Burying the Hatchet (COMPLETED)

Reunion

Right before they reached the end of the tunnel three figures were already waiting for them. Eli’s vision is getting blurry from running away but as she gets closer each step felt like a dream and a nightmare at the same time. Her body is too tired to comprehend anything crazy right now.

Maybe I’m just hallucinating because of the smoke I inhaled earlier.

Before she even takes a good look at their faces she already collapsed in exhaustion. Luckily, Fray was trained enough to endure such situations and catches her right on time.

***

It’s taking a toll on Eli. The hallucinations she saw earlier are getting stronger. She could hear them loud and clear but her mind just won’t buy it. She have had enough false hopes for the past five months and entertaining another one will totally drown her in a quick sand. She knows that if she does, there’s no way of getting back.

Maybe Gab’s programming messed up because of another blackout episode she had earlier.

“Am I dead?” Eli looking all pale and confused seeing familiar faces she thought she’d never see again.

Maybe the whole fiasco earlier ruined her even more; this time it cost her sanity. Resurfacing feelings she’s been pushing down for so long. It was not just a few days ago when she learned the truth about her origin. It would take a while to really get used to it. On top of that she still needs to settle her score with her demon of a father.

“Daughter!” Hearing that brought her to tears immediately.

“Dad, Mom, Sol? How?” While all three circled and hugged her with so much longing.

All those times she chose not to cry and keep pushing forward. The months felt like an eternity of agony without them. She wailed like a baby. But they let her be, she deserves to feel weak for one moment after putting up a brave front in what seems like eons of loneliness.

“Fray you knew about this?” All three break apart for her to see him. While he just shrugged his shoulders confirming his involvement. “You pr*ck!” She was about to throw a pillow at him when Trei stopped her.

“I told him not to no matter how much he begs, “ she interrupts. Wearing her spite well again today.

Eli’s brows furrowed, irritated. “And who made you queen of anything? Did you know how much I had to suffer? Thinking I was the cause of their deaths? All for what? to get me to side with you? Use me just like how you used everyone else?”

Trei’s hands flew faster than Eli’s words and landed on her face. Feeling the stinging sensation on her cheeks.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Then Trei slapped her some more. When she was about to land another, Jack stopped her.

“Violence is not the answer Venn. Give her a break, she’s been through a lot for her age.” Jack trying to reason with her for old time’s sake.

Trei then takes her hand back forcefully. “You’ve been spoiling her all this time, that’s why I had a rough time restraining her. Do you know how hard this is on me too? All my sweat, blood and tears on this mission? To keep you safe so that she’s safe too?” She’s shaking in a mixture of emotions, anger being the most evident of them.

“What do you know? You’re just a b*tch. Yes you saved them but you don’t have any right to badmouth them.” Eli jumped out of bed and was about to slap Trei but Sally stopped her this time. “Mom?”

Her eyes shifted to the ground, avoiding Eli’s stares. “She has every right to be mad at us, you’re family after all.” Uncomfortable of what the leading questions will be? But knowing how Eli is, she has to answer all of them.

“Are you sh*tting me? This scandalous woman? Who is she anyway?” Eli is still arrogantly mad.

“I’m your mother’s sister.” That shut her up more than a slap could do. “I needed to make it look like your family died, so that Adam can’t get to you and I can protect you from him. I swore on your mother’s death, I’ll make him pay.” Remorse escapes Trei. She completely transformed into someone else, far different from what Eli thought about her.

She is capable of caring aside from herself? What idiocy is this?

“If you’ve asked nicely, I would have submitted, ” she replied with full on sarcasm.

“No you wouldn’t. I know so well because your mother was the same. She didn’t even ask me for help when she was in danger. Because she cares so much about people she loves, she’d rather endure it alone.” Her throat felt dry trying to stop her tears from falling. Reminiscing hurts like a thousand needles poking her heart.

“Then if you really are her sister…Why the hell did you watch her suffer alone and dig her own grave?” This time Eli bursts into tears. Gasping for air because it’s just too much to bear. She’s overruled by her anger and disappointment.

“I don’t have the heart because Eve loved Adam with her life. I warned her once and she never talked to me again. She died before we even have reconciled our farce. All because of that man. But with you on the line, that time it was a different story.” Trei didn’t notice she was already crying, not until Sol gave her a handkerchief.

Sally tapped her shoulder and tried to reason with Eli this time. While Trei tries her best to silence her sobs in a corner.

“Your mother’s family has been a bearer of hope to the people. When the government learned that they helped a wounded rebel they were considered one as well. But with your family’s influence, it was difficult to shake them down. That’s why they used your father to infiltrate what you know now as the REVIVAL. Dad and I used to be mercenaries when they took us in.” She pressed Eli’s hands as if relying on her for strength. Hesitant of her past.

“How can I trust a stranger who sleeps with random guys?”

Trei smiled that eventually turned into a sinister laugh. “You’re such a baby. Of course I didn’t. I was the one who set you two up. How could I? You two are the most precious people in my life.”

“It was all an act again Eli. Ensuring you’re not going anywhere else. I know this will totally sound messed up. Ventre was my father’s ex and my mother’s best friend. Flint and I aren’t really blood related. Dad had him on his previous wife while I am the fruit of mom’s adult experimental life. No wonder he didn’t love me one bit.”

Fray’s eyes strays somewhere else for a few seconds, trying to suppress his hate and disgust from the memory. Even slightly trembles at the thought. That must have been a traumatic experience. People have their own cross to bear. Scars that takes time to heal. Some don't even don't heal at all. The surface may seem fine but deep inside it still agonizes them.

“Mom left after learning dad’s true colors---a government lap dog and mercenary. I wouldn’t even doubt, it was his orders to murder her. Trei contacted me three years ago to join REVIVAL and here we are.”

Eli formed her hands into knuckles. Pulling on the sheets. At least a way of expressing her anger. Not just for people who did her wrong. But to the circumstances she had to deal with-alone, in the past few months.

"I'm convinced, Gods are definetely dead in this time. Why would they allow bad things happen to good people? Then let criminals roam free unpunished. I can't forgive them." She was seething with rage and a mountain of insurmountable feelings. "No wonder man had to take matters into their own hands. Waiting for justice from the heavens would rather end up in an empty promise."

Sally caressed her right cheek. "My child, don't lose hope like that. You are their promise to save the future. We believed that all this time, that's why we went and above beyond our duties to protect you. You're the only one who can put an end to the evil Adam Clay has become."

She looks at her mother with confusion. "Am I really cut out to do that? I can't even rule my own temper. How can I lead a rebellion against my father? Who happens to be the most powerful man in the country. If fighting him means losing you again. I'd rather die a coward."

Trei moved forward to see her eye to eye again. Then shook her head in utter disappointment. "I was wrong about you. I have put everyone else's life behind for you. In order for you to live. Your mother died believing that, that you are our hope. She was wrong too."

Then she left the room. Eli's mouth went agape. Unable to form her words.

"I guess we should let her rest for now," Sol suggested and all agreed. "Just call us out if you need anything."