First World (5 page)

“
Lucinda, as in the blonde with the smart mouth?” I remembered her from martial arts class, but I’d never really spoken to her.

Lucy lifted her shoulders in a massive shrug.
“I would assume so. Didn’t she leave last year?” It sounded like a rhetorical question, so I didn’t bother to answer.

With a sigh, I continued to the next box.
“Of course Olden would steal from us. The woman has no soul.”

“So, if you’re lucky she has the stone because she’s a dirty rotten thief. Not because she
’s connected to dreamland.” Lucy winked at me, and she may just have found the silver lining.

With renewed determination, we finished checking the boxes. The floor was covered in wads of cash. Slipping along a large pile, I stumbled onto the last box. Ripping off the tape, I opened it.

For the first time there was no cash – instead she’d been storing stones: precious and semi-precious.

“
Yo, Luce. Olden’s been stealing stones from more than me.”

Finished with her boxes,
Lucy made her way to me.

“Do you see any blue ones?”

I sifted through them, letting the multitude of silky smoothness run through my hands. They looked like a combination of valuable rubies and less precious diamonds. The market had been flooded with simulated diamonds through the years, lowering the value of true diamonds.

There was a loud thump from behind.

I swung around, expecting Olden to be standing over us with a baseball bat. My mouth fell open.

“Tell me you are seeing that?”
I managed to splutter out.

“By
that,
do you mean a large blue stone which seems to have magically appeared in the centre of the room?” Lucy didn’t even sound surprised.

We were getting good with the
strange.

“Is this a joke? What are the odds the very stone we’re looking for would just appear?”

She laughed. “This fits perfectly for the weirdness lately.”

I reached forward, hesitantly, to pick up the stone. I was waiting for the hitch here. I paused a moment before my hand was about to graze the smooth side. Taking a deep breath, I scooped it up.
It was warm, as if humming with its own life-force. Holding it close to my chest, I glanced around waiting for the ambush. The room stayed quiet.

Lucy l
aughed and started humming her favorite ‘end of day’s’ theme song.

The stone was heavy, about the size of a large baseball.
A dark, depthless blue. There was an odd indent on one side, but the rest was perfectly round. I jumped as a swirl of color spliced through the deep blue. I sucked in hard, the dusty air tickling my throat as it descended. This was so not a stone; this was ... well, not a damn stone. I could feel it to the depths of my being: this was power.

“That is freaking gorgeous, Abbs. We should cut it up and make
jewelry .”

I shook off my sudden premonition and threw a light-hearted smile at Lucy.
“Of course, you would want to take our one chance to escape and turn it into a fashion statement.”

The girl should have been born when there was still a fashion or design industry.

Luckily my sweats had some decent pockets – I stored the stone. I didn’t want to waste time dealing with it until we were out of Olden’s lair.

Glancing around the room, I shook my head.

“Let’s get out of here; I don’t particularly feel like rumbling with Olden.”

“I think she’s going to know we were here.”
Lucy’s sarcasm was not needed; the floor was covered in hundred-dollar bills.

“She’s got to be involved with the gangs.” A niggling thought was annoying me. “Head of a compound
– millions of dollars – you thinking what I am, Luce?”

She nodded
. “Yes, Abbs, I believe I am.” She looked around haughtily, before turning in my direction again. “Actually, I don’t have a clue.”

I snorted and
continued. “I always knew there was a reason I didn’t trust Olden with directions to the adult compound.” I stamped my foot down hard. “The bitch sends us to the gangs. It’s the most logical explanation.”

Comprehension and horror dawned in Lucy’s eyes.

“When we turn eighteen, she directs
us toward the gangs? Why haven’t the resistance discovered this? They pay her to look after us, oversee our training and education, and still they never notice that not one of her girls ends up in the adult compounds.”

“It’s not really surprising. The adult compounds are even more secretive than ours. One junior compound is nothing in their great scheme.” It was disgusting. “Okay. Well, on that lovely note, let’s get back to
our bedroom, and get this stone safe. We’ll have to deal with Olden later.”

We left without a backwards glance. The halls were still empty; we were back in our room in no time. I placed the stone into an inner zipper of my pack.

“Well, Abbs, we have the stone.
Now what?” Lucy had shouldered her pack. “I’m standing by for our next instructions.”

“Very funny, Luce.
You’re determined to turn this into a ninja mission.”

“Hell, yeah, might as well have some fun with it. And I am dressed all in black. What better reason for my lack of
color palette?”

“We need to g
et out of here now. Sorry, I know this is your worst case, but we’re going to the streets.”

She shrugged. “The alley can be our home base until we figure out what to do.”

I nodded. “Good idea, but we can’t wait around there for too long. If Ralph doesn’t show up within, let’s say, two days, we bail on New York. It’s just too dangerous.”

“Word
. But we have to warn the other girls before we leave.”

“We’ll hit the classroom on our way out.”

Shouldering my pack, I followed
Lucy from the only bedroom I’d ever known. And I couldn’t have been happier. The girls would be in language class, so we headed down the stairs and toward the school hall. Reaching the double doors – there was no need for discretion – Lucy shoved both doors wide open. They smashed into the back walls and every face swung in our direction. Stepping up next to Lucy, I surveyed the other girls. A variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds and cultures stared back at me. The years of turmoil on Earth had lessened many of the things that used to divide people. Now it was more rebel versus gang or militia. That was at least one small positive. ‘Teach’ was furious, hands on her bony old hips at the front of the room.

“What do you two think you are doing? Either come to class or don’t, but I do not appreciate the interruption.”

“We just needed to let the other girls know something and then we’re gone.” I turned to the room. “Do not trust Olden. If you trust her, you’re as good as dead.”

We had no time to sugar
-coat it.

The girls were silent, their expressions saying ‘what
the eff?’

The teacher’s eyebrows rose slightly, which for her was a huge display of emotions. “What are you saying?”

“Olden’s room is on the third floor. Lucy and I just came from there and the place is full of money. So much cash she could only have received it from the gangs. We think, instead of giving us directions to the compounds, she sends us off to the Gangers.”

Lucy added, “And on a side note, some of the boxes had
jewelry and personal items; you should make sure she doesn’t have anything of yours.”

Shock, disbelief
, and fear flashed across the silent faces. Then chaos erupted. Chairs went flying as the girls shoved past us to head for the stairs. Angry voices raged as they exited the room. Chrissie paused next to me.

“Chrissie, sorry I never had a chance to take you out
of the gates.”

She shook her head. “I’ve never trusted Olden. Long story for another time, but I was planning on going my own way.”

She waved to her friend, Chandra, who was paused in the doorway waiting.

“I can’t leave
Chandra, and she’s not ready to take the plunge. But good luck out there. I think we’ll see you soon.”

I grasped her hand briefly
. She gave it a quick squeeze, before walking out the door.

“Girls!
Girls! Stop right now.” Miss Crabbe’s screaming was largely ignored. She spun to face us. “This is completely ridiculous; there is no way such an operation could happen. Not under the rebels’ notice.”

Lucy scoffed.
“Really? And when was the last time someone, other than teachers, who couldn’t care less, actually visited this compound?”

Some of the speech registered with her – probably the part about teachers not caring less.
She gave us each a long look before leaving the room.

I turned to
Lucy. “Best case scenario, she reports this to someone higher up the rebel chain, and they may do a little investigating.”

She shrugged. “Don’t hold your breath. We’re never going to be a priority to them. But we might have created some trouble for Olden.”

“Hopefully we gave the girls a chance. It’s better than nothing.”

It was time to leave.

There were a few nerves; I was just hoping we lived long enough to enjoy our adventure.

“Do I look like I’m freaking out
, Abbs?” Lucy turned her perfectly serene face in my direction.

“Um, no actually, you look very calm.”

She smiled. “Awesome. I was wondering if it showed. A ninja never reveals their emotions.”

“You’re not a
ninja.”

“Go rain on someone else’s parade,
Grinchiness.”

As we left the room, echoes of smashing objects could be heard in the distance.
Music to my ears.

As we walked out of the compound, the sun was encased by dark ominous clouds, casting the streets in shades of
gray. Shrugging my pack higher, I led the way to the alley. We needed to set up base before nightfall. Lucy’s shorter legs struggled with my pace so I slowed. Still, it only took a few minutes to reach the alley entrance.

“Damn, I’m unfit. I need to start jogging, if this running-for-our-lives thing continues.” Lucy puffed hard.

“Told you escaping the compound was useful. I’m always running for my life.”

We moved along the alley. When we reached the red dumpster, I paused.

“We should move this away from the bricks, get in behind it.” I threw my pack down beside the wall.

Lucy dropped hers too. “Abbs, I’m wearing
Vuitton runners. One doesn’t move bins in Vuittons.”

They were bright purple
runners, with large yellow stars on each side.

I shook my head. “Luce, you have two seconds to start moving this dumpster or I am dropping you back to Olden.”

Sighing, she moved at a snail’s pace around to the side.

I ducked to the front.
As I braced my hands to push, I paused, sensing a disturbance behind me.

I spun and cursed.

We were in trouble.

Three men stood in the alley entrance, blocking the exit.

Dark-blue facial tattoos were evident against their lighter skin tones. Tribal in design, the minor members’ were simple, the higher up’s, more intricate, identifying them as Brawler Gangers.

“Abby.” Lucy whined from behind
the dumpster. “Are you helping? What the hell? Ouch! Broke a nail ... I’m okay; don’t panic.”

“Uh, Luce, you might want to step out here.”

She appeared next to me, cradling her right hand. Noticing the looming men, she sighed. “This is bad, right?”

The shortest of the three stepped forward: someone of such average appearance, he’d go unnoticed in regular society. I noted his dirty
blond hair, short weedy build and small angry eyes. Before the war – he would definitely have been part of the stimulating field of accountancy. It’s always the ones with short-man syndrome.

“Look what we have here, brothers,
two delicious morsels ducking into this little out-of-the-way alley.” He had a distinctive New York accent, clipping off the ends of the words.

The man on his right was darker and more solidly built. His tattoos less prominent, he sat somewhere in the middle of the gang totem pole.

“Ya, Jass, they have conveniently wandered themselves into our territory. Now what should we do with them?”

“Is it our territory? Wasn’t
youse just saying yesterday that the Kleps had this one?” With biceps the size of mini trucks, the third was the epitome of brawn over brains.

“Shut it.”
Jass spat out the command.

They fell silent.

“So, Abbs, I’m starting to think there’s an excellent chance these are the last faces we’ll ever see?” Lucy was creeping back; we had about ten feet to the wall.

“Fate could not be that cruel. Shouldn’t it be beauty at the end, not ‘thing one, two and three’?”

My words confused them. Guess Dr Seuss wasn’t on their reading list at gang school.

“We’re going to fight, right, Abby?” Lucy breathed the statement.

I nodded. “I’m going all eye-of-the-tiger, pose-like-a-crane on their asses.” I smiled – never let them see you sweat – it’s the principle.

“Crane? Seriously? At least choose dragon or spider, you know, something that might actually scare them.” She smiled tightly.

The men advanced
toward us, their expressions smug and satisfied.

“I’m pretty sure they’ve been studying
menacing behavior
in
A Morons’ Guide to Gang Member
.” Lucy had decided taunting them into submission was the way to go. She shook her head. “Stop me, Abbs. You know when I’m nervous my mouth runs away.”

“
Jass, did you hears what the short one said, Jass? She called us morons. Let me have her. C’mon, Jass.”

Jass
didn’t even glance his way. His fist simply swung out and smashed straight into Stupid’s face. Which barely moved.

Great – his face is made of rock.

“There goes our hope they’d beat each other to death,” I snorted at Lucy.
Focus, Abby.

Flexing my wrists, I stepped back to settle into my
favorite fighting stance.

Lucy smiled.
“Calling ‘plastic surgeon’ to the ring.” She turned to the men. “Hope you aren’t planning on keeping your noses in their current shape.” She shrugged. “I guess anything would be an improvement.”

Despite her continued taunting, Lucy was ready too, bouncing lightly.

A cruel smile crossed Jass’s face. I knew then he would not be taking me alive. Rape and torture awaited us, their anger filling the space like thunder rolling in over the plains.

“We will teach you respect before this day is done. Trust me on that.”
Jass spoke, but the others nodded.

“Okay, I’m about r
eady to panic now.” Lucy’s word-vomit continued.

In that moment, a flash of green clothing crossed my peripheral vision.

I ducked.

My training kicked in and I threw a right hook.
Before diving out of the way.

“Oh, for the love of Klaus.”

Cursing sounded; I’d connected solidly.

A shadow towered over me and strong hands gripped my arms.

“
Aribella! Hasn’t anyone told you not to attack the person here to help?”

The moment his accent registered, I stopped struggling.

“Ralph? Where did you come from?”

He looked confused. But Lucy knew immediately who was standing between us. She
engulfed him in a huge hug. Well, the best she could, only coming up to his waist. He froze, glancing down in confusion.

“Thank god you’re here, Ralph. I thought we were goners.” She pulled back. “Damn, you’re tall.”

Laughing, I yanked Lucy free.

“Meet Lucy – best friend – insane.”

Lucy glared for a moment, before sighing in acceptance.

The Gangers were halfway along the alley, looking extremely irritated.

“What the hell is going on here? Where did he come from?” Jass spoke for the trio.

Lucy whipped around to glare. “Quiet, morons, we’ll get to you in a minute.”

‘Ralph’ laughed out loud, infectiously. “I like her, Aribella. She’s a keeper.”

Lucy preened a little.

“And my name is Quarn,” he grimaced, “not Ralph.”

Lucy shrugged. “Close enough.”

Ignoring that, he rubbed his jaw. “That was a nice right hook, Aribella. But it might not be enough to get the job done.”

Before I could reply, he pulled a thin sword – the length of my arm – from somewhere in his clothes.

“What the crap? Is that a sword?” Lucy was wide eyed. “Where did he pull that from?”

“Probably better we don’t know.”

He was impressive, looking ten years younger – warrior and his weapon.

“I haven’t had a decent battle in a while. Should be fun, don’t you think?” His blue eyes sparkled.

“Damn, I’m glad you’re on our side. You’re a little crazy,” Lucy said bluntly. “You know that, right?” She turned to me. “Surely someone’s told him before.”

I shrugged.

She smiled now. “And totally loving the accent. I know what you’re talking about now; it’s pure magic.”

Quarn
tried to hide his smile.

Lucy was cute –
she was one of those people that grew on you – like fungus.

He faced the Gangers, his expression calm and serious. Without saying a word, he raised his right hand, palm up, and gave the old ‘come and get it’ signal.

“What gang are you from? Display your markings,” Jass called along the alley. He wasn’t retreating yet, but the sword had given him pause.

Quarn
remained quiet.

The men shifted nervously.

“Where are their weapons, Abbs?” Lucy was bravely cowering in Quarn’s shadow.

“In my street experience, I’ve determined that
most Gangers carry knives, but not guns.” I spoke quietly. “Implemented to prevent inter-gang fire. Ganger leaders used to be taken out regularly. Now only a trusted few have the ‘hardcore’ weapons.”

Quarn
, sick of waiting, started to advance.

Jass
, Other and Stupid held their ground for a moment. Their hands twitched at their sides, but in the face of Quarn and his sword – the length of their arms – they decided against using knives. Jass, expression deadly, gave me one last look before he gestured to the men and they scurried out of the alley – like rats.

“They’ll be back, with many more.” I spoke to
Quarn’s back.

He turned and smiled. He had already sheathed his sword – somewhere.

“I have been on these streets for a long time, Aribella. There is nothing here that I fear.”

“You know her name is Abby, right?” Lucy challenged him.

“Outer names are nothing. They can change with the winds of time.”

Uh
... what?

“Nice work,
Quarn. Once again I have no idea what you’re talking about. But before you disappear, we want to find dreamland. Can you help us?”

He smiled. “Your words are just as confusing to
me. Dreamland?”

Oh, right.

“Sorry, that’s my really original name for this world I dream about. The inhabitants speak with your accent so ...” I trailed off.

Something close to worry
– disbelief maybe – crossed his features. “You dreamed of home? How is that possible on Earth? It’s a dead zone.”

I shrugged.
Dead zone?

“You should have gone to ‘dreamland’ many years ago,
Aribella. It has other names, but once again I find myself with too many stories and not enough time.”

“Why
...?” I looked around. “Why am I still here then?”

“Could someone speak in English? Just for five minutes.” Annoyance replaced Lucy’s usual cynicism.

“We need to get Aribella back now; the countdown is on for both of these worlds. And it is too dangerous to be roaming New York.” He sighed. “The reason you’ve been here for extra years is ... I don’t have the power ... and I lost contact.”

Lucy glanced at each of us in turn.

“I’m really hoping when you say
Aribella
needs to go to dreamland, you mean Lucy and Aribella, and you just forgot about me.” She turned to me. “He just forgot me, right, Aribella? Crap. Sorry ...” She grinned. “It’s a catchy name.”

I shook my head and sighed. “I’m not leaving without Lucy, no matter how annoying she is.”

Quarn had paced a few steps away toward the alley entrance. He spoke over his shoulder. “You cannot go, Lucy Laurell; this is no place for an Earthling. You must stay here.”

Did he just say –?
Hell. NO.

“I’m going to ignore that.
Implying I’m some type of alien ... well, it’s just rude.”

“Are you kidding me?
Don’t ignore it.” Lucy interrupted me to glare at Quarn. “What do you mean: Earthling?” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “
Is
Abby an alien?”

I groaned. It was time for the conspiracy theories.

“I knew it.” She was triumphant. “There is no way someone gets to be as gorgeous as Abigail and
then
is also tall. On top of that her lips are full and perfect and naturally red without one ounce of lipstick. Come on, it’s not natural.”

“
You’re not natural,” I retorted weakly.

Lucy was always harping on about how unu
sual my lips were. I was just happy they matched the blood-red of my hair and not the black.

Lucy glared. “Oh, I’m sorry,
Extraterrestrial. Where’s your other skin? Green not your color?”

Quarn
interrupted. “Sorry to cut this short. As amusing as the pair of you are, we need to move before the Gangers regroup. I’m good, but even I have my limits.” He was standing near the entrance to the alley, scoping it out.

“I’m.
Going. Nowhere. Without. Lucy.” I had to spell it out.

He looked between us for a second before nodding. “It does not matter. I don’t have the power to send one of you there, let alone both of you.”

“How do we get more power?” Lucy looked around eagerly. “I’m ready – we digging for coal ... oil?”

I laughed.
Fossil fuels. We’d have more chance of finding a magic wand.