I- R- I- S-

I typed each key on the clunky keyboard. I fixed the 'reading is fun' sticker on the corner of my monitor. A rather happy star smiled back at me. The library's dull fluorescent lights strained to keep up with the room. Rows of dusty shelves, the computers shoved to the back corner of the room. One lone straggler fished through the shelves, browsing for the perfect book. The lazy afternoon chased away the crowds.

I smashed the enter key, pictures of purple flowers popping up. Hundreds of images, different shades and varieties. I hissed a sigh. Does iris mean the flower, the name, or the part of the eye? I'm starting to think Lewis is insane….

Still, I can't get it out of my head, Lewis calling me Wanderer. I guess Victor could've told him who I was...but it's strange, he wasn't acting like my enemy. Hopefully this Iris, whatever it was, could give me answers.

"Having some trouble there, Phynley?" The short-haired librarian stopped behind me. A swish of her dark green gingham dress. I've seen her here plenty of times before.

I turned in my chair, looking up at her. "Do you know anything called Iris? Like a company, someone famous, or even something like a monument?"

The librarian tapped her chin. "Huh...I don't think so." Pursing her lips, she leaned over the desk. "What is this for?"

I fidgeted, clearing the search box. "It's a part of a scavenger hunt…" I gave a nervous laugh. "The only clue I have is Iris."

"Here." She pushed me over, retyping iris out. After a space, she tried different letters, auto-complete popping up with more options. "There's a painting called iris?" she mumbled, clicking on a link. Scrolling down the page, she stopped. "It's currently on display, part of a permanent exhibition." She stepped back from the computer. "Not sure if that's what you're looking for, but that's the best I got."

"Thanks…" I murmured, my voice lost at the artist's name. Walter Skinner. Walter was the name of the dead assassin. I know better than to think it's a coincidence.

I closed the browser, sliding in my chair. So the Avarice art gallery, that's as good of a place to start than any. Abandoning the computers, I walked away from view. Down a dark hallway, I checked over my shoulder. No prying eyes, I imagined the pictures from the website. I let the room disappear.

I opened my eyes, standing in front of the painting. A woman with long dark hair and a pretty smile. She held a fist full of irises, the vivid purple spinning up to the sky.

Someone gasped over my shoulder. I turned, people pointing and gawking. Shoot. Worried whispers, people scrambled out the doors. I pivoted back to the picture. There's no time to worry about being seen.

I studied the painting, the markings. A strange ache behind her dark brown eyes. Her smile couldn't quite eclipse the sorrow. I wonder if it's true to life. I smiled back at her. The canvas hanging on the wall, a spotlight over it. I straightened the canvas, moving to take the picture off the wall.

"Stop! What are you doing?" A museum uniform reached out his arm, approaching slowly. The rest of the room emptied out, I guess I made a stir.

I gripped the edges again."I want to see if anything's behind the picture."

He waves his hands wildly. "The artist's name is on the wall, please don't touch it."

I sighed, "I know that already, I need more-"

"Are you a ghost...an angel, or…" He trembled, his eyes lost.

Is he for real? These people think I'm a ghost? How Avarice managed to keep me out of the papers is really quite extraordinary. "Sure, whatever" I said, pointing back to the painting. "Do you know anything about this picture?" I tried to lift it, the canvas bolted down. Crap.

The man stared with wide eyes. "Um, I...I…"

This isn't working. I rubbed my temples, taking a breath. "Look, I don't have all day." I vanished right in front of him, walking back from behind him. "Do you want me to keep haunting you?"

He stumbled forward, letting out a yelp. "Don't hurt me!" He buried his head in his hands.

I'm making this worse. I sighed, "Listen, I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to know about the picture."

He peeked through his fingers, shaking less. "The whole collection is a tribute to those who've laid down lives for Avarice...I don't know about this picture specifically, but I think the woman is the artist's daughter...please, that's all I know." He covered his head again.

I traced my fingers over the artist card. "Do you know much about Walter?"

He shook his head. "I only know that he's been in the papers...there was some controversy on whether we should keep up his paintings, but the higher ups said it was alright." He kept his shoulders tight. "Sounds like he was more troubled than a traitor...but everything is so vague about Redemption day."

"They're vague about everything…" I grumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing…" I hummed. If Iris is a part of a tribute, she might still be in a government database. I'm getting myself into way too much trouble. I turned, thumb to my wrist, tracking my heartbeat. "I'll leave you alone now, thanks."

I shut my eyes, my mind going to a familiar office. I need a computer with access, someone who would use such information. Slipping into the rhythm, I disappeared.

Modern white walls, green ferns poking out of every corner. How about the admins assistant? The front desk ahead of me, Brain's empty chair swiveled. Promising enough. I scrambled over to it, skidding behind the desk.

I clicked open programs, the screen loading with popups. I flipped through them, stopping at one with personnel in the title. I clumsily typed out Iris Skinner's name, my fingers feeling slow.

The screen changed, dots loading. C'mon, c'mon. I tapped the desk, growing antsy. The elevator dinged, the door rolling open. Oh no. I lept under the desk, ducking my head down. I can't get caught now.

Footsteps, their cheap dress shoes marched over to the desk. The man walked around, giving a big sigh. I shrunk back under the desk.

Antagonising seconds, he clicked at the screen. "What the?" he huffed, "What..is this?" That voice was familiar enough, Brian scowled at the monitor. He's not getting away.

I shoved the rolly chair into his knees, knocking Brian against the wall. I jumped out of my burrow, shaking a fist at him. "What are you still doing here?"

Brian wheezed, his eyes wide. "Me? What are you doing here?" His eyes flicked back to the screen. "And why are you looking up Walter's daughter," he hissed, fear leaking in his voice.

"None of your business, traitor." I stepped back from him. "I don't understand why they can't arrest you already."

"Between the two of us, I'm not the one they're most interested in," he cackled, straightening his collar. "You really should check the news."

"Wait, I don't understand..."

Brian pushed past me, falling into the chair. "They just put out a warrant for your arrest, Ms. Okie. They showed your picture and everything." He spun towards the desk. "Everyone's just about forgotten me."

"You're lying...Jude, wouldn't." I shook my head. "He wouldn't."

"Ouch, first name basis with the Commander and he stabs you in the back," Brian laughed as he gathered up his stuff. He stuffed a thumbdrive in his pocket. "You better worry about yourself. They're coming after you, you and everyone you're associated with." He swung his bag over his arm, giving it a pat. "I'm taking advantage of the chaos."

"Not so fast." I shoved Brian back down. "What does it say on the computer? I need to know about Iris."

He scrunched up his face. "Why can't you read it yourself?"

I tossed him towards the screen. "Just tell me what it says."

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He swallowed, staring wide-eyed at the screen. "Most of this file is redacted, " he stuttered. I glared at him till he started reading. "It just says she died...not even when...just-" he froze.

I leaned closer, squinting at the screen. "What is it?"

"Her death certificate…" he mumbled, "...it was signed by Dr. Geier."

"Dr. Geier?" I pulled on his arm. "Who's that?"

Brian exited out of the page, ducking under my arm. "If you don't know, you're in big trouble."

"Brian!" I chased after him. "Wait!" He skirted away, scampering down the hall. Into the elevator, the door shut before I reached it. Why is Geier so important?

I took a breath, turning back. I can't run around the tower after him. I horrible thought crawled back up. They're coming after you, you and everyone you're associated with. My heart pounded, a steady panic in my chest. If they have my friends...

I tightened my fists, taking in an angry breath. Was Victor planning this the whole time? To make me think I was safe and then strike first? He came ready for this fight.

I looked over my shoulder, fidgeting in the quiet room. I can't go looking for the team, not with Lewis being arrested, they'll be in the thick of it. I have to be patient, wait-

I left Drake's number with Jude. My head spun, a thousand scenarios playing out. If he dared...I shut my eyes, reaching for the rhythm. I have to make sure.

I disappeared from the office, the warehouse building up around me. An eerie silence, wind whistling through a hole in the window. I stood petrified. Car parts tossed across the room. The crunch of shattered glass under my feet. Broken booze bottles, the smell trapped in the air. A dim flicker from the neon sign. This place is destroyed.

"Drake?" I called, my voice only rising above a whisper. A wave of nausea, as I stared at the destruction. I'm too late. I kicked a wrench across the room, growling in frustration. Why are they doing this?

A little slip of yellow stuck out from underneath the bar counter. I blinked at it, walking closer. I ripped off the yellow paper, a key attached to it along with an address. Drake's handwriting, big letters...I won't squeal, I promise.

Clutching the paper, I shut my eyes. That idiot...he actually followed through for me. I stuffed the key in my pocket.

A creak of a step, I turned around. A shadow drew open the warehouse door, The light coloured his face, a stranger in a sleek navy suit jacket. He stepped inside, gun trained on me.

"Who are you?" I hissed at him.

"I know they don't give names at Council meetings, but I'm not that forgettable," he sighed.

He's a council member? I squinted at his face, the memory vague. The cocky soldier, wonder if he'll have any more wise cracks for me. I smirked at him, shrugging my shoulders. "No, sorry, don't know you-"

He raised his gun. "We'll get to know each other, I'm arresting you for treason, espionage, conspiracy to commit murder," he said, tilting his head. "You've been a busy woman."

"You think you can arrest me?" I snorted, "That's funny."

The soldier smirked. "We still have Drake. You don't come in and we'll charge him too."

I sighed, "Gosh, you guys really are stupid. There aren't many prisons in the city."

"He isn't in prison," he said with his perfect teeth.

Like I said, stupid. He's giving out information for free.

nodded my head. "Sure, but say I come with you, you won't be able to hold me."

His smirk widened. "We'll manage. That isn't for you to worry about."

So Idyllic is sharing that serum. He wouldn't be so confident if they weren't. I clapped my hands together, grinning back. "As lovely as that sounds, I'll pass." I locked onto the pulse, the warehouse vanishing from around me.

I stumbled onto the concrete, catching my balance on the sidewalk. I froze in the driveway, in front of Raine's house. She's the only friend they don't know about.

I walked for the front door, hesitating. I can't knock on the door. Her family may have seen the news. I paced back, following the song on the wind chimes.

I ran around into the backyard, peering through windows. Please be here. I strained my neck. Maud passed by the window, heading to the living room. Raine slouched in the corner, a sour look on her face. Perfect.

I picked up a rock, cupping it in my hand. I tossed it at the window. The short click hit the glass. Raine lifted her head, her gaze catching mine. Her face turned to rage.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, hiding in the shadow of the oak tree in her backyard.

Raine rolled her eyes, standing up from her chair. "I'm coming, Idiot," she mouthed, disappearing from the window.

I shrunk back behind a tree, waiting in the quiet of her garden. Grey clouds drudged in over the blue sky. My heart pounded steady, a fear I pushed away.

Raine ran around the house, giving me a vicious snarl. She marched straight for me, shaking her fist. "What on earth did you do?"

"I didn't do anything, I promise. They just started coming after me, I don't know why," I tried to steady my voice.

Raine raised her eyebrows. "Uh huh, that's why your name's all over the news." She pointed to the window. "What am I supposed to tell my parents? My mum is beside herself. Worried about you and what I'm mixed up in."

"I know, I'm really sorry…" I shut my eyes. "I did run into Kendall when I was looking for the others. He made it sound like if I stayed out of his way, he'd stay out of mine…but now Avarice is hunting me like a dog, and-" I hung my head "-I can only think this is his idea of striking first."

Raine's frown fell, she gave a slow nod. "Kendall's a weasel, I wouldn't be surprised." She pursed her lips, looking back at the house. "We need to act fast, before we lose any advantage."

"I know...but they have a friend of mine. I need to get him back first," I muttered, the realization bringing with it a wave of fear. "I don't know who else they have, but I can't let them have collateral."

Raine scrunched up her face. "So why are you here? You want a gun?" She pulled a handgun out of her hoodie pocket, passing it to me. "I can loan it to you. Careful, it's already loaded."

The gun in my palm, I swallowed my spit. "Do you always carry a gun on you?"

Raine nodded. "I work with dangerous people...but by your reaction this isn't what you wanted?"

"I don't know what I came for...maybe I'm just rattled," I sighed, my fingers moving around the gun. "This will probably come in handy though."

Raine grinned. "That's the spirit, Phyn" she laughed, her smile fading. "If I could help, I would." She shrugged her shoulders. "This all hangs on them not knowing working together." She tilted her head. "But on the bright side, Alaric's going to treat you nicer now that you're an outlaw."

"The silver lining," I snorted, the gun still heavy in my hand. What am I going to do?

Raine pulled on her hoodie strings, frowning. She leaned back against the oak. "There's still something I need to look into...but we can meet back after dark and head to that abandoned base I was talking about."

"You're not kidding about acting fast."

She raised her chin. "Our only advantage is surprise. We lose that and we have nothing."

"Alright, understood," I mumbled. Purple flowers grew in the garden, a similar shade as the painting. My stomach twisted up, I held my breath. Iris's sad eyes at the back of my mind. "Hey, Raine, do you know anything about Iris Skinner?"

"Walter's daughter?" She blinked, tapping her chin. "Only a little, why?"

"We have a traitor on Murray's team...and before he was arrested, he told me to look into Iris. I don't know why, or how it's connected, but I found out her death certificate was signed by a Dr. Geier."

Raine winced. "Geier? For real…?" she muttered. Who is this doctor?

I raised my eyebrows "Do you know him?"

She clenched her jaw. "Sort of...but you won't find much on Geier."

"Why not?"

She shrugged her shoulders, hands in her hoodie pocket. "Because he's dead too." He is? I blinked her. She kicked the tree stump, anger brooding behind her tired glare. "You've met his prodigy though, that scientist who attacked me in Idyllic...Helios."

My eyes went wide. "Raine..." Is she really saying...?

She took a breath, a dim look in her eye. "You've also met his killer. I shot Dr. Geier."

"But why? Who is he?"

Rain pulled her hands out of her pockets, staring at those missing fingers. "You know I was a part of the revolt, and well...when everything went down, most of us were captured. Many of my friends were sent to Dr. Geier as test subjects."

Oh… My shoulders fell. "He's the doctor involved with the experiments."

She gave a pained grin. "Ever wonder why there aren't more people with powers? Only one of five trials was successful in the long term...the rest died agonizing deaths. I'm guessing that's what took Iris as well." Raine clenched her fists. "People like Geier don't stop...so I took care of it myself." She lifted her head. "That day was the first time I met Murray, face to face."

"He was there too?" I blinked.

Raine nodded. "They sent him after Geier. To knock him off and bring the research back to the capital. Apparently the doctor was doing work for both Avarice and Vitriol." She snorted, "He was shocked to see the teenage revolutionary beat him to it. He didn't even arrest me, just burned the place down." She shrugged her shoulders. "And that's why the experiments stopped, and why Murray lost his stars."

Huh…interesting, that he would want to stop the very experiments he was a part of. My eyes moved to the stormy sky. "The Commander had something on his desk about the experiments…" All this interest in my powers. I froze where I stood, feeling light headed. "You don't think…"

She shook her head. "No, it's over, they can't I-"

"They sent me to Helios, Raine, Helios. It's starting to make sense, what if this is about restarting the experiments."

Raine chewed on her lip. "Ya...but how does this connect to the war? People from both Vitriol and Avarice are involved. What ties them together?"

"I...don't know." Victor's words about the Remedy echoed in my mind. If I wasn't scared before. "We can figure that out later." I tightened my grip on the gun.

Raine shook her head. "You know you can't go, right? If they capture you, finish their testing-"

"I can't leave Drake with them!" I roared. "I won't let them hurt him because of me."

Raine's eye wide. She took a breath, her shoulders falling. "I know...and I won't stop you." She pointed back with piercing glare burned back. "But be ready to make tough decisions, you have to make it back, okay?"

"Okay." I gritted my teeth. "I'll find a way..." My heart beating faster, I struggled to keep my voice, "I can save everyone." He might have the rest of my team too.

Raine raised her chin. "And if you can't, you escape with your life."

"Ya, of course," I said, not believing my own words. I don't know what I'll do. "I'll be back after dark," I mumbled, stepping away from the tree. I waved to Raine, heading out of the backyard and undoubtedly right into Kendall's trap.