark room... A cage... The chamber!
The day I lost my memories!
Everyone's alert, and I can feel the excitement buzzing in the room.
Tell us what happened, Lucky, Book says, Tell us.
It's hard to remember... There's a dark room, the Chamber. I'm out of my cage, and there's a table. Red, she's there... She tells me to get onto it. For some reason, I do as she says, and she straps me there. She lowers... something... over my head. I see images from my past... and then they're gone. Nothing but whiteness... Gone.
Think, Phoenix says, Can you see them?
Yes... No... Yes... Birthday parties... Cindy... Old promises... But they're blurry. I can't hear any words... No... Yes...No. I open my squeezed shut eyes. The memories had gone... I doubt I could get them back.
There's a loud knok on the door.
I'll answer it! I say, and jump up. It's one of the biggest shocks of my life who I see.
You! I say in astonishment. He nods. Me. Can I come in?
Um... Sure, I guess.
That's it, you've guessed it... Cody. I shut the door behind him and everybody stares.
Get out, Mum tells him. Get out and never come back!
Do you want to go home, or don't you? Cody asks. Everyone shuts up.
That's right, I'm giving some of you the chance to go home.
Some? Rayla asks suspiciously.
Some of you shall go home and get your old houses and jobs back. Some of you will go home and work in the Royal Palace. Some of you will join the guards up here and at home. But, it all depends on you Lucky.
I look at him as he says his next words in horror.
Lucky... Will you marry me?
