In the world where they lived, they had no permanent homes. They were shifted from institution to institution based on their age and usefulness. This was a world where two parties warred for control. Bellarda Monarchy and Carnio Bandits.

Olivia lived in one such institution. The Child Endorsement Centre or the CEC, was run by The Council of Sisters and the Moderators.

In the CEC, it was important to have friends. In particular, friends who could protect you from the wrath of Mother Ward. In the present moment, Mother Ward is Diane, but in this story, she holds no importance.

Olivia's 'friend' had been a woman who was no less than a princess, Stella Renee. To her, Stella was no less than her confidant, her sister, and her best friend.

Stella had always played the big sister role in the CEC, that was until she turned eighteen and the Bellarda Monachy fell and the Carnio Bandits decided to take away most of the eighteens until the Moderators stepped in and built Aef Endorsement Centre.

Day after day, Olivia would wait for a letter to arrive. A letter to tell her that Stella is alive and that the Carnio Bandits' hands never reached her.

The young girl still wondered what she must have been doing, did she get a 'new sister', did she get married to the boy who she fawned over, what she must have been thinking that day when the Moderators arrived to take her away to Aef Endorsement Centre?

I'd meet her tomorrow, hopefully, thought Olivia.

Tomorrow, to commemorate her coming-of-age, she'd be shifted to AEC by the Moderators.

Usually, the night before was meant for a farewell party for those who'd be shifted. The party was prepared by the younger orphans, without the knowledge of Mother Ward Diane, and if the Council of Sisters knew they said nothing.

The young girl had decided not to indulge herself and instead prepare for The Shifting.

It was a hectic day too, she had to bid her farewell to Mother Ward Diane and the Council of Sisters who watched over the proceedings of the CEC along with the Moderators and their leaders.

Sister Cinna, who she was closest to, gifted her a green silky Pyheian handkerchief with red fruits embroidered on it.

It'll smell of a sweet memory. I hope it'll remind you of us, Sister Cinna intoned to her before hugging her goodbye.

She soon let the heavy sleep devour her, a heavy quilt placed on top.

She let its strong smell of hay and detergent imprint.

Goodbye. She thought as darkness settled over, a light breeze blowing the soft long caramel strands of hair around.

'~'

In a narrow dark hallway, a woman could be seen, the two attendants behind her were hidden from view.

Her blond hair is very faint right now, and tightly knotted up in a bun. Her eyes are hollowed and empty. She looks close to death.

She was dressed in a green gown, it would have been regal if not for the faded look and the colorless patches sewn in. A crown sits on top of her coiled hair, it has no gets and the metal seems to be tarnished and fading.

What happened to her? Is she Stella? Thought Olivia, this was only a dream after all.

The nameless woman seems to be looking at a portrait. Olivia's conscience crept closer to her, now she looks exactly like a dead person would.

She didn't notice the presence but spoke to the two attendants behind her, Olivia didn't notice them until now. They look dead as well, but it seems as though they have been rotting for a very long time.

"My sister should be arriving soon." The woman lifted a hand and ran her fingertips along the glass pane, "You must care for her when she arrives." She leaves the painting and turns to the attendants' beastly snots, their tusks burrowed out under their closed maws, "And when she departs, you have my blessings to do as you please and harm no human, lest they work with the Carnio Bandits and even then, keep it swift and painless."

A low rumble is sounded when the attendants look up at the woman who continues, "Oh, poor Baia and Kaiou. I seem to have not much time left. But my daughter will, if you can, look for her and serve her as you have served me."

The attendant on the left clutches her hand and howled in pain, the one on the right does the same.

She looked at the undead beasts in pity and whispered, "Goodbye, children."

Her body starts to fade and wilt until she no longer appears to be a person but a lifeless lump of dirt.

The attendant, whom Olivia registered as Kaiou, on the right howled far more sharply as the other attendant, Baia, snapped her finger and flames enveloped the swollen lump.

Soon enough, behind Olivia's conscience sounded the opening of the great hall doors along with dainty clacks of heels.

Olivia turned around to see who entered but there was no one there.

Who opened the doors? Thought Olivia, her conscience had gained a body now; the woman whose body she was inhabiting was one with red hair and a slightly tanned complexion, she was dressed in a regal outfit with a princess's tiara sitting on top of her tightly coiled hair.

"My Lady, we've been waiting for you," Olivia turned back to the beastly attendants who no longer stood near the portrait but in front of her, bowing deep.

"Yes, yes," The voice was not her own, a bit deeper to be precise, "We must hurry, Carnio Bandits were quite near when I left South Annes."

The attendants stood straight, the fury was clear on their rotting faces.

"Now, show me the portrait," The attendants walked ahead, holding out their decaying hands to the door. Olivia's now body walked over to the spot where the nameless woman previously stood.

Now the portrait was visible.

There was nothing. It was empty.

"It is quite beautiful," her voice croaked out, Olivia wasn't the one speaking but the person who owned the body spoke, "It is worth the sacrifice Lady Elsipette made, wouldn't you agree?"

Nothing would ever be worth that. The beasts thought in silence.

There was no answer.

"His Royal Highness will be pleased, hopefully," there was a slight tremor in her voice.

Do I fear the king? Thought Olivia.

"Shall we ready it, Lady Myrialle?" Baia asked, letting her arms down after she whispered an incantation.

So I am Lady Myrialle here, noted Olivia.

"Yes, yes," Kaiou and Baia rushed like cats to the portrait and quickly removed the portrait from its glassy frames and wrapped it into a portable package.

"It's safe enough to be carried by a carriage right now," Baia handed her the package, "but you must have the portrait delivered to King Bellarda by the next two nightfalls. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire."

Kaiou and Baia speed-walked behind the lady until they reached Myrialle's carriage. It was no less of any extravagance.

"Are you going to join me, Varyoues?" Myrialle asked as she settled in her seat.

"No, Lady Myrialle," Baia answered.

"We will hold back the Carnio Bandits and if we survive, we will join Our Lady's Daughter, Lady Carteth." Kaiou continued.

"We bid you farewell, Lady Myrialle," Both intoned together as they shut the door, "And we fare well wishes for your daughter, Lady Ruxel."

As the carriage started moving, Lady Myrialle placed her hand on her stomach.

"Goodbye, Varyoues." She echoed.

Olivia soon woke up. It was only a dream after all.

The sun's rays shone brightly on Olivia's lightly tanned face.

It's morning! Thought Olivia as she jumped out of her bed, her lithe feet racing to the washroom.

"This is it, it seems," she whispered to her reflection in the mirror.

She had caramel hair, but it held no luster or shine as expected since she lived in CEC. Her skin was lightly tanned but quite dry. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of black but it was a very strange combination if the truth must be intoned. Stella would call Olivia beautiful but she believed that she could be beautiful if she had amenities offered in the Aef.

Flipping the tap open, cold water rushed out. Heavy thoughts soon littered her head but they were just as quickly dissolved as she splashed the cold water on her face and began her hygiene morning routine.

When her morning routine was finally over, she walked out to her bedroom.

I am leaving. This room will go to some other child. The heavy thoughts were back. She had lived in this room and found solace there ever since she could walk, she had met Stella here as well. Exactly 18 years had passed since she lived here.

Looking around the room, she could spot every memory etched into the tiny cracks.

There, by the dresser, Sister Masha had held her when she was just 3 years old and had contracted some illness; the youngster had been puking the entire day and was now crying in pain, Stella was just 11 years of age and had been rushing back and forth from the Medic's square and her room to get the medicines Sister Masha had asked for.

Sister Masha was Stella's and her caretaker until they reached the age of 12.

On another side was the floor where she'd slept with her friends, it was when Stella (age 16), Bian (age 8), and Lulu (age 16), had snuck into her room to have a sleepover. The night was spent in giggles and smiles but in the morning when Sister Masha arrived to wake her, they'd been scolded plenty and then even more when Sister Kell, Bian's caretaker had arrived in search of the then-young Bian.

This room is full of so many memories. And hopefully, the next child will make equally or even better memories. Thought Olivia as she scanned around once more and walked to the dresser where her outfit was placed.

It was a beautiful dress that would reach just above her knees. It was green and decorated with minuscule teal patterns running up and down from the expanse of the waist.

I bet Miss Venne spent her nights preparing the dresses for all of us. Thought Olivia as she picked up the dress and walked to the bathroom and changed into it.

The dress looked very conservative but the elegance overpoured far more and thus looked beyond gorgeous.

She slipped on some green sandals which added a bit more of height to her.

I must thank Miss Venne and Sister Masha before I leave. Thought Olivia as she touched the base of her neck and realized something. Stella instructed me to wear a necklace.

She walked back to the washroom and bent down under the sink. If any other person were to look for something here, they'd never find it.

In the corner, under the barely noticeable lump of dirt was a necklace. Pulling it out, she clutched and stood up and washed it under the tap. Now the beauty of the necklace was visible.

It was a thin chain of gold with tiny pearl roses dotting down every centimeter. Olivia let it drape over her neck. And when she looked in the mirror, she glowed with pride and happiness.

This is finally it.

A gentle knock sounded out at the front door. It was time for her to leave and for the new orphan to reside here until she moved out.

She grabbed her roseate bag and opened the door to greet the caretaker and the orphan and leave forever.

"Good morning, Sister Asha," She greeted the person in front of her and looked at the poor child who was asleep in the stroller and was clenching the Sister's hand, "Is this the new resident?"

The child was robed in a white gown, she was of a wheatish complexion and had black hair. She looked to be around 2 years of age.

"Good morning, Via," Sister Asha smiled and gave her a one-sided hug, "yes, this is Jalen."

"Hello, Jalen, may you have fun in this room," Olivia smiled down at the child and excused herself as she walked to Wellister Hall for the departure.

"Is that Via?" A person asked from behind Olivia as she walked to the hall.

Suddenly stopping, she looked behind and saw Finny, a maid who was employed by the Moderators. Finny worked here since the young girl was around 5 years old.

"Finny!" Olivia exclaimed and hugged the old lady. The smell of green bush and oil invaded her nose but she ignored it. "I am leaving for Aef."

"Oh, little girl," Finny patted her shoulder, "May the spirit of Justice give you her protection."

"Thank you,"

"Child, be sure to watch out for yourself. Don't trust anyone there, not even those who you hold close."

"Yes, Finny," Olivia smiled ruefully at her as the old lady retracted her hand, "I'll watch out for myself."

"Good," Finny turned her around and pushed her back into her previous track, "Mother Ward is furious today, and you're late. Now, goodbye,"

"Goodbye, Finny," She intoned as she hurridly walked to the Wellister Hall at the mention of Mother Ward.

In front of the hall, a huge lot of girls stood and near them were also boys. Though they never really lived in the same building, they lived together on the grounds and thus were used to each others' presence but today, there was a slight buzz present in the air, excitement.

"Took you long enough," Bian greeted her with a mischievous smile.

"What did you do, B?" Olivia groaned lightly.

"Oh, nothing," Bian just handed her a violet tuft of hair.

"What the hell?!" Olivia whispered as she shoved the tuft back to Bian, "What did you do?"

"You're no fun," The girl with dark braids pouted. "I just put purple hair color in Mother Ward's shampoo, and this", she brought up the hair, "is the proof that it worked."

Fear traced into Olivia's eyes along with amusement when Mother Ward Diane entered.

Her usual platinum hair was now a deep shade of purple. Fury was briefly evident on her puckered face until it was covered over with placidity and serenity.

"Children," Her shrilly voice called out, everyone's attention on her now.

The audience who gathered before Mother Ward was struggling to hold in their waves of laughter. Fury scarcely crossed over her placid features before balming over again.

"Excuse my attire," Diane's voice blew in, "I seem to have had a mishap, but let us move on."

The throng of young adults assembled in proper 6 lines, no longer laughter nearly popping out.

"Yes, now," a Sister walked to Diane and handed her a scepter. "We shall begin the ceremony."

The scepter was one of the last surviving artifacts of the nearly extinct Bellarda Monarchy. It was a golden staff with a shiny orb on top made of Sapphire and intricate daisy designs endowing it.

"I am beyond proud of you all who managed to survive CEC. Many could not live in the endorsing facilities for reasons we do not understand. But you few who manage to stand here are proof." Diane smiled widely as a group of 6 Sisters stood in front of each line. The sisters' red cloaks billowed as their discolored hands burrowed out from the pockets, holding a brown box each.

"You're proof that despite all challenges put on you by us were nothing compared to your strength. I congratulate you all." Diane gestured to the Sisters, "Now, as your final parting gift, we present you your vitality. The Sisters will help you."

As if that were some command, the five lines moved forward with precision and excitement.

Each child, person by person, recited their name and the Sisters who helping them out would pull out a vial filled with glittery black liquid from the brown box, the children clutched it and walked away to another sister by the doors.

The sisters by the doors were holding burning Fagka bark and blew the smoke into their watering eyes.

From there, the students marched to the Mother Ward and her attendant, Sister Reia, who was holding a basket full of some black mass.

Olivia walked to the Mother Ward with a practiced expression. Mother Ward smiled serenely at her and touched her forehead with her red-gloved hands as she muttered some incantation.

"Olivia, how truly wonderful that it's your day today." Diane pulled a piece from the black mass.

A dagger.

"Forged with blood obsidian and black iron by our master blacksmiths in Aef." Diane handed the dagger to the girl, "You must only ever use it in trouble when you're truly in trouble. Never in a false situation. Now, goodbye and good luck."

Olivia only nodded and smiled as she repeated her goodbyes.

Bian was soon done with her farewell as well. Both the girls linked their arms and walked to their designated buses.

"You know, we can legally change our names in Aef. If you still want to find me after we've separated, find me by the name Aeia Barr." Bian said to Olivia as they hugged.

"Of course, I'll find you, Aeia." Olivia squeezed her harder before letting go, "I'll still be Olivia. And I'll find you as soon as I find Stella and Lulu. We'll be there together, as we were meant to be."

Bian pulled her into a hug once more, "Until then, goodbye, my flower."

Olivia reciprocated the hug with a small cry, "Until then, goodbye, my flower,"

Soon, the girls let go and joined their new neighbors in the dusty brown buses.

The buses were packed but spacious enough to sit freely. The bags that were meant to go along with them were tied on the top of the buses.

Everyone sat in double-seated benches regardless of their companions, after all, they were separated from their found families and these new people weren't as important to them yet as Carabeth intended shortly.

'Who is Carabeth?', you may be asking but she is not yet related to our story.

"Well, this is tedious." an unfamiliar voice spoke out as Olivia sat beside the speaker, not interested in responding.

Even when the bus revved into life, Olivia did nothing but grip the bar in front of her.

"Are you okay?" The person beside Olivia asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "You don't look so good."

"Sorry," Olivia brought up a fist against her mouth and heaved a yawn, "Just tiredness and motion-sickness mixing up together."

"Oh," The girl didn't retract her arm yet, "Sorry about earlier though,"

"No worries," Olivia looked out of her window.

They were moving through a desert road. The sun was high in the sky, painting their surroundings an angry red; sharp green cactus littered their vantage along with some wild desert creature perched on every nearby spot.

"I am Keshia," the neighbor spoke after a while of idle staring.

"Olivia," The girl looked at her neighbor, studying her.

She had dirty blond hair reaching past her shoulder, it was tied up with a peach silk ribbon. Her face was a bit ovalish, redness traced on the top of her creamy white cheeks. Her lips were pulled in a slight frown. Her eyes were large brown orbs of seriousness and, maybe, a bit of friendliness.

She was dressed in a black dress with gray detailing, that reached past her ankles. Her sleeves were slightly puffed out and ended at her mid-forearm. She was holding some sort of book of form too, concentrating on it, it was clear that it was a Name Change form book.

"Are you planning on changing your name?" Olivia asked, staring at the forms in Keshia's hands.

Keshia huffed an airy laugh as she remembered the form book, "Oh no, I am the troop leader was this batch. This is a form book I have to submit to the Moderators of our part of Aef."

A troop leader. I forgot about them. Maybe I can ask her about Aeia's prefecture. Olivia thought but her reminiscing was ever present on her face.

Keshia sighed and shook her head, "Unfortunately, I am not allowed to share details regarding the others. I can only share information such as names of the others who are going to Aef with us on the bus."

"Oh," Olivia nodded and looked out the window, "Who all are riding with us?"

Keshia smiled mischievously as she pointed to the boys in front of them, "That's Bellamy Warren and Garth Maison."

The entire bus ride, around 2 hours, was filled with small chitchats with their neighbors or small doses.

Soon enough they reached a checkpoint.

A moderator and the bus driver stepped out of the bus and started speaking to the soldier standing near a checkpost.

The moderator walked back on the bus and walked to Keshia, "Mam, please hand the Form Book for checking,"

"Of course, Mod," Keshia smiled and handed him the book.

The Moderator, dressed in a black camouflage uniform from the tip to the toe, walked back to the Soldier and handed him the book.

The Soldier nodded and walked on the bus. He surveyed the bus passengers quickly and nodded before he noted something down on his palm.

"Men and women, we request you to walk out of the bus and maybe take a refreshment break." The soldier's voice was distorted.

Strange. Olivia thought but paid no attention as she walked down the bus with the other passengers and Keshia.

"You're allowed to walk to Bayhill, our military town, with Officer Mije." The soldier gestured to another soldier who was, dressed in the same apparel, and just walked out on the mention of his name. "You're free to explore as long as Mije is informed of your whereabouts. Please report back in about 4 hours."

Mije walked in front of the previous speaker, Nyla, and spoke in a similar distorted voice, "Please follow me,"

The group of 21 people, including Mije, walked in a rounded formation to Bayhill, the military town.

The walk was hardly around 10 minutes, there was no conversation between the people except for Mije mumbling out facts regarding Bayhill's foundation.

"And here we are," Mije's distorted voice sounded pleased for some reason.

In front of them stood a huge door which opened slowly, providing a narrow passage to move through.

"Before you enter, please hand over your credential papers." Mije held out his gloved hand.

Each person handed their papers before they entered. Keshia was equally nervous as she handed her papers with Olivia to Mije.

People assumed that the credential papers were meant to verify their identities, but in truth, the papers were more or less papers to be voted on. If a person caught a soldier's eye in Bayhill, they had the right to announce the person as a spy and have them serve their sentence here as their slaves.

No one was truly safe in Bayhill unless their paperwork clearly stated their importance to Aef and was stamped by a Walson. Not even Keshia who worked hard to earn the title of troop leader for Batch 19.

And it was also why Mother Ward gifted the children those daggers and vials full of their Vitality Activators.

"Thank you," Mije assembled the bundle of papers properly, "Please allow me to submit these papers before we continue,"

Mije turned to Keshia, his eyes were decent enough for the moment, "Troop leader, I hope you'll excuse me and watch over your batch until I return,"

Just as she was about to respond, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Rude, Olivia studied the soldier's fading figure. She didn't trust this town and wasn't sure whether she could trust Keshia either.

"All right," Keshia whispered as she studied her troop.

No one stood out. It was a good thing too, for if anyone stood out they would catch someone's eye which would mean that the military would not allow them to leave.

A girl was fidgeting around too much though while others tried not to move as much. She was dressed in a blue frock, her red hair was braided.

"Kayla," Olivia placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Yeah," The girl's eyes were very unfocused as they rested on Olivia as she whispered, "I don't trust this place, there are eyes everywhere."

"Eyes? What do you mean?" Olivia looked around quickly, scanning their vicinity.

The only things present were dinghy buildings, sparse greenery, and maybe a few people walking around.

"Look carefully, people keep staring at us," Her eyes caught a figure walking towards them.

Sure enough, when Olivia turned around to check Kayla's words, people looked at them. They were staring at their group with the same judgment Mother Ward held in her eyes as she evaluated their worth, these people were evaluating their worth as their future slaves.

The figure walking towards them was James Mackrel, a junior official.

It was no secret that he was handsome and it was proved to be a fact when he approached Keshia and blinked multiple times as if to make sure that he was a real person.

"Good afternoon, Lady Keshia. Officer Mije has asked me to help you travel to his location," his eyes found another girl's, but he looked away a bit too soon, "If you'll follow me, now."

"Of course," Keshia gestured to the group to follow along, Kayla's muttering was incessant.

In the back of the group stood the girl on whom Mackrel's eyes snagged. Chicago.

The girl avoided looking in his particular direction even as he spoke with Keshia or even when his eyes scathed over her. She couldn't afford to have his attention in such a place, no matter how much she'd like it.

Soon they stopped in front of a gray, boxy 3-storey building. Its headboard stated the name as "The Lion Den".

James knocked on the iron-plated door twice before it opened, revealing a skinny brunette woman. The woman looked to be malnourished and defeated and even though her eyes held exhaustion, her sultry voice overpowered as she spoke, "Welcome, sir, to The Lion Den,"

James's face was uneasy as he spoke, "Could you fetch Mije once his meeting with Officer Fenson is done?"

The woman disappeared soon after. The group was uneasy after the woman's appearance as they had never been in the presence of a pleasure worker or in an establishment that flaunted it. It was because, in CEF, the Sisters educated the children that any aspect of pleasure was to be perceived as a sin. But many, after shifting to Aef, had their views changed with either the residents or with their comrades.

After a minute or two of waiting, a very drunk Mije appeared. His headdress was no longer on his head; he was bald and had oily features which included his thin mustache.

"Mije," James's eyes held disapproval as he studied Mije's disheveled look, "Drinking on duty and it's not even 4 PM? You have guests too."

"It was Fenson," Mije slurred as he walked slowly with a limp, a platinum-haired lady in a scanty uniform helped out the door, "That asshole made me draw in my bet,"

Olivia stared at the man with disgust and with pity towards the white-haired woman as she studied her hollowed cheeks.

The white-haired woman dropped Mije once he was out of their threshold. "Visit again, master."

Mije waved lamely at the woman as she stepped back into the dark halls of the bar. The drunk tried to get up but instead started to clear vomit all over James's combat boots.

"You know what?" James scrunched his nose as he picked the drunk by his elbow, "You go back and sleep in one of the rooms, maybe Cadie can help you out and I'll even pay."

At the mention of the Cadie, Mije perked up and started walking back towards the bar and knocked. This time a green-haired woman answered, that it was easier to differentiate her from the others, simply based on her health. She had recently arrived and it appeared that her health hadn't taken a toll yet.

Mije tried to smirk at her but it must have disgusted her as she stepped back with a horrified look, "You're back already?"

Mije stepped in with a slight sway, "Cadie! Of course, I am back for you, my green lotus."

James stepped over, in front of Cadie, his patience running out as he held Mije's bald head by the neck and spoke to the women with apology, "Sorry, Cadie. But can you please rent out a room for Mije? And I'll be paying."

Cadie looked at him with uncertainty as she spoke, "Sure, lemme just ask Cordelia."

Cadie disappeared and within seconds a redhead stood in her place. The woman was healthier compared to all the other women who the group had seen so far, her voluptuous bust was covered by a scanty green top and her lower with a glittery green sarong, and her face was heavily accentuated with makeup.

"Mr. Mackrel, I never thought I'd see you here." The redhead smiled seductively.

James cleared his throat uncomfortably and looked away as he spoke, "Cordelia. Sorry to disturb you right now but could you lend a room out for Mije? I'll be paying the price."

Cordelia smiled, pleased, "Of course," she turned to Mije and grabbed him as she pulled him in through the door, "Hello, Master Mije, Cadie will assist you,"

A plate dropping could be heard in a slight distance.

"Alright," James quickly led the group away from the bar and towards another delegation building, "I am sorry you had to witness that,"

The group's face held disgust and a slight curiosity.

Keshia said nothing as she surveyed the new place, Olivia studied the other people in the delegation building, Kayla was quiet and shivered slightly, and Chicago finally looked at James, whereas the other group members chittered amongst themselves.

"Now then," James began as he studied the uneasy group, "I am Officer James Mackrel, and I'll be your guide while we're in Bayhill."

Keshia said, "Excuse me, but can we hear a bit about the rules regarding this place?"

"Yes, of course," James rubbed the back of his neck, "First, you're allowed to buy whatever you want but keep in mind that the subtotal of your spending will be removed from your salary monthly until it's zero. Second, please refrain from going into clubs or bars, but if you do, please do not sign any form no matter how tempting. Third, please do not venture beyond the Capital Centre. Fourth, please inform me of your whereabouts before you head out."

"Is that all?" Keshia asked.

"Yes," James pulled something from his shirt's pocket, and handed some black object to each person, leaving Chicago for the last and even then hesitating, "This is a temporary tracker. Please place it on the nape of your neck to activate."

Hesitatingly the people did as they were told. Satisfied, the officer pulled a screen on the palm and nodded, "You can explore now,"

The people immediately burst from the group, some heading into shops or cafes or some establishments of sorts.

Chicago, stupidly, decided to explore the town without a partner. She entered a single-storey shop with no name. The people inside had their faces covered as they continued their transactions.

You'd think that the girl would see that as a warning flag and move out, but no, she ventured further into the shop and stood in front of a cabinet.

In this area, there was nearly no one there.

Chicago pulled the cabinet open and grabbed a jar. Pickled Plums with Fermented Chilli Seed Paste.

You can't find this in CEC. Thought Chicago as she surveyed the amount of pickled fruit in the jar.

She walked to the register to have her item paid for. The man with his face covered dialed up her bill, "Resident or Traveller or Shifter?"

"Shifter," Chicago spoke as she studied the masked male, "Chicago."

The man handed her the bill before she walked out of the shady establishment as though she was a regular patron, but she didn't know that because of her appearance and her mannerisms had raised attention.

In a slightly distant area, Olivia and Kayla were sitting inside a restaurant named Moore & Woods, a respected food chain expanding from Aef.

The interior was creme-colored, with plush chairs placed around round high tables, and scone lamps lit against the wall. A few patrons were sitting around, haggard faces manned the workforce, and the uniformed men and women who were sitting were slightly plumper than the men and women who sat in civilian dressings.

The entire town reeked of sinister deeds and it didn't appease Kayla's nerves as she sipped some Lemongrass Tea.

Olivia's eyes were stuck on a particular woman with raven hair. The woman's hair was cascading past her pale back, her blue eyes were empty as she smiled with a similarly empty expression at a buff man who was speaking to her with some sort of joy.

The woman dabbed her red lips with a napkin. As her sleeve pulled and revealed a red bruise on the woman's pale hand, Olivia's eyes widened in shock.

"I believe you, Kayla." Her eyes were still on the woman, Kayla's eyes followed the other girl's gaze with confusion.

"The abuse is everywhere, it seems." Kayla's curled with disgust.

Slowly, recognition trickled into Kayla's eyes as she stared at the woman, "That's Bridget, I saw her often in CEC's central park grounds with my brother, Kyle."

Pity swam into Olivia as she realized Kayla's questions. "I hope you find Kyle in Aef."

"Oh, he changed his name to Timothy." Kayla's expression was very wistful. "If I remember correctly, Timothy and Bridget were planning to get married in Aef and start a family."

"Oh, did he ever contact you after The Shifting?"

"Once, he managed to have a note sent to me." Kayla sighed as she sipped her tea, "It was strange because all it said was 'unsafe'. I never understood it."

Unsafe? Was he talking about Aef?

In another distant area, Keshia and a boy named Bruin had somehow managed to enter a pleasure bar, knowingly, to inspect the area and the working conditions because they had arrived as Pre-Appointed Government Workers as well.

The bar's name, Siren Cove, was written on neon-lit boards over the alcohol cabinet they faced. A bartender, Scottie, manned the space.

Their surrounding was a dimly lit area. Black plush leather seats clustered around small tables, coasters, and glasses were pre-placed with laminated menus. The walls were a mixture of brown and cranberry. Tiny chandeliers lined over the sitting areas and around the large alcohol cabinet. There was a stage ahead, though not lit right now, a stool and a mic were visible as well as three poles in the back.

"Is there no one performing today?" Bruin asked as he scanned the drinks' menu.

"Lula will be on stage in about," Scottie checked the watch on his white bony wrist, "10 minutes."

Lula was no other than the Lulu that Olivia, Stella, and Bian loved. She was forced to stay back in Bayhill about 8 years ago.

"I'll have an Icy Tropical," Keshia said as she flipped the drinks menu closed. Scottie nodded as he retreated to the alcohol cabinet and pulled out the necessary ingredients.

Bruin stared at the man who suddenly entered the bar.

He had a mahogany buzz cut and a small goatee patch, he was in a lean red suit with a badge of honor on his lapel. He walked with a limp and a cane as he approached a seat next to Keshia, his eyes trailing up her figure with boredom.

"Scottie," the man greeted, "the usual, please."

"Of course, Mr. Kayle." Scottie placed a blue peachy drink in front of Keshia and retreated to his workstation near the cabinet and soon returned to the man with a red liqueur with slight fire on the edge of the hexagonal glass, "Your Fiery Red, sir,"

The man appeared pleased as he took a sip and sighed, Bruin, studying the man with a side glance.

No one spoke, only Scottie's humming was audible as he wiped some liqueur glasses with a red and gold cloth.

Suddenly, all the lights dimmed to a barely shadowy state and a giant spotlight lit up the spot where the stool was placed.

A woman sat on it. She had red and brown wavy hair, her face was all sharp angles, her lips were painted scarlet red, and natural green makeup covered her face, and her green eyes were like all the other women's, full of despair. She was dressed in a green glittery dress which was set loosely around her all-too-thin figure, the dress barely covered her skinny thighs. Her bony feet were bare, save for the emerald ring on her big toe.

Her husky voice soon filled the bar, she sang of the sirens who tamed men and in the end, were caught by savages.

"Scottie," Bruin's green eyes never Lula's face as she sang of the terrible time, "surprise me."

The request seemed to be Scottie's favorite as he grinned walked to his workstation and started to prepare a drink.

The three poles behind Lula's figure lit up. Three women, all sharing a similar appearance of red hair and green costumes and makeup, leaned up against the poles and started swaying against it. Their hair flew slightly as though a gentle breeze from the sea blew their hair.

Scottie returned with a tall glass full of black liquid and a clutch of black button roses floated on top. As Bruin drank it, he felt Keshia's eyes on him. The flavour resembled that of various berries with a slight burn in the end.

Lula was now standing and holding the mic, the stool was kicked to the side. Her siren song echoed off the dark walls. Her hips swayed to the gentle beat drops, her movement similar to the three women in the back, but theirs was slightly more flashy.

"Scottie, have the Foam Room prepared," Kayle stood, "And have Lula sent in once she's done."

"Yes, sir," Scottie nodded walked to the right side dialed a number on the telephone, and relayed the same information to the person on the other side, he nodded before they closed the line and walked back to his previous spot, "The room is free, sir. Lula will join in about 5 minutes, until then Master Theisel would like to talk to you regarding your inquisition."

"Thank you, my boy," Kayle patted Scottie's shoulder before he walked away to the staircase on the left of the alcohol cabinet.

Bruin downed his drink as he studied the women behind Lula, they were too lean as though they had been starved for more than 2 weeks. Their makeup, now in focus, barely hid the bony structure of their figure which their costume showed off.

Keshia placed her drink, half full, back on the desk as she stared at the other workers. They wore full-body navy blue suits. The too-skinny women had their long hair tied in tight pony while the men sported either long hair styled in a similar manner or short hair that was slicked back with some matte gel.

Keshia downed her drink before she flicked a white card to Scottie who caught it effortlessly and read the words before nodding.

Keshia and Bruin left the establishment to move to another and make a similar report.

In a Delegate office, James sat facing Colonel Fergusson. The man's graying head nodded lightly as he went through the group's paperwork.

"The Shifters this year are quite interesting this year, wouldn't you agree?" The portly man flipped through another three pages until he stopped on a certain girl's but then flipped through hers as well.

James flipped through his separate files, proofreading the documents handed from his senior, never responding to Furgusson's query.

"Tell me," Fergusson stopped on Chicago's page, reading in it in detail, "Did anyone catch your eye this year?"

Disgusting bastard. Thought James as he dismissed the question with a shake of his head, anxiety shot up but he kept it low. James loved Chicago and she him, but having the girl stuck here would drain her Vitality.

"I see," Fergusson said as he shut the files and got up to walk out of the concrete room, "4 hours are up. You better take them back, or one of the Walsons will show up here and I'd rather them not being here."

James nodded and walked away, leaving his file on the table; in his arms, he held some pamphlets that he'd be giving to the group.

Outside of the Delegation Building, the group stood all loosened up by now. Some were very comfortable now and those who were on guard, not trusting even their neighbors.

"Is everyone here?" James asked Keshia as she studied a very nauseous-looking Bruin.

"Ah," Keshia looked away and counted heads, "yes, we can move back to the bus, now,"

"Alright," James started walking to the large gates, "follow me,"

The people trotted behind, some happy and some sad. The onlookers no longer stared at them and were instead rushing to some club or their houses for their nightly routine.

In front of the gates, stood the decaying Colonel Furgusson with his set of 6 buff soldiers.

"Colonel?" James stared, confused when he tried to move past but the soldiers stopped him, "What's the matter?"

"We're here for The Collecting," Furgusson gestured for 2 buffs to step towards the group members who instantly tensed up, "Excuse us, but please wait for a moment."

The Collecting was when the Bayhill's town laid their claim on the young people and prevented them from going to Aef City and instead become slaves who'd toil away for the rest of their short lives, or if some soldier managed to purchase a person they'd live longer but their pain wouldn't cease.

"Right," Furgusson cleared his throat, "Kayla Sullens."

The guards grabbed the girl as she screamed and reached for Olivia, "Save me!". Olivia thought to maybe rescue but stopped when she saw the weapons they carried. The dagger wouldn't stand a chance against the gun.

"Felix Fenwood," a guard seized an auburn-headed man but he gave no fight and silently walked to Kayla's spot as she curled up on the floor crying.

"Chicago," James's heart stopped as he heard Furgusson's voice, "Uh, do you have no last name?" he had an irritated look as he waved his hand and continued, "It doesn't matter now,"

He wanted to kill the soldiers the moment he saw their filthy hands touch her shoulders and push her to the secluded group, but he could do nothing because if he acted against the Colonel for her, he'd be branded a traitor and they'd kill Chicago. And she wasn't to ever be killed by anything.

Olivia's POV

In front of us stood a colony designed by our ancestors about a thousand years ago and no CEF kid had ever seen what lay beyond this wall of glass.

We were told to carry our personality credentials as we would only be allowed to enter if we had proof that we lived in the CEF and no outsider was trying to enter to leak the estate secrets as many people have been thirsting for.

Two men in dark green uniforms stepped in with badges that read "AEF". They do overdo it.

They were asking for the papers and one of them grabbed a girl whom I never noticed and said "You are not a CEF attendant. You are not a CEF attendant" he kept repeating until a law enforcement vehicle arrived and the girl was pushed into it and the two men continued as if nothing had happened.

One of them came over to me and held his hand out to me as a gesture for me to hand my personality credentials.

I handed it over and they ripped something off of it and handed it back to me and went over to another girl.

Finally, after 14 minutes they got over with it and stepped off glanced back, and gestured to the driver to move on and enter the AEF.

The huge gates slid open and we continued driving further in as we entered the huge glass dome.

At first, it was a jungle-y sort of place, and then the further we drove, it turned into a suburb and then a city, and then the bus stopped in front of a huge upright building that seemed as if it belonged to the President.

We filed out of the bus and moved to the foyer of the building which was, well, too extravagant but then again it probably belongs to some posh guy.

On the companionway stood a sleek man in a gray suit with black gelled hair that was pushed back, along with a woman with mahogany hair (probably in her mid-20s) in a red pencil skirt with a white V-neck.

Both of them smiled 'gracefully' and strode down and stopped at the last step I observed their expressions and I could tell they were studying ours and they stopped until their eyes fell on me.

They looked at each other nervously and smiled and the woman said "You must be Olivia. I am Carabeth Walson and this is my husband, Theodore Walson."

"Hello," I said meekly as I shook their hands.

"Well, Olivia, we are going to be accommodating you here, in the Walson Estate, for a few days until we can adjust," said she and looked at the other girls with her black eyes telling another tale.

Theodore was silent but his eyes were glistening when he looked at Colette.

Pervert.

We all listened to the instructions intently. And we do not include me.

All I heard was "Then......blah-blah.......And Willow.......blah-blah......stupid...........blah-blah....don't dare........I and my.........blah-blah.......thank you."

Everyone dispersed and I stood alone and frozen in my spot in front of this 'hot-shot couple.

They looked at me and Carabeth said in an interrogative tone "You are Stella Renee's sister, aren't you." It sounded more like a statement than a question.

I gulped and nodded. And to my surprise, Stella walked in from the corner room dressed in an extravagant navy blue gown with posh hair and a smile that told me she had found someone better.

A tear escaped from my eyes and I immediately wiped it and sighed.

She descended the stairs, smiled at me, and I said playfully, "Miss I-will-never-get-married is getting married." 

She smiled and said in a different tone, "Well, people change, Oliv."

Maybe they do.

I mentally shrugged and just hugged her.

"You are so joining me for the dinner. We have so much to catch up on." She said pulling me along but was stopped at once by Theodore's stern voice that interpreted his acerbity, "Stella, let Olivia get freshened up a tad bit first."

She grimaced but agreed and looked at me with sorrowful eyes let go of my hand and said in a low tone "We need to talk."

Two maids came and escorted me to my room.

A nap or a shower? A shower.

I quickly hopped into the bathroom inhaled the sweet Gardenia scent and took a short shower but when I was getting out of the bathroom, my thoughts started running around.

'Who is the guy?'

'What the hell is happening?'

'Why does Stella seem different?" and many other questions.

I wore the dress that was laid on my bed and looked at myself and I must say that it seemed a bit too flamboyant.

I looked at my dressed body but it didn't feel like me. I felt different.

I heard a knock on my egress and walked over I was shocked when four men barged in one of them held a bat and swung it to hit my head and it did.

I collapsed to the ground and I succumbed to the throbbing pain.

One of them kicked me in the abdomen and I spluttered out blood and tears flowed down and I gasped and gasped.

They kept pummeling me and finally injected a purple liquid into my veins and my eyes were shutting and my heartbeat stopped and I knew I was dead.

___________________________________

Meanings-

(*Children Endorsement Facility)
(*Adult Endorsement Facility)