Nuclear weapons? Missiles? Troops and tanks and jets? I know he’s powerful, and I know he’s death, but still. What if they do hurt him?
I should be rejoicing at the thought that they might defeat him.
I know that.
I do.
But I’m not. I’m in this now, and in my heart of hearts, I’m cheering for the bad guy. Still, I love my family, and I’m human, so after a quick introduction, I go with Baba Yaga voluntarily when she portals us all—traveling via a hole in the ground is way less fun than through the air—to a small town a hundred miles away.
She grunts when we all emerge. “I’m not great at portalling away from my own territory, but hauling you three makes this way harder.” She’s scowling at Izzy, Leonid, and me. “You could at least try to make it easier.”
“I’m learning,” Leonid says. “I’m not perfect yet.”
“Hardly seems like you’re trying.” In spite of her words, Baba Yaga looks at him with great affection.
“How are you connected to Leonid?” I ask.
“We don’t have long here.” Baba Yaga starts to pace in the hut she chose. “He’ll notice you’re gone and come after us very soon.”
“Let’s go now, then,” I say.
Baba Yaga exhales.
“She needs a break,” Leonid says. “She’s pulling on the living things in this area to restore herself before the next portal.”
“Did Xolotl not need to do that?” Izzy asks.
I shrug. “We portaled exactly once, but he seemed to have plenty of power to do anything he ever wanted to do. He never seemed to need to charge up.”
“Death fuels him,” Baba Yaga says. “But he was always the most powerful among us. We all hated him for it, but we’re all terrified of him, too.”
Goodie. I happen to be bonded by the most powerful evil out there. That figures. What’s strange is the pride I feel about it, as if somehow I’m happy he’s the strongest villain.
“So what’s our plan, other than staying one hop ahead of him?” I ask. “If you’re tiring with each move, it doesn’t feel like an end-game plan.”
“Lechuza’s bringing Thanatos,” Izzy says. “She’s asking him whether our plan might work, and if he says it shouldn’t kill you, we’re going to try and pump you full of light energy.”
“Wait, if it won’t kill me?” The plan’s totally half-baked. But then I realize. . .even if Thanatos says it will kill me, that might be enough. “You shouldn’t wait for him. Do it now. We win either way.”
“They were right.” Baba Yaga rolls her eyes. “Izzy said your plan was to die. Why are humans always such martyrs?”
“I’m not a martyr,” I say. “But I’ve seen what Xolotl can do firsthand, and I don’t think we’ll have another option.” I arch one eyebrow. “I’m a pragmatist. I’d think you’d appreciate that. As long as Thanatos won’t try to revive him so he can choose another general, my death should be enough. I’m an oven timer for him. He told me that himself.”
“I appreciate that you’re light enough to care what happens to humanity.” Baba Yaga frowns. “But it’s only because you’re equally light and dark that Xolotl could bond you in the first place, and the dark side makes me nervous. Your death might not function as we all assume it will. Your bond is different.”
“You’re going to inflate me with light and hope that blows the bond, right?” I ask. “And if that works, he’ll either be bonded to a light person, the bond will shatter, or I’ll die. Are those the options?”
“We aren’t sure.” Baba Yaya shakes her head. “That’s the problem. Dark energy isn’t evil. It’s dark—it’s tied to the ending of things. There’s a great power in both sides of humanity. The creation of new life and the destruction of it. You’re a juxtaposition. You’re life in the face of death—you and your sister both are. Thanatos and Lechuza really broke things wide open when they created your line.”
“What happened there?” I ask. “Why aren’t they still together? Or are they?”
Baba Yaga sniffs. “It’s a sore point, but I had my own error, so I agreed to let it go.” She glances at Leonid. “Love’s fickle, though, child. You should never rely on it.” Now she’s glaring at Leonid and Izzy. “Not that any of mine ever listen to me about that. At least their love has been more pure and enduring than mine was.”
“I’m guessing Lechuza and Thanatos broke up,” Izzy says. “Just like you and your stupid guy?”
“Indeed.” Baba Yaga stops pacing. “Now if we can figure out how much light to pump into Whitney so we break that bond but she doesn’t die, that would be perfect.”
“Do we really think light outpacing the dark could kill her?” Izzy looks sick.
