“What are we going to next?” 

We had finally sat down, though I had no idea what time it could have been. I really wasn’t into the whole living underground thing.  

“Well, nothing really.” 

Arwen raised an eyebrow at Dominic who laughed in turn. 

“First, I’m a grunt, I don’t make the decisions here. Second, we don’t do much; not as much as we want to. Althea speaks out about the mining camps and the slums but the council doesn’t care. We protect those that defect to our cause, getting them to safe places and sometimes attack the soldiers. 

“Other than that, we can’t do much. Dragons are scary strong and can fly. They use goblins as mindless grunts, those that speak out are sent to Brighster to rot and powerless races are used as servants. We want to fight, but the dragon generals have us all scared.” 

The hope inside me faded as I clutched onto Sora’s hand. We needed inspiration, for more people to join the fight. That wouldn’t happen unless they saw we had an angel on our side, which would paint a giant target on Sora’s back. 

“Things are gotten so bad, there are rumors that if you mess up enough on Brighster, they push you off. Being eaten by Ice giants isn't a joke anymore, it’s a possibility for us rebels.” 

Arwen shivered and Zani pulled Tazz closer.  

“What are the Ice giants?” I had no idea why they were suddenly so scared. 

“Most agree that the god Mistros oversaw the founders create Nym as well as Kirham, Volar and Brighster. Kirham was blessed with nature, Volar was blessed with knowledge and Brighster was blessed with heat; that’s why we have the three classes. But in the formation of Nym, it was accidentally pulled too far from the star, leaving it to freeze.  

“The founders moved their people up the islands while Nym left his people there. They were forced to adapt, becoming large in stature and their skin like ice themselves. If you manage to survive the fall the Nym, the Giants torture and kill all who fall; upset that they were left to freeze.” 

Ah, their fear made a lot more sense now. Falling was scary, sure, but most had skills that would help them survive. But these Ice Giants sounded terrible. Note to self, don’t get thrown down to Nym. 

“But with you guys, maybe we can do more. Free some mining camps and help those in need. Bring attention to the enslavement and mistreatment of the people.” Dominic smiled and looked down at his daughter. “Together we can make a brighter future for all of us.” 

Dominic then left our group as well as Tazz and Zani. 

“Have fun, but we didn’t sign up for this.” 

Aratazz seemed like she wanted to argue, but left with Zani anyways. I couldn’t get mad; Zani had never supported this idea. I was just glad she hadn’t told anyone beforehand. 

“Until then, what should we do? I want to explore but I’m also so tired!” 

Arwen laughed and shook his head.  

“I think you would have all the knowledge in the world and still try to find something new. Maybe we can find some books, can’t fight your enemy until the you know them.” 

“Oh my Mista!” I leaped over and grabbed Arwen’s hand. “You are a genius! Why hadn’t I thought of that? We seriously went to library in Portside and I didn’t even pull one book out!” 

“Well, you wanna come read with me?” 

“I would love to!” 

Arwen held his hand up, helping me stand before he joined me. Then, a shout echoed through the caves. 

“Bad news! Report from the council!” Whispers followed the cry and I couldn’t see a thing. Short people problems.  

Tired of being blind about the situation. I flew up and over, managing to not kick anyone as I hovered over the young wizard. Another wizard ran up to her, grabbing her hands and the paper. 

“Relax, Arin, what is so bad?” 

She panted; eyes wide as she tried to catch her breath.  

“The dragons. They know.” 

The man passed Arin off to another wizard, reading through the papers. Vivian pushed through and was handed the papers which she read out loud. 

“A new bounty for the angel seen in Portside Forest is now active. Brought in dead or alive, a reward will be given based on their condition. Until they are brought forward, a human will be sent down to Brighster each day...” 

She trailed off as people turned to look at Sora. His head was down with his hands in fists. 

“This, this is all your fault!” Vivian threw the papers and tried to push through to get to Sora but the humans held her back. “If you hadn't come here-” 

“Vivian. I’ve told you to not attack people in the camp.”  

The crowd parted for Ixon, and I landed to help protect Sora. Vivian settled down, or at least stopped rampaging like a buzzwasp.  

“I understand your fears, we are all upset at the idea of innocent people paying the price for our work. But Sora is an important part of our work now and can’t be handed over. We all need to be more careful; more Cats will be hunting for our new friend. Make sure you are not followed when you come to camp. Those with safe houses will need to,” 

Sora pushed past me and I watched him storm off. People moved out of his way, some in fear and others in respect. 

Arwen moved first but I held out my hand. I flew over to Sora, silently watching him mindlessly walk through the tunnels. 

“You know, we are so going to get lost down here.” 

He stayed silent, his wings twitching now.  

“I can’t help you unless you talk Sora-” 

“Talk!” He jerked around, stopping me in my tracks. “You haven’t even been listening to me, why would I talk to you?” 

A bit grew in my stomach as I landed on the ground. Sora fell to the wall, sliding down to his butt and pushing his fingers through his hair. 

I had done this before, being a guide is more difficult that you would think. Push the plot forward, find the main-character's happiness and make sure they survive; those are the rules.  

Some people accept the help naturally, while others fight back.  

I haven’t had a main-character fight me in lifetimes.  

“Sora,” 

“Yasmin, you aren’t listening and I’m so tired.” 

I sat down next to him as the thought hit me. He was right. 

“You made us leave while I was passed out, you decided that the wizards would be joining us, you decided to join the rebels. This whole time, I’ve been following you like some sad hollinhog, waiting for attention.  

“I didn’t want to even do this, I still don’t. I’m not even a real angel, I can’t fly, I can’t speak their language and I can’t do this. Why don’t you listen to me?” 

He looked up, blue eyes watery and pale skin colored red. Tears fell down his cheeks and he let them; I didn’t have a response. 

“This whole time, you’ve been so focused on me doing some big thing. Something I don’t want to do. I ran away from that life, my parents probably did too. 

“But you worry about the humans, the creatures, the freaking wizards more than me. And last night you-” His voice broke and Sora hid his face once more. “You wanted Arwen with you.” 

Oh. 

“Whenever I had nightmares, you helped me. I used to say I would always help you but he was your first thought. You walk with him; you watch him and follow him. He is all that matters now.  

“You can’t make me leave my home and then ditch me to hang out with some boy.” 

Sobs filled the hallway and I sat still, unable to do anything. 

Sora was right, this lifetime I was doing things wrong for no reason, and it was hurting him. He was my main-character, I needed to remember that. How could I hurt him? How did I not realize what I was doing to him? 

“Sora, I’m sorry. Let me-” 

“No, Yasmin.” He looked up, crying still but his voice was strong. “Let me decide this time.” 

Then, he left. Sora stood and walked away, back slouched and wings hitting the floor and I didn’t follow. I curled up, holding back my tears. 

He was the one with the problems, I couldn’t cry when he had every right to be mad! But I hadn’t messed up this bad in lifetimes. I knew my job; I could do it perfectly.  

Except this time, I guess. 

How could I help Sora when he hated me?