Retribution

Chapter 1

“Let’s go Alexandra.” I shut my book with a sigh.

            “Grandpa, for the last time, my name is Alex.”

            “That’s not a proper name for a lady.”

            “So? I’ve always been more of a tomboy.” The foggy streets of London appeared as we stepped out of the cab.

            “Straight ahead, Alexandra.” I stifled another sigh ands picked up my bag. My grandpa was a cool guy. Just... stubborn. “What book are you reading?” he asked when we stepped into the threshold of a mansion -- my grandfather’s.  

            “Dante’s Inferno.”

            “Ahhh... I remember reading that.”

            “It’s a good book, right, Grandpa?”

            “It’s fitting.”

            “What?”

            “Nothing.” Before I could ask him what he meant, a butler bowed and took my bag.

            “Professor O.? The young lady’s room has been prepared.”

            “Good... good,” he muttered, “I’ll be there shortly.”

            “This way, madam.” I followed the somberly clad figure down the hallway into a medium sized bedroom, furnished as gloomily as the butler was dressed. “Your grandfather will join you shortly.”

            “Okay, thanks.” I collapsed on the bed and ruffled through my bag to find the gift my mom had given me before she had left on her impromptu business trip.

            “Wear it, honey,” she had said, oddly emotional. “It’ll help you to get where you’re going.” Opening the package, I saw a pair of black running shoes with golden stripes down the side.

            “Hmm... comfortable,” I remarked after trying them on. Keeping the shoes on my feet, I went to answer a knock on the door.

            “Oh good, you have the running shoes on.”

            “How did you know I was getting them?”

            “I don’t have time for questions right now. I have to explain something to you before you go.”

            “Go? Go where?”

            “Alexandra, I love you and I’ve seen you grow up to be such an accomplished young girl. Intelligent, kind, resourceful. And that’s why I can entrust this task only to you.”

            “What task?”

            “No questions right now, Alexandra. Tell me, what video game have we always played together?”

            “Pokémon, but I don’t see how—”

            “Listen to me!” I shut my mouth. “Pokémon is... it’s not just a game anymore.”

            “You’re telling me,” I said sarcastically, “that they’re real.”

            “Alexandra!”

            “Stop it! My name is Alex!” He grabbed my shoulders tightly.

            “No! You are not a boy. You are a beautiful girl and you must not lose your identity as one. There will be a time when... personalities from the past will try to overwhelm you. You MUST NOT forget that you are Alexandra, understand?”