If you came across a fork in the road, which path would you choose?

Gets so cold in Shiloh Town, birds can hardly sing
Pretty girls gonna leave the town, won’t be back till spring
War’s done and they come back home, but they’re the ones who lost
See a man and a woman alone, was it worth the cost?
I’ll sing hallelujah, you’ll sing hallelujah,
We’ll all say hallelujah, when they arrive at home.
From Tim Hardin, “Nine”  ©1973 Antilles Records

Surprising what you can find in an old military vehicle. This time it was a CD. The song apparently 50 years old and yet its meaning is as crystal clear as it was back then. Of course, back then it was Vietnam. This feels a whole lot worse. Maybe it’s because I’m in the middle of it, I don’t know. Maybe I’m both the man and woman, alone. I thought by being this rebel I could still find meaning in my life. But like the lyrics stated, I can honestly say, personally, the cost wasn’t worth it. I’m still the same miserable wreck that I was 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, Fort Wayne was calling. Perhaps with all the confusion we could add another major city into our growing nation. That was the plan anyway. But for me, however that wasn’t my goal; it was just the proverbial icing on the cake. My goal was to find answers. The recent attacks were eerily familiar to Columbus. Something was trying to recreate the Wyld Purge, slowly, surely. I almost felt like someone was drawing me out. But there’s a fine line between caution and nervousness, and I’ve prepared myself, just in case.

“There it is,” Sienna cried pointing off into the distance. And it was easy to spot. The smoke rose into the atmosphere. We knew this “madness” finally hit them. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“Be prepared,” Sienna told me, “This is gonna be ugly.”

She didn’t have to tell me. I’ve already lived through this once.

The riots were out in full force. Civilians attacking civilians, soldiers attacking soldiers, no rhyme or reason to it. Back then I thought the citizens fought each other because they assumed their opponent was Wyld. Now I could see that that wasn’t the case at all. And the worst part of it was Jackson took advantage of the situation.

Finding a relatively open space within the city Jade immediately jumped out of her vehicle, and struck her fist upon the ground below. The tendrils shot out from her hands, causing the ground to crack as branches, thorns and shroud shot up from the surface, elevating our position. Brick doubled up on the defenses, quickly constructing additional walls out of brick and mortar. This would’ve been quite useful when we took Toledo, I couldn’t help but think to myself.

Together, along with Fatima and Trish, we quickly dug in and prepare for the chaos that was approaching us.

“Okay everyone!” Sienna shouted. We need to outlast this! Try not to kill anyone if you can help it!”

“Oh, that’ll be sooo simple!” The cynical Brick retorted. “I’ll just get right on that!”

I loaded my gun. “This will not be another Columbus!” I affirmed to myself. It was my hope I didn’t have to use it.

“Here they come!” Trish yelled as the mindless horde began to scamper up the trunk of our newly constructed tree fort. It was inevitable we’d have to engage with civilians. The majority of our munitions reflected that: Tasers, Flashbang Grenades; even my gun was filled with rubber bullets. I don’t know how much that’ll stop crazy though. Plus, lethal or not, it pained me to cause pain to what was otherwise normal human beings.

We opened fire, doing what we could to prevent unnecessary injury, however difficult that may be. A simple blast from a Flashbang could cause a civilian to fall from quite a height. Jade did her best to soften their impact, as many of the victims landed gently on the feathery petals of giant sized flower blooms. Sadly, most of our powers weren’t made for precautionary measures.

I looked at my teammates to see how they were faring. Immediately my eyes focused on the overly active Brick. “HA-DOUK-KEN!” He screamed as he magically unleashed a brick from his hand, knocking another mind warped civilian unconscious. Is there any time Brick acts serious?

To his left was Fatima. She obviously has been working on her shot during our time off. I was proud to see she’s gotten comfortable with her firearm. It’s not easy to just pick up a gun and fire it at someone. I know, my first kill was an emotional experience. But now she’s a natural. Of course, firing non-lethal rounds might make firing one a little easier on your conscious.

This was getting nowhere. We’ve been stuck here for a good half hour and we haven’t gotten anywhere. Trish, however, seemed to have a plan.

“Hey, Jade,” She called to her, “Do you have a problem if you could assist me just a teensy bit?”

“What did you have in mind?” She wondered.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to do this before,” She said as she touched the young Plant Wyld. Suddenly I could see she transferred her nanomachines into her. A devious smile came on Jade’s face, as she almost knew exactly what Trish wanted to do.

Combining powers, Jade unleashed them, growing a gigantic flower. The petals unfolded, releasing powerful pollen mixed with Trish’s nanomachines. Anyone within the area was incapacitated instantly.

“Man, why didn’t we join forces earlier?” Sienna asked, impressed by our combined efforts.

It was weird. Even with the defenses we had, I would’ve expected droves of people endless trying to make their way up the walls and branches. But, it was surprisingly quiet, and there were very few incapacitated bodies amongst the field.

“What’s wrong?” Fatima asked.

“Something isn’t right,” I answered. Holding my gun in my hand I told her, “I’ll be back.”

I jumped over the brick wall and down the branches to the town below. I wanted answers, even if I had to go out to get them.

I continued to walked the streets. With every step forward I took another person slowly made his or her way out from behind the shadows. They weren't charging after me like rabid dogs surprisingly enough. They just walked slowly, eerily. It was almost creepy how the civilians were staring at me, as if I was the only thing in the world. Stay calm I told myself. However in reality I could almost scream.

Slowly, like zombies they closed in. My nerves were beginning to fail me. I pulled out my sidearm, and unlike my other guns this one carried lethal rounds. I seriously didn’t want to kill recklessly. Aside from whatever mind fuck was going on with them, these were normal, everyday people. But it was getting harder and harder not to.

“Stay away!” I said in a panic. In hindsight maybe I shouldn’t have jumped over the walls. But they kept going closer. “Damnit! Please don’t make me do this!”

“Murderer,” I heard from one of the victims.

“What!?” I cried, surprised at what I heard.

“Murderer,” another said.

“What the hell do you know?” I cried.

“Liar, Temptress,” I heard amongst the crowd.

“Temptress!?” I repeated, shocked. “What the hell do you mean by that!?”

“Alone. Alone. Alone.” They chanted over and over and over, forcing me to cover my ears, dropping to the ground from all the mental anguish.

“Stop it!” I demanded. “STOP IT!”

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I flinched and pointed my gun at her, only to realize I almost pulled the trigger on my friend, Trish.

“Whoa!” she exclaimed as I lowered my firearm. “Are you okay?”

My heart skipped a couple beats. “…I’m okay,” I fibbed.

“We followed your lead,” Trish said. “It seems like everyone has returned to normal.”

I couldn’t believe it! “How can that be?” I cried in surprise. “Just a second ago I-“

Yet looking around there was no one there. What the hell?

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Trish asked again. I just stood in silence. Putting her hand around my shoulder she began to guide me back to the others. “Come on, sis.”

Our forces were now in town in full force as a motorcade of vehicles carrying various troops began rolling into the scene. Sienna was as giddy as a school girl, and she couldn’t help but glomp me as I made my presence known.

“This is the best type of victory!” she cheered.

“Huh?” I couldn’t help but wonder.

“The Confederates snapped out of their psychosis with their pants down,” Brick so kindly informed me. “Hard to assemble when you’re thrown into chaos.”

“Made it easy to surround them and force their surrender,” Jade added. “We won with barely any casualties from either side.”

“So, my lovely lady,” Sienna said while giving me a peck on the cheek. “This is the best type of victory.”

I wanted to agree with her, but something just didn’t make sense. This was too easy. And those words were haunting me. I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that this wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg.

Home, sweet home. 5 days I spent out on the field, and I sure could use the respite. I don’t know what to make of my experience. It was too weird, too easy. That was not what I experienced in Columbus. Not even close.

Liar! Temptress! Murderer!

I didn’t understand. Was that a figment of my imagination? And what did they mean by temptress? I’ve never loved anyone in my life…at least as girl. All I loved was Miriam, and even if I would have felt something for someone else, I wouldn’t have forced myself on him. I don’t think I could ever behave in such a manner.

Alone…Alone…Alone…

Alone…what I wouldn’t give for someone, anyone for me to be with.

I returned to the bathroom. I felt like a mess; my mind a little woozy. My body didn’t share the sentiment however. It was always perfect, no matter how stressed or tired or messed up I was. It was always there, flawless, succulent...beautiful.

You are a flower ready to bloom. So much pain…why do you keep it to yourself?

Why didn’t I have anyone anyway? I asked myself. Look at me! I’m a knockout! Maybe if I strut my stuff once in awhile I might have something! Temptress? Ha! Why exactly would that be a bad thing? Perhaps if I was a temptress I might have someone to finally rid me of my loneliness.

“You are one sexy mama,” I said aloud to my reflection.

Indeed… No man could resist... Why do you?

I cupped my breasts as I jiggled them playfully. “Hmmm…these clothes seem to be getting in the way. I oughta do something about that.”

I stripped into my birthday suit, looking at myself seductively. “That’s so much better,” I commented. “Who could say no to this? Hmmm?” I rubbed my hand up from my crotch and in between my cleavage, finishing by putting a finger on the tip of my tongue.

“It’s quite a shame,” I continued, “that I have no one here to share myself with.” I sensually walked over to the tub and turned on the faucet. My mind felt similar to that night after I met Kami. But this was different. It almost was forced. But I wanted it. I needed it!

Yes…let go…give in to your true desires. Let go and I will show you the one worthy of your affections.

And this time my mind truly gave me a target for my oncoming lust. He wasn’t the most athletic of males. Actually he was rather lean in nature. I never thought of him in this way, but something in me clicked. His eyes, his face, his voice. He was so…sexy. Maybe there was more than just one reason I rescued him after all. Maybe that thing hid within his pants!

I couldn’t help but finger myself, imagining him, his member, penetrating me. I was filled with lust. God! It was like I could recollect a time I experienced something like this! Without any discretion I began to moan loud and proud. I could feel the fluids building. I could feel my cup runneth over, and with one scream I yelled his name:

“Ian!”

I laid there immersed in my afterglow. There was no guilt, no regret, just euphoria. I smiled, but yet, I felt incomplete.

Why stop there? Why not go all the way? It’s your nature…indulge in it…

I needed more…MORE! Until he was truly inside of me!

I looked at the green dress hanging on the towel rack in front of me. I haven’t moved it since the meeting. Now it looks like I’ll have another use for it after all…

I made my way up the stairs of the presidential office in my high heels, dressed in my beautiful emerald attire. I was so foolish back then, wearing this dress, acting awkward as if I hated it. I LOVED it. I wish I could wear this dress every day! It made me! How could I not want to accentuate all my feminine curves?

I didn’t even bother knocking. It was after midnight, and he’s the only one working this late at night. His guards were so kind letting me through without much fuss. Kinda cute too, but my target was beyond the office doors. Figured I’d sneak in and surprise him.

“Uh…Scott?” He stuttered, obviously a little intimidated by my sultry presence.

“Hello, Ian,” I said seductively. “You seemed to have been busy lately. Perhaps you could use a little pick-me up.”

He could help but feel uncomfortable. It must be my confidence; my blossoming femininity overpowering him. I grabbed a hold of his tie and pulled him closer.

“This is different,” he claimed, “especially for you. What’s going on, Scott?”

“Please,” I insisted as I began to breathe heavily down his neck, “call me Saoirse.”
Saoirse. That sounded familiar, like I’ve met someone with that name before. I couldn’t remember, but I liked it. It just fit me. It meant freedom. Tonight, I was free.

I couldn’t help but feel giddy with excitement, yet something within the lace of my panty hose stocking was kind of prodding me. It felt cold…and sharp. It must be my imagination. Yeah. I’m sure it’s just nerves. I’m not used to wearing this stuff anyway, but that’s okay. Anything to please my man, right?