Fated Anarchy

[spotneck]

CHAPTER SEVEN
OFFENSE
For the past week, Annie was seething with anger every time she sees Nie. Ever since she knew that Nie was only teaching her because his father forced him to. She felt that he lied to her. She just go to their training and do whatever he says, talk when she was asked and avoiding eye contact with him. So far, Nie seemed to be oblivious to the changes and it made her angrier.
On that particular Monday afternoon, she was kicking a dummy with all her might as Nie watched her.
“You’re doing it the wrong way. You’re putting much pressure on your knee,” Nie told her.
Annie started kicking fiercely again. How can he not notice the change? Is he really just there because his father blackmailed him? If his father would let him go, will he ever think or remember her? Pain shot through her leg and she fell on her behind, clutching her right leg.
Nie immediately went to her and examined her leg. “You should have listened to me. You put too much pressure on your knee.” Nie told her as he massaged her leg.
Their eyes met for a second and Annie quickly glanced away.
“Are you okay? You seemed so distant this past week?” Nie asked her. “School gives you too much homework?”
Finally he noticed that there was something wrong. Annie could not believe that it took him a long time to notice.
“Is there a problem? I am your friend, you can trust me. Who knows, maybe I can help you. My sister asks my help and advice all the time,” he said.
Annie felt her heart sank. Is she really just a sister for him? Annie felt so hurt that if she was going to stay there for another second, she might explode. “I’m really tired. Let us call it a day,” she said.
Annie slowly rose to her feet. Her right leg still ached but not as much as her heart does.
“I guess we’ll just postpone our next class on Friday so you could rest.” Nie said.
“Fine.” Annie said. She walked away from him limping and without another word.
The next morning Annie was still seething with anger. She went to her locker and found another rose taped on it. She grabbed it fiercely and threw it in the trashcan. Nie was such an insensitive jerk. Why would he continue giving her roses if he liked her only as a sister? It was all a big joke. She headed to the canteen to meet her friends. She saw Wallace walking her way. A guy bumped into him. The poor guy fell flat on his stomach as his thick textbooks scattered on the floor. Wallace just continued walking as if nothing happened.
Annie had enough. “ Hey! Wallace Hunter! Would it diminish your virility if you show that you cared about other people for once?” Annie burst out.
Students around them stopped in their tracks and looked at the scene. They have never seen Annie so angry about anything before. It surprised them but nor more than it surprised Annie herself.
Wallace stopped walking. He slowly turned to face Annie. For a split second, Annie wanted to take her words back. There was a dangerous look in his eyes. He was clenching and unclenching his fist. The guys whom he bumped quickly gathered his textbooks and flee the hallway, scared. For a moment, Annie and Wallace stared at each other, eye to eye. The first one to look away losses. There was something in his eyes that Annie saw. Was it pity? Why would he feel pity for her? Annie suddenly felt uncomfortable that she glanced away. Wallace turned around and walked away. The students resumed whatever they were doing.
During lunch break, Annie sat with her friends. This time, the Student Masquerade Committee surrounded them. Every year, Winlend holds a Masquerade Party to raise funds for The Hoel Children’s Hospital. Emma is the current student chairman of the committee. This will be Annie’s first Masquerade. She fell ill last year during the ball. She remembered how she cried because she missed the masquerade. She had her costume planned out and she was going out with Emma’s handsome older brother, a senior at that time. To her utter frustration, she contracted flu a week before the ball and was hospitalized for two weeks. Looking back, she realized that her problems yesterday where trivial compared to her problems today. She listened to her friends chatter.
“The news today makes me wanna puke, these crimes are becoming so lame. Some dork who murdered another officer and left some petals of red roses around his body is so ridiculous.” Emma said.
“That’s just so gross. I heard that the murderer is a member of the “Gnats”. They dubbed him as Red Thorn,” April said. “It’s like their new way of initiating new members. They kill somebody in the government and leave some stuff that pertains to their identity.”
“Enough talking about those things. It makes my head spin!” Annie complained. Her friends gave her a sympathetic glance. They all knew that she was going through a tough time. They started discussing about plans as Annie’s mind wandered in space. Emma brought her back to earth when she was asked, “Can you ask Doctor Lange to come to our Masquerade? He is one of the board of directors of the Children’s Hospital. He donated his entire savings from school and a quarter of his inheritance from his mother to the Hospital.”
“He’s such a generous man not to mention his good looks,” April said dreamily.
“I do not know Emma. He might be busy,” Annie said. The truth was that she does not want to ask any favor from Nie. Especially after knowing everything. The least she wanted him to think is that it was an excuse for him to be her escort. That is another problem, finding an escort. The school had made a policy that every student should have a date so that the tickets sold would reach its break-even volume. By the end of this week if you have not submitted your partner’s name, you name shall be raffled with the names of other people who do not have partners yet.
Emma begged her, “Just give this invitation to him. Please Annie, the ball would not be complete without him. He is the most important person for this ball. His presence will really boost media coverage for this ball. Remember, he was voted as the most eligible bachelor in town by a magazine and everybody’s just curious about this smart young doctor.”
April rolled her eyes at Annie. Emma can really be whiney sometimes. It is true that Nie’s popularity was really skyrocketing ever since he saved her life. It was published in every newspaper in town. As if that heroic act was not enough media mileage, the media dugged up his personal life that it also made him an instant celebrity. He graduated at the top of his class. He placed second in the medical board exam and his donation to Hoel’s hospital was big news even if it was old news, it happened way before he saved her. It was not a surprise to other people that he was named the most eligible bachelor for his late mother, Andrea Lange was once the fairest woman in Hoel.
Annie accepted the invitation. She will just have to give it to Nie and tell him that she is not in need of any escort. Maybe she could just make up a name and pass it to Ms. Shaft, the chairman of the faculty masquerade committee and pay for the two tickets. She realized that it wouldn’t work because she had to also give his civil registry number. Every citizen of Hoel has his/her own civil registry number, as an added precaution to this event, they are requiring ticket buyers to present their number to prevent Marricans from entering the ball. This rule was only imposed now because of the attacks and also partly because of her presence in the ball. Annie looked at the envelope she really dreaded this.
Traffic as usual was heavy as they were about to cross Myles Street. She was staring out of the car window when a group of people started pelting her car with raw eggs. Annie made sure her doors were locked.
“What is going on?” She asked her bodyguard.
Two of her bodyguards went out of the car and started chasing the people who were throwing eggs. Policemen ran after them too. She did not get the chance to see what happened to those people because they sped off to the Presidential Palace.
“Why did they act like that?” She asked Emerson, her bodyguard.
“Ma’am your father just ordered that every person who were suspected or are in anyway connected to the Gnats be prisoned or arrested even if there is no warrant of arrest. It’s part of his offensive tactic to suppress the rebels,” Emerson explained. “ I forgot that you did not know about this because you were in school awhile ago when he announced this to the congress.”
Annie slouched on her seat. That was really something drastic to do. She can bet that it was Genera Lange’s idea. That man is good in offense but can he keep up with the peoples’ rage?

[spotneck]

Finally, you guys voted. I thought no one was reading my fanfic. Anyway, I will be updating the next chapter later. I'm just so happy that you voted. The next chapter is finished. I just have to type it.

[spotneck]

CHAPTER EIGHT: MASQUERADE
Annie had just finished her martial arts classes with Nie. She did not know how she going to give Nie the invitation. She has not talked to him. Nie was drinking a glass of water. He must have sensed her uneasiness that he smiled at her after he set his glass down.
“You seem so uneasy. Is there a problem?” Nie asked her.
It was now or never. She took the invitation from her pocket and handed it to him wordlessly. She was debating if there was a need to tell him that she does not intend to ask him to be her escort. She felt that she does need to say good afternoon and good-bye. Just as she was about to leave the courtyard he called up to her.
“Annie, thank you for the invitation and I will surely come. I know it might mean a lot to you.” Nie told her.
Annie fumed. Why does he always have to lie to her? She went back to the courtyard and faced him.
“Nie, do you always have to do things for other people? Can’t you do things for yourself once? Would you just spare me of making me believe that I am a worthy cause?” Annie said. “ Stop making me an excuse!”
She was also about to ask him to stop misleading her. She was also going to ask him to stop hurting her by pretending he cared for her when he does not. She fought back the tears that threatened to fall. Despite the fact that he makes her angry, how can he be so perfect? She turned her back at him so he can’t see her pain.
“I’m sorry Annie, I did not mean to upset you. I just thought that this ball is really important and I meant to say that this masquerade is important because it helps the Children’s Hospital,” Nie explained. “I was hoping to start a conversation too. We have not talked for a long time and you do not say goodbye anymore nor walk me at the door.”
Annie felt a slight twinge of guilt. It was really rude for her to do that but it just hurts too much.
“I’m sorry for the outburst. Goodbye Nie and it’s such a lovely afternoon. I’m quite tired so I can’t walk you to the door.” Annie said quietly.
She went back to the palace but just as she was about to enter it, she turned back. Nie was sadly staring at her with guilt on his face.
She smiled faintly. “Do not worry, I have an escort,” she lied and she continued inside.
For the entire week, not a single guy approached Annie and asked her out. She had expected it for a number of reasons. First, she’s the President’s daughter that translates to a great deal of intimidation. Second, who would want to go through such a harrowing ordeal of risking his life in saving her when the need arises? Third, she had been so moody lately. She just knew that the only way she’d get a partner is through the raffle draw. She dreaded to see the results of the raffle draw. She felt her heart beating faster as she neared that small crowd that gathered around the small bulletin board. She swallowed hard as she looked up her name. Her heart dropped when she saw Wallace Hunter’s name next to her name. There must have been a mistake. It cannot be. She ran to her car as she buried her face into her hands. She pinched herself just to make sure she was not dreaming because this was surely a nightmare.
Monday afternoon, Annie still felt upset. She spent the entire weekend sulking in her room and thinking of illness that she might use as an excuse not to go. She did not want to hear any single word about the murder of three more high-ranking officials, the growing number of Marricans jailed and her friend’s endless consolation that it was okay to have Wallace as her date. If there was anything good that happened over the weekend, it was the return of Mrs. Libramount so she did not have to see Wallace until this afternoon in PE class.
Annie’s team was sitting on the bleachers. They were lively chattering about the upcoming ball. The PE teacher called Annie.
“Ms. Brewster, one of your classmates, Suzy does not know how to swim. She has big problem with her breaststroke. She requested for you because she does not feel comfortable in asking her team captain’s help. Mr. Hunter is just so hard to talk to. Can you teach her after class?” She asked her.
Annie nodded it would be a good excuse not to meet Nie later. She hurried back to her team after informing Suzy that they’ll have a one on one later. The class ended. Annie was thankful that she did not have any close encounter with Wallace.
She first asked Suzy to warm up as she went to the locker room to call Nie on her mobile phone to tell him about the situation. After talking to him she ran back to the pool. She gasped. Suzy was drowning. Suzy was screaming and waving her arms wildly. She hurried to help her. Just as she was about to jump into the pool, Wallace was already swimming towards Suzy. She stared at the scene in shock. She hurried to Suzy’s side to comfort her. Suzy was shaking and crying, Wallace quietly walked away. As she stared at his retreating back, she remembered her words, “Would it diminish your virility if you showed you care..” She felt guilty. She wished she can take those words back. She reached a resolve that she was going to make it up to him at the ball.
The night she had been waiting for arrived. Annie carefully stepped out of her father’s limousine. She was dressed in a cream colored gown. She held her mask on her right hand. Music from the large ballroom inside echoed. She saw Wallace standing by the door and she knew he was waiting for her. He offered his elbow to her. She linked her arm into his as they registered. Annie must admit that Wallace looked so handsome in his tuxedo. There was warmth in his eyes that she’d never seem before that night. They entered the ballroom. The ballroom was elegantly decorated, there were gleaming chandeliers and bouquet of fresh flowers everywhere and sparkling silverware. Couples were dancing at the dance floor.
Wallace turned to her, “Will you dance with me Annie?”
Annie noticed that he was blushing and he seemed to be nervous. She smiled at him and nodded. He led her to the dance floor. Wallace was a great dancer and she felt her gentleness as he held her. She was so surprised at how different he was tonight. As they were dancing, her eyes fell on someone. Nie was standing at one corner with the school Principal and he was staring at them. Does he recognize her even if she was wearing a mask? Annie felt her heart flutter. No matter how angry she was with him, she’s still not over him. All she ever wanted was for him to tell her that he care for her and he was there for her not because of the stupid bargain with his father. The song ended and the Principal was about to start his speech.
Wallace led Annie to their table. Suddenly, his mobile phone beeped. Wallace read his message and his expression changed. He turned to Annie, “I’m sorry Annie but I have to go for awhile. I have to attend to something urgent. I might not come back. I’m sorry.” Wallace apologized.
Annie could see in his eyes that he was really sorry. She also felt disappointed. She was looking forward to spend the night getting to know him better. S
“That’s okay Wallace,” she said.
Wallace hurried to but before he left he whispered something to her ear,” You look beautiful tonight.”
Annie stared after him in shock. She was so shocked that she did not even paid attention when Nie gave his short speech after the Principal did. She was oblivious that everyone was starting to dance again. If Nie did not approach her she would have been staring at space with her head in the clouds.
“Annie, May I have this dance?” Nie asked her. He did recognize her even with her mask on. There was a touch of nervousness in his voice. Annie nodded as Nie led her to the dance floor. An old song entitled “Last Chance” started to play. Nie was also a good dancer and he moved suavely. Girls stared at her in envy. She felt so happy to be in his arms. How can he be so wonderful and unattainable at the same time? If he would go, it would break her heart. Confusion washed over her, she need to breathe. After the dance she excused herself to go to the comfort room to retouch. Just as she was about to go in, she saw Wallace running. His arm was bleeding and he held a gun on his left hand. She ran up to him.
“Are you okay?” she asked him. She noticed two men coming from the direction that Wallace came from.
“Run!” Wallace cried as he grabbed her hand.
The men chased after them. Annie felt her heart beat faster. What is going on?

[spotneck]

I want to say that the song I used was Last Chance by Allure. I just have to clarify that in case anyone would start telling me I plagiarized their song. hehehe!

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

Please continue updating the fanfic. This is so good. Just to let you know I am reading this fanfic.

[spotneck]

I'm so happy to know that there are people reading my fanfic, for awhile I thought that no one was reading it. Anyway, I will be updating the next chapter this week as soon as I'm free.... I have finished the next chapter. I'm really psyche to get to the exciting part of the story.

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

I am reading it it just I am really lazy to response. I think Mel have read your fanfic but she really busy to reply. Put update as soon as possible or I will stalked and annoy you.

[Melanie]

Yes, do continue, spotneck. Cathy is correct. I am reading the story, but I am pretty far behind due to lack of time. But keep up the good work. Don't worry about receiving few comments. I used to fret about the lack of comments from readers, too. But I've learned to live with the silence. That is why I am extremely grateful to the few readers who have left me a few encouraging words. I believe there are quite a few readers out there, silently lurking about the Fanfic Forum. They are just either too busy, too shy, or not talkative enough to leave comments.

[spotneck]

I've been really happy to receive your comments, I have been working on the succeeding chapters and I might finish it this friday and post it here. It's really inspiring to receive comments I've also been reading your fanfics and I just did not post any comments, I should have known that some readers are like me too.. they do not post comments Well, just want to thank you all.

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

You can tell about how many people have been looking at your fanfic by going into the spcnet forum of fanfic and look at the view column.

It seem like there are a lot of people reading it just most of them are lazy or prefer not to write.

[spotneck]

I'm also asking you guys to vote, although I have an idea who would end up with whom, I'd like to see your opinions and maybe it might change my mind but you know that would be like only 30%...who knows what will happen next.

[spotneck]

Chapter 9: Solitude

The men chased after them. Annie hand was hurting, Wallace was gripping it tightly as they ran into the ballroom bumping into people. It was all in a flurry. She did not even hear her bodyguards firing at the two men who were chasing them. Unfortunately, her bodyguards kept missing. They reached the parking are. Wallace took her to his sports car and they sped away.
Annie took her mask off, Wallace was still wearing his mask. They were speeding on the highway. Annie looked behind them if there were any cars following them. She could see that a battered green van was following them. Wallace swerved to the right and the green van followed. Wallace was concentrating so hard. Annie’s heartbeat almost stopped as a bullet hit the side mirror.
“Duck!” Wallace told her. She ducked as more shots came from the green van.
Annie does not know if she will ever live long enough to see her father again. She cursed herself, how could she have gotten so concerned that she ran to Wallace? If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have been there. She really is a magnet for bad luck. She prayed a silent prayer that if she did, God would continue to protect her loved ones. She heard another shot and a rumbling sound. Wallace cursed loudly, a bullet hit one of the rear tires. The car swerved dangerously to the right and for a moment the van was out of sight. They are now on Hoel’s biggest bridge, the Neville Bridge. Wallace stopped the car, it was lucky for them that the bridge was deserted because of the construction.
“Come on!” He shouted. Wallace got out of the car. He grabbed Annie’s hand. They ran to railing of the bridge. Wallace threw his mask off.
“What are we going to do?” Annie asked.
“We’ll jump off this bridge at the count of three!” Wallace said as he helped Annie up into the railing. “Remember, do not let go of my hand.”
Annie stared at the dark murky water of Neville River. Annie gulped, she heard the van behind them and Wallace on his side counting.
“Three!” Wallace shouted.
She and Wallace were flying in the air as she heard gunshots. She felt the cold icy water as they crashed into the depths of Neville River. She felt Wallace’s hand loosen its grip on her. She struggled hard to keep herself from drowning. Her gown weights her down especially her heavy skirt.
“Now what?” She asked him.
“We wait here for a while and make sure they leave before they spot us.” Wallace said. It was a good thing that it was really dark that night, there was no moonlight. The only light was from a lamppost on the bridge but its light was so weak that it could not give a better view for the men chasing them to spot them. Wallace led Annie into an alcove under the bridge. They heard the men blaming each other for letting them escape. The men even went to the banks of the river to look for them but luckily they were safely tucked in the alcove. It seemed like eternity when the men finally gave up and sped away. Wallace helped Annie as they climbed out of the river. Wallace’s arm was still bleeding profusely. Annie was now worried when she saw Wallace’s pale face.
“We should go see a doctor.” Annie said.
“No, I have a better idea.” Wallace said.
Annie followed Wallace as he flagged down a taxi. They arrived at Wallace’s posh condominium. Everything was elegantly designed and clean. Wallace went into a room and came out with a first aid kit. He went to the kitchen. Annie followed him. He washed his wound, it was a deep cut.
“Are you sure you know what you are doing? It might infect your wound.” Annie asked him.
“Annie, this is not the first time it happened.” Wallace said. He showed her how to dress her wound. Annie was amazed at Wallace’s expertise. When it seemed like his wound was already properly taken care of, Annie heaved a huge sigh of relief. Questions were still plaguing her mind but she felt thankful that she’s still alive.
“You can take a hot shower in the bathroom. There’ a dryer in there and you can use one of my clean bathrobes as you wait for your clothes to dry. The bathrobes and the towels are inside the cabinet next to the counter.” Wallace said. “Do not worry, I will just stay here in the kitchen. You can lock the door of my room while you’re in the bathroom.”
Annie smiled a little, she’d never seen thought that Wallace would act this way. He seemed so uncomfortable. His cheeks were blushing, he was fumbling with a piece of cotton and he was shuffling his weight from one foot to another. He also has his weaknesses too, he was not so tough as she thought he was. Annie realized that maybe all Wallace wanted was to be alone, he’s an introvert person but he was a nice guy. Annie went into Wallace’s bathroom inside his room. She found the bathrobe and towel right were he described them. She took a long hot shower. As she waited for her clothes and underwear to dry, she walked into Wallace’s bedroom wearing his bathrobe and explored it.
Wallace’s room was so clean, his big black iron bed was covered with a white comforter and fluffy white pillows carefully arranged. His wide glass bay windows which offers a spectacular view of the city had its white curtains drawn. There was a bookshelf with books on Philosophy, Fiction and Literature and a desk with a state of the art laptop. Annie went to see his small walk-in closet, it was so orderly. His black leather jackets were all grouped together. His shirts were all folded immaculately and arranged according to their colors. Shoeboxes were stacked neatly in a corner. Clearly, Annie misjudged him. There was a knock on the door, she went and opened it.
“I think that it will be better if you wear some casual clothes. I have a shirt which I used to wear when I was still twelve and jogging pants which might fit you,” Wallace said.
Annie though that it was a good idea and nodded. Wallace went into his closet and later, he gave Annie the clothes and left the room in order for her to change. Annie got her dry undergarments and wore Wallace’s clothes. The shirt was a good fit but the jogging pants were a little big for her, it was a good thing that it can be adjusted. She placed her gown inside a garment bag that Wallace gave her. Annie then went to the kitchen were Wallace has prepared tea for them.
“I have called the police and told them that you are safe. Someone will come and fetch you in a park a block from here in an hour. I told them that it was all a mistake, those men are just some fraternity boys from the other school fooling around.” Wallace informed her.
Annie took a sip of her cup. She had to know what was going on. Why was Wallace living in solitude and who is the real Wallace Hunter?
“Wallace, I’m sorry that I misjudged you. I thought that you were a rude person who needs attention. I was wrong about you. I hope you can forgive me and be my friend,” Annie asked him sincerely.
“Do not worry, I intended to make sure you hate me. I do not think that you would like me to be your friend anyway,” Wallace said quietly.
“I do not understand you, Wallace. You mean that you wanted me to hate you? Why?’
“Annie, I think that it is time for you to learn the truth about who I am. My real name is Wallace Carter and I am a secret agent. When I was young, a man named William Hunter came into the orphanage where I grew up. He wanted to adopt a son and he chose me. William Hunter was the head of the Hoel Intelligence Center. His entire family was killed in a clash between the Baxters and the Hoelists when Marric was still under the rule of the Baxters. William predicted the fall of the Baxters way before Hoel set out to free the Marricans that this crisis will happen. Hoel has become greedy as he once predicted if it would conquer Marric. It’s original intention to free Marric was overshadowed by the fact that Hoel might reach its supremacy over all the nations if it got the gold, oil and the minerals coming from Marric. He trained me in everything and by the time President Alastair was elected, I was already a secret agent, the youngest in this field. Our job is to protect Hoel from traitors from the military and terrorist and tracking down people who have the plan of destabilizing the government. We report directly to the President. As a secret agent, we have to live a life in solitude and keep a low profile. It was a good coincidence that we went to the same school so when your father became the President, I was tasked to look out for you. There are other things that I cannot tell you. I am confident that you’ll keep everything I told you private. After watching over you for almost a month now, I have a pretty good idea what kind of person you are, mature and smart” Wallace explained.
Annie was flattered with Wallace told her and she felt herself blush. She quickly took a sip from her cup of tea.
Later, Wallace walked her to the park, a block from her apartment where she will be fetched. Wallace quickly walked away from the bench near a lamppost where Annie sat to wait. She figured that he is watching her from afar because there might be enemies around and give away his identity. Wallace had called the Hoel Intelligence Center earlier to tell them about what happened to them that evening but made arrangements to conceal something that she does not know. Whatever it was, she trusted Wallace. She was told that she would just play along with the story they formulated. Her father called her too to check on her in Wallace’s apartement. It only shows that Wallace was telling the truth about who he really was. Her father knew about it all along.
Annie saw a sports car stop in front of her. Nie stepped out of the car as she stood up carrying her garment bag in her right hand. For a second they just stared at each other. The next thing she knew, Nie was hugging her tightly. She wished that it would never stop. She could feel his warmth and all his anger vanished. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe he felt the same way she does. Nie released her and there was relief in his eyes.
“I was so worried about you, I volunteered to pick you up. I looked all over the town for you. I was so relieved when I talked with your father and he told me where you are.” He said.
Annie felt her anger creeping back. She needs to know the truth to end this charade.
“ I know that your father blackmailed you. What I do not know is what you really feel, do you really care for me or you are merely interested in the bargain with your father?” Annie looked in his eyes.
Nie looked at her with shock. He was taken by surprise. “ I do not know how you came to know about the blackmail. Annie if you really know about it, there is no need to ask.”
It was now her turn to be shocked. “ You are a liar!” Annie slapped him and she tried to walk away but he was quick to hold her hand firmly. Tears were now pouring down her cheeks.
“Annie listen to me, You completely misunderstood me. If you know that my father blackmailed me, you must also know that it was never a bargain. I would not get anything in return from him if I continue to follow him. I was wrong when I thought that if I follow his wishes, I meet my end of the bargain. Why would you ever think that I do not care for you when I did not stop teaching you after I learned that he never intended to let me go? Believe me you are as important to me as my dream, maybe even more.” Nie reasoned out.
It made sense to Annie. How could she have overlooked that? ”I’m sorry.” She started to say more but she found it hard to talk. Nie hugged her again and got his handkerchief out and wiped her tears. He then told her that it is time to take her home. He opened the door for her and she scrambled inside the car. She caught sight of Wallace behind a willow tree, his face was covered by the tree’s shadow but she was sure it was him. She realized that he heard and saw everything that happened between Nie and her. Somehow, she felt a slight twinge of guilt and embarrassment. She did not know why.
When she arrived at the palace later, she felt more alive she did not ask Nie if he cared for her only as a sister or something more special than a friend but what really matters is that he cared for her.

[spotneck]

Hello guys! Sorry it took a long time for me to update because of my finals. Anyway, I’m done with my exams and here is the tenth chapter. Thanks for the patience. The two succeeding chapters are the turning point of the story so watch out for it. I’m still writing some parts of it again. It’ll be out by Saturday or Sunday and the next chapter will be out by Monday or Tuesday. Enjoy!

[spotneck]

Chapter 10: The Captive
Her hair was a complete mess and her clothes were full of stains. Rainie suddenly felt impatient as she waited for her brother Nie to fetch her that late Monday afternoon. Finally, Nie’s sports car came into a halt in front of her and she quickly got in.
“You looked like you fought with a bear from the zoo” her brother commented.
Rainie rolled her eyes and laughed a little she did not fight with a bear. Earlier that day, Tina sent her to the Hoel City Jail to interview an angry mob who were caught two days ago for barricading the road leading to the House of Congress. They were all still angry and their shirts were stained from the raw eggs they threw at some congressmen. Rainie had to force the to calm down and interview some, others were fighting their way to be interviewed, they got a lot to say. It was going for the worst.
Rainie looked at her brother, he seemed to be happy about something. He was bouncing his head to the tune to the music playing in the car stereo. This past week, she noticed that he was always in a good mood.
“Did you just come from the President’s Palace before you fetch me?” she asked him.
Nie nodded.
“How was the President’s daughter? I she is doing well after last week’s incident were some immature fraternity boys ruined their Masquerade Ball.” Rainie said.
“Annie is doing okay. She is a fast learner and brave. She’s really…” Nie started talking about Annie.
Rainie thinks that his brother is falling for the President’s daughter. He can’t stop talking about her. Her brother never really had any serious relationship before. Girls were swooning over her brother; sending him cards, letters and even chocolates when he was still going to school. There was also a time when she discovered that one of her friends was only using her to get closer to her brother, it was a good thing that she learned about it before she did something stupid like trusting her. Her brother dated girls before but none of them made her brother this happy or make him forget his frustrations and problems with their father. Those girls lasted for only a month or sometime two months. Most of those girls were models, artists or his classmates. She’d never thought that someone as young as Annie Brewster will catch her brother’s heart.
They arrived at their Mansion. Rainie hurried upstairs to change and shower. After a very relaxing shower and changing into her favorite pair of jeans and shirt, she heard Nie calling her name from downstairs. She hurried downstairs. Nie was waiting at the foot of the staircase.
“You never told me you met someone famous.” He whispered in her ear. “Go see him at the living room.”
Rainie entered the living room and saw Nick Strauss waiting for her. He was looking at her mother’s portrait above the fireplace. He turned around to face her.
“Ms. Lange, I came here to personally apologize for being a jerk a month ago” he said.
Is this a big joke? The incident happened a month ago and he’s only asking for apology now. They frequently see each other in the station after that incident and he never said sorry. She doubted his sincerity and got so suspicious. Her glance fell on the red roses on the table that he brought for her. It reminded her of her mother.
That kind of rose only grows at the foot of the Byzan Mountains that borders Hoel from Marric. The difference between that red rose from the ordinary one is the color and its stem. That kind of rose have the color of deep red, the same color of fresh blood and its stem is thornier than the common rose. It almost looks like a tulip rather than a rose it usually remains a bud until it withers. It was her mother’s favorite kind of roses. Her mother once insisted to plant that king of rose in their garden when they were still young. The roses did not live long because it needed the nurturing mist of Byzan mountain. Not long after those roses died, her mother fell ill and died too. She remembered how devastated she was when her mother died but it was Nie who was greatly affected. He locked himself in his room for a month and never talked to their father for a year. The death of their mother changed her brother forever.
The once lively and naughty Nie has become the reserved and aloof person. What was more evident was that he no longer wanted to be a soldier like his father, he seemed to harbor a deep resentment to their father after their mother’s death.
“Miss Lange, will you forgive me?” Nicholas Strauss repeated. It jolted Rainie out of her reverie. Somehow, the roses softened her heart.
“Yes, Mr. Strauss. Let us just forget about it.” She said absentmindedly.
“I wanted to approach you and apologize before but Tina is a very jealous woman” He said with a grin.
He gave her the bouquet of roses. “I hope we can be friends.”
Rainie nodded as she took the roses. He said his farewell and Rainie walked him out of the door. When he was gone, she quickly took the roses upstairs before their father would see them. Their father never wanted to see that kind of roses again after their mother’s death.
There came a knock on the door and Nie came in.
“We need to talk.” There was something strange in his expression. “I want you to be careful around Nick Strauss. Never trust him.”
Rainie was puzzled. Her brother used to like his band, Lunar Tear. It was also odd that she never heard him play their music in his car. Nevertheless, she does not want to disobey her brother. Something tells her that this is really important. Rainie nodded and promised to Nie that she would take care of herself. Just as he was about to leave her room, he caught sight of the roses, his expression changed and he quickly left the room as if the roses would burn him. The vase where she put the roses suddenly fell from the table. The roses scattered everywhere and the pieces of the shattered glass of the vase glittered in her cream carpet. The roses where far to heavy for the vase, why did she not think about that. The small vase cannot hold the entire weight of the roses and their long stems. She picked up the broken glass, a shard of glass wounded her, as she looked at the blood trickling from her thumb to a rose, she could not help but feel that it was a bad omen.
Dinner that evening was silent a s usual. Rainie knew and felt that tension was building up between their gather and her brother. Their father has not yet given his consent for Nie to go to the medical mission in Marric. She thought that with Annie Brewster, he might forget his desire to go to Marric but it was the opposite. His desire grew stronger. Maybe it has something to do with proving himself worthy for the President’s daughter.
General Lange cleared his throat and it broke the silence. ”Nie, I spoke with the President earlier and he is considering some things about her daughter. You might stop teaching her self-defense. This would be a great opportunity for you. The camp is opening a special course. I spoke with General Rox, he might be able to include you in his list.”
Rainie saw her brother stopped eating and he dropped his knife and fork. “I have my own life Father, I would do what I want to do. Is it not enough for you to blackmail me and now you’re telling me lies to make me go and be a soldier? That is so beneath you!” Nie angrily said, there was anger in his eyes and his right hand was now clenched into a tight fist.
“You are not yet over that little thing? I can see that you are enjoying your job teaching the young lady. I never did that thing if it would not benefit you.” Nie’s father said calmly.
This made Nie angrier. ”That is not a little thing! You practically stole my whole life! Leave Annie out of this! You are ruining my life the same way you did to mother’s life!” he shouted angrily.
The mention of their mother’s name made their father lose his cool composure. It brought back a lot of feelings that are way too painful for all of them.
“Your mother never got out of her childish illusions that it killed her,” General Lange said bitterly. “It will do the same to you. I wouldn’t hear anything about this anymore! You are going to follow me whether you like it or not as long as you live in this country! There’ll be no other choice!”
Rainie watched her brother leave the dining room after she looked for him, he was in the garden. He sat on their mother’s favorite nook when she was still alive. He sat down beside him.
“He never listens. He is going to pay for every little thing he did,” Nie said. “ He’s an ambitious jerk and he should learn his lesson well.”
Rainie felt something in her heart. “Nie, promise me you’ll never do something stupid.” Her heart was beating fast, she was scared. Anger and hatred can only go too far. Rainie waited for a promise she would never hear, for now.
The next morning the station was in chaos. Everyone was running around eager to get to his or her own desks and draft tonight’s news. Last night, the House of Congress was bombed and it was a total wreck. The President has suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus in Hoel and declared a state of rebellion in Marric. Military soldiers were everywhere as a growing number of people protesting was on its way to the Presidential Palace.
Rainie fetched her things, they were going to a live shoot today, the mob was on its way to the Presidential Palace and Tina was ready to go there. Rainie nearly bumped into Nick Strauss again, much to her surprise, he was going with them. After a heated argument with Tina, he finally got his way to go with them. He claimed that this was something very important that he does not want to miss. He also suggested that he could use his popularity to talk with the mob and reason out with them. Rainie saw the staff roll their eyes after he said that, he really did have a big head, he’s so full of himself. The whole crew camped inside the large van of the television station.
Two streets intersect, Myles street and Arne Street. The mob was marching down the south side of Myles Street while the Palace was located at the north side of that street after the intersection. When they arrived at Myles Street the mob was only a block away from the intersection of Myles Street, approximately two blocks from that intersection is the Presidential Palace. It was decided that they take the shoot a few meters in front of the advancing mob. Tina was busy retouching her make-up while the crew was mounting the cameras. Military tanks were now parked at the intersection to block the mob. About 1000 military men were positioned to greet the mob. There was a large fire truck nearby, ready to spray water at the angry mob if they force their way.
“We’re on at the count of three!” the cameraman shouted. “One! Two! Three!”
“This is Tina Kingsworth and we are here in Myles Street as an angry mob is about to…”Tina started but she was cut short by a yell.
“Look out!” a man yelled at them.
Rainie looked to the direction the man was pointing at. East of Arne Street, A huge trailer truck was out of control and it was coming in their way.
“Move out of the way!” Tina shouted hysterically to the crew. “Here it comes!” she shrieked.
A second later a police car screamed around the corner at the West Side of Arne Street, its rear tire burning against the pavement. It seemed like the truck and police car are all headed in one direction, they were all headed towards the mob. The mob scattered in haphazard direction. Nick grabbed Rainie’s hand and dragged her in a black car parked meters away from were they were standing. Inside the car, she looked back to witness the horror.
The truck veered sharply to the right, sideswiping their equipment. Rainie held her breath as the truck and the police car collided. The police car sailed into the air in a graceful arc before landing on the mob. The truck crashed into the military tank as the trailers flew everywhere, crushing some people. Fuel spilled everywhere, people started screaming as Nick started the car and quickly stepped hard on the pedal as they escape. They were about four blocks away when they heard the deafening sound of the explosion.
Rainie never dared to look behind them. All those people who joined the mob probably died. Tears spilled down her eyes. She looked at Nick, he was strangely calm as if nothing happened. Goosebumps started to grow on her arms.
“Stop the car!” She screamed but Nick did not stop the car nor did he pay any attention to her.
Rainie tried to open the door but it was locked and she was trapped. She pounded on the window to catch the attention of other motorist. When she failed, she started fighting with Nick. “Stop the car!”
Nick held her throat and got a handkerchief out of his pocket and covered her mouth and nose. It has a sweet smell. That was the last thing she remembered before she fell into unconsciousness. She did not know that she had become a captive.

[spotneck]

Chapter 11: Leaving Home

That same fateful day, Annie lifted her head groggily. They were now entering the Palace’s long driveway. She had just come from a three-day class retreat in a secluded retreat house near the lake of Ibid. For three days, she and her classmates were isolated from the horrors and tragedies that happened in the capital. She and her classmates did not have any communications with their parents or friends because the retreat facilitators strictly did not allow phones, laptops and any other electronic gadgets.
The retreat completely rejuvenated her. She shared a room with her two best friends that she only got little sleep that when her chauffeur fetched her earlier, she immediately fell asleep in the car, and she was unaware that the car used another route to the Palace. She stretched her arms as the limousine came to a halt in front of the Palace.
Annie quickly got out of the limousine anticipating her next class in self-defense that day. She was completely unaware of the event that happened earlier and her bodyguards have decided not to tell her about it. She was not paying that much attention to her surroundings that she did not even notice the mournful and grave expressions on butler’s and the gardener’s face when she passed them by. She was so excited to see Nie that she ran to find him without changing her slightly wrinkled clothes.
The masquerade disaster was one of the best things that happened in her life. It changed her relationship with Nie. They’ve been much closer than before and although it was not said, Annie perceived that he does love her. It was not explicitly said but it was often implied through his actions and the way he looked at her. It brought Annie a new source of energy and renewed strength.
She quickly went into the courtyard to look for him, he wasn’t there. She checked the living room, the kitchen and the garden but he wasn’t there. She went to ask Mr. Evans, the butler.
“Mr. Evans, has Nie arrived yet?” Annie asked him. For the first time, she noticed the grave look on his face and her anticipation changed into fear.
“Miss, he will not come today. His younger sister…”Mr. Evans started to convey the events that happened earlier.
Annie did not wait for Mr. Evans to finish what he was saying when she noticed three large military tanks pulled up in the driveway. She ran to the Palace’s long driveway towards the Palace gates. Her beating heart drowned Mr. Evan’s and her bodyguard’s shouts as they ran after her. Finally, she arrived at the gates and quickly went outside.
She almost fainted in horror as she saw a block away from the palace the tragic wreck. Firefighters, marines and medical rescue teams gather debris and bleeding corpses. A big truck rammed into a post and trailers were scattered everywhere, some on top of dead bodies. There was still a black smoke coming from that wreck. Annie felt her legs weakened and felt a pair of strong hands gently pull her back inside the Palace gates. She felt numb as a thousand thoughts flew in her mind. She had to find Nie, he needs her.
“We’ll take the limousine and go look for Nie!” She ordered her bodyguards.
“Sorry Miss, but you are not allowed to go out. It is too dangerous outside. The President ordered that you stay here in the Palace,” her bodyguard told her. She knew it was useless to argue. Marines were arriving now, securing the Palace. There is no way she can escape and look for Nie. She ran back into the Palace and locked herself in her room. She turned the television on and tuned in to a local news channel.
“Hoel was taken by disaster today with the morbid tragedy that happened earlier. Three hundred people were killed including our very own Tina Kingsworth…” The news anchor continued to blab about how they are going to miss Tina for a few minutes before proceeding. “A hundred are wounded and General Lange’s daughter, Rainie Lange and the famous lead singer of Lunar Tear, Nicholas or Nick Strauss are missing. Ms. Rainie Lange was working as a trainee here in HBN while Mr. Strauss accompanied his girlfriend Tina….General Lange offered a huge sum of money for anyone who would bring her only daughter back….”
Annie turned the television off, she must find or contact Nie. She is so worried about him. There must be something she could do, It was the only time in her life that she felt so useless.
Annie heard a knock on her door. She was trying to contact Nie’s mobile phone for the past two hours but he was not answering it. She opened the door and Guilda came in. “Miss, the President has just arrived and he wants to see you immediately. He’s at the library.”
Annie quickly went to the library. Her father was waiting for her and he looked so sad and stressed out. Annie hugged her father.
“Father, what are you planning to do now?” Annie asked him. “Declaring a state of rebellion was not sufficient enough to suppress the militants and the revolutionaries.”
“General Lange suggested to declare a Martial Law, but I cannot do that. It would create a much bigger problem. Right now, I do not think that the military can restrain themselves from abusing their power. These rebels have killed so many soldiers that most of the soldiers are really aggressive to kill those rebels. There has been to much bloodshed already.”
“I’m thankful that you’ve thought of that father. Do not ever allow General Lange to dictate you.“ Annie agreed.
“I’m so happy that you are now here safe. There is something I need to tell you Annie. You may be safe now but things are getting worst. I contacted your Aunt Eloisa abroad, she is willing to take care of you. I’ve booked you a flight for Paris tomorrow afternoon. You will be safe there and I’m sure your Aunt, Uncle and little cousin will take good care of you.” Her father said.
“What about school? I want to be always by your side. If anything bad happens to you, I will be so devastated that I am miles away from you.” Annie felt fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. She does not want to leave although she knows that it was for her own safety. She does not like to leave her father in a middle of this crisis nor does she want to leave Nie. She felt so helpless. Her Aunt and Uncle were kind people but she does not want to abandon her father, if anything happens to him while she is away she would never be able to forgive herself for giving in.
“I’ve talked with the headmaster of your school. You got high grades that are enough for them to grant you a clearance. You do not have to take the final exams anymore, you are done with regards to this semester. Your Aunt already found a good school for you in Paris. As for your self-defense class, I think that already know what happened to Nie’s sister. I doubt that he will be able to teach you anymore.” The President told her.
“No! I do not want to leave!” Annie shouted before bursting into a sob.
Her father hugged her and she could feel his sadness too as he hushed her. She realized that she couldn’t give her father another problem. He has more than he can handle and refusing to leave for Paris will be another problem for him.
“I’m sorry father. I will leave but promise me that you will take care of yourself.” Annie told him.
His father nodded as he hugged her, now both of them were crying.

Later that night, Annie had just finished writing her letters of good-bye to her friends. She counted the letters again, it seems that she was forgetting someone she looked around her room as she tried to remember. Her suitcases were all ready. Her eyes fell on her soft bathrobe, she finally remembered. She got her mobile phone. She cannot leave without saying goodbye to Wallace. A letter was not sufficient enough for saying goodbye to him. She dialed his number.
“Hello?” Wallace answered.
“Hi Wallace, it’s me Annie. I called to say thank you and goodbye.” Annie said. Her father told her that they were keeping her departure a secret but she now trusts Wallace. “I am leaving tomorrow and I quit school earlier.”
“I know.” Wallace said.
Annie was confused.
“Do me a favor Annie, please look out from your east window.” He said.
Annie looked out of her east window and into the garden near the courtyard. Wallace was standing near the huge lighted fountain with his mobile phone staring up at her with a smile. Annie felt her warm inside, he looked so cute when he smiles. She pressed the end call button and hurried down to meet him at the fountain.
“Why are you here?” she asked him when she met up with him seconds later.
“I was the one who arranged for your departure tomorrow.” He said simply. “Remember, I’m supposed to be your guardian angel in a leather jacket.”
Annie smiled. How could she forget that he was tasked by her father to look after her? It also takes the expertise of a secret agent to smuggle her out of the country. Annie stared at him, the light coming from the fountain made his eyes twinkle.
“I’m glad I was able to make you smile a little. Your eyes are really swollen. Be brave Annie or you will end up looking like an owl.” He joked.
Annie laughed. It was the first time she’d laugh after coming home from the retreat. He never knew that Wallace had a sense of humor. “You know, I really would regret leaving this country because it will rob me a chance of getting to know you better. I feel a strong kinship towards you.” Annie said sincerely. She did not know how she got the courage to say that. Maybe it was how he looked that night with the moonlight engulfing them.
“Let fate rob that chance if it would make you safe from harm.” He looked into her eyes. Annie felt his sincerity and he saw something in his eyes that made her heart flutter. He cupped her face and he was slowly drawing closer, she closed her eyes an image of Nie popped into her head. She pulled away. She loved Nie and although she cannot understand why she could refuse someone as dashing as Wallace, she felt regretful.
“I’m sorry. I should have known that you love him,” Wallace said. It was clear that he knew about Nie.
“Do not worry about it. Let us just forget it happened.“ She awkwardly hugged him and he said goodbye.
When he was gone, Annie sat on the edge of the fountain. She stared at the trellis of roses that adorned the feet of angel statue. She had tried to contact Nie but he was not answering his mobile phone. Where could he be? She cannot leave without saying goodbye to him. She stared at the full moon and wished. How stupid of her, she should wish on a star not on the moon. She was just so desperate. Her gaze fell on someone coming toward her, it was Nie. She run up to him and they hugged each other tightly.
“I was so worried about you.” She said to him.
“I looked all over town to look for my sister. I did not find her. I’m sorry I did not call, you must have been worried. I left my mobile phone at home. I was such in a hurry to look for her.” Nie explained.
Annie felt so thankful that he was safe. She had to say her goodbye now, she thought that it will also be a good way to know if he felt the same way towards her.
“I am leaving tomorrow. My father is sending me to Paris. I have to say goodbye.” She said
There was sadness in his eyes and he hugged her again, this time more tightly. “ I will miss you Annie. I wish it never came to this. Please do not forget me.” He said quietly.
It wasn’t what Annie expected from him but it was not that bad either. She expected him to tell her his feelings and beg her not to go. He was just being practical but she felt a little hurt that he was willing to see her go. Maybe it has something to do with her missing sister, he was just so preoccupied. She was just really a hopeless romantic that it made her realize her silly wishful thinking. He let her go and she stared up at him.
He was studying her face as if he was memorizing every part of it so that he won’t be able to forget her.
“I will miss you terribly.” She said to him.
“ Annie, when the time comes that all of this is over and you return here. Will you ever give me another chance?” he asked her. She does not understand him but she felt his need for her reassurance.
“My heart would always be open for you.” She assured him. “I promise I will return someday and be with you.”
He hugged her for the last time before he went away. She watched his retreating back and she was starting to feel a longing for him.

[spotneck]

Hello guys! I finished earlier than expected. I had to split chapter eleven into two because it was too long. Chapter Eleven is entitled Leaving Home and its twin chapter is the much awaited The Anarchist. Although Hoel is a fictitious country, I used Paris, a real city for convenience. Anyway, Hoel is part of this world, that is in my story. Thanks for the time.

[ylee_coyote]

Wow, great story, I'm really liking it so far (I read all 11 chapters in one sitting ).

It has a really interesting concept in that all the characters try to live normal lives but are prevented from doing so by events that they have no control over whatsoever. Maybe the characters are fated to live in a state of anarchy

The politics is also an aspect that I find intriguing. It sort of parallels current events so there's an underlying relevance to the situation with Hoel and Marric.

I hope that there will be a chapter that sheds some light Wallace's background/past. His childhood as a secret agent-in-training would be an interesting read.

Keep up the good work

[spotneck]

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v46/spotneck/fatedfont.jpg') thanks! I really appreciated your insight! there will be a chapter about Wallace's background but that will be 3 or 2 chapters away. I'm trying to finish the next chapter but I got sick and I really need to make it very interesting because it is the turning point of the story. Thanks a lot! Please continue reading.

[spotneck]

Chapter Twelve: The Anarchist

The morning sun glowed beyond the retreating gray clouds. Annie walked around the courtyard. She wanted to have some time to herself before she leaves. She can’t help but feel nostalgic as she passed by the old pool house. She remembered when Nie saved her during the inauguration ball, they hid at that old pool house. She remembered how she thought she was going to die that night but he was there to save her and carried her in his arms. Ultimately, she fell for him but along with that beautiful feeling was pain that she never knew could coexist with what she felt. Annie walked away from the pool house it was as if it was mocking her. She passed by the huge fountain, events from last night flash in her mind. She thought about Wallace and how she met him. He was her first kiss, she realized that only now. Maybe it was also good that she was leaving, it will give her some time to sort her feelings. She continued to walk and until she was directly under her own bedroom window. She noticed that the pot of roses was nowhere to be found. She wondered why. She spotted Mr. Scotch the gardener and decided to ask him.
“Mr. Scotch, what happened to the pot of roses under my window?”
“It broke two weeks ago. Someone must have stepped on it, it must have been Mr. Evans’ dog, I swear he weights a ton.” The gardener continued with what he was doing.
Annie remembered that nigh when she checked her window and thought it was open. Did someone really enter her room? She shivered.
Just then, Guilda called her, “Miss Annie, it is time.”
Annie gave the letters she wrote for her friends last night to Guilda. She instructed her to mail them the next day when she will be safe and miles away from Hoel. Annie went inside and her father was waiting for her and to her surprise, Wallace was also there.
“Good morning Annie,” he greeted her.
Annie nodded slightly. A vision of what happened last night flashed in her mind causing her to blush.
“Annie, Agent Hunter helped us come up with a plan so that no one will know that you’re leaving.” The President said. “I want to see you off so I needed his help.”
“Here is what we are going to do. We are going to prepare the presidential convoy to go to the House of Congress but it is a decoy. You and the President are going to ride at a separate car, I will follow your car from a distance. We’ve sent out false information that the President is going to the Congress today so if they are planning any attacks both of you will be safe assuming that no one knew that you are leaving today.” Wallace explained to them.
A thought flashed in Annie’s mind. She never told anyone aside from Nie and her letter will be mailed tomorrow so there is no way for anyone to know that she is leaving today. Still, she thought that her father would be safer if he stayed in the Palace or go with his convoy.
Annie turned to her father, “You do not have to see me off. Although Wallace’s plan is perfect there is still a possibility that these rebels know about my departure. I hate to put you into so much trouble, the country needs you.” Annie was so worried. She has a gut feeling that there was something she’s missing. She doesn’t want to be a cause of a bigger problem.
“Trust him Annie,” the President told her.” I want to see you off. I wouldn’t have a sound mind until I see you go safely.”
“I trust Wallace. It’s the rebels that I do not trust.”
“Very well, let’s go,” the President said.
They waited for a few minutes after the presidential convoy left the Palace. Annie and the President rode in a black car, its windows were heavily tinted. Two bodyguards rode with them. Wallace rode in his own car and kept a small distance between them.
Everything went on smoothly until they reached the highway. Annie looked back, Wallace’s car was trapped in traffic. They were slowly gaining a lot of distance from his car, panic rose in Annie’s chest.
“Father, can we slow down? Wallace is far behind,” she said.
“Relax Annie, even if Wallace is far behind we have our bodyguards to protect us. Who would also know that we’re here when we have the decoy and the fake information to rely on? If anyone were planning to attack us, they would have done it already. We would miss the plane if we slow down.”
They turned left, taking a secluded road. This road is a short cut to the runway. They have planned not to use the airport so that they will not attract any attention. They will go straight to the airplane. They drove down the winding road. The right side of the road was protected by a thin guardrail, and beyond that was a rocky cliff and the crashing waves of the ocean. Thick woods covered the left side of the road.
Suddenly, a black van popped from the thick woods and blocked their way. The driver tried to go back but another car blocked their rear. Three masked men wearing the same black suits as the men who attacked the inauguration ball came out of the van. The bodyguards and the driver got their guns out. The driver got out and fired at one of the masked men.
“Should we stay here?” Annie asked one of the bodyguards in panic.
“Emerson will guide you out. You must run into the woods and hide! I’ll cover for you” Peter said.
Peter got out of the car and exchanged gunshots with the three men. Emerson led Annie and her father into the woods amidst the gunshots.
They heard footsteps coming behind them. Annie looked back, two masked men went running after them, so it means that probably the driver or Peter has fallen.
“Your Excellence, run! I’ll stay here. Go!” Emerson told them. Annie clutched her father’s hand as they ran into the woods. There were some gunshots but Annie did not look back. Annie and her father ran as fast as they could. Her father stumbled and dropped on his knees.
“Father are you okay?” She asked him as she knelt beside him. His father’s knee was bleeding and his khaki was thorn.
“Annie, run! Leave me here!” His father told her. “Go! You should have a chance to live longer!”
“No father! I can’t leave you.” Annie cried. “If you die, I’ll die with you.”
“Annie, I’m old and maybe it is my time to go. Go Annie!” his father begged her.
“No!” Annie sobbed as she hugged her father.
The masked men caught up with them. They held their gun out at them.
“Get the President!” one of the masked men, said. The other grabbed Annie’s father and his father hobbled in pain. Annie felt a surge of strength and she got on her feet and fought with the one holding a gun. She struggled to get a hold of the gun. She remembered all the things that Nie taught her. Just as she was about to seize it she heard her father growl in pain. It distracted her and the man pushed her to the ground. The man lost his patience, “ Get off stupid girl!” He held out his gun and was about to shoot her when the President threw himself on top of her.
“No!” Annie screamed as her father fell on her. Blood was pouring from his shoulder.
Another masked men appeared out of nowhere. “Red Thorn!” the guy who shot the President said. The masked man called Red Thorn tackled him and the gun flew out of his grip. Annie cradled her father in her arms as she watched in bewilderment. Red Thorn was tackling his own colleagues and he was such an expert. She felt that there was something familiar with the way he moved. Ultimately, the two men was knocked out and the lay unconscious on the ground. Red Thorn came to them. Annie froze, is their end? Red Thorn felt the President’s pulse.
“He’s still alive,” She heard him mumble under his mask. Annie did not know what prompted her but she felt her hand reach out and grab the mask off his head. Annie was quick enough that it caught him off guard. To her utter shock, Red Thorn was Nie.
She couldn’t believe it as tears of disappointment, anger and disbelief fell from her eyes. It made sense aside from Wallace, it was only Nie who knew she was leaving today. He was there when the attack happened on the inauguration day and during the masquerade. Nie was the anarchist.
“How could you do this? I trusted you! You’re a traitor!” Annie cried.
“Annie, you don’t understand. There is more to this…”Nie started to explain. Tears were also welling in his eyes.
“You caused all of this! Why should I believe you? You almost took my father’s life! What don’t I understand? How could you do this? I loved you!” Annie shouted. She was shaking from revulsion. How could she love this man? How could she have told him her feelings after what he did?
Nie was in utter shock too. Annie buried her face into her father’s body. She caught sight of the gun from one of the fallen masked men that lay just beside her. Anger shot through her heart as she grabbed the gun and pointed it at Nie, she released the safety clip.
Nie stared at her with sadness in his eyes. “Annie, you are free to take my life.”
Annie stared at him angrily, “That’s the biggest joke I’ve ever heard. Before you die, is there anything else you want to say?”
“Please forgive me Annie. I did not mean it this way.” He told her as he looked into her eyes.
She heard Wallace’s voice calling out to her, “Annie, where are you!”
“I’m here!” she shouted back.
Nie was looking at her. She can’t kill him. She felt her heart ache. She can’t also bear to see him in jail. It was hard to admit but she loved him more than she was willing to accept.
“Go!” She commanded him. “Leave! I’m giving you the chance now! Go, before the police catches you!”
“It’s time for me to pay my debts. I’ll stay and face the consequences.” He said.
Annie pointed the gun at her head. “If you won’t go, I’ll kill myself. My father and I will be together. I’m not bluffing. You asked me for a second chance last night, I’m giving it to you. It’s either you go or I’ll die!”
Nie gave her one last look before vanishes into the woods. Annie broke down and felt her father’s weak pulse. She couldn’t believe that with one look, she let him go. She watched as Wallace and three other policemen came. She can’t look at Wallace straight in the eyes because now she bears the greatest guilt of all.

[spotneck]

Chapter Thirteen: The Rose of Hoel

Rainie slowly opened her eyes. A pair of beautiful eyes was staring back at her. Slowly, she got up, she found her hands tied. Those eyes belong to Nick Strauss and there was relief in his eyes.
“I thought you will never wake up. You must be a heavy sleeper,” he said as he handed her a cup of water.
“Where am I? Why did you do this to me? What have done to you?” Rainie started.
“Drink first and maybe you can get the answers to your questions.”
Rainie sipped the water from the cup. She looked around. She was in a beautiful room. The four poster bed she was sitting on was soft and comfortable. There was a large window which shows mountains. She must be somewhere on top of a mountain because she could clearly see the stretch of land that was all of Hoel. So it means that she was miles away from home.
“Where am I?” she asked Nick again.
“Byzan, you’re at the home of Blue Feather himself. The chief of the GNATS,” he said.
Rainie gasped. “You’re one of them. You staged the entire…”
“ Easy. I was not the one who planned that the GNATS did not have anything to do with what happened. We’re never that brutal,” Nick cut in.
“Never that brutal? What about the murder of the President? The attack at the inauguration ball? The murder of the officers? The bombing of the House of Congress?’ she asked him.
“Yes, we did murder Alastair and attacked the inauguration and murdered Lt. Chuck Bienne but they had it coming. That’s about it,” he said. “ Alastair and Bienne both deserved to be dead. I know you wouldn’t understand this now. You would surely need to talk to someone. He’s been waiting for you.”
Nick helped her up and escorted her out of the room. Rainie could see that the house was huge and everything was made of polished wood. She was lead into a terrace that offered a spectacular view, at her right was Hoel and at her left was Marric.
Nick sat her on a comfortable armchair and told her to wait. Rainie inhaled the sweet fresh air of Byzan Mountains. A man went came out from the double doors that led to the terrace. He was handsome and on his late forties. His ears were pierced and he moved with elegance. There was something hauntingly familiar about him. She’d seen him somewhere. Then she realized that it was Alec Dewitt, the famous rockstar who also owns TriRecords that produces famous albums and manages talents. He is one of Hoel’s multi-millionaires. She remembered him because she saw him play at her brother’s party a long time ago.
“We meet again. The last time I saw you, you were still holding on to your favorite doll. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman but you don’t look much like your mother. Clearly, your brother got some of your mother’s features?” Alec Dewitt said.
‘What do you want from me? What do you care about my mother?” she asked him. Realization dawned on her when she noticed a small locket that he was wearing. It belonged to her mother and she thought that her mother lost it at least that was what she said. He must have known her. “You must really mean something to her.”
“She was the most beautiful woman in Hoel. They called her the Rose of Hoel. She was after all the descendant of Hoel’s last king a century ago. I’ve known her since we were young. She was the politician’s daughter, Lothair was the son of a famous general and I was the gardener's son. We were playmates when we were young. The three of us were inseparable. Your mother, Andrea, was a lively young girl but the insecurities never spared her. Her father always wanted a boy and he was greatly disappointed when she was born and finding out that her wife cannot bear him another child. Your grandfather was so generous to me, he treated me like I was his own son he’ll never have,” Alec narrated. His eyes fell on the vase of Byzan Roses on the coffee table.
Then Alec continued, “ I remember everything about her. She was fond of flowers, the Rose from Byzan Mountains in particular was her favorite. We shared the same passion for plants. I’ll never forget how her face lit up when I told her that I was able to plant Byzan Roses in the garden even if my father told me they were impossible. For her, it was magic. When we reached our teenage years, things among the three of us changed. I was beginning to feel unsuitable hanging out with them because I came from a different social class. I studied harder to prove to your grandfather that I was worthy of his trust and care. I also did it for her, I wanted to be suited for her, I have loved her. It isolated me from Andrea and Lothair for awhile. When I finished my degree at an early age of eighteen, your grandfather made me a special part of his party, he was planning to run for President two years from that time. I was contented to watch her from afar, exchanging opinions with Lothair or enjoying a beautiful afternoon with her friends at the lake.”
Rainie remembered her grandfather ‘s estate in Ibid, which was a few hours drive from the City of Hoel. The last time she’d been there was when she was twelve. Part of the estate was the beautiful lake of Ibid which was probably what Alec was talking about. She continued to listen to his narration.
“One afternoon, she went to swim alone in the lake. She was a stubborn girl. She knew that there was a storm coming but she swam anyway. I remembered how the strong current almost drowned her. I jumped in and saved her. Since then our friendship blossomed into something more wonderful. We were careful not to let anyone know about us especially, Lothair. He was beginning to be suspicious that he when he found about it, he began to device a plan to separate the two of us. Lothair told your grandfather about us, he threatened your grandfather that if he does not give his daughter to him, his father would withdraw his support from your grandfather. Your grandfather forced her to marry Lothair.”
Rainie could see the pain in his eyes. She felt the truth pierced her heart. She could not believe his father was ruthless and selfish.
She watched Alec close his eyes for awhile as if he was suppressing the pain of the past inside him.” There was nothing we could do. Your grandfather needed his support. I watched her marry the man she does not love. For two years, I worked relentlessly to give your grandfather his victory and to forget her. I believed in his ideals and aspirations. Two years into the marriage, your mother and father could not get it quite right, even with their first born. Your father was still so jealous of me because he knows that your mother still feels for me although she tries to hide from everyone,” Alec’s pain changed into anger. ”He was not contented with everything. Your grandfather lost the elections. He blackmailed me and tried to put all the blame in me. He told them that I was working hand in hand with the Baxters to ensure that they would someday conquer Hoel too and extend their territory. I was charged with sedition and for three years, I was convinced that I would rot in jail. Your grandfather had a kind heart, until now I do not know why he helped me. Maybe he saw right through the lie that Lothair created. He used his connections, with the help of agent William Hunter, he let me free but exiled me in Marric.”
Rainie saw him gripped the edge of his armchair.
“There I was alone and penniless in Marric. It was a savaged land. The Baxters made slaves out of the Marricans. I swore that one day I will come back and be reunited with your mother. Four years from that time, I lost hope but then I met Sophia. She made me forget the pain for a while. I started to love her but not quite the way I loved your mother. She was so gentle and kind but she died of leukemia shortly after our marriage. She left me a parcel of land, I tilled it but nothing seemed to grow on it. I was losing hope and I though that I was the unluckiest man in the whole world when I discovered what was in that land, oil. I became filthy rich in no time. I went back to Hoel disguised as a rockstar and changed my name into Alec Dewitt. Finally, things were going my way but I was wrong.”
Rainie felt the cold breeze of the mountain. It raised Goosebumps on her bare arms. She knew that what was next would really bring back the painful memory of her mother’s death.
“I saw a newspaper from Hoel which published their photograph. I saw the sadness in her eyes and the pain she was hiding inside. I was more determined to get her back. I was introduced to Pike Peterson, a famous rockstar at that time. He was a friend of Lothair. It was their son’s twelfth birthday party and I was invited to sing at that party.”
Rainie remembered that birthday party. It was Nie’s twelfth birthday party and she remembered how their mother seemed so distant that night. She broke her mother’s favorite vase that night but she never seemed to care.
“Lothair did not recognized me but she did. She told me she still loved me but that she has her own family now. She simply cannot leave you. She told me how she thought I was dead. She refused to run away with me.” His eyes became so sad, “That was the last time I saw her.”
Rainie felt a slight relief when she learned about that. Their mother loved them too much to leave them for her one true love but it was still painful to her. It figures why her mother started to plant those roses despite the fact that it was impossible for them to grow in their garden. The roses was a solemn reminder of how she loved her children that she chose to keep her love in her memories. Tears started pouring from her eyes. Now she understood Nie’s anger toward his father, he ruined her mother’s life.
Rainie did not know what to say, she felt for him. Alec stood up and untied her hands. ”You’re free to go.”
Just then, someone entered the room to her surprise, it was Nie. Nie ran to her and hugged her. “You’re alright! I’m so relieved.”
“Red Thorn, your back. I’m sorry I had to do it this way but she needs to know in case your plan fails,” Alec told Nie.
“I did fail. We shouldn’t have trusted those men. They lose their patience quiet fast. They ruined the entire plan.” Nie told Alec.
Rainie was confused. “What is the meaning of this?”
Alec patted Nie on the shoulder. “You have something more important to deal with before we discuss our plans.” Alec left them behind.
“Nie, we should go before they changed their minds and kill us both. I still do not completely trust them.” Rainie said.
“No, Rainie. I’m one of them. You can trust me.” Nie said.
Rainie stared at him in shock. There were so many things she still does not understand. She sat back down on the armchair as Nie stared in her eyes.