A muffled sound slipped into the darkness. Starting weak, the voices rose in number. A faint song in the air, it carried. Something stirring me awake, I squirmed. The darkness calling me back, I let the sound fade. Just a little longer.

Something poked my face. I frowned, moving my head. An ache filtering back, I grimaced. Why does my head hurt? Another poke, I swatted it away. I cracked my eyes open a slit, the glare of the lights burned. They poked me again, a blurry face beside me. I blinked again to find a toothy grin from a revolutionary.

Raine snickered at me, the sunlight still stinging my eyes. I shut them again. Why is she doing this? Raine turned, talking to someone else, "See, I was right. She's waking up." I frowned, the light filtered through my eyelids. They're waiting for me to wake up?

"I didn't say she wasn't," Oliver's voice carried from the other corner of the room. I peeked my eyes back open, turning over. Piles of flowers in the corner, the sunlight streamed through the window, over the hospital room. I'm in the hospital?

Oliver slouched in the hospital chair, he gave me a smile. "How are you feeling, Okie?"

I rubbed my head, my voice feeling hoarse. "Like I was hit with a truck." I tried to laugh, looking between them. "What happened…? Am I alright?"

Oliver tilted his head, sitting forward. "You've suffered several head injuries, some tissue damage."

Raine sat down on the bed. "And it's been four days since you blacked out on the roof?"

I blinked. "Four days? I've been unconscious for four days?"

Oliver shrugged his shoulders . "Not entirely, you've come in and out a couple times. Not as clear as you are now."

I sat up, rubbing my temple. How did I end up here? I took a breath, the events from before I blacked out came rushing back. I shot Victor, I killed him.

The creak of the chair, Oliver stood up. "By all accounts you're going to be fine though," he said, rubbing his forehead. "I'm not your doctor, but I am a meddlesome friend-"

"Ah-" I smiled at them "-so you both have been causing trouble, hanging around my hospital room."

"You love us, admit it." Raine raised her chin. "And who else is going to keep you informed about happenings?" She lifted up a newspaper over the table. "You need to know the latest wacky stories they're spreading about the Angel of Fortitude."

I scrunched up my nose. Angel of Fortitude?

Oliver laughed, "Ya they've started making stuff up, it borders on ridiculous." He pivoted his steps. "But that's what happens when you're too unconscious to set the story straight."

Wait. I turned my head, looking between them. "You're saying…?" I rubbed my eyes. "They're calling me that?" I groaned, "Isn't that more than a touch dramatic?"

"Ya, the chaos has been fun," Raine snorted, flopping back on the bed. "Your broadcast in Vitriol started to get a lot of attention, the media just ate it up."

"Gosh, this is ridiculous." I rubbed my face. "I didn't do anything-"

Oliver rolled his eyes. "You are the one who kept persevering, who brought us all together. You did your share to crack this whole thing open."

"But it was a team effort," I said, "We all put a lot in this."

Raine darted her eyes. "Either way you've become the face of us. Even Ingrid's been using your officially obtained angel status as a political chess piece."

I turned my head. "So is Ingrid-"

"Acting Commander of Avarice," Oliver said, rolling his eyes. "With Jude in recovery, she was the most pragmatic candidate." He scratched his beard. "She's fighting to get him declared unfit."

Raine cackled, "She is a frightening political opponent." She lifted her head. "But, she does seem interested in moving Avarice in a better direction."

Oliver pursed his lips. "Too interested, all these meetings are making my head spin."

"So things are moving…" I murmured, a cheer coming up through the window. The singing got louder. I recognized the melody, a victory song, the second anthem of Avarice. My eyes drifted to the window, the light shining through the blinds. I relaxed my shoulders, taking a deep breath. "The war is over."

Raine's smirk widened, she cackled, rolling off the bed. "She guessed it! I won again."

Oliver grumbled, leaning against the wall. "You'll get your money, pirate."

"You guys are taking bets on me?" I frowned.

"It was Oliver's idea." She stuck her tongue out at him, turning back to face me. She rested her head on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry you weren't awake to see it, all your hard work paying off."

Oliver folded his hands. "Ingrid only signed the treaty yesterday. With the riots across Vitriol and the loss of their leader, they were eager for peace." He peeked out the window, adjusting the blinds. "We've been enjoying the music ever since."

So we actually did it. I blinked at him. "And you were just going to wait till I figured it out?"

Raine rolled her eyes. "We were bored, looking to be cheered up." She took a breath. "And after everything…"

Oliver lowered his head. "Yes," he murmured.

I nodded my head, fighting shivers. The light seemed to dim. "So Gwen...she's really dead." I scrunched up my shoulders.

Raine bit her cheek. "Her funeral's in a few days, glad you'll be awake for that."

"And Lewis?" They didn't meet my eyes. I cleared my throat. "So he's dead too..."

Oliver twisted his mouth in a frown. "Most likely."

I blinked at them. "Most likely?" What did that mean?

Raine murmured, "His body went missing...along with Helios." She darted her gaze over. "Helios is a coward though, he won't try anything."

I shook my head. "Still...why would he take Lewis's body? What does this mean?" My mind going back, Lewis placed something in my hand, a circle over a circle.

I searched for pockets, frantic as I pulled on an off-blue gown. It has to be somewhere. "Where's my jacket, my stuff?" I raised my voice.

Oliver gave me a wary glance. "It should be around here..." He moved the mountain of flowers, lifting up a bag. "Here we go."

I took a breath. "Thanks...I'm just paranoid about my stuff getting stolen." Should I tell them about the USB drive? Oliver carried my bag over. I bit my lip. "You can just leave it there, that's fine," I said.

"Alright." He set it down. I crossed my arms, picking at the IV taped to my hand. Once I know what it is, I'll tell them.

I cleared my throat. "So who are all the flowers from?"

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Who even knows, they just keep coming."

"The whole angel thing has its perks," Raine laughed.

I narrowed my eyes, leaning on the bed rail. "Ya, right." I eyed the door. "So what do I have to do to get out of here?"

Oliver raised his eyebrows. "Phyn, you're not going anywhere. You haven't completely healed, you need to be monitored-"

"I can heal anywhere. Can't you just release me?"

He waved his hands. "No, I'm not your doctor, and I'm not breaking any more rules for you."

I scowled at him. "I'm not staying cooped up here, I can always teleport-"

"Don't you dare! Gosh, Phyn, that's what got you in this mess." Oliver shook his finger at me. "Wait until you're in better condition."

I threw my hands in the air. "I feel better."

Raine stood up, dusting herself off. "I know Ingrid's been wanting to talk to you. I can see what I can do." She gave a devilish smirk.

Oliver chased after her. "Raine, I can't allow you to do that."

I went to rip out the IV. Oliver waved back at me. "Wait, Phyn, just wait!" He hung his head, growling, "I'll talk to someone and give you a timeline, okay?"

Raine cheered, clapping her hands. "There you go Ollie, that's better."

He snorted. "I make no guarantees, just please stay put."

I crossed my arms. "Alright, fine."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Doesn't matter what I say, you're just going to do what you want," he grumbled, walking to the door. He pointed back. "Stay put."

I leaned back, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Raine, that's at least progress..." I turned my head.

Her smile faded away, she lowered her head. I gaped at her Oliver's footsteps pattering away, the room settled in silence.

Raine took a breath. "How are you actually doing?"

I blinked, feeling uneasy. I fixed the tape in my hand. "I'm fine, I said I was doing much better-"

"No, I mean about what happened on the roof," she said, stepping away from the door. "About what happened with Kendall."

My heart fell to my stomach. That...I stared at my hands, every speck of blood scrubbed clean. Not a twinge of red left, like it never happened. "I...only did what I had to," I muttered, "I understand that."

Raine nodded her head dully. "I hear you say that, but I don't think you do."

I raised my eyebrows. "What do you mean? It was self defense, he had me cornered, he would've killed you." My eyes blurred. "I had too."

"Sure, I agree with you. Victor had to die." She shook her head at me. "But that doesn't mean you're okay."

I avoided her eyes. "I told you, I'm fine."

She hung her head. "And the more you say that, the more it scares me." She clenched her fist. "Kendall doesn't get to win from the grave. He doesn't get to hurt you anymore, and I won't let him ruin your life."

"Raine…"

She shook her head. "I didn't want you to have to pull that trigger...if I could've killed him-" she clenched her jaw, taking a breath.

Gosh. My chest grew tight. "Alright…" I murmured. "I promise, I won't let him win."

Raine gave a nod, fidgeting. "Good…"

I wiped my eyes."I will be alright, Raine. I don't know if I am now, but I will be."

She rested her hand on the bed rail, footsteps coming back around the corner, we both turned.

Oliver stopped in the doorway, leaning in the frame. "No luck, Phyn, you got at least three more days," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Great."

Oliver stepped inside. "And then." He smirked at me. "You have a meeting with Ingrid."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

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Walking down the corridor, I stretched out my pockets. Counting each step down the navy carpet, Avarice reflected in the tinted windows. The street below the Tower was still flooded with people.

Two days of arguing, got me a different view of the parade. Oliver shot me a glare, walking just ahead of me, I smiled back. He wouldn't be mad forever. I ran to catch up, this hallway giving me shivers. The same corridor I chased after Ingrid, right before I was pitched this war-ending scheme.

"Do you know what she wants?" I mumbled, "Why does she want to talk to me?"

Oliver shook his head. "You could've always stayed in your hospital room?" he hummed.

I glared back. "I don't think so." The big double doorways waited ahead, I swallowed a nervous lump. "I'm not one to hide from my problems."

Oliver laughed, "Not sure if this qualifies as a problem." He turned, walking backwards. "But I'll let Ingrid do the talking."

"Wait, do you know?" I spat, chased after him. "Did she tell you something?"

Oliver smiled. "Patience, Okie."

I scowled. "That's not fair. How come you can't tell me?"

Oliver stalled at the door, shrugging his shoulders. "It's nothing bad," he snorted. "Seriously." He motioned to the door. "Go on, find out for yourself." He slipped the handle, swinging the door open.

I huffed at him, walking past. Marching into Jude's office, I slowed. The whole space was gutted, everything but the wallpaper thrown into a pile on the floor. Empty shelves and bookcases stood back, staring at the stacks.

The desk was covered in books, papers scattered on the floor. Ingrid stood at the window, studying a row of pages she had lined up along the floor. Her hair neatly pulled back, her light blue suit, reflecting the sheen of the window. She mouthed the words she was reading.

I cleared my throat. "I see you're doing some redecorating…"

She turned her head, waving me in. "Welcome Phynley," she said, backing from the pages, she gave a careful smile. "I'm happy to see you're finally up and about."

I stopped in the middle of the floor. "Thank you."

She tilted her head. "Oliver, you're welcome to come in too," she called.

A moment of silence, Oliver dragged his feet in. He gave a weak wave. Ingrid lifted a book off the desk. "You both could benefit from what I have to say."

I darted my eyes. "And what is that?"

She smiled. "We're doing a little government reorganizing, I want a new council by spring." She walked around the desk. "And I would like you both to run as nominations."

I dropped my jaw. She's got to be kidding? I blinked back. "You want me in your government? Why?"

Ingrid dropped her grin. "You bring a unique perspective, a positive image. You're the people's champion." She turned her head to Oliver. "And you've proved yourself competent, trustworthy-"

Oliver frowned. "Yes, but I thought you were only asking Phyn."

Ingrid shook her head. "I need more allies to do what needs to be done. I will not have Jude reclaiming his seat."

I smirked. "So what happened to, Jude's the best hope Avarice has?"

Ingrid shrugged. "That was naive." She dusted off the cover of the book. "Sometimes if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

Oliver snorted, "Very ambitious."

"I have no choice. Who else can run Avarice? Who else can clean up the damage Kendall caused, and everything else that's been swept under the rug."

I darted my eyes back to the books. "Did you find something?"

Ingrid took a deep breath, setting down the book. "Yes, something startling." She looked back at the pages behind her. "There are significant gaps in the historical records, there are fake records spanning a hundred years before Redemption day." She pushed up her glasses. "We found a book, a written narrative passed down to Commanders. It appears to be a guide about how to frame the past. It's written by someone called the residual."

"You're serious?" I muttered, I stepped up to the desk. A hundred years? How could that even be possible? Everything we found at the Discord base, there is more that happened between Tetrad and Avarice.

Oliver sighed, "And how much of the truth died with Kendall? It's possible Jude knows something, but I doubt Kendall told him everything." I shrunk back. So I killed our only lead.

Ingrid turned, tapping her chin. "That's why I want you both on my team. You're interested in truth, in the good of Avarice."

I pursed my lips. "I'm not sure if politics is the best space for me."

Ingrid scrunched her nose. "Nonsense, your bluntness will be refreshing-"

"We both have a right to consider this," Oliver interrupted.

Ingrid rolled her eyes. "I need a strong team."

Oliver raised his eyebrows. "And I'm sure we'll both give it serious consideration. I do have a day job."

She scowled at the window. "Very well then, think about it...I'll be expecting an answer soon."

He took a breath. "Honestly, it's a great honor, Ingrid. I just need more time."

I nodded my head. "Today, I want to celebrate." I looked towards the door. "Tomorrow we can talk about what's ahead." I want to feel like we've won.

Oliver took a step back, raising an eyebrow. "We're wasting time then, if you want to join the street commotion."

"Can we really?" I turned my head.

Ingrid grinned. "Guess the Angel of Fortitude deserves a day off."

I cringed at the nickname, Oliver chuckling at me. I smiled back at her. "Thank you," I said, wishing her goodbye. I chased Oliver's footsteps out into the hall.

Starting back down the blue carpet, I crossed my arms, briefly looking back. A hundred years…

If Tetrad survived Merle, then Avarice destroyed it...and who knows what else. I held my breath, slipping my hands into my pockets. The thumbdrive between my fingers, I bit my cheek. Was that the truth Lewis was talking about? I walked beside Oliver, keeping my head forward. There is something fundamentally wrong with this place…if only I could understand what it was.

We passed the same variety of greens from the plants, past Brian's old desk. A brief glance, I pursed my lips. I still didn't know if he lived, I didn't open my mouth to ask. I don't want to hear about another death. I marched ahead, towards the elevator. I slowed my steps, pivoting back.

Oliver pushed the elevator button, stepping away. "So what do you think about the nomination thing?"

I shrugged my shoulders, scuffing my boots. "It's a big deal for Ingrid to do this, she never liked me before."

He grinned. "I can see it. You're too chaotic for her. "

I narrowed my eyes. "And what about you, are you going to do it?

He dropped his grin. "I don't know."

"I think you'd make a great council member," I said, straightening my shoulders. "You're level headed, adaptable but not a pushover. You care about Avarice." The elevator rolled open, I took a step inside.

Oliver shrugged his shoulders. "Ya, whatever, but what are you going to do?" He slipped in after me, pushing the ground floor button.

I frowned, my stomach knotting up. I took a breath. "Well...I don't know either. I'm sympathetic to what Ingrid's doing, but I'm not sure aligning myself with any political group is a good idea right now."

Oliver nodded his head. "For Vitriol's sake, you might be right. They're fractured without Alaric and if you suddenly end up on the council of Avarice-"

"They might think that was my intention all along," I muttered, the elevator falling. "Trust is in short supply, best if I step back."

Oliver frowned. "Ya, it's unfortunate-"

"But you should do it," I said. He scowled and I shook my head at him. "No, listen, you could do some real good from that position, change Avarice for the better." I leaned against the rail. "And like I said, you'd be good at it."

He raised an eyebrow. "It would limit my work with patients." He sighed, grumbling, "Like I told Ingrid, I'm thinking about it."

"Mhmhm." I smirked at him, facing back at the elevator door. "I'm just grateful we have a chance to make things better."

Oliver hummed, "Yes, I'm surprised by how this all turned around. This could've ended much worse."

I nodded my head. It could've. With the bombs scattered across the city, everyone stuck in that room...we could've lost more lives. Gwen should be here to see this. I clenched my jaw. It was her courage that made the difference...

Oliver sighed, "I'm sorry, I'm bringing up unpleasant topics, you wanted to celebrate."

I turned my head, froze for a second. "Do I look that grim?" I forced a smile. "Just preparing for the crowd," I breathed. "Don't worry about me." The elevator slowed, my hand twitching. I'm okay.

He tilted his head. "If your not up for it-"

"Are you kidding?" I laughed. "I'm not spending another day cooped up in that prison." I stepped forward, waiting for the door to open. Please don't stop me. Oliver pursed his lips. The door opened up, and I ducked out into the lobby.

Oliver at my heels, he shouted, "Phyn, wait." I glided along the dark silver floors, turning around the corner.

I looked back. "Come on," I said. Security stationed at the front doors, standing in my way. Almost there.

"Phyn," Oliver huffed again. Heads turned as I stepped out. Whispering turned to chatter. I slowed my steps. They're staring at me?

Oliver ran in behind me, a fake plastered grin on his face. "Think for a second, you're practically a celebrity right now," he hissed.

The room whispered around me, I gave a nervous laugh. "Please tell me this isn't going to be a regular thing?" Oliver snorted, not answering me.

Inching forward, the crowd moved around us. The space felt like it was shrinking, I trailed behind Oliver.

One of the faces in the crowd stood out, one of the guards raised his hand. "Miss Okie!" he called. Walking forward, he cleared a path towards us. I blinked at him. He's one of the guards that came with Helios.

Stopping in front of us, he bowed his head slightly. "I hope you're feeling better...we have all been wishing you a speedy recovery….I wanted to thank you for what you did."

All I did was pull a trigger. I cleared my throat. "Honestly, things would've been much worse if you all didn't stand against Kendall. I should be the one thanking you."

He nodded, a grin slipping through. "Oh no, really, it was nothing." He blinked over at the door, turning his head back. "Are you guys headed out to the street? I can clear you through security."

Oliver stepped forward. "That would be great, thanks."

"This way," he said, turning. We followed him through the crowd, people moving out of the way. He led us around the metal detectors, stalling in the corner. The guard gave a sheepish grin. "Would it be alright to ask for an autograph?"

This is different. I chuckled, "Do you have something you want me to sign?"

He blinked, startled, flipping through his pockets. Oliver rolled his eyes. I shrugged my shoulders. "Give him a break," I mouthed.

"Here!" He ripped out a page of a notebook, his fingers fumbling around a pen. Handing it to me, he stepped back.

I took it, scratching out my signature, I gave it back. "There you go."

His eyes lit up, shaking the paper. "Thank you, this means a lot!" He waved as we headed away for the door, Oliver grumbling to himself.

I pushed open the metal doors. "What's your problem?"

"I'm supposed to be thrilled when people pester you for autographs? You just got out of the hospital. They should give you space."

"It was one guard and he was actually there. I really didn't mind." I stepped outside, looking back at Oliver.

He scowled. "He'll probably sell it for money."

"That's ridiculous, he was very obviously genuine-"

I turned to face the steps, freezing in place. The main stretch was full of faces, mingling cheers, it spanned as far as I could see. People from all districts of the city, all joining in this song. Someone blasted their speakers, laughter mixing in the sea of noise. The world is alive. Dressed up in bright colors, confetti floating on the air. For a second everything was perfect.

A laugh leaked out of my lips, shutting my eyes to the sky. This is better than dances, or carnivals...this is victory.

Oliver tapped my shoulder, pulling me down the steps. I stumbled after him, diving into the chaotic sea. Speed picking up as I scaled the stairs, I caught up to Oliver. I ran past, going ahead.

I slipped around peoples shoulders, getting to the heart of the crowd. I closed my eyes again, trying to get back to that feeling. Whispers floated around me, they grew louder, "Is that her? Angel of Fortitude!" People pushed closer, I tried to squeeze through. "Where are you going?" someone shouted. I just want to enjoy this without getting trampled. Yanking through arms, I turned back. Where did Oliver go?

Spinning in the street, the colours blurred together. It was hard to breathe, the heat getting worse, bodies on all sides. I can't stay here. I pushed forward, stumbling my way through. I broke out into a run.

The sun stung my eyes, my breathing ragged. I kept running, crossing out into smaller streets. The crowd thinned out. I slowed my pace, keeping my head low. Taking deep breaths, I slowed my heartbeat.

I wandered into a little intersection, the street moving slow. It was quiet, calm. I pushed my hair back, walking along the sidewalk. I don't know what's wrong with me. I stopped on the curb, shivering. I sat down, stretching out my legs.

Grass poked through the concrete, forgein to this grey world...just like I was foreign to it. Faraway cheers, I smiled. I'm so happy for them. The hollow ache stole my smile. For them...I'm not happy myself.

Shivers down my spine, the thought left a knot in my throat. I would never really belong here. I held my breath, my hands still shaking. It didn't matter how much I tried. I traced the scar on my shoulder, letting the breath go. It still wasn't home.

I shook my head, letting out a sigh. That doesn't mean it will be bad. Things are going to slow down, I have friends now. Maybe living a normal life will be good. I gave a weak smile. I rested my head in my hands. It feels bad today, that doesn't mean it will feel bad tomorrow.

The wind moving easy, leaves scattering past. My hair flew in my face. Footsteps walking up behind me, they stopped. I pulled my knees in, the person still behind me. I frowned, burying my head. I don't want to talk to anyone, even if it is Oliver.

He hesitated to speak, "Phyn….is that really you?"

My heart stopped. That voice. It shattered through my thoughts, my mind unraveling. "Phyn," again he said with a strange sort of desperation. My heart pounded faster, like a freight train in my head. It's his voice, it's his voice but it's different. I stayed petrified, my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. I don't know what to do.

My mind replaying that final moment, back in that dusty square. My fingers stretched, reaching back to his fear-filled eyes. Hold on...

Did that mean?...It couldn't mean. My eyes stung with tears, my jaw twitched as I tried to turn my head. What if I'm wrong. I shut my eyes, a tear slipping out. This can't be him.

"Please say something," he pleaded. "I'm trying to find someone...if it's not you, I'll go away. I just...Is that you, Phyn?"

I raised my chin, slowly turning. Luca stood behind me in a wrinkled dress-shirt, his big brown eyes stole away the rest of the world. A bit of stubble across his cheeks, that same messy hair but he was taller. This is real.

I covered my mouth, a tear slipping down my chin. "Luca…" I leapt off the pavement, running towards him. Straight into his arms, spinning as he stumbled back.

He held me tight. "I'm so sorry I couldn't come sooner, I'm sorry-"

"No." I shook my head, squeezing him tighter. "You're here." I stepped back, staring into his eyes. "How are you here?"