New Zion

“Hey Aria, Cole doesn’t know anything about this whole assignment. Would you mind telling him what you are to be doing?” Hunter had asked. Aria had just told Cole that they were now dating, but she was uncertain about how to continue. She focused on her shoes, waiting for a response.

“Ok,” Aria blinked.

“That’s it?” she asked, looking up at him.

“What else am I supposed to say?” he countered.

“I don’t know. Something other than just ok. I mean, we’re going to be dating now! It’s important enough to warrant more than just an ‘ok’,” Cole blinked.

“Well, if I think of something to say, then I’ll say it. Besides, you don’t seem to be all too thrilled to be doing this,” Cole began walking towards the school. The rest of the students were heading inside already.

“So you don’t want to be partnered up with me?” Cole stopped walking, and looked over his shoulder.

“I feel more like you don’t want me to be your partner,” Aria didn’t know what to say. “In fact, I wanted you to be my partner. Do you know why?” Aria shook her head.

“Hmm. I thought you’d know by now...” Aria blinked. This wasn’t how a couple should interact, is it? It seems so… hostile. I feel more like I’m walking on a tightrope and one small breeze can send me over in either direction, Cole began walking again, and Aria quickened her pace to keep up.

“Would you mind walking a little slower, please? My legs aren’t quite as long as yours,” Aria said quietly.

“Sorry,” Cole apologized as he slowed down. Aria put one hand over her mouth. How did he hear that? They made it to the outside doors to the change room hallway. “I’ll give you a ride home, if you want,” Aria looked up at Cole as he held the door open for her. His smile was back, but it wasn’t quite the same as she remembered. It was kind of like the smile he had when she’d first talked with him/. She nodded. Cole pushed open the boys’ change room, which was closest to the outside doors, but stopped and turned to her.

“You’re welcome,” Aria’s eyes went wide, and his normal smile returned as he stepped into the change room. What’s with his hearing? It’s as good as a Terra’s, Aria continued walking up to the girls’ change room. Stopping at the door, she hesitated. One of the female teachers, a Berg Leute, walked over. She had auburn hair, which was currently tied into a ponytail, and her eyes were ocean blue.

“Is everything alright, Aria?” She shook her head. “Is it your partner?” Aria thought for a moment. It was kind of his fault for not seeing how she really felt, but it’s not his fault that she acted the way she had and couldn’t express it.

“Yes and no. Either way, I don’t want to be harassed by the girls in there right now. Turns out Cole was the most desired prey,” the teacher nodded.

“Well then, I’ll go in ahead of you, and rush them to get finished. Then I’ll stay to make sure that they don’t do anything to you. They won’t even know that we talked. How’s that sound?” Aria looked up at the teacher.

“Thank you. What’s your name?” The teacher smiled.

“My name’s Mrs. Galen. But, outside of school hours, you can call me Mary,” Aria mouthed the teacher’s name to herself.

“Thank you Mary,” Mary giggled.

“This’ll be fun. Ok now, I’ll go in first. Wait five seconds, and then you can come right on in, ok?” Aria nodded, and watched in dismay as Mary threw open the door and stormed in. She began shouting. “C’mon, hurry up! You don’t need to put on any make-up, and your hair looks fine! I wanted to get home to my husband half an hour ago and you kids are taking far too long. I bet I could get changed into a swimsuit, and then get changed back before you would even finish getting changed as you are right now!”

“Prove it!” a girl shouted back.

“I would prove it, but I don’t have my bathing suit with me, and you’re too flat for me to try using yours, so proof will have to wait until another time, little Missy!”

Cole entered the guys change room. He was a little hesitant since he didn’t want to have to explain what had happened with Aria. Sighing he shuffled in anyways. The lights were out and it was far too silent. Cole crept forward, waiting for whatever it was that they had in store for him.

“Three cheers to the leader of our rebellion!” Cole blinked.

“The one man who stood tall and proud, even as he himself was taken down!” another voice proclaimed. The lights flipped on in the main change room, and Cole shielded his eyes.

“May he and his captor have a long, fulfilling relationship!” another chimed in.

“Hip hip, Hooray! Hip hip, Hooray! Hip hip, Hooray!” they all cheered. Cole blinked to clear his vision. Looking around, he saw that most of the guys were still there in the change room, laughing and talking.

“Well, you were quite inspirational; you know, at least until Aria got the drop on you. I was not expecting that at all! She just came out of nowhere. Well, good job, anyways,” Peter and Simon walked over. They were both changed. Most of the guys were, and they were streaming out of the change room, each patting Cole on the shoulder as he passed and giving him some kind of comment. After all but Callum, Simon and Peter had left, Cole got changed.

“Jeez. I was the first one to go down. What are they going on about me being good, eh?” Callum shook his head.

“I don’t think you get it, do you?” Cole looked over at him.

“Notice how we only began dropping after you were caught? Cole looked at Simon.

“Well, yeah…” He began.

“Also, you out-swam two of the most athletic girls in the school. That’s kind of hard to do, and you’ve got an inspiring presence man. It makes you kind of intimidating, but when they know you’re on their side…”,” Peter stated.

“Yeah, but if Skyla were chasing me, I wouldn’t have had a chance. I’m so glad you go to this school, Peter,” Cole said, laughing. Cole just finished pulling up his pants when the door opened. He turned to see who it was, and everyone in the room froze.

“Cole Avalon. I was told that I could find you here. I’ve got a job for you. We have already consulted with your father, and have gained his consent,” a female Avian walked in. She had long, brown hair, and her wings were the same brown. She was probably of the Hawk lineage. Her eyes were brown as well.

“Cole, what’s going on? Why’s an Avian here?” The Avian looked down on Callum.

“I am Alkira Jovana. I did not come here for you, human, so keep your mouth shut, and let Cole and I speak,”

“Who gave you the right to…?” Callum began, but Alkira spoke first.

“You are nothing more than a single grain of sand beneath my feet. There is nothing unique about you, nor important. Just like every other grain of sand. You mean nothing to me, and, if necessary, I can, and will, have you forcefully removed from the premises. Learn your place, human, before I am forced to teach it to you. And believe me when I say that I’ll enjoy the lesson a lot more than you will. So, will you leave, or am I going to have to force you out?”

“What makes Cole so special, huh? Isn’t he just another grain of sand beneath your feet?” Callum shot back. “He’s just a human, like me!”

“Guards, please remove this troublesome grain of sand. It has been sticking into my foot more than most, and I seem to be having trouble getting it out,” Alkira called, and two larger Avians walked in. They grabbed Callum by the arms, and Cole could hear them throw him out into the hallway, along with his belongings.

“I am curious as well as to why you need Cole,” Peter spoke up. Alkira turned to him.

“Are you questioning my actions?” she challenged.

“No, not at all. Callum is simply like that. But, I want to know why Cole is different than other humans. I mean, I know that his father is the head of one of the ‘Big Three’, but that doesn’t seem like enough of a reason to need him,” Alkira sighed.

“You can tell him whatever it is that you want to tell me. Both of them are safe, and are my friends,” Cole spoke up.

“What about the one I threw out?” Alkira asked.

“Let him cool off a bit. I can explain it to him some other time,” Peter offered. Alkira nodded.

“I heard that! I don’t need to cool down, they do!” Callum yelled from the hallway, following by a grunt of pain as one of the guards kicked him in the knee. “Don’t kick a dog while it’s down!”

“We need you to help get one of our men out of a hostile City-ship. This ship is not a part of any fleet, and they have captured the man we sent in to gather Intel and rally supporters. Sadly, all of the people on the ship appear to be fiercely loyal to their leader, so he was caught quickly. This city-ship partakes in what you humans call ‘Gladiator Battles’ much like the rest of us.

“Only, in this case there are people who sponsor a gladiator, and if their gladiator wins, then they will get the prize, which will be our man, who will then become their slave. We want you to fight as a gladiator and get our man back,” Cole thought a moment.

“But, I’m not an Avian. That brings up two problems for me,” the Avian cocked her head. “First of all, it isn’t my problem in the first place,” Alkira’s shoulders dropped a bit. “And secondly, if I were to take this job, I’m human. What races do the gladiators consist of?” Alkira stood a little straighter.

“They consist of all races. Some are voluntary, some well, not. We all partake in Gladiator Battles, but only the pirate’s use slaves. In the fleets, we have people who go in to fight, and are sponsored by other people, and our prizes are not slaves. Of course, we do put in prisoners who want to try and earn their freedom, but even the prisoners are there by choice. Are you going to take the job?” Cole thought a moment.

This doesn’t feel right Cole. Give some more time to think about what you’re going to do, Abra cautioned with a motherly tone. Remember that you aren’t invincible, Cole gave it some thought.

“Sure, let’s do this,” Alkira smiled for the first time after entering the room. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to give someone a ride home. When will you pick me up?” Cole asked.

“We will come for you in a week’s’ time,” Cole nodded and walked past Alkira into the hallway and began walking towards the front of the school.

“Are you sure about this?” Peter asked Cole once the Avians had left through the outside doors.

“What’s there to worry about?” Peter gave Cole a flat look.

“Dying for starters,” Simon chimed in.

“Don’t worry so much. I’ll be fine,” Cole said, flashing a smile.

“Dude, you can take down a couple of gang members. These guys are fighting for their freedom, and a greater prize than just being able to say ‘I took down Cole Avalon’. They will be fighting because their lives depend on it,” Peter said. “And she still didn’t explain why you are different from other humans,” Callum had caught up to them and had heard everything that Peter had said.

“Wait, she asked you to go and kill people?” Cole shook his head.

“Don’t just assume things. Anyways, I got a date I need to attend to, and then I gotta go. I suppose it’s a good thing that we have the next two weeks off. Besides, I know what makes me different. How she knows is something that I’ll have to figure out, but hey! This should be interesting,” Cole started walking faster, not wanting to explain further. He made it to his motorcycle outside, but Aria wasn’t there. Cole looked around, and didn’t see her. Why isn’t she here?

She’s just as tardy as you normally are. You two are perfect for each other, Alfred remarked, just as jabbing as when he scolded Cole on his bow the first day of classes.

“Ah, Cole. I told Aria that you couldn’t take her home today, so she’s left already,” Cole turned around to see a Wolf Terra leaning against the wall. He had an unsettling smile, and his tail swayed a bit, although there wasn’t any wind.

“Really? Now, why would you go and do something like that? Might you answer me quickly? I happen to be a little short on time,” Cole threatened.

Finally. It’s been awhile since we tortured someone, the government agent began paying attention.

“Hey, if you want to take it up with someone, then take it up with the Lupus Family Head. I’m simply following what they said. Just like when we pushed her into the water,” Cole clenched his fists, preparing to use them.

“Or, I can simply take it up with you, since you’re dumb enough to follow their orders like a mindless drone,” Cole began.

“Like a mindless drone? I still have my mind intact. You, on the other hand, seem to be blinded. Aria is an abomination. She shouldn’t exist, and has no right to exist,” The boy began to walk away.

“If that’s really how you think, then you have less of a right to live than she does. She hasn’t left yet. If what you’re saying is true, then she wouldn’t trust nor believe your kind” Cole called after him.

“Tch,” Cole smiled. “Just you wait, Cole Avalon. Your time will come,”

“I look forward to it, hair-brain,” Cole called after him. Cole sat on his motorcycle and leaned back.

Cole, I understand what you’re doing, but don’t you think it’d be best to not anger the Wolf clan? Cole sighed at Dojo’s trepidation.

Master Cole. Although I normally disagree with this uncouth and violent man, this may be one of the times where it would be a good idea to listen. Taking on a couple of those ‘gangsters’ as you call them would be nothing compared to taking on an entire tribe of savages, Alfred cautioned

Wow, Alfred. You actually agree with Dojo this time? Perhaps this world is ending as well? Cole flinched as numerous voices started shouting.

“I am a survivor of that world! You people aren’t survivors. You’re all just voices inside of my head. You have no right to get angry with me!”

I beg to differ, boy! Elders voice boomed in Coles head. We’re spirits, all living together right now, and as such, we have to live with each other’s successes, failures, joyful times, and sad times. We are all broken, and no one can put us back together. Indeed, we must all bear each other’s’ pain as well,

Cole was about to respond when he felt like something was excessively close to him. Cole opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. Aria’s face was right above his. She quickly hopped back.

“Who were you talking to?” Cole blinked. Rubbing the back of his neck, he sat up.

“Just myself,” Aria tilted her head to the side. “Are you ready to go?” Cole put on his smile. She nodded. Pulling out a helmet from one of the side pouches, he handed it to her. Cole put on his own helmet and did up the straps.

“Cole, what do I do with these?” Cole looked over to see Aria holding up the straps.

“Come here. I’ll help you tighten them,” Aria nodded and walked over. She was far timider than she was on the beach. Cole tied the straps and pulled down her visor. “Come on. Just get onto the back, and hold on to me,” Aria put one leg over the side of the motorcycle, but didn’t grab on.

“How do I hold on to you?” she asked. Cole smiled behind his helmet.

“Just like you did in the water, but only with your arms,” He bet that if he could see her face, it would be going red. She wrapped her arms around his waist but kept her torso further back. Cole took off towards the bridge that would take them away from the school.

“Would you like to get a good view of the city?” Cole asked over his shoulder.

“Sure. I have time,” Aria answered reluctantly.

“Ok. We’re going to have to drive faster to get there in time, so be ready for that,” Cole called over his shoulder. The light changed, and Cole started driving to the outskirts of the city. As soon as they made it to the city outskirts, Cole sped up. Aria wrapped her arms tighter around him and pulled herself closer. They sped down the road towards the singular mountain range that encircled the town. Cole followed the road all the way up to a cliff ledge and pulled over at a clear spot.

“We’re here,” Cole whispered over his shoulder. Aria let go and hopped off the bike. Cole pulled off his helmet and placed it on the motorcycle. Aria tugged on his sleeve and pointed to the chin straps on her helmet. Cole smiled and helped her out of it. They walked over to the ledge and looked out over the city. “See right there? That’s the school,” Cole pointed to a tall gathering of buildings, surrounded by a lake. A bridge led across the lake from the entrance of the school to a security gate. “That right there is my home,” Cole leaned over pointing to a large walled-in estate on the other side of town.

“That’s pretty big,” Aria said after a time. “My house is just there,” she said, pointing to a small neighborhood close to Cole’s sister’s middle-school.

“That’s a nice area,” Cole smiled. “Right by the middle school,”

They stayed out there, staring down at the city. As the sun began to set, the city started lighting up in the night. Aria was looking up at the sky, watching the stars appear as Cole sat on the ground.

“Beautiful, aren’t they?” Aria spoke under her breath, still looking up at the stars. Another light flashed in Cole’s mind.

“Yeah, the stars are beautiful. When I was a kid back on Earth, and I had a hard time or was sad, I’d always look up at the stars. I always found some kind of comfort in them. They were the few things I could count on to always be there for me. I always knew that I would get to see them. It was a guarantee. They would never truly abandon me,” Aria looked down at Cole. He had a sad smile. She opened her mouth to say something, but he stood up first. “C’mon, let’s get going. I’m sure that your sister will want you home right about now,” Cole hopped onto the bike and put on his helmet.

“How did you know I have a sister?” Cole blinked a couple times as he helped her put on her helmet.

“Well, she works at one of my fathers’ restaurants as a waitress. In fact, that’s the restaurant that we normally go to when we go out for dinner. We’ve spoken with her a couple times and my dad happened to be at the restaurant when she was trying to get hired. He helped out with the interview, and she talked about having a sister in Central High named Aria. Since you’re the only Aria that I know in Central High, I presume she meant you,” Cole shrugged as Aria sighed. She hopped on the back, and they drove back into town.

“Would you like to come in?” Aria asked Cole when they arrived in front of her house.

“Sure. I have time,” Cole smiled, pulling off his helmet. He helped Aria out of her helmet and noticed her ears were flat back. Apparently, she didn’t like that he had used her own response against her. Cole shut down the engine and put up the kickstand. He was putting the helmets away when he heard a door open.

“Oh? So that’s why you were late. You should have told me you were going out on a date today. I was worried that you may have gotten into trouble or something,” Cole looked up to see a female Jackal Terra standing in the doorway to the house. It was Claire, Aria’s sister. “Oh, here, come on inside,” Claire smiled, beckoning them to come in.

“Sorry, but I can’t stay too long. I need to talk to my dad before he goes to sleep tonight,” Cole apologized, scratching the back of his head.

“That’s ok. Just have a seat, and I’ll bring in something to drink. What would you like?” Cole thought a moment.

“Water’s fine for me,” he said smiling. Aria walked ahead of him.

“Follow me. We’ll go to the living room,” Cole followed her. The living room had three couches arranged into a ‘U’ shape, with a small table in the middle, and the open side facing a sliding glass door with windows on the sides, looking out into the backyard. They sat in silence as they waited for Claire.

“Wow. It feels like an empty crypt in here. Who died today?” Claire walked in carrying a tray with drinks on it. She laid them down on the table. “Here you go,” she said, handing Cole his drink, along with a small pad to put it on.

“I almost did. Aria almost squeezed the life outta me,” Claire laughed.

“What did you do to deserve that?” Cole looked to the side.

“Well, it wasn’t my fault. I don’t think,” Claire raised one eyebrow at Aria.

“So, you almost kill a guy, make him your boyfriend, went out on a date with him, and he just so happens to be the restaurant owners son? And you didn’t tell me anything about it? Man, you kids certainly know how to keep secrets,” Claire teased.

“Well, it all happened today. How was I supposed to tell you? Also, it wasn’t a date” Aria said looking off to the side.

“Eh?” Claire said, looking back to Cole. “So, Cole, was it a date?” Cole thought a moment, then shrugged, shaking his head. “How many girlfriends have you had before?” Cole blinked.

“What?” Claire smiled.

“Well, from what I’ve seen of you, you’re quite the gentleman. The girls must be all over you. So, how many girlfriends have you had?” she stated.

“Aria would be my first,” Cole responded. Claire looked at him in disbelief.

“Really? That doesn’t make any sense,” Cole hung his head.

“Well, I’ve had girls ask me out before, but for the most part I find them annoying. And then today Mr. Hunter said that I was the most desired partner in the class. It feels like I’m being treated like an object to be had, rather than a person,” Claire raised an eyebrow.

“I suppose that’d be one way of looking at it” Cole sighed.

“Yeah,” Cole replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“So what’s Valentine’s day like?” Claire asked. Cole leaned back into the couch.

“I get a few complimentary things, and I don’t accept anything else,” Cole slightly smiled. “I’m still waiting for someone,” Cole said. Claire thought on this.

“Who is it that you’re waiting for?” Cole blinked.

“Well, at this point I don’t know if she’s real. She’s appeared throughout my life a number of times, but just keeps disappearing,” Cole looked at Aria. “But I’m beginning to believe she’s real,” Aria looked right back. “Anyways, I’m sorry, but I need to get going, so I’ll see you later. Oh, and Aria, let’s go on another date sometime,” Cole called from the door. He could hear Claire say ‘I knew it!’ as he closed the door. He started up his bike, and rode home.

©2017