In the former state of Ohio many factions fight to claim the land as their own. For one rebellious Wyld, she too battles internally in order to maintain some semblance of her previous life while struggling to adapt to what she had become. Can a negotiator from the Northwest do the impossible and peacefully resolve the conflicts on the battlefield and within this young Wyld's heart?

The Heart of it All
A Wyld Universe Story
Part 7
by AoifeM

(Taken from Ian’s PoV)

We left sometime earlier than Scott- I mean, the “former” Scott. Her role was now mine to identify with, and it was my job to negotiate a treaty with the leader of the Lake States, Doge Reynold Giovanni. With me was my only bodyguard, Trish. It felt so insignificant from the last time.

Then again, the last time my guardians had died in a rather gruesome manner. At the very least, she knew the lay of the land here. Plus, she seemed really powerful, as I would later find out.

We stopped at an open field just outside of Toledo. Back in the day it probably was used as a corn field. It’s a shame what war can do to something. With the lights turned off, we waited. A man named Sadiq, apparently the older brother of our contact Faried, was to meet us, and that he somehow had the means to get across the border to Michigan. I didn’t question it, so I’ll take whatever help he can get me.

“Let me see your face,” Trish demanded for some odd reason. Staring right back at her she took her hand and suddenly I felt a tingle running through my face. It disappeared in a few seconds and apparently I felt normal.

“Now you don’t look so suspicious,” she explained. Looking into my rearview mirror I can see the subtle changes she made; my face was slightly paler, and my hair was brown- a striking difference from my normal blonde look.

“The best makeup you’ll ever know,” She said, obviously complimenting herself, “Gotta make sure everything goes without a hitch. Who knows who may recognize you.”

Guess she has a point, I am, or rather was, a negotiator for one of the more well to do countries in America. I’m just surprised she does it.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” I asked, still stunned by my new look.

“I’ll let you know when I find something,” She said as she got out of the car. Seeing she was about to leave me behind I got out and followed her. Sometimes I think she may be a little indifferent towards me.

Apparently she saw something I didn’t as if by magic, a strange man crept up from the shadows.

“You must be Ms. Adams.” He said, recognizing Trish. “And this is the great Scott Ryan. It is an honor to finally meet you. You’ve inspired many of people to take arms for a genuine cause.”

Not knowing what to say, I just answered, “Thank you.”

“I am Sadiq Al-said,” he confirmed. “I wish we could talk under more favorable conditions, but I fear we have little time.” Out of his backpack he pulled out something that reminds me of an old genie lamp.

“What are you going to do with that?” I wondered aloud.

“This is my gift,” he said. “Fear not, as long as I am around you will be safe.” All of a sudden with a flick of a wrist I found myself and Trish paralyzed. He began an incantation and suddenly the nozzle end of that lamp began to seem a little bigger, as if it was becoming a black hole, and swallowed us up.

I suppose it must’ve been a good ten minutes until I was up on my feet. The whole thing felt like a huge acid trip, and I wasn’t really good with the whole warping feeling.
“Took you long enough,” Trish mocked. She was apparently sitting on a comfortable sofa on top of luxurious brightly colored pillows.

Looking around, you could probably mistake this place for a room in an old Middle Eastern palace. The silk curtains, the gold walls; it was only the tunnel like cavity behind me made me realize that we were literally inside the magic lamp.

“Looks like Sadiq knows how to care of a place,” I commented as I grabbed a pillow a sat down.

“Date?” Trish asked as she handed me a piece of dried fruit.

“Thanks,” I said, taking her offer. “I’m surprised he was able to find such food.”

“I’m surprised he could even shrink them,” she said as we had a good chuckle.

Changing subjects I figured I’d get things off my chest. “Can’t believe I’m about to do this. It’s kind of rough, I still don’t know if I can do it.”

“You’ll be fine,” Trish insisted. “Scott wouldn’t have asked you otherwise.”

“So you believe in her?”

She smirked a little, “Without question. I’d follow her to the depths of hell in back.”

“So how long have you known her?”

“It’s going on 5 years,” she replied. “Before I was with her I was a slave.”
That must’ve been rough. Such things are condemned by even the more Wyld unfriendly nations. Many countries keep that hidden, but make no mistake, people do know it happens, and tend to turn a blind eye toward it.

“I was born in Maryland,” she continued. “My parents forced me out, even after all the bullshit treatments they gave me. It’s still United States territory, but in that area there were some Confederate Sympathizers. Seeing I was alone, and I hadn’t really understood my powers yet, I was captured and taken west.”

“I’m sorry,” I sympathized. “I can’t imagine how that must’ve felt.”

“Yeah, but I’m okay now,” she claimed. “Scott saved me. She didn’t have to take such a risk, but she did. She allowed me to follow her, and she taught me that being Wyld wasn’t a curse like my parents thought it to be. In fact, I don’t think I could ever go back to being human.”

“I see. You must hold a lot of respect for her.”

“She’s the only family I got.” Trish stated. Shaking her head though, she commented, “I just wish I could do something to help her in return.”

“Like what?”

Taking a minute before deciding to answer, she finally trusted me enough. “I know that she wasn’t always a girl. I know that there were a lot of things that occurred in her past that makes my trauma pale in comparison. I just want her to accept herself and be happy, just she did for me.”

I see now that beyond the tough exterior that Trish really was a kind and generous soul. I felt I was guilty of disliking her on first impressions. And I’m a negotiator and should know better than that.

Trish stared at me a little and perplexed me by what she said next. “I wonder if she sees something more in you than just this.”
“What do you mean by that?”

Attempting to hold back her giggles, she answered, “Oh, nothing.”

Being inside a magic lamp, it was hard to tell how much time has passed. I felt like it had been hours. I was starting to drift off, and Trish was out like a light way before me. About to join her, all of a sudden I felt numb again. Without so much as a moment to prepare we were out and back to normal size on solid soil.

Wide awake now I saw Sadiq out in front of me. Seeing his uniform my eyes grew wide in panic.
Turning to Trish, who was still struggling to awaken, I implored her, “Trish, look!”

She too got a little nervous and immediately stood in a defensive position. Sadiq was wearing a Confederate Uniform.

“Please, stop,” he begged, “I said I would not hurt you.”

“And what makes me want to believe you?” Trish exclaimed.

“Is it a surprise that I am in their army?” he asked. “I am but a spy, working on the inside.”

We let our guard down, and he continued to explain.

“I go by the name Samuel Olsen there. Impressed by my reconnaissance abilities I was made to be their scout. They assume I spy on event from across the border, but in reality I’m doing the exact opposite. This is the only way our Muslim community keeps contact open from the border, and the only way to travel across it.”

It does make sense to have your own set of spies planted inside the army. Feeling a little bit more at ease I started to look around at the scenery.

“So…” I began. “This is the Lake States?”

“Yes,” he confirmed. “We are in safe distance from the border now. However my time with you is short, I must return in order to prevent suspicion.”

He turned and pointed to the main road. “There is a guard post up ahead. They are expecting you and will escort you the rest of the way to Detroit. Much luck to you.”

With that he returned to the shadows, leaving us to our next destination.

It was but a few miles until we reached the little outpost. It was surprising that this was the only thing keeping the Confederate forces back. It seemed almost too quiet.

But there it was: a small little base, which defended a small little town. And waiting for us was the commander of the small group; a small, Pixie like girl, with glowing green wings and all, screaming like a drill sergeant.

“Make sure this rail guns are reloaded ASAP! You, yeah you! I want to make sure all the tanks are fueled and in running condition! The rest of you, remain ready for further instructions!”

It’s surprising how well her voice could carry. It didn’t take long for one of her sentries to spot us however, and she quickly allowed her army to lower the gate.

She fluttered towards me, “You must be Scott Ryan,” She stated, “I am Commander Silverwisp of the Lake State Special Forces.” She held out her hand, and I shook it.

“Silverwisp was your real name?” I couldn’t help but asked.

“No, but I felt it went with the look,” she defended. “Let me say you’re an inspiration to me, sir. Because of you I enlisted hoping to further help the status of Wyld in the Lake States region. I’m currently the highest ranking Wyld officer in the entire military.”

I really am surprised how much influence Scott really had. Even Wyld from across the border idolize her. I knew the Lake States weren’t horribly thrilled about the Wyld, but they’re more of a Merchant society. If the Wyld can help and even benefit their bottom line, they could stay, even if their position in society is less than perfect. It was all about how useful you were to the government. And Silverwisp must be very useful.

“Thanks,” I complimented. I couldn’t help but find it funny how one minute she was a fiery drill sergeant and the next she was like a kid meeting Santa Claus for the first time. That’s the weird thing about Fey Wyld; no matter what they do they’ll always carry that cheery disposition.

“My men are on standby!” She said, gushing in pride, “I hope the Doge will give us the signal. I’ve been waiting a long time to pulverize those Confederate meatheads!”

It really took all of my effort not to laugh. It was just too adorable. I’m sure there was more to her than meets the eye though.

“Speaking of the Doge,” I digressed, “We were told somebody will escort us to him.”

“Oh, yeah!” she cried, almost as if she were forgetting that one important detail. “This way!”

She fluttered over to a jeep, which seemed to be getting refueled.

“This jeep is my baby,” She declared. “The plush seats keep the wings from getting crushed. It’s really expensive stuff!”

She then turned to the mechanic refueling her vehicle. “Is it good to go?”

Standing at attention he replied, “Yes ma’am!”

“Alright,” She replied, “I’m to escort these people to the Doge in Detroit. I will be back in a few hours. Make sure you guys stay in line!”

“Yes ma’am.” And with a salute he went back to his regular duties.

“Well, ya ready?” She said in a playful manner. With nothing better to do, and little time to waste, we hopped in. Staring at the brakes I couldn’t help but noticing, were those books tied on to the pedals?

“Buckle up guys!” She cried. I was already getting a little panicky about having a hyperactive pixie driving me to town. I looked at Trish, wondering if she might have shared my sentiment, instead I saw her as relaxed as I have ever seen her.

“These seats are so divine,” Trish proclaimed, having no cares in the world as she slouched further in them.

Without warning Silverwisp started her car, and with full pedal on the gas, she drove off.