Rosa rounded Zen and Isaias and hugged them both. “Isaias, keep your sister safe. Zen, keep your brother in line.”

Isaias groaned. “I ain’t that bad!”

Zen scoffed. “That’s debatable. Let's ask Marco.”

Isaias grumbled a let’s not and pierced Zen with a glare. Rosa smiled and kissed both leaving dark brown lipstick smudges on their cheeks. Isaias wiped his causing Rosa to pout and Zen to laugh. Rosa leaned in to kiss Isaias again but Isaias ducked. “No more kisses.”

Marco walked up then and sighed dramatically. “And here I was all set and ready.” He smirked at Rosa and Zen and turned around before Isaias could see it, walking away despondently. Isaias ran after him causing Rosa and Zen to hollar in laughter.

Zen turned to Rosa giggling. “I don’t think I have to handle Isaias anymore, mama.”

Rosa glanced to where Marco was now holding a dreamy-eyed Isaias. “I guess not.”

Bernado came down in a hurry and started rushing them to the cars. Zen kissed her mother and turned to Carmelo. “Thank you for watching out for my mother, sir.”

Surprisingly Carmelo smiled as Rosa tugged him to her. “It's a partnership,” she said snuggling into him.

He nodded just as Bernado grabbed Zen’s arm and twisted.

Zen gasped. “Uncle that hurts,” she whimpered. The crystal started shocking Bernado till he let go.

“We’re going to be late with you nattering around,” he grumbled closing and opening his hands, trying to get some feeling back into them. Stephan idled up to her and slid his hand against hers, leading her to a car. She got in and scooted over for him but Isaias and Marco swept in instead and he rode shotgun. Bernado and Marie rode in another car far grander than their rusted brown four-door sedan.

Zen, Isaias, Marco, Marie Elena, Stephan, and Bernado were walking down the halls of the Arrio Compound. It was immense and Zen would have gotten lost ages ago if it wasn’t for her brother and uncle steering them down the halls. The walls were painted cerulean with gold borders like in the Estate. But the walls were lacking decoration. They passed by the mess hall which was crowded with Guerreros of all types. They all stopped in the middle of what they were doing, stood, and saluted to Bernado who ignored them and kept going. Zen frowned. Shouldn’t uncle have bowed back?

She caught Marco’s eye who nodded his head. They continue on their trek to the hanger.

They entered the common room where some Guerreros were lazing about off mission and again they stood and saluted, and again Bernado ignored this and went on his way. He’s going to lose the loyalty of the Guerreros if he keeps acting like that.

She smiled at the Guerreros when she passed. She gained a few smiles back. The motto of the Arrio stood proudly on the wall above the mantel. They went past another blue hall to the back where two double doors were shut. Bernado stood before them and a ray of light scanned his figure before a beep was heard, and the doors slid open. He walked inside where two huge jets were waiting. One was being prepped, It had the spider emblem on its side. That should tell anyone whose plane this is. Carmelo’s logo was Universal.

Zen sat on the wide seat of the jet. There were two rows of seats as big as hers and two seats open to the side where Isaias and Marco sat with their guns in their laps. It was stifling and not at all like the SMVK. Boy did she wish she were back there. Then she wouldn’t have to deal with losing possibly half her life to a complete stranger because of her big heart. That cold feeling invaded her insides again and she felt numb.

A warm tingling shot through her. Are you happy to be used? A shock. A-are you comforting me? A tingle. Thank you. That is very kind of you. Another tingle. Will you heal this girl? A shock. But my cousin! She’s innocent in this.

Not everything is as it seems, little one. Your uncle lies.

A tingle and Zen frowned holding onto the crystal.

Stephan tapped her shoulder and she leaned back. “What’s wrong?” he whispered, tickling her neck with his breath.

“The crystal says uncle is lying about Mariposa and Marie Elena. He wants the crystal for something else,” she whispered back now terrified at what her reality could become.

Stephan squeezed her shoulder. “Get our brothers. We need to talk as soon as we land.”

She nodded and told Marco and Isaias what the crystal said.

Isaias and Marco both scowled. “He’s in for a rude awakening,” said Marco as they all straightened in their seats when Bernado cast them with a suspicious eye.

“We’ll talk later. Best not look suspicious or we won’t get that chance later,” muttered Stephan seemingly close to Zen to twirl her hair. Isaias glared but nodded. Zen blushed and stopped his hand, brushing their fingers and causing her to glow a darker red.

“Pirate. I’m watching you!” growled Isaias lifting his gun.

Marco rolled his eyes and dragged Isaias back to him. He made a great cushion for his neck to rest on.

Stephan smirked. “Looks like my brother’s got him handled.”

Zen caught the dreamy-eyed look on Isaias and nodded. “That was fast.”

She turned to face the port window and stared out at the endless sky. It was a view she had seen on the SMVK but unlike when she was in the SMVK, it brought nothing but nervousness. One step closer to New Artica and two more Dons. One step closer to the possible end of my life or at least the shortening of it. If uncle really is using me? Is there really nothing I can do? A tingling sensation shot through her. Thank you.

It took three hours by jet to get to New Arctica. Zen passed it by napping. She opened her eyes when she felt the jet descending from altitude.

She yawned. “We there already?”

Isaias grunted. “Looks like it.”

Marco shifted in his chair. “In this jet, New Arctica isn’t so far but the pilot must have been going several knots to get here so fast. By my calculations, we had three hours to go.”

Zen nodded and stretched her upper body. The sign for the seat belt was turned on. She fastened her seat belt and waited for the jet to land. Despite her situation, she had never been to New Arctica and was curious to see the paradise island. The skyline showed green everywhere she looked.

“That’s the rainforest New Artica is so known for,” came Stephan’s voice a bit shaky.

Zen turned to face him. “I thought they’d died with the climate change?”

Stephan smirked. “They’re vital to climate change so in every era there’s at least one. New Artica’s Don D’Angelo and his father before him have passed a law about cutting any of it down.”

That’s nice,” she said.

Stephan snorted. “Only because the rainforest produces energy of a kind not seen anywhere else. Dons always have a motive. Haven’t you learned that yet?”

Zen felt his reprimand but he was right. There was more to this than Marie Elena’s life. Her uncle was hiding something from them. She peeked at Stephan who had relaxed in the seat next to her. He seemed tired to her as if he never slept. She turned back to the skyline. She knew that she had to apologize for her actions but apologizing never came easy to her. She was a stubborn person by heart.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

###

Zen walked down the steps with Stephan, Isaias, and Marco following. Once on the ground of the airport, Isaias and Marco fell into step with her, one on either side, guns at the shoulder. Stephan stood aside. They walked with total confidence. Ahead of them, four Guerreros were doing the same for Bernado. He had the added protection of the front and rear guards. As if I would stab him in the back! I should for the insult!

Stephan gripped her hand and squeezed; she calmed down.

She fixed her hair and dress and made sure that she was as put together as an Elite person should be. She was meeting two other Dons. One she knew and the other she had no idea about. Bernado stopped and greeted someone. The blasted guards won’t let me see who it is!

Marco grinned. It’s lady Vasquez.

Zen looked at him. Is she pretty?

She’s dangerous. Not one to mess with especially when her granddaughter is in peril.

Zen caught glimpses of coiffed mahogany hair and the regal upstanding visage of a woman, but not much else until her uncle stepped aside and Mrs. Vasquez was introduced to her.

“This is Cecile Vasquez, grandmother to Mariposa, Zen,” Bernado said, smiling at the woman.

Zen bowed to the blue-eyed stranger in front of her. “Pleased to meet you, Señora.”

“Hmm. así que esta es la niña que tiene el cristal? Ni siquiera puede entender me!” (So this is the girl with the crystal? She can’t even understand me)

Zen didn’t reply but inside she was seething. Who does this woman think she is? The crystal won’t even help her granddaughter!

“Yo entiendo Español muy bien Señora” (I understand Spanish very well ma’am.) Zen said.

“Entonces. Entiende una cosa. Yo soy capaz de hacer cualquier cosa para que mi nieta despierte...incluyendo la matanza de una descarada.” (Then understand this. I’m capable of anything for my grandchild even your wretched death.)

If she tries I won’t work at all

“Si me matas el crystal no funcionara. Me lol dijo” (If you kill me the crystal will not function. It told me so.)

“Zen!” Bernado warned.

The woman turned to Bernado. “Esta descarada puede hablar con el cristal?” (This wretched girl can talk with the crystal?)

“No lo sabia, Cecile,”(I didn’t know, Cecile) Bernado said glaring at Zen who looked back with cold eyes.

“If I’m about to lose my life, it will not be to a stiletto in the dark by this woman, uncle.”

Marco stepped forwards slightly. You are playing a dangerous game Zen.

No, she is. The crystal refuses to help heal her granddaughter after the way she treated me. Before there was a chance. She murdered it in cold blood when she talked of killing me in front of the crystal.

If you don’t help her granddaughter, she’ll kill you.

We’ll jump that bridge when we get to it. Like I told my uncle, I will not let that woman kill me.

Zen stood her ground and let her uncle calm the raging woman just as two men entered the room. The first she knew. His bright canary yellow suit was slightly baggy on his frame and he was leaning on the golden cane but it was Don Vasquez. The other man however was a mystery.

He was far younger, almost as young as her with glossy black hair tied in a small ponytail. He wore a leather jacket, jeans, and a rock band t-shirt with combat boots. All of it was of high quality despite the rips in the pants. His obsidian eyes were trained on them. Could this be the other Don? But he’s so...laid back!

“Welcome to New Arctica, Don Arrio, Don Vasquez. I have been anxious to meet you.”

“Don D'Angelo, it's a pleasure to be invited to New Arctica. This is Zen. She carries the crystal. We’ll head over to heal Mariposa now.”

D’Angelo turned his eyes to Zen and grinned. “You’re much too pretty to be a Low.”

Zen rolled her eyes and grinned. “But I am Don D’ Angelo. I am here to …”

“Zen!”

Zen glared at her uncle but closed her mouth and smiled instead. “Thank you for accepting us, Don D’Angelo,” she said instead, bowing.

D’Angelo grinned, “None of that with me. You can call me D’Angelo I won’t mind.”

The humidity in the air became stifling and Marco had to shove Stephan to keep him in line.

Isaias narrowed his eyes. It hadn’t escaped him how the new Don was being too friendly with his sister. I’ll call you something! Cradle Robber!

Marco made a choking sound in the back of his throat. He’s only twenty-one, Isaias! He’s the youngest Don to get the title.

That explains the no-suit appearance. I don’t need another male sniffing around my sister Marco! I already have your brother, a space pirate captain, and an elemental! Now I have a Don as well? Heck no!

She’s growing up. She’s bound to attract some attention hee he.

Wait until Edline starts to grow up. You’ll be beating males off her with a stick.

Marco frowned. I don’t want to think about that yet, she’s only nine...well ten.

Little spark won’t be little forever...then it’ll be your turn to lament as boys sniff around her.

I’ll leave that to Stephan.

Isaias grinned imagining the poor saps that went after Edline soaked to the bone...at least he hoped that was all Stephan would do to them. A memory of his uncle and the tentacles came to mind.

Are you sure you want to leave that to your rather unhinged brother? He kept my uncle without air for almost thirty seconds!

Marco sighed. Good point.

A hoover vehicle had been called from the hospital to take all of them to the hospital. The Dons would go in their cars. Zen would ride with Stephan, Isaias, and Marco in the hoover car. They stepped outside the airport and Zen began to shiver. Everyone had a jacket or coat except for her. A leather jacket was placed over her shoulders and she turned to Don D’Angelo who was grinning.

“I’m prepared for this kind of weather. It’s cold enough to snow today.”

“You have snow?”

Yeah this is a temperate climate and right now we are closer to spring but it gets unbearably cold some days. Today is one of those days. It’s honestly a miracle we have a rainforest. It’s on the other side of the island though, where it’s unbelievably hot and muggy.”

Zen smiled and pulled the coat closer. “I wish I could see it.”

“Maybe you can.”

“A Low hanging out with a Don? You’ll be laughed at.”

“But you can pretend to be an Elite class right?”

Zen shook her head. “I only pretend for clients of my uncle's, otherwise I wouldn’t be me and for good or bad I am a Low.”

“Hmm, I like your stubbornness.”

Zen blushed and stopped in front of the Hoover car. Before she could get in, D’Angelo took her hand. She turned to him in question.

“Want to ride with me?”

“Can I?”

Sure!”

Zen smiled and turned to him following him to a low-slung Jaguar. It was jet black with a yellow stripe through the middle. Zen laid her hand on it appreciatively.

“It’s nice.”

D’Angelo grinned. “Hop in it’s open.”

Zen did so and admired the fine upholstery of the leather seats.

“Buckle in and get ready. We’ll be the first to the hospital.”

Zen buckled in. “Let’s go!”

D’Angelo grinned, slammed the gas, and spun the wheel.

They spun onto the road leading toward the hospital.

###

Isaias watched the black sports car spin onto the road with a grimace. “A hole my sister is in there!”

Marco grinned. “And probably loving every minute of it.”

Isaias scowled. “Wait til it's your turn, Marco,”

“I know I know...but not yet. I can be amused by your plight.”

Isaias groaned and the hoover car started off on the journey to the hospital.

Stephan was ramrod straight and once more the humidity was unbearable making the others twitch about. He was pissed no he was jealous he wasn’t stupid enough to harm a Don but he could make little figurines and squish them laughing maniacally, so he did that.

Isaias watched as he unnerved the rest of the people around him and Marco slapped Stephan on the head shaking his head. The others relaxed once the strange manic elemental just stared out the window and kept bending the metal of his chair. IT went from humid to them not needing airconditioners.

“I don’t get it. How are we supposed to defend the Don if we are not with him,” said a Guerrero. Another one nodded his head while another scoffed. “He killed my younger brother for being seasick. I only stay for the money. Maybe young Luis is right and we need a new leader. Did you see how he treated the others this morning?” The other Guerreros nodded. Isaias and Marco listened in but didn’t say anything that could be heard.

Zen was right about uncle losing respect with his stunt.

Is your cousin against Bernado?

He wants to overthrow him possibly and my uncle just gave him a way to do it! Damn! I may not respect my uncle like I used to, but I respect my money-grubbing cousin less. Back when I was a part of his territorial gang, he was a bad leader and I had to keep our gang finances as far away from him as possible. I went to my uncle, and he assigned Nathan to be a co-signer to the deals my cousin made. Nathan is an older gang member who was demoted for killing another member when they pissed him off.

I knew Nathan...must’ve been big because he’s usually as cool as a cucumber when it comes to most things. That’s why he was so high up on the gang scale.

Rumor has it that the man he killed, was responsible for the murder of his brother. I don’t judge him if that’s the case. I know I would want revenge if Zen was murdered in front of me like his brother was done in front of him.

So, your cousin is slowly pulling the curtains on his dad then?

It seems like it.