Rivals in The Underworld

With that, they walked away.

*****

It was Saturday morning again. Soda didn't want to go to work, but she had to. She woke up very early, heading to the bathroom. After dressing up, she took a deep breath in. She had gone out last time without much protection. She needed more because she couldn't afford to be seen by Tiger again.

She stepped out of the room, but Lilac had other plans. She was already in the sitting room before anybody was up. Soda froze upon seeing her, then ducked to the side, to avoid being caught.

"Oh my goodness! What is she doing here?"

Soda needed to leave before the bus took off.

"Yes!" she screamed silently as if remembering something, "The back door."

She walked quietly to the back door, opening it carefully to avoid making a sound.

***

"You're ready to go?"

"Yes. Why are you up this early?"

"I had something to do," she responded, her eyes on the door.

"Ma Lil? What's the problem? You look worried."

"I need answers."

"Divine Enchantress?" Tiger asked, his expression turning worried.

"Yes, exactly that."

"I'll be late for work. I'll see you when I get back from work," he kissed the top of her head.

Lilac sighed, resting her head on the edge of the couch. She stood up minutes later, going to check on the kids.

"Why am I not surprised anymore?" she asked herself upon realizing that Soda had gone.

"Ma Lil?" Sandy asked, just waking up.

"Yes, dear."

"Soda is gone again?"

Lilac sighed, not saying anything.

*****

"So, how did the party go?"

Ryan kept sighing, "Don't ask me that, Anna."

Then he sat up as if he suddenly remembered something, "You know, I should have listened to you when you said not to go for that party."

Rihanna turned her attention from the screen to him, "Did something happen?"

"I'm beginning to think they have a hand in the kidnap of that student."

"Hmmmmmm..."

"Anna, is there something you're not telling me?"

"You should guess," Rihanna replied, turning her gaze back to the TV.

"Let's forget about that for now, but you owe me one."

"Okay?"

"Where's mom?"

Rihanna froze, putting off the television, "Ummm..."

"What is it?" Ryan sounded so tense, "What are you not telling me?"

"She left," Rihanna answered, exhaling deeply.

"Left? You mean, she left us here?"

Rihanna nodded, "Yeah. She said she needed space."

*****

"Soda!" the housekeeper shouted, heading to the kitchen.

"Yes! I'm right here!"

She dragged her, pulling her hair, "What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything. I don't know what you're talking about."

"The boss requests your presence in his room."

"In his room?"

She twisted her ears.

"Ouch! Fine! Which one?"

"Callum, Boss Callum."

Soda's heart was beating so fast. What if he wanted to do something to her? What if he was the one she heard the other day?

"Oh my goodness!" She muttered under her breath, her hands gripping her skirt tightly, "What does he want?"

She stood on front of the door for a long time, her hands shaking so badly. She hesitated, unsure of what to do - whether to knock or not. She was so scared.

"Are you gonna keep standing there?" She heard from inside.

How did he know she was at the door? She pushed the door open, walking into the large room. She knelt on the floor, bowing. No one ever looked at the Asher Twins directly in the eye.

"Get up!" he barked.

She did so, not a single sound escaping her mouth.

"Soda. Am I right?"

She nodded vigorously.

"Who are you?" he asked, a wicked smile on his face.

Soda froze for a moment, wondering if her secret had finally come to the open.

"Soda," she replied, trying so hard to control the quake in her voice.

"And, if I find out that there's more to just Soda?"

"There's nothing like that, Boss."

"Leave."

Soda almost ran out of the room, her heart beating so loud and fast.

*******************

Lilac removed her shoes, stepping into the dungeon. It was so quiet, and there was not a single soul inside.

"Great god mother?" she called.

An earthquake answered. She trembled slightly, walking further into the inner court.

"And where exactly are you going? You know damn well that place is forbidden for the ordinaries."

Lilac froze, turning slowly. She bowed immediately she saw him, "Dagger."

"What do you seek?"

"Answers, but the great god mother is nowhere in sight."

"Then you wait. She's worshipping."

Lilac nodded, her head still lowered.

"Leave! The first ten will be here soon."

Lilac nodded, running out of the dungeon.

*******************

Ralina walked towards the dungeon, taking her steps slowly. Her face hardened when she saw the first ten. She hissed, careful not to make it loud. She knew them very well, very ruthless and merciless humans. She was going to deal with them next. She ducked beside the Green Three, making sure not to be seen by them.

She walked into the dungeon after making sure they were no longer in sight.

"Ralina, you took so long."

"Yes, god mother. I couldn't afford to be seen by them."

"The first ten?"

She nodded, settling onto the floor.

"She came looking for answers."

Her eyes widened, "You mean Ma Lil?"

"Yes, Dagger informed me."

"So, you didn't tell her anything?"

"No, I didn't. I didn't even have the chance to see her. I was worshipping in the deep."

Ralina nodded, exhaling deeply with her hands on her chest, "Good. Very good. I think they're already suspecting."

*************

"Arrrrrrghhh! Oh my goodness! What was that?!"