Part 5 - ag tosú níos mó ná

“how about we start with the fact that my sister that I’ve never met in my entire life, shows up out of the blue with some weirdo person with wings and a gun. Without my brother and expects me to be okay with it!”

Caoimhe said in a rush. Talking a step towards her I hugged her.

 “I’m sorry I was never there for you. But, I’ll never let anyone hurt you or take you away from me. I swear”

“Thanks. I’ve really missed you.”

Holding her at arms length I searched her young face. She looked so much like I did at her age. But yet... yet she was so different. More confident and self assured. More like Shane always was.

“They... we’ve kept your room. We clean it still though. Mum and dad always wanted it to be ready for when you came back.”

“Really? Emm.... can I see it?”

“Course”

“Thanks. I’ll meet you guys in the kitchen in a wee while. I just want to be on my own for a while.”

NJ walked over to me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. Giving her a small smile, I made my way back into the house. Looking round I noticed that the kitchen looked exactly the same as it had before I’d left. Same marble floors, expensive but pointless gadgets and the same unnatural cleanliness that I’d always hated.

Hesitantly I made my way up the flight of grand marble stairs, looking all around to see if anything  at all had changed. It hadn’t. Walking along the long corridors I pictured my room. Was it really kept the same? Turning to face a tall, oak door. I slowly reached my hand out to the door handle. Grasping hold of it, I braced myself, and opened the door.

“oh my God.”

Shuffling through the doorway, I was stunned. It was way different than it had been when I was 10. It was more grown up. Ready for me for when I came home.

Looking round I saw an envelope sitting on the king sized bed. My hand shaking uncontrollably, I opened the envelope, and pulled out a letter. Sitting down on the bed, I started to read:

‘To our darling girl.

                               If you are reading this you’ve finally came home but after we’ve died. Not a day went past were we didn’t hope you’d come and walk through that door. Every cold, wet night we were worried sick about you. We never knew if you were alive or dead and it broke our hearts. We named your sister Caoimhe because you always said to us that if you got a sister that we had to name her Caoimhe. So we did.

We hope you like your room. We spent ages deciding if we should redecorate it or not, but we decided to on your 15^th birthday. It’s not been the same without you. Casey started acting all weird and secretive. He always had some weird friends over, and we could always hear them muttering in secret as if they were planning something. We don’t know what happened to him, but after he realised you weren’t coming back he left school and started getting into lots of trouble. We hope Caoimhe doesn’t turn out like him, but she is too much like you I think. Please try and help Casey, sweetheart. Before it’s too late. We were just glad he didn’t decide to become a necromancer like your uncle.

I really hope you stay safe and find whatever you were and are looking for in life. You were always strong willed and determined. It was what made people trust you. I need you to realise we are and were always behind you. No matter what choices you make in life.

Lots of love

Mum and Dad

Xo

p.s. we’ve been adding to your collection even after you left. There should be a lot there now. We think it will come in handy. Also the house and bulk of our money is left to you. Because if you are reading this we are dead, and we are sad that we couldn’t see you one more time since you left.

Best wishes ‘

A tear fell onto the letter. Breathing deeply I wiped my eyes and stuffed the letter into my pocket. Looking up I made my way over to a picture of me and the horses. I looked so happy. Pulling the picture from against the wall, it revealed a safe. Typing in the code I swung the door open. At the sight of the contents in the safe I gasped. Lifting it out I brung it all over to my bed. Counting the money I saw that they had left me a grand total of £5750!

“Holy fuck” I muttered barely audible.

Shaking myself out of shock I put it back into the safe and closed over the picture. Looking around again, I was finally decided. Walking into my wardrobe I noticed all the clothes were conveniently in my size. Walking out into my room again I looked around to see what all they had left in it. Satisfied I turned and ran down the stairs into the kitchen to find NJ and Caoimhe making dinner.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“Look Skye, it’s getting late. It makes no sense to drive back to Roarhaven tonight anyway. So we are gonna rest here for the night, pack some stuff and head on back. Kay? I’ve rung Skulduggery to let him know. They’ve briefed me in the plans. Also I’ve told Caoimhe about Shane.”

“Casey”

“whatever”

“Thanks NJ. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“Course you could have”

“No I wouldn’t”

“Yeah you’re right. You’d have been toast. I’m really amazing aren’t I?”

“And big headed”

“I’m not big headed I just recognise my own awesomness”

“yeah that’s it”

I said nodding my head teasingly.

*

After dinner we all said our goodnights and went to our bedrooms. As soon as my door closed behind me I went over to the desk and turned on the laptop that was sitting there. Whilst it was turning on I  quickly showered and changed into a new pair of pyjamas and cosy slipper socks. Satisfied and tired, I brung the laptop over to the bed and started to research mediators.

Page after page came up, and it took forever to get any clue why they would want Jesse. All of a sudden, the door creaked open. NJ’s tall frame, slide into the room and carefully closed the door behind her. Jumping onto the bed she grabbed a pillow and hugged it close to her.

“Cool place you got.”

“Thanks.”

“Right well what’s happening tomorrow?”

“Well I have money that we can bring, and we can take some clothes, etc to have at the safe house. Why what have you got?”

“Well... what i was planning was eating breakfast, having a nice long shower. Then watch some tv and chillax. You know?”

“Really”

“Wise the fuck up! Course not! We are gonna pack our stuff, grab a bite to eat and head straight down to Roarhaven. Jeez chillax. Honestly”

“Hey! You were the one who said it!”

“Still! Here get some sleep. You’re gonna need it”

“Kay”

Getting up , NJ went to exit the room when I stopped her

“Thanks NJ. You’re a good friend. You know?”

“course I am it’s me. I’m only messing. No problem, Skye. You’d do the same for me”

“In a flash”

“Sweet dreams”

“You too”

Smiling at each other, she slipped out of the door. Bringing a cape of darkness over the room.

Part 4 - mo rún atá caite

Everyone was gathered around the table, evaluating the current situation presented to them. Finally the grand mage stood up. Looking at Jesse, who was feeling just as awkward as I was, we stood forward from against the wall.

“We’ve decided that the best thing for Jesse is to go into hiding in a safe house. It will have all the necessary protection for him and you, Skye would go with him. NJ will accompany you there, and if she so wishes, stay with you until we catch the person in charge here. We are questioning Shane as we speak, tying to get information about their organisation. So far he’s been silent.”

Talking a deep breath, I took another step forward and said tentatively,

“I think I know how to get him to talk.”

Everyone looked at me shocked. It slightly unnerved me.

“How?”                 

“Well.. You see... He just told me we have a little sister. He cares for her a lot. He told me were to find her. If I could get her we could maybe use her to get him to talk?”

Everyone started muttering angst their heads, a few of them nodding in agreement.

“Very well. NJ will go with you. She will help you if you get into any trouble. Jesse, Skulduggery, Val. You all stay here. We need to sort out the finer details of the plan.”

Everyone got up and went their separate ways. There was a tap on my shoulder, turning round I saw Jesse standing there. He looked nervous and looked down, fixing his hair. He muttered something like,

“Take care.”

He walked away again. Leaving me standing there bemused.

“Are you coming or not?”

“Yeah. I’m coming.”

*

Racing through the quite, deserted roads and  lanes of the country, we looked very out of place. Serene birds resting in the hedges, suddenly burst into flight to escape the roar of the engine.

“You going fast enough for yourself there?”

I teased.

“Naw, I’m going slow cause I don’t wanna scare you off”

“You’re serious? Jeez I’m not a wain. Go full pealt, like”

“I think I could manage that”

All of a sudden the engine gave out a massive roar like a lion, and we shot off into the mist.

“So where’s this place of yours?”

“Emm... It’s actually away up north.”

I looked at her apologetically.

“No way! I thought I heard it in your accent! I am too”

“Really? Where abouts?”

Just outside Ballymena, lawd “

“Wow! I’m outside Ballymena too. Well, closer to Carnlough and Glenarm though”

“I’m closer to Randalstown and Antrim”

“Cool.”

“Thats weird”

“Yup”

“we scarily seem to have things in common

“ano”

“let me guess. Country girl too?”
“You bet ya”

“Music?”

“Used to play fiddle and tin whistle but couldn’t be bothered to keep it on”

“I play piano cause I’m awesome like that”

“O aye”

“Ano”

“Do you like acting too?”

“Yea. Have since I was 3”

“Now I’m scared”

“Same.”

Looking at each other we burst out laughing.

“Maybe I had you wrong, Skye. “

“Yeah, I think I had you wrong too.”

“Friends?”

“Aye, why not”

“Now, since we’re friends I can tell you my honest opinion without you getting mad.”

“Ok now I’m scared”

I said jokingly.

“As you should be. Now. You need to wise up and accept you like Jesse and he likes you, but you are both so blind you can’t see it. Second thing is I’m going to help you keep your promise to him. I’m gonna stay with you in the safe house, though I will leave every so often cause I really get an urge to fight someone and it really annoys me if I can’t hurt someone, you know?”

“Yea.. JK”

“You actually aren’t t bad of a fighter. I was surprised when I saw you fight your broter. And you were ready to kill him! I mean I was shocked at that especially.”

She looked over at me and Ishrugged in response.

“And what was that thing you did? You’re eyes glowed piercing blue and you seemed to know how to kill him?”

“It was a trick I learned a few years ago. I can take all their memories, experiences, feeling, everything they are and have been in a sense. It  becomes part of me. I can’t lose a fight then because I know everything they know and know how to  beat them. It is really draining though sI don’t use it all the time. Also I need to learn how to use it for more people all at once cause I can only use it for 2 people at once. It takes a lot of practice to become good at it.”

“Now that is cool”                                                                                                                                                
“I guess so”

“More like you know so, but you don’t want to brag?”

“You know me too well already NJ”

“You are reading my mind aren’t you?”

“Surprisingly, no.  I don’t o it all the time. Only if I want to. And no offense but I have no need to read your mind, also you’re my friend so if I’m planning on reading your mind I’ll let you know.”

“Aww that’s so sweet of you.”

NJ said in a mocking grateful voice.

“So what’s your story?”

“Well.... I have a dark angel mother and  a sorcerer father. My 2 older brothers are necromancers, and a couple months ago sent 2 vampires, Laragh and Lurig, after me.”

“Wow. Did they catch you?”

“Unfortunately. And I was taken home and thats were I found him.”

She said this part gravely, which made me curious.

“Him?”

“Green eyes. My  ‘soul mate’”

“Huh?”

“dark angels have a sign on them. Only 1 other dark angel has it in the world. Your so called soul mate. I didn’t want to meet him, but I did. And you would actually be soo jealous. He’s amazing. Funny, fit, etc etc.”

“Why did yiou not  want to see him then?”

“Because I would begin t love him and then I’d be vulnerable because my feelings would blind me and I’d do anything for him.”

She said this getting faster and louder.

“I’m sorry.”

“sometimes you have to make decisions you don’t want to, but you have to. Especially here. People are wanting to kill Jesse, Skye. If you really love him, like you say you don’t but obviously do, then you’ll have to make tough decisions too.”

Looking up at her my heart sank.

“Like what?”

She looked at me, then stopped the car.

“Like realising you need to do anything to save him. It is going to be far from easy to catch these guys, and you need to realise if we can’t find him, we need him to be bait and lure them to us. You could die and so could he. We may have to make up a new life for him. You won’t be there 24/7 for him. You need to start and trust people to help you, and... let him go. You can’t see things clearly because of your feelings. They are getting in the way of your choices. It could kill  us, you, him. I’m telling this cause I don’t wanna see you get killed. But get a fucking grip, Skye.”

“You know what? I will. You don’t have to help me anymore. I’ll do it myself.”

Reaching out to open the door I heard a click.

“Unlock the door”

“No”

I glared at her.

“I said open the door”

This time I though the words. She looked shocked and slightly scared.

“No. I’m doing this for your own good. This is what I mean. I mean, look at yourself! What are you planning on doing? Walking up north getting your sister and walking back? No way am I letting you do that!”

She slapped me across the face. I was about to hit her back when I realised what I was doing, and I calmed down.

“Sorry. NO you’re right. I’m over reacting and have to wise up. These people are dangerous, and we have to stop them before they do some serious damage. I’ll do whatever I need to.”

“Good. Now I believe we have some mileage to pick up here if we are going to be at your house in our hour deadline.”

“Floor it.”

“As if I’d do anything but”

She grinned as she raced the car down the road, grit flying behind us in the wave of smoke we left behind.

*

An hour later we were driving up a quite country road, hidden by a canopy of oak trees.

“Wow it’s beautiful here”

NJ said in awe, as we past a small waterfall beside the bridge we were crossing.

“Yeah. It is. Peaceful too. Stop here a minute.”

Getting out of the car I jumped over the bridge and landed in the pool of water below. Grinning to myself, I swam over to the small island in the middle of the lake. Looking up I saw NJ standing there looking puzzled at me. I motioned for her to jump down. Next thing I know she jumps of the bridge, but instead of falling into the lake, she releases 2 powerful, black wings and flies over to me.

“So that’s what dark angel wings are like?”

She looked at me weirdly.

“Eh. I’m weird”

“Figures”

“Here follow me. I’ve got something to show you.”

We started making our way into the trees that stood on the island. Treading carefully through the forestry. I stopped at a tree. Looking up I grinned.

“8 years. 8 years since I stood here.”

Grasping onto the nearest branch I hauled myself up. Climbing the tree, I felt a rush of adrenaline I hadn’t felt for a long time. Not the type you get in a fight. No that is survival adrenaline. No.. No this was different. It was happiness. Reaching the top I looked across the tree tops. It was beautiful up here.

“Why have you brung me here?”

“This is where I used to go if I was upset. It  was a good place to think. I mean.. look.”

Looking around at the view NJ’s jaw dropped.

“Oh my God. This is amazing”

“yeah. You’re the only other person I’ve shown it to. I miss it. Being here. IT made me feel better.”

“I can imagine. As much as I want to stay here, and believe me I do. We kinda need to hurry up.”

“Wha.. O right! Yeah sorry i forgot”

“Look. Grab onto my waist I’ll get us back to the car quicker”

Next thin  knew NJ jumped off the tree and spread out her magnificent wings.  It only took a minute for her to get us back to the car.

“Cool”

“You get used to it”

“Suppose”

“How far till we reach your house?”

“Not long”

“Good”

When we got a bit further up the road, there were a set of black iron gates closing the entrance of a driveway.

“That’s it there”

“That  is your house?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“It’s cool. All grand country house style. Mine is like a modern  mansion.”

“Old isn’t always better”

“I know”

“I wonder if they’ve kept my horses and stables?”

I said worryingly.

“You have your own stables?”

“yeah. Don’t you?”

“NO”

“Oh.”

Pulling the car into the entrance of the drive I got out and walked over to the security house. Opening the door I looked to see if anyone was here. It was empty. Perfect.  Walking towards the over side of the small building I pulled a leaver down to open the gates.

I walked out again and got back into the car.

“Why is there no one here?”

“Don’t ask me. When I left there had been a stack of people. We had everyone. Butlers, cooks, stable hands, everything. Mum and dad are rich.

“Well naw. I thought you had little pixie’s to do the cleaning up.”

“No need to be sarcastic”

“yes there is. Sarcastic is my middle name”

“Well that’s a weird middle name”

“are you being serious?”

“NO! Jeez I may be weird but I ain’t stupid”

“Just checking. By the way how long is this drive?”

“Very”

“Thats pointless”

“Yeah. I think they just want to show off how big the gardens are, you know?”

“No”

“Neither do I”

We both started laughing again at this. We finally came out onto the fore court yard of the sand coloured house.

“Woah”

“Eh you get used to it”

Getting out of the car I looked around at the all too familiar sight. The front gardens stretched out all the way down to the road side, and surrounded by the neighbouring fields. Trees and flowers blossomed all around the perfectly manicured lawns, and statues were dotted around along with benches. The small pond glistened under the sun. The house was as magnificent as ever. Three stories high and columns stood firmly holding the balcony above. Making my way round the back of the house, I let out a shriek of excitement. In the paddock behind the house were horses of all shapes and sizes. At the sound of my voice 4 heads raised up, their ears pricked. Letting out a chorus of whinnies, they galloped over to meet me at the fence.

“Magic, Chico, Comet, Misty! I’ve missed you so much.”

I hugged each of them and the nickered in welcome. I heard a cough behind me. Turning round I saw a young girl with similar long blonde hair and blue eyes as me. She was wearing a pair of cream jodhpurs and a tight fitting polo top. I was shocked.

“What the hell are you doing with my horses?”

She said in a firm, controlling voice. Shocked at her appearance and tone, I replied with as much authority as I could

“Actually they are my horses. I had to leave them behind when I ran away 8 years ago”

She stared at me

“You.. you... you’re étaoin. Aren’t you?”

“who’s étaoin, Skye?”

“Étaoin, who’s Skye?”

Looking at them both helplessly, I said,

“My given name is étaoin. My taken name is Skye.”

“Oh”

“What’s a taken name and given name Étaoin?”

Looking over at my little sisters confused face, I sighed. You mean you don’t know? Didn’t Shane tell you?”

“Who’s Shane?”

“Your brother. His given name is Casey.” I explained to her.

“Where’s Casey? What’s happened him? Why are you here? Why’d you come all of a sudden?”

“Why don’t we go inside. We have a lot of catching up to do”

Walking up the stone flagged steps, we entered the house through the large oak doors. Closing the door behind me, I turned to look at NJ and Caoimhe.

“Right. Where do we start?”

Part 3 - unknown past

Looking up at the figure above me, I saw a hand reach out to help me up. Cautiously I took it. When |I was on my feet again I looked closer at the person.

“You.. you’re the nurse we saw earlier!” I stuttered. “How.. I mean.. Really?”

She laughed. Holding out her hand she said smoothly,

“NJ maverick. And you are?”

Taking her hand I replied,

“Skye Rancour.”

“Ah. You aren’t knew to this then? How’d you decide it?”

“Pretty simple really.” I shrugged. “Skye ‘cause it’s a nice name, and also my eyes are blue. Then rancour ‘cause I’m known to be bitter and hateful at times.”

I burst out laughing. NJ looked at me oddly but couldn’t help but laugh too.

“Sooo.. Who’s that? Not bad looking if I say so myself. You two an item then?” NJ teased.

“NO! How can you even say that? We.. we’re just friends”

I glanced over to where Jesse lay. Walking over I knelt down beside him and looked closely at his wounds. Hearing a laugh behind me I turned round sharply.

“What’s funny?” I asked bewildered.

“ “We’re just friends” Oh Please! Anyone could see that you like each other. Like look at you!”

Looking down I saw that I had Jesse’s head held in my arms. Letting his head down gently and standing up again I retorted,

“Shut up” in a mock angry tone.

NJ laughed.

“Come on then. We better go. Take him with you. We can get to know each other better when we get out of here. This place creeps me out.”

Looking round carefully. NJ started to make her way through the rubble. Lifting Jesse up I made my way after her.

“So how are we getting there anyway? I’ve got my car outside.”

“What is it?”

“A personally modified Jaguar XF”

“HA! You call that a car?” NJ smirked.

“What’s wrong with it? Why, what have you got then? Miss car disser” I joked.

“An aston martin vanquish with added necessities”. She looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Lucky bitch!” I laughed.

“I know”. She laughed.

Stepping out onto the pavement we made our way to our cars.

“So where are we going then?”

“The sancturary. I presume you’ve heard of it?”

“well duh. Just messing. Aye, its in Roarhaven isn’t it?”

“Yea. Look leave your car, I’m sure we’ll find someone to get it for you.”

“kay”

NJ got into her car and opened the door for me and Jesse to get in. Placing Jesse carefully  on my lap I turned to NJ.

“So... let’s get this straight. What were you doing in the hospital?”

She sighed. “Guess you’ll find out sooner than later anyway. Right.. here’s the thing. Jesse killed his dad and now there are men after Jesse cause his father had something that they wanted.”

She looked at Jesse, “And now that his dads dead, he’s the 1 they’re after.”

“Well what are they after?”

“knowledge, facts, power. The usual. Jesse is a mediator. Whether he knows it or not is another matter. His father was too. They need his skill for something, we don’t know what yet. But whatever they’re planning... It’s big.”

We looked at each other. I gulped. Looking at Jesse I whispered

“I won’t let them get you. I promise.”

NJ looked at Skye. She felt bad for her, but didn’t say so. Accelerating, they sped off to Roarhaven.

*

As they walked through the corridors NJ pulled out her phone and rang someone. Looking at her questioningly when she hung up, she replied

“I was letting Skulduggery know. He’s a friend and colleague of mine. He’ll let the rest know.”

All of a sudden I heard a groan coming from Jesse. Gasping, I set him down on the floor gently.

He opened his eyes and looked up at us in a daze.

“Whe... where am I?”

“The santurary. I’, NJ by the way.” She held out her hand for Jesse to shake.

He looked at her.

“Buh... Buh.. But you were the nurse?”

We laughed.

“We’ll explain to you later, but we need to be moving now so hurry up”.

Rolling his eyes, he stood up and we followed NJ through the sanctuary. All of a sudden 3 people appeared in front of us. 1 of them being a skeleton.  Surprisingly NJ seemed to be expecting them, whilst Jesse and I were shocked.

“Took your time”.

“Well we got a little held up believe it or not” The new girl said, giving the boy beside her a playful glare.

“What?”

“Never mind” She laughed. “So? Aren’t you gonna introduce us NJ?”

“Oh, aye. Meet Skye and Jesse. Skye and Jesse, meet Valkyrie, Fletcher and Skulduggery.”

Jesse walked over to Skulduggery.

“Buh... You’re a skeleton?”

“Well naww. My skin and organs have merely been removed. ” Skulduggery said sarcastically.

“Are you being sarcastic?” Jesse asked, bewildered.

“And you figured that all out by yourself too. You really are smarter than you look” Skulduggery said brightly, and he walked on up the corridor leaving a confused Jesse behind.

“Hey! Wait up!” Jesse yelled, running to catch up to us. Nobody listened.

“Right, so what’s happened?” Skulduggery asked me and NJ.

“Well” we began together, looking at each other quickly. Nodding at NJ she smiled and continued.

“Basically, they found him and were close to getting him. If I hadn’t been there he would have been taken.”

“Hey! I was there!”

“Yea, and you were almost killed. What’s your power then? What are you?”

Straightening up I replied,

“an adept who can read and manipulate minds”

She laughed.

“What?”

“You could never have beat them with your power, whereas I’m an elemental.”

“Well it can come in handy, I know what move they’re gonna make before they do. I know when people are lying and I can do a lot of other things too. But I’m hardly weak. I can use a bow and arrow and I have a gun too.”

“Fair enough”

Smiling smugly at NJ’s words, we continued up the corridor.

“Now if you 2 have finally stopped bickering maybe you’d notice that someone is failing terribly at following us.”

“Now failing terribly is such a strong  word detective. I merely like to think of it as not carig if you are caught out.”

Turning around quickly at the familiar voice, I felt my heart drop.

“Seems to me we’re seeing an awful lot of each other these days aren’t we sissy?”

“Aww come on! Give it a break you ain’t getting him. So do yourself a favour...”

“Ah but we also have some unfinished business I believe. If I remember rightly you were getting your ass kicked before a miss know it all decided to intervene. I’ve still got the burn mark you know?”

“Well good for you. We all care soo deeply that little poor Shane is hurt.” NJ said in a sarcastic mocking tone.

Glaring at her he continued,

“well as I was saying, lets finish this now. If I win I get him  and if you win I’ll leave. But I think we all know who us going to win.”

“Ah, oh contraire, little bro. I was caught off guard. I could beat you with my eyes closed.”

“Well what are we still standing like a couple of blind mice for? Bring it on!”

Everyone stared at us as we prepared to fight. Cracking our knuckles at the same time, I growled and Shane sneered. Then we lunged. Crashing into each other we landed on our feet again.

Shane was an adept as well, except he was extremely fast and can’t get killed by a sword or gun. Shane feinted right but went left, I was ready and blocked his punch with ease.

“Forgot you little powers so I did. But don’t play your little mind games on me I’m used to it.” He thought. But he might as well have said it. Thinking back, putting my words into his head

“But you don’t know all my tricks. Do you? I’ve got a few new ones since we parted ways, 8 years ago.”

At this knowledge Shane temporarily looked shocked and terrified, but his expression was quickly replaced with its usual sneer.

“Oh yeah? Show me.”

“You asked for it.”

Grinning to myself I concentrated. All of his thoughts, his plans, everything. His feelings and emotions and his goals. All came flooding my mind. Opening my eyes I smirked. My eyes glowed a bright blue for only a millisecond. Then I attacked. Filled with every emotion, feeling. Every piece of knowledge and experience filled me. Taken off guard by my sudden attack he stumbled. Taking hold of his jacket I swung him against the wall. Taking a running start I kicked him in the face causing him to groan in agony. Never giving him the opportunity to get up, I slowly drew out an arrow and placed it in my bow. Looking down at him, merciless to his crumpled body. His face filled with true fear and submission.

“Please! Don’t. I’m begging you. I’m only 15. I’m your brother.. I’m your family. You can’t hurt Caoimhe like this. Who will she have? Mum and Dad are dead. I’m all she has.”

“Who’s Caoimhe? Why should I care about her? I don’t know her.”

“She’s our little sister.”

Lowering my weapon I stared at him.

“We don’t have a sister.”

“Shortly after you left, mum became pregnant. She’s 8 now. I’ve had to look after her.... She looks like you, you know? But she has both of our personality. But mostly mine. She’s training as an elemental. Like mum.”

He looked at me, and I saw an emotion I had never seen him have before. Dazed I nodded and turned to the group behind me who were just as confused as I was.

“I won’t kill you. But you’re under arrest. I don’t have the power to do that but they do.”

I looked at Val, Skulduggery and NJ. Finally Val said,

“Yeah. I’ll get the cleavers to take you down.”

Heading down the corridor quickly she left me looking at my brother.

“Where?”

“Where what?”

“Where’s Caoimhe you idiot!”

“Oh. Ummm.... Our old house. You remember where that is don’t you?”

“Unfortunately.”

No sooner had I spoken the words, when Val emerged at the end of he corridor with 2 cleavers.

“I guess this is goodbye.”

“guess so”

“Never thought it’d be like this did you?”

“Nope”

“I will get out again you know?”

“We’ll see”

“I’ll find you”

“Sure you will”

“And I’ll get him.”

“Ha! Now I know you’re insane.”

Shrugging his shoulders he let the leavers take hold of his arms, and walk him away. Glancing over his shoulder he said

“I really hate you!”

“Aww hate you more”

Laughing insanely he disappeared round the corner. Turning round to everyone else I said

“Well that’s sorted then. What do we do now?”

Grinning at their stunned expressions, well Skulduggery’s.... Skulduggery’s.. Let’s just say his head.

I walked on past them and headed on up the corridor.

part 2 - test of friendship

His words hung in the air, ringing in my ears. I searched his thickly lashed, hazel eyes; looking for something. Anything. That would prove that what he had just said wasn’t true. Nothing. They showed nothing. They stared back into my own blue eyes; truthful and ashamed. I tried to speak, but couldn’t make a sound.

“You see? This is why I didn’t tell you! You are disgusted at me! It’s written all over your face!” he spat the words at me. Standing up quickly, he ran a hand through his scruffy, blonde hair.

“Jesse?” I said tentatively.

“WHAT?” he snapped.

“I... I don’t care” I spoke quickly and carefully.

Jesse looked back at me in disbelief to as what he was hearing.

“You don’t care? How can you not care? Didn’t you hear me? I killed my father, Skye!”

“I... I know. And it is a shock to me. Don’t get me wrong. But I know you, Jesse. You wouldn’t have done it out of spite. You are too sweet to do so. I can’t actually believe you actually murdered someone though! Why did you? I mean... why did you kill him? I thought you loved him...”

He looked at me, “I don’t know Skye. I really don’t... I... I was angry... and he was there. After I did it I burned the evidence.... Oh Skye! What have I done?”

He sounded so full of remorse and self hatred, and I struggled not to hug him. Instead I stood up and made him take his head out of his hands.

“Jesse, listen to me! You are not a bad person! Okay? You didn’t mean to do it, and it’s in the past now... But I would say one thing”

“What’s that?” he asked in surprise.

“RUN!” I yelled.

Grabbing his hand we sprinted down the corridors. As we rounded the bend, we found our way blocked by six men dressed in black. Turning on our heels to go back the way we came, we found ourselves trapped.

Groaning to myself, I quickly let go of Jesse’s hand and pulled back my coat to reveal a gun strapped to my thigh. Jesse caught sight of it and took a step back.

“WHOA! What’s that for?”

“There’s a whole lot you don’t know about me. But now’s not the time to explain”

Shoving him out of harm’s way, against the wall. I began to fight. Shooting in all directions, i began to realise the immense amount of men there were. Which was made much worse by the slight problem, that they didn’t actually die once shot.

“What the hell are they?” I muttered to myself.

All of a sudden a surge of fire engulfed the men standing in the corridor I had just exited. Blinking rapidly at the stinging sensation of the smoke that caused my eyes to water. Turning around quickly I saw Jesse being knocked unconscious by one of the men. I screamed an dived at the man, throwing him to the floor. Ripping off his mask, i gasped. Sneering back up at my dumbfound expression, was my little brother Shane.

“Long time no see big sis” he leered.

“what the hell are you doing here? What do you want?” I hissed.

He glanced over at Jesse, who had blood dripping from his forehead.

“We want pretty boy over there. Now if you don’t mind getting off me. We’ll take him and be on our merry little way. Capuche?”  

“Not a chance in hell!” I snarled back, my eyes full of loathing.

He sighed.

“Always have to take the hard way out. Don’t we? When will we learn?” He shook his head tutting at me.

He pounced. Throwing me against the wall. Before I had a chance to get to my feet, he was already up and had a chair in his hands. Rolling sideways sharply, just to see the chair slam against the wall where I had been just and second before. Looking round at him, I saw malice and glee marking his face. Without any warning he lunged at me. Hands around my throat he lifted me up by the neck.

“Awwwww. Poor little Skye can’t fight back” he sneered.

Glaring back. I clawed at his hands. My face going redder by the second. My vision became foggy and the next thing I know, air is rushing its way into my oxygen deprived body. Sinking to my knees I gulped in lungfulls of air. Looking up I see a tall, slim figure standing aboveme, fire in her hand. At my feet is my unconscious brother, blood trickling from his mouth. I gulped. All around me were bodies, littering the ground. Blood smeared the walls and painted the floor.

Staring back up at the person who towered above me I asked,

“Who are you?”