Hope Striders: The Soul of Oneself

By Ellyssa Muniz

After Ryan took over Kay’s body, there has been nothing but trouble. The Hope Striders have separated, in hopes of finding their way of bringing back their leader. Kim partnered with Ms. Heckler to enhance her abilities, but to effectively achieve that, sacrifices had to be made. Noah has fallen away from the foundation after the loss of his girlfriend. Jake is on the edge of getting into trouble for holding on to secrets, while Tray is out there still desperately on a mission to bring back their leader. But with Ryan as the face of Kay and Roman who’s determined to eradicate all inhumans, where do the Hope Striders go from here when every direction points to their ultimate end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984571045

Ellyssa Muniz

Ellyssa Muniz is excited to release her second book to her series Hope Striders. She has been overwhelmed with the support she has been receiving through the course of her release of her first book, Hope Striders: A New Beginnings End. She’s currently writing the third book and looks forward to hearing back from her readers. Ellyssa is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in social psychology at Southeastern University and continues to stay headstrong in her faith to drive on the force by giving God all the glory in all of her endeavors.

Book preview

HOPE STRIDERS

The Soul of Oneself

Ellyssa Muniz

Copyright © 2019 by Ellyssa Muniz.

Library of Congress Control Number:    2018914429

ISBN:                        Hardcover                      978-1-9845-7103-8

                                 Softcover                       978-1-9845-7102-1

                                 eBook                              978-1-9845-7104-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 01/07/2019

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

787697

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

This book is dedicated to my Small family.

You made this story that much more special.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I have had the most incredible support system thus far through this journey writing Hope Striders. I have so many fans that have reached out to me telling me all of their feelings they have endured during this series, and quite frankly I couldn’t be more ecstatic. I want to thank God for allowing me to have an outlet like this to stretch my imagination. I know He has great things in store for me in the years to come and I can’t wait to ride the wave with Him.

Of course, my family are next on the list to be thanked. Without their support I’m pretty sure the Hope Striders would still be just an idea in my composition notebook. They have encouraged me to strive for more and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

I want to thank my small group, A.K.A my small family. To those that have sprinkled a little love of their own within the book, thank you. This is why this third book is dedicated to you. You have truly made this story that much more special. I want to thank all of those who worked with me through this journey, including the photographer, Gustavo Alcantara, who created the beautiful cover photo..

And lastly, I want to thank all my readers who have enjoyed this story. Those that read it more than once and for those that somehow endured withdraws while the next book was being created. With all the love in the world, thank you!

CHAPTER 1

I walked down the sidewalk just as the streetlights flickered on, illuminating the dark run-down roads cars rarely took. The sound of rain ran down the back road before it came pouring on top of me. It didn’t start off slow and fluctuate in time; no, it came down hard and abruptly. I pulled my black hood over my already drenched hair and kept my hands deep in the depths of my pockets. I was hungry, but I didn’t want to eat. I was tired, but I didn’t want to sleep. I was saturated from the rain, but I didn’t want to walk off the sidewalk to find somewhere dry and secure. For once, my mind was vacant, my thoughts were scarce, and my words were silent.

I stopped suddenly when I felt my fingers shudder. I pulled my left hand out of my damp pockets and saw my fingers tremble yet again.

It was happening more frequently now.

It wouldn’t be long before I felt the sharp pain in my lower leg I previously felt many years ago. The sudden rush of panic changed my thoughts from not caring to get out of the rain to utter panic to find somewhere to get myself together.

By the time I found a small porch-like cover near the outer park, I was already limping. I pressed my weight against the brick wall near the public water fountains and slid the side of my right shoulder slowly to the ground. I pulled out my left hand again and found that no matter how hard I closed my fist tight, the tremors continued. The pain moved from my hip, down my leg, to my ankle. It slowly became a foreboding numbness. I kept my breathing consistent and in a calm rhythmic pattern. I needed to wait this out.

I needed to find Ms. Heckler.

She was the only one who could help me through this pain, and even though her healing powers freaked me out, it paid off when it came down to my body needing to be healed. But what were the odds of me seeing her now? We haven’t seen her since she helped us get Ryan out of Kay’s body.

Kay . . . Man, I missed her. I brushed her sweet face out of my thoughts and pulled my hand back out of my damp pocket and watched as the trembling settled to a complete stop. I took a deep breath in relief, thinking of how worst this could’ve been. I pushed myself off the ground with the help of the brick wall. I stepped on my left leg, hoping it’ll support my balance instead of leaving me flat on the hard cement floor. I stumbled at first, but I got myself stable enough to walk off normally.

With everything going on, nothing seemed right.

With Kay gone, nothing made sense.

And without my brother . . . nothing was the same.

I suppressed the thought of Noah, too afraid to recollect the last memory of us fighting. As I limped back on the side walk, I felt something.

I stopped to look around, but there was nothing there but darkness, though that never satisfied me before. I kept on staring . . . waiting . . . listening for anything or for anyone. I listened to the soft breeze brush through the leaves of the trees, the gentle flutter of the rain hitting the cold pavement. I watched as the streetlight flickered off and on as if warning me.

It was only when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up that I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew something bad was going to happen and I was going to face it on my own. The thought of the electrical pulse intervening at the worst time strained my mind. I didn’t lose hope or confidence. No, not then.

I didn’t lose my hope and confidence until later.

I turned my head and found a fist meeting me halfway. I stumbled back and regained my vision to see an unfamiliar face. The punch wasn’t as forceful as I thought, which could only mean that he was human. Why would a human be wanting to pick a fight with me, especially one that was dressed in a black woven shirt with dark jeans? My thoughts faded away quickly when the guy tried to go toward my face for the second time. I grabbed his fist firm in the air. I leaned my head to the side to see the full profile of his face and smiled, hoping he’s got the hint to back off or he’ll regret it. Little did I know that it was me who was going to regret it.

The guy looked at my hand that covered his gaunt fist and smiled back—not a reaction I was hoping for. My eyes shifted to his elevated free hand only to squint to get a better idea of what he was holding. It turned out to be some kind of gadget, one with a single button in the middle.

I watched as his head leaned in closer toward my face, and his thumb contracted a click from the little black gadget he held. I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t move. My muscles tightened, and I was frozen. The guy pulled out his scrunched-up hand out from under mine and shook it to stretch it out. I gazed at his taunting stride around me as I stood motionless. He swiftly stepped forward to land another punch on the side of my head. Strangely, I didn’t feel a thing. It was like he hadn’t touched me at all.

What was this tool? How did he get it, and why was he using it on me?

He took a few good moments to get a kick in the side of my stomach and a punch at the side of my face, but I felt nothing. It was great! I didn’t think he knew it until he raised his hand with the clicker between his thumb and pointer finger. He took a few steps back and smiled.

I prepared myself to rush over to him and knock that thing out of his hand before he could click it again. I was ready . . . all he had to do was click it. I stared intently, waiting for that brief second of opportunity to allow me to attack him. I wanted him so badly to press it, but that thought retracted quickly when he finally did.

The moment his finger pressed down, every ounce of my body felt muddled. There were so many areas on my body that drummed with an agony that I couldn’t seem to embrace. It was too much that my mind couldn’t seem to keep up. My body fell limp on the floor, still trying to uncover what had happened. I thought it was at that moment I was going to give in to the blanket of darkness and let fate take over from there, but I wasn’t able to give up. My mind refused despite what my body wanted to do. My eyes shifted upward to see the guy stepping over my unmovable body. He laughed under his breath as if he wished I was more of a challenge.

Anger leisurely came across my heart. It began to consume me. No matter how hard I’ve been submerging it, I felt it. And the worst part about it . . . I liked it.

My eyes shifted over to the tool in his hand by his side as he looked at me. With the anger finally providing me the necessary strength I needed, I looked back at the guy’s face, and with all my will, I pushed my head into his and watched as he fell backward a few feet away. I stood up almost vindictively, ready to end him, but when I came to his side, I already had. The guy’s forehead was bowed inward. I cracked my neck to the side, finally loosening it up. I haven’t defended myself like that in a long time, and it felt good. I bent down near his side and lifted the clicker out from under his hand and finally looked at it for what it was. I thought I’d find out more about it, but there was nothing extra besides it being black with a small button in the middle of it.

Pretty ingenious, if you ask me.

Jake smiled to himself before he turned around, finally knowing who was behind it all. How could he not have known from the very beginning? Jake stood up slowly and turned to see multiple guards with weapons ready to be released. He smirked as he tilted his head slightly, feeling no threat from them. He only focused on the one person standing in the middle. It’s been a long time, Roman.

Too long, Roman said with menace.

Jake dropped the clicker on the floor and smashed it with his foot. Jake placed his hand to his mouth in shock. Oops. Was that yours? He smiled afterward.

Roman didn’t falter in his expression. It seems we can add another murder to your name.

Jake glimpsed over to his side where he saw the guy who lay motionless with an indented forehead. I was defending myself,—Jake looked back at Roman—just like how I’m going to defend myself against you.

This isn’t a game, Jake. I told you the last time we saw each other, I will not hesitate to kill you.

What would Kay say if she saw you breaking your promise?

Nothing. Kay’s dead, no thanks to you and your friends, Roman said as he watched as those words were like a dagger to Jake’s heart. Roman smirked to himself, almost reminiscing in the memories. How is your little crew now that she’s gone? Jake couldn’t bring himself to think of the others. It seemed like forever ago since he had last seen them. I heard your little psychic friend didn’t even try to save herself. He smiled. Oh, and that one kid—what was his name again? Tray?—I must say, even for me, that was hard to watch. The way his body looked seemed almost abnormal. Jake enclosed his fists by his sides, trying to push out the memories he’s been attempting to repress. And let’s not forget sweet Noah.

Shut up, Jake slipped out.

Roman smiled and continued. I heard he was the worst of them all. Tell me, how did it feel when he left you there?

So help me, Roman, I will kill you with my bare hands if you do not shut up.

Oh, come now, Jake. I’m just curious how you handled the fact that your brother almost killed you. I mean, aren’t you a bit curious that he pretty much led you to me? There was silence as Roman knew he had Jake where he wanted him. How does it feel that everyone will know that you died as a coward? I wonder how Kay would feel when she finds out you left your friends for dead just to save your own skin.

Jake never liked the feeling of giving into the rage, but this time was different. This time, he let it consume him. Jake forced his step forward and ran toward Roman, but the guards around him pushed him farther back and stepped in front. They all drew whatever weapon they enclosed and tried to strike it against him. And even though some were successful, others were not. One by one, Jake took them down. Just as he grabbed the last two guards that were left and slammed both their heads together, someone else emerged. As the last two fell hard in front of him, Norah stood not too far away.

Norah? Jake breathed out, almost in absolute astonishment. She wore a white button-down woven ___ with a navy-blue bulletproof vest. Her blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail, so her blue eyes could reflect brighter with the streetlight blazing around her. His heart pounded heavier, and he began to lose breath. Norah? Roman came from behind her so that he could stand by her side. Roman smiled with malice. Get away from her! Jake trudged forward, but Norah quickly shifted her hand, and before he knew it, her gun was aimed straight at him. Jake stopped abruptly. Norah, it’s me.

I know who it is, she said with unyielding loathe. Don’t move or I’ll promise this bullet will go straight through your head. Her head leaned to the side to keep her aim precise.

You see, Jake,—Roman took a step forward—I’m not the only one who thinks your kind should be eradicated. I warned Kay that she and her friends would end up on a hit list if she didn’t leave. You all chose the wrong choice.

"We chose to stay home," Jake said, still glancing over Norah’s direction now and then.

You chose death. I can’t help you anymore, nor do I want to.

Jake pressed forward but was thwarted when a sudden batter behind his knee came hard and strong. Jake fell forward as his legs buckled under him. Roman and Norah walked closer to him, keeping her form still at gunpoint. Jake saw a hand near the side of his face. When his eyes shifted over, he saw the clicker once again. Before he could react, he saw the finger press against the button, and just like before, his body went immobile. Jake’s eyes shifted over to Norah’s and Roman’s. Roman lifted his empty hand for Norah to give him the gun. Reluctantly, she did what he asked. Norah stood tall as her arms fell to her side. Jake watched Roman press the point of the gun onto his forehead. Norah smiled. I’d like to see you stop this bullet.

Any last words? Roman asked.

Go to he— Roman pulled the trigger and watched Jake’s body fall to the side with an absence of life.

Noo! Kim woke up in a frenzy. She watched as the nurses tried to constrain her back to the hard metal table. Kim tried to break free from her bonds, but the cuffs on her wrists and ankles were too strong for her little body. I can’t! I can’t do this anymore!

Yes, you can, a soft voice said from her side. Ms. Heckler came in front of Kim so she could see that it was her.

Kim didn’t lose motivation to get free, but more nurses came swarming in to keep her calm and restrained. Her strength was wearing thin until she had nothing left, and her head leaned back on the hard iron table in defeat. Soft tears fell down her cheek as she looked up at the white ceiling of utter loss. She saw Ms. Heckler walk closer to her side. As she leaned her face closer to hers, Kim turned her head to face her. I don’t want to do this anymore. I can’t.

Ms. Heckler stroked her sticky hair away from her forehead. But you’re doing great, sweetie. She patted her arm with reassurance before she called off the nurses to give Kim a break to relax her mind. As the last nurse followed out of the white room, Ms. Heckler turned for the doorway to face Kim one last time. These nightmares will pass, and we’ll unlock power you’ve never even dreamed of . . . I promise. She smiled with confidence. She closed the door slowly until the click of the lock snapped within itself.

Tears continued to flow down her face as she whispered, They’re not nightmares. They’re visions. She whimpered under her breath before tears came rushing through. They’re all going to die! She looked toward the door, hoping someone would listen to her. Do you hear me? Let me help them, or my friends are all going to die!

CHAPTER 2

Kim opened her eyes and saw nothing but the small dim light that illuminated a small portion of the room. Her wrists and ankles were still constrained to the metal table. Ms. Heckler said these were for her protection, but Kim knew it was only to keep her from running away. If Kim had known what she really had to go through to unlock her new power, she would’ve denied it. Not knowing her potential was a lot better than not going through what she was going through now. The terrible visions of her friend’s death rewind in her head over and over again as if there were a broken record playing in her mind. She couldn’t cast the thoughts away no matter how hard she tried. They were so ingrained in her head that she couldn’t shake them loose. They drove her crazy. She couldn’t differentiate between what was real now and what her visions showed her. Her visions were no longer a few seconds; they had lasted for hours and even days. Kim could feel herself seeping under absolute distress. She had to get out.

She had to get out tonight.

Kim tried to look down at her wrists as far as her chest would let her. She pulled tight and firm, but the cuffs wouldn’t budge. She wasn’t strong enough. She didn’t have Jake and Noah’s strength. She didn’t have Tray’s manipulation or Kay’s clever plans to get her out of this mess. She laid her head back down only to lift it back up and slam it back against the metal bed with frustration. She wanted to cry again, but there was no use. She had no tears left. She needed to focus and get herself out.

Kim looked back down to see that the cuffs were wrapped around tight. She turned her wrist within the cuffs and found that if there was enough space to move around within the cuff, then there must be enough space to pull out. So that’s what she did. She pulled and pulled. She bit her lip as the pain became more applicable. She heard soft whimpers under her breath as she continued to pull, but it was only when she felt the slightest of hope of actually becoming free that she continued on enduring the pain.

Once she heard the undying sound of a clank to the metal table kissing her no longer slave cuff, she smiled with triumph. She stretched her hand as her fingers moved about with its newfound freedom. She felt a sharp sting on the top of her palms, but she ignored it, too excited to get her other hand free. This took less time to come out now that she knew it was possible. The pain was just as excruciating, but the excitement of actually being free overpowered what pain she felt.

She quickly sat up and felt for her ankles. Unfortunately, she couldn’t pull her feet from these strains as easily as her hands. She had to think quick before someone came in to check on her. She saw a small red glow next to her left foot. When she felt around with her fingers, she found that there was some kind of protrusion coming from the table.

They felt like buttons.

A combination lock perhaps?

She traced her fingers over it again and concentrated. Despite her pounding headache, she found the nurse who used the keypad last. The image was clear as if the image was right in front of her. For the first time, she was grateful for Ms. Heckler for teaching her to go not only beyond the future but also back in the past. She watched her vision as if she was standing right next to her. The numbers were visible, and after seeing the input of the last number, Kim opened her eyes and quickly pressed the buttons in its order. The red light turned green, and the locks of both her wrist cuffs and ankle constraints opened free with a hissing sound that followed behind.

What she thought was finally freedom came to an abrupt end when the lights to her room brightened and the sound of an alarm fluttered the intercom. Without thinking, Kim pushed herself off the table and ran for the door. She turned the handle, but it didn’t turn all the way down.

It was locked from the inside.

She tried to think fast, but she couldn’t think fast enough. There was already a nurse heading her way. Without a second thought, Kim fell to the floor. She heard the door slide open and a quick gesture for her aid. She felt the cold two fingers press against the side of her neck. As she felt the seconds drag, she knew this was as good of a time as any. She opened her eyes and grabbed on her wrist and punched her in the face. It didn’t impact her as much as Kim hoped. The lady turned her head in anger and shock. The nurse grabbed a hold of Kim’s wrist and then her other as she tried to stand back up on her feet. Kim tried to get free, but the grip from the nurse was too strong. You have to let me go!

You’re not done with your session. You can hurt someone at this state. It’s for your own good, Kim. Please understand—

I don’t want to hear it! I have to leave! I can’t take this anymore! Kim pulled her weight back so that she was hanging on with the counterbalance of the nurse. She lifted her legs one by one so that both her feet were on the nurse’s chest. The nurse didn’t know what to do but hold tighter on Kim’s wrist to keep her from falling back and hitting her head against the hard floor. Kim flipped herself over so that the nurse had to let go of Kim’s wrist eventually. After finally getting free, Kim bolted out the door with the nurse running behind.

Kim may not have been strong, but she knew she was fast and quick, and that’s all she needed to get out of the place she was in. She knew she wasn’t at the Foundation, or there would’ve been a lot more guards dressed in suits. The only people that came for her were the few nurses she saw come in and out of her room. She outran them easily as she went down halls and the stairs. She was finally at the entrance before Ms. Heckler took her final steps in front of the doors to stop Kim from going through. Kim, listen to me, she said with concern. Kim was too busy trying to find ways to get around her before the rest of the nurses caught up. If you leave this place without finishing your session, you would be putting you and whoever that comes in contact with you in danger. You’re too sensitive right now. You can hurt someone. If you try to see someone’s future, you might accidently erase memories without you knowing it. There’s so much at stake here. Please, Kim, trust me.

It was the last two words that brought Kim back from her thoughts of escape. Trust you? I have been trapped in this building for months. I have been seeing visions of my friends dying.

They’re not visions.

Yes, they are! I know the difference between a nightmare and a vision. Trust me when I say I’ve had my share of them with Derek, or have you forgotten? You kept me in this prison without letting me see how my friends were doing. They don’t even know if I’m ok. Or if any of my visions ever came true. You won’t tell me anything!

For your own good, Kim.

You keeping me from my friends was not for my own good. You’re not telling me something.

Ms. Heckler took a moment and lifted her hand to stop. Kim didn’t understand what she was doing until she turned her head behind her and saw the nurses that were ready to constrain Kim back to her room. You’re right, Ms. Heckler said. Kim moved to the side so she could see both Ms. Heckler and the nurses. You’re right, Kim. I am hiding something. I didn’t want to tell you this, but since you give me no choice, I’m forced to tell you. Kim waited as she shifted her eyes back from Ms. Heckler to the nurses and then back again. Kay is gone. After Ryan inhabited her body, he has used it for the worse. He had committed so many crimes.

Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve gotten the team together to get her back. Why weren’t you doing anything to help us?

Ms. Heckler shook her head. It wouldn’t have worked. Thanks to your visions and training, we’re able to see a few pieces of the future. Ryan brings havoc to this world. Noah is lost in his old ways, and Jake can’t savage him back. The Dividers follow Ryan around by creating more chaos wherever they go. The council refuses to step in. They agreed to let the government of humans have them at their discretion if they don’t persecute as a whole.

What about Tray?

Ms. Heckler shook her head in defeat. He hasn’t been seen since the fallout with the rest of the others because of his betrayal. Rumors have it that Noah killed him, but there’s no body to prove it. We can’t even get Noah in here to talk to him rationally about it.

Kim tried to make sense of it all, but everything seemed wrong. Was this another vision or the real world? She couldn’t tell anymore. She had to figure out a way to distinguish the two before she really got hurt. Kim looked back up at Ms. Heckler, waiting for her to respond. She had to assume that this was the real world. She would have to figure it out for sure later.

From the corner of her eye, she saw one of the nurses come closer with a syringe. Just as they were about to strike her with it at her neck, she ducked and popped the syringe out of the nurse’s hand and threw it at Ms. Heckler. The syringe went deep into her arm, giving Kim enough time to run around her and push the knob down. Without looking back, she ran out the door and into the cold night street.

Kim didn’t know where to hide, so she quickly hid in the bushes. When she saw the lights from the flashlights pass her up, she quickly ran in the other direction as far away as possible. She kept running until she fell forward and onto her knees in exhaustion. She looked behind her and didn’t see anything but darkness.

Was she free?

Kim smiled and laughed under her breath softly. She closed her eyes with relief of her newfound freedom. She opened her eyes to see a white ceiling. She turned her head and saw that Ms. Heckler was standing next to her side, stroking her wet hair out of Kim’s face as she lay on that well-known metal table. Ms. Heckler smiled that familiar smile. Kim shook her head slowly as she squeezed her eyes tight in defeat. You’re doing great, sweetie.

Kim whispered as if going through the same routine, I don’t want to do this anymore. She watched one of the nurses press the key buttons on the pin pad near her ankles just like her vision had showed her. Now that she knew what was going to happen, she was going to try again, but this time on her own terms.

We’ll unlock power you’ve never even dreamed of . . . I promise. She patted Kim’s hand near the side of her hip. Just before Ms. Heckler was going to turn away to the door, Kim whimpered under her breath. Are you ok, child?

No, Ms. Heckler. I miss my friends. I miss Kay. I miss her smile. I miss the way she laughed, but the one thing I miss the most is the way she hugged me when I needed comfort. Ms. Heckler took the hint Kim was trying to suggest. Kim watched Ms. Heckler nod softy to the other nurse who stood near the pin pad. In seconds, the cuffs came off, and Kim was free. She tried to constrain herself from jumping off the table and booking it out of the door. Ms. Heckler came closer to the table and opened her arms wide for Kim to embrace it.

Kim leaned upward and turned her body so that her legs dangled over the edge. Kim smiled as she opened her own arms out and embraced her. From the corner of her eye, she saw the nurse walk next to her, and she knew then it was time. Without hesitating, Kim grabbed for the nurse’s pocket and lifted the syringe. Kim quickly injected it into Ms. Heckler’s neck and pushed herself off the table and ran out the door.

Everything was the same. The nurses came rushing in just like her vision. The only difference was there was no one in front of the entryway, and Kim pushed through the doors and into the cold night. Just like her vision, everything was dark and unrecognizable. She headed to the one place that would keep her hidden, and that was the bushes. After she found a safe spot to sit in, she waited it out. She watched as the light from the flashlights illuminated the streets. Just as she thought the nurses had called it quits, a man in scrubs grabbed the side of Kim’s arm and pulled her up from the ground. Kim tried to shake free, but his grip was too fixed around her upper arm. She quickly kicked him in the groin, and he hunched forward. Kim grabbed hold of his head and searched for any answers she could get out of him, but she saw nothing. She felt a strong sharp pain go through the side of her neck. When she realized what the nurse had done, it was too late for the both of them. The nurse she had within her hands had dropped to the floor with his eyes wide open. He looked absentminded. Kim stepped back and found a small syringe sticking out from the side of her neck. She quickly pulled it out and threw it on the ground. She gently put her hand on her throat and found that she couldn’t speak. Words wouldn’t come, only pain. More lights shone brighter as voices became clearer. Kim ran in the opposite direction as fast as she could until she found a better hiding spot in larger bushes.

Kim placed her head into her hands, still unsure of herself. How would she know if she slipped into another vision? What if while in her vision Ms. Heckler and her nurses found her in that state? The thoughts began to overwhelm Kim. She could feel herself hyperventilating. She stood up from the dirt and ran the other direction. She kept herself close to the bushes so she had a place to hide if she saw anyone. There weren’t many lights to help her find her way, but in the ground, there was some source of light illuminating from it as if there were small round lights implanted within the dirt.

Time continued pressing on, and there was still nothing to see for miles besides the small lights in the ground. Kim was vigilant with everything. With her voice gone, every sense was heightened. Just as she took another step, a quick vision passed her mind, giving her enough time to duck. She turned to see a dark figure with a hooded jacket over their head. The person wasn’t tall in stature but more on the petite side. The figure continued to throw blows, but there was no way they could touch Kim. Her visions were so reliable that she knew every move they were going to throw at her. Kim could tell that the person was tired as the figure finally stopped. You’re not one of them, are you? the figure said. Kim could tell the voice was attached to a girl but not anyone she recognized. Could she be trusted? Could anyone be trusted? Was she even real or part of another vision? Can you speak? The figure pulled her hood back down from her head. With the small light coming from the ground, Kim could see some facial features. For one thing, her face seemed distorted in some way. I’m Cameron, but a lot of my friends call me Cami. Do you have a name? Kim was silent. Cami nodded in agreement as if she understood something Kim didn’t know, They took something away from me too. Kim watched as Cami touched the side of her face. I’m guessing they took your voice. Those jerks. Cami placed her hand on Kim’s shoulder, but Kim pushed it off. Hey, don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you. We’re on the same side. They’ve been experimenting on me too. They said that my powers would increase if I did their stupid sessions, but it only made things worse. They burned half my face off. Kim could hear the anger rising with every word. Cami pulled her hood back over her head. I’ll help you escape. I found a way out, but there’s a slight problem. The door kind of combusted on me. She smiled with regret. You don’t by chance know how to fly, do you? Cami waited for Kim to respond, but she couldn’t answer. I guess we’ll find out. Come with me, I’ll show you where the door is.

Kim followed after a brief pause of mistrust. She didn’t know who this girl really was and if what she said was really true. For all she knew, she could be part of a trap, or even worse, a test Ms. Heckler had created for her. Though, with all this doubt, Kim had to see if this door was real. She needed to see for her own eyes that there was an actual way out of this prison she’s been in. So she followed, but she followed with distance between them.

It was a good amount of walking before Kim found Cami stopping at the end of the road. When Kim came to her side, she saw what Cami was talking about. The door was not a door at all. It was just a pile of rubble. However, Kim didn’t see the problem. The door was gone. They were free. She could see the other side of the wall. Kim took a few steps forward. She could feel the wind blow from the other side of the debris. Kim attempted to take another step further, but Cami pulled her arm back. I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Kim looked back at her and took her gesture to consideration. Kim looked back at the opening of what looked like freedom but could very well be another scam. Cami looked at the opening of the grounds of the prison. It looks like freedom because they want us to think that it is. We’ve been in here for so long we never stop to think it’s a trap because we want to hope so badly that it really is freedom waiting for us. Cami changed her gaze on Kim and then behind her. Let’s just say I wasn’t by myself when I found the door.

Kim turned her body to follow Cami’s gaze only to bring her hand to cover her mouth. She was shocked to see another girl’s body burned to the crisp with her back leaning against the tree trunk. Kim wanted to know what happened, but with her voice gone, there was no way to find out. However, it didn’t take long for Cami to answer her question.

There’s some kind of force field that shocks the heck out of you. Maya can attest to that. Cami shifted her head back one more time at the burned body behind her. Without this door, I don’t think we can walk out of here without being fried. She crossed her arms across her chest, trying to figure out what they could do. My powers are gone, so there’s no help coming from me. Cami’s eyes shifted down to Kim. Do you have any gifts that could help us get out of here?

Kim looked up at her with suspicion but continued to step forward to look over the rubble. She knelt down and placed her hand in the dirt. She picked up a piece of the door and closed her eyes. Kim thought, if she could see the past of an object, maybe she could bring it back. She saw the door in her head of how it looked; dark and black, round and shiny.

Oh my gosh, Cami said from behind her.

Kim opened her eyes to only look up at the once broken door to the now unfurnished entry way to their freedom. Kim took a step back to look at what she hoped was real and not a vision.

Cami shook her shoulder in excitement. You did it, girl! Oh my gosh! I don’t know what your gift is, but, boy, am I grateful for it. She took a few steps forward before pausing to touch the door. Cami seemed nervous; she took another step back to look at Kim. Are you sure it’s safe? Kim looked over at Cami, wondering what she was really asking. Maybe you should go through it first, you know, just in case it only works since you brought it back to life. Cami wanted Kim to go through the door first just to make sure nothing bad happened. Kim glanced over Maya’s dead body not too far away from them. Maybe Cami asked Maya to do the same thing she was trying to get Kim to do. Maybe, just maybe, it was Cami’s fault that Maya was dead.

Kim didn’t have time for her games. She needed to get out before Ms. Heckler found her. Kim looked back at the door and took her confidence with her as she stepped one foot on the platform. This door wasn’t a regular door with a handle. In fact, the door was more of a frame. From her last vision of it, she saw someone go through it. She also saw them close their eyes before they entered through it. Was it because they had to focus before entering? Did she need to clear her mind? What was the process? Kim breathed out slowly as she closed her eyes to focus.

She wanted to go home. She wanted to go where all her friends were. She wanted to go where there was peace and silence. Kim took her first step and placed her hand up, expecting to touch a screen, but there was nothing, Hey! Wait for me! Cami said as she bumped into Kim, forcing her into what looked like the other side of the door. Except when they resurfaced on the other side, it was nowhere near what Kim thought it would be. They came through a dark, smelly foreboding allay. Kim turned her head and didn’t see anything. The frame of the door was gone. It was as if they went through some kind of portal. Oh my gosh! Cami yelled in excitement. She clasped her hands together as she looked back at Kim, who was still trying to figure out where she was. You did it! She ran into Kim for a hug, but Kim pushed her off. Cami wasn’t bothered by Kim’s lack of affection. She was too excited to finally getting out. Oh my gosh, she said under her breath. I’m home. Cami looked back at Kim. We’re in Chicago! Have you ever been? Kim stayed quiet but shook her head. Cami smiled. At least I know you understand me. Chicago is the best place on earth! Wait until I show you my favorite places. I can show you my favorite joint to eat, the best place to hang out! Oh my gosh, I can show you all my friends! Cami was getting so excited.

Kim just wanted to know why they were even there in the first place. Kim walked around her to the end of the alley to get a better look at the local town that continued in the fluster of traffic. The cars were driving fast and not caring who was trying to walk across the street. Don’t worry, Cami said next to her, looking over her shoulder with her cheeks lifted in anticipation. If you stick with me, nobody will mess with you. You see, I have a reputation here in Chicago. Kim looked up at Cami as she smiled with a smile Kim was all too familiar with.

Cami grabbed for Kim’s hand and pulled her out of the alley and down the street. Before we go anywhere, we’re going to need some money. We can’t be going around this beautiful place wearing clothes that look like we belong in some mental hospital. Kim looked down at her clothes and saw that she was right. She wore some kind of overall dress that people would consider an appropriate wardrobe for a mentally ill person.

With all the walking they had done, Kim thought they were in a different state. Cami stopped in front of a tall wide building that seemed to go on forever. Kim read the sign that blasted a sharp red light. She read, Subversive Casino. Cami grabbed for Kim’s hand again and pulled her forward, but this time, Kim pulled back. Cami looked down at her. Look, we need to change out of these clothes, and I know some people that work here that can help us with some money. This area isn’t safe, and without me, you might as well consider yourself dead. Cami pulled out her hand for Kim to take it. Reluctantly, Kim did. Cami smiled. Trust me, you’re going to love this place.

CHAPTER 3

When Kim and Cami walked inside the Casino, no one paid any attention to them. Shouldn’t there be some kind of guard to stop them and ask them for their ID? Kim followed behind Cami as she walked with importance and high class. It wasn’t until we walked through two long black doors that the eyes started shifting. Cami had this confidence in her stride that scared Kim. Who was she really? And why didn’t anyone stop us? Why were they looking at her like she was a threat? So many questions raced through her mind. She started getting a headache. Kim grabbed a hold of Cami’s hand for her to stop walking. What’s wrong? Cami asked.

Kim squeezed her eyes tight as one hand rushed to the side of her head. The vision was heavy and strong. It felt like it was forced into her head rather than transitioning in like the others. When Kim gained her sight back, she looked over at Cami, who stood dumbfounded as she watched her absentminded face come back to reality. Kim looked behind her and saw the people she had seen walk through the doors pull out their guns. Kim pushed Cami out of the way and onto the floor just in time. The bullets were flying everywhere. Kim crawled underneath tables with Cami following behind as everyone screamed for safety and fear. Cami stopped crawling to pull back Kim’s shoulder. Thanks, that was a close one.

Kim analyzed her face and saw the sincerity in her voice. Kim shifted her eyes down to Cami’s hand placed outside the cover-up of the table. Kim quickly grabbed for her hand to pull her back underneath the cloth. Cami didn’t understand at first until she saw a black shiny shoe step forward where her hand was. Cami’s eyes transitioned from absolute gratitude to absolute suspicion. How did you do that? How did you know his foot will be there? Kim placed her finger on her closed tight lips to keep her quiet, but Cami wouldn’t have it. She blurted, You’re a psychic, aren’t you? Cami shifted her gaze on the ground in thought. But how did you fix the portal? The shots continued, breaking Cami out of her reverie. It doesn’t matter. Let’s just get out of here.

They continued crawling until they were on the other side of the room and found a door to go through. Cami grabbed a hold of Kim’s hand and pulled her around hallways and down steps that seemed to go nowhere. When Kim had finally lost hope of an actual destination, Cami found a white magnificent door that had gold handles. Cami pushed hard on the door before entering a huge room with couches covered in animal fur. That was never a good sign. It only meant that someone in here was rich and in power.

Kim stopped behind Cami, hoping to not be seen, but there was no place she could stand that wouldn’t be seen by all the people in the room. All the guests that held drinks in their hands stayed quiet and motionless, searching our faces and wondering who we were. They knew we didn’t belong just by how we were dressed. No teenage girl wearing scrubs who looked like she belonged in a mental hospital would be in a high-class party, especially as high class as this one. There was fur everywhere. The walls weren’t walls; they were huge glass windows overseeing the whole casino, but it didn’t seem like the people down below sipping their fancy drinks even noticed them up here.

There was a man that stood out from all the rest. For one thing, he sat in the middle of the conversation. The direction was still toward him, wondering what he was going to do now that there were two girls crashing his party. And, of course, there was one other thing that was different from everyone else, and that was his face. While the others were frightened and confused, some even upset, he, on the other hand, was smiling with excitement. He stood up in a smooth gesture with his arms extended out with a welcoming gesture. With his small movement from a sitting position to a more vertical one, it catalyzed other bodyguards to move in closer just in case there was a threat, not that he was even worried for one.

Kim was already on flight-or-fight mode, but she needed Cami’s go-ahead to activate it. Before Kim’s mind made up her mind to charge, the guy spoke. Cami, my girl, you have returned!

I told you I would, sir, Cami said. Kim looked up at Cami, surprised at her obedience to this man.

What happened to your beautiful face that I loved so much?

Cami looked down in shame. Those awful people that took me had done this. Cami’s head looked up. Why hadn’t you come for me?

I’ve been looking for you ever since you were taken. Kim knew he was lying, but it seemed to have spoken true to Cami. The guy looked at Kim, but before he could say anything, Cami interrupted. She’s with me. She’s a psychic. Kim’s eyes widened and quickly turned to her in shock. Cami noticed it pretty quick. She looked to her side. Don’t worry, he knows about us. He likes our kind. She smiled like a puppy would do to his master.

The guy, who seemed middle aged, looked at Kim like a new toy. I sure do! I love new talent on my team, especially one who is capable of seeing my future. Kim wasn’t happy, and the guy saw it. Though, it seems you’re not very pleased to be here. My sweet girl, let me be the first to let you know the wonders it will be by being on my team. The doors slammed open, and all the men that were chasing us with guns finally found us. Kim took a few steps back, unsure of what to do at this moment but was stopped by two hands that kept her still. Cami’s boss smiled at the men, who kept their guns aimed at Cami and her. You’re not scared of a few guns, are you? he said by her ear. The guy laughed as he came around Kim and in front of the men with guns. Kim looked over at Cami to see if she knew what was going on, but she was standing like she was ready to fight them. Calm down, Cami. I brought these guys in to see if you still had it in you, but it seems you didn’t even need to use your powers when you have a psychic on your side. No wonder you came out unscathed. He clasped his hands together and rubbed them with excitement. He switched gazes from Cami to Kim. I have so many great things you can be a part of, my dear. What’s your name?

Cami looked over at Kim but frowned in disappointment. The people that captured me had taken her too. They extracted her voice away from her.

That’s ok. You guys will be the best duo despite the lack of beauty on you and voiceless child that she is. Kim watched Cami unshaken at the insult her boss gave both of them. She was an absolute puppet to him, which scared her. I’m so glad you both are here. You came back at the perfect time. I have a job for you that you’re going to be rather eager to be a part of. And with your new friend here, it shouldn’t be too hard. Cami looked at Kim with a smile plastered on her face as if Kim would ever be excited to be used. She felt like she was with Ms. Heckler all over again. The boss excused both of them to get prepped for the assignment they were given. Kim escaped one prison only to be thrown into another.

Cami took them to a room down the hall. When they both entered, Kim quickly analyzed the place. Kim knew these people had a lot of money. Her only worry was how they got it. Kim sat on a brown wooden chair in a corner in the room as she watched Cami go into a closetful of clothes. Full of black clothes. Cami took out black cargo pants and a black cropped top. Kim looked at her stomach. She hoped Cami didn’t think she was going to wear that.

When she turned around to look at Kim, she smiled, lifting up the clothes in her hand. I’ve missed these beauties. They make my waist look so good. Kim shifted her eyes from the clothes to her face. She never truly focused in on her burns. Her whole left side was shriveled up with red marks. How could Ms. Heckler do something like this?

Cami saw Kim staring at the side of her face. Is there something wrong? Kim shook her head as her eyes cast down at her gold bracelet around her wrist. Kim heard her walk over to her, but she didn’t think she would bend down in front of her. The burns on her face were even more detailed. They looked tender. I know this can be distracting, but even though I was mad at first, I see this scar as strength. She stood up and fixed herself as she stood up taller. It’s kind of intimidating. She smiled with a smirk. She turned for the closet again and quickly pulled out some black pants and a shirt. She came back to Kim with excitement. These are for you.

Kim took them reluctantly. Cami showed her to the bathroom where she could change. After Kim dressed herself, she stared at her face for a good moment. Why was she here? Why hasn’t she tried to escape yet? She needs to find the others. She grabbed her hair tie from her wrist and lifted her curls up into a tight bun on her head. She knew what she needed to do.

Kim opened the door to the room to see Cami already dressed in her clothes. Her hair was straightened over her shoulders. The side of her face that was burned was covered with a black mask. Her hands leaned on the side of her hips where the gun holsters hooked firm. You look pretty good . . . She tried to add a name, but she had never gotten one from Kim. We have to come up with a name to call you. She thought to herself for a moment. How about . . . Moirai? Like Mo’ Rye. She laughed. I think that works. She didn’t bother to ask Kim, but she took it upon herself to just make up a ridiculous name for her.

The doors opened, and the guy who Kim had yet gotten a name from came in with much excitement, rubbing his fingers together again like he was washing his hands. Ladies, are you ready? I’m more than ecstatic to see both my girls in the game again. That alone brought shivers down Kim’s spine. She felt owned. Who was this guy really? Ready for your assignment?

I’ve never been readier. I’ve missed the action, Cami said, extending her hand out receiving the red envelope the boss revealed from behind his back. She opened up with anxious stride. Her face changed rather quickly from utter excitement to absolute disappointment. I thought we took care of her already?

The guy shrugged his shoulders. I thought so too. They told me they aren’t giving any more second chances. They’re extracting them all. Cami seemed worried, Oh, my sweet girl, don’t you lose sleep over this. You know when you work for me, you’re always protected. He turned to Kim to address her in the conversation. And I mean you too. You both are in my care, and by contract, no one is to touch you, or the consequences will be greatly unnerving. He smiled reassuringly. Now you guys get going. She shouldn’t pose a threat. You both can handle this on your own. No need for my guards. Just remember when the job is done, you extract what I need before you leave. Cami nodded and left, but not before a kiss on her forehead. Kim tried to go around him, but he positioned himself in front of her. The guy pulled her hand from her side and kissed her knuckles. He smiled as he looked through his eyelashes. Good luck.

Kim took her hand out of his and walked around him, leaving him there staring back at her with a grin of satisfaction. Kim quickly stepped back into pace with Cami as she walked over to a black Audi in the front of the casino. Kim stopped unsure of whether to get in. Get in, Cami said flatly as she walked around to the driver’s side.

Kim looked down the dark street filled with the lights illuminating the pathway. She knew this would be a perfect time to run, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She looked at the window of the passenger side as it rolled down. She knew deep down these people were up to no good, and wasn’t it her job as a Hope Strider to stop the bad people? Kim looked back at Cami, who leaned her head forward to get a better look at her. Come on! Kim took a deep breath and opened the door to the Audi and got in. When she closed the door to the car, she felt the cold rush in her face from the vents. At first, it took a moment to adjust, but when she finally did, she saw something not too far from the car down the street. Cami eyed her from the side, unsure of what she was looking at. Kim opened the side door and took one step out so she could stand and focus in on what she was really looking at.

Kim came out of the car still looking ahead as she watched an older, bulkier guy grab hold of a younger, scrawnier girl. Kim knew her. She didn’t know how, but