Before this chapter begins, I would like to personally apologize for my absence. I haven’t been in the best of places recently regarding my mental health, so I’ve kind of put AJA on the back burner for awhile. But the truth is that AJA is a way to push through all of that. So don’t expect anymore breaks/setbacks from me for awhile! I’ll be attempting 1-2 times/week uploads. With school, this might be a bit of a challenge, but I’m ready for it. Enough with my blabbering. Let’s get into chapter 6; Bad Guy!

Chapter Six; Bad Guy

“Are you attending the Night of the Phantoms Gala?” A snow leopard asked a camel. 

“Of course I am! I even bought a costume!” The camel shows off a bag to her friend. 

“Show me!” The snow leopard begged, pointing at the bag frantically. The camel pulls out a bee costume. 

“That’s adorable!” The snow leopard cried. I rolled my eyes and pushed my way through the crowded streets of Jamaa. I had to get close to the castle, duck into an alleyway, and use my disguise. This filthy land would soon be covered in purple and black! 

***

As I approached the castle, I made sure to keep into a pack-hidden from everyone. I had to keep my cover. I pulled my cloak closer to my chest, sinking into the crowd. As the castle came into view, I ducked under a low hanging branch into the forest that surrounded the castle. 

Looking around, this forest could be a beautiful safe place. I shook the thoughts out of my head. It’ll all be destroyed anyways. I touched my bracelet and shouted, 

“Destroy!” Suddenly, a purple aura covered my tiny body. My shabby cloak was replaced with a beautiful, long, black cape with a phantom clip by my throat. A black mask covered my small face. My bracelet had transformed from a simple, black bracelet to a phantom bracelet. My tail was covered with a purple and black phantom armor. My eyes glowed a light green. The aura disappeared, leaving a completely different animal in my place. I nodded to myself and began trotting to the back door of the castle. 

***

I grabbed a rope and tossed it up to the second floor balcony. I pulled it tight. Was I seriously going to climb this thing? What if I fell? 

I shook the negative thoughts out of my mind, and before they could return, I began to shimmy my way up the rope. I was nearly there when I heard a servant close by shout, 

“Darcy, where’s Princess Olivia’s new tiara? She demands it for the ball.” I rolled my eyes. Who did this girl think she was, demanding everything like she was better than everyone. I shimmied the rest of the way up, landing on the balcony with a thud. 

“Well that was pleasant.” I grunted, standing up to fix my mask. I heard footsteps, and I ducked behind a random plant on the balcony. The doors of the balcony flung open, making me hold my breath. 

“Look at all those people coming to see me at the ball!” I heard a snobby voice shout. I looked around the bush to see the princess herself-alone. I smirked evilly. It wasn’t planned before, but I couldn’t help but cause some mischief here. 

“You?” I snorted. The girl whipped around and nearly screeched when she saw me. I covered her mouth quickly with my paw. 

“Look, you spoiled brat. I could easily destroy you with one flick of my wrist. But I’m going to spare your life so you can see your precious world crumble right before your very eyes. But I can’t have you go ruining my plans, can I? So you’ll stay here.” I ordered, mentally high-fiving myself for sounding evil. The girl bursted into tears. I flicked my wrist, and the girl was tied up on a chair. I took off her “new tiara” and threw it off the balcony. The girl tried to scream, but I flicked my wrist once more before she could. When she opened her mouth, nothing could be heard. 

“Finally. Now people don’t have to listen to your annoying voice.” I cackled, shutting the balcony doors behind me as I walked into the brat’s huge room. I didn’t waste my time, however, and ran straight for the ball room. I saw five shadows running my direction, so I hid in a closet. I listened in carefully. 

“We can’t find Olivia!” I heard a man shout. 

“Put the castle on lockdown.” A familiar voice ordered. I peeked my head out to see the king himself, but he had a different expression on: Fear. 

Honestly, I felt kind of bad. Wait. Bad? No! I was supposed to feel good and proud of myself! I shook off the feelings and waited until the coast was clear to run into the ballroom. I opened the door just a crack, and saw thousands of people dressed in costumes and gowns, but they were glaring at the door. I quickly shut it. Where were the alphas? 

“Are you lost, little girl?” I heard a calm, sweet voice ask. I whipped around to spot non other than Liza standing before me. I stayed silent, trying to come up with my next move.

“What kind of costume are you wearing?” She asked, walking closer. I backed up. This was my chance. I peered at her staff for a moment before flicking my wrist behind my back. The staff began to come towards me, but Liza used her power to bring it back to her. We were in a battle for the staff for a few moments before she clearly won. 

“Gilbert, I think I found-” I cut Liza off by moving my hands in a circular motion. I closed my eyes and began to think of a phantom. I snapped my eyes open to see a large, black orb in front of me. It shone brightly, causing me to shield my eyes. A large phantom was standing in front of me. I shrieked out of joy. 

“Gilbert!” Liza shrieked before lifting her staff. I flicked my wrist and the staff easily came to me. A cage appeared on Liza. 

“Liza!” I heard a deep voice yell. I began to panic, but my phantom I conjured went after the tiger. That must’ve been Gilbert. I heard a low grunt, and Gilbert was on the ground instantly. Liza shrieked. 

“Time for me to make my exit, and for you, defenseless alpha, you’re coming with me.” I declared, flicking my wrist. The cage disappeared, and myself soon after. 

***

I turned around to face Liza, who was tied up in a cage. 

“I guess I’m the bad guy.”

How’d you like this chapter? What do you think will happen to Liza? Be PAWsitive, and Jam On!