Trigger warnings- Death of a parent mentioned.

While the Lynch brothers were on their way to Astra, Cadence and Adrielle were almost in Kyrah.

The girls hadn't come up with a plan yet, but they'd managed to sneak onto a train bound for Kyrah.

Cadence led the way through the back streets of the kingdom, making sure that no one saw them. She knew where she was going, but she hadn't told Adrielle.

At last, they reached a small brick house in a rougher area of the kingdom. Cadence reached under the doormat and pulled out a key. She unlocked the door and signalled for Adrielle to follow her.

"Is this...?" Adrielle asked.

"Yep, our house," Cadence replied.

The house had only four rooms. The main living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Cadence watched as Adrielle stood in shock, looking around the room.

Adrielle looked at the couch and asked, "this is where...?"

"Yeah, that's where I let Finley sleep since our mother died seven years ago. Dad got ill soon after that."

"Finley said he didn't start working for Donald Brooks until he was eleven. How did you survive before that?"

"Stealing mostly. Fin became good at stealing stuff without getting caught."

"Was he ever caught doing it?" Adri asked.

"Yes. At first he was caught almost every time. He was punished for it too. With anyone under eighteen they usually make them do work for the Cadets. Fin did that hundreds of times and all I did was sit there and let him do it. I was such a horrible sister."

"Did you and Fin ever get along?"

"When we were kids, yeah. When our dad got sick, I stopped caring. I gave up on him almost immediately. I was sure that we'd be sent into care. Fin promised me that he wouldn't let that happen. I told him that it was stupid to try and make dad better. Finley didn't listen. That's when I started being mean to him. It was stupid, but even when Fin proved me wrong and helped us to stay afloat, I took credit for all the stuff he did. I didn't want dad to think I'd given up hope, so I told him what he wanted to hear. I told him that I was doing everything I could to help us and Fin was doing nothing. I wanted our dad to be there for me. I was ten, I didn't know any better. All I wanted was for him to love me, and I saw an easy way to get that without putting in any effort. So, I took it."

"So, you wanted to be his favourite?"

"Yes. I never wanted him to die thinking that I didn't love him. He died thinking that I was an angel who could do no wrong. I'm the failure, not Finley. Our dad died thinking...." Cadence couldn't speak anymore as she started to cry.

Adrielle hugged her. "You are not a failure Cadence. Yes, you did horrible things to Finley, but that doesn't make you a failure. You were ten years old, you were scared that your dad would die no matter what you did so you gave up hope. Just because Finley had the strength to believe that he would get better, that doesn't make you a failure. Yes, you shouldn't have treated Finley like that, but he forgives you. You can make the world a better place." Adri noticed something, "what's that?"

She pointed to an envelope on the table. Cadence went over and picked it up. It was addressed to her and Finley. She opened it.

There were three pieces of paper inside. One for her, one for Finley, and one for both of them.

Cadence began to read:

Dear Cadence and Finley,

It's your dad. I know that by the time you see this, I'll be in heaven. I would give anything to be able to tell you these things in person, but this will have to do.

I suppose I'm writing this to apologise. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you. I'm sorry that your mother died. I'm sorry for not doing more. Most of all, I'm sorry for not believing in you.

You have both grown into kind, selfless and intelligent young adults. The world is a better place for having you two in it.

From being in the hospital, I had time on my hands to watch the whole Ceremony from start to finish. I'm so proud of you Finley. You absolutely deserved to win. After seeing the interviews, Cadence you looked amazing in that dress. You and Kaiden would have made a very sweet couple. Of course, he's already taken by Finley.

Finley, I want you to show this little bit to Kaiden when you can. I hope he'll take these instructions seriously, or I will come back to haunt him.

Kaiden, thank you for everything. You have made my little boy very happy. Thank you also for helping me get the care I needed. Before you try and blame yourself for my death, don't. I don't blame you for anything. I was able to spend a few precious weeks with Finley and Cadence before this day. A day I was expecting for a while anyway. Please take care of Finley. I know you love him, and I know he loves you too. I hope you two are very happy together. I know that you don't have a great relationship with your dad, so as a possible future father in-law, know that I am proud of you and I always will be.

Thank you both of you for being the best children I could've asked for. I'll see you both in heaven. Take care of each other. I love you both more than anything in the world.

Goodbye my children. All my love, dad xx

Cadence was crying now. She handed the letter to Adrielle.

"Can you read mine?" She asked, "I can't see the words."

Adrielle nodded, and read Cadence's letter.

Dear Cadence,

I know your secret sweetheart. I know that it was Finley working and not you. I also know that you've been horrible to him for years. It's been hard to see you two become so distant. I wish you could be friends.

I should add that I'm not cross with you. I understand why you lied. You were scared. Scared of losing me I expect. Well, now that you've lost me, please don't lose your brother too. He needs you and you need him. You've been through so much for two kids of just seventeen. I hope things will start looking up.

You can do anything sweetheart. I'll be watching you from heaven. I wish you all the best for the future. Make me proud. Or more proud than I am now. I'm not even sure if that's possible, but you can try.

Thank you for all the hugs, kisses and memories we shared. Thank you for being the light in my life. Most of all, thank you for being the best thing that happened since I met your mother.

With all the love in the world,

Dad x

"I wish I could write like that," Cadence muttered. "Maybe then my crush would like me back."

"Your crush?" Adri said questioningly.

"Yeah. It's embarrassing now, but I had a crush on someone for years. It's never going to happen though. They like someone else. I don't even think they like me."

"Who is it?"

"I can't say."

"Cadence, I've had crushes before. I've even had crushes on girls. There was nothing harder than admitting to Reina that I like boys and girls, but she accepted it."

"I've never even told Finley who it is."

"Kaiden?"

"No!" Cadence exclaimed in disgust. "I'm not into the whole bad boy thing."

"Oh come on Cadence, you can tell me."

"Ok ok. It's Raven."

"That must've been so hard for you to see us together. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," Cadence replied. "He loves you. He would never feel that way about me."

"Are you sure you don't want to try? You could ask him if he wants to give you a chance?"

"No, he's yours Adri. You two are perfect for each other. Fin told me that he saw him reading a book about Astrean culture. He was trying to learn everything he could about your kingdom. Any boy who's willing to do that for you deserves your heart."

"Is that true? I never knew he cared that much."

"He does. Fin told me that he really does love you."

"I'm just not sure if the relationship is going to work," Adri explained. "He's so sweet but he's also really reckless sometimes. I wish he'd think more about what he's saying or doing. I don't know if I want to be with someone that impulsive."

"I'm still not going to tell him I like him. He deserves an amazing person like you, not Finley's shit sister. You should give him another chance. If he loves you, he'll try to change. Boys are like clay. You have to mould them into the best versions of themselves. If they love you as much as they say they do, the end result is always worth the effort."

"You know what. You're right. He's the best thing that's happened in my life and he deserves a second chance. Thanks Cadence."

"You're welcome, Adri."

—-----

The girls did their work in Kyrah and moved on to Lavea. The whole thing felt surreal.

Everywhere they went in Lavea, there were protests. People were calling for the Ceremony to be scrapped. Cadets were everywhere, trying to calm the rebels. They were simply being ignored.

All the shops had broken windows. Some only had one, but most had two. Statues of the dictator were smashed and damaged beyond repair. To anything that had come from the Citadel or was made to honour it, the rebels had shown no mercy and destroyed it.

It was less of a rebellion and more an all out war. It was clear that neither side was keen on giving up.

"Ah, finally the dictator heeded my cry!" One of the Cadets called.

"I'm sorry?" Adrielle replied, slightly confused.

"Don't be sorry! I've been waiting for some guards for days. Thank you for your help. We've got to calm these guys, they've been causing havoc for days now. That Kaiden Lynch has caused more trouble than he's worth. Why the dictator won't just kill him, I'll never know. Anyway, can you get them to stand down?"

"We could try sir," Cadence said.

"Excellent," the Cadet replied. "I'll leave this in your capable hands. Men, stand down!"

The Cadets retreated and followed the man down the street.

Even if the girls were actual guards to the dictator, they had no clue how the Cadets expected just two guards to stop the rebels.

"Well, this is going to be interesting," Cadence muttered. "Follow my lead."

Adrielle followed as Cadence moved to stand before the rebels.

She held up her hands. "People, lay down your weapons! The moment to fight is not yet upon us! In two days, we have word that the Champions wish to storm the dictator's mansion. If you wish to tell the dictator exactly what you think of him, let that be your chance to do so, not now. Stand beside the dictator, who has offered you so much, or stand beside the Champions, and become traitors. They want to change the world, but what is wrong with the world we live in? That is a decision only you can make. Either stand down, or give up everything, the choice is yours."

Cadence moved away. Adrielle followed her.

"That was incredible," Adri exclaimed, "You really do know how to make a speech. You even managed to keep us undercover."

"Thanks," Cadence replied. "I'm just glad that it worked. Now we can meet up with the others. The dictator doesn't know what's about to hit him."

"Yeah. Those guys are never going to just give up."

"Oh, and Adri, thanks."

"For what?"

"For being there for me when I was reading my dad's letter. I know that I don't deserve any of this. I was horrible to Finley for years, and even when I finally apologised, I didn't know....how to be nice? I know it sounds stupid."

"You have been nice, Cade," Adri explained. "You've done so many good things since that day. You deserve everything your dad said. Someday, you'll find someone who loves you as much as you love them. We're all going to be right here by your side until that happens. I should really say thanks to you too."

"Why?"

"For setting me straight about Raven. I want to give him another chance. I miss him more than anything, and I don't think I've ever felt as happy as I am when I'm with him."

"You're welcome, Adri. When we get out of this, tell Raven how you feel. He'll be so happy to have you back, I'll bet he'll do anything for you."

"Thanks Cade. I really mean it."

"Anytime," Cadence said. "I hope I can find someone like you one day. Someone who loves me for who I am now, not who I was in the past."

"You've already found five of those without even trying."

"You really mean that?"

"Yeah. You all feel like family to me now. We all have our places and we're falling in and out of love. We all fit together to make a sort of messy family. We all seem so different but we all want the same things. Freedom, and each other."

"Cheesy but I agree. Fin and I have lost everything. We lost our family, but I think we've found the best stand- ins we could hope for."

Adrielle couldn't have agreed more. They were six entirely different people, a sports star, an academic star, an underachiever, a quiet girl, a loud and confident girl, and a girl who had changed from a beast to a beauty. Yet, they all fit together to make the Champions. And in Adrielle's opinion, it was a pretty good family to be a part of.

I know this chapter is a little short. Honestly, it's kinda hard to write these two. I didn't really have too many ideas for this chapter. I promise the next ones are much better. Anyways, we know about Cadence's crush. So, who will Raven choose? Will Adrielle and Raven get back together? And how are Finley and Reina getting on?

Find out in Chapter 32!