The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 4

  “You okay? Lean back and rest,” I tell her, offering a hand.

  Kani snorts behind me.

  Damn. I thought she left.

  “A bird? Seriously? Those meds must still be working.” Kani says.

  Runa groans again and shakes her head. Then she lightly brushes my hand from her shoulder. The aftereffects of her touch linger on my fingertips as I pull back. Contact with her makes me uneasy. Like I’ve trapped her bird inside my body, and it’s fluttering around trying to escape.

  “I need ... to check on him,” Runa manages to say.

  “The bird?” I question, keeping my eyes locked on her. “You were attacked by the Morph.”

  “No—I mean, yes. But there’s a bird out in the woods,” she mumbles. “I need to find him. I need to know he’s safe. He shouldn’t have—”

  “Yeah, see, I don’t think that’s gonna happen anytime soon. You need to rest up and heal. I’m pretty sure you about died. No offense, but you look like hell.”

  Runa smiles shyly and raises a hand to her hair, trying to smooth the strands. It’s pretty useless, though. Her hair is a tangled mess of dead tree branches and blood caked into the damp strands.

  I smirk at her and she quickly looks away. Her jaw sets, and her lips purse. A little color flushes through her cheeks, doing her some good.

  “Looks like hell, but sure can talk. Interesting, quality don’tcha think, Trae?” Kani mutters. “Very Labot-like.”

  “Who cares how she manages ta talk?” Fenton interrupts, brushing past me. “Thanks, Traeton, for introducing us. Pft. Hi. Runa, righ’? I’m Fenton Tabet, and this’s our other friend Kani Ling.”

  I blink hard as he actually extends his hand to her. Then, he jabs a thumb in Kani’s general direction, as if they’re just friends. I shake my head while Kani throws daggers at him with her eyes.

  Runa tries to nod in acknowledgment, but doesn’t accept his outstretched hand. Fenton doesn’t miss a beat, pulling up a chair and taking a seat right next to her. “So, trying ta duke it out wit’ tha Morph, eh? Not tha smartest thing ta do.”

  I take a step back to observe Fenton at work.

  Was I this ridiculous when I talked to her?

  I’d laugh my ass off if she can’t even understand the self-enforced accent he’s always been so hell bent on using just because he thinks the ladies like it.

  Unfortunately, Runa bites her lower lip and says, “That was ... unintentional.”

  Fenton leans forward and places his hands on his knees. “Wow. I gotta say, ya are fantastic a’ speaking. I mean, really? Unintentional? Took Trae three years ’fore he could say tha’ word. Have ya been on tha outside long?”

  “Check out her clothes, doofus,” Kani interjects. “NanoThread. Issued. She’s barely taken a baby step away from the Helix.”

  Kani, the ever-observant one. I’ll admit, I almost forgot about her outfit. The gray and black Helix-issued attire lacks a certain flare but is form-fitting enough that, if left to my imagination …

  I blink hard, snapping myself back to the present.

  What the hell is wrong with me? Damn. I hate when Kani’s right.

  Runa’s eye flits from Kani, back to Fenton, and then to me. I quickly divert my gaze to my shoes, my cheeks burning.

  “I go out to the woods sometimes. I had hoped— It’s peaceful out there.” Runa regards Fenton tensely, but adds, “I practice speaking. I didn’t want to forget.”

  “You’re very good,” I say.

  The corners of her lips twitch, and her eye sparkles as she regains more of her faculties. “What is this place?”

  “We’re your pit stop between trying to get yourself eaten and going to your next destination. Don’t get too comfortable.” Kani proclaims.

  Way to make her feel safe, Kani.

  She seriously doesn’t play well with others

  Runa’s eyebrows pull in tight, and her smile tugs downward.

  “Ignore her,” I say, glaring at Kani. “You don’t have to worry. We’ll take care of you until you’re better. Then we’ll help you get to where you need to go. How’s your pain?”

  “I’ll live,” she whispers, flinching as she tries to sit up again.

  I reach for the stash of medicines we have on hand, and pull out the best pain reliever we’ve got. Works almost instantly when it comes in contact with skin and enters the bloodstream. Pushing back her sleeve, I shake my head. Why wasn’t this the first thing I offered? Shoulda been. She’s gotta be in a world of hurt. I run the medicine along her hand and up her wrist. She sighs, and her eyebrows release.

  “Better?” I ask.

  She nods, and sinks back into her pillow.

  Nodding in return, I look at the others. “Okay, guys. Introductions over. I think Runa here needs more rest.” Her name rolls off my tongue, making my heart skip a beat. I don’t know whether to try to get to know her or run as far away as possible.

  Kani says, “Don’t you think we should check to see if she needs to find the allayroom? I for one don’t want her peeing on the bench.”

  “Good idea. Let us know how that turns out.” The shock on Kani’s face is gratifying as I walk by, pushing Fenton along with me to the kitchen.

  I glance at Runa as Kani steps forward to hash things out.

  The bench can’t be all that comfortable, but it’s the best I could do. Originally, I had suggested we have her rest on Kani’s bed. Just about got my head bitten off. Kani’s particular about neatness—nobody messes with her space. Not even Fenton is allowed in there.

  If Runa’s coming from the Helix, it’ll be a while before she’s able to sleep anyway. Passing out and going to sleep are two completely different animals. One requires a conscious decision. She’s most likely used to those Helix sleep contraptions—they zap your brain so you feel like you’ve slept, but they’re not the same. All they really do is mess with the natural cycles a human body is supposed to undergo.

  I swear, the Helix wants to zap all the natural cycles out of humanity. Make us nothing but robots, running around doing whatever the Helix deems acceptable, all the while we think we’re living and fulfilling some higher purpose.

  But real life, the unmanufactured kind, isn’t like that. Things are complicated and messy. People make no sense, and there are no clear answers. You have to stumble through, hoping you make it to the other side in one piece.

  With Fenton by my side, we walk to the adjacent cavern space we use as a kitchen.

  Fenton sits at the table and leans forward on his elbows. “I like ’er!”

  “You would,” Kani huffs as she enters behind us.

  A smile spreads across my face, and despite myself, I admit, “I do too. I think we can trust her.”

  “Trust her? Like her?” Kani points at each of us consecutively. “Were the two of you dropped on your heads? You don’t even know her. I’m going to get a thrill when she kills you both in your sleep.” She turns on her heel and stomps out.

  “What’s ’er problem?” Fenton asks, scrunching the side of his face.

  I shrug. “Hormones?”

  We both chuckle.

  “I HEARD THAT!” Kani yells from the tunnel.

  Before we can stop ourselves, we burst out laughing. Kani can be a pain in the butt, but I’ve never seen her jealous before.

  It’s kinda funny.

  5

  Runa

  THE WOMAN WITH NARROW SLITS for eyes disappears as quickly as she can, and I’m left in my solitude. My body aches terribly, but hope trickles into my veins, tempting me into a lull of excitement. It’s hard to believe others live beyond the Helix. When I’d left, I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know where I was going to go, or how I was going to survive. Part of me even wanted the Morph to come.

  My fingertips trace the bandage on my eye. I wish I could see what it looks like, but I already know I won’t like the answer. What I wouldn’t do to bathe right now, though. My garments are crusty, and I’d like to at least rinse the hard
lumps of blood from of my hair.

  Without a word, the girl named Kani returns, walking up beside me with her arms crossed. She’s tied her black hair into a loose ponytail, and bright green streaks peek through the strands. They’re not as vibrant as the man—Traeton’s blue hair, though.

  “You better not even think about turning us in,” she hisses, one hand drifting to her side. Absently, she taps the hilt of a knife strapped to her leg.

  I close my eye, unsure how to respond. Of all the things happening, turning anyone in is the least of my concerns, especially someone who keeps knives on them.

  “It took us a long time to feel safe. To make a life of our own out here without feeling trapped. I’m not going to let you come in and ruin everything. I know you just about died, or whatever, but it doesn’t give you license to do anything you want. Because if you’re one of them—I will end you.” She takes a step toward the door and turns back. “Just so we’re clear.”

  I can’t process fast enough for a response, so I stare blankly as she spins around, her ponytail bobbing from side to side as she exits.

  One of them?

  A repetitious tapping comes from someplace farther away. Kani stomps past the entrance to where I lay, and a moment later, Traeton and Fenton whisper to each other in hushed tones.

  “Blood…”

  “Feathers…”

  Rolling to my right side, I curl up as best I can and put my hands over my ears. If they went back out to where I was attacked, I don’t want to hear any more. I don’t want to hear how mangled the bird was, or how much blood I lost.

  The next thing I know, a rough, cool hand removes my hands from my head. Traeton’s dark eyes are clouded with worry. Behind him, Fenton adjusts the strange yellow band covering his eyes.

  “You okay?” Traeton asks, taking a seat.

  “Fine ... fine,” I lie. My uninjured leg starts twitching of its own accord.

  “Yeah, you’re the spitting image of fine,” he chuckles. “Fenton and I went out to search for the bird.”

  “I figured by the way you were talking.” I sigh.

  “Tha’ was one crazy mess! All tha’ blood ya lost. Still looks fresh ... Snow’ll do tha’, ya know.” A bushy brow arches above the yellow rim on his face. “It’d be pretty easy ta assume tha’ whatever tussled didn’t make it.”

  I knew it. The bird’s dead.

  “So, if he’s not there. Was he ... eaten?” I squeak. I try to hold back the imminent threat of tears in front of complete strangers, but it doesn’t work. Traeton’s eyes narrow as he watches me, and my insides recoil.

  “Not necessarily,” Traeton says matter-of-factly. “We didn’t notice any stray feathers or anything else indicating a bird was even in the area. Perhaps he flew off?”

  “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

  The corner of his mouth tips upward, revealing a dimple in his cheek. “Depends. Did it work?”

  “No,” I say, stifling a tiny smile. “Okay, maybe a little.”

  Traeton’s eyes twinkle. He coughs and pushes up to a stand. “Good. I, uh … I wouldn’t worry about the bird. They’re stronger than you think.”

  “So, why are we assuming something didn’t make it?”

  “Fenton meant you.”

  Fenton grins. “I assume ya were out in tha woods for a reason. Not too many people are willin’ ta do tha’. Maybe you were lookin’ for a way outta the Helix. Am I righ’?”

  “I … I was out—” My head spins. “

  Fenton steps forward and puts a hand on my shin. “There are options, ya know. We can help ya find a place of your own. Or,” he continues, “ya might consider staying here.”

  Kani curses not far away.

  Traeton shifts to cross his arms. “But we’ll help you get to wherever you wanna go. This has to be a lot to take in.”

  “That would be great.” I nod. “My brother, Baxten, he might be looking for me. But I doubt …”

  Traeton leans back. “Were you in the Helix before?”

  “Yes.” I reply, swallowing hard.

  “Well, if he was gonna come out searching for you, he probably did already. You were unconscious for nearly thirty-six hours.”

  My jaw pops open. I’ve never been unconscious, let alone for so long.

  “Do I have to decide what to do now?” I whisper. “Not that I’m not grateful. I just have a lot to think about.”

  So much has happened. Of course I’d like the option to stay, but according to Kani, I no longer have the option to leave. As unhappy as I am with my professional appointment, do I really want to never go back to the Helix? What if I never see Baxten again?

  “Take as much time as ya need. In tha meantime, would ya like some supper?” A mischievous glint flashes in Fenton’s eyes as he raises his yellow band to the top of his head.

  “What is that yellow thing covering your eyes?” I ask, unable to help myself.

  Fenton removes it from his face. “Wha’? This?”

  “They’re called glasses.” Traeton shrugs. “They used to be for blocking sunlight, or maybe correcting vision before the technology we have. Fenton here just thinks he looks better with them on.” Taking a step forward, he messes Fenton’s yellow hair. “Anything that hides this lunatics face is good by me.”

  Fenton covers his heart. “Thanks, Trae. I feel tha love.”

  “So, what this supper thing?” I question.

  They both burst into full-on chuckles.

  “What’s so funny?” I giggle with their infectious laughter.

  “Yeah, Trae, wha’so funny?”

  Traeton raises his eyes to the ceiling. “Nothing—just, you’ll see. This will be a whole new experience for you.”

  I try to sit up, but the movement sends shooting pain up and down my entire body.

  “Here, let me help you. You shouldn’t be trying to get up on your own.” Traeton reaches up and unhooks my leg from the contraption holding my bandaged leg up. Not waiting for a response, he scoops me from the bench. My muscles flare in the momentum, but calm almost instantly. I wrap my arm around his neck, trying to make bearing my weight easier for him. He doesn’t even seem fazed. His body is so warm, and his pulse beats against my rib cage.

  “I coulda done tha’,” Fenton mumbles as we walk by.

  I search Traeton’s profile, trying to figure him out. He’s been so kind, and he doesn’t even know me. After a moment, the faintest hint of his dimple appears, but he keeps his eyes straight ahead.

  We enter another cavern room adjacent to the last one. The space is brightly lit and open. A large rectangular table sits in the middle with low-lying benches on either side. Kani glares at me from the far end of the table, but I smile back as sweetly as possible. A pungent odor fills the air, and I wrinkle my nose.

  Fenton takes a position near the odor and shifts things around inside some sort of container. None of what he’s doing makes any sense, but then, that’s been the case from the moment I woke up here. Traeton sets me on a bench and I shift my bandaged leg outward. Spikes of pain shoot through the surface of my skin, and I flinch.

  “Be right back, guys.” Traeton ruffles his hand through his blue hair and smiles at me. “Fenton, don’t bore her to death, okay?” He hesitates a moment, like he wants to say something to me, but he turns and walks out.

  As I watch his frame leaving the room, a sudden wave of disappointment washes over me. I hope he’s coming back soon. Something about him makes me feel safe. My eyes flit to Fenton, who smiles broadly in return.

  The muscles in my shoulders and back groan as I struggle to keep myself upright. I wish I could lean back. I set my hands on the table and take a tense glance around the room.

  Kani frowns at me from the other end of the table, and abruptly stands. “Does she have to eat with us too? Can’t you just bring her a dish? It’s not as if she’ll stomach the soup, anyway.”

  “Eat? As in … food?” I gape, the inklings of recognition dawning on me.


  My mother’s a RationCaps chemist, so I’ve grown up my whole life hearing about the perils of food and how her way is better. No one is ever nutrient deficient or overweight from her RationCaps. Evidently, that was not the case before they were perfected.

  Kani frowns again and fiddles with the ends of her green blouse. It’s zipped halfway up, revealing an off-white shirt underneath. The white one is low cut, exposing the upper part of her collarbones in a graceful loop. I’ve never seen such beautiful clothing before. I peek down at my dirty, damaged NanoTech garments.

  Bleck.

  “She’s notta dog, Kani,” Fenton replies and glances at me over his shoulder. “’Sides, she could probably use a break from tha’ bench she’d been restin’ on.”

  “To what? Sit on another bench?” Kani huffs. “I’m losing my appetite. She hasn’t even washed the blood out of her hair yet.” She shivers noticeably, and my face instantly flushes.

  “Is there someplace I could go to wash up?” I ask, swallowing my pride.

  She rolls her eyes and drops her mouth open. “Of course. We’re not animals.”

  “Well, can I get some help?”

  “The sooner the better,” Kani mutters under her breath.

  Fenton says, “Hang on, we go’ time. This soup’s gotta sit anyway. I can help ya, Runa.” He sets down some sort of utensil and wipes his hands across his blue pants.

  “The hell you will,” Kani sputters. “Traeton, you do it.”

  Pausing mid stride back into the room, Traeton examines each of our faces with wide eyes. “Do ... what?”

  “Take Ruin-a to the Oasis to clean her gross self.”

  Traeton’s chin drops open for a second, and he shakes his head. “Yeah, I don’t think ... I mean, shouldn’t we wait? Supper’s gonna ... C—Can’t you do it?” He points back at Kani.

  “Do I look like I can drag her butt all the way down to the Oasis? I mean, honestly, Trae. You’ll live.” Kani nudges him toward me.

  My face sears with humiliation. Am I so gross no one even wants to bring me to get cleaned up?

  “Seriously, guys, I go’ no problem bringin’ ’er down there,” Fenton offers again.