"This is it Denim." Luke says smirking.

Ha. Ha. Very funny, because jeans are made of denim. I roll my eyes at the new nickname.

The rush of steps and than chatter of my friends explodes from behind me, I manage to ignore all questions and requests from my back as I stare ahead.

My eyes captivated by the beauty of the city which is covered in green. Soft moss and different types of grasses completely cover the ground while vines climb what's left of the sky scrapers and drapes from one building to the next, creating a thick canopy above our heads. Some buildings have broken down but most remain standing. Oxidization and corrosion has begun to destroy the structures while others appear to be sturdy and fairly maintained while still covered in green. Trees break through the cement roads and sidewalks while a couple of cars are entwined into the ground. Beautiful birds all different colours, sizes and songs fly from building to building while dogs run on the streets and horses are tied to poles in the distance.

"It's, beautiful." I say to no one in particular.

I feel a sturdy hand on my shoulder, Adam nodding his head, "it's surreal."

Suddenly five young children rip around the corner of a building before stopping short of five feet as soon as their eyes land onto us. They gasp staring, one little boy makes eye contact with me and I smile kindly, but he backs away, they fear us. Once their eyes land on Luke they immediately bow their heads and put their arms behind their backs.

"Guys, what did I say?" Luke walks in front of them his eyebrows raised.

"Don't go by the jail house," all five children say in unison looking at their feet.

"And what did you do?" Luke continues.

"We went by the jail house." The kids look to the ground before disappointed in themselves.

"Submissive creatures, quite interesting aren't they?" James asks walking beside Luke before bending down.

"Yeah, their call children James." Roxy says pulling him away from the kids.

The children look petrified of James and I honestly don't blame them. I would be too.

"Can I get one?" James asks intrigued, "it would make a great accomplice."

I let a let a cough escape my mouth as I laugh at James, "I'm sorry, it's just you sound so creepy."

James looks confused, "why is she laughing? Does Jean want one too?" James whispers to Roxy.

When I look back to Luke he's ushering the children away telling them to go back to their parents.

"Follow me, one of you needs to speak with my mother." Luke rolls his shoulders and walks to where the children scurried off.

Once we turn two corners the once empty looking green city was filled with life and people. The thick canopy above our heads had thinned and instead of birds perched in the windows it was people. The once vacant transit busses now are used as shops for people selling their goods and wooden homes are built from where buildings have collapsed.

I feel the eyes of the people bare into my lean figure and I find myself sandwiching my body between Luke's and Adam's, Danial trailing aside me.

We walk for a couple minutes, everyone moving out of the way for Luke and bowing their heads in respect. It seems as if all life on the street is put on pause because he's walking past— or maybe it's the group of six strangers trailing behind him.

As we reach a tall building there are two huge guards standing in front of the doors, swords hanging at their sides. Luke and Adam look small compared to them.

"We're here to visit my mother, the Undergrounders are with me." Luke says waiting for them to move out of the way.

"We go by the Immunis," Adam adds calmly, "don't group us with those self centred cowards underneath the ground."

The guards stand still, not moving a muscle. Suddenly they turn on their heels sharply and face each other nodding their heads before turning back.

"The Lady requests to only see the leader of the Undergrounders." One guards states looking straight ahead.

"It's the Immunis!" Roxy yells, "are you deaf?"

"Roxy," I say calmly, "it's okay. I'll get this straightened out."

Luke puts a hand on my shoulder and pushes me forward, "this is the leader."

He can't do that! Shocked at his immediate response I take a step back and look at Adam who steps forward. "We lead together," he says.

Luke shoots him a 'back off' glare before whispering into my ear, "if you want this to go well I suggest just you go. My mother is the type for female independence and leadership."

I guess Luke really wants revenge on the Centre if he's volunteering me to go. Nodding my head I turn back to Adam, "it's okay. I've got this." With that I ignore my concerns and fake all the confidence I need. Taking a step forward, my shoulders set back and my chin held high I say, "I am the leader of the Immunis and I request to speak with your leader."

The guards assess my body before nodding at Luke who lets a sigh out. "About time," he mumbles.

Luke walks behind me and lifts my arms up patting my hips and waist looking for weapons. I jolt away from his surprisingly soft touch as his large hands finds its way back to my body. I walk away from him again uncomfortable with the situation.

"Hey," I say, "if you're going to do that get a girl."

"Trust me Princess, I'm not enjoying this either." Luke rolls his eyes as he continues down my legs.

"Stop." I command before turning my head to the guards, "let me in, I just came from a jail cell, I have no weapons."

The guards look at Luke and he nods his head. With that the door opens and he walks past me before turning to Patrick, the guard who strangled me, standing at the back.

"Show them around Patrick, once you're done take them to the West wing, that's where their sleeping quarters will be." Luke commands as Patrick nods his head.

Luke than swivels on his heals and struts into the building. I walk in after him to see there are men and women cleaning the walls and floors. In the middle of the room there is a set of stairs which lead up, Luke steps up onto each effortlessly.

Once we are on the second floor there are people working around, not cleaning this time but giving orders for tasks to be done. Four flights of stairs later we reach the top, the room is all glass except for the roof and in the middle of the large room sits a beautiful, young woman with dark, straight, ebony hair. Her tanned skin resembles Luke's and so does her piercing light brown eyes.

Luke bows and hits my arm lightly signalling me to do the same.

"Greetings Mother." Luke says his eyes strained on her feet.

"Greetings son. Who is this beautiful woman with you? Another mistress?" She asks smiling at me her voice strikingly coldly as her eyes of daggers dig into my skin scanning for any flaws.

Luke opens his mouth to answer but I instinctively lift my hand up while taking a step forward. "Over my dead body." I say smiling making sure my posture is tall and straight.

"That's wonderful to hear, and what's your name?" She smiles at me with more warmth than before.

"I'm Jean. The leader of the Immunis." I say bowing my head.

"The Immunis?" She asks.

"Yes, we are from under the ground but are not the Undergrounders. In fact I'm here today do propose an allegiance." I say confidently.

"Oh? And why is that? If I recall correctly we are the ones who ruthlessly slaughtered your people." She raises her eyebrows testing me.

"You killed my people, that is true and it will take time for me to forgive, but I'm not doing this for me but my people." I say clenching my jaw trying not to think of Richy.

"Please, what do you propose that you have that I could possibly want Jean?" She asks smirking.

"A map to the city below. Stratis." I say smirking back as her face shifts into shock.

"Continue," she smiles at me intrigued.