Anxiety of the White Lion

By Steve Mendoza

Katherine McAndrews has helped foil a dangerous terroristic plot against a mad rebellious female scientist, Harumi Kisaragi, in destroying the continent of Europe. You would think that after something like that, evil would get the message and leave you alone. Unfortunately for evil, there is no such thing as rest, even when you did save a continent from apocalyptic destruction.

An unexpected disaster in a convention in New York City has Katherine in arms against her rival, the sly and sneaky Lisle DePaul. Along with her best friend and “temporary older sister,” rich Russian Natasha Nikulina and somewhat military analyst Julie Francóre, Katherine goes to investigate. What she finds out is something she’s used to, but not yet comprehended:

Evil’s own version of a warm welcome.

To make things even more fun, a bookseller tells Katherine that everyone is after her Moon earrings, the ones she got for her birthday a year ago and that they make her really “special.” Even better: the ones who are after her look as though they aren't from around the country.....much less from the same planet. And how does Lisle know a whole lot about Katherine than she does all of a sudden?

Now Katherine and Co. now must do battle with Lisle’s “army” all over the city. Lisle however, has something even big planned for the country itself. If Katherine doesn't stop him soon, New York City and even the United States could be in for a disaster not seen in a very, very long time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Mendoza
• Release date: Nov 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310979200

Steve Mendoza

My name is Steve. i am 27 years old. I hope that my stories can help those who need a smile and those who want to have a new hero. I love to write and my favorite author is Seanan McGuire (and I really hope that she also can read my work). I am trying to currently write a series of books (maybe 7) and get myself in a Barnes and Noble website. That will make me so happy. Anything else, just ask either on my facebook or linkedin.

Book preview

Prologue

Staten Island, New York

Princess Harumi has failed you. She has failed us and her dream is now shattered.

No matter. Europe will remain weak and filled with their ‘colorful’ atrocities.

So, what is your new plan?

Well, I just got a text message from the boss. He wants me to head west, alone.

Why west?

Well, during my struggle with Muchiko over her belt, I recovered some information. Very useful reliable information on a piece of paper in the belt in regards about that blue-haired bitch.

Katherine?

The person shows the rest of the girls a folded up piece of paper.

It says everything about her and all information in regards to her, but I’m not going to go for a simple identity theft.

How did Muchiko get information like that about her? Even better, who gave her that info?

I’m not sure, but see this name?

Yeah?

I have a feeling that she is involved with the recent blogs that have been going around about Europe. If this goes around, then we will be finished.

What do we do Lisle?

Lisle looks at the two girls and notices a third girl standing by the doorway. He smiles at the one at the door way.

Don’t worry about a thing, Beatrice, he says to the shorter of the two girls. Hiro has called for some backup.

He points to the girl in the doorway who is now joined by someone with long black hair. The other girl with Beatrice, Bianca, who is best known for her ponytails, looks confused.

How are they going to help us get rid of Katherine? she asks Lisle.

Well this time Katherine isn’t the only problem Hiro has found to be here in the city.

Explain.

Lisle beckons the two girls from the doorway to come next to him. He pauses for a few seconds, then a blue portal is shown right behind him. A dark-skinned girl comes through the portal with a black jacket.

Did you tell them? she asks Lisle.

I’ll save that honor for you, he replies with a bow.

She nods and looks among the group of women.

Ladies, Hiro has discovered that the descendents of the one who actually created Linkutoko are living here; here in the city. They are a brother-sister tandem and are very difficult to manipulate for use of our plans, but I give you my word that we will succeed.

There is a small cheer among the group of women. Lisle then takes the spotlight.

Okay, okay. Now, in a few months, I will be heading west, but before I do so, I need your help Bianca. I want you to give Katherine a message to let her know that we truly mean business and of course...just to see how afraid she really is.

Can’t we just put a bullet in her head? asked Bianca.

No. That would obviously be too easy. Besides, it feels as though she cannot die no matter what we do.

Her earrings, right?

Moon earrings? asked the girl who came through the portal.

Yes? What about them? asked Lisle.

They must be taken out of the picture....immediately. Whoever this Katherine is, she now has the protection of the former Princess, Muchiko. I don’t know about you, but if she knows it or not, consider her immortal.

There was silence. The girl who was at the doorway the first time, a blond, came to comfort Lisle. Lisle nodded in agreement over something she whispered and said, well fine then. I can crush her soul when I head west. Hiro will direct me to who I will have to go after when I get there. All of you, you have the freedom to do as you please here when I leave, but let me know when the two stadiums are under your control. Once that is done, the entire southern portion of the United States will be gay-free."

An applause from the girls followed. The long-haired girl raised her hand.

Yes, Marceline? asked Lisle.

Well, there are many of those bastards in Lower Manhattan. What shall you do with them?

Not to worry about Christopher Street. They will be in our hands in case our normal plan fails. Besides, there are bigger rainbow fish to fry in the west coast.

A beeping of a phone was heard. The blond girl answers it, speaking in an accent. She hangs up after a short conversation.

The brother of the tandem has agreed to help us out, she said. I think we should get ready soon.

Alright. I’ll be ready to pack my things, said Lisle. The rest of you, you know your plans. Beatrice and Bianca, get ready for phase one: Comic-Con.

The rest of the girls leave as Lisle turns to the girl who came through the portal.

You mentioned some sort of Moon earrings earlier, he said to her.

Yes that is correct, she replied.

By any chance is there something called Sun earrings?

Yes, they disappeared when Harumi did. There is a rumor that someone found them right after her death.

Who?

We are not sure.

Find out who and quickly find them. It is very important.

Why?

If they can offer protection as you say they can, then I’m going to exploit Katherine’s major weakness.

Brooklyn, New York

A few blocks away from Coney Island.

A girl is looking at herself in the mirror blow drying her hair. She is getting ready for work at Barnes and Noble, which was far from where she was: Union Square. It is around six in the morning. Her desktop is on in some sort of blog section. It shows a page mourning the loss of Muchiko Kisaragi, the disaster of Europe -especially the country of England- and a long interview with one Raven Goodall, telling of the chaos that ensued in the southern part of England. The girl finishes blow drying her hair and starts to comb it while a boy enters the room holding a small rectangular box.

You think there will be any updates? asked the boy setting the box down next to her and looking at the computer screen.

I’m sure that there will be some. You just have to be patient. The blogger isn’t on some sort of desk job on her computer all day, she said. She finished combing her hair and opened the box. It was a necklace that had the charm of a lightning bolt in the middle of it as she placed it around her neck. She sat down on the bed and began to put on her shoes. After a few seconds, there was a small sound on the computer.

Got something, he said.

The girl stood up, ran towards the desktop and pushed the boy out of the seat and stared at the screen.

Oh wow, she said, looking shocked at the screen.

The boy got up and checked to see if there was anything broken in his body. He was used to getting pushed down on the ground from his girlfriend. He stares at the screen.

Ummm, what am I looking at? he asked.

Her! Her! she shouts, pointing at the screen.

And? Just a normal looking blue-haired girl who survived the apocalypse in Europe. Am I supposed to be impressed?

Look closer, idiot.

I do have glasses you know.

And they don’t make you seem any smarter.

That was rude of you.

"She has earrings. The earrings."

Well okay. They don’t look so expensive.

She sighed. Look again.

He looks closer. Wait, aren’t those...the things you told me?

Yes, she said, very happily. She has been chosen! I don’t believe it!

The girl looks really happy. The boy however, still confused.

Chosen? As what? he asked.

She didn’t look upset at him. She’s now the future ruler of Linku.

Excuse me? Didn’t you tell me that humans are not allowed to have positions of the monarchy? Just because the former princess, -as you claim is one-, gave her some jewelry, then that automatically makes her the next princess? A future ruler of a planet that is literally many light years away? Doesn’t she have to go through some sort of test in order to go through the makings of a princess?

The girl was now angry. Just because she is human does not mean you should make a racist remark. This is literally history in the making. She is the first human to ever hold that position as a princess and hopefully future queen.

But she doesn’t have any Linku blood.

And does that matter?

Well, I suppose so, since the majority of your world is a monarchy.

The girl grabs the boy by the collar.

Can’t you at least be happy about what just happened? she asks him.

Well, I’m just a little upset that you weren’t chosen.

Oh not to worry. I’m happy with the job I have. Besides, I already helped Muchiko with everything she has asked for lately, she says, letting him go.

Wait, what about your brother?

What about him?

I mean, wasn’t he the obsessive one that was against the previous owner of the earrings? I remember the stories you told me. Are you sure he isn’t the sick individual that he used to be before?

Oh he’s behaved now. He had his time of mourning already and he’s studying quite well.

What is he studying since he’s already got his master’s degree?

I’m not sure. He has not told me.

"Isn’t that a little weird for he not to tell you of all people? His own damn sister?"

She sighs. It’s fine. I’m sure he’s probably gotten the lesson already and at least stops whining already. It’s been driving me crazy.

I just still can’t believe he actually had a huge crush on someone who, right in front of him, made her point of being a lesbian and even then, he still wouldn’t take the hint. I’m just worried that he might go after those earrings that your new friend has.

Trust me, he won’t.

And you’re positive about this? I mean, what if he steals the earrings and you know...tries to bring her back?

And I told you, that is strictly against the rules. He’s smart, but not even he would do something that foolish and risk his own soul.

Makes sense.

The girl puts on her button vest and grabs the keys. She stops and stares at the boy.

Shouldn’t you be getting ready for Comic-con? she asks.

That isn’t for another couple of weeks. I probably won’t go.

Awww, you sure?

Yeah, I’m sure.

You wanna baby-sit Maggie then?

No no, I’m fine.

Alright, well I better go.

Yeah, don’t be late again.

She gives a little kiss to him and leaves. The boy looks back at the screen at the blog post that shows the girl with the earrings.

How in the world did you happen to be the lucky one?

"The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all."

Ecclesiastes 9:11

"A lion has gone up from his thicket, a destroyer of nations has set out; he has gone out from his place to make your land a waste; your cities will be ruins without inhabitant."

Jeremiah 4:7

Chapter One

"You can kill me sister, but you'll never kill the one who made the waters split in half, and the one who almost made the earthquake," said Harumi.

Muchiko gave a small smile as she turned the torch towards her belt.

"Not I sister, but Katherine will." The moment those words came out of her mouth, I added the situation together in my head.

"Muchiko don't!"

Rose came down from the tree and screamed.

"Stop!" she screamed as she aimed her gun.

Too little, too late.

There was too little I could've done to stop her from running full speed ahead at the girl she loved the most. Harumi threw me to the side where I was saved from hitting the ground by Natasha. Muchiko tackled Harumi over the edge, and lit her belt on fire. I knew and Natasha knew that her belt was seventy percent flammable. A glow of light appeared and then an explosion that seemed like it was an eruption followed.

I suddenly felt myself awaken by my red-haired friend. This was the third time in as many weeks that I had that dream. It was the last time that I ever saw Muchiko Kisaragi, my chemistry tutor and probably one of the greatest friends that I had the chance to meet. Once I heard those words that she spoke, Not I sister, but Katherine will, I knew that whatever problems that followed Muchiko around before she met me, were now mine to clean up. I was always good at cleaning things, but if you knew what I had to literally clean up when I was in Europe, then it was literally a burden. The red haired girl with glasses helped me up as I looked around at the masses of people that were around.

Here in Lower Manhattan, New York.

Thirty-Fourth Street to be exact.

It feels so modern and more realistic than Chicago and more organized than my European tour I was involved in four months ago. Breathing here was the same as breathing in Chicago: the impure air, the way the kids were all running around messing about, but above all else:

What the heck does this mean: poc-ky? How do you eat it? asked Julie.

Since its candy, probably with your mouth, replied Natasha.

My friends were with me. I couldn’t ask for much more than these friends.

My name is Katherine McAndrews and don’t even ask how me and my ragtag crew of misfits weren’t even caught on our way to the airport, those guys across the ocean probably think we’re still in Europe. Anyway a quick summary and introduction before anyone gets confused:

Some crazy angry chick decided it was a very swell idea to try and throw the continent of Europe into a standstill and mess with the LGBT community. The angry chick’s sister sent me, without any word of warning to Europe –all expenses paid- along with a random cosplayer. After touring about eight countries, we got the job done, but the tutor left to say goodbye in the worse and saddest way.

At least that got us a trip to New York.

Oh I forgot to mention why we’re here: the angry chick’s father was last seen around the Manhattan area. Ever since we’ve arrived four months ago, he hasn’t shown his face around here yet, but we’re keeping close tabs all over the place.

Now for an introduction to my friends:

Natasha Nikulina is basically my new best friend and new older sister (very long story). She’s really geeky, but it really does come in handy especially when it comes to terms with the bible and she’s really freaking rich. Her tall stature, red hair and red glasses make people confused as to her being called an anime character, even though she’s just being herself.

Julie Francóre is our Italian/French command and military advisor. Unfortunately for her, no one here can carry guns, so she’s really out of luck. I’m sure she can deal with it. Her brown hair and very fiery personality makes it glad that she’s here with me.

My blue hair makes me have a better personality than anyone else, and I’m not even in cosplay. I already had lots of people commenting and sure enough, questioning on how nice it looked on me. There were many, of course, thinking I was an anime character of some sort. I only cosplayed a few times. Since there was so much newly formed chaos around my life nowadays, I just wanted to relax and watch people in costume run around being crazy towards each other.

It has been a long time since I was in school before all of this chaos started. I held onto the necklace that my best friend Rebecca Stalwart gave me before she died and began to think of the ways in which my life would’ve changed had I not taken the tutor’s free trip to Europe. Unfortunately, there was no way around declining that offer. It had to be done. As a result, my older sister, Jessie McAndrews has gone missing, due to the fact that she and I survived an explosion that leveled my house. I am still searching for her, but for now, I got bigger stuff to worry about; like trying to stay alive in order to still find her.

So here we are, in Thirty-Fourth Street to be exact, in a convention called Comic-Con. After four months of trying to convince Natasha into not buying an expensive hotel, we rented a cheap one. Not so cheap, but at least price efficient. Also, after trying our best to look at least all over the five boroughs in where Hiro, the new piece of trash we were now looking to find, would probably strike, I decided for me and the girls to rest and have some enjoyable fun instead of looking through an endless city for a madman.

Funny how a pride parade in the summer just passed and there were no such attacks heard or seen. Maybe he changed his way of thinking finally. But of course, we weren’t going to let him slip by us this time.

Julie was looking through the map of the convention, in which she still seemed lost.

Need help there, oh sweet military aficionado? I asked. Because if you’re just looking for the bathroom, I can find it with ease.

No no, that’s not it.

Then?

Just this booth here…on swords.

Oh that. Go up the escalator to this row and it should be the fifth one on your right.

Cool. Thanks. I didn’t know it was upstairs.

Since when were you into swords all of a sudden? asked Natasha, very surprised. Isn’t guns your specialty?

Hey, I want to practice something new alright? she said.

Julie was about to leave, when I grabbed her wrist.

Hey hold it. You can’t go anywhere without escort, I told her.

Oh leave her alone. She’s a soldier; she can take care of herself, said Natasha.

Maybe so, but we still have to go with her.

Relax. It wouldn’t bother me at all if you girls went with me, said Julie.

Julie has a tattoo, which is a symbol meaning Death. Three of her friends were dead, so if she were to fall, then the world would fall into utter chaos. It was a very interesting predicament to fall into, but her staying alive was our new priority. Also, lately since we arrived in New York, Julie has been reminding me of Rebecca all of a sudden. I’m not sure why, but she has really been kind of really defensive towards me lately; in a word, over-protective. I don’t mind that extra protection, but it felt a tad bit uncomfortable. After a few weeks, I kind of knew the reason why.

I was almost raped back in Europe, or more accurately, in Italy. Since then, Julie, like Natasha, does not mind watching my back now and then. But that has changed: it was our turn to keep an eye on Julie. If we fail, then some dragon will come from who-knows-where and tend to, as Natasha cleanly puts it: devour the entire planet.

That’s why Julie is regarded as very, very special.

As we arrived at the designated booth –avoiding the picture taking from many people and cosplayers- Julie pushed her way through a small crowd. Natasha and I just stepped back.

Boy, she’s really hyped isn’t she? asked Natasha.

Don’t worry. She needed the rest and fun as much as we did. Let her enjoy herself.

The way things rolled all of this time, I really hope she can.

We stood there waiting for Julie as random photographers took pictures of Natasha. She wasn’t at all confused about the random picture taking. I got myself out of there and sat next to the wall where they both could see me.

When they both stopped having fun of course.

I thought about the adventure we left behind and how my feet still hurt after the almost month and a half adventure, with no breaks in between. I fell out of four planes, was almost drowned five times, seen many people die, and survived having a bomb inside me and still here I am alive and well. What did I think of all of that?

I pretty much consider that an interesting month’s vacation.

Natasha came back and so did Julie.

Julie, what’s wrong? I asked.

I made a couple of those fans jealous because of my skills knowing each kind of swords.

Pretty interesting, said Natasha.

Yup, and that’s why I was kicked out of it.

I couldn’t pay attention to them. I kept looking around and was harshly reminded of how my friend Rebecca was killed. There was no one suspicious…when Julie grabbed my ear.

Hey what was that for? I asked, really irritated.

Did you not hear what I was saying?

I was just looking for any suspicious activity. Hey, we can’t all be too careful right?

Of course we can. People should be careful of us. We’re the heroes here, said Natasha.

Not too popular heroes if you ask me, but oh well.

The convention seemed a little too quiet. After arriving here, no one at least talked with us to tell us of our adventure, or at least have us sign some autographs. Unlike the last time I was in a convention, there were not many cosplayers in group shots. I guess no one knew about what happened. But how could’ve it been missed? The entirety of the world should’ve known of what happened with us and yet...how do they not know? Did Hiro somehow happen to hide what happened from the rest of the world?

Or maybe something was completely out of place.

Kathy is something the matter? asked Natasha.

Are you surprised that no one is bothering us? I asked.

Are you surprised that you’re getting delusional? blurted out Julie. It’s highly likely that many people know who we are. They just seem to have probably left us alone and let us have fun in peace.

Probably you’re right. And also, I do miss being in cosplay.

Well, it was fun, but it’s time to have some serious fun, said Natasha.

So the both of them lifted me up and took me back downstairs to the food area. I wasn’t exhausted or hungry, but Natasha was. While she was scarfing down a hamburger, Julie was afraid to get close to her. There were a few cosplayers who were staring at us, mostly due to the embarrassment that Natasha was putting on us.

Hey, is she trying to eat up the whole cart? one of them asked.

Heh, probably. It surely makes for a really interesting and good joke, I said to the passerby.

Julie elbowed Natasha to make her to stop. Can you eat slowly?

I haven’t eaten in more than twenty four hours, said Natasha. Cut me a break.

The passerby continued to stare at us and then ran off, supposedly to the bathroom.

Julie, stay with Natasha. I’ll be right back, I said.

I didn’t wait for Julie’s response. She already knew the reason why. I ran passed a bunch of people, even in the way of a photo taken.

Sorry, I said behind me.

The passerby, who was a girl with pink hair in a cosplay outfit I’ve never seen before, went downstairs to the anime base of the convention and headed to the left side. I pretended as though I lost her in the chase, when I saw her on the back of my eye. I went in front of the bathroom door and opened it.

There were cosplayers washing their hands. I stayed still for a bit and waited until they left, so I could have some privacy on my part. Finding her on one of the stalls would be kind of difficult, due to being someone else in the stall as well, along with my pink-haired assailant. I hated myself for not seeing what kind of shoes she was wearing, but as I looked down again, I was pretty good at guessing what they were.

Slowly, I approached the stall that was empty next to her and closed it. I knocked on the wall.

What do you want…Katherine? she asked.

At least someone knew who I was.

What was with the stare earlier? I understand Natasha because of her weird eating habits, but why on me?

Nothing, nothing.

Just then I hear the faint click of a phone. That’s not good.

I picked myself up, but the door was opened and she bolted out of the door. I kicked my door open and ran as fast as I could to grab her. I never ran that fast in my life. The adrenaline was very overwhelming.

Who did you call? I asked very angrily.

No one, I swear!

Don’t lie. I heard a click of a phone being hung up. Was it about me?

No Katherine. It would be never about you. I’m just glad you’re here. I’ve seen you on the news. I would never give away of you being here.

It feels like her voice was shivering through the sentence. And I wouldn’t hazard a random guess as to she being the only person who knows about me. Jessie was trained for something like this. I was glad to pick up something from her. I let her go and went back upstairs. Natasha and Julie were in their same spots waiting for me.

So did you catch her? Julie asked.

Not exactly.

Not exactly? You’re supposed to be freakin’ fast, said Natasha, who I could assume was randomly drunk. At least I hope not.

Guys, I think we really need to get out of here. I fear something may come at us full force, I suggested.

Alright Katherine. What did you do? asked Julie.

Nothing, it’s just that-

As soon as I was about to finish my sentence, another group of cosplayers came marching into the convention. They got our attention, wearing nothing but black, and also got the attention of a few others as well. They were doing some sort of group dance, which I found to be really entertaining. The way they moved and looked rather easy doing so.

Just then, the pink haired girl came up from the escalator. I hid behind Natasha. She still looked in our direction, but gave no notice. The group of people who came to see increased. Julie got up and went to join the group.

Don’t you go there as well Natty, I said, making use of the little nickname I gave her.

Well, aren’t we supposed to give her protection? Besides, I never seen this dance before with the random music, and they do it pretty well I think, she said.

Meh, I can do better on my off days in the gym.

Well, go ahead. Prove your worth.

I got up, when I see Julie put on a disgusted face. She came back to us; her previous disgusted face was now turned into worry.

We have to go and evacuate everyone…like right now! she told us both in a whisper.

Yeah sure…are they that bad? asked Natasha.

I was really confused. What in the world is Julie talking about?

Well, I smelled them. And believe me when I tell you this, these guys are dangerous, exclaimed Julie.

From their smell? asked Natasha, looking at her as if she was really not well in the head.

In what way dangerous? I asked, actually believing Julie.

Just watch. Just you and Natasha get ready to leave alright? You’ll know the signal.

Still I was utterly confused. What in the world was Julie complaining about? She was staring at them and decided to go to the group. To disperse a crowd, she didn’t have any type of pepper spray or anything of that nature. So I didn’t know how she was going to pull this off. If she was bluffing, then people would consider her very crazy.

Whatever she’s thinking, it’s highly likely that she’s right, said Natasha.

I’m not so sure about that, I said. Julie sometimes makes mistakes, but what makes her really unique is her military instinct ability to detect these types of problems. She sometimes makes mistakes, but in reality, she is always correct.

Well I don’t know about you, but I would consider this that ‘one percent’ when she is wrong.

Julie climbed on top of a table and was about to speak, but the pink haired girl went to where I was sitting and pulled me along. Julie jumped down from the table and proceeded to grab me. The pink haired girl started pulling me towards her. I did not realize that Julie was so strong, let alone strong enough to hold on to me against four other guys and one crazed girl.

Hey, let her go, she said. I want her to join us for our dance number.

Let go of her now! You’re not getting near her at all, said Julie.

Thus proving how much she was going to go through great lengths to protect me.

Natasha didn’t even bother to help Julie, but another crowd separated me and Julie and the pink haired girl. With much pain to my right side of my body, I ran back to Natasha, while I left Julie to go deal with her new friends.

Damn, that smarts, I told Natasha as the crowd started to disperse. The newly formed dance group also left, while a few uniformed officers approached Julie. I didn’t know she was that strong.

Looks like too much hormones, said Natasha.

Somehow Julie, as she was talking to the officers, gave a small smirk. She came back to us.

They’re saying we should leave, she said.

Natasha got up. Told you it was one percent.

Wait a second. What about those dancers? I asked.

See Julie? Your suspicions were wrong about them. Very wrong. Now we’re the ones getting kicked out. And I was all set to eat some good old pocky ice cream.

Without saying another word, Julie shooed us out of the convention. It was fun while it lasted I guess.

As we crossed the street and walked a block away from the convention center, Julie looked frustrated.

Oh c’mon Julie, I’m sorry alright? said Natasha. Seriously though, they did seem normal.

Not to me they didn’t.

I kept looking at the building, expecting for at least something to happen. But nothing happened. Natasha joined me in looking at the building. Julie’s phone began to ring.

Hello? Yes? How did you get this number? she said to the unknown voice.

Natasha and I whirled around Julie. Julie took off the phone off her ear and looked deeply in shocked.

What’s up? said Natasha.

Julie pressed the button as it was placed on speaker phone. A teen’s voice was heard…a voice that I thought was completely gone.

Hello children, said the voice. Hello dear Katherine.

Lisle!! I shouted, which got me a lot of stares on the street.

I see someone still has a pretty good memory of me. Now I would like to play a game with you. Flip a coin and tell me if it lands on either heads or tails.

You sonofa-

Temper alright? said Natasha.

Julie looked as though she wanted to break her phone. I tried her best to cool her off, but she looked pissed. I didn’t know how I was able to cool off under these circumstances. I didn’t want to hear Lisle’s voice at all; I completely forgotten about that heartless bastard. Now that he’s back in my mind for no apparent reason, this was as good as a time to get my revenge on him. He was the one who placed a bomb inside me before by raping me.

Don’t ask how.

So, will it be heads or tails? he asked.

Julie took the phone away from us for a bit. I approached her, while Natasha fished out a coin from her pocket.

Don’t forget we’re a team alright? I said.

She took a deep breath and brought the phone back to our little circle. Natasha had the coin ready, when Julie stopped her. She took the coin and flipped it. It landed on tails. Julie made a small laugh.

Well would you look at that. It landed on its side. How remarkable, said Julie.

Lisle was not at all pleased with that remark.

Try it again! he yelled.

First, how did you get this number? I asked.

Try it again, or I blow up two bombs in three minutes.

Oh crap. Not bombs again.

There was no way we could find a cop in that amount of time. Seeing that this is New York, you would think that finding one in your local doughnut shop would be easy, but nope, they weren’t there either. Even if the police did indeed trace the call, I’m sure as heck that Lisle would find some way to escape or to throw the police off his trail. Lisle knows that we know that, so he’s got us trapped.

Fine, it landed on tails. Are you happy now, jerk? I asked.

Very, was his response and hung up.

For a moment, nothing happened. We just stood there, looking at each other. I only knew Lisle not that long to be considered a very mean enemy, but either he was yanking our chains or…

There was a grocery store right behind us, with the TV on. I peeked inside to hear the sudden breaking news:

We have breaking news here right here on West Tenth Street. It seems that there was an explosion near the Stonewall inn where there are a few causalities, but more inside the bar itself…

How could this have happened? asked Julie. Katherine, your dream beforehand stated very clearly that there was going to be an attack there, right?

Right. I wasn’t joking at all.

I had a dream when I was in England concerning a farm, sheep and a random newspaper article in regards to the ever-so-famous Stonewall Inn. The moment we arrived here in New York City, we immediately went around that area for months.

We’ve guarded that place day in and day out since we got here. We even sent sentries there to make sure nothing was happening there for the past four months, said Julie.

No one saw anything, said Natasha. At all.

Well, we’re not going to stand here like lawn furniture and figure this all out on our own bickering. Let’s head out girls, I said.

As we ran to the station –the train station was closer for Natasha, thank goodness- I was about to pay for the fare for the three of us, but Julie insisted we wait for the train. It was a classic teenager trick.

Forget it Julie. You’re not skipping the fare. I’ll pay for it, I said.

Julie gave a small smile past my direction as the train started to stop. I forget that I also have a very tall teenager with me. I paid for Julie and myself and got on just before the doors closed.

Dang it Natasha, are you crazy. We could’ve gotten caught, I said in a low tone.

Hey, we didn’t, so it didn’t happen, she replied.

I honestly thought that portion of Lisle’s and Hiro’s lifestyle was already done. I thought they weren’t going after gays anymore. I thought they wanted us. It was eerily suspicious that they didn’t try anything at the pride parade over the summer. Probably because of the madness in Europe that we’ve caused, and with so much security in the parade because of it, I think, –not to mention me and my crew also keeping an eye on the parade-- they decided to hold off on it. But why now all of a sudden? What in the world were they planning?

Natasha looked as though she read my mind because she said, Probably just waited till the right moment when we were far away from any…

The convention! Of course! I thought suddenly realizing the distraction right in front of me like an idiot.

Julie gave a good interruption: Girls that’s enough! We’ll get there and kick his ass alright?

That made sense and made us shut up.

Somehow, I couldn’t help noticing that we were being watched, by almost everyone in the train room. We weren’t dressed weird or anything of that nature. A good reason for the stares in our direction was probably because of my blue hair and of course not to mention, the two friends I decided to chill with. Since something else was now the center of attention, I was expecting people to line up for my autograph. I guess not many people knew about me than I actually thought.

As I leaned in to the doors –which the sign says you should never do, but no one ever even pays attention to that anyway-- I thought about what transpired so far, and how Lisle had managed to slip pass the radar and proceeded to almost bomb the Stonewall inn. For four months, we took turns, even hiring people to keep an eye on it for us when we were busy shopping or something. Did one of our guards fall asleep? Was Lisle disguised? Or did they love his falcon so much that they gave him a free pass? It was in the past, so there was no time to dilly-dolly around thinking about it, but still, I couldn’t help thinking that this was somehow our fault. It could’ve been Bianca who planted it. With that thought, I dozed off…

…but was startled awake by Natasha.

Hey wake up. We got one more train to catch, she said.

We got off, waited for the other train, and got on it. The difference between trains –besides the numbers and the distance- this time we got some fans. A teenager, who undoubtedly was a lesbian -with an obvious rainbow bracelet on her wrist-, came up to me.

Are you Katherine McAndrews? she asked.

Why of course, I said, in a weird super-heroine tone.

I don’t know how you girls survived all of that in Europe, but wow. Just wow. And all for a good cause.

Gee…thanks.

Can I have your autograph?

Just my luck: our stop came up.

Sorry, we have to go, I said and gave a quick bow. Hey, I was only being courteous.

As we were walking to the stairs, Natasha stopped.

Isn’t it funny that there’s no smoke smell or anything? I don’t hear any screams.

Dammitt!

I ran up past Julie and Natasha and noticed the scariest thing: It was all normal, except for a huge crowd and dozens of police officers. The bar was still there, alive and well with its rainbow goodness. Then…how?? Didn’t I just see it on the news?

There were already grouping a huge assortment of people wondering the same thing I was thinking, when Julie and Natasha came up behind me.

This doesn’t make sense, said Natasha.

Yes it does, I said. It makes perfect sense to him.

Prove it.

I counted to three. At the word three, Julie’s phone rang. We huddled around it while it was on speaker phone.

Oh I’m sorry. I guess I was fooling around with the news feed, now that I have access, said Lisle.

I mouthed the words to my crew: Distraction

They both nodded.

Lisle continued: I would advise you to look up at the news now, because that’s where the real story would be taken place.

He hung up.

Julie was the first to speak: Find a TV! Quick!

The Stonewall Inn was barricaded by police, so we had to find something else to use for a visual. I ran a block to the left, hoping to find something, at least some sort of visual.

I heard panic. I never heard panic before in my life, but I did today. It was from Natasha.

A crowd gathered along with me and Julie to see what she was watching.

It wasn’t good.

The police cars and fire trucks and medical personnel all scurried off as fast as they possibly could.

It was right under our noses the whole time.

Lisle was pretty good, but I didn’t realize that he was as monstrous as I originally thought.

The bottom part of the building where the convention was being held was blown off. The cosplayers who were lucky enough to get out of the building actually got out. Those who weren’t lucky were either blown to bits or fell into the river. Hopefully their cosplay outfits weren’t heavy enough so that they couldn’t sink, of course that didn’t matter. Julie was right. Her instincts told her that something was going to happen in the building; she was right. However, there was no proof that the dancing crew that she saw was indeed the guilty party.

We walked away from the scene slowly, not really sure of where we were going, but knowing that we had to get there, wherever that there was.

How in the world are we going to get there from here? asked Julie. At least she didn’t brag about herself being right in her guess. That was good.

How about we steal a cop car? asked Natasha.

I knew my own way of course to get there. It may seem suicidal, but there was a chance I could get there before anyone of my friends did. Natasha knew exactly what I was thinking.

Katherine, don’t you dare try and run all the way to the convention site. That’s like ummm, dang it, how many miles is it?

My guess is that it would probably take you more than an hour, said Julie. Are you sure about this Katherine?

I’ll be fine. And it’s around eight miles barring traffic, I responded.

The closest I ever ran was six miles. This was going to be a bit problematic for me, but I knew I can get it done. Without looking at either of them, I simply said, get on the train now. I’ll see you girls there.

Katherine this is insane, said Natasha. How about just taking a taxi like the rest of us, or the train?

No. If I do see Lisle there, I want to be the first to take him down before the police do, I told them.

How about answering Natasha’s question first? asked Julie. Do you have a problem running through the train underground or something?

I didn’t answer her because I was already gone. It was an easier way to get there in my opinion, but also, this was something personal that I had to deal with, alone. He probably wasn’t going to be there in the flesh like I hoped, but if he is, he better be on the lookout for me. I will show him no mercy.

Chapter Two

Running without losing tons of air off my lungs is something I have developed during my times when I was younger. I’ve impressed my sister Jessie and other’s in my class with my breakneck speed. I’ve set records and many other feats in my school. Other female runners would actually know of my prowess and get scared to even challenge me. I never do brag about my skills and I’m not the one who would talk trash to anyone.

This was the longest I’ve ever ran in my life. I felt like the street could stretch on forever.

Whenever the traffic would come by me –especially those taxis- I almost got hit a couple of times. People kept trying to slow me down, but I felt too free. I slipped past everyone. Once there was a taxi which, when the light turned green and I was the only one who was crossing the street, came up right next to me. I hesitated, for a few, and then proceeded to leap over the taxi cab. I got a bunch of stares and a whole lot of curses thrown at me, but that didn’t slow me down. That never slows me down.

I was getting closer to the desired goal and area, when someone deliberately threw a water bottle at me. That was the only thing that stopped me.

Hey, what was that for? I asked.

I shouldn’t have turned around. Someone I haven’t seen, who I didn’t want to see, suddenly is behind me.

Missed me? I knew you were at least crazy enough to run this far on your own, said Bianca.

She looked the same as ever, except for this newly-acquired gothic black and purple look on her. She must’ve been spying on us at the convention.

Bianca. Following a simple bastards orders are you? I asked her.

Believe me Katherine, there’s more to this than the building over there. See you soon.

She left. I shook my head in confusion as to her randomness appearing down the block like that. If there was actually more in store for me and my crew, then I’ll be ready for it. Still, I couldn’t help but know how much dangerous Lisle really has become. If I knew my math correctly, Beatrice is the only one left. The last time I saw her, she escaped from Rose in England along with Lisle, so hopefully she’s been captured somewhere far away.

I kept running and finally arrived on the scene. It was worse that I actually thought. True that the police officers and other medical personnel arrived before I did and began saving the cosplayers that were in the river, but still, the sadness that swept all over the block was heavy. Teenagers that had nothing to do with anything of the matter, with either me or Lisle, were gone. The survivors that left the building before the explosion were out looking for their friends. Not many teens died, but still, even one death is enough to get me angry.

I didn’t see Lisle or anyone else who wanted me dead as I waited for Natasha and Julie in front of a McDonalds that was nearby. I kept breathing heavily, still angry, and every part of my body shooting up to uncontrollable levels. My hands were trembling as I kept staring at them, waiting for them to slow down. They didn’t.

Natasha and Julie saw me standing there, staring at my hands, for the past ten minutes. I looked up at them and noticed that Natasha was worried about me.

Any luck or any views of our friend Lisle? she asked.

No, but I ran into Bianca. She was wearing some sort of black and purple gothic outfit. She was probably at the convention with us, but I guess we didn’t even notice her at all, I said.

And you didn’t go after her? asked Julie.

What?

Julie’s right, said Natasha. We’ll let you know how things go here. Go! Hurry!

I shook my head and began to run to the area where I last saw Bianca. Of course, with her outfit, she should be very easy to find.

I went to the same street and asked around. A couple of people pointed to the west side of the street. I ran there without saying thank you to the people who helped me.

I really should have time to work on my manners.

I arrived at another location, not far from where the convention was and what looked liked a much displaced heliport; as if it wasn’t supposed to be there. There weren’t any strange looking women around, just normal people. Ahead of the heliport, there was a walkway. I didn’t see it before, so either it was some sort of illusion, or it was really there.

I took my chances on it as I actually saw and felt that it was real. There were benches there filled with people who seem to not take into account the events that occurred more than an hour ago. I wish I could be like them: not scared, and free without a care in the world. Of course, I wasn’t put on this planet to relax and have a joy free life. The moment Shawn gave me the number to call Muchiko Kisaragi was when my life changed completely. There was no going back. There was no way to go back. Part of me didn’t want it to change at all. I like taking chances, and that was a risk whenever I saw one.

I ran through the walkway, when I had a glimpse of Bianca sitting on a bench, as if she was playing a game. Wow, I really had no idea that people like her would take the time to play games very patiently.

Hey! Bianca! I yelled.

If she ran off, I would catch her no problem. She knew it and I knew it. She didn’t move. She stayed there as I approached her and sat next to her, kind of foolish if you ask me, and looked at her phone. To my surprise, she was actually playing a game.

You seem to be having trouble there, I said, trying to make sense of this whole thing and wondering if this was a trap.

"Yes, this really bothers me. I have to find some sort of password key in this game. Would you mind?

Me? Help you? In a game?

Yes. If this bothers you, I understand.

I felt confused as to what I was supposed to be doing. It was as if she placed me in some sort of spell. I shook it off my mind and focused on what I wanted to ask her.

Where’s Lisle? I asked.

Bianca placed the phone on the bench and looked at me. She looked saddened by the remark, as though she mentioned something important and I completely ignored her.

I really do not know Katherine, she said.

Sure you don’t. I know you know something and it’s not like you to be walking by on a crime scene of this magnitude.

I was in the convention area, that’s all.

So who were those dancers that were randomly dancing right in front of us?

I have no idea. They were pretty weird.

Yes you do!

I grabbed her collar, and began to choke her, much to the dismay of the dog walkers that were passing us.

Attack me and I swear, many people will be after you. I can be very demanding to those around me, said Bianca.

I let her go. I was very upset at myself. I never knew I could be this angry. Most of the time, the anger would go away in a matter of seconds, but this was almost all out.

Listen, where is Lisle? You tell me this, and I promise I won’t report you to the proper authorities, I said.

Like I’ll tell you what pretty Lisle is going to do.

Before I had time to react, Bianca, as quick as ever, shoved the phone in my hand and pushed me over the railing and into the cold river water.

Damn, not again.

As I dived into the water, I noticed that her phone, along of it being waterproof, actually got stuck to my right hand. I was used to the water, so I wasn’t scared anymore. The way that the phone was glued to my hand was frightening enough than being swallowed again by the cold waters. I swam up and noticed that within seconds, there were rescue boats coming to save me. I swam towards them and jumped on the boat.

I was too busy gasping for air, when they looked through my hand to see the phone still on it, as if it was glued on.

Is this your phone? asked one of the officers.

No it isn’t, I responded. I could tell them that it belonged to some weirdo who I was nice enough to help out in a game. They would’ve looked at me as if I was some sort of nutcase.

One of the officers wanted to cut off the phone off my hand. Another officer said that I looked familiar. I shook my head, and ran off. I didn’t want any type of help. All I want is to figure this out on my own. I didn’t care if they couldn’t find Bianca, I wanted her on my own.

I stood outside a McDonalds, which to me is the safest spot to be in, and looked at the red Galaxy phone that was apparently stuck on my hand. It looked to be off, probably from my experience in the river. I was about to turn it back on, when I suddenly stopped myself. This was an obvious trap and from the looks of things, it was going to be bad.

Without even touching my pants-pocket, I knew my phone was damaged and as a result, who knew what my two friends were up to.

I decided to at least head back to the hotel and jog to the nearest train station. Unfortunately, I was right handed, so everything I had to look for was from my left hand. That wasn’t good at all.

I kept getting weird stares from people as I tried my best to look for my items. Someone clearly suggested I let go of my phone to look for the other items that I need. That was not going to be easy by any means. If I were to tell him what exactly happened to me, then he wouldn’t even bother believing me.

As I finally found what I was looking for, I checked my phone to see if it was damaged. Sure enough it was. It wasn’t a problem though; just needed a little air. Hopefully my friends would find me in the hotel.

My fare was damaged, but it got through. As I got on the train to sit down, I tried my best to hide the feature of the phone getting stuck to my hand. Even though it was off, I had to just sit there and not arouse suspicion.

What worried me the most was that one of the officers said that I looked familiar. If that was the case and they’re giving other’s a valid description of me at the moment, then I was in trouble. What made me rather confused was that no one even noticed, or better yet, said a word that I was very wet and that I was going to die of hypothermia at any moment; given the coolness of the train, it was only a matter of time.

At least six stations away, a teenager came in and was trying to sell candy. It was normal enough, until my wetness made him almost trip. His box of candy fell, along with his powder.

I gave a small smile. At least my wetness came in handy. This got me nervous however. Two dangerous situations in a row? This feels like Europe all over again.

People began congratulating me as the train made a stop and waited for the cops. This was three stations away from mine. People wanted me to stay, but I left. Running up the stairs and into the sunlight, it was at least ten blocks away.

Simple child’s play.

I started to give a slow jog, then I broke into a fast run. I wanted to get back to the hotel by any means necessary. That isn’t to say that I wasn’t going to be pushing anyone that was in my way, but still, when I’m in a rush to get to where I need to be, sometimes I can be really in a hurry. I jumped over a baby carriage, jumped over a dog and jumped over someone in a wheelchair. I didn’t know my jumping has improved so very much. Thank goodness for early gymnastics.

Somehow, I didn’t realize that jumping over things would bring the attention of a police officer that would make him believe that you stole something. Being wet from head to toe didn’t help matters either.

I had to shake him off. I couldn’t let him see me enter the hotel. Somehow, there was only a cupcake store and a department store. I took the better sounding of the two evils and went inside the cupcake store. All eyes were turned towards my direction.

You’re dripping wet, said the woman behind the counter.

You think? I replied.

Out of the corner of my eye, the cop went by the street. I counted to three, gave a small courtesy bow and left. I went in the other direction the cop went and turned the corner. I stopped running and turned the corner. The hotel was three blocks away. If I was caught, they would start questioning me for everything. All I had to do was wait for the light to turn red, then things would be going in my direction. The wheels would be in motion and I would be home free; whatever that expression meant.

The cop was turning towards my direction. The light wasn’t going to turn red for me at all.

Oh screw it.

I made a mad dash to cross the light. Lucky for me, I knew my way around crossing when the light was green. There was always a secret way to do things around any city. You just have to