Out of all the omegas, Glen was the one Sahara found the easiest to confront. It could be attributed to his time spent with the Falcons, a time where she had seen a side to the omega which made talking to him much like speaking to the twins. Thus, she didn't think twice about heading to his territory to have a talk. Only, she forgot to consider if the feeling was mutual. It wasn't.
The moment her board entered the area ruled by the second omega, boarders appeared from the shadows, blocking her path.
"I'm here to meet Glen," Sahara informed as she swayed back and forth in one place.
The teens eyed her. Though there was no friendliness on their faces, they didn't look angry either. In fact, Sahara detected a hint of something else. It reminded her of the look a deer had right after seeing headlights, the last moment before impact - resignation.
Sahara narrowed her eyes.
"No one's allowed in," one of the teens informed. With that, they turned their backs, ready to board off as though the matter was closed.
The Falcon chewed her bottom lip. "Paige sent me!" she threw the bait.
The teens paused.
Sahara licked her lips. It was scary how easy lying became once she'd done it once. The boarders before her knew their omega was on the search for his ex, unable to let go. Whether they liked it or not, hiding news of her whereabouts from him wouldn't bode well.
One of the teens turned and gave a resigned wave.
Sahara followed before they could change their mind. Sorry, she already began to apologize to Glen internally.
There weren't many boarders around. Perhaps they were sleeping in the day, or perhaps a large chunk was in school as agreed on? One thing was very visible amongst the few around, the moral of the place was nonexistent. There was no spark.
It became very apparent that something had happened to dampen the mood. Sahara's guess was the pledging allegiance wasn't something done with everyone on board. Or maybe no one was? The scary thought flashed through her mind.
Sahara was pulled from it as they stopped before a building. One look and you could tell it was a greenhouse. It brought back memories of the first time Sahara had run into the omegas.
One of the boarders opened the door and stepped through while another motioned for Sahara to follow.
Jumping from her board, she did just that.
A whiff of damp dirt hit her and droplets in the air immediately attached themselves to the Falcon. The first few breaths she took felt heavy. Colorful flowers graced the eye from every corner and the soft gurgle of water sang soft lullabies to the ear.
They walked along a dirt path. Then moment they turned a corner. The teen leading her stepped aside, made a motion, and then left.
Sahara eyed the platinum hair of the figure who had his back to her. She opened her mouth.
"You never struck me as a liar," Glen spoke first.
Sahara swallowed her words. How had she been caught so quickly?
The second omega turned. A butterfly sat on his finger; colors more vibrant than any butterfly Sahara had ever seen.
Glen's lips turned into a gentle smile. Lowering his head, he blew. The butterfly flew off, wings carrying it toward Sahara.
Snap.
The motion of Glen's fingers yielded results as the butterfly exploded into hundreds more. They surrounded Sahara on every side, each more colorful than the last.
Flabbergasted, Sahara reached out. Her fingers brushed through several of the beautiful insects, but they continued on their journey, filling the entire greenhouse with the most gorgeous colors.
"Romantic, no?" Glen asked.
Sahara didn't reply.
"Are you not touched? Even the Phantom can learn from me," Glen continued. His smile dropped. With a scoff, he waved a hand.
The creatures' colors faded before they disappeared from existence completely.
"I've decided to move on," Glen announced. "Maybe the single life is more up my alley?"
I'm sure your crew would be overjoyed to hear that, Sahara couldn't help but internalize as she remembered how this omega's Achilles heel was heartbreak. Then again...isn't it too late for that?
"I knew you would come." Glen leaned against a table that featured an impressive number of bonsai trees. Each looked to be meticulously cared for. They were real.
"Want to share what's going on?" Sahara asked. Her eyes drifted to the obvious bruising on the omega's face.
"Didn't you hear?"
"I want to hear from you." The Falcon met Glen's gaze evenly. "Last time I saw you, you were worried about Noctorious, and now you..." she trailed off. "What made you change your mind?"
Glen picked up a pot with a particular bare tree in it. He turned it in his hands. "What's the first rule in Regona?"
That was an easy one for Sahara. "Don't trust anyone."
"Yeah...that one seems to fly right by you." Glen tapped the pot.
Sahara scowled.
"Second rule?" Glen continued his quiz.
The scowl deepened.
The tapping stopped. Glen's piercing eyes met Sahara's. "In Regona, only the strong survive."
The truth is, in Regona only the strongest rule, Aaron's words echoed in Sahara's mind.
"So, your mindset is that if you can't beat them, you'll join them?" the Falcon asked.
Glen put the pot aside. He leaned forward. "My crew is my family. I do what I have to for them to go on."
"You were beat?" Sahara asked bluntly. "If you lost a race you should take it like a man and disband. You don't have to be a crew to be a family."
Glen's eyes twitched.
"As an honorary falcon, you should know better than siding with a crew that's wreaking havoc."
A cold chuckle escaped the young man. The warmth he'd portrayed before disappeared along with the sound. A cold glint filled his eyes and Sahara felt herself catching her breath. It took effort to not take a step back.
"Race?" the word sounded hollow coming from the omega. "Hah, the scary part is that even if we had a race, I can't say I'd have won."
"No race...?" Sahara furrowed her brows. "There's no other way to make demands...at least not according to the Creed."
Glen's eyebrows shot up. He tossed his head back and let out a laugh, as though he'd just heard the funniest thing ever. Except...that wasn't a laugh of an amused man. It was both hollow and bone-chilling.
This time, Sahara did take a step back. She was seeing glimpses of the side this omega had not often shown her. It reminded her of the first time she'd met him, the intimidation of that time.
The laughter died and Glen cracked his neck. "Ah." He rubbed the spot. Once again, his eyes sought Sahara. "How much do you know about Noctorious?"
"Do educate me," came the stubborn reply. Sahara wasn't going to show how intimidated she really felt. She'd stood with omegas and fought off an entire city, her armor was growing stronger.
Glen scratched the back of his head. His eyes softened somewhat. "You should leave."
"You haven't answered my questions."
The platinum hair shook. "The title of honorary falcon," Glen smiled, a bit of warmth returning to his face. "Thanks for letting me borrow it. But I relinquish." He got to his feet. "Let's not associate with each other anymore."
"Huh?"
Glen waved her off. "Things might get messy. My advice; stay out of it. No one has a bone to pick with the Falcons. Don't give them a reason to."
"You're cutting ties to help us?"
The question was ignored.
"Thank you but no." Sahara stuck out her chin. "I don't turn my back on friends."
Glen clutched at his hair, giving her an agitated look. "Seriously? Can't you just behave?"
"Can you not just speak normally?"
Glen groaned. "I'm giving you advice from the goodness of my heart. Walk away while you can because if you don't, resistance is futile. Stay out of their way, don't let them set their eyes on you."
"Is it so hard to just tell me what's going on!"
"What's going on?" Glen stood. "Nothing stays the same for long. Life changes. What's going on is that the city is evolving. There's a new power in town. And maybe it's just not worth fighting back, ok?"
"Really? Yet, you were willing to put your life at risk and fight off a city?" Sahara deadpanned.
"It's not the same."
"How so?"
"Lithium would have made all our lives hell. Noctorious would make my life hell. I'm selfish, ok? Let me be selfish." The second omega let out a sigh and leaned back against the table. "Truth be told," he spoke softly, "There's one thing I fear more than any city trying to barge in."
Sahara waited.
"And that is Regona." Glen's eyes showed signs of exhaustion. "Trust me when I say there's none scarier than us when it comes down to it. At first, I thought fighting Noctorious would be the way, have us band together again." His lips turned into a bitter smile. "But the truth is, the crews, the omegas, everyone is just on the lookout for themselves. I mean look," he waved a hand around. "Who gave a crap when they came for me? And did I give a crap when they went for Theodore? Besides, they're strong, why not follow their lead?"
"So, all it took was for them to come in here and beat you up for you to submit?" Sahara asked. She nodded to the bruises.
Glen's fingers went to one of them. He winced before chuckling. "If only you knew."
"Fine." Sahara nodded. "I get it. Speaking cryptically is all you can do in Regona because you've never learned how to have a straight conversation." She scowled. "Powerful or not, all I see going on is the new crew beating others into submission. Isn't that against everything the Creed stands for?"
"The law only makes rules to punish those who do not abide, but the law is set into place by the strongest." Glen rubbed his jawline. "Therefore, when power shifts, can the law not change as well?"
"Chaos has no law."
"Maybe that is the new law?"
Sahara threw her hands into the air. "I give up. None of you can be reasoned with. I came to simply try and get some clarity and..." she glared at Glen, "to see if you're ok."
He blinked.
"But obviously, you're completely fine." Sahara placed her hands on her hips. "Pledge allegiance or whatever. I honestly don't care about your politics." She paused. "But Glen, at least tell me Noctorious' isn't just going around hurting people and spreading chaos for the fun of it. Tell me you're not going to aid them in that."
"What can I say?" Glen shrugged. "I was defeated well and true. I've got to pay the price. The strong rule, they can do as they please."
"Bullshit," Sahara spat. "The strong do not pick on the weak."
"Only the strong can pick on the weak."
Sahara felt a headache coming on. She didn't even know anymore why she was standing here arguing with Glen. She dropped her hands.
"I take you won't be giving me any clear answers?" she asked softly as all her anger and energy left in one go.
"How can I when I don't have them myself?" Glen gave a helpless shrug.
"Hmm." Sahara let out a sigh. "Well, at least you're ok."
The second omega chuckled, as though finding amusement in the comment.
"I'll see you around." Sahara turned.
"Maybe."
She ignored the reply.
"Oh, and Sahara!" Glen called.
She already knew the over repeated phrase that was coming and so didn't falter. "Don't trust anyone. I know."
"Actually..." Glen answered, "I wanted to give the Phantom my regards."
The Falcon's steps paused. With a nod, she resumed her path. Grabbing her board and fighting the frustration she felt, she left the territory behind. An uneasy feeling in her gut told her that this might be the last time she would be able to approach Glen. Coupled with the new questions instead of answers this trip left her with, she couldn't help but be in a bad mood. Thus, she didn't head straight home.
The Falcon omega took a detour. She went downtown. There was little worry of being alone. She doubted she would easily be recognized just by herself. The biggest giveaway to her identity as omega was her board, thus she simply locked it up at a café and proceeded on foot.
She didn't have a goal, she simply wanted to think.
Racers shot by at one point, seeming to be in the middle of a race. Sahara stood back, waiting until the stragglers passed. She ignored food stands and open stores, letting her feet guide her on an aimless path.
At one point she received an IHM from Alegra, but a quick reply told the girl not to worry and that she'd be back eventually.
Before she knew it, the sun had already set, and the city lights flickered on one after the other. Grabbing a quick bite, Sahara sent an IHM to the twins questioning her whereabouts. She paused before sending a message to Terrell to see what he was doing.
There was no reply.
Sahara dropped her arm with the bracelet and continued her mindless walk. She let her thoughts drift. From the worries surrounding Noctorious to Regona and then to the Kane's and school back in her world.
I wonder when it's time to go back? a sigh escaped her. She couldn't explain it, but every time she was in one world it felt like a part of her wanted to be in the other. Each had a group of people she loved, each of them contained a part of her life. It was impossible to have both together in one place, forcing her to split herself and give up one for the other time and time again.
Loud music drew her from her thoughts.
Looking up, Sahara found herself in a familiar area. The small stadium with steps all around was packed with crews. The courtyard below filled with dancing teens. Boarders drifted lazily above while others showed off their daring skills to anyone who would watch.
"Race! Race! Race!" a group chanted to one side as two crews faced off.
The moonlight gathering was still the same as it had been the first time Sahara had appeared here. She took in the view. Memories of Terrell rescuing her flashed through her mind. Back then, she had no idea about Regona. There were no falcons, there was no Lithium. She and Terrell had not been an item, and she had no idea of both the thrilling and painful journey ahead.
Remembering all of this made Sahara realize just how much had happened since her first time here.
"Fight!" someone yelled.
The crowd surged in one direction and Sahara stepped back, avoiding getting swept along. The crew who'd been about to race lost half their onlookers who turned to join the crowd instead.
Sahara witnessed a circle of people form. Two guys step out, one cracking his knuckles and the other his neck as he pulled on gloves. The two stared each other down. The bets began.
"Fighting cage," Sahara murmured.
Teens howled, calling for blood. When the first fist collided and drew it, they cheered in a frenzy. The scent of blood mixed in the air, the violence stimulating the crews who jumped in excitement.
"Ahh!" the cry of agony made Sahara's head snap to the side.
A crew was returning from a race. One of the boarders was being towed by another. He was bent in agony as he lay on his board clutching a leg. One could tell from a glance that the direction it was pointing in was very unnatural. The teen himself was also covered in wounds that could only come from a nasty fall.
The pounding music and dancing teens soon drowned out the cries.
Sahara scowled. Yes, races could be life-threatening, but why did she feel like the bloodlust had risen tenfold.
The cheering crowd made her eyes dart back to the fighting cage. One of the teens sat atop the other, punching over and over again. Each sickening thud raised another cheer. Even the crew members of the one being beaten down hung back, though they clenched their fists, none stepping in to interfere.
This isn't right, Sahara narrowed her eyes. Her feet moved before her brain could follow, carrying her in the direction of the fight.
A hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her from the crowd into the shadows.
Sahara's protest froze on her lips when she saw the purple hair of the figure slightly bent over, panting.
"Noah?"
Familiar eyes lifted and Sahara froze.
The boy's face was a mess. His lip was split. A cut went across his nose.
"Yo," he gasped.
"Are you okay? What happened?"
Noah waved her concern off. He glanced around. "Don't worry about it," he brushed it aside. "Why are you here alone?"
"I was clearing my head..." Sahara paused. The wince from Noah as he bent over and clutched his stomach didn't escape her.
"Hey, we should get you some help," she reached to support the boy.
Noah dodged and gave an apologetic smile. There was blood on his teeth. "I'm fine, really. Just ran into some pesky rats." He paused, eyes darting around again. "You know where Terrell is?"
The Falcon glanced at her bracelet to see there still wasn't an IHM. She shook her head. "Last I saw him was this morning when you picked him up. I thought you were together?"
"Shoot," Noah muttered. He pulled her further into the shadows. A group of boarders shot by.
"What's going on?" Sahara lowered her voice.
Noah shook his head, his purple hair bouncing. "Don't worry about it." He flinched as he leaned against the wall for support.
"Who did this?" Sahara probed.
"Hah, do I look that pathetic?" the boy asked.
"Found him!" a voice cut in before Sahara could answer.
Sahara turned, but Noah was faster. Despite his obvious hurt, he tugged his omega's girl behind him, taking a protective stance and glaring fiercely at the group who appeared.
Black masks with skeletons on them, the culprits stepped forward – Noctorious.
"Fellas," Noah greeted. "I thought we'd agreed to part ways?"
A figure pushed by the others. His mask was pulled down. Familiar red streaks ran through his hair, a crazy glint in his eyes.
"Oh, we were just getting started," the guy chuckled.
Sahara recognized him in a moment. He came when we were at Aaron's.
The same guy pointed a finger at Noah, "I told you after our last run in that we would meet again."
Noah nodded. "That we did. It was short and sweet. Let's leave with fond memories."
"Ah, but we've only just started making those," came the reply. "Though I must say, you're not as fun to play with as I thought." He made a gross sound and spat a wad of spit right at Noah's feet. "Don't really fight that well."
Noah shrugged. "Maybe I just can't be bothered with trash?"
That struck a nerve.
The guy made a motion and the teens behind him surged forward.
Sahara moved. She dodged under Noah's protective arm and stood before him, doing her best to stare down the attackers.
The appearance of the girl made them hesitate for but a moment. The next, a fist swung.
"Wait!" the guy with streaks yelled coldly.
The attack froze mid-swing, the reluctance in the attacker's eyes pretty clear.
"Ah." The leader rubbed his hair. Frustration was written on his face. "You, you seem to pop up everywhere." He pointed an accusing finger at Sahara.
"I was going to say the same," she replied, trying to keep her voice calm.
Noah reached for her arm and she knew his intention was to pull her back to safety. She shook him off.
"If you want him, you'll have to go through me," she spat bravely.
A few looks were exchanged. Several guys shrugged. They resumed their attack.
Sahara hadn't been ready for that.
Two things happened. Noah immediately grabbed her and jerked her back out of the way of an oncoming fist, and that fist never got to fully land as the attacker sprawled to the floor.
The guy with red streaks stood behind him, leg lowering from the kick.
"I said stop," he growled.
Those in masks shifted, trying to decide on if they should listen or not.
Their leader nodded in Sahara's direction. "Don't forget, no touching her."
The words didn't escape Sahara. Before she could deduce the meaning, the dude with red in his hair turned to shoot a smile that made her shiver. It was aimed at Noah. "We'll resume this later," he promised. Turning, he viciously kicked at his own guy on the floor and walked, motioning for the others to follow.
The masked teens did so, no one helping up the guy on the ground who pulled himself together on his own and staggered after them.
Noah and Sahara stood in silence.
In the next moment, Sahara flinched as Noah moved, dropping into a crouch.
"Ahh," he clutched at his head.
Thinking he was in pain, Sahara made a move to help him, only to have Noah suddenly lift his head and stare at her with a crestfallen expression.
"It's the hair, isn't it?" he lamented. "I knew purple was the wrong color. Royalty? More like a 'bully me' target. Shouldn't have listened to Roman."
Sahara blinked.
"Should have stuck with blue," the boy continued.
"Noah..."
"Seriously, it's fine." The boy slowly got back to his feet. "Getting beat up is nothing new. Fights happen. You should try it sometime." He froze. "No. No, you should not. Very much no!" His eyes widened. "Forget my last words. Love and peace." He nodded. "Love and peace is what you should tell Terrell I told you!"
Sahara couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry at the current situation. Noah was obviously beaten up to a point that she worried he should get medical attention. And yet here he was, cracking jokes.
Guess it can't be that serious? She couldn't help but think. "Why Noctorious?"
Noah shrugged. "They seem to have a vendetta against Phantoms. I shouldn't have headed out alone." He flashed a grin, "thanks for saving me."
Sahara pointed a finger at herself and as a result, received an enthusiastic nod from Noah. She let out a sigh, unable to explain why the Noctorious teens had backed off.
"I was about to head back," she made the decision. "You should come along and get something put on those wounds."
"Nah." Noah straightened. "Don't deprive me of my battle scars." He gave another bloody grin.
"Is that how you see it?" Sahara's bracelet chose to violently vibrate. She glanced down to see that this time it was Orion calling. She let out a sigh as she realized that at this point her crew was probably worrying.
"Looks like you have places to be," Noah told her. "Do me a favor, say the other guys looked a lot worse!"
"I should accompany you back first," Sahara replied.
"Nah. It's not far. I can board on my own." Noah lifted a hand in salute. "They already left. Give my greetings to the Falcons." He winked.
Sahara paused. Her bracelet continued to vibrate. Giving in, she picked up the call.
"Are you ok?" Orion asked.
"I'm on my way back," Sahara replied. She gave Noah a look and the boy returned it with a thumbs up. Seeing he was already looking better, Sahara smiled. "Let me pick up my board. I'll be home soon," she told Orion and then hung up. "Come by soon," she addressed Noah.
"Invite accepted," came the light reply.
Sahara stood for a moment. It didn't sit right to just leave, but Noah didn't look like he wanted her around either. And the attackers had left.
"I'll head out then."
Noah nodded, eyes bright, a smile still on his face.
Sahara walked, leaving the moonlight gathering and Noah behind. She shot one last glance back to see Noah waving, still grinning. Feeling somewhat better, Sahara resumed her path.
The moment she was out of sight, the smile on Noah's face dropped. The boy silently slipped to the ground, one hand resting over his knees in exhaustion. He closed his eyes. A moment later, feet thumped on the ground and a group appeared before him.
Noah's eyes opened. They landed on the teens wearing masks with skulls on them. The guy with red streaks leaned against the wall, watching with a cold leer.
"Round two, so soon, huh?" Noah asked. He struggled to his feet, using the wall as support. A moment later, he motioned with a hand. "Come." The masked teens descended and a falcon walked home: unaware that her help had been so short-lived. In oblivious bliss she picked up her board, taking a moment to glance at her bracelet. The IHM she'd sent to a certain Phantom still had no reply
With a sigh, Sahara headed home.