After the End

By Marie Hostetler

The world has already ended, but it's not over yet. Humanity is rebuilding a society that can't fall again. Young Lillith is a happy citizen- until the love of her life is murdered. Now she's out for revenge in a thrilling action romance, exploding from post apocalyptic artificial peace. Will Lillith ever know who killed her love, and can she love again?
There's always more story to tell after the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387504176

Book preview

After the End

After the End

Copyright © 2018 by Marie Hostetler

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

First Printing: 2018

ISBN 978-1-387-50417-6

MH Publishing

Indiana

Prologue

From the depths of her pale soul it came, from the pit of her shattered heart. There was pain and hate and anguish, eating her from the inside out. They echoed through her being, trapped beneath her skin. She forced her lungs to fill, holding back the cry within. Closing her eyes, she suppressed a shudder.

She slowly lowered the coffin lid, hiding the face she’d come to love. Her finger traveled over the carved mahogany, brushing intricately carved roses and swirls. She gently kissed her fingertips and smudged cherry red lipstick on the cover. She whispered her goodbye and stood steadily. She looked at the wood once more before turning. She calmly walked out the big black doors, their closing as soft as her receding footsteps.

She paused, examining the pouring rain that blocked her from the rest of the world. No doubt she would have given anything to remain under that overhang for the rest of her life, frozen between the life she’d lived and the black void referred to as the future. No matter what, she had to take that first step.

Diving into the merciless rain, she ran from the past, black skirt snapping behind her to remind her she couldn’t escape. She stopped only two blocks away, falling, breaking down in tears. Her dark hair remained plastered to her face, her soaked dress heavy, hugged to her form. She closed her eyes and saw his golden hair like a halo and his flawless tanned skin. His rich brown eyes hidden under heavy eyelids, long lashes just brushing his cheek.

Her eyes flew open and her throat tightened. It wasn’t an accident. No matter what the officials, or anyone else said, she knew the truth. Someone like her beloved doesn’t just die. It was murder. She may have been seventeen at the time, but she wasn’t stupid. It was all part of the new law. Revenge is lawful, but no one read the fine print when they signed that act. That all files of homicide were recorded as accidents. This law only psychologically improved anything, and she knew this because of her want for revenge. He would not want it, but she must.

A single shadow interrupted her thoughts. She stumbled back, startled by a man in a black trench coat. He was taller than her by about a foot, and thin. His umbrella kept him quite dry, rain sliding off the corner and blocking her view of him. She did catch a glimpse of lengthy black hair and the flash of gray eyes. His large, black boots had silver accents.

Lilith? he asked.

She pressed the emergency button on her bracelet, Who are you?

He raised a gloved hand and she took another step back. I won’t hurt you.

I’ve notified the authorities, she said, green eyes flashing with fear. She was almost shaking, but forced herself not to.

I am the authorities. From the Department of Revenge, he tipped his umbrella in recognition, dumping the water it held on her, probably on purpose. As soon as they catch my bracelet’s reading on the satellite, they’ll disregard your call.

Stupid trackers, she said looking at the black rubber with a silver chain wound around it that encompassed her wrist.

He smiled a thin, tight smile, Yes, they are ridiculous. Nowadays we treat all people like lab rats. His smile dropped as he continued, It disgusts me. If I understand correctly, your intimate boyfriend was murdered? Or otherwise classified as an accident? You must know all about the little fumble with the law. If no one is blamed, there is no need for my department. It was their way of firing me, I don’t exactly get along with the others. No matter what they do, people hear about me and even if they don’t know who they want revenge from, they come to me. Because I am the legendary ‘Shadow.’ If you wish, you may join my team and help in giving revenge to those who seek it. I recruit people who want it themselves dearly. While you rest others’ minds, you also have a chance of finding the murderer of your boyfriend. Interested? We could really use someone young and inspired.

Inspired? I’d hardly call death inspiration to get revenge for others, but any chance to find who killed him... what must I do? Lilith asked.

I’m so glad. You must train. I will train you to be the best. You will leave Oregon, and stay in the Capital with the team. You are young though, will you be allowed to leave the house? he raised one sharp eyebrow.

She chuckled to herself, Let them believe I ran away. Such a thing hasn’t been done in over a century. They think they can create perfect families by placing you in the right home. I never really connected to my parents anyways.

Were you placed in a home with siblings? he asked, tilting the umbrella back so she could see all his face for the first time.

No, why?

I’m just curious about placing, I kept my own kid. Plus, you’ll need to learn how to live with siblings, he said.

Lilith gasped, You kept your own child? Why’d they let you do that? Did you choose your own wife? Is she still with you?

Enough for one day. I don’t do background stories, he mumbled, stuffing his hand into his pocket. Will you come with me now? Raven will meet us at the airport. She’ll have a dry change of clothes for you. You’ll love her.

Lilith joined him under the umbrella timidly. He had a long nose and a very square jaw that was a little scruffy from a few days of not shaving. His deep-set eyes were full of trouble. She could almost see the pain in his past. Shadow had many secrets.

Welcome aboard, he said before leading her down the street to the awaiting airport.

She was now away from her home and her deceased love, the only thing that drove her on. She scratched at her bracelet, remembering when she had scanned it with the rest of the girls, waiting for the computer to pair up the perfect match. The next day they met for the first time. Then he was just the boy for her. It was only a year ago, but before long he wasn’t just her match. He was her soulmate. Lilith fingered the seam in the rubber she had broken many times to leave her house at night without the satellites catching her out past curfew. The bracelet was built to automatically repair itself every five hours, so she only had to make sure she was home on time to have it repair itself onto her wrist. She smiled at memories of late night visits with him.

The snap of a closing umbrella brought her back to reality. Shadow turned to her, eyebrows raised. She smiled politely and walked in, the airport only slightly busy with all the rain. Shadow lead her to a woman who looked not much older than Lilith. She was average height and very thin. Her short shaggy black hair was side swept and purposefully messy. Her pale face had a perfect complexion, and sharp pale blue eyes slid over Lilith from head to foot, scanning every detail. Her small nose wrinkled and a diamond nose ring sparkled in the artificial light. A tight leather jacket made her look sharp and black jeans with holes everywhere completed her.

Meet Raven, Shadow said.

Raven bit her lip, Yeah, whatever. Crow came with me, and he said he was going to the bathroom. It’s almost been ten minutes.

Nice to meet you too, Lilith said, noting the snake bite piercings.

Shadow cursed under his breath, I’ll find him.

He quickly walked away. Lilith turned back to Raven. Who’s Crow?

Raven tilted her head back sizing Lilith up again, Apparently, he hasn’t told you much yet kid. Raven and Crow are our code names. Only Shadow knows everyone’s real name... unless you tell another in the team. Crow is my boyfriend.

I see, Lilith replied. Do I get a code name?

Raven tore at her nail, Sure, soon as Shadow feels like calling you something other than your name. Should be pretty quick since we’re hanging around you.

It wasn’t long before Shadow came back, his hand gripped tightly around a boy’s wrist. The boy looked pretty short next to Shadow, his black hair falling into his eyes. He had brown eyes and a long nose. His deep-set eyes contrasted the high cheekbones that defined his face the most. He was thin and moved awkwardly as if he might possibly be still growing, or was trying to be like gangsters that were shown in the history books. A dark gray long sleeve shirt stood out against the rest of the revenge departments clothing. His jeans were a little on the baggy side and frayed at the hem from his walking on them. A slightly faded ratty old black trench coat was slung over his free arm.

Hey, he said, smiling a little.

Raven’s eyes got a little bigger than usual and her mouth opened a little. Her cutting gaze was stabbed in Lilith’s direction. Shadow looked quite unhappy with all the extra commotion Crow had created.

We’ve got a plane to catch, Shadow said before leading them to the platform.

Chapter 1

Two Years Later

A lithe woman attired in black stepped out through the same airport doors. Lilith, dubbed  Panther by Shadow, stood just outside the building, in a slight mist. With a swish of black fabric, Crow was next to her. She glanced up to him, looking over his face. He’d grown out of his awkward phase to be quite handsome indeed. His black hair remained the same length, barely long enough to brush the tops of his warm brown eyes.

He felt her eyes on him, but ignored them. He pulled a black umbrella from his belt, opening it over head. Lilith glanced up briefly, then to the ground. Her eyes darted around curiously, flicking from one object to the next. Crow stood with a half-smile as he watched her.

After mapping out her surroundings, she focused her vision once again on him. A scowl engraved itself onto her face. She opened her mouth, What are you smiling at?

With a shrug, he turned away, his smile widening.

Few people roamed the streets of Oregon in the heavy misting rain that hadn’t ended in the past three days. Dark clouds stretched from horizon to horizon. Lilith took a deep breath, a slight tang of the near ocean made her smile. The black umbrella overhead kept her dry, held by Crow.

Bet you were starting to miss Oregon, he said through chattering teeth.

She smiled, Actually, I was. Do you miss...

Kind of. Ready for your first mission? he asked, rubbing his gloved hands together the best he could without moving the umbrella.

Lilith sighed, slipping out of her hand-me-down trench coat that looked rather faded now. She handed it over to Crow and he instantly looked relieved, but then he frowned.

Take it. You need it more than I do. I used to walk around town at this time of year in short sleeved shirts.

You’re crazy! he said.

She scoffed, Are you from Florida or something?

No, and I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you even if I was, he said. Shadow would kill me.

He would not; I wouldn’t let him. The team needs you. Anyways, Lilith said stiffly, can I go now?

He nodded and watched as she slipped out from under the umbrella in less than a heartbeat, down an alley before he pressed his bracelet to call the office. After a few notifying rings, Shadow pressed the reply button. Crow stared down the alley where she had disappeared, waiting for Shadow to speak first.

Well? Shadow said.

You totally should have canceled everything on your schedule to see Panther’s first run. She disappeared down the alley in less than five seconds and didn’t even have a single puddle splash when she stepped in it. You were right when you said she would prove to be talented. This girl is a force to be reckoned with. I hope you know what you’re doing with her, Crow babbled.

Shadow cleared his throat, She is good, but you must follow her. Remember Raven’s first day? I couldn’t even stop her. I shouldn’t have let a recent criminal try out a case so early.

I won’t let her murder, Crow said before hanging up.

Thunder rumbled above and he cursed before closing the umbrella and stuffing it in the doorway of a store that was closed. He sprinted down the street and paused before sliding into a small side road. A man stood tall, briefcase by his side and a fedora hat placed crookedly on his head. Crow froze, knowing this was the target. Lilith lay on the ground by his feet in a puddle. The man was holding a dripping knife. Slowly, Crow’s jaw dropped. Did she die that fast? Panther’s black leather boot swung in a wide arc, knocking the man in a suit off his feet. Crow stumbled back, his face paling. She leapt up as smoothly as her namesake. Before he could react, Lilith had the man’s arm twisted up behind him and she whispered something Crow barely had enough time to lip read.

Never think you’ll get away without revenge, she spat. In one fluid motion, she took the knife from his hand and held it high.

No! Panther! Crow shouted.

She shook her head and laughed before spinning it and hitting him in the head with the handle, knocking him out cold. He fell to the ground hard and she dropped the knife by his side. Dusting herself off, Lilith joined Crow.

What? Did you actually think I was dead? Dude, it’s raining. There’s bound to be puddles on the ground and water dripping off his knife. I can’t believe you fell for that as badly as he did! Panther said.

Crow scowled, The only thing that can happen worse than you getting out of control is you getting killed.

So, I’m able to freak you out more than once in one day. Does Shadow know he hired a scaredy cat? Panther teased.

Crow shoved her down on the ground and knelt beside her, pinning her arms by her side, You don’t know what scared is, but we’ll teach you.

She rolled her head to the side, calm as can be, Don’t be ridiculous. You wouldn’t kill me, and the only other way you could scare me would be kissing me. I’d be afraid you went mad, but this is pretty darn close. Ready to release me? He let go and backed away before turning and walking down the alley. She followed at a distance. Don’t think someone who’s been through hell can scare that easy.

He whipped around, You don’t know what hell is. Watching your mother bleed almost to death, her screams burned into your memory. I was seven. Old enough to understand that my mother was gone. The last thing that left her lips was my name, and she will never speak again. Hell leaves you watching your back and scared for your life every damn day you wake up. I’ve come close to suicide so many times, but you know what stops me every time? Remembering my mother saying my name before she lay still, in so much blood.

She walked up to him. Crow was tearing up, the tears pooling on his high cheekbones before one hesitantly rolling down his face.

Lilith took his thickly gloved hand, I had no idea.

He turned his face away, ashamed. Crow couldn’t let her know the truth about everything that was upsetting him, and that stung even more. Panther fingered the fabric of his glove back before pushing the call button on Crow’s bracelet. His bracelet was metallic orange plastic with spikes of black that lay flat until he flexed. Shadow answered immediately.

Did something go wrong? he said.

Crow sighed, pushing back any trace he’d been crying from his voice, We’re fine. It went just as planned, have the justice department pick him up.

Excellent, Shadow hung up and rubbed his temples. He sat in his office, sunlight streaming in from the windows warming his back.

Raven sniffed, sitting in the corner, You should have sent me. I’m more experienced with Crow and we make a better team. Panther doesn’t work as well as I do with him.

Shadow looked at her thoughtfully, It was successful. There is no reason to wish things different.

She pulled her knees up to her chin and picked at the fishnets that hugged her pale legs. Her eyes narrowed in concentration, I so could have done it better though.

Are you questioning my judgement? Shadow said before spinning his desk chair so he was looking out the large windows that covered the side of the building. The Washington Monument rose in the distance, rusty and greenish. The top’s point now rounded from so many years of erosion. The land around it fenced off in case this last remaining relic came toppling down. It leaned a little to the left for some reason that Shadow could not remember. It made him think of a rusted, blunt dagger with its purpose demolished. The new buildings surrounding it glinting in the sunlight with their perfect white or glass walls and metal supports that seemed to be simply for artistic purpose. Many of the buildings easily reaching the Washington Monument’s height. They out shined this little reminder of how civilization could crumble so easily.

Raven stood, pulling her black skirt down a little, I think I am.

He leaned back in his chair so she was upside down, Raven...

Slowly, Raven stalked across the room. Her blue eyes sharp as ever. When she was just in reach, she fell to the ground. Blinking, the room swam before her eyes. He was looking right down at her, laying his chest on his knees.

Think again. I will send who I wish when I wish. I’m the top dog on this floor, and you better not doubt it, he whispered before standing and stretching. I think I pulled something doing that. I guess it’s been awhile since I’ve worked out. Black Bear!

A thin boy of medium height came in. His hair was the color of a black bear’s snout, a reddish brown, cut short messily. He wore a simple short sleeve shirt and faded jeans. Black Bear’s golden brown eyes locked with Shadow’s, Yes?

You and Raven are going to Texico. Some woman killed this lady’s son, because the woman was jealous that the other had a son. It’s really dumb, but I’d like it if you could cover that case. Let Raven be the observer. She’s already on the verge of being out of control and I can’t afford another miss to the justice department, Shadow said tiresomely.

Black Bear nodded before helping a wincing Raven to her feet and leading her out the door. Shadow sat, letting his forehead come to rest on the desk.

What am I going to do with her? he paused before hitting the call button. Crow?

Yes? Crow said sounding confused.

Shadow sighed, Keep Panther on her way to me, but I need you to help Black Bear on a case... Raven will only listen to you. Whatever you do, don’t let her hurt someone and please tell her for the hundredth time that you two are not dating.

Man, I was really hoping that was going to end, Crow said.

Shadow shook his head, It better. Take the first jet you can to Texas and meet them there.

Panther smiled slyly, having overheard the conversation. She shifted in her boots and edged closer to him. They stood at the same place they’d met two years previous. She wriggled her eyebrows and Crow glared at her.

Don’t say anything, he said between his teeth.

She made the motion of zipping her mouth closed, but smiled deviously.

He looked up at the metal beams covering the ceiling that curved around each other, weaving a tight knit pattern. Slowly he let his eyes roll down to her raised eyebrows and big green eyes that shone in the fluorescent lights. Crow sighed, running his hand over his forehead, Okay.

You’ve got one heck of an annoyance for a girlfriend, she said quietly, taking a step away from him before the last word left her lips.

Crow nodded, That would be true... if she was. Lucky me, she only thinks she is.

Or, unlucky for you, Panther murmured.

Crow made a retching motion. There was a musical ring and then the voice of a woman, cool and calm came over the speakers.

Flight seven twenty-six is prepared for passengers. Please use gate twelve to board. Thank you for choosing this rainy day for flying in Oregon, she said fluently before the system crackled and her message was ended.

That’s your flight, Crow said.

Good luck in Texico, Panther smiled, not a trace of smirk.

He shifted his weight, Thanks, I’ll need it.

She turned on her heel and walked away, long-strided confident steps. He shook his head before turning to pace the airport walkways until his flight was called. She paused before the tunnel that would lead her to the aircraft and glanced over her shoulder. He tripped, cursing. Panther giggled and hurried to her awaiting plane. He stopped, looking at the empty tunnel entrance. A man ran around the corner, running into Crow’s shoulder. Crow was spun towards the wall, and he barely had enough time to stop his momentum and then rest a hand on the man’s coat.

Excuse me? he said, brown eyes widening and nostrils flaring.

The man raised a pistol that Crow hadn’t noticed. He froze, the gun hidden by the man’s coat now pressed to his chest. The man was taller than Crow by at least four inches and broad. He looked as if he could eat Crow alive. Gray stubble lined his chin and a black hat hid the hair on his head. Crow carefully pried his fingers off the man’s coat, but the man did not back down. Black Hat smelled of new cars and that intrigued Crow.

Any explanation why you have a weapon like that in a weapon detecting building? Ah, I see, lead lined coat. Excellent idea if you ask me, Crow said. The pistol was pressed into him and Crow could feel his heart fluttering like crazy. A few deep breaths and he was back in control. You see, I wouldn’t pull the trigger if I were you. I’m fully trained and from the Revenge Department.

This bullet will be too close at this distance for you to avoid. You rats are the whole reason I had to come here armed. That Shadow man, he said he’d catch the fool who raped my daughter. Do you see that? the man pointed with his free hand at a man with scruffy brown hair and sallow skin. The rapist’s dark eyes were jumpy as he paced. Are you here to do something to him? Crackpot Department probably isn’t even real.

Crow swallowed, That is not why I’m here, but if you want I’ll call Shadow and ask if I can get your revenge.

No, he pulled his hat down further over his face. Revenge is lawful, I’m going to get it.

He shoved Crow so he was flattened to the wall before turning and taking a few steps away. Crow tried to suck in a breath, the wind knocked out of him. The man with a gun rolled his shoulders, bringing the pistol up and aiming right at the alleged rapist’s head. The sallow man turned his beady eyes and froze in fright. He clenched his raincoat with long bony fingers that shook. He gave a single pleading gaunt look before the pistol was fired. The bullet ricocheted and the man with a hat’s jaw dropped. Crow stood before him, a simple silver ring held out in front of him. He held up the ring so the light caught in the large dent in its surface.

Revenge is only lawful when issued by the Revenge Department, Crow said darkly.

The man dropped his pistol in defeat and Crow walked up and grabbed it. The rapist fainted, his body crumpling against the floor. Crow pressed the emergency button on his bracelet and turned, taking the man’s arm. He led the man out into the rain.

Go home to your daughter. Now it’s in the hands of the justice department, Crow said calmly.

The man heaved a sigh, My poor girl, only thirteen.

He then turned and walked into the rain that dripped from the brim of his hat and soaked through his coat. Crow watched him disappear into the gray before turning and looking in the airport. The few people there stayed far from the collapsed man, still on the ground. A flight attendant knelt next to him, staring at Crow. Her red hair fell in her face, falling from her ponytail. He walked in and sat in some of the chairs in the waiting area and picked up a magazine. Shuffling through the pages, he could feel the many eyes on him with curiosity, fear, and amazement. His bracelet beeped to signal an incoming call. He answered, but waited for the caller to say something.

Crow, the justice department just called me. Would you like to tell me what is going on? Shadow said.

Crow smiled, knowing that wasn’t a question, I had a little quarrel with someone who wanted to take revenge into their own hands.

There’s been an increase in that. People don’t understand that can be filed as intentful violence if they don’t get revenge through us. So, you caught them before someone got hurt? Shadow sounded slightly impressed which made Crow grin.

Yup, handled it like you would have. I blocked his bullet with a ring and was able to successfully disarm him. I even kept his gun, which was probably bought for this use alone, Crow said.

Shadow sighed, Changing a bullets course is very dangerous, you’re lucky it didn’t hit an innocent bystander. You need to be more careful. Also, you need to turn that gun in. We’re not allowed to use guns for a reason Crow.

Shadow hung up and spun around to look out at the partly cloudy sky.

Chapter 2

Lilith walked into Shadow’s room several hours later to find him facing the corner. She looked more carefully, noticing his deep-set eyes were focused on something. His mouth was hidden by his hands. She followed his calculating eyes to a small figure across the room. A young woman slightly smaller than Lilith sat curled into a ball in the corner. The girl looked up briefly, offering a smile before picking blades of grass off her boots.

Shadow, noticed Panther’s movement, and glanced over to the doorway. It’s about time you made it, Panther. How was your flight? Lilith opened her mouth to reply, however, Shadow continued, This is Puma. Since her room isn’t ready, you have to share with her.

Panther opened her mouth to protest, but thought it better not to. Sending a polite smile toward the new girl, her mouth opened letting out a light pleased-to-meet-you.

Puma stood, her purple tinted warm gray hair barely brushing her shoulders. She wrinkled her small, freckle covered nose in concentration as she pulled her shirt to sit right. Bringing her attention once again to Lilith, Puma studied her with milk chocolate brown eyes. The girl took a slow step forward, extending her hand.

Panther grasped her hand firmly, unaware of what Puma would do. Her eyes widened slightly as the petite girl pulled her in for a hug. I’m so glad, she gushed, you like me! We’re going to be the best of friends, I can tell.

Lilith just stood there stunned.

Shadow cleared his throat, gaining the duo’s attention, Not to interrupt your moment, but Panther, you should show your new... roommate where she’ll be staying until other arrangements are made.

Lilith nodded in understanding, before prying the girl from her.

***

The door to the Shadow’s office flew open and Raven stomped in dramatically, the morning sunlight streaming in the windows thrust upon her pale face. Black Bear trudged in after her, a little dispirited. Crow slunk in, dark rings around his eyes, staying near the walls. Shadow turned his head a little to take in the sight of the three.

Crow? Shadow said harshly.

Crow froze, one foot hovering. He had almost made it to the windows. Yes?

Shadow tilted his head down, shadows sliding over his features.

Ah, yes, well... Black Bear got close to the subject, and Raven... she told me the woman had a hidden weapon and Black Bear might need back-up. So, I... let her move ahead a little and everything started to happen really fast. She... accidentally broke the woman’s neck, Crow said so fast he stumbled over many words. So, it’s my fault.

Black Bear? Shadow said, his eyes widening.

Black Bear nodded and his shoulders slumped awkwardly.

Killing someone is hardly ever an accident. I warned you one more lost case to the justice department may cause them to limit our department even more. Crow, I’m disappointed, Shadow glared at each and every one of the three.

Shadow’s bracelet rang with an incoming call. He sighed and left the room hurriedly. Crow slumped to the ground and Black Bear drooped more if that was humanly possible. Raven stood tall in the sunlight, her face tilted defiantly. She let her eyes glide across the room to the others.

"Well it’s not my fault," she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

Crow glared up through his bangs, the whites of his eyes almost glowing in the shadows. Raven startled for a second before gaining control of herself and then stomped dramatically to the chair in front of Shadow’s desk and sitting. Black Bear scratched his messy hair. Shadow came in the room once again, and his face looked a little gaunter.

Due to the ‘increase in self revengists,’ the bracelets are going to be updated to read the mood of the wearer. That means if you let your temper get out of control, the justice department will interview you, and keep a close eye on you and the people who live around you. This could prove to be a problem, and I believe is another attempt to dismiss our department. To control our tempers, we’ll need a healthy outlet. An activity we can do to release stress and relax, Shadow said tiresomely.

Raven shrugged and started digging under her nails.

Shadow glared at her a moment, So either you’ll choose or I will. Something new. A hobby. When you feel large emotion changes you’ll do this hobby to relax yourself.

Can I learn dance? Raven said quickly.

Crow smirked, Pole dance you mean?

Shadow ran his hand over his face, "Yes, you may learn dance."

May I try painting? Black Bear raised his head a little, his quiet remark silencing the others, and Shadow nodded.

I’ll learn to hover board, Crow said. What about Panther?

Shadow sighed and pressed the call button before leaving the room and walking into a steal hallway with glass arches that showed glimpses of city and sky. Black floor tiles were of many shapes and sizes fit together in the most complex puzzle. Pictures frames like window sills showed accurate views of the city in different seasons.

Panther answered sounding groggy, Yeah?

He smiled and explained everything, Got anything in mind?

How about piano? she looked at her dimly lit room before her imagining herself at the keys of an old fashioned grand piano. Puma was out training so Panther had been able to sleep in.

Great. Can you be down here in ten minutes because the tech department is coming to update our bracelets, he said.

Panther sucked in a breath, I’ll be there.

Crawling out of bed wasn’t easy. She made her way to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Colored glass surrounded Panther, but she paid it no attention as she went straight to the shower. She ditched her clothes, entered the stall, and turned around so she was facing the controls. Placing her finger against the print reader, a green light flashed and instantly warm water of her preferred temperature gently sprayed onto her from every wall except the glass curtain. Also, knowing her height, it did not get any water on her face. She flipped the blue switch and bubbles fountained over her bare body. She shivered as she was surrounded by a sea of foam. Automatically the soap stopped and she was able to lather her hair. Then she flipped the blue switch again and water splashed all the suds away. She cupped her hands, filling them with water, and drenched her face. She stood a moment in the water before placing her finger to the reader again. Water was replaced with air that instantly dried her off and she slid the glass back. Grabbing her bathrobe, Panther fled the bathroom and hurriedly tried to find some clothes. Ending up with a t-shirt and jeans and a growling stomach, she slipped out of her dorm and hurried around the corner and into Shadow’s office.

Tech department was waiting, being well known for their earliness she didn’t worry. A boy with wild sandy hair and pale skin walked over to her, a light blotchy blush on his cheeks. His blue eyes darted from her face to her bracelet, never resting for long on one thing as he took her hand and cut off her bracelet. The black rubber and chain fell away and he backed away clumsily. As he worked on her bracelet, Panther examined his height and weight. A little tall and quite thin. His ears stuck out a little and his face had a longish look in the center. Shadow gave Panther an amused look and she scowled. The boy walked back to her and she held out her hand. He turned it over so her palm faced up and began the repairing job. In less than a minute he turned away and joined the rest of his group, all in slightly casual dress with tools and electrical equipment. One of them thanked Shadow sharply before turning and leading the rest out of the room.

Shadow turned to the room, "Alright you four.