Darkside 38

Avery walked with hands cuffed in front of her down the long narrow hallway towards the main hall. She could hear the people gathered to see the trial. The huge oak doors swung open and the people started screaming obscenities at her. Some of them even through things at her as they walked through them up to the front of the throne.

Kit looked down at her. Avery was forced to kneel before her. It broke her heart. Trumpets sounded and the crowd went quiet. Avery could feel their hatred seeping towards her. 

“You are aware of the crimes for which you are being charged?” Kit asked. 

“Yes, you’re majesty.” Avery said. 

“And how do you plea?” Kit expected Avery to fight to teach the people a lesson. 

“Guilty.” Avery said loudly. The crowd gasped. Never before had someone plead guilty to crimes against the crown without begging for sympathy. 

“Thief.” Someone yelled from the back. 

“QUIET!” Kit yelled and they were. “Do you wish to apologize for crimes?” Kit asked. 

“I do not you’re majesty.” Avery looked up at her. 

“Very well then. Are you ready to be sentenced?” Kit said. 

“Yes.” Avery looked prouder than ever. 

“I banish you from this realm for all eternity. You are never to step foot across the boundary. If you do not comply you will be sentenced to death without trial.” Kit said. The room was silent.

Avery stood and bowed to Kit. A tremendous weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She was truly free now.

*********

Avery stepped off a plane at LAX. She’d never been on an airplane before. Kit didn’t strip her of her powers mainly because she couldn’t but she asked Avery not to use them at least until things blew over. 

The crowd buzzed around her. 

Bette and Tina waited at baggage claim for her. 

“Her plane landed 20 minutes ago. She should be here.” Tina looked frantic. 

“Relax T, she’s never been in an airport before. She’ll be here.” Bette took her hand. Avery stepped onto the escalator and saw them instantly. 

“Look there she is.” Bette pointed up smiling. 

“Oh my she looks so. . so. . Different.” Tina said. 

“I told you she did, but it’s still Avery.” Bette opened her arms and Avery ran into them. 

“I missed you. Is everything okay? Kit called when her guards put you on the plane.” Bette asked. 

“Everything is great.” Avery smiled. Bette let her go. 

“I’m sorry about everything Tina. I’m really am.” Avery said. 

“First of all I’m Nena and second everything is going to be okay now that we are all together.” Tina hugged Avery tightly. 

“Nena?” Avery said. 

“It’s the name Alistair and Addy gave me.” Tina said. 

“What ever happened to mama or mom?” Avery said. 

“You call me what ever you want.” Tina said. 

“Okay.” Avery smiled. 

“Let’s go get your bags and head home there are 3 very anxious people waiting to see you.” Bette said. 

“I don’t have any bags this is it.” Avery said. 

“I guess we are going shopping on the way home.” Bette said. 

“I don’t need anything else. I’ve got another outfit in my pack and a sketchbook. I’m good.” Avery said. 

“You’re going to need more clothes than that for school.” Tina said. 

“School?” Avery looked worried. 

“Yes you are going to be attending school starting on monday.” Bette said. 

“I don’t know. . .” Avery said. 

“No arguments.” Tina said. 

Avery looked at Bette and Tina concerned.