Chapter 4

The Girl

“Looks like the Metropolis is better than how we left it.”

Eddie had never spoken truer words, at least from what Meredith saw. Not that she could see much, her eyes blurry from the sickness that traveling along the skyship brought. Vivian kept her distance, the usual disgusted look upon her face, while Emil laughed heartily. Amelia didn’t give her a chance to remove the nausea that had been stirred by her airsick ride.

“Keep up, peons. You can rest when we reach the inn,” the commander snapped.

“Inn?” Vivian asked. Her face was screwed into more than mere disgust. It was outright revulsion, nearly causing their procession to stop on the street just outside the sky-dock. “We’re not staying at Guardian Tower?”

“I’m surprised you weren’t expecting a place like Hotel Meteo,” Meredith mumbled out. Her stomach had quelled itself, but her reactions were slow to Vivian kicking her in the shin. She retaliated with her own, only for both girls to receive irritated slaps from Eddie, knocking their heads forward.

Amelia turned back, herself irritated by their pausing. “I’m not having you stay in some cushy place. You’re here to win a tournament, not be coddled by Guardians who’ll give you the upper hand.”

“You realize you’re saying the opposite of-ow!”

“Less talking! Get moving!” Amelia’s rap on Emil’s head caused him to grumble, but he followed nonetheless.

Meredith understood; if there was anything Amelia presented herself as, it was a woman that took the long road. She hadn’t gotten advice, or been guided on her path. Amelia was someone who forged victory, defeat and all in between through her own experiences. Staying at Guardian Tower would deter them actually winning on their own. In spite of everything the commander had already put them through, Meredith found she respected her all the more. There was no doubt she was a worthy leader.

Trusting in Amelia’s judgment, Meredith observed more of the Metropolis they had arrived in, the noonday sun making each building shiny. That was a far cry from the last time they’d been in the vaunted “center of the world”. Gone were the destroyed streets and broken storefronts, replaced with everything that had made the Metropolis such a lauded location in the first place.

Television screens blasted the news of the tournament or some other products that were on sale. There were some interviews, and something mentioned about the president. Even an ad for more reporters at the upcoming Games played across the screens, echoing on the streets. All of its general excitement drew Meredith’s attention to the garish red building beyond the Presidential Estate of the city. Everything seemed to be broadcasting from there, building the general hum of the city towards the upcoming event. At the very least, Meredith hoped to be able to visit it, the one location she’d never even gotten close to on her last visit.

For now, she focused on keeping pace with Amelia and the rest of her team. They crossed streets, dodging angry drivers that the commander didn’t think were worth her while, with Meredith finding herself on a very familiar route. It was so familiar, that Meredith’s body traveled by rote, instead looking at the excited populace and anticipatory chatter.

More people were on the streets than her last visit, some dressed in garb that suggested they weren’t even from the city, but perhaps from a smaller town, either to the north or the south. Even some people in robes, indicating a Lacardian presence, stalked the streets, chatting animatedly with flyers in hand. Yet others went about their daily business while a few dressed in traveler’s clothing zeroed in on different locations, as if wanting to finish preparations before the tournament was to start.

“Wonder which team will win it all.”

“You got tickets, right?”

“Best seats in the house, babe!”

Every passing word of excitement ramped up Meredith’s own. Marcus’s plan in having people forget the events of the past two months was undoubtedly a success just from these moments alone. She only had to focus on winning, to prove she had what it took to be a Guardian.

“Well, this is a little ironic.”

“Who’d have thought?” The boys’ comments brought Meredith to a halt. She joined them in staring at their destination: an inn on a side-street, right next to the location of Lacardia’s Satellite School. With a snort, Meredith shook her head; it was like fate. Eddie confirmed things with his question. “This where we’re staying, commander?”

“The one and only Lightwing Inn. Worthy and comfy place, away from bad influences…and with a fellow competitor right next door. I trust there will be no issues?” Amelia’s gaze was exclusively lingering on Vivian. The blonde twitched but otherwise jerked her head into a nod. “Great. So, peons, the Games begin tonight at sundown, in the stadium. I expect you all to be back here an hour before then so we can set off and be ready to kick ass. Until then, you can all-”

“Eddie, it’s been so long!” The familiar, giddy cry drew a blink out of Meredith and she turned just in time to see a girl charge her best friend and deliver a great hug to him. Despite the sudden intrusion, Meredith held no surprise. “You look good!”

“Autumn! How are you?” The earthy girl, her bob cut shaking as she held Eddie at arm’s length, grinned. Her presence made Meredith look around the girl’s lithe figure to the completely expected sight.

“Not alone, I can tell you that much,” Meredith said. Her finger pointed to the other four emerging from within the confines of the Lacardia Satellite School. “Conrad, you’re looking good.”

“Not as good as you, fair Meredith.”

“Back off, lover boy.” A yelp followed, and before Meredith knew it, all four members of Lacardia Academy’s A-Class were standing opposite their team, dressed in robes, each bearing the same insignia. “Looks like the gang’s all here…including Emil…tch.”

“Nice to see you, Felix. You’re just as sour as when I left.” Emil’s taunts caused the tallest boy in A-Class to move face to face with the dirty-blond. “So, what’re you doing in the Metropolis?”

“What do you think they’re here for, idiot?”

If there was one thing to put an end to any of the jovial reunion, it was the sound of Vivian’s voice, cutting across all of them with her rude disdain. Meredith tried to stop her foot from kicking the girl, but she needn’t have bothered. The moment Vivian had spoken, all four members of A-Class faced her, their own hatred matching hers. Even Autumn, the perpetually cheerful one, glared. Her hands were off Eddie, joined by her twin sister, the long, red-haired Summer. Both wore looks that hoped to scorch Vivian’s face off, the temperature in the vicinity rising.

“The same thing you’re here for, I’d imagine,” Conrad said, finally breaking the tension of silence. He winked at Meredith, removing his glasses while he approached Vivian, instead. “Taking part in the Alliance Games, hoping to win victory for who you represent, right? Good to see you’re just as foul-tempered as always, Vivian.”

“And you’re just as much a brute as always, Carlson. I’m surprised Lacardia has kept you in.”

“It’s my good looks.” Vivian’s scoff followed, and Felix, ever the leader, took his moment to pull away from his own mortal nemesis and intervene.

“Now, now, let’s not argue here. If we’re all taking part in the Games, let’s save squabbles for the arena. Right, Profess…or…? Oh my…” Every eye of the two teams combined turned to the unexpected sight, some jaws dropping while Autumn uttered a gasp somewhere between shock and glee.

For Amelia had her arm draped around Professor Benjamin, planting a kiss on his cheek as he blushed heavily. She was speaking, too, revealing something Meredith didn’t know or care about. “Benny, you didn’t say you were going to be sponsoring the Lacardia team! I knew they were from the Academy, but why didn’t you say anything?”

“Amelia, I’m not about to give secrets just because you call, and isn’t this display of affection a bit much?”

“Bit much? I’m hurt you’d say that about your fiancée!” Summer joined in the gasps. Felix was unable to lift his jaw, until Emil raised it for him and the boys nearly tussled. Conrad wore a look of self-satisfaction, the darker-skinned boy throwing a thumbs-up.

“Professor, you player! You never mentioned you were engaged to someone in the Corps!” Benjamin cleared his throat, coughing loudly as he moved Amelia to arm’s length. Amelia, for her part, returned to her more serious nature after the burst of affection.

“We’re not. Engaged, that is.”

“But you are seeing each other, right? You have to give me tips. I never knew you were such a ladies’ man!” With Felix indisposed, and the twins still slack-jawed at the revelation regarding their teacher, Meredith took it upon herself to slap her friend behind his head. “Ow, Mera! That’s mean.”

“I’m not a ladies’ man, Conrad. And you’d do best to focus now that we know who the enemy is. Amelia, you’d best expect I won’t let my team go easy on yours. Don’t hold back.”

“You do know who you’re talking to, right?” Amelia flicked her hair out, the breeze from the action wafting over all. Benjamin smiled, showing his own affections for a second. “If I was going to let my team go easy on yours, I wouldn’t have trained them myself. Though what say you and I make this interesting by placing a bet?”

“I’d rather not. You’re going to propose again.”

“And what’s so wrong with that?”

“Nothing.”

“Um…er…sir…?” Felix, at long last extricating himself from Emil, drew the two superiors out of their bizarre conversation and back to the realm of reality. “I thought we were heading out for some food and to visit the stadium, right? I know we’re distracted, but…”

“Ah, yes. Sorry, Amelia, afraid we have to run. I’d love to talk more, but with the status of the tournament, perhaps it’s best we-”

“Say no more, Benny. You have a team to run, and I have a meeting with Roy to attend.”

“Wait, are we only getting free time because you have to do something else?” Emil’s snark was met with Amelia racing over to punch him. His wheeze indicated that he got the message.

“Though, team or no, it’s good to see you again, Eddie, Mera.” Summer nodded with each word she spoke, and Meredith could see her blue eyes contemplating something; something she rapidly asked her teacher about. “Sir, since we’re just…visiting areas, is it possible we can catch up with Eddie and Meredith before we need to go our separate ways.”

“Not an issue with me, unless it is to you, Amelia.”

“I don’t care. Competition doesn’t start until we get in the ring, anyway. My kids are free to go their own way. I’m not their nanny.” Amelia brushed her hair aside again, this time tying it up. “Enjoy your time off. You know the rules. Don’t be late. Benny, let’s have dinner tomorrow.”

Whether “Benny” was willing to or not, Meredith never found out; Amelia was off before he had a chance to answer, dashing back the way they came. “She never stays still.”

“She also never realized that she forgot to check us in…” Emil lamented. His hands played with his scarf a moment, but he shrugged, turning away from the inn and going his own way. “Oh well, guess I’ll find something else to do.”

“Myself, as well. I don’t want to spend another minute with this trash.” Vivian’s cutting words drew venomous stares, and a diverting cough from Eddie. “Your team’s not winning, so pack up and go home.”

“Ignore her. She’s a cranky bitch,” Meredith said. Of course, Vivian was the one to try and ignore them, brushing past Meredith with indignation. They each tried to hit the other, garnering a sigh from Eddie. “That said, while I’d love to catch up, there was a place I wanted to explore. Let’s meet in the arena.”

“I could escort the fair lady.” Felix grabbed Conrad’s ear before he could suggest any more. “Or not. Could catch up with Eddie instead. How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been good…though you won’t swindle any info out of me. Our team’s in this to win it!” Eddie sent a coy wink towards the twins, and Meredith would have thought he was flirting, if he wasn’t met with challenge.

Knowing he was in good hands, Meredith hustled the bag on her back and gave them all a parting wave. Her feet soon beat a hasty retreat in the direction they had arrived from, though once she’d arrived on the main thoroughfare, she diverted down another road. The Lacardian team and her best friend vanished from view, behind the row of buildings, their voices with them. They were replaced with the voices of the Metropolis coming into sharp relief.

Without her teammates and others to keep her distracted, she could see far more of the city, both how it had recovered and the anticipation that came with the upcoming tournament. In fact, with recovery having gone so smoothly, to the point one may not have even known of the attack there, there wasn’t much else to look at but the preparation for the Games. Streamers lined the streets and the streetlights had even changed colors a little, though they wouldn’t be fully visible until the evening. Posters were plastered in alleyways and on storefronts, advertising for the Games, and talk filled the town.

Hawkers could be seen on the street, advertising merchandise or other paraphernalia used to promote the event. The sight made Meredith think back to the merchant that had given her the Earth-Splitter, wondering if he was still out and about in the Metropolis. Her thoughts were rather irrelevant in the face of the televisions on the roads blasting out even more information about the event. It took just a brief moment, after she’d crossed the street with other pedestrians, for Meredith to be drawn to the screen and those that sat upon it, especially one Commander Royston Masters.

“This is to be an exciting event for you all, yes? The Corps, the Metropolis and even Lacardia coming together. Not a thing has been seen in this age.”

“Marcus’s ideas often have merit, and we look forward to seeing all our sides come together and work together,” Masters said, nodding his head with great humility. The man across from him, the one that wasn’t conducting the interview, threw his head back in a laugh.

“Well, not too friendly, I hope,” the man said. “This is a tournament, after all, with great reward for the winner. Or at least prestige. The Home Guard is particularly looking forward to the opportunity, and there’s no doubt the…notoriety that would come with success is a perk. A chance to be seen and heard.”

“That remains to be seen. I don’t think any competing team will allow others to take the gold. But we should all keep in mind the spirit of this tournament as we go forth in observation.”

“You heard it here, folks. Opposing sides they may be, but Commander Masters and President Nelson will be bringing their top people to the table to foster better relationships! Don’t miss any of the coverage here over the next week!”

Meredith raised an eyebrow, turning towards a larger street that stretched on to the big, red building in the distance. The Metropolis’s president had his image remain on screen for a moment, showing his white hair, button-up waistcoat, and ultimately charming visage that cemented him as a well-loved figure in the city. His interactions with Masters aside, Meredith could see the competitive streak in him, and a love for his city. It was a zeal shared by many of the citizens, highlighted by the largest posters that covered store windows as she got ever closer to the Communications Tower.

HOME GUARD FOR THE WIN!

SUPPORT YOUR CITY!

“Nothing like knowing who people are rooting for,” Meredith said, a wry expression on her face. She looked one of the colorful signs over, but gleaned no information from it. Only a small, fine print that said to look forward to an exclusive interview that afternoon was informative, but hardly helped her. “Wonder what these Home Guard guys are like.”

“They’re great,” the nearby shopkeeper said, handing over a box of chocolates to a mother and her daughter. “Always personable, do their duty without complaints and serve the president with distinction.”

“Sound impressive. Surprised they don’t want to be in the Corps.”

“Everyone has their part to play. Besides, people are still on edge about the Corps after that attack. They’re gonna have to give a real showing this tournament to earn people’s trust. Trial of Power just hasn’t been the same since then.” Whether the shopkeeper had anything more to say, he didn’t make clear, since he turned to another customer. Meredith used that distraction to slip away, unable to stop the frown from forming on her face.

The Guardian Corps’ reputation had taken a hit, it seemed. With everything that they had been put up against after a time of complete peace, Meredith supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised. To know, however, that the Corps and how people viewed it rested solely on her and the others’ performances…well, she suddenly felt rather hot and worried.

Oh, relax…You’ll be fine. Don’t think about the Corps. Just think about you and your team. Terrill’s words helped her swallow that concern, putting the spring back in her step. A sign caught her eye, the words “Communique Plaza” painted on it, pointing the way down the street, past the numerous alleys, to where the bright red building was waiting for her to explore. The color alone was more inviting than the rest of the city, if out of place, but the wonder of what she’d discover there made her forget about the tournament and her teammates, a sense of exploration she’d not had since before the attack on this gleaming place resurfacing.

For a moment, anyway.

“Back off, creeps! How many times do I have to tell you?!” The voice, emanating from one of the alleys, put Meredith on alert. She stayed still a moment, hand on the hilt of the sword attached to her back. A moment of waiting passed, and then…

“Come on, you’re pretty, we’re handsome. We see you walk by every day and know you’re someone-”

“Stop with the monologuing. Just make her come with us if she don’t want to.” Meredith’s eyes narrowed to slits, feet starting to move in the direction of the voices.

They took no time to find, straight down one of the nearest alleyways, illuminated by the sun that was passing overhead. With nary a flourish, Meredith drew the Earth-Splitter and held it out, pointed towards the group of three men, and the young woman surrounded by them. “Hey!”

“Whaddya want?” the man that had first spoken said. He turned his head to look at her, as if contemplating whether she was a threat or fresh meat.

It was his biggest mistake.

The second his head turned, the girl that the men had surrounded swept her leg, knocking all three to their knees. That same leg soon planted on the ground and her other whipped out, the flutter of her sundress revealing the modesty shorts she wore beneath, just before the kick made contact with her assailants’ heads and left them sprawled. Meredith wasn’t sure how to react. So, she stared as the girl dusted her hands off and smoothed her dress, looking pleased.

“Hey, thanks!” The girl’s bubbly voice drew Meredith out of her confused stupor, and the two locked eyes. On closer inspection, with whatever light there was in the alley, Meredith could see the olive-green staring back, peppered with freckles around the young woman’s eyes. Her hair was the most outlandish, though, tied into a functional ponytail but with pink highlights throughout it, almost like the color of bubblegum. “If you hadn’t shown up, that might’ve turned ugly.”

“For who, exactly?” The girl must’ve found the statement funny, for she laughed. “If you’re good enough to hit them, why’re you walking through the alleyways?”

“Beats the bustle of the city at times,” the girl said. She was stretching now, while Meredith observed her. The more she looked, the more Meredith concluded that this girl was just a year or two older than her, but more dignified than most. Her sundress looked moderately expensive, showing she wasn’t wanting, but fit her modestly. This was a girl reserved, belying a strength most didn’t know. “Well, and I was afraid I might’ve been late. I was out shopping for a new dress and let the time get away from me. What do you think? Looks cute?”

Her question was followed with the girl taking out a periwinkle blue dress, adorned with sunflowers. Meredith peered further into the bag, seeing a pair of simple earrings tossed in with it. “Yeah, looks cute. Not that I’m one to know Metropolis fashions.”

“Well, your clothes don’t look too out of date. Like you’re ready for an adventure!”

“Guess that’s the idea. But…uh, glad I could help?”

“Oh, yeah, thanks. No reward. Sorry!” The girl clapped her hands together with a bow of apology. Meredith waved it off. “Least those creeps will know their place and-” Chimes sounded throughout the city, akin to a bell but coming from the television screens instead. The girl jumped and nearly dropped her bag, but caught it with the same quick reflexes she’d shown earlier. “Oh, crap, is that the time? Sorry, gotta go.”

“Uh, sure…” The girl didn’t even offer her name, dashing right from the alleyway and leaving Meredith with the passed-out thugs. The black-haired teen watched them a second, and then bent down to the earth. Asking permission of the soul there, she bound the three and made to exit the same way that the girl did, only turning towards the Communications Tower.

It was a sight worth waiting for.

The Metropolis was a huge city, but Communique Plaza could have been called an estate in its own right. Little buildings with differently shaped roofs, all of different sizes, dotted the landscape of the stone-lined walkway. Those weren’t red, but were hidden enough by the tower that they couldn’t have been seen until close up. Television screens covered every inch of it and its nearby skyscrapers, reaching all the way up to the top, which could be accessed by both an exterior and interior elevator. While it was difficult to see from her low angle, Meredith could still be amazed by its construction.

The tower was supported on the ground by four sturdy legs and a center base that people were coming and going from. Some guards, looking very much like members of the Corps, stood outside, letting people pass through, while many random people passed by, taking photos or watching the news. This was the very hub of all media activity in the Metropolis, and it thrilled Meredith. The rush of exhilaration, knowing she’d be on those screens during the tournament, became palpable, and she grinned.

Simmer down. You’re not there yet.

Oh, don’t be so sour, Terrill, Meredith chastised the soul, walking closer to the cluster of buildings. Moving closer, she could now tell that all the buildings acted like a fortress around the main tower, with each one in the circle getting progressively taller and taller before nearing the top, supporting the mass infrastructure of the network. Workers were a constant, swarming around it and tinkering. Some wore overalls, while others were dressed in dirty clothes, appearing to be new on the job. This was all the more proven by a camera crew and reporter rushing out of the tower and towards a car that squealed to a stop in front, nearly missing a pedestrian.

“Come on, newbies, hurry it up! We gotta get our station set up before tonight. Jimmy, you’re a crack with wiring, so let’s do it!” Whoever “Jimmy” was, the reporter wasn’t waiting for them to get in the car as it started moving. Instead, they hopped on the back, and as they flashed by, Meredith had to wonder if she knew them. She dismissed the thought, however, thanks to the sunglasses on his face, and the new chiming that sounded through the televisions, indicating more coverage of the tournament.

“This really is a big thing, I guess…” Meredith said with a chuckle. She took a step in the direction of the tower’s entrance, only to stop at the words spoken by the reporter.

“It’s that time, everyone! In a few short hours, the Alliance Games will begin!” they said with the same enthusiasm they had while interviewing the president and Masters. Meredith wondered if it’d be those two again, or if they were even still in the area. “In the meantime, we have a treat for you! Get ready to meet your Home Guard representatives! You know ‘em! You love ‘em! They may not be the Guardian Corps, but here in the Metropolis, we’ve none better.

“That’s right! Give a round of applause for the Presidential Unit, led by the up-and-comer Brynn Taylor and her band of rowdy boys!”

The applause in the plaza alone was deafening, showing the popularity these people held. Meredith was surprised. She’d always thought the Corps were the most popular, but here, things proved her wrong. Instead, it was people who had either risen in popularity after the debacle, or it was charisma she’d never had the chance to notice during her two-day stay before.

However, what surprised her most of all was none of that.

What surprised Meredith the most was that Brynn Taylor, the leader of her merry band of boys, was none other than the girl she had helped earlier.

The revelation held her attention, and Meredith stared at the screen while Brynn walked on, waving her hand and wearing a congenial grin. Yet there was more there: a smirking challenge.

A challenge directed at her, whether Brynn knew it or not.

Meredith smirked back, accepting it, clenching her fist on her blade. Worry was gone. She was ready. And now, almost all the pieces were on the table.

The Alliance Games were about to begin.