As she rethought about the plan all over and over again, there was no way she wouldn't be crossing him again. Not if she was taking part in the rebellion.
She knew she'd see him again. But after all, wasn't it necessary? How would she get revenge if not seeing him? How would she make him pay for all what he have done?
It was him who dragged her into this world. She knew nothing about these things, planets, powers, empires, creatures. She had no idea. She was just an earthly girl.
It all served to rise her purpose and to make her believe strongly into her resolve. She knew it was risky, but she was already planning to follow her own plan and make a change. Even if it was Iris's land and not her own, Regan being Regan, wanted to stir some trouble to tighten her resolve.
She was aware of all the mistakes she ha done and if she even continuing to do. But she couldn't back down. Not when she had no parents and no home. Not when he had taken everything. She couldn't surrender.
She looked at Iris who was looking at something similar to the tablet she saw yesterday. Jack was still eating, his expression careless. She decided to speak to Iris, "Iris, I know you're looking for revenge, but are you and Jack really willing to do this?"
Iris looked at her surprisingly, "Of course we are. We didn't know where to start or what to do first. You see, the knowledge here is limited for those who don't have power. The distances are vast and we didn't really have a chance. But you seem to have more resources."
Regan sighed, "I'm just saying.... it's dangerous. I'm already an enemy of his and if you two challenge him as well, you have to be cautious for each step you throw."
"But we can operate sneakily," Iris suggested. "We don't have to openly state out cause. And I'm worried about you. Since he knows you're an enemy, he might expect this."
Regan shook her head, "I don't think so. He thinks I'm a little foolish girl." After all, he usually called her little girl or kitten. He always mocked her around.
"Well, if I hadn't known Iris, I'd have thought the same," Jack scoffed, finally setting aside his plate.
Iris glared at him, "And what about you, big bird? If I hadn't known you, I'd think you were just a fat, arrogant lout."
Jack chuckled, "Well, I can't deny that."
The atmosphere lightened up for a moment, and Regan couldn't help but smile at their banter. But then she remembered the gravity of the situation.
"Look, I understand you both want revenge, but we have to act smart. Now, we can go to the South and prepare a rebellion or even decolonise and defeat his commanders or whoever is in charge there."
Iris and Jack looked at her wide opened, "And how are we going to do this? We're only three and we have no means to fight against an entire army. Even with your powers, you're only one person. We can't just walk into the enemy's base and hope for the best," Iris said.
"We aren't going to hope for the best. We're going to do the best. It doesn't matter if we're only three. If we act smartly, we can free the South." Regan replied, her voice filled with determination, although she knew she didn't know what she was saying.
"First, we need to find out who's in charge. Then we'll let him know that this isn't over. I'll make sure he does know. I'll make sure he regrets everything." She added, speaking more to herself.
Iris and Jack looked at her in uncertainty, exchanging glances between.
"Well, if you're sure about this, we'll follow you. We can cause havoc and sabotage, while you deal with the higher ups. But we have to be careful. He knows you now, so we can't afford to make any mistakes." Iris said.
"I know. And we will be careful. You have to tell me what is going on in the South, first."
Iris pushed her hair from her face and her expression turned thoughtful.
"Well, it's been some time since we left. The land is mostly destroyed and guarded by a strong spell. The civilians who live there, are under Sirius's command. It's a colonized land and I know the security levels are very high. It's just like in other realms he has conquered. I have a relative left there but he's a commoner, so he can't help much." Iris explained.
"We need to enter there." Regan said, determined. "Maybe we can disguise as those in charge. We'll think of something."
Iris nodded slowly, her eyes gleaming with hope. "All right. Let's start planning then. But we have to be careful. Even if we manage to infiltrate, we don't know how strong Sirius's magic is. He could easily sense us and crush us like ants."
Jack grinned, "Well, I'm not an ant, am I? And we have Cornelia here. I'm sure she can handle him. So, let's plan and start this little revolution. We're both familiar with the south, we've grown up there after all. Who do you think we should target, Iris?"
Iris furrowed her brows in uncertainty, "I don't know."
"It's not a problem." Regan said, "We have to enter the land first. Then, we'll see what we'll do. The important thing is that we show him that we're not afraid." She paused for a moment.
"We should also find out more about the rebellion. If there's a group of people planning something, we should find them and join forces with them. That would make our task easier."
"That's true." Jack agreed. "We should also find out more about the security. Maybe there's a weak spot we can exploit."
The three of them spend the time discussing their plans. Regan was determined and obvious to her plan, although the only thing it'd serve, would be to get on Sirius's nerves. But she wanted this. Jack was eager and reckless, while Iris was eager to fight as well. They all had their own ideas and thoughts, but they were all united in their goal.
But it felt as if she was stabbing him behind the back. He had saved her life and that was how she'd repay him. But they'd never been anything else than enemies. They were in war and in
Their plan was set with deciding to enter the South sneakily and infiltrate.
"So, I think the clothes aren't very bad. Everyone will think we're soldiers once we arrive in the South," Iris said, looking down at her disguise. "This is how the Southerns dress after all. Northerns don't wear these kinds of attires. We're going to wear cloaks too, so the creatures around here don't suspect us," she instructed, turning at her friends.
"They'd get mad if they saw a soldier of Sirius's army in there. I've seen it happen, they've been tortured and imprisoned. North and South had always been in a cold war, you know? Now, it had turned greater. I don't know the reason but it's not like I care."
Her words stung Regan, one by one.
"Why do you have to say that, bird? It's not like we're dumb enough to walk on the streets with that," Jack sneered, smacking his forehead.
"I said it because it's important. If it's even shown a little bit, we'd be suspected as traitors or something. And Cornelia should know as well. She's not from here, you know." Iris retorted making Jack roll his eyes.
Regan was wearing the same camouflage as her. The cargo pants were loose and brown and the shirt was short sleeved, of the same color. On the left side of the shirt, there was an 'S' in something shiny as gold. She knew what it meant.
On the back of the shirt the same 'S' symbol was in the middle of a gold circle. The clothes were practical enough. As for shoes, she wore the same boots as before. She had her hair put in a ponytail.
Jack was wearing the same attire but he didn't look comfortable in it. Iris kept mocking him around.
"Where did you find these clothes anyway?" Regan asked Iris, adjusting her thick cloak, hiding her suit.
"I have my way," Iris winked. "Now, shall we go?" She grabbed two bags, giving each to her friends. She gave Regan a dagger as well, and Regan hid the dagger beneath her robe. Then, Iris searched around her satchel and revealed a metallic display. It showed lines of territories.
"What's that?" Regan asked although she knew it was a map.
"That's the map of the South," Iris explained. Then, she folded like a normal piece of paper and put it inside the pockets of her cargo pants.
Regan heard her but she was too busy to focus. She was afraid. Afraid of what would happen if they were caught. She was already at stake of danger, but she was willing to do this. Iris gave them masks that were similar to those who other northerns wore from the cold.
"So, make sure to not reveal anything beneath your cloaks," Iris warned again.
Regan looked at the bags and she was a bit confused, "What's inside the bags?"
"Just some supplies and things we might need along the way. Now, are you ready?" Iris asked.
"What if we attract attention?"
"I don't think so. Most creatures dress in cloaks and walk around with bags," Iris replied.
Regan's expression turned thoughtful, "What about the borders of the North? Are there border points we should be aware of?"
"There are, but I know a sneaky way to pass them without being noticed. After that, there's a neutral land that no one stays or watches. I haven't gone there but they say that it reaches extreme cold temperatures and then goes boiling hot. But these are just stories. We should be fine as long as we don't draw attention to ourselves," Jack replied.
"I hope so," Regan said as she took a deep breath. "Let's go then."
They all stepped out of the apartment, keeping their heads low. Regan couldn't help but hear her fast heartbeats. Jack was walking in front of them, acting confident. Iris was behind, making sure they didn't attract attention.
They walked on the streets, many civilians walking around as well. Some were wearing cloaks, some were not. Many were talking about a war, but they were careful not to say anything loud.
They passed a guard post, the guards glaring at them suspiciously before turning back to their duties. Regan was confused about how she hadn't seen any guards when she was with him. Her heartbeats were out of place, fearing as if she would be recognised.
They went to a square filled with the usual skyscrapers and flying objects above. There was a fountain in the middle, spewing icy water into the air. The ground was made of brick pavement in white and blue.
"We're going to a station," Iris said, "the station will lead us near the borders of the south.
"What if we get caught at the station?" Regan asked, her voice shaking.
"We'll cross our hands and hope to God we don't," Iris shrugged, walking towards the station, "we're not going to get caught."
The station was buzzing with activities, the sounds of loudspeakers and citizens chattering filled the air. The walls were adorned with 3D displays, some promoting new businesses, others advertising upcoming events.
As they walked through the station, they passed by some guards, their deadly stares lingering on them. Regan felt her blood run cold as she looked at them through the corner of her eyes. She didn't want to look suspicious but she couldn't help and think she was doing it.
They came near a subway entrance and Iris signaled for them to enter. They descended the metal stairs, the air growing colder and dimmer with each step. They boarded a train, the doors hissing shut behind them. The train began to move, taking them deeper underground.
It was filled with the civilians as well, each minding their own business.
They found a spot to sit, Iris sat with Regan, while Jack sat on the opposite seat. The train started to move, picking up speed. The tunnel seemed to go on forever, the darkness broken only by the faint light from the occasional bulb overhead. Regan tried to calm her racing heart and anxiety. She could feel the vibrations of the train beneath her, and the cold surface of the seat.
After what seemed like hours, the train slowed down and came to a stop. The doors slipped open. The passengers walked out, stepping down the subway.
The trio walked out as well, Jack leading them out of the subway. As they got on the surface, they met with a freezing strong wind, the pressure palpable. Everything was a mist of snow and ice. The place haunted Regan, it was similar to that one near the fortress.
"Okay, guys. I know it's cold out here but it's not a very long road. Some far away it's the boarding pass. We're not going there, we're going to pass by a secret entrance in the mountains," Jack said, his hot breath forming little clouds in the frigid air, "I've been there before, and trust me, it's going to be a piece of cake."
"And where's the mountain?" Regan yelled, the strong cold wind making it difficult for them to hear each other.
"Over there," Jack pointed to nowhere, "It's covered with snow. We'll have to enter inside." He then took the metallic map from Iris and looked down, leading them to where he was referring to.
Regan tightened the fur cloak on her and followed Jack. She didn't know where she was going and the uncertainty lingered.
The thick snow and the strong current, made it hard to walk fast. Slowly, Regan began to see a tall white mountain, it's height undecipherable.
"That's the mountain?" she asked.
"Yes," Jack replied.
Soon, they got closer to the mountain, the path showing some dried out woods. Maybe they were plants or just woods. They followed the path and then, they came to see a tangle of shrubs and vines. Actually, the area was all with those, but Jack stopped at that certain point.
He grabbed the bag he had on his back and began to search for something. Then, he got a tool like knife and started to cut through the harsh vines.
"Here is the cave?" Regan asked, holding her hood tightly.
"Yes," Jack replied.
After what seemed like eternity, Jack finally broke all the vines that were interrupting their way. As they fell on the cold, soft snow, they revealed a small opening on the stone. The entrance was narrow and dark, but Regan knew she could fit inside. She was worried about it, though.
Iris gave Jack a playful pat on his shoulder, "Can you get through here, bro?"
Jack glared at her, "Wait and see."
He searched down his bag again and took three flashlights. He gave the girls two of them and tried to use the other one to see across.
"But is that safe? What if it crumbles?" Regan asked, her voice filled with a hint of fear.
"This is a mountain and this is a cave. There's no such thing," Jack assured, "I'm going first." He added and pressed himself on the narrow entrance. He managed to squeeze through and yelled for them to come as well.
Iris entered as well and Regan took a deep breath, fearing the outcome. Eventually, she entered in as well. The cave was less narrow, but still cold. It was dark and the only thing that lit it was the flashlight. The air was filled with the faint sound of water drops and the floor was damp.
"Alright, guys. Now, we should go straight?" Iris asked as she eyed around.
"Just where the cave leads. It'll lead to the neutral land. I'll admit, I only have gone near its half," Jack replied.
Regan felt a shiver ran down her spine but she didn't want to seem scared or something. She gripped the flashlight tightly and threw each step cautiously.
As they continued to walk, the ground and walls of the cave expanded more. Later on, they found themselves in front of an abyss. The abyss was big and dark. It sent shivers down Regan's spine and Jack told them to not look down.
The ground had narrowed again they had to walk as close to the rock wall as possible. Regan took a deep breath and gripped the rock tightly. They passed behind the abyss and she slowly exhaled.