Page 61 of Remnants: Disruption
And I doubt whatever she has can dampen any of my other abilities.
“You two look like you’re being held hostage,” I say, giving the blonde on his right a suspicious look.
“No,” the blonde says, her accent definitely local. “I’m Ana, the muscle.”
I give her a once over. She’s slim like Lucille but does seem to put off more of a confident air than the brunette. Ana gives me a sly grin as I linger slightly longer on her arms.
“I’m just a utilitarian,” I say, holding my hands up in mock submission. “Nothing to fear here.”
“Contrary to popular belief, you are quite possibly one of the more fearsome ones. Maybe not in power, but in theory,” Kronos’ usual cryptic response draws a huff of exasperation out of me.
“Says the time dilator,” I snort.
“That makes it sound so dirty,” he says, expression still calm and assured. “I prefer time manipulator.”
“Oh, because that’s not predatory,” I say giving the two women a knowing look. Both respond in kind, though clearly affectionate with the man.
“I heard about what happened,” Kronos says, the mood shifting with his desire to skip the niceties. “I’m sorry for your loss. Both in friendship and in your career.”
I nod, not sure how to respond. I should have known everyone would find out. The Remnant community was large but connected. People had developed ways to spy, and others had found ways to counteract it.
“I don’t suppose you’ve seen this symbol before?” I ask, handing over the tablet.
Kronos gives me a look but takes the tablet. His eyes search the symbol on Mara and Malachi’s wrists. Lucille and Ana lean in as well and, between the three of them, it’s clear they recognize it.
“Are you here as police?” he asks, his friendlier expression tinged in suspicion.
“They put a fucking bullet in my head this morning,” I snap.
How dare he question me now. After everything. After all of this.
“Calm,” he says, voice soothing. He places the tablet on the table between us and studies me.
My heart feels like it’s in my throat. Like it’s trying to both choke me and weigh me down.
“You’re a religious leader,” I enunciate the word. He’s a cult leader, but he never liked the phrase. “I suspect the connection is religious in nature. Certainly, one of the deaths seemed so.”
“My people are helpers and healers,” he says, glancing at the symbol on the screen again. “Those ones are not.”
I wave him on. He huffs out a soft sigh before continuing in his cult leader voice.
“Our world is on the verge of change. There are those who stand united. Who wish to ensure that Remnants not only secure independence, but that we also maintain our community.And there are those who wish to use the change for their own desires.”
He gestures at the compass-like symbol.
“That, my dear, is the symbol for chaos. In the old world, it meant crossroads. When the Disruptions occurred, it became literal. It created beings like Darkrend who not only craved the chaos but were able to control it. To harness it.”
Kronos suddenly looks far older than his smooth skin and full mustache suggests.
“In the last few months, more and more Remnants have chosen the side of chaos for chaos’ sake. They’ve chosen whatever it is that Darkrend offers despite never having delivered on Remnant progress. Darkrend is not a leader, nor does he offer salvation. He offers only death.”
The silence in Lucille’s bubble feels overwhelming as all eyes remain on the symbol.
“So, this is Darkrend?” I ask, my voice not hiding the trepidation I feel at facing such a beast.
“Indeed,” Kronos nods. “Billy caught a few of them trying to come into the bar a few weeks ago. They squealed like pigs as he ripped them limb from limb. They knew nothing except that they now worked for Darkrend.”
I take a shuddery breath.
