District 17

Skylar’s eyes fluttered open as she felt Eva’s cold nose press against her forehead. She took in a small breath, as Eva asked about the happenings of the night before. She then let out a soft laugh when Eva made the joke about the make-out session that she was sure she would remember, Skylar’s cheeks blushed to the idea. “I wish that was the case.” Skylar shivered slightly. She stared at Eva for a long moment with her two toned eyes. “I would have much better memories, if that was the case.” She smiled then for a moment before the smile melted away. “I’m sorry, Eva.” She lowered her eyes slightly. Skylar shivered again. “I’ll go stoke the fire.” She gave a nod. She looked into Eva’s eyes for a long moment, “I’ll make us some breakfast too.” She gave a gentle smile, “Some coffee to warm us up.” She squeezed her fingers gently on Eva’s arm.

Skylar slipped from the bed, she disappeared into her bathroom. She looked into the mirror at herself for a long moment, the color of her eyes. She blinked several times before she pulled her clothes from her body, she looked to the bloodied shirt, the rip in it from the reaper’s scythe. She stared to the shirt for a moment before she pulled on her pajama pants and her tank top. Skylar then pulled on her hoodie before she headed downstairs to the fireplace. She knelt down in front of the fireplace that held only embers, she shivered again as she placed a few logs and blew on the fireplace. She stayed here for a few minutes and kindled the fire before she left to the kitchen. Skylar brewed two cups of coffee and began cooking on the stove. She slid Eva her cup of coffee on the breakfast bar as she moved around fluidly in the kitchen. Eventually she brought two plates to the counter, she made sunny side up eggs, hash browns, and a piece of toast. Skylar even sliced up an avocado for the side. She sat down at the bar and took in a long deep breath. “I can still feel her.” She spoke softly. “Olyver was in my dreams last night, she….noticed my eyes…” She blinked a few times again, thinking of the change of color. “Part of her soul is still with me…Everything that happened last night…I didn’t have any control, I couldn’t do anything.” She took a sip of her coffee.

“It was like…almost like watching a movie, you know? I could see everything happen with the fight with the reaper, but I couldn’t do anything, and then, the world went black…I heard you…” She took in a deep breath, her hands shook. She fell silent then as she shut her eyes, “Sorry.” She whispered after a long moment. “Eva, what does this all mean? I mean…with your Skylar gone…what does that mean for your world? Wouldn’t that throw everything off balance? Without a soul to return to Olyver’s body…what happens?” She munched on her food then as she thought deeply. “What she did…” She looked to Eva, she stared into her eyes and gave a gentle smile. “What I promised you, about always being here, I meant it Eva. Olyver made sure…that I meant it, before she made the decision that she did…” She looked down to her food and poked at it for a moment before she took another bite. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Eva.” She took a sip of her coffee and sighed softly, she felt so different. She could feel the power coursing through her. “Olyver mentioned that with her soul, she gave me her powers…” She looked back to Eva, “I feel different…” She furrowed her brows slightly, she then shook her head and gave a gentle smile.

Skylar stood and washed off her dishes in silence. She then came to Eva’s side, she stared into her eyes for a long moment before she reached forward carefully, her hand on Eva’s cheek, she leaned forward and pressed her lips carefully against Eva’s. “I…didn’t mean to miss last night, I was just so nervous.” She let out a soft chuckle, “I’ll make this right, I promise.” She took Eva’s plate to the sink and began washing it.

Skylar watched Eva as she spoke. As she mentioned Remi the reaper, how she was now put into an interesting situation that she may actually be the new replacement for Remi. The thought that Eva would be blamed for Skylar’s death in the other world was absolutely horrible. “I can’t let you get blamed for something you didn’t do, Eva.” She spoke softly. “If…” She stopped a moment, leaning against the breakfast bar as she stared to Eva on the couch. “If I go…everything here, collapses…” She crossed her arms in thought. “My mother, she would crumble without me here, she would blame herself no doubt. But, what trace would it leave? Would my body remain?” She sighed heavily and shook her head. She then gave a smile and nodded when Eva mentioned that they still had things to do in this world. She began talking about the Eva of this world, how she was murdered. Skylar looked up as the lights flickered. “Of course.” She gave a nod. “I can gather all of the information…” She stepped over to the fire and poked at it a bit before she stared out the window. “It’s a week drive to your city…” She spoke softly. She then looked to Eva for a moment, “We can also fly, it’s just a few hours, that way.”

Skylar sat down on the couch next to Eva. She fumbled with her hands a bit and then let out a soft sigh. “We could go, whenever you want. I will do everything I can to lay your soul here to rest, Eva.”

Skylar stood and took a step toward the kitchen. Suddenly the world around her folded away. Skylar stopped and looked around to the dark world. “Eva?” She asked, she shivered as an uncomfortable cold settled over her body. It was familiar. She turned around when she heard footsteps. Remi leaned against his scythe and smiled to her.

“It seems that my replacement has decided to sacrifice herself to save your life.” He stepped forward, “She only forgot one minor detail.” He searched her eyes. He reached forward with his ice cold hand and placed it upon her shoulder.

Skylar took in a gasp of air as she felt a strange surge rush through her body, a red aura surrounded her, she shut her eyes tight, it felt as though every molecule of her body was on fire. She let out a cry as she collapsed onto her knees before the reaper. “Stop…” She whimpered, though this only caused him to grip more tightly onto her.

Remi lifted her up after the aura faded away. He stared into her eyes for a long moment, searching for something. He then took her hand, “This may hurt, but all is necessary.” He gripped onto her hand tightly, it felt as though razors were clawing at her flesh. Skylar screamed and tried to rip her hand away from him, though, he wouldn’t let go. Remi stared into her eyes, his brows furrowed as he focused his energy. Then suddenly he released her and took a step back, he leaned on his scythe again, studying her.

Skylar took in quick breaths, she stared at Remi and then to her hand. The mark that Olyver had on her hand was there now, it glowed a gentle blue. “What….”

“That is your connection with the spirit world, Skylar. It is your connection to the shadows, to your powers. It seems Olyver forgot about this little trinket. Your magic is useless without a connection to these things.” He then held his scythe out. “Take it.” He nodded.

Skylar took in a deep breath, she stared to Remi for a long moment before she stepped forward. She reached out with her hand that had the mark on it and wrapped her fingers around the scythe. A burst of magic flooded the dark void that she existed in. She stumbled back as the scythe changed and molded into what her scythe would be. Skylar watched as the blade began to change, blue lettering began to glow like flames upon the blade as a black leather cloth wrapped around the handle, a blue glow came from beneath it.

“Interesting.” Remi noted, her scythe was completely different from Skylar Olyver’s. He grinned then, “You will have to choose, Skylar, between your world and the world that Olyver was from. Eva however, must return, I can tell you that much. Being here, just as having two souls in your body, throws off the balance of the dimensions. However, it is all up to the Outsider, he does forge the rules.” He chuckled.

“If I leave…what happens to this world?” Skylar asked as she continued to stare at the markings on the scythe, it was in a language that she didn’t know, she’d never seen it before.

“This world as you know it will change, the memory of you Skylar Greystoke will become just that, a memory. Time will revert back to the night that you were destined to die, and you will die. In this world your friends and family will mourn the loss of a loved one. In the other world, you will take the place of Skylar Olyver.” Remi stepped forward and wrapped his hands around the scythe, the world that they stood in seemed to fill with the wind of a category 5 tornado. Skylar’s short hair whipped about on her head, her hoodie and pants danced around. Remi grinned, “No matter what you choose, Skylar, it will never feel as though it is the right choice, I can promise you that. Though, no matter what you choose, one day, you will stand in my shoes. You will become a reaper, like it or not.”

Skylar held onto the scythe as tightly as she could, her feet slipped against the ground. She let out a cry as Remi brought his elbow into her chest, her fingers loosened on the scythe and she was ripped off of the ground. Skylar screamed as she flew through the air and eventually plummeted to the ground. In this moment Skylar stumbled forward and fell against the breakfast bar in her home, her ribs slammed against the edge of the counter which caused her to tumble to the floor. She gasped as blood dripped from her nose. The insignia on her hand glowed a bright blue. Her chest heaved as she fought for her breath, she looked around wide eyed as she flipped onto her back. “Eva…” She spoke, her voice trembled. She shakily got to her feet and leaned against the counter, she looked to the floor where a bit of her blood remained, another drop of blood came from her nose. She brushed it away with the back of her hand. “Eva…I….” She stared into Eva’s eyes, the color of her eyes had flecks of bright ember within the two toned color, much like how Olyver’s eyes turned the color of ember when she gained her powers from Remi. Though it wasn’t her entire eye that turned the color, only specks glowed brightly. “You’re right…” She gasped as she rushed to the sink and splashed her face with water, washing away the blood. The water ran pink as the nose bleed continued. She held a towel to her nose after a moment, she leaned her back against the counter. "The Reaper..." She whispered, the glow on her hand was still bright as could be.

Skylar set the bloodied towel down, her hand shook. When Eva asked about the pain, she shut her eyes slightly, the feeling of her entire body being on fire was beginning to fade. Though, when Remi first gripped onto her hand, she couldn’t even describe the amount of pain. “It was quick.” She spoke softly, “It was horrible…yes, but somehow the reaper made it fast.” Skylar leaned her head slightly into the touch of Eva as she brushed her hair away. She then studied Eva as she apologized, her body quivered slightly as she stepped forward. Skylar didn’t speak as she pulled Eva into a warm embrace. She held her there for a long, silent moment before she took in a slow deep breath, “You’re right, Eva. If you hadn’t come, I would be dead.” She took a step back. “Remi said so himself. You saved me.” She gave a nod. “If I am to leave this world, the time will revert back to the night I was shot and I will die, the timeline will be reset as if you hadn’t come.” She gently brushed Eva’s hair to the side and cupped the side of her face gently. “As selfish as it sounds, for you to stay. Why not?” She gave a smile. “This world has a few less problems than your own, it seems…” She ran her thumb along Eva’s cheek and searched her eyes. “I am so lucky to have met you, Eva.” She smiled then and shook her head. She took a step away, her muscles were weak as she moved to the couch and sat down. She stared forward, “That night that you saved me, Eva is one of the best nights I have ever had, it led to me meeting you, and this…” She smiled again, “This….well, this feeling.” She held her hand to her heart, it fluttered at the thought in her mind. “I couldn’t tell you a time I’ve felt like this, Eva. You know why? Because I haven’t.” She took in a slow breath, “If I would have died that night, I would have died cold, alone, sad…I would have wondered the streets as a vengeful spirit, I guarantee you. I didn’t really…have anything to live for…and it sounds completely crazy, but you….fill that…void…”

Skylar took in a small breath and stood. She stepped to Eva and took both of her hands into hers. “The selfish me wants you to stay here, and never go back, Eva.” She searched her eyes. “This life here, what you can have here, is grand. We don’t have to worry about the things that you are faced with in the other world.” She lowered her eyes slightly, “But, I do not want to imagine the heartache that my family will suffer from my death, the death that you and Olyver both saved me from. She fought off the reaper for me, when I died, and she fought him several times up until this last battle where she allowed him to reap her soul, in place of mine…” She took in a breath and sighed heavily. She bowed her head and backed up so that her lower back pressed against the counter. “I don’t know, Eva….”

Her phone began to ring then. Skylar stared to Eva for a moment before she sighed and pulled the phone from her pocket. She stared to the number, it was Blake. “Greystoke.” She answered like she would any other business call. She moved and sat down at the breakfast bar. “Oh? That’s not very good for the defense.” She furrowed her brows slightly. “Of course, I understand….right…okay…Got it, I’ll see you Wednesday then, Blake. Thanks.” She then hung up the phone. Skylar stared to her phone as she set it on the counter, she spun it around a few times. “Seems that one of the guys that attacked us last night is trying to make claims about your teleportation. He has been put into the mental institution for observation. He is a key witness for the defense, so the case will be on hold until Wednesday…” She looked to Eva a long moment before she turned and pulled her laptop computer from the edge of the counter near the wall. She flipped it open and began typing away at it once it was booted up. “If you want to go see your city, and put your soul to rest….” She paused and bit her lip slightly. “Yeah, we can do that.” She clicked a few things and then gave a nod. “We will fly out in a few hours, we will be back in Tuesday evening, so that we can get our rest. Especially you.” She winked, “Since it will be your first day at the café.” She chuckled. “I still need to teach you how to handle that beast of yours out front that my mother gifted you.” She took in a breath and shook her head, “Though I guess you could just teleport through town, huh?” Skylar stood she bit her lip again as she stared at Eva. “We’re here, and that’s what matters at this point. I’ve got you, okay?” She came forward and took Eva’s hand, “I won’t back out on my promise. I’m here.” She nodded before she gave Eva a kiss on her cheek. “I’m going to do my best to make everything right, or as right as I can make it.” She let out a soft laugh, “I promise.”

Skylar would blush each time Eva gave her a kiss, it caused her to stumble through her words quickly for a moment. Skylar chuckled when Eva seemed surprised at her booking the tickets. Then when Eva leaned in after she had kissed her cheek, that kiss. It lit Skylar’s soul aflame, she had a hard time breathing. Eva’s hands upon her hips caused fireworks to go off within her body, sending tingles down her spine. When Eva pulled back and made the joke about how she needed to pack, Skylar stood frozen, she didn’t breathe for a moment. She blinked several times, her cheeks hot like fire. She grinned wildly before she chuckled and ran up to her room. It had been years since she last left the city. She pulled clothes from her closet and neatly folded them before she dressed herself. Skylar pulled on a pair of skinny jeans and slipped on a pair of black dress boots before she pulled a maroon shirt on and over that she layered a grey jacket before she adjusted a scarf around her neck. She then pulled her messenger bag of clothing and other assorted items over her shoulder before she stepped down the stairs.

Skylar smiled as she came to Eva. When Eva thanked her she grinned and placed a kissed upon Eva’s lips, her hand on Eva’s side, she pulled back and paused, looking into Eva’s eyes for a long moment. “Of course.” She gave a gentle smile, “Now, let’s get going.” She grinned and grabbed the keys to Eva’s car off the counter. “We’ll give Rocket a break.” She winked as she walked out to the black coupe. She clicked a button on the remote and the boot popped open. She tossed her bag in and then climbed into the cockpit. Skylar chuckled as she climbed behind the wheel of the fancy high tech car. She set the key in the cup holder and pressed a button on the dash and the engine revved up, it sounded just as powerful as it was. She poked a few buttons and a map appeared on the screen that jutted up out of the dash. “Alright.” She smiled to Eva. She then backed out of the drive and they were off. Skylar grinned as she drove quickly and got the car up to speed on the highway, it was incredibly powerful, she chuckled. “I love Rocket, because he is a unique car, but this, this is raw power.” She grinned to Eva before she returned her attention to the road.

“I haven’t been out of town in a long time, last I was out of town was before law school. I haven’t been to your city since I was a child, I can’t remember much of it, but I’m certain we will find our way around well enough.” Skylar spoke she grasped Eva’s hand, her fingers entangling into Eva’s. “The old city, it’s eerie. The empty buildings, I remember my father and I going there when I was a child. It was a few years after they closed down the old section, soot still remained on the sides of the buildings that burned.” She gave a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure there is something there, something we can use.” She nodded. Soon enough they pulled off of the highway, Skylar slowed the car down at a terminal and pulled a ticket from the booth. She then drove into a garage and found a parking spot for the car. “This is going to be an adventure for you.” She chuckled as she tossed her back over her shoulder and locked up the car. Skylar took Eva’s hand and grinned, “An adventure for us both.” She smiled.

Skylar led Eva through the flow of people getting off of their planes and onto their planes, rushing about trying not to miss their flights. Skylar walked up to a counter and smiled. “Miss Greystoke.” The woman grinned and gave a nod. “It’s wonderful to see you, how may I help you today?”

Skylar brought up the transaction on her phone and held it over to the woman. “Flight tickets for two.” She smiled, “We’re headed to South Rilaes.”

The woman behind the counter punched in a few numbers, “Ah yes, I see you here, Miss Greystoke. Of course.” She smiled, “What is it that you are doing? Business, I hope.”

“I have a case.” She replied with a smile.

“Of course, of course. Very good.” The woman stepped to the side and pulled a gate back. “Right this way, Miss Greystoke.” She nodded and led the two down a hallway that was completely empty. “We will get you right out, just a few minutes, I’ll get Captain Stagg.” She stopped and pressed a few buttons on a device. The side door to the plane that was docked opened up with a hissing sound of the hydraulics.

Skylar gave a gentle smile to Eva and then nodded before she turned her attention back to the woman who walked away down the hall. “Come on.” Skylar pulled Eva into the plane. “So, this is my family’s jet…” She spoke softly and let out a laugh. “This experience, isn’t like that of anyone else.” She placed her back in the overhead bin and took Eva’s and placed it there as well.

“Skylar.” A woman dressed in a pilot’s uniform walked in. “So good to see you.” She pulled Skylar into an embrace and grinned when she looked to Eva. She smirked hen, “And your friend.” She winked to Skylar.

Skylar hugged Captain Stagg back and then blushed when she mentioned Eva. “This is Eva.” She smiled.

“Nice to meet you Eva. I’m Captain Stagg, though you can call me Rei if you would like, Skylar here does.” She then nodded, “I’ll get us off the ground in a few minutes as soon as my co-pilot gets his ass in here, he’s always late.” She chuckled and turned to the cockpit. “Make yourself comfortable, blah blah, you know the drill, Sky.” She climbed through the small doorway and began flipping switches, the sound of the turbine jet engines began to fire.

Skylar chuckled and shook her head. “That’s our private pilot.” She then turned. “We can sit here.” She sat down in the plush leather seat. “Make sure you fasten your belt.” She smiled just as a man stepped onto the airplane followed by another woman. He grinned to Skylar, he also wore the pilot suit of black and yellow. “Hey Peter.” Skylar smiled. He gave her a quick wave before he climbed into the cockpit, Captain Stagg could be heard scolding him as he closed the door.

The woman that followed the co-pilot in gave a smile to Skylar. “Hello Miss Greystoke.” She nodded, “Miss Brewster.” She strapped herself in. “It’s good to see you, it’s been awhile.”

“Yes, yes, it has.” Skylar chuckled, “It’s good to see you as well.”

The plane began to move then. “Welcome to Flight 962, one way flight to South Riales. Our flight should be a smooth 8 hours and 12 minutes, give or take a few. A lovely in flight meal will be provided by our wonderful flight attendant Annette. You are flying with Captain Stagg and you’re always late but loved co-pilot Peter. Thanks for choosing your private flight with Air Greystoke.” Captain Stagg spoke, she always had something comical to say.

Skylar giggled and reached over and took Eva’s hand into hers. “Hang on.” She smiled. A moment later they were on the runway and then the thrust of the plane set in, they shot off down the runway with lightning speed. Then they lifted up off of the ground and shot up into the sky, the plane cut through the snowy clouds and pushed up into the beautiful blue skies. After about half an hour the plane completely leveled out.

Annette unclasped her buckle and disappeared into the back of the plane, she came back and poured two glasses of wine and gave a smile. “You’ll enjoy lunch today, Miss Greystoke. We have fresh Salmon, greens, and a lovely chocolate cake for dessert.”

Skylar smiled, “Thank you Annette.” She spoke as the woman went back into the back of the plane to prepare everything. Skylar took a sip from her drink and smiled to Eva. “How does this compare to the flying ships of your world?” She asked, curiously.

Skylar sipped from her wine as she watched Eva, a smile on her lips. “Oh that sounds fascinating.” She took another drink and thought of the ship. She took in a slow breath as the memory, though hazy, manifested itself in her mind. Her expression grew blank as she listened to Eva speak of how she was more drawn to her than the other Skylar. She gave a smile as she searched Eva’s eyes. “I feel a pull toward you more than I have felt with anything in my life. I feel as though we were meant to meet, Eva.” She then let out a slow breath, “Literally, if you hadn’t come when you did, I would be dead. I owe you everything, and yet, it doesn’t feel owed. I am not in debt as it would feel with someone else. I want to give you everything that there is to offer, and more.” She grinned.

Annette then came into the cabin with two plates of delicious food. She set the plates down and gave a smile. “Fresh salmon, with pineapple coconut salsa.” She smiled, “Your favorite, Miss Greystoke.” She spoke as she topped off the glasses and returned to the back of the plane where she sat down in her own seat and began to read.

Skylar smiled and looked to the food, “Annette, is an excellent chef, my father wouldn’t have it any other way.” She chuckled. She then took in a breath and sighed. “So, Olyver, she was close to her father?” She asked softly, a bit of sadness crossed over her expression. “I’ve never really, connected with him. He loves me, and I love him, though, he is the Duke, he has much to do, and I am his daughter. He is always scolding me to act proper, and do things a certain way. Honestly, it was my father who argued me going to law school. My mother pushed for me to go, she told him it would be an excellent experience before I eventually take their place when they pass on…” She paused, the thought of her parents being dead. She then remembered what Eva said early on when they first met, that Olyver’s mother was dead in the other world. “I couldn’t imagine my life without my mother, though.” She spoke and took a bite of her food. “My mother has been there for me every step of the way, she helped me become who I am….” She paused a moment, thinking. “That could possibly be some of the difference between myself and Olyver. I was raised by my mother, where as she was raised by my father, which…if he is anything like he is in this world, he has some rough edges.” She let out a laugh, “But he is a loving man, he cares a great deal. Though he inherited Duke status from my family line. My mother married him, and therefore he took the place of Duke next to her. Not many would take that role and do so well in it. It’s a rather difficult task…” She sighed at the thought of it. Skylar then shook her head. “I’m rambling sorry.” She gave a gentle smile before she finished her wine, her cheeks were rosy. Annette came forward and topped off her glass as well as Eva’s as if she was called to. “Thank you, Annette.” She smiled as the woman returned to the rear of the cabin. Skylar sipped from her wine and smiled happily. She pulled her laptop from her bag and typed away at it and pulled open a map of the city. “Here.” She handed the laptop over to Eva. “This is the city in our world, how does it compare?” She asked, taking another drink. She was becoming rather tipsy at this point, the wine was rather strong. She grinned happily at Eva, tracing her face with her eyes, taking in her beauty. “You’re so stunning.” She whispered softly, her cheeks flushed bright pink.

Skylar looked to Eva as she mentioned how interesting it was that a small difference could really make the world of a difference. Skylar hadn’t really thought of it that way, but as Eva said, she was quite different from Olyver. “I guess, me being closer to my mother has given me different traits.” She gave a soft smile before she listened to Eva once again. She let out a chuckle when Eva mentioned her story of the bakery and the pineapple as a treat. “You can order as much pineapple as you’d like in this world, actually, the southern countries farm it and we have plenty. It’s funny, that in one world something is missing, but I am sure it is replaced with something else.”

Skylar’s smile faded from her lips as she listened to Eva speak of her mother. She lowered her eyes slightly as she finished off her food. It was horrible to think that there was a government that was pure evil, or so it seemed. It seemed as though this District One only cared about their gains, the destruction of everything else did not matter. Skylar looked back over at the mention of Blake and Booker and smile curved up her lips. “Booker’s mother actually was a maid for my mother’s family for a long time, Booker played with me when I was a child, there are very few memories of my childhood that I have that don’t have Booker included.” She let out a soft laugh.

Skylar let out a soft laugh, “You’re not rambling, and you know much more than I do.” She chuckled, “You seem to be a well learned veteran of the arts of magic. When you use it, it seems so seamless, I’m not sure how you could make it look better.” Skylar then fell silent as Eva took the laptop and searched over the map. She watched as Eva pointed to a section of the city. “Yes.” She nodded, “That is the section of the city that is condemned. The damages were so much that they up and decided to rebuild the city to the east.” Skylar pointed to the section where the large road was, “This is the main thoroughfare.” She then punched in a few things into her computer. Her cheeks were rosy, she was blushing just from the touch of Eva’s body against hers. “Um…” She typed away and bit at her lip slightly, trying to stay focused. “Here.” She turned the computer, “This is the new Brewster’s, it’s actually on the far east of town, near the port. It’s a very busy spot. Your family chose well when they were given the choice of the new plot of land…” Skylar then sighed softly. “The fires, I’m not sure if it is connected with your death, but, a huge blaze took down the old district, a lot of homes were burned to the ground, most are empty shells now.” She clicked on a link which pulled up the website for Brewster’s. “Here.” She pointed to a few pictures. The shop was a stand-alone building, modern with huge windows, brightly colored stools were inside with book shelves. In the picture stood Eva’s sister with her parents on either side. “This is the new shop.” She spoke softly. “I wish you were in that picture.” She gave a side smirk, “I bet, if…things hadn’t ended badly, I bet I would have found myself drawn to you, in this world, as I do now.” She looked up to Eva for a moment before she looked back at the image on the screen before she clicked the page closed. It was horrible to think that someone, possibly someone of her family murdered her when she was just a child.

Skylar took in a deep breath, “We will set this right, I have a kit that Ren gave me, it will help out a lot. I know an officer on the north side of town, he can help us out.” She gave a smile. The plane shook slightly.

“Buckle up, buttercup. We are in a bit of turbulence, just a small storm beneath us.” Captain Stagg came over the intercom.

Skylar closed the laptop and tucked it into her bag. She rushed about and stumbled into Eva, she helped her into her seat and buckled her in, her cheek pressed against Eva’s for a moment before she grabbed the wine glass before it could fall over from the shaking of the plane. Skylar fell into her chair and buckled herself in. “Nothing to worry about Eva.” She gave a smile. “It’s just the air stream, we’ll be alright.” She tightened her belt as the lights in the cabin dimmed slightly. Skylar leaned her head back against the seat. She had ridden through rough flights so many times when she was a child from her mother and father taking her everywhere with them when they had to present speeches. Eventually Skylar drifted off to sleep. She looked peaceful as the bumps of the plane slowed down and the flight became smooth again.

“Greystoke.” Remi’s voice woke her.

Skylar opened her eyes, she was lying in a patch of grass upon a hill that was surrounded in darkness. “Don’t you have a better way of saying hello?” She sat up slowly before she stood and stared up into his eyes. “Every time I see you, you’ve ripped me from my sleep, or better yet, last time I was mid walk to my kitchen of all places, and when you let me go my face nearly collided with the breakfast bar!” She snapped in an angry tone.

Remi chuckled and crossed his arms, he grinned, “You know, Skylar, I’m liking you more with each meeting we have, you’re stronger than Olyver.” He stepped forward from the darkness, his ember eyes seemed to glow. “I need you to reap a soul for me, in South Rilaes.”

Skylar stared at him she began to laugh, “Me?” She shook her head. “I don’t even know the first thing to operating these powers that you’ve given me. How the hell am I supposed to…reap….reap, is that what you called it? A soul? What?”

Remi reached forward with impressive speed, his hand shot into Skylar’s chest. Skylar gasped, she choked. She looked down to his hand that snaked around in her chest and then she collapsed onto the cool grass as he pulled her soul from her body. He held her up by her throat. “It’s simple really.” He growled, his brows pulled together. “Do you need a crash course? Or does this do?” He slammed her soul back into her body. Skylar fell onto her back on the ground, fighting to pull air into her into her lungs. Remi knelt down next to her, a grin on his lips, “Don’t fight with me, Skylar, you’ll find yourself in a whole new world of pain, one that I can put onto a never ending loop, all the while I will sit back and enjoy myself a nice cocktail as I watch you suffer.” He gripped her jaw, forcing her to look him in the eye. “You are Olyver’s replacement, like it or not.” He then grinned a devilish grin. “I like it. I don’t know about you.” He chuckled before he stood, he lifted her up by her throat, Skylar writhed in his grip fighting against him until he set her down on the ground before him. “So, what will it be, Greystoke?”

Skylar took in quick small breaths as she held her hands to her neck, she coughed a few times and gasped, “Okay…” She whispered softly. “Okay…” She stood and stared to him.

Remi grinned, “Good, I knew you’d come around.” He chuckled. He pulled a sliver of paper from a pouch on his waist. “Find this woman, reap her soul for me like a good protégé.” He placed the paper into her hand before he then turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Skylar looked to the paper, it was blank. “Great…” She muttered softly. She turned and took a step, the ground beneath her crumbled away and she fell through the darkness.

Skylar sat up quickly in her seat, she gasped, her eyes wide. The ember flecks once again glowed from her meeting with the reaper. She looked to her hand that was balled tightly into a fist. Slowly she opened her fist to find that the piece of paper was crumpled in her grip. She took in a breath and opened the paper, she looked to the name on the paper and furrowed her brows. The reaper’s handwriting was chilling, the way that he curved his lines. She traced the name on the paper and shoved it into her pocket of her pants.

“Coming in for landing, just a few more minutes here on this first class flight. Not to worry we are ahead of schedule, no thanks to our co-pilot.” Captain Stagg spoke as they descended into the city.

Skylar blinked a few times as she thought of the dream that was far from a dream. She felt the paper in her pocket again and bit her lip. She looked to Eva just as the wheels hit the ground and the plane began to slow down quickly. Moments later they were docked at the airport. Captain Stagg emerged from the cockpit. She grinned to Skylar and hugged her again. “I’ll see you when you’re ready to head home.” She nodded to Eva as the two left the plane.

Skylar grabbed a set of keys that were tossed to her from Captain Stagg. She looked to the keys and chuckled before she shook her head. “Alright, Eva.” She took her hand and led her through the airport. “We can go straight to the old district.” She took a few turns and led Eva down into a parking garage where they approached a beautiful blue sports coupe. Skylar grinned as she tossed her bag into the boot. She then climbed into the two seater, and started up the engine. The dash lit up with the digital gages and the screen in the dash lit up. Skylar took off out of the garage with the roar of the engine. She curved through the city with ease and flew up onto the highway. “Remi contacted me.” She spoke softly. She pulled the paper from her pocket and placed it into Eva’s hand. “Um…” She bit her lip. “I’m not sure what that means…but…he told me to reap her soul…I don’t know what is going to happen….” She fell silent, the name on the paper was Eva’s sister Belinda. Skylar pulled off of the highway and onto the old cobblestone streets that led to a gate that was guarded by an armored soldier. He held his hand up as Skylar approached. She pulled her identification from her pocket. “I’m here on the Brewster case, we are re-opening it.” She spoke.

“Miss Greystoke.” The soldier nodded, “Of course. Right ahead.” He pressed a button and the huge gates rolled away.

The area of the city that they drove into now was that of the burned district, pieces of the buildings had fallen onto the sidewalks, a stray animal ran from the sound of the vehicle. Skylar slowed the car in front of the old café, the first part of the word Brew was still up but the last bit, Ster’s, part of it was dangling and the other part was on the ground with the letters Café. Skylar cut the engine of the car and climbed out. She grabbed a small bag and pulled on a pair of gloves. She held a pair of gloves to Eva. “I’ll follow you, Eva.” Skylar kissed her cheek and gave a smile. “We can finally put this to rest.” She gave a nod.

Skylar felt a pit in her stomach when Eva spoke that Belinda was her sister. She knew Belinda, she had met her when she was younger. Skylar was quiet and gave a gentle smile as Eva spoke about the town, the shops, it was interesting to think that this city, stuck in time from the fire was just like Eva’s world. “This city was beautiful once, I remember it before the fire.” She spoke softly. She followed Eva into the store, “I was very young, 5 or so, when my mother and I came here. It was one of the first times I left home with my parents that I can remember.” She stood next to Eva as she stood at the counter. When the younger Eva appeared she let out a breath, she remembered this little girl. She had met the Eva of her world when she was incredibly young.

Skylar looked to Eva as she stepped to the stove that burned the cabinet above it and a hole into the ceiling. She gasped when they teleported up the stairs, her body felt as though it was crushed between two vehicles. Skylar stared to the spirit of Eva as she pointed to the bookcase. Skylar knelt down and set the small hard case down on the ground. She opened it to reveal several neatly organized tools inside. “Something…” She paused as she pulled out a strange light. “That I have learned through doing this with Ren, for fun, is that everyone always leaves a trail, unless they are professional.” She then gave a gentle smile as she clicked on the light. “Though, even a professional will leave you a trail, but it will be much harder to follow.”

Skylar flashed the light over the wood of the charred bookcase. She pulled a brush from her kit and dipped it into a white powder and began dusting along the edges of the case. Skylar was silent as she did this, her movement was slow and precise. “There we go.” She gave a smile to Eva. She then pulled a sticky film of plastic from her kit and pressed it over an area where the powder stuck. Skylar then stuck the film to a black piece of paper and held the film up. Finger prints. “Now, we just have to figure out who did this, we have their prints.” She gave a gentle smile.

”You don’t have time for these games.”

Skylar took in a breath; she went to turn her head just as she was ripped backward into the spirit world. She landed harshly on her back with a thud and skidded across the ground. “I give you one job, Skylar.” Remi stood over her. He gripped her by her shirt collar and lifted her upward. “One….tiny….insignificant job…and you’re….you’re out playing around with dust and brushes?” He let out a cackle. “You realize there is a time stamp, on the paper I gave you. Right?” He held Skylar close, he had his hood up so that only his glowing ember eyes showed. “Do you know what happens if you miss a soul, Skylar?” He asked in a deep growl. Skylar fought against him, she gripped onto his arm and kicked at him, causing him to drop her to the ground. She collapsed to her hands and knees, holding a hand to her throat. “You miss reaping a soul on time and I will suffer the repercussions, because I gave you the job. See? Now I know you’re new at this, so allow me to give you a hand. Belinda killed her younger sister, Eva, as you know.” He turned and snapped his fingers. The world around them melted to the kitchen, but it wasn’t burning as it was before. “Oh, right.” Remi reached forward through the shadows, he ripped Eva into the world, “Don’t try anything.” He then snapped his fingers again, the world went into motion around them.

Skylar looked to Eva from where she sat on the ground, bruising appeared around her neck from where Remi gripped onto her tightly. She watched as a young Belinda came down the stairs, she held an armful of papers and magazines. Belinda stepped over to the oven and opened the door, she stuffed it full of the papers before she then clicked the dial on the oven, turning it to the highest setting. Remi stood with crossed arms as he watched the scene play out. Belinda ran up the stairs then, Remi snapped his fingers and the trio appeared next to her as she pushed the bookcase in front of her sister’s door. “This is for ruining everything.” Belinda spoke, a book fell from the bookcase as she then ran off to her room. The crackling of flames could be heard from the kitchen below.

Remi snapped his fingers and they appeared in the young Eva’s room. She was fast asleep in her bed as the flames licked at the floor of her room, the fire could be seen as it came through the floorboards. Skylar watched helplessly as the young Eva woke, as the smoke choked her, as she banged against the door. Remi snapped his fingers once again and the trio appeared outside, Eva’s parents held onto Belinda. Her mother was already wailing, “My baby!!!” She cried, “She’s still inside!!!” A firefighter ran inside of the burning building to save Eva. The screams of the young girl could be heard as the flames began to burn her. The sound of the floor collapsing and the stairs failing could be heard. A huge rush of flames burst one of the windows on the front of the café as the firefighter rushed from the building, his uniform covered in soot. He fell onto his stomach and his comrades pulled him away.

Remi then snapped his fingers again and they were back at the top of the stairs, back in the real world. The sound of rain could be heard hitting the old shingles of the building. Remi looked to Eva for a long moment before he snapped his fingers, the world froze all but Skylar. He lifted her up and set her on her feet. “Now you know.” He spoke, “As does Eva. Now go reap the soul.” He growled before he released her and disappeared into a burst of embers.

The world began to move again, the sound of the rain came back to Skylar’s ears as she stumbled and used the wall for balance. She stared to the door to Eva’s room for a long moment, blood dripped from her nose. Remi used her power to manipulate the memories to manifest the dream for Eva and Skylar to see. Skylar leaned her back against the wall and slipped to the floor, her knees up as she took in small breaths, she rubbed the bruising on her neck. Water dripped into the home just a few feet from her from the rain. She stared forward for a long time, she then furrowed her brows and stood up. Skylar moved to Eva and pulled her into a tight embrace, she focused on the time she met Eva, when she was a child. Suddenly the world around them melted away and they appeared in the café below. The sound of the bell jingling could be heard.

Skylar opened her eyes and turned, her arms still held onto Eva, her cheek pressed against Eva’s as she looked to the front door. She walked in with Amara, Skylar’s small hand was held by her mother.

“Welcome to Brewster’s!” A voice filled with excitement called from behind the counter.

Amara pulled Skylar to the counter and poked her head over to see the young Eva. “Hello dear.” She smiled. Skylar looked through the glass to Eva and smiled.

“Duchess.” Eva’s mother came from the backroom. “What a surprise.” She looked to Skylar then for a moment and smiled. “My my, she’s getting big, isn’t she?” She chuckled.

Amara smiled and squeezed Skylar’s hand for a moment. “Eva is getting big too.” She grinned. “We will have a blueberry scone to split and some hot chocolate.” She spoke and set cash on the counter. “Say thank you, Sky.”

Skylar smiled brightly, “Thank you, Miss Brewster.” She said happily before her mother brought her over to a table and sat her down. On the table were checkers and a board that was painted onto the table. Skylar smiled as she arranged the pieces neatly.

Eva stepped from behind the counter and ran over, she giggled and sat down across from Skylar. “I’m Eva.” She spoke as she got her pieces arranged.

Skylar looked up and grinned, “I’m Sky.” She spoke, a bit of shyness in her voice.

Amara grinned as she watched the two play. She looked to Eva’s mother and gave a nod of approval when Eva’s mother came to stop her daughter. “This is good for her.” She spoke softly. “There aren’t many children her age around in our part of town. Let them play.”

The world then faded away. Skylar stood at the top of the stairs, her arms still wrapped tightly around Eva. She took in quick breaths and stepped back, blood dripped from her nose to the floor that was covered in soot and dirt from the years. She swallowed and then gave a gentle smile. “I did meet you.” She whispered. “Once.” She gathered her things and clicked the case shut. “I’m sorry Eva….” Her voice was small, she brushed away the blood from her nose, only for more to drip out. Her eyes had the glowing flecks of ember in them. “I wish I could change what happened…I wish I could fix it…” She took in a small breath that shuddered, Skylar was filled with an overwhelming sadness as she thought of the fact that she knew Eva, she’d met her. She had been young, but, she still had met the Eva of this world…