Chapter Eight – The Persistent Past and Intense Emotions

In a nearby field, two figures came face to face. The smaller of the two narrowed her eyes in hatred. “Hello, Venus.” she said, venom in each word. Slightly shaky, the other began, “Odette, I-” “Save it Treehugger! What do you think you’re doing, coming after me?!” Odette exploded. Venus straightened up and responded, “It’s quite simple actually. My mission is to arrest you.” “And do you really think you can accomplish that task?” Odette responded sarcastically. Smirking, Venus retorted, “Let’s find out!”

One little girl ran down the hallway in the house. Approaching the bed of a certain brown haired child, the little girl nudged the other. “Hey Odette!” When the still sleeping girl refused to wake up, the persistent one continued to poke and repeat, “Odette, Odette, Odette…” Sitting still for a moment, she got an idea. “Hey Swan Lake…” the girl cooed, calling her cousin by her nickname. One of their favorite movies was Swan Lake, and the main character’s name was none other than Odette! This caught the attention of the slumbering girl as she opened one eye lazily. “What do you want, Venus? It’s eight in the morning! You know I stay for at least another two hours!” Odette complained, shoving her face back into her pillow. “Let’s go see what’s on TV!!!” Venus replied, ignoring her friend’s statement. Groaning, Odette reluctantly got out of her nice, comfortable bed and humored her cousin. Smiling giddily, Venus rushed down the stairs. Soon you could hear sounds from the television as the day began. Odette lived in a small two-story house with her parents and her cousin, whose parents died a few years ago in a car accident. Ever since then, Venus had been staying with them, becoming a welcome part in their daily life. Summer had started up a few weeks ago, and the kids were LOVING it! The one thing that made them bond though, was their powers. Out in a field near the house they would test their limits, seeing what they could do. Life was pretty good for them. But as with all good things, it must come to an end.

Venus raised her hand as mighty thorny vines sprouted from the ground in front of her. They advanced towards her adversary at striking speed. While this would have frightened most villains, Odette knew better. Waiting until the last second, Odette jumped into the air. Upon her landing, she let out a booming whistle. A low thundering sound came from the distance. Venus knew all too well what that was, and had to prepare herself for what was coming. In the distance, a massive herd of creatures were barreling their way towards the duo. “Time for an old classic, huh?” the hero called. “Oh, it’s going to be more than that…” Odette responded sinisterly. “You’re in for one heck of a fight!”

In the field, Venus and Odette were in one of their “magic” sessions. Venus was growing something unidentifiable in a pot, while Odette pet her Australian shepherd, Moccasin. She barked and lied on her stomach, wanting to be scratched. Giggling, Venus abandoned her “project” and walked over to oblige the mammal. “What are you working on this week?” Odette asked, starting a conversation. “Well, last week I studied what herbs did what, so this week I’m working on defensive stuff.” Venus answered. “What’s that plant you’re creating over there?” Odette followed up, looking over at the large… well, what seemed to be a large venus flytrap. Putting a hand to her chin, Venus stated, “I’m not quite sure. I was going for something that could eat something trying to harm us, and it seems like I accomplished that. But, it just looks strange.” “Why is it purple?” the animal lover finished. Venus merely shrugged her shoulders. Suddenly, Moccasin began to bark while sniffing the air wildly. Staring at her dog immediately, Odette said, “Something’s wrong.” Venus’s eyes widened in worry as she realized something. “Odette, I smell smoke…”

The wave of animals rushed into the field. There were big cats, wild dogs, and birds of all shapes and sizes. Venus braced herself as they advanced on her. Thinking fast, she grew a large tree to keep herself away from most of the ravage creatures. While it didn’t keep out all of them, Venus began to grow other deadly plants.  Upon seeing her large venus flytraps however, Odette was given a flashback. She did NOT want to remember that day. It was all because of Venus! Odette’s eye began to twitch in rage. “If you want something done, ya gotta do it yourself!” Flinging herself up onto a branch, Odette began to ascend, making her way to the already battling hero.

Rushing back to the house, the girls were met by a horrific sight. It was in full blaze. The most terrifying part, was the screams coming from inside. “Let’s get them out!” Odette yelled, panicked. Venus nodded, and the two rushed inside. Very carefully, the pair found and dragged out the two scorched adults and laid them down outside. Putting her fingers to their necks, Venus realized they still had a pulse. “Venus! You were studying cures, right? Save them! SAVE THEM!!!” Odette said, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. Desperately, Venus began to grow plants. Trying everything she could, the young girl created various cures and tried to heal her aunt and uncle. But in the end, the effort was futile. There was no saving them, and they passed. Odette lied next to her parents, crying. “Odette, I’m sorry…” Venus said sympathetically. Her cousin’s face contorted into what was an unexpected emotion for Venus: rage. “YOU COULD HAVE SAVED THEM!!! YOU COULD HAVE SAVED THEM!!! IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT, VENUS!” Odette bursted out. Narrowing her eyes one last time at her cousin, the now orphaned girl ran off. Venus began to follow when Odette turned around and snarled, “Stay away from me!” Halting, Venus merely watched as her last remaining family member dashed away into the sunset. Eyes brimming with moisture. “I’m sorry…”

The animal lover had reached the top of the tree, and faced her cousin. Venus suddenly smirked and said, “Let’s settle this how we should.” She lunged forth, grappling with her opponent. The two tumbled to the floor, each trying to the attack the other. Punches and kicks were continually thrown. At one point, Venus asked, “Why do you blame me?” “‘Cause you could have saved them! But you didn’t. So it’s your fault!” Odette retorted matter of factly. Venus opened her mouth to comment, but was cut off by a sudden sound in her ear. “Calling all heroes. I need some help pursuing…” Sighing, Venus let go of her relative. “We’ll continue this another time. But before I go, I want to tell you I’m sorry.” the hero stated curtly, before heading back towards the city. Odette was clearly not satisfied with this ending, but chose not to pursue. “C’mon Moccasin.” she called to her faithful pet. As the Australian shepherd heeded her call, she walked away, pondering on what could have been.

Iridessa sighed in relief as she saw Venus finally approaching. “What held you?” the leader asked. “Oh, it was nothing. Let’s go!” Iridessa nodded in agreement. As the team prepared to go, she caught sight of two certain approaching figured. “Umbra! Rebel! Why are you here?” she asked. Rebel shrugged her shoulders and pointed to Umbra. She responded, “I’ve heard you’re after Zimmer. I came to help.” Staring deeply at Iridessa, she finished, “Call it paying an old debt.” Iridessa returned the stare knowingly, and nodded. Silently, the head of the heroes motioned forward. Time to go after Zimmer!