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Blind Candidate: Chapter seven



It was impossible. Her sister, Leverie, was supposed to be dead.
A collection of images began to rupture her mind. My surname is Plop. Ciara entwined her fingers in a trembling knot. She was starting to remember it now. The orange flames flickering across the sky; her animated eight-year old self perched at the end of the dock, casting the fishing rod.
She was Ciara Plop, the youngest daughter of a fisherman in Metric.
“No way!” Liam was the first one to react.
Ciara timidly bit her lip. “I can’t believe it.”
“But,” Liam pondered, “If your sister is a past member of the Vixens, then why haven’t we seen her for the last three years in Sputter Palace?”
“Liam’s got a point.” Chase agreed. “We’ve been here for more than eight years, and yet, we don’t know who is named Leverie Plop.”
“I see…” Ciara said gloomily. So it’s just a lie. Ciara thought. No one survived that explosion. No one in Metric is alive…except for me…Ciara paused as if an idea hit her.
Except for me…
Unclenching and clenching her fists, Ciara rose up from the futon and scurried toward the door.
“Hey, where are you going!?” Liam yelled.
“I have to see my sister,” Ciara staggered, her body aching. “I need to know where she is. I need to know if she’s alright. I need to kno—”
But it was too late. Her foot got tangled on the fur, and the next thing that came was a hard crack that nearly split her head open. Ciara collapsed on the ground, a jolt of pain breached her sore body.
“Ciara…!” she heard Liam and Chase moving hastily. “Geez, you okay?”
"She tripped," Chase mumbled.
She wanted to move her lips, but her senses were already fading away. Ciara wanted to die. To tear off her hair. To roll on the ground. To scream in vain. But she couldn’t. This must be a lie…
She needed to find her sister.
Her only sister.
Leverie.
Before
“Plop!?...that’s a weird name. Are you a fish!?” The boys in Ciara’s class laughed, “Ha-ha! Ciara fish!”
Ciara stifled a cry.
“Ploppy the fish! Seara Plop!” The boys cheered. “Small and tiny. Seara Plop is going to get eaten by a big fish!”
Ciara couldn’t take it anymore. Leaving the boys behind, she darted toward the other direction, away from the insulting remarks, and hid behind a tall oak tree, sobbing.
“Seara Plop is going to get eaten by a big fish. Small and tiny, always getting eaten. No fish likes her, because she’s the food. Food is what big fishes eat, and Seara is one of them.” The boys sang. Squeezing her ears, she waited until the sky was dark and the voices died down. It was always like this. The boys. Her name. She wanted to endlessly grapple those boys, but she couldn’t find her own strength to do it.
Ciara. She wondered, staring at the grayish clouds filling the sky, and it almost looked like it was going to rain too. Plop.
The sky rumbled. The courtyard of the Community Center School was finally quiet, except for the howling of wind and the rustle of the leaves. It was pleasant to be alone. Ciara slid down, pulling her knees up and buried her face as the breeze turned chilly.
She could hear footsteps tapping on the pavement. “Ciara?” It was her sister, Leverie. “Why are you crying?”
 As soon as she found out her sister was standing in front of her, Ciara scrambled to her feet and patted her cheeks. “I-I’m not crying!”
“You silly girl. Don’t lie to me.” Leverie chuckled. “You’re a bad liar, you know that right?”
Ciara sighed, and Leverie kneeled down, soothing her thumb on Ciara’s cheek. “Tell me.”
“The boys in my class always make fun of me because of my surname.” Ciara groaned. “They made a song about it too.”
“What did they say?” Leverie asked gently, the curves of her golden hair tucked on one side of her neck.
“Seara Plop is going to get eaten by a big fish.” Ciara repeated. “Small and tiny, always getting eaten. No fish likes her, because she’s the food. Food is what big fishes eat, and Seara is one of them.”
Leverie laughed, and Ciara protested. “It’s not funny!”
“I know.” Leverie tittered. “I have to say it’s quite a remarkable song. But if I were to reverse it, it would sound like this.” Leverie cleared her throat and sang in a melodic tune. “Small and tiny. Seara Plop disagrees with the big fish. Big fish don’t like food, because Seara Plop has the biggest heart of all. Small and tiny, she doesn’t care. Seara will show that small fish cannot get eaten.” Leverie stopped singing and grinned. “So do you like it?”
“I love it!” Ciara hugged her sister. “But I don’t think I’m that kind of fish you are talking about.”
“Yes you do,” Leverie said. “Because I know you can do it. Show them that you cannot get eaten, and I’ll cheer you from behind.”
“But what if I ca—”
“Never say that,” Leverie put a finger on Ciara’s lips. “If you do, then you can never possibly become my Seara fish.”
“But…”
“Ciara, you have to wake up!
After
Ciara did, but after she snapped her eyes open, she heard a sharp thunk beside the wall, grazing her right cheek. Ciara warily touched the side of her face. Blood. Using her left hand, Ciara perused the wall on her right side, feeling a slick handle protruding two inches near her nose. Someone tried to kill me again. Ciara concluded. Kyra…
“Lucky little thing.” Ciara snapped her head at Kyra’s voice. Her heart throbbed in her ribcage. “When I was your age, my comrades tried to kill me in my sleep,” Kyra snarled, “But luckily, I kept my mind alert.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Ciara muttered. Obviously, Kyra was trying to threaten her, since she was a disabled. Ciara couldn’t apprehend the reason why the woman hated her so much.
“Of course you don’t.” Kyra agreed. “You are still clueless. The purpose of your existence here is to train, not to sleep in the daylight,” Kyra continued, “In this world, war is inevitable, and we Vixens don’t have time for any kind of rest. Especially if Virgo is still out there, dominating the world.” Ciara heard the leaves rustling on her coat. She must be leaving. Ciara guessed.
“Why do you hate Virgo so much?” Ciara asked.
“That’s none of your concern,” Virgo said darkly. “Now then, if you’ll excuse me. I have an important business to attend to.”
And then sounds disappeared, replaced by a loud slam on the door.
Ciara blinked. What was the whole thing about?
Pretending that nothing happened, Ciara licked the metallic blood on her fingers. It wasn’t bad, just a scratch. She slipped out of the bed, careful not to let her foot get caught on the fur, and groped the door. She was sure she was still inside the clinic, because of the putrid smell of healing ointments spreading inside the room. The words were still fixated on her mind. Leverie Plop is a Vixen member. A Rank 4.
She reached the doorknob, pushing it open—when a person stumbled past her. Ciara nearly lost her balance, but surprisingly, the person had managed to clasp her wrist before she fell on the floor.
“Hey, be careful.” Liam said, hauling Ciara up, steadying her on her feet, “Also, what are you doing up in the morning? You’re still not fully recovered yet, you know.”
“Sorry,” Ciara apologized, a little shaken.
“Seriously, try to be careful, will you?” Liam scolded. “Yesterday, you tripped, and then you fainted. And now you’re trying to repeat the whole thing again.”
“Sorry,” Ciara repeated.
Liam sighed, disregarding his lecture. “Anyway, what happened to your ear?”
Ciara lowered her head, embarrassed. “Kyra tried to kill me again.”
“Geez....” Liam clenched his teeth together. “That woman is…getting…on my…nerves,”
“Liam.” Ciara said worriedly. She could have sworn she heard Liam repressing his incensed anger, as if he was reluctant to burst into rage. Just like the one Chase hinted. Don’t get mad. “Liam. I’m okay.”
“J-Just…let me take a look at it.” Liam hissed.
She felt Liam’s finger brushing past her cheek, pushing the strands of hair falling on her face. Liam’s voice turned composed, “You got lucky. It’s just a scratch, so there's nothing to worry about. Also,” His fingers tucked her hair to her ear. “I like it when your hair is out of the way. Now, you look beautiful.”
Ciara blushed. This was the first time someone said she was beautiful.
“Thank you,” Ciara whispered.
“Anyway, I came here to tell you that you’re being assigned to your new class, which will be starting today.” Liam reminded.
“Class?” Ciara asked.
“Yup,” Liam said, “Sorry we didn’t have the chance to tell you yesterday, but Rank 1’s are required to attend class in the morning. Here, I’ll assist you.” Liam clasped Ciara’s arm, and dragged her outside.
“Why so sudden?” Ciara asked. She could smell a compelling lavender scent on Liam’s hair. He just got out of the shower, she guessed. His hair was damp wet, his skin was cool to touch, and his clothes smelled like fresh soap.
“Kyra’s orders. You know what they say. Obey the queen,” Liam recited. “Here’s a hint from the Rank 1 class, and you’re not going to like it.”
“Why?”
“Because Kyra’s the teacher.”
Ciara gulped.
“I heard that her lessons are about sparring. Heinous training if you ask me,” Liam said, “But don’t worry. That’s not going to happen on the first day, she’s just going to show you all the equipment like the one I told you about.”
Ciara could remember the weird names and upgrade potions that Vixens use, like the Philters, the Furs, and the Swirls.
“Oh,” Ciara muttered.
“I told you. It’s going to be fine. First days are usually boring with the lectures and everything. But hey, at least you’ll learn something right?”
Ciara wasn’t sure. “I guess.” She heard voices chattering at the end of the hallways. “Um…where’s Chase?”
“He’s back at the room, showering.” Liam said.
“And what about you? What are you going to do today?” Ciara asked.
“Mission.” Liam said enthusiastically, “I need to repay Ms. Stupey, right?”
The two surpassed the labyrinth of passages, which Ciara had secretly memorized four days ago. Left, straight, right, straight, left. Ciara recited. Then they stopped in front of a room that reeked of parched blood and wood saw.
Ciara pinched her nose. “Is this it?”
“Yup, Rank 1 class. Everyone has already gathered up, but don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Liam clutched the doorknob.
When Liam pushed the door open, a deadly silence struck her. She heard the door creaking, and a hushed whispers spreading around the room. Her stomach twisted in a knot. I don’t hear any sounds of chairs around. Ciara wondered. They are only sitting on the floor. What odd people.
“Sorry, we’re late, Kyra.” Liam said loudly. Ciara flushed. She was still wearing her hospital gown, so the bandages were exposed on her bare legs and arms. What was Ciara thinking? She should have changed a while ago!
Liam, and…the Candidate,” Kyra said sharply, “Come in. I was just getting warm up.” Dead weight settled on Ciara’s shoulders. “Sit down.”
Ciara nervously took four steps and sat on the ground. There must be…ten or more people in here…Ciara guessed.
“Liam, you are dismissed.” Kyra ordered.
“Alright, Ma’am.” Liam said, disappearing from the door.
How can Liam leave me like this? Ciara turned flustered. This was Kyra. The woman who flung a knife that scratched her ear. The woman who tried to kill her thirty minutes ago.
“What is your name, Blind Candidate?” Kyra demanded.
“Ciara,” she said timidly. Why is Kyra acting like this is the first time we met? Ciara noticed.
She despises you, her conscience said. Maybe that was the reason why Kyra ignored her today, because now she was a teacher, not an assassin. And the new students didn't seem to know about her true attitude yet.
“Alright, settle down everyone. Welcome to Rank 1 class.” Kyra said, and Ciara heard the swish of her coat again. She must be walking around the room, Ciara analyzed. “Today, I’m going to teach you the Vixen tradition. And of course, I’ll demo it.” Ciara heard her body bending down as if she was grabbing something.
“These things are called Swirls. They are circular in shape and pocket size. Rank 2’s created these potions in case of emergencies. For example, food, healing potions, power boosters, and scent locator,” Kyra said. And then suddenly, Ciara felt something small on her hand. Her seatmate must have put it there without letting her know. She closed her palm, feeling a round, petite bottle enclosing in her hand. So this is the Swirl Liam is talking about.
“Each Swirls have different colors. Green for healing, brown for food, blue for power booster, and red for scent locator. Every Vixen must have one of these, or else you will die. Is that clear?”
Everyone obediently responded, “Yes.”
“You’re the Blind Candidate, right?” Ciara heard her seatmate—a girl, whispering beside her. “My name is Macie, and I’m your biggest fan—since they say that you’re awfully talented and smart, but…” Macie gasped and Ciara knew that Macie realized she talked too much. “I-I didn’t mean that…well…I wouldn’t mind if we could become friends…because I admire you so much.”
Talented? Ciara never thought she was talented, but she was glad that someone appreciated her company.
 “Thank you and I wouldn’t mind being friends with you.” Ciara said and sensed Macie grinning.
 “Really!?” Macie said. “I’m so glad…” Ciara nodded and Macie continued. “So who brought you here?”
“Liam.”
“Oh, the handsome thief.” Macie said, dazzled. Is Liam that handsome? Ciara kept repeating that question in her mind. “Sometimes I couldn’t help, but stare at him all day, especially at his younger brother…”
Ciara didn't imagine the Crude brothers were famous in Sputter Palace. Liam was a ladies’ man, and Ciara wouldn’t bother getting involved with him. However, Chase was different from his older brother. He was kind, gentle, and mature.
“Here are the furs.” Ciara’s reverie crumbled when she heard the clamorous sounds of leaves shaking. Kyra must have taken off her coat. ”Furs are the national attire of the Vixens, but they also have another purpose in life.” Kyra said. “These furs can camouflage our bodies when we are inside our enemies’ territory. When you become a Rank 3, you will have the chance to explore the woods, and learn to hunt down animals for food. Furs will also keep us out from the moist of the rain, and give warmth to our bodies as the weather turns cold.”
“When you become a Rank 2, you have to make your own Swirls, furs, and everything in preparation for battle.” Kyra said. “Remember, war is still here, so we must be on our guard at all times. Weak people are losers; Strong people are winners. Don’t forget that.”
So that explains everything, Ciara thought.
“Next, we’ll go to the last step. Philters. These rocks are used to upgrade our weapons.” Kyra said. “As you can see, they are in the shape of orbs and gems. Each of these Philters is difficult to find around the Casts. They can only be found in caves, or can be bought around Realia’s shop. If you want to make your weapon stronger than the previous one, ask Realia to forge it by giving her the Philter. Now then, are there any more questions?”
Silence.
Kyra continued. “Good, class dismissed.” After that, Ciara heard the door closing and everyone springing up to their feet.
“Here, let me help you.” Macie said. Ciara could sense Macie’s hand in front of her, and grabbed it. The two girls steadied each other on the floor and waved goodbye.
“Well, see you later, Ciara. It was nice meeting you,” Macie said, “Oh, one favor. Save the world for us.” She ran off, disappearing from the room. Ciara blinked in confusion.
Did they really believe she was the Candidate? Ciara wasn’t quite sure. Kyra had beaten her, so how was that supposed to make her the Candidate? Ciara stepped out of the room, grateful that she made one friend who didn’t ask anything about her odd attire, and bumped into someone again.
“Oops, sorry—Ciara!” Chase said, his wooden foot making tapping sounds on the ground. “Here, take my hand. Since class is over, Liam wanted to take you for our mission tonight.” He tangled his fingers around her hand and they moved forward, walking in bare foot. “Remember the payment for Ms. Stupey’s cafeteria? Well, that’s where we are heading. We’re going to the forest.”
“But Rank 1’s are not allowed to go outside the forest, only at the garden, right?” Ciara asked as Chase hurriedly took her down to, what Ciara could remember the maze corridors. She knew they were passing the people walking at the tunnels, whispering about her and being the Candidate.
“Yeah, they can't, if a Rank 3 didn’t ask them to join the mission.” Chase said. Even with a replacement leg, Chase walked fast, though he was slightly limping from the unbalanced creation of his wooden leg.
“So what are we going to do in this mission?” Ciara asked.
We’re going to catch that rare turkey, so Ms. Stupey can let us off the hook.” Chase said.
How many years have you two been here?” Ciara asked.
“We’ve been here since I was six, and Liam was eight. We lived in a village in Group, but after that incident we were brought here instead.” Chase said.
“What incident?”
Chase didn’t say anything, and after a few moments, he changed the topic. “I think we should walk faster. Liam doesn’t like to wait.”
Ciara wondered why the topic was suddenly disclosed. There was nothing to be ashamed living in Group. It was a society higher than the Metric. Most people there were farmers, fishermen, and factory workers. That was the place where Epicenter had gotten most of their livelihood. Food, clothes, water, and everything.
“Alright,” Ciara said, dismissing the topic. “But after we get back from the mission, will you play the piano for me?”
She heard Chase laughing. “Yeah. I will.” he said, “You know, Ciara, I’m happy that you’re here. Ever since I came to Sputter Palace, I’ve been feeling kind of lonely," Chase said, "You’re the first friend I ever had, aside from Liam.”
Friend. That word sparked Ciara’s heart. Of course, she too, didn’t have a friend, until now. She was glad that Liam saved her, even though Kyra treated her miserably in this place.
z
“You guys sure take a long time to get in here,” Liam said as Ciara and Chase finally reached the other side of the cavern. This time, Ciara could sense a large hole with bright light shining over them. They must be outside, because she smelled the fresh air and moist grass all over the place.
“So how did your first lesson go, Ciara? I’m sure Kyra didn’t bully you this time. After all, she’s the type of person who doesn’t want to exploit her true attitude to the newcomers.” Ciara heard Liam stepping over the fallen leaves, so she knew that he must be walking toward the open air.
“No, Kyra didn’t. But I have made another friend.” Ciara said.
Chase stopped in his tracks. “Who?”
“Macie.”
Liam grunted, and Ciara wondered why. “The shy newbie," Liam continued, "Come on, let’s move forward. We need to get that turkey before the sun goes down, or else, Kyra will be furious.”
“All Vixens have a curfew.” Chase explained to Ciara. “If we are going to the forest, we must be back before the sunsets, except for Rank 4’s who are out of the city.
The three of them marched together Fresh air blasted across her face, and she noticed the grass was getting taller, feeling it brushing the sides of her knees as she took one step forever. She imagined herself walking through the dim shade forest, surrounded by tall trees and strange animals. So this is the Casts.
 “By the way, did you bring your weapon, Ciara?” Chase asked politely.
 “No, I forgot. I must have left it at the clinic.” Ciara said.
 “That’s fine," Liam said, "After all, we still got our weapons, right Chase?" Liam groaned irritably. Ciara knew Liam was mad because of the twigs and leaves blocking his way. Ciara didn’t blame the Crude Brothers. They were taller than her, and Ciara was smaller, so the branches didn't get to pass her.
Then, Ciara heard a sharp sound coming to her right. She whirled her head. The sound disappeared, but they could still hear a slight rustling sound coming from the bushes. Someone is following us. Ciara observed.
Ciara gripped Chase’s fur and Liam’s hand, catching the two brother’s attention.
“Wha—” Liam said, but Ciara cut him off with shh!
 “Did you hear something, Ciara?” Chase whispered cautiously.
Ciara nodded, and pointed her finger to her right side, where she could still hear the slight movements of someone hiding behind those bushes. “Someone is following us.”
“Or maybe a turkey!” Liam exclaimed very loudly. Ciara and Chase gave him a loud shh!
“Sorry, well what are you two waiting for? It’s time for us to catch that rare turkey!” Liam muttered, and raced past Ciara with quiet footsteps. Ciara and Chase followed. She heard the fuzzy sound of leaves, so she knew Liam was sliding across the bushes. Then later, the sound disappeared.
 “Where is he now?” Ciara asked.
“He’s just putting on his fur, maybe surveying the place for wild turkeys.” Chase groaned.
 They past another field, but this time Ciara smelled something different. She knew that familiar scent—like blood mixed with rotting food. Someone got killed.
There was only one thing that came to her mind. Liam!
Chase asked. “What’s wrong?”
 “Blood,” Ciara cupped her mouth with her hands. Chase immediately grabbed her hand, and they both started to run forward. “We have to find Liam.”
Her heart was pounding louder in her chest. They were darting across the field that was now, what Ciara could sense, a large field without any trees. An isolated part filled with heavy air and the loud splashing of water.
 “Liam!” Chase shouted. He was having a hard time running with his wooden leg, but Ciara supported him so they could run faster. “Liam, where are you!?”
 “Don’t tell me he’s dead.” Ciara gulped.
 “That would be impossible, except if he’s dumb enough to be killed by a bear.” Chase said as a matter of fact.
The sound was getting closer, and this time, it was a gut-wrenching scream that gave Ciara’s heart a jolt. It didn’t sound like a human—but an animal. They were now running faster; the cries becoming loud and horrid across the air.
And then they stopped. Ciara and Chase panted, while Chase let go of her hand and dropped his knees on the ground. “Liam—what the hell…” Chase breathed deeply.
Ciara knew what he meant. She smelled blood, and it was filling her nose, like acid melting in her throat. She gagged, while the strong scent of blood rose up in the air. Suddenly she heard an animal crying on the ground that sounded like dying. Liam must have killed an animal.
Ciara grew closer, and reached out her hand to grope the animal on the ground. Liam shouted. “Ciara, don’t—”
But Ciara didn’t listen to him. She continued to touch the animal, skimming her hands all over its body. Short fur, sharp, curve horns, a long snout...It's a deer. Ciara analyzed. Then she felt a wet, liquid oozing out from the middle of its stomach, and a long stick protruding from its flesh. A sickle.
 “Why did you kill a deer?” Ciara trembled and when she glance at the animal—a vision of her sister and the deer crossed her mind. Her mind snapped awake.
Images of her younger version and her blond sister flashed right in front of her eyes. Her blond sister patting the deer’s head. Young Ciara raising her palm to feed the deer. The two Plop siblings sprinted down the woods, kneeling in front of the injured deer. Leverie taking out some ointments and smudging the green paint on the deer’s stomach. Then she saw the deer nuzzling their heads while the Plop sisters waved it goodbye.
Tears sprouted from her eyes. Ciara didn't know what happened to her. It was like the image suddenly flash inside her mind, even though she couldn't remember it. Her memories were slowly coming back one by one.
Ciara muttered, “Why did you kill the deer?”
“I didn’t kill it, okay!?” Liam shouted, restraining his anger. Then suddenly, rough hands shoved her backward. Chase is pulling me back. Liam continued, “Look, Ciara. The thing you heard was definitely a person, but the moment I found this deer, someone had already killed it.”
 “It’s not completely dead.” Chase said from behind. “We could still heal it. I have some healing Swirls with m—”
 “No!” Liam disappeared from Ciara’s side, and she heard him slapping his brother’s bottles from his hand, hearing it spilling on the grass.
“What did you do that for!?” Chase yelled.
 “I just—ugh, I don’t want you to heal an animal that is already dead! That thing doesn’t have use for us anymore, and we can’t eat it because it’s…poison.” Liam groaned. Something wasn’t right. Liam was acting strange, so strange that Ciara couldn't tell what was wrong with him.
“You’re lying. I thought you were restraining your anger, but…” Chase said.
“Chase, don’t. I don’t want to kill you—j-just leave me alone, okay?” Liam shouted angrily. Ciara heard grumpy steps moving past her, and after that the sound disappeared. Liam had left.
“Are you alright, Ciara?” Chase must have moved to her side, because she could feel his hands gripping her wrist, pulling her up. When she balanced herself, Chase checked her arms for any signs of injuries. “Are you alright? My brother…didn’t hurt you, right?”
 “No,” Ciara said, wiping the tears off her eyes. “Why is Liam mad at us?”
Chase sighed. “He’s not mad. He’s just confused, and I think he’s," Chase paused abruptly, "—Excuse me. But I think the topic is closed. I’m sorry.” She could hear Chase's footsteps moving farther. Chase must be walking toward the deer. Ciara didn’t understand what happened, because she knew there was something the Crude brothers weren’t telling her.
She could remember what Liam said to his brother. I don’t want to kill you. Just leave me alone—okay?
Why would Liam kill his own brother? And what was the issue of Liam getting mad? Why was Liam denying that he didn’t kill the deer"?
Ciara heard a gashing sound coming from the deer, and a sharp sound of metal. Chase must have pulled the sickle from its stomach. Ciara thought. Chase said gloomily, “Sorry, but I think we should move on.” And then he was beside her, tangling his bloody fingers with hers. “We need to find Liam, the quicker, the best.”
They moved forward, but before they could disappear in the mist of the field, Ciara took glanced over her shoulder and muttered. “Sorry, deer.”



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