After the fight Seth said "That was awesome."
Shard thought "That was without powers."
His host Seth said "I know, still awesome."
Shard thought "You sound crazy, having a one sided conversation with yourself."
Seth said "Right."
Shard thought "Still crazy."
Seth wondered if Shard cared, he wondered a lot about Shard. He wondered what could make a person like him or what made Shard just a kind of voice in his head. Above all his mind wondered if he was crazy. What was he doing? When those thoughts came to him Seth pushed them away, he was going to do this. Who would turn down superpowers? Seth wasn't one. He'd finish training, get Shard's superpowers, join the Legion of Heroes and hope Shard didn't hear that.
Shard flew them to Nova Labs, to the desert outpost. He heard Seth's thoughts, he knew all about Seth's curiosity and questions regarding him. He wasn't going to answer them. He refused to steal Seth's innocence.
Shard could still remember all too well what made him into this. He wasn't always Shard, he wasn't shattered. In fact he was once young and innocent, he was Prince Hayin of the Fire Region. His oldest brother Kelth was chosen to be sacrificed to the Region's gods. Kelth refused his fate, he fought his way to his father the king of the Fire Region. Standing before him Hayin raised a sword to him as their father's last line of defense. Kelth was blinded by his rage, he struck down his little brother. Fuegshito the Destroyer of Worlds was born that day. As he killed Hayin, he shatter Hayin creating Shard. The last of Fuegshito's 12 sacrifices must be an innocent native of his host's homeworld.
Shard arrived at Nova Labs, snapped Seth back to reality. They went up to the main lab. Shard specified the terms of their deal. Shard would train Seth to use his powers before Seth could have them. Seth agreed to Shard's deal, he was clearly blinded by the idea of superpowers. The young Seth continued his life, he worked at his summer job.
To kick off training Shard jumped off a building and gave Seth the wheel. Flight was the lesson and Shard kept Seth quiet. Just 2 feet about people's heads Shard took over to try again. He berated Seth the whole time for not trying. After a few more failures, Shard saw Legionnaire Alien flying above them and flew them up.
Alien said "How's training going?"
Shard said "Badly. All this guy has to do is mimic me."
Seth said "Shard threw us off a building."
Shard said "Unless Shard is another name for Alien, saying that makes you sound crazy. Wait, I have an idea." Shard stopped flying and let Seth take over.
Shard mentally told Seth "You can fly, remember." Seth focused and came back to facing Alien
Seth said "I'm flying."
Shard mentally said "Levitation actually."
Seth said "What are you talking about?"
Shard explained "You're levitating not flying."
Seth falls as Shard explains "You don't really have to thing to fly." Shard returns them to Alien.
He tells Seth "Think don't talk like I do when you talk. Or else you sound crazy and you might do in front of your family."
Shard takes over talking, he tells Alien "See what I mean? It's hard enough to speak in your lingo without dealing with a moron."
Alien tells Shard "Be patient. He's new to having powers, you've had millenia."
Shard said as Alien flew off "The guy's a freaking idiot."
Shard flew down to a random rooftop, and switches to Seth's look as he heads to the stairs. On the street he gives Seth control of his body without super powers so he can live his life on the boring planet that is Earth. After Seth does what he would usually do, Shard takes them to Nova Labs where they take a Delta tube to Legion HQ.
Seth said "Woah, just wow. This is amazing, isn't Shard?"
Shard said "This planet is," he stopped, "I didn't bring you here to gawk. Tell anyone, Legion will lock you up. Got it?" Seth nodded vigorously.
Shard said "We share a body but I get it."
Seth said "Maybe instead of flying, you could teach me to do that mental thing."
Shard said "Were you an addict?" Seth didn't answer. He acted like a kid getting scolded, trying to make himself look smaller.
Shard said "We need to detox your blood."
Shard went to Alien, "We have a problem, the kid was an addict."
Alien said "Apollo, his partner Blue Bow had that problem. They can help."
Shard said "New to this planet."
Alien said "Right, you caught onto our language fast."
"I've had millenia practice," said Shard.
Seth said "No. Can't you do something Shard?"
Shard said "What?" Then he got what Seth meant, "I mean like what?"
Seth said "You have a million powers and you can't help me."
Shard said "It's not that I can not, it's I will not. I'm not wasting my power fixing you so you can screw things up again."
Seth said "You're in my head, you can stop me. It's the ultimate rehab."
Shard said "I'm not always going to be in your head."
Seth said "Yeah, Shard I've tried getting clean. Mostly to hide my addiction. Withdrawal keeps coming back."
Shard said "If I get you clean and you screw this up, the only part of your brain I'll be in is the pain center keeping it going."
Seth said "Thanks, don't want that, you got a deal."
Shard asked Alien "Got tape, something to keep him quiet."
Seth said "Wait I thought pain was if I screw this up."
Shard said "Your people haven't evolved enough for this not to hurt."
Seth asked "What race are you?"
Shard said "My race died before your planet was born. Forget the tape." Shard shut off Seth's vocal chords to keep him quiet. Then he cleansed Seth's blood, it hurt Seth but it was over in under a minute.
Shard unlocked Seth's vocal chords "You weren't kidding, that hurt."
Shard asked "Do you own a dictionary? Just so I can learn your language better."
Seth said "I can buy one with the money I'm gonna save on being sober."
Shard said "Good idea. Now, Alien you wanted to see us."
Seth said "What?"
Alien regained his senses, "Yes I did. Shard, I think your training methods are a little extreme." Shard stayed quiet like he didn't care.
Seth said "I agree, Shard is crazy."
Shard mentally said "We share a body, the brain is in the body. Think to talk to me."
Seth said "What do you propose? You can't lock him up, no body to lock up."
Alien said "Legion is going to supervise all training. We'll shut things down if it gets too dangerous."
Seth said "Not the deal. I'm leaving. Try to stop me I dare you." He left.
Shard mentally "You have the potential to be a genius, you can use more of your brain than Alien. That's why you can see me."
They went to Seth's house, got his laptop for an online dictionary. Seth thought "Here's a dictionary."
Shard thought "Real is better, don't need spelling."
Seth thought "This is free. Great, I'm arguing with myself."
Shard though "How many words do you know. I'm using your vocabulary. I want my own. It'd make training easier."
Seth asked mentally "Would you be nicer?"
Seth thought "Sure. Real dictionary, please."
Seth thought "I'm strapped for cash."
Shard thought "If I take over to do your chores, money's mine."
Seth thought "Deal."
Shard thought "Go to sleep I'll do the rest." Seth drifted asleep, fear of death is tiring in action. Shard took over and cleaned the whole house, plus he made dinner.
Seth's parents caught him, "Could you please set the table? Dinner is almost done."
Caleb, Seth's brother said "You made dinner?"
Using Seth's mind as a guide, he said "Yes and cleaned the house. I was wondering if I could get my allowance tomorrow, I really need it. Caleb would you mind helping me catch up on laundry?"
Peter, Seth's dad said "I think we could figure something out on allowance."
Shard as Seth said "Could you wait until after I finish laundry to inspect, I mean look around?"
Francine, Seth's mom said "Of course. Caleb, Sky help Seth with whatever he needs that's left. Seth, chores only and let us know of problems don't handle it yourself."
Shard as Seth said "Got it. I'm almost done but I could use some help finishing laundry. Set the table please."
Caleb said "We don't eat at the table."
Shard as Seth said "Mom, you said report problems. Caleb won't set the table. I'm going to go put the vacuum and cleaning supplies away. Mom, could you check dinner for me? I don't want to burn it."
Francine said "Yes, I'll check it. Sky, help Seth put stuff away. Caleb, why don't you set the table?"
Caleb said "Why don't I help put the vacuum away and Sky sets the table?"
Francine said "Because I said so and your brother asked you twice."
Caleb said "Okay mom."
Shard as Seth said "Sky, I think I left some spray bottles on the bathroom counter when I cleaned up in there. Can you get them? I'll get the rest."
Sky said "Okay. I can put other stuff away if you want."
Shard Seth said "I'm sure." He turned to the rest of Seth's family, "Can you all wash your hands before eating? If one of us gets sick, we all get sick."
Peter said "Good idea, this is very out of character for you."
Shard Seth said "I just need some money, figured cleaning the house would get me a big allowance."
Caleb said "Right."
Shard Seth said "Sky, don't spray any of the bottles. Last thing we need is a trip to the hospital. You know how to lock them right, just turn the nozzle if the handle feels loose."
Sky said "I know."
With that they rushed off. Shard knew from Seth's mind that Caleb was lazy and probably would not really help unless their parents told him too. Peter was easy to please and paid the kids well for doing their chores. Shard didn't check Seth's mind until his family got home.
Sky was youngest so he gave her an easy job, Seth was the oldest. Seth put the vacuum away, he grabbed two grocery bags and gave one to Sky for all the bottles. He quickly went to each part of the house he left something in and put the small supplies in his bag.
Afterwards Shard met Seth's family back at the table. Peter was helping Francine take dinner out. Shard Seth helped Sky into a chair, Caleb had grudgingly set the table. Shard Seth got out some drinks from the fridge and poured Sky some of her juice.
As he sat down "Caleb can you make Sky's plate? It'd be the nice thing to do." He leaned back and let Seth take over for dinner.
Francine said "I don't mind doing it but Seth's right."
Sky asked "Can Caleb do it? Please mom."
Francine said "That's up to Caleb, since it's not really a chore I won't make him."
Caleb said "I'll do it. Thanks Seth for cleaning up and making dinner."
Seth said "You're welcome. Dad, I know I did his chores but can Caleb get his allowance for doing laundry? I already started but it's still a chore, if he finishes it."
Peter said "I think that's fair. You did so much today, even with work. I think I'll give you a little extra."
Seth said "Maybe I can take Sky tomorrow, get her a little candy or something. Spread the love."
Peter asked "Are you feeling okay?"
Seth said "Yeah. Dad, mom, there's something I have to tell you. I want Caleb and Sky to hear it, well Caleb mostly."
Francine asked "What is it?"
Seth said "You know how I've been blowing through money."
Peter said "Yeah why?"
Seth said "I've been doing drugs. Today, I went through a little withdraw. I've been trying to quit so I figured I should distract myself. It was just the last stages but it gets worse as it goes. No need for rehab or anything."
Peter said "I'm glad you told us."
Caleb said "Wait, are you saying this so I don't do it?"
Seth said "Kind of."
Caleb said "And you cleaned the house as a distraction."
Seth said "Yes, that's what I just said. Now that I'm done, Sky won't get her hands on the drugs."
Francine said "You did the chores, your reasons don't matter. You did them, we're not going to hold back your allowance. We have to ask, what do you need the money for?"
Seth said "I blew my money on addiction treatments, I just need a little spending money."
Peter asked "What do you plan on spending this money on?"
Seth said "Well I'll spend a little on candy for Sky but mostly I'm going to save it. Maybe if I want a pop after work I'll spend it on that."
Peter said "Okay. Caleb finish the laundry, that's your chore. Seth, your mom and I will take a look around this house tomorrow morning. We'll determine your allowance then."
Francine asked "What did you do with the drugs?"
Seth said "I think I threw them out. I didn't want to clog the toilet or anything. I'll check tonight to make sure it's all gone."
Peter said "That's a good idea. Caleb could you help put your sister to bed tonight? Seth you're grounded."
Seth said "What?"
Peter said "You are grounded for lying."
Seth said "But I didn't lie. I never said that I didn't do drugs. I've tried quitting before, this is the first time it's worked and it's going to work forever."
Francine said "You aren't grounded unless we find drugs."
Seth said "Let's just say grace and eat. I'd like to be in bed by midnight." He closed his eyes.
Caleb said "I'll say Grace." Everyone closed their eyes. "Thank you lord for these gifts of which we are about to receive. Thank you for this food we're about to eat. Thank you for Seth's sobriety. Thank you for this clean house and allowing us to have a place to call home. Thank you for our lives and for having each other to call family. In Jesus name, amen." They repeated the last word and ate. Caleb refilled Sky's cup of juice, he helped her with her food. Peter and Francine had a whispered conversation, likely about Seth and news of his addiction.
Seth had a silent conversation with Shard. Shard thought "It's my money, you can't promise my money."
Seth thought "We can get her enough candy for months for less than $15."
Shard thought "It's my money."
Seth thought "You can take it out of my paycheck when I get my paycheck. What are my mental powers? Does my mental potential mean anything? Does it mean anything other than seeing you?"
Shard thought "You have a danger sense. Oh and your brain is superior to almost everyone if not everyone. But you can't use that power without exposing us. Withdraw won't explain suddenly topping your class."
Seth thought "I could try saying I'm studying harder."
Shard thought "You still have training."
Seth thought "I could claim library."
Shard thought "If your parents check and you're not there. They might think relapse."
Seth thought "What's the point of the gift then?"
Shard thought "It helps fighting. Gives you a tactical edge. Combine with danger sense makes you a force to be reckon with. That's not using superpowers."
Seth thought "Awesome."
Shard thought "You overuse awesome. In 30 hours you've used it 3 times."
Seth thought "Okay. You got rid of all the drugs right."
Shard thought "Yes. I think so. Got any secret stashes I should check?"
Seth thought "If you cleaned the whole house, including my space then you got it all."
Shard thought "Okay. I still want my dictionary and you need to master flight."
Seth thought "How are we going to train with my parents on high alert?"
Shard thought "Having Legion on our side would be pretty handy? Or not telling your parents, that would work too."
Seth thought "Are you, are we, am I,"
Shard thought "Spit it out. Not literally of course, you made this."
Seth thought "Telepathy, is that in the wheelhouse?"
Shard thought "Who has a wheelhouse on this planet?"
Seth thought "Focus."
Shard thought "Now you know how other people feel. Yes, yes telepathy, got it."
Seth thought "Just erase their memory of my saying it."
Shard thought "Told you you're smart. Candy for Sky can become study material for college. You want some cool job so you need money to work on getting there. This way you can make honor roll without a problem. You are making honor roll or all your money is mine."
Seth thought "Deal."
Shard thought "That wasn't an offer. It was an order." Seth got angry.
Shard thought "Emotions can ruin everything. Why do you think I pick guys for hosts?"
Seth thought "Do you? What happens to your hosts?"
Shard thought "You want honesty or you want to stay innocent?"
Seth thought "Give me the teen version."
Shard thought "Honestly. I think I ruin their lives. I can read all of their minds but my mission blinds me or maybe I've just become that cold. I ruin their lives by taking over and not bothering with all this, family stuff. Then I get them killed. My powers don't work well without a host. I mean I'm limited. Do you want to know who Fuegshito is? Who he is to me? That will cost you your innocence." Seth frowned.
Francine said "The important thing is you told us. If you get all the drugs out, we won't tax your allowance."
Seth said "I know mom. You know, Caleb, since I had this problem they'll be even worse on you about it."
Caleb said "That's not fair."
Seth said "Neither is life. I didn't want a little cry a lot, that didn't get me out of diaper duty."
Caleb said "Still not fair." Seth smiled.
Peter snapped "Seth be nice."
Seth said "When I was his age, I think you had Sky."
Francine said "Everybody just calm down."
Seth said "May I be excuse, I'll do the dishes after I finish checking for drugs."
Francine said "You've done enough, your dad will get the dishes. Yes you may be excused." Seth got up.
Peter said "I think I heard the laundry ding. Caleb you're up." Seth was dumping his leftovers into the trash.
Seth said "I'll finish up tonight, I got a lot on my mind. I need time to think. Saturday I might clean out the cars, give Sky her first allowance with the change." He grabbed his glass.
Peter said "Only if you want to." Seth learned on his chair.
Caleb said "Then we can take them to the car wash, I could vacuum them out." Everyone turned to him, "Just trying to be helpful. After all Seth's getting a big allowance, I want in on that action since he did my chores."
Seth said "You'd have to do both cars at one time, no breaks. The gas isn't free, the vacuums are."
Caleb said "Well maybe we could do one, come back for lunch or something and do the other. We could do one while you do the other."
Seth said "Not my car."
Peter said "I think two chores is enough for his normal allowance, don't you honey?"
Francine said "Yes but you have to finish all the laundry. Laundry isn't just putting it in the machine and taking it out. You have to fold and put away. Seth, can you show Caleb where the laundry goes before you leave tomorrow?"
Seth said "Yes, I'm thinking of taking a late start tomorrow. Get all the stain treating done tonight, put away dinner, check the whole house for a stash I might've overlooked and watch a little TV, just a little."
Francine said "You cleaned the whole house, watch as much TV as you want. Don't miss work tomorrow and keep it down." Seth pumped his fist in joy.
He stopped just short of leaving the room, turned "Could everyone take their clothes to the laundry room and in the morning too. Caleb, mom can you make your beds tomorrow. I got Sky's. Remember Caleb, dad asked you to put Sky to bed tonight."
Caleb said "I remember." Seth left.
Seth thought "Shard, laundry is a chore. Sorry about the car thing but Caleb wants his allowance, you'll have to work it into their memory. Or don't I'm sure Caleb will ask in the morning if you don't." Shard didn't respond, "Hello. Shard are you still there."
Shard thought "I have a life too you know."
Seth thought "Really?" As he approached the beeping washer and dryer.
Shard thought "Well whatever you call this existence. Life, afterlife, existence, whatever. Wait why did you come here?"
Seth thought "Because dad heard the beeping and I have to keep up the helpful charade until you mess with their memories. Now do your thing and take over." He was opening the dryer, pulling clothes out and pretending to do laundry.
Shard thought "Alright. Go to sleep, mentally." Seth started thinking about something he liked, something he'd fall asleep to as Shard took over.
After doing the laundry, Shard asked Seth "What else did you promise?"
Seth answered mentally "Put dinner away and search for stashes I might've missed. So put dinner away and take a house tour."
Shard thought "Should I wait until your family finishes eating?"
Seth thought "Yes. What did you mean by that thing about Fuegshito?" He went to his room.
Shard thought "Gonna have to be specific."
Seth thought "How knowing your connection will cost my innocence? How am I still innocent?"
Shard thought "Innocent soul, not innocent until proven guilty. The second one refers to sin."
Seth thought "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. Does that mean the good men go bad?"
Shard thought "Yes and no. Your soul can't be tainted unless you let it. If the good men can stop the evil then yes. If it's a pointless battle then no."
Seth thought "How am I still innocent? I gave into drugs."
Shard thought "Pointless battle, you didn't think you could handle the pain of withdrawal. You didn't give in, you tried to get clean but the torment of withdraw beat you. Better to know the fight than die trying to fight them all."
Seth thought "Are you sure I'm innocent?"
Shard thought "I know innocent. Just because someone has a gun doesn't make them a gunman. It's choices. You tried to fight the drugs, you lost. A wise king doesn't sacrifice his people, he gives in for their betterment."
Seth thought "Thanks, I'll get you that dictionary."
Shard thought "You don't have a choice. I'll tidy up your house tomorrow after everyone spends the night. You'll go to work. I'll get the dictionary. We'll train and make dinner tomorrow. If you really care about Caleb getting paid, you'll say he helped."
Seth thought "Thanks. My head hurts."
Shard thought "Same body, you're lying."
Seth thought "Take your tour, I want to sleep."
Shard thought "Same body." Seth fell asleep. Shard took his tour, pretending to search for Seth's stash after putting the laundry away. When Seth's family finished dinner, Caleb took Sky for her bath and his parents went to their room.
Seth thought "I'll take care of dinner."
Shard thought "You were sleeping."
Seth thought "Yeah, when you cleaned the house. I was taking a nap so you could keep cover."
Shard thought "Take care of dinner."
Seth thought "Your turn."
Shard thought "You just offered."
Seth thought "Your turn to sleep. You said you'd be nicer."
Shard thought "I don't sleep. I don't need it. Bodies need sleep. I don't have a body."
Seth thought "Wait so when I'm sleeping you're not."
Shard thought "Yes now get to work." Seth obeyed.
Seth thought "What do you do then?"
Shard thought "I don't, I'm not bound to you. I can leave whenever I want."
Seth thought "What do you do?"
Shard thought "Plenty of people are nocturnal."
Seth thought "I don't use that word."
Shard thought "Money's mine. Hurry up."
Caleb came in "Need help?"
Seth said "You're acting weird. Why didn't mom and dad get on you?"
Caleb said "It's all about the money."
Seth said "Not how it does. Knock yourself out. Not making you." Caleb helped.
Shard thought "Can I do it?"
Seth thought "If you can leave, leave."
Shard thought "This just got interesting."
Seth thought "Out."
Shard thought "Fine." He floated out.
Seth said "Caleb, are you okay? Do you want some video game or something? Is this a ploy?"
Caleb said "I'm fine. Seth, do you think mom and dad are okay?"
Seth said "They seem in sync. They're not arguing. No clear pack leader. Yeah, they seem fine."
Caleb said "What did you say? Pack leader? Sync? Are you okay?"
Seth said "You know how I've been, skipping out on coming back after work?"
Caleb said "Yeah. Did you only come home to shoot up?"
Seth said "Shoot up refers to heroin, snort to coke and smoke to pot. No I didn't come home to do drugs. Caleb I'm going to try for the honor roll. I've been going to the library, studying. Get me?"
Caleb said "Is that another distraction?"
Seth said "Sure, can't bring drugs into a library. Something to do with my time other than dig that self made grave."
Caleb said "Honor roll?"
"Smart kids club," said Seth.
Caleb said "I'm not Sky. Don't they base that on years of grades?"
Seth said "High GPA, first year this year. Don't tell mom and dad then they'll expect it. I'll never hear the end of it if I fail."
Caleb said "We're cool. So you don't think mom and dad are acting weird?"
Seth said "All four of you got home at once. They don't usually get home together."
Caleb said "Other than that."
Seth said "You're delusional."
Caleb said "Got it." He left. Seth ran to their parents' room.
He told them "Dinner's put away. House is drug free. Caleb said he'd take care Sky's bedtime. I'm gonna do a few more loads of laundry. I'll keep it down. Guess you got the night off."
Peter said "Thank you."
Seth said "I actually think I can finish laundry. Can Caleb stay up with me to finish up? What does he have in the morning? Sky can sleep in."
Francine said "He can stay up. Good idea."
Peter said "You understand we can't just let this drug thing slide."
Seth said "Dad, I cleaned the house top to bottom. I did the laundry. I made dinner. I got Caleb offering to do chores. What more do you want? I'm already cleaning out the cars. I'm still going to work. I'll go to the library, study up for freshman year if that'll make you happy. I don't even know what classes I have now."
Peter said "I guess you have a point. Go, tell Caleb he can stay up with you but he has to put Sky to bed. No inappropriate TV."
Seth said "No pay-per-view. I know dad. This is Caleb, I wouldn't dare give him any ammo against me." Seth raced out.
He told Caleb "Dad said you can stay up with me. I told him I'm close to done with laundry, that's your chore. He also said you have to put Sky to bed and put the parental lock on our TV time. He actually threatened to punish me for the drugs after all the chores I did."
Caleb said "Really? Thanks for the stay up late thing."
Seth said "You're still doing your chores."
Caleb said "So you did your time before your confession."
Seth said "Yup, guess so. I'm going to set an alarm for Sky's bedtime. You gave her a bath, right?" Seth set it on his phone.
Caleb said "Yes, it was actually easy. So Saint Seth, think we should play her some cartoons to help with sweet dreams. I don't wanna read a fairy tale."
Seth said "Sure, let's wait until one cartoon show before bed. Don't have to let her take too much time. I'll change the alarm. When it goes off, you go up."
Caleb said "Deal."
Seth said "I'll switch laundry but we're both doing it from there. It's our shared chore."
Caleb said "Right. Enough talk we're wasting TV time." Shard took the rest of that night off Seth's mind. Caleb and Seth raced to the TV, Seth actually jumped on the couch from behind. TV time was time with the family big flatscreen HD TV. The bedrooms had TVs but the boys had set time with the big TV that could be revoked.
On a commercial Seth muted the TV, he said "I was just thinking. If we shared my big room, maybe we could talk mom and dad into letting us sell our TVs for one big TV. Maybe like this one, an HD flatscreen but not as big. We could argue one less TV is one less cable box, less electricity. We could argue it's cheaper if we shared a room and had a big HD flatscreen than separate rooms with separate standard TVs. We'd just have to get along and behave really well, I think they'd go for it." Seth's room was the converted second floor den, his closet was an attached spare storage.
Caleb asked "What would my room become?"
Seth said "I don't know. A study for us, a playroom for Sky, an office, a guest room. I don't know and I don't care. If we argue one room, one TV, one cable box is cheaper than two of everything. We could get a big TV, a big HD flatscreen TV. My room isn't even a bedroom, it's more space than we need we could argue. Caleb, good behavior, good grades, do our chores, help with Sky. That's all it takes for a bigger TV and a bigger room."
Caleb said "I think we could argue this tomorrow. We need to come up with a reason for me to go to the den. Good behavior could get you booted to my room."
Seth said "Good point. Kids' playroom, study, office, guest room?"
Caleb said "All things den could be."
Seth said "Study, office?"
Caleb said "Kids' playroom and study, computer/ office and guest room. Den can do double duty."
Seth said "Shut up, show's on."
On the next commercial break Caleb said "I'm right next door to another bedroom."
Seth said "You're right next to both."
Caleb said "I meant Sky's, our parents have a suite. What if we argue girls and boys need their own space?"
Seth said "Two boys, one girl. Boys go together, either give the elementary schooler a huge room or the two boys."
Caleb said "Wouldn't phrase it that way, laundry ding."
Seth got up "Check on Sky, it's mom and dad's night off." He left to switch the laundry.
Caleb said "Got it." He went upstairs, peaked in, Sky was playing happily in her PJs. Caleb met Seth back at the couch, they folded the laundry. Organized it and each took some up. They sat back until the next commercial. During the next commercial they worked together, taking it person by person and got back on the couch.
Caleb said "You argue the money thing. I'll argue that we should share the bigger room because it's two of us. They'll talk it over, probably say we have good points. We can do it tomorrow at dinner."
Seth said "We don't usually eat family dinner."
Caleb said "I'll help you cook, they catch us working together the better."
Seth said "Whatever, we're working together now on laundry."
Caleb said "Right. What's your plan?"
Seth said "No plan. We ask if you can move to my room."
Caleb said "How does that get us a big TV?"
Seth said "2 TV bills are stupid. Sell our TVs get a bigger one. Hope for they get us a better box."
Caleb said "Sounds like a plan."
Seth said "A plan, not a full blown argument Sky will imitate in a tantrum."
Caleb said "Yeah, they wouldn't like that."
Seth said "Right. TV, commercials over." The show ended, the alarm went off, the laundry dinged. Seth muted the TV, turned off the alarm and switched the laundry.
Caleb brought Sky downstairs, he asked "What do you want to watch? It's your TV time."
Sky said "Scooby Doo, please." Seth brought the laundry in, he sat at the table and started folding.
Caleb said "Alright, one episode of Scooby then it's bedtime." He put it on using the On Demand option, Sky smiled.
Seth and Caleb folded the laundry fast, Caleb kept the remote with him. They put their laundry in the basket and raced upstairs to put it away then they did Sky's laundry. They put their parents' laundry each in a side basket, Seth took the laundry up to the master suite. He knocked on the door, his mom answered.
Seth said "We put all of your laundry in these baskets. If you don't mind I'll put it away for you."
Francine said "Of course. Where's Caleb?" She let him in, he started putting the laundry away instantly.
Seth said "He's watching Sky in the living room, we figured one show before bedtime would be nice for her. Caleb didn't want to read a fairy tale and she liked getting TV time. I guess it works out. He said bath time was no problem." Sky is short for Skylynn.
Francine said "Thank you for cleaning our room Seth."
Seth said "So no punishment, I was kidding about the library."
Francine said "You seemed to have cleaned the house top to bottom, that's more punishment than we would've given you."
Seth said "Caleb and I were thinking. We were going to talk about this tomorrow but since I got you. We were thinking, he could move into my room and we could sell our TVs to get a HD one like the one in the living room. I figure one TV with electric and cable is cheaper than 2. Caleb figures you'd agree boys and girls need their own space, since you have 2 sons you'd agree to put us in the bigger of our two rooms instead of bunking us in the smaller. What do you think?"
Peter asked "When did you talk about this?"
Seth said "While watching TV, on commercial breaks in between laundry. Caleb's all for helping, he's been taking care of Sky too so you could have the night off. I think he should get his full allowance even though I did his chores." He got on one knee.
Francine said "We'll have to think about it." Seth stacked the baskets as she spoke.
Seth said "Figured you'd say that, also figured you'd see we have good points. I didn't want to try arguing it in front of Sky. She might imitate the argument in tantrum. Sleep on it. If you agree text us so we can move Caleb in tomorrow. Sound good?" He got up and left. He hurried downstairs, not racing with 2 baskets in his hands.
Seth said to Caleb "I was talking to mom and dad, they started it. Well I might have argued our case."
Caleb said "Really, I should've went with you."
Seth said "You're babysitting. Trust me, they would've flipped if we both went. I know, I babysat you and Sky. At least you don't have diaper duty."
Caleb asked "Who were you calling a cry a lot at dinner?"
Seth said "You both cried a lot, I'm never working at a maternity ward. Screaming babies all day, I think I've had my fill unless the screamers have my DNA."
Caleb said "Alright, I got it." They sat down on either side of Sky to finish watching the show.
Sky asked "Where'd you go Seth?"
Seth said "Just upstairs, laundry remember. Kind of hard to be in two places at once, that's why we got Caleb. Mom and dad needed two of me so they bought Caleb." She laughed.
Caleb said "Alright let's see if Mystery Inc stops the monster. Or if Shaggy gets eaten." He tickled Sky.
After they Scooby gang solved the mystery, Caleb said "Alright that's your story, bedtime." He chased her upstairs to tuck her in.
When he came back he said "Alright Sky's asleep, let's get this party started."
Seth said "Sky's asleep true but mom and dad don't have bedtimes. They catch us breaking the rules they'll send me to juvie for the drug thing and you to military school or something for breaking them with me."
Caleb said "Don't you think you're being a little extreme?"
Seth said "Am I? I seem to remember you getting grounded and soap mouth for one cuss word."
Caleb said "You're right. So what do you want to do?"
Seth said "Dad didn't mention kitchen rules and they authorized us to stay up late."
Caleb said "Good one."
Seth said "Dad was pretty angry, better not eat him out of house and home or you'll be doing laps until you pass out."
Caleb said "I know."
Seth asked "Can you do the next load on your own? I put in towels mostly. Before we put anything on, let's strip the beds. Get all the laundry done tonight. Put Sky's bedding in with today's clothes and tonight's pajamas, but that will be all that's left." He turned the TV off.
Caleb said "Good idea. Yeah I can do the current load. I'll get mom and dad their bedding, you strip our beds." He took a basket for the new bedding.
Seth said "Tell them we're not doing bunk beds in the den." He went upstairs, Caleb tossed him a basket. Seth stripped his and Caleb's beds then knocked on their parents' door. Peter answered.
Seth asked "Can I take your bedding? Caleb's getting clean ones, I forgot to change the bedding when I made the beds."
Peter said "Of course. Come on in."
Seth said "We're doing a towel load now so should be a while until your baskets fill again. I think after this we'll just start leaving your baskets under the table for the night. So once Caleb comes in we'll be done in here for the night." He stripped the bed, got the door when Caleb knocked just as he was finishing.
Seth took the sheets out as he said "Good night."
Caleb said "Do you want me to leave this or put it on or what?" Gesturing to his basket of clean bedding.
Francine said "We can put on thanks."
Caleb said "I'll wait to take the basket so you don't have to put your clean bedding on the floor." He took the pillows off the bed, put them in his basket and handed Peter a clean sheet. Peter and Francine put the sheet on while Caleb leaned on the wall, putting the cases on the pillows. They put the blanket on, he folded it back and put the pillows on.
Caleb said "Seth said he pitched our idea to you. I was thinking with a room as big as the den, you wouldn't need to get the bunk bed frame. I'll take the basket down, good night." Seth let him pick the next show since he was doing the next load.
Back with Seth's parents, Peter said "We do need to talk about this one room thing."
Francine said "They made their case and did all of the chores in one day. They're working together well, Caleb babysits Sky everyday while Seth goes to work. Seth came clean on his own, he even made dinner and insisted on a family dinner. One TV would be cheaper, we'd have a spare room to whatever with. What's to talk about?"
Peter said "That spare room separates us from Sky. When would they move? Should we move Sky into Caleb's room? What would we use the spare room for? I'll admit having Seth share a room with Caleb could actually prevent a second addict. I don't know, it's a big decision. At least we're not trying to force the move. Seth's room is the freaking den. What about Caleb's closet? He'd be losing that unless you want his closet in your spare room."
Francine said "They'd move tomorrow. We might want to move Sky. The den used to be our spare room before Seth moved. We could put a few desks in it, like a family office. We could keep Seth and Caleb's school books when they grow out of them instead of buying new ones. We could put old toys in there, like extra storage. If something isn't touched in a year then we donate it for the tax deduction. Seth could help us take the donations if he wants his big TV bad enough. We could keep photo albums in it. Put up some shelves, desks, and storage bins. That's what we could do with it."
Peter said "Good idea."
Francine said "We just need to figure out which room is bigger, and decide which room needs to be bigger. Does Sky's bedroom need to be bigger than our spare room?"
Peter said "I want our daughter closer to us, I don't care about size. When are they going to move? With Skylynn around it can't be tomorrow."
Francine said "Seth can take Skylynn to the park. One of us can meet them there on lunch hour, he can go help Caleb move. We'll switch out at the park, giving them 2 hours to move furniture. Caleb and Seth can take turns watching Sky around that, leaving the heavy lifting for those 2 hours."
Peter said "You want them to move in together."
Francine said "They make a convincing case and it'd be nice to have the extra space."
Peter said "Let's tell them tonight so they can start moving instead of sitting in front of the TV all night."
Francine said "I'll tell them, you're still angry at Seth." She got out of bed.
Peter said "Fine you tell them." Francine left. She came down, Seth paused the TV and the boys turned to listen.
Francine said "Your dad and I talked, you can move Caleb into the den. Tomorrow Seth take Skylynn to the park, your dad and I will time our lunch breaks to meet you. You two can move furniture during that time. Seth don't skip work and don't call in, you need all the money you can get at your age."
Seth said "Got it mom. Speaking of money, did you talk about my allowance?"
Francine said "No and I'm not coming back down tonight." She went back to her room.
Seth turned to Caleb, "We should use the baskets to move you in as much as we can tonight. Chances are we'll sleep down here anyway. Let's put your stuff on my rug so we don't have waste time moving it tomorrow so we can move furniture." He turned the TV off.
Caleb said "You want to move me in now."
Seth said "We'd be moving you in 2 days from now if we did things your way."
Caleb said "You're right, let's go."
Seth said "I'll get the baskets to speed things up. Sky's sleeping so let's be quiet. I'm on thin ice with dad."
Caleb said "Hold off on that. Let's move my dresser drawers first, less work." They headed up stairs, quietly went into Caleb's room. It was usually filthy but Shard was a great maid.
Caleb said "I've been meaning to ask, how'd you get so much done?"
Seth said "I came home and whirlwinded it. Cleaning like it's a race."
Caleb said "That worked."
Seth said "Yeah, if I'd been on drugs I'd be passed out in three minutes. Now let's move."
Seth propped the door open with Caleb's shoes and took a drawer. He set it down in front of his door and propped his door open the same way before finishing the trip. He and Caleb got the rest of the drawers. They used Caleb's packs to move the rest of his stuff. Caleb grabbed some baskets to put his stuff in. He put his packs on the baskets on his drawers, keeping his space in the room minimal. They finished moving the non-furniture easily in under an hour. Seth insisted on moving his hang up clothes.
Peter came out as they were moving, he waited for them to finish. He said "Wait." As they left Seth's room to head back downstairs.
Caleb said "I should probably check the laundry."
Peter asked "Could you move your sister into your old room tomorrow? Just her toys before you move furniture."
Seth said "Yeah, I get the feeling we're moving her stuff anyway."
Peter said "I'll help you finish moving when I get home." Caleb left.
Peter watched him leave "You were about his age when you started working, younger I think actually." He turned to Seth, "Could you try to get him a job? Maybe you could try working after school this year."
Seth said "Sorry, no. Caleb babysits Skylynn. When I started working you and mom didn't need a babysitter, now you do and his name is Caleb. If it's okay with you, I'm going downstairs."
Peter said "Good night." As Seth left. Shard popped back in, he could feel what happened.
Shard thought "What I miss?"
Seth thought "Dad just got weird in a intense way."
Shard thought "Telepathy time."
Seth thought "Wouldn't it be easier at night? When they're minds aren't active?"
Shard thought "This isn't a movie, besides I'm kind of an alien. Humans are simple compared to some races I've seen. I can really do it anytime." Seth sat on the couch.
He thought "Fine, do it." Seth and Caleb fell asleep watching TV during the last load. The next day Skylynn woke Caleb which woke Seth. Seth made breakfast while Caleb got himself and Sky dressed. Seth remembered the truth, he wrote this off as host perks.
Caleb asked "What time are you leaving?"
Seth said "I don't know. Let's finish moving stuff before lunch. Between the two of us we shouldn't have much left by then. Uh, Caleb can you take Sky to the park? I know I'm supposed to,"
Caleb said "Yeah. Got anything left to clean?"
Seth said "I think one last load of laundry and the cars, if you want to. So you got the park?"
Caleb said "Yeah, all about the money."
Seth said "I'll get started moving. Can you?"
Caleb finished "Clean up here? Course." Seth left, Caleb and Sky cleaned up, Sky fetched the dirty clothes for laundry.
Seth thought "Shard?"
Shard replied "Yeah?"
Seth thought "What'd you take? From their memory?"
Shard thought "Only the drug thing. Well, and Caleb doesn't remember the honor roll secret. Blamed weird behavior on wanting a raise. Dad refused but agreed to give you more for cleaning. Inspection today. Moving and 2 lunch breaks are the same."
Seth asked "Can they know? About my powers?"
Shard thought "I don't know, this is new to me. Usually I hunt Fuegshito and my host dies in the process."
Seth packed up Sky's room as Caleb distracted her. Shard used his skills to speed the move up. At the end Shard asked "Can I take over Sky or Caleb to read the dictionary?"
Seth snapped "No," silently. He thought "You can not take over my brother, sister or any of my family for that matter to read your dictionary. We are not buying a big dictionary because that would be suspicious. We may have to wait until school starts to buy your dictionary so I can bring it home like a textbook. Shard, did you by any chance find a dictionary here while you were cleaning?"
Shard thought "No, wait what do Earth dictionaries look like?" Seth pictured a series of dictionaries ranging from pocket dictionaries to classroom dictionaries to encyclopedia huge dictionaries.
Seth thought "Look familiar?"
Shard thought "Maybe. Can I knock Caleb and Sky out so we can get this move done with?"
Seth thought "Will you move the rooms how I want to?"
Shard thought "Of course, who else can I reference with your siblings out?"
Seth thought "I'll show you how to move Caleb then you can knock them out. Sky's room isn't changing just moving." He pictured how he wanted the den looking with him and Caleb in it. Shard put his siblings to sleep and took over, following the instructions.
Seth made lunch and called his dad. "Hey you can forget about watching Sky."
Peter said "You have to move furniture."
Seth said "Caleb and I moved already."
Peter asked "How?"
Seth said "We took turns, watching Sky and moving. I brought a box of toys down for her to play with while we moved so she didn't need to go to her room."
Peter said "Okay. What about your TVs?"
Seth said "They're next to each other. I didn't mess with their cables. Quick question, can Caleb and I stay up late again tonight? In the living room?"
Peter said "I'll talk with your mom about it."
Seth said "Thanks. I'm heading out, I already made lunch and laundry is done."
Peter said "That's good. Love you, 'bye."
Seth said "Love you." He hung up, he figured his dad would talk to his mom. He headed out. After work he bought Shard a dictionary, he worked extra hours by going in early. At home he put the dictionary by his TV. Caleb Sky were up.
Seth thought "You're going to be nicer. You got your dictionary."
Shard responded "That's the deal. We need to work on your danger sense."
Seth thought "Okay."
Shard though "Not now, I need to read. Can I,?"
Seth answered "What's a host for? Can I get a pop with your money?"
Shard answered "Sure, be quiet."
Seth asked "Can you hear all my thoughts?"
Shard answered "For better or worse."
He sadly thought "I just want my afterlife," forgetting to block Seth off.
Seth heard and realized everything. He realized the meaning behind Shard's mission and name. He felt a strange mixture, he was sad for Shard but happy he knew. Seth decided to fake asleep so he could try to learn more. What does millenia alone do to someone? By the time he thought of this Shard was already reading, he was in the Es.
Shard could hear everything but he had his own thoughts, he didn't care about Seth's. Shard had been convinced to try passing on his powers before he met Seth, it was a concept pitched to him by the one being in the universe who cared about and had faith in Shard. Grace, an alien Shard saved in his mission. She now reincarnates with Shard's power to steal powers and his ghost powers.
After blowing through the dictionary Shard thought "Thank you." That was the first time Shard was had been happy with Seth.
Seth took this opportunity "You don't have to become a monster to beat a monster. 2 monsters don't solve a monster problem."
Shard thought "Go back to moron mode."
Seth asked "What am I learning today?"
Shard answered "You're mastering flight. Can't have a god among heroes taking the bus to fights."
Seth thought "Cool. Shard,"
Shard asked "What?"
Seth thought "My family is off limits unless I say otherwise."
Shard thought "Fine. Let's go." Shard flew them up, he kept his word or rather thought.
Shard explained "For a master like Alien or myself flight is second nature. It's a skill that requires no thought, levitation requires focus and that's a large difference." He froze in the air, "Treat flight like walking and fighting like running. You hear me? That's what I'm going to do."
Seth responded "I hear you. Wish I bought a dictionary sooner."
Shard thought "Don't panic but I'm not flying." Seth looked down in amazement not fear.
Shard thought "Let's move. Picture how you want to move and you'll move. To start pretend you're in water, swim." Seth did, "Now walk." Seth did, "No legs." Seth floated, "Destination." Seth stopped to think.
Seth asked "Can we or I turn invisible? Boy flying looks weird without plan or vehicle."
Shard thought "Speed training?"
Seth thought "Huh? I know what that is but,"
Shard thought "Speed so none can see."
Seth thought "Okay, let's start. You hid the dictionary, I'm not ready to tell my family I have an alien in my head."
Shard thought "Asylum city. I hid it. Now somewhere far away."
Seth thought "Australia."
Shard thought "Visualize and go."
Seth started flying, "Go to Australia. An American without a passport."
Shard thought "Could try another state?" Seth sped to a landing and took a subway home with his Fast Pass. He and Caleb made dinner.
Caleb said "Maybe we could talk to mom and dad about selling Skylynn's TV too. Split the money for 2 TVs."
Seth said "They'd get us the same TVs, probably go smaller for Sky."
Caleb said "Right. We got to figure out what we're doing about this TV thing."
Seth said "Sell our TVs. Buy a big one, HD flatscreen. Mom and dad have to arrange a new HD cable box, they'll return our old ones."
Caleb said "How are we selling out TVs? Are we picking out our new one? Are mom and dad picking it out? Do we want to try for a new special box?"
Seth said "We talk to mom and dad about selling. We shop around for our new one, making sure we get a good one. Let's wait until we sell ours to worry about the new cable box."
Light bulb, Seth said "Maybe we should talk to mom and dad about selling Sky's TV. We should talk to them about selling their TV. Argue we could all upgrade. If they don't like that idea. We argue Sky could get one of ours and sell theirs for a flat screen. Either way everyone upgrades."
Caleb built off that idea "We could sell all TVs except one of ours. Give that one to Sky and everyone gets good TVs."
Seth said "Now that I hear it all aloud I think we should stick to plan A and throw away plans B through D. Sell our TVs, upgrade to a flat screen HD TV. Tonight we could mention they could upgrade with us. I don't think Sky's TV is worth as much as either of ours. We shouldn't poke the bear anyway. Better get a great TV than upgrade Skylynn's TV."
Caleb said "I guess you're right. I get to tell them."
Seth said "No plans. That sounds like a plan. Remember how our last plan turned out. I'd rather keep my brother than make a plan."
Caleb said "Fine. Could you say grace tonight?"
Seth said "Of course if you want to pray before eating."
Caleb said "I want to eat out Sunday not pray."
Seth said "Good idea."
Caleb asked "Do you think mom and dad are really going to upgrade our TV?"
Seth said "Didn't we pray last night. Uh, yes I do think they'll upgrade our TV. They might not use all of the sales from our TVs to do it but they won't break their word."
Caleb said "Good point, you're right about praying."
Seth said "We should teach Skylynn to say Grace. Since we have nothing better to do."
Caleb said "I already did."
Seth said "She's never done it, not that I can remember."
Caleb said "I taught her today."
Seth said "Makes sense. Just kidding here but what if we sold all five TVs. We could pool the money, get everyone HD flatscreens. Sky's just a bit bigger than her current TV, we'd share a new big TV and our parents might just get a flat screen the same size as their current TV. Maybe upgrade the quality of the living room flatscreen."
Peter said "Good idea." Seth turned around, they'd finished prepping the food early in the conversation.
Seth said "I was kidding. I'd rather sell just Caleb and my TVs than everyone upgrade with less money for each TV. If every TV got us a thousand dollars, we'd have a thousand two fifty per TV with Caleb and I sharing a new one."
Caleb asked "How'd you do the math so fast?"
Seth said "Five dollars divided by four candy bars. How much per candy bar?"
Caleb said "$1.25, oh."
Peter said "We could sell our 4 personal TVs. Thousand each, what's that per new TV?"
Seth said "Quarter dollar is 25 cents. Figure it out yourself."
Caleb said "7 50."
Seth said "Four TVs sold, thousand each. Three TVs bought, how much each TV?"
Caleb said "Four grand divided by three. Quarter dollar tells me thousand total. Your asking four divided by three not three fourths."
Seth said "1 grand, then 3s going on forever."
Caleb said "See not simple."
Seth said "10 divided by 3 is 3. 333 going on forever. No even number divided by 3 is easy."
Peter said "You'd get the best TV."
Seth said "We want to look around and pick our TV. We don't want you to give us a share of 4 TVs."
Peter said "It's like you said, we're getting a flat screen so is Sky. We might actually take money from our share to give Sky a bigger TV. You two pick your TV with 2 fourths share."
Seth said "Let's sell our TVs, get our upgrade with the money. Then you can figure out upgrading you and Sky's TVs, when our money is gone. Just being careful."
Francine said "Good idea, Seth. How about we sell the TVs, get your money on a separate transaction."
Seth said "Okay. Caleb what do want for your birthday?"
Caleb said "Not the time."
Seth said "Great time, no school I can buy you a gift."
Caleb said "Can we just eat?"
Seth said "Mom, dad how about you look around? Dad I called you before I left for the day, you know how long Caleb and Sky have been home alone. I've been home what 2, 3 hours."
Caleb said "Sounds right, Sky and I stayed down here all day. Which reminds me, I can give her a bath and put her to bed tonight. That can be my chore for the week."
Francine said "We looked around this morning, we talked after you and your dad hung up. Here's your allowance Seth." She handed him the money.
He said "Cool. $50."
Peter said "It's a good deal, you cleaned the whole house."
Seth said "For the rest of the week dinner counts as Caleb's chore. I think he should get a full $20 for helping me with laundry, taking care of Sky and making dinner. What do you think?"
Peter said "Sounds fair, cheaper than hiring a babysitter and eating out."
Caleb said "Thanks, Seth." They watched TV together waiting for the food to cook. After dinner, Caleb gave Sky a bath and took her to his old room. Everyone stayed in their rooms after dinner.
The next day Seth left right after breakfast with his $50 in his pocket, he asked Shard "What are we learning today? What's on the agenda teach?"
Shard answered "Enough. Defense, it's fight or flight not just flight."
Seth thought "I don't think that means what you think."
Shard berated "I know what it means, you people can't fly."
Seth thought "So fighting, that's what we're doing, right?"
Shard answered "Keep going, we'll be falling."
Seth thought "I can fly."
Shard thought "Not without my powers."
Seth thought "You said you'd be nice."
Shard thought "I don't talk."
Seth thought "You do in my head."
Shard thought "You have voices in your head."
Seth thought "Let's get to work."
Shard thought "Let's go to a bar."
Seth thought "Law's 21, I'm 13. It's morning and I know what you're thinking."
Shard thought "Kids can go in during the day. Of course you know, it's your planet. And 21, really?"
Seth thought "I don't make the rules. Don't we need somewhere mildly dangerous like a robbery?"
Shard thought "Robbery, great idea. Fly low. Turn into me."
Seth thought "You?" Seth dropped down so they could see the streets without being spotted.
Shard thought "Yeah. Shard's a good superhuman name."
Seth thought "Okaaaay."
Shard thought "Done, there. Green jacket, red hair, slightly changed build. Keep your eyes closed, avoid cameras, don't talk." Seth closed his eyes.
Seth asked "Is that all? How will I spot cameras if I keep my eyes closed?"
Shard answered "For now I'll protect you. I'll teach you that later. Open your eyes until we get there." Seth did until a robbery was found. He landed, walked in, closed his eyes and charged the robbers.
Shard told him "Lean right." A bullet flew past. "Did you feel that coming?"
Seth answered "Yeah, I got this." He grabbed the criminals gun, yanked it out of his hand and knocked him down. He repeated the process using his danger sense and Shard's fighting knowledge. They left after the bad guys were down.
In the air Shard went "Danger sense, mastered. Next super strength. What time is it?"
Seth answered "Those were early morning robbers. 8:30."
Shard asked "What time do you have work?"
Seth answered "I don't work today. I only work 4 days a week. I'm 13, still a minor."
Shard thought "Okay, okay. Jeez. Ask a guy a question, might as well be asking for 2 grand."
Seth thought "We got all day to train."
Shard thought "Put the money in the bank."
Seth thought "You said super strength."
Shard mocked "I don't talk." Back to normal "Now deposit the money."
Seth thought "Fine. Then we train."
Shard told him "Noon, we eat lunch. After lunch I'm talking a break. Deal?"
Seth thought "Another deal, I thought we already had one."
Shard answered "I have to give you my powers, I have to train you. I don't have to do it at any speed. I could leave for a year and I wouldn't be breaking the deal."
Seth thought "Woah, slow your roll. It's a deal. I was just agitated, something like that that's all."
Shard told him "I know. Now go to the bank, deposit our money and let's train." Seth sped to a landing within walking distance of the bank and deposited the money.
Returning to the air Shard asked "Got ideas for super strength training?"
Seth answered "Sure let me get the list. You mean you chose strength without knowing how to teach me."
Shard asked "How about we go to the junkyard? Compact some cars when they're on break. I can teach you to shut off security measures."
Seth answered "Good idea, good idea, bad idea."
Shard told him "You gotta learn sometime. How else are you going to learn to avoid cameras? This way you don't have your eyes closed."
Seth asked "How do you know how to turn 'em off? It's not your planet."
Shard blocked him out "No it's not, there's still hope."
He answered "It's called god-like power."
Seth responded "Right, right. Got it. Junkyard."
At the junkyard after walking him though disabling the security system Shard asked "Do they crush cars here?"
Seth told Shard "I get the it now. You want me to compact the trash. Can you tap into their system?"
Shard answered "No, but I see a compactor."
Seth looked "Oh, right."
Shard responded "Let's take a look inside the controls. Gotta be something for the operator."
They found out how things were marked, with security system disabled the workers on break were clueless. Seth flew to the end of the conveyer belt, pushed all the junk forward. He stacked the junk, after it was as close as he could push it. He flew up and fell on it, pushing it all down.
Shard instructed "I have an idea, let's put the flat pile next to the sturdy solid metal side of the machine." Seth did as Shard told then pushed towards the compactor.
He repeated the exercise turning the pile to each side before diving on the stack again and smoothing it out to erase any fingerprints. Seth flew to the marked garbage and stacked it all just as tall as his first stack, this time making stacks next to the compactor. He swooped in on the top, flattening all his stacks before moving one to push on the compactor. He made his brick and repeated with the rest of that day's garbage.
The compactor only ran at night when the junkyard was locked up. He took his bricks away from the compactor, ran through, smoothed the outside and was glad the compactor shell was hollow with all the important mechanical stuff undamaged.
High on adrenaline after buffing out the machine, Seth looked up the week's schedule. He marked the garbage so if anyone asked they'd think it was a simple mistake, someone wanted overtime or to finish early so they marked ahead of schedule. They could just be grateful it was done but that wasn't likely.
After marking that week's garbage using the junkyard's equipment Seth gathered marked items and stacked them on either side of the compactor. He pressed the stacks, flattening them first. Then he went to work compressing stacks into bricks, keeping the sides even and buffing the compactor shell after every three-ish stacks. He buffed the inside of the compactor to prevent damage.
By lunch he had most of the week's garbage made into bricks. When he finished a batch he added the bricks to the other bricks. He made a wall out of the bricks. Just before he left he compacted the stacks of bricks into smaller stacks, taking two bricks off compacting them to make sure they're tight, they didn't look like compactor bricks anymore because they were too big. Seth made a new wall with his new bricks.
The last thing Seth did before flying home for lunch was put the remaining marked garbage by the compactor and on the belt. He moved garbage around the compactor and put his wall by the fence where the garbage sea ends. As Seth left he fixed the security system.
At home Seth made it just in time, arriving at 11:55. Caleb and Sky were making lunch, Caleb asked "What can I make for you?"
Seth said "I don't care as long as it's edible and it's not the Sky special."
Caleb said "Dude, you look exhausted. Don't you usually get lunch on the way home from work?"
Seth said "No work today, already got 4 days in. I was running around, you know enjoying my three days before September takes them away."
Caleb said "I know. At least you go from 4 to 5, I go from 0 to 5."
Seth said "I don't work that much. School is a lot more time. I usually take some time for me on those 4 days. Plus school goes from crack of dawn to mid afternoon."
Caleb said "Right. Make your own lunch."
Seth said "Thanks bro. How did you end up with a normal name? I got Seth, and kid #3 got Sky."
Caleb said "Skylynn technically, the Lynn shows it's a name not a word. I don't know how I lucked out." Seth made his lunch and they watched TV while Sky played in her room.
After finishing lunch Seth went upstairs. Shard told him "Speed, danger sense, strength and flight. Practice those, no more training this week." Shard left Seth.
Seth replied "Okay."
He went around practicing wherever he could use his strength, junk yards, docks unloading crates while crew were on break, places with cranes and heavy lifting machinery. He went to a landfill and dug for the sanitation department, removed compost. Working fast with the shifting trash, he cleared the compost and filled his hole. Dropped off the compost where it goes.
His practicing powers did many blue collar jobs for the workers. He went to Gordon City's rough neighborhoods to have a run in with Dark War, the city's guardian vigilante. Dark War's mission is to protect the innocent and scare criminals. He's a detective and founding member of the Legion of Heroes. Dark War struck Seth as a reasonable man, unlike Alien Dark War has had kid partners so he might see things Seth's way. If they don't cross paths, he could still practice danger sense.
Right off the bat, Seth heard a scream and he jumped into action making sure to suppress his powers enough he wouldn't draw too much suspicion. He helped the woman, she stared at him. He took a quick look over his shoulder "Thank me, forget my face. You okay?" She nodded and Seth ran off.
It wasn't long before he had a run in with Dark War. Gordon City wasn't so big 2 vigilantes could operate without a run in especially when one is a detective. During the run in's end Seth said "Roof talk," looking up.
On the roof Dark War asked "What are you doing?"
Seth asked "Recognize me? Do you know who I am?"
Dark War said "I know who you are, alien host. Why are you here?"
Seth said "1) to talk to you. Shard's been silent so he's out or whatever. 2) practice using my powers to help without him."
Dark War asked "Do you know where Shard went?"
Seth bit back the urge to be sarcastic "Of course not. I want to talk to you because Alien tried to dad me, figured you wouldn't tell me training is too dangerous."
Dark War was having trouble connecting with his illegitimate son Kyle, "Get in the car." He unlocked his car, called the Tank. Seth got in and closed his eyes understanding the secret thing, Dark War drove back to his base of ops the Armory. He doesn't name his stuff, others do.
Dark War told Seth "We're here, you can open your eyes." Seth did as he climbed out.
Dark War went to his computer, Seth stood behind him, War asked "What were you talking about Alien dadding you? Nice wording."
Seth said "Alien acted like Legion agreed to it, to hijacking my training. He used my age to justify it. Wait, you really didn't know."
Dark War said "That's what you're mad about."
Seth answered "I don't want to deal with him, I have a living dad."
Dark War asked "What if you didn't?" Pause, "Have your dad?"
Seth answered "I do, it's not Alien. I don't need another parent. We could've stayed on the roof."
War said "Stay here." He walked off, Seth leaned on the Tank. Dark War gave Seth a bracelet looking device.
Dark War explained "Theoretically this should let Shard take form."
Seth said "I don't need it, Shard and I talk silently. Why would I need that? I'm getting his powers."
Dark War said "Shard is a master fighter. Alien messes with you, put this on and he'll stop. Shard is older than Alien and I combine."
Seth said "Okay. You keep it, I'll steer clear of ET."
Dark War said "Okay."
Seth said "I need to get home. Do you mind?"
Dark War said "Are you telepathic?"
Seth said "No. Are criminals always so organized? Can I get a ride?"
Dark War replied "Criminals always want to kill heroes. I need a minute to check something." Seth stayed in place while Dark War went back to his computer.
Even for a guy named Dark, War was like an endless pit that radiated darkness. Something interesting a person wanted to understand but was afraid of falling in. No wonder fear worked so well. But how was Dark War able to inspire hope? How was he a symbol? Dark War is a paradox. Paradox (Pair-a-docs), paradox Seth could tell he was getting smarter he thought about Dark War until he heard "You can get into the Tank." War came towards his car "Preferably not on my side."
Seth said "Right."
Inside the car Seth said "Shard told me I have the ability to use more of my brain than most, it's why he's training me. Do you know what his deal is?"
Dark War echoed "His deal?"
Seth asked "His origin? You said he's an alien, know more?"
War answered "I do, it's not my place to tell."
Seth asked "What? Who is Fuegshito to him? This is know your enemy stuff."
Dark War caved "I can tell who Fuegshito is, Seth Fox. Shard won't tell you the full story. Before he was Fuegshito, he was Kelth and he was Shard's brother in their first life. Kelth betrayed their father by befriending their cousin. He was given as tribute to their gods. Kelth escaped and killed everyone on his way to his father, including his brother. Magic was put on tributes to make them better for their gods. Kelth reincarnates,"
"As Fuegshito," Seth finished.
War said "Exactly."
Seth thought for a second, "Who killed Shard? Fuegshito or Kelth? How does Shard know they are the same? Who killed Kelth? Where's Shard's powers come from?"
Dark War was impressed by the speed of Seth's minds, how he figured out the right questions "Kelth became the monster with the massacre. Shard killed Kelth, thinking it would get him into the afterlife. Fuegshito's existence stopped him. Shard can take powers from hosts. Kelth's planet doesn't exist anymore. It was destroyed before Earth was made. I can tell you're getting smarter."
Seth asked "Why does Legion care about Shard's training methods?"
Dark War said "Shard kills his hosts, has since he became Shard."
Seth said "I know his hosts die, Shard told me. He's godlike and a master fighter. How does letting me die get him closer to his afterlife? If he's dead, isn't this his afterlife? It's life after death, right?"
Dark War said "I don't know how letting his hosts die gets him closer. I don't know how killing Fuegshito does that. You might be right about the afterlife."
Seth had closed his eyes as they left the Armory, he looked at Dark War as they talked. He finally looked out, "Where are we going? I think this is the wrong way."
Dark War said "What powers do you have?"
Seth answered "Flight, super strength, danger sense and some speed. Where are we going?"
Dark War said "You came to Gordon City to practice helping with your powers. If all goes well you'll stay in the car, otherwise I need you to cover me."
Seth said "Okay, then. Could've mentioned this before we left the Armory. Why do you sometimes call this a car and sometimes call it the Tank? Why does your stuff have names if you don't use them?"
Dark War said "I don't name my stuff, other people do. Sometimes I use the names."
Seth said "Makes sense. Why do you do this? This lone wolf thing? You've had kid partners, what happened? Why don't they last?"
Dark War said "I do it to protect the,"
Seth said "Innocent. I could get that from Google. Why a lone wolf? Why don't your kid partners last? You keep getting new ones, why?"
Dark War said "Kids grow up, they move on. It's good to have a partner, someone you can trust to have your back. Being alone, means there's no one to get hurt. One of those partners died because he was my partner."
Seth said "He might've died anyway. This is the city of crime, you might've actually extended his lifespan."
Dark War said "You think?" He said it without emotion.
Seth said "Was he a Gordon native?" Dark War smiled, the man is famous for never doing that, for being so serious it's impossible to tell when he's joking.
Dark War said "We're here."
Seth closed his eyes "We're nowhere, my danger sense is getting nothing. Even your base registered something."
Dark War said "My base registered on your danger sense?"
Seth answered "Yeah, I doubt you'll need me on this one."
Dark War said "Stay in the car."
Seth asked "Did you use the names with your kid partners?"
Dark War said "Yes, now be quiet. If you're right this will take no time." Dark War took the car out of gear.
Seth said "Okay." He pulled out his phone, it wouldn't turn on. "What's going on?"
Dark War leaned back in, hit a button on his console "Your phone won't work. This will connect you to the internet, you can listen to the radio. Stay here."
Seth said "Thanks." Dark War shut his door.
Inside Dark War looked around, he said on his comlink "They're ready for war."
On the other end, in the Armory his old friend said "Just like you Master Bryce."
Dark War said "Careful with my name, got a kid in the car. I'd rather he not know."
Anthony said "Right."
Dark War said "These look like military issue, they haven't filed the serials off yet."
Anthony said "That's odd unless,"
"Freeze. Hands up. Don't try anything Dark War," said a voice from behind. Seth had closed his eyes listening to the radio, he sensed the danger somehow reaching Dark War. He was already in his green jacket, no clue how Shard's magic jacket got on him but he sprung into action. He followed Dark War's way in, sped in and disarmed everyone surrounding Dark War then knocked them out.
Seth said "You can put your hands down, I disabled the security system on my way in, Just something Shard taught me to do, something you should've done yourself. Rookie mistake."
Dark War said "Be quiet. Do you hear that?"
Seth answered "Let me check."
He closed his eyes, "No danger here."
He circled Dark War "Only danger is those guns. Someone picks one up and they're deadly."
Dark War asked "You're sure?"
Seth answered "Pretty sure."
He picked up a gun behind him. "Might want to take these. Criminals always want to kill heroes. Thing is you're not a hero, you're a vigilante and that's a crime." He pointed the gun at Dark War.
Dark War said "Think about this."
Seth pointed the gun down "See what I did there? How easily I justified shooting you? Imagine how the people who practice and make the laws could do it. Judging by those soldiers, I think they did."
Dark War said "That's good. Maybe we could work together."
Seth said "We should. No bracelet and my family can't know."
Dark War said "Deal." He offered his hand.
Seth looked around, at the labeling on the crates. He kept the gun in one hand, stopped at one box "Easy enough shot. It's weird, your name is Dark War but you hate guns."
Dark War looked at the crate "That would send this whole building up."
Seth said "Yes it would Dark War. Placed just right it could take out, what, a city block. Under weak enough support system with a domino effect, could do even worse damage. I'm just generalizing military grade explosives here."
Dark War said "You're right."
Seth asked "What about here? Building? City block? What are we dealing with?"
Dark War said "Don't shoot it."
Seth asked "Who's their target? Rather what is their target? Explosives, firearms, manpower, military support. What's the endgame here? Who are they?"
He fidgeted with the gun like it was a ball or baton. "I can take them outside, you can do the math and we can blow this place up."
He pointed the gun around the room. "Minimum damage, no loss of life. Whoever they are, blowing this up with their own weapons will send a scary message." He pointed the gun at the crate as he finished
Dark War said "Stop messing with that, you'll hurt someone."
Seth said "It's not loaded and the safety's engaged."
Dark War asked "How do you know so much about military grade weapons?"
Seth said "I was right behind you on your supercomputer. You have at least a variation on a lot of this stuff."
Dark War said "Right. Get them out of here, tie them up for police."
Seth said "If they're government, they'll walk. Doesn't take a genius to know that."
Dark War said "They won't walk if they're traitors. The government won't help those who shame them."
Seth said "Okay? I'll take them out, you run calculations. Let's blow this place." Seth sped out. One had started to wake up but got knocked on the head, forgetting waking up.
Seth tied them up outside then came back "Where does the super dangerous crate go?"
Dark War said "I need to catalogue all of this."
Seth said "Too bad we don't have a camera or something linked to your base. I could speed through and take a picture of everything, you could catalogue it all back at base."
Dark War asked "How fast can you run?"
Seth said "I don't know. Shard taught speed to land fast. Running speed, I don't know."
Dark War said "Tactile memory. Can you remember how we came?"
Seth said "Not really, I'm not from this city."
Dark War asked "If I gave you directions, could you run this back to the base?"
Seth said "If you gave me directions, could I follow them? Not a moron so yes."
Dark War said "I'm trusting you with a secret."
Seth said "A) you don't really have a choice, you can't catalogue all this before we have to go. B) how would we work together if I couldn't find you?"
Dark War said "Good point. Here's the directions," He gave them and Seth moved all of the guns and crates except one of each out to the Armory. Anthony ran upstairs when Bryce started talking to Seth. Seth finished, holding the last gun after taking one of the soldier's gloves so he wouldn't get gun powder residue.
Seth said "Tell me where to put it. By the way I'm not your sidekick or kid partner if you were serious about working together."
Dark War ran the calculations with some tech support "There." Seth moved it, made sure it was the right spot before speeding Dark War back to the Tank. Dark War left. Seth went in, shot the crate and outran the blast right to the Tank. Dark War stopped to let him in and headed to the Armory, Seth had turned off the radio before going in.
Seth said "Wrong way."
Dark War asked "What?"
Seth answered "I have to beat my parents up, can't get caught."
Dark War said "I can drop you off."
Seth said "Okay. I'll have to sneak in, hope my danger sense accounts for that." Dark War glared at him "First time I cut it this close."
Dark War said "Alright. Now be quiet." Seth obeyed. After sneaking in, Seth went to sleep and his family was none the wiser, even Caleb didn't notice. Shard came back when Seth was working, Seth sensed this. Between Shard and Dark War, Seth was pretty busy for the rest of the summer.
School started back up, Seth took care of getting his siblings ready. He collected everyone's syllabuses on the way home, they walked one day a week and rode the rest. Remembering what Shard told him Seth got questions wrong on his pretests.
At home he asked Shard "How do we train now? With school in session and no work."
Shard replied "Calm down. You can go out as long as you're not grounded and Caleb watches Sky. Am I right?"
Seth answered "Yes but Caleb will get suspicious. During the summer my job was our cover."
Shard asked "Does Caleb have friends with siblings Sky's age? Does Sky have friends?"
Seth told him "At Sky's age my parents arrange play dates. I don't know if Caleb has friends he could bring Sky to see. I might know someone."
He called a friend "Hey, it's Seth. You babysit, right?"
Cody said "Yeah."
Seth said "I have this thing. T started working on it this summer. Can you watch Sky sometimes? I don't want to tell my family until it's done. I can't pay you."
Cody said "You want me to do your chore?"
Seth said "I don't get paid to watch her. Forget it, I'll figure something else out."
Cody said 'Tell me the secret and I'll do it."
Seth said "Half the student body does drugs. Sky would tell on me."
Cody asked "How do you know about the drugs?"
Seth said "Jon almost got me in on it."
Cody said "You have to report them."
Seth said "I'd get grounded."
Cody said "You're no druggie."
Seth said "If I tutored my friends, I could get out of babysitting. I'll give you a list, you can report the druggies. Cody my project is important, I'll tell you more when I can."
Cody said "Okay." Seth hung up.
Shard asked "So?"
Seth replied "I'll tell my parents I'm tutoring if it comes up." He looked down at a handheld device "Guess Dark War found out when school ends. Let's go."
Seth went downstairs, he told Caleb "I gotta go."
Caled said "You don't work."
Seth said "A friend needs my help. I'll be back for dinner." He left, in Gordon City Dark War let him in.
Dark War asked "What took you?"
Seth said "I came here ASAP. Are you worse acting than usual?"
Dark War asked "Remember that military outlet you couldn't sense?"
Seth asked "Do you have news on that case? I'm guessing our ploy worked. One thing I don't get, why bother? Gordon is within US borders. Gordon might've invented corruption but the federals perfected it. If they're not breaking the law Gordon is the worse place in the world. Why bother? Why Gordon? Why all the black ops stuff? Why any of it? Just why?" Nightwatch came in during that.
Dark War answered "Black ops break the law for a living. You just gave me a lead."
Nightwatch said "Gordon is camo for criminals at best, you can't walk down a normal street without passing one. It wouldn't be the city of crime if that weren't true."
Seth said "Honest question here. What's the difference between a hero and vigilante?"
Dark War said "Camo, that's a good point."
Seth said "No answer to the hero V vigilante thing, no comment. Okay. What about the trackers? Can you locate the new crates? Where'd they send the weapons we took officially? The cloak hides the dagger."
Dark War and Nightwatch stared at him, "Is that not what that means? Or where that comes from?"
Dark War said "Do you do that on accident? Create leads. Do you even think before you talk?"
Seth said "I half think out loud." Dark War turned back to his computer and tried doing things Seth's way. He found the trackers where they shouldn't be.
Seth offered "If the plan is to hide among criminals, I could use my speed to turn in everyone in Gotham with a warrant out for them. I need a cover if we're going to do this, some reason not to babysit my sister. I have summer job but summer's over. By the way I have a photographic tactile memory. I don't remember everything, I can't remember something from when I was two and if I don't understand something I can't change the memory."
Dark War said "If your memory is so good, why do you have a record of straight Cs?"
Seth asked "What kid likes school? My point is show me wanted pictures I'll remember them, with my speed I could turn them all in."
Dark War said "I've been trying to catch them all for years."
Seth said "No super powers, plus I'm sure Gordon will be full of crime again in no time. It's an uphill battle, I'm not saying I can get them all but if I can thin the herd enough military grade gear will stand out."
Dark War said "I see where you're going with this. Look at the screen I'll show you every wanted picture out there. Gordon criminal camo isn't a new concept." He did something on the computer, on the screen the mug shots looked like a yearbook.
As it finished Seth said "Got it." He raced all over the city taking handcuffs from cops and turning in criminals, sometimes putting them in cop cars for efficiency. He covered the whole city using his memory to spot the outlaws in the crowd. Afterwards he returned to Dark War's base, stopping out side as usual to wait for Dark War to let him in.
Seth said "Finished, every one of those warrants I could find the match to." His red jacket and hair melted away, leaving the normal Seth.
Nightwatch asked "How do you do that? Is it a mental command?"
Seth said "Shard's host all change when he posses them but I don't know how I change back. Most hosts I'm guessing change back when he leaves."
Nightwatch asked "Are you sure you made the right decision?"
Seth said "I used to wonder the same thing when Shard's flight school was jumping off buildings. The answer I came up with was, should've thought of that before fighting the space monster. I'm serious but that's not the answer. The way I see it, even without the superpowers Shard made me better. The way I was going, someone was gonna die and that was probably me. Seriously I was on drugs. My sister could've gotten hurt by my addiction, my brother was going to end up just like me at best and that was a death sentence. Now the last thing is a good thing, I'm smarter. I think I can make honor roll, my brother is more responsible. We both do our chores, he taught my sister to say grace, I don't know who taught him. Without the powers Shard has made me better and smarter. Back then when flight school was jumping off buildings, I was in it for the powers. If you were me, would you think it was the right choice?"
Nightwatch said "I guess you did make the right choice."
Seth said "It was for the wrong reasons. Alien superpowers, what 13 year old would turn that down?"
Nightwatch smiled, not rare for him but nice. He said "Still the right choice. What powers do you have now?"
Seth said "Shard is more powerful than Alien and Shifter. It's going to be awhile before I get them all." Paused to think, "I have 9 maybe 10 powers."
Dark War stopped what he was doing and came over to them by the car. "10 powers," he echoed.
Seth said "3 or 4 powers a week then a week off to practice, 6 weeks since the first powers. 3 multiplied by 3 is 9 plus 1 power extra. At most 12 powers."
Dark War said "Can you list them?"
Seth said "I can't list them, just like Shard can't tell me what all his powers are. I was estimating the number." Seth looked at his watch, "I have to get home. See you tomorrow." He ran out, Dark War let him out. After dinner Francine did the dishes, Caleb put Sky to bed, Peter took a shower and Seth set the time off timer on their TV so Caleb would get some sleep.
The next day Francine came down while Caleb was getting Sky ready and Seth was making breakfast, Seth asked "Can I have some money to put on our lunch accounts?"
Francine said "Sure, I'll write a check if you need."
Seth said "Thanks. We're not on the to school bus schedual. I know we usually walk but maybe we could start taking the city bus, like in the winter."
Francine said "We'll talk this weekend, it's early now."
Seth said "I know. I'm not taking the bus home today, Cody and I are going to the police station. We're filing a report, I found out Jon is on drugs. Can you remind Caleb to take the bus? He and Sky will have to go without me."
Francine said "That's very responsible of you, of course." Caleb and Sky raced down, Caleb grabbed Sky a juice box.
Seth said "My turn upstairs. Wait for me before you go, mom can you write those checks please."
Francine said "I will, go upstairs and get ready." Seth raced out, Francine wrote three checks.
On the way to school Seth said "Caleb, we'll have to take Sky in today. Mom gave me checks to put money on our accounts. We'll go in, put the money on and head to your school."
Caleb said "I'm not a baby, give me my check."
Seth said "I'm not calling you a baby. I'm not going to hold your hand and put money on your account. I have Sky's check in my hand. Caleb, take her hand." Caleb did, "It's easier to take it one at a time. I'm not going to drop one of the checks or rip them because you want to be a big boy."
At Sky's school they took Sky in, she went to daycare and they went to the office. Seth sat down and grabbed the other checks. Caleb walked up to the desk "Hello."
Ms. Kim repeated "Hello."
Seth handed Caleb his check and handed the secretary Skylynn's "This is for my sister Skylynn Fox, her lunch account. Can you put the money in for her?"
Ms. Kim said "Of course."
Seth said "Thank you." He left with Caleb, walked to the middle school put his hand out to stop Caleb.
Seth said "You go straight to the lunchroom and deposit that money into your account. You can skip the breakfast line."
Caleb said "I won't forget." Seth walked to his school, he did what he told Caleb to do.
As he went to lunch he talked to Cody, "I told my mom we'd report Jon today after school. We could probably get a pass for next period if we did it now."
Cody said "Now."
Seth said "You really that excited for school lunch? The office has to let us go report a crime. I walk here everyday, the precinct isn't that far. I'm not sure how effective 911 is for a student reporting another student for being on drugs."
Cody said "It's not lunch, I'd rather sit with my friends than walk to a precinct."
Seth said "Allowance, we can call a cab. I can't do this without you."
Cody said "Fine, let's do." They went to the office.
Seth asked the secretaries "Can we leave for lunch? Just a quick trip."
Mrs. Stein said "Yes be back before next hour."
Seth said "Or have a signed note, I know the drill. Let's go."
Outside Cody asked "Why didn't you tell them where we're going?"
Seth said "They'd tell us to use the phone and I have a list of students to report remember." They walked to the nearby precinct, right in the front door.
A cop asked "Why aren't you in school?"
Seth answered "Lunch break. Be back by next hour or have a signed note." Seth and Cody went to the desk sergeant, "Where do we go to report narcotics in our school? Do we report to you or what?"
The sergeant asked "Do you have proof of drugs?"
Seth said "This is why I didn't just call. No, but I found some with my classmate Jon and I know a lot of kids he does drugs with. He almost got me addicted."
The sergeant said "Uh-huh. Would you be willing to testify to that?"
Seth said "Absolutely. My friend Cody is one of the few kids I know that aren't on drugs."
The sergeant said "We'll need to take your statement and a list of classmates allegedly on drugs."
Seth said "I understand, just give me a minute I was going to give Cody the list." Seth knelt and dug through his backpack and grabbed a notebook. He opened it and tore out a sheet, handed it to the desk sergeant. "Here you go."
Sargent Williams took the list, he said "I'll need you both to sign statements."
Cody said "Of course, Seth just told me yesterday so I don't know how much help I could be." Sargent Williams walked them to an interview room after grabbing two paper for the statements, he had a coworker covering his post.
Sargent Williams asked "Do you know who is supplying the drugs?"
Seth said "I do not, I'm sure one of the names on that list can help."
Sargent Williams told them "Okay, I need you to write down everything you relevant to the drug case." Williams returned to his post.
Cody reiterated "I just found out yesterday. He just told me yesterday."
Seth said "You knowing makes you a witness. Write down what I told you, that's what he's asking for. Pretend you're testifying under oath, your signature makes this your oath." They filled out their statements and signed them. Sargent Williams returned to collect their statements when they finished.
As Sergeant Williams escorted them out, Seth asked "Could you give us a signed note? Just to verify we were here."
Sargent Williams said "Sure, give me a minute to write you both a note."
Cody said "We missed lunch for this and I didn't even know much."
Sargent Williams finished the note, he said to an officer "Could you take these two out to get some food? They missed their lunch to file a report. Just drive thru and take them back to school."
Officer Austin said "Yeah, I can take to get food. Got a note for 'em?"
Sargent Williams handed them the notes, Austin said "Let's go." Cody rode in the passenger seat while Seth rode in the cage, Cody almost forgot to seatbelt. At school the officer opened Seth's door after getting drive thru. Inside they Mrs. Stein their notes and ate their food before heading to class, all together they missed class. Their absence was excused.
They had their last hour class together, Seth said "Cool if I come over to your house."
Cody said "After everything."
Seth said "W got to ride in a cop car. I'm not seeing the bad."
A classmate, McKenna said "That was you."
Seth said "Yeah, Officer Austin actually bought us lunch. I was in the back seat, which apparently automatically locks so Austin got the door. We weren't in trouble just missed lunch filing a report at the precinct."
McKenna said "That's so cool."
Seth said "Don't tell anyone, they might tell someone we reported."
McKenna said "Of course." Last bell rang.
Cody said "I guess you're right. Sure we can hang out."
Seth said "I can't take the bus, I'll have to babysit if I do."
Cody said "I get picked up."
Seth said "Right, thanks." He met Cody outside, at home Seth helped Cody with his homework before making his round to all of his friends who would have him. He helped them with homework and made sure to tell his parents he was doing so.
Meanwhile at the school, the police brought in the K-9 crew because of Seth's statement and the list of suspects he brought them. The police hit a goldmine checking the student lockers, they found a small empire's worth of drugs with drug money. Half the graduating class could go to college with all the drug money, full ride graduating with a degree.
Seth dropped by the Armory after finishing up with his friends, he offered to tutor them all on the weekends and help them anytime after school. Dark War always let him in, Nightwatch was there and so was Dark War's tact team.
Seth said "Need any help?"
Dark War asked "Are you telepathic?"
Seth said "Back to this, still no."
Dark War said "I don't believe that."
Seth said "You think I've been telepathic this whole time. Not that I know of."
Dark War said "Shard might not have given you that power, but you are a telepath."
Seth said "I was normal before Shard, C student. If I was a telepath, why would I be that stupid?"
"Cover," offered Warrior, "If you got too good grades people would investigate."
Seth said "I came here to help not get questioned, At least Alien skipped the trial, he went straight to sentencing."
Bloodshed said "This is getting ridiculous."
Nightwatched asked "Where do your parents think you are?"
Seth said "My friend's house. If they care with my brother doing the babysitting. Why'd you call me?" He pulled out his base proof pager.
Shard thought "Let's just leave," taking over."
Seth said "No! Land." He focused, trying to stop Shard.
Shard said "No can do."
They started falling as Seth overpowered Shard with pain, Seth caught his body "What just happened?"
Shard said "I underestimated you. I'm so used to hosts being overcome."
Seth said "Shard, English, out loud."
Shard "Human empathy beat me. I'm always a day late, a dollar short. Hosts don't fight me."
Seth smirked "What does the gove sending more soldiers mean? Besides trouble."
Wargirl said "We don't know their objective."
Seth said "Yeah we do. We got their books."
Dark War asked "What do you mean?"
Seth answered "No double meaning, didn't you catalogue?"
Dark War said "There was nothing leading to their plan." He was angry at Seth now.
Nightwatch said "Let's all calm down." The books,"
Seth sped and retrieved "Here." It was an actual book, possibly mistaken for an inventory list or paperwork.
He looked at the clock on his pager "I should get going." He ran straight out, Battle let him out.
That night the school called to notify parents that the police would be drug testing. The police put the school in lockdown after first hour started, the dogs searched the school. Students whose lockers had drugs in them were arrested as they left class.
Based on first hour classes students were pulled from class. Boys were called to the gym and girls were called down to the auditorium. Every student had to volunteer to be drug tested. Seth and Cody were in the first group of students. They reported the problem so of course they didn't smoke or do drugs before school.
As they came in Seth pulled Cody aside and went to Detective McIntosh who was giving the boys presentation. Seth said "Hey, um I'm guessing you know some kids filed the report."
Detective McIntosh said "Yes, are you saying your those kids?"
Seth said "Seth Fox and this is Cody Dunton. Yeah, that's what I'm saying."
McIntosh checked his notes, he asked "What do you want?"
Seth said "I know you have to give a speech because of what happened."
McIntosh said "You want a pass."
Seth said "Just to talk a little."
McIntosh said "Fine but you better pass the tests."
Seth said "We're not stupid."
Each group called down was randomly divided in thirds, they rotated like stations. Station 1) drug test samples. Station 2) Breathalyzer. 3 to 2, 2 to 1 and 1 to 3. Station 3) Wait for 2. Seth and Cody started in 2.
Freshmen and Seniors both had 1st lunch, teachers did stations 1 and 2 during lunch. Seth and Cody picked up cut passes before lunch to skip the line. Cody said "You've gotten me into some crazy stuff but this was actually a good thing."
Seth said "Even if you hadn't gone with me, they'd interview you to check my story. Now shut and let's get some food." A mandatory assembly was scheduled the next day starting last hour.
After school, Seth called his parents "There's a mandatory assembly tomorrow so I'll be late home."
His mom asked "Is it about the drug problem?"
Seth said "Yeah, they had everyone give a sample for drugs. No problem, I'm not on them and I reported the problem."
Francine said "Caleb's school got wrapped up in that too. They searched both buildings. If he has that assembly too, I'll have to find another babysitter."
Seth said "The whole high school's starts last hour. The middle school is probably first. We went into lockdown first hour, they probably searched his school during class too."
Francine said "You're right. Still just in case."
Seth said "Just in case, call the school. His school not mine."
Francine said "Right."
Seth said "Love you, bye." He hung up and headed to the Armory. Seth wondered if the computer just auto-let him in.
He said "Hey, any progress?"
Dark War asked "Why didn't you come back? You could've snuck out."
Seth said "That was this summer, I had not set curfew. Now I have a curfew and Caleb cares, he usually falls asleep after me. Any progress on the book?"
Wargirl said "Still sifting through carefully."
Seth asked "Any idea why this program is so important? It must be if they feel the need to restart it."
Warrior said "Nothing yet."
Seth said "I'm not sure about anything with this but the soldiers were willing to shoot, to kill the Gordon City guardian. Government guys willing to take out a city's hero and a founding Legionnaire to boot."
Seth said "A soldier can be assigned to any unit, they can also be moved. Special training adds value but no one's place is set in stone. Orders trickled down chain of command. COs repeat what they're told, they don't tell their men everything. Point is you're looking for an end game, maybe the unit doesn't know it or it's not in writing. Too bad your computer can't scan and summarize. You'd be done in 20 minute, give or take."
Bloodshed, the most violent of the group, said "Good point. It can do that."
Seth asked "Where is the base that the new guys using? If they're just starting, they'll be getting shipments to stock their armory. Find the shipment, track back up chain of command."
Dark War said "You catch onto things fast."
Seth said "If the base disabled the trackers then the new crates' trackers will still work. Find the new shipments trace them to the source. Use the old ones to find the cover story. The whole program runs on misappropriation of military weapons, pretty sure that's a crime."
Battle said "You're right."
Nightwatch said "Government is a little stingy when it comes to their stuff."
Seth said "When the backtrack is done we can add it to the list of crimes. Problem is we're back tracking up the government and expecting them to answer for crimes when they write the law. They write the law. Who usually runs black ops? And black ops agencies?"
Warrior said "You don't think."
Seth said "Crime capitol. Vigilante hero. You're named Dark War. Black ops. Government criminals. Let's play word association. Government criminals." He looked around "Anyone."
Wargirl said "Washington DC."
Seth said "Crime capital of?"
Nightwatch said "The world."
Seth said "Keep it going, in?"
Battle said "The US."
Seth said "US run by?"
Nightwatch said "Federal government."
Seth said "Capitol in?"
Dark War said "Washington DC."
Seth said "Full circle. Next term: Black ops."
Bloodshed said "Stop it we get the point."
Seth said "Yes, on to the next one. The terms are Black ops and Crime capitol. Can you guess the ending?"
Dark War said "The black ops is here to terminate the crime."
Seth said "I was having fun but yeah that's the answer."
Warrior said "You still have two terms."
Seth said "Dude, that's a sentence. Vigilante hero named Dark War. You got an idea? I think they're done with word association."
Nightwatch said "Fun while it lasted."
Seth said "It's a learning tool. Grades drop, get transferred to dumb kid classes."
Switched gears, "Should I go? Got an assembly tomorrow on drug awareness, rather my parents not get ideas."
Dark War said "We have it from here." Seth left. On his way home the hero Shard did some heroics. Seth was home in time to help make dinner, while waiting for it to cook he helped with homework.
At school Seth checked in the office, he asked "Is the middle school going first on the assembly? My parents need a heads up for babysitting."
Mrs. Stein said "You and Cody can skip it as long as you both drug tested clean, you filed the report. The middle school is starting first, yes."
Seth said "Okay then, see you later." He told Caleb about the skipping thing, of course they were both clean. 2 weeks in Seth's grades raised red flags for improving too much. He was pulled into a meeting referring to it.
Principal Ryan Smith said "Your grades have improved at an incredible rate."
No nonsense Peter asked "Have you been cheating?"
Seth said "I study with Cody now. My old study partner Jon is in jail. Check my grades against those around me in class, who could I cheat off of?"
Francine said "We believe you."
Peter said "I want my son taken out of resource, he'll be taking normal classes from now on."
He turned to Seth "Go wait in the car."
Seth only got out one word "School."
Peter said "You won't be taking those special classes anymore. Car, now." Seth left and his dad yelled at Principal Smith.
In the car, Seth thought hard "Shard!"
Shard "What?"
Seth "Bet I could get into private school if dad gets me kicked out. Shard, do you get scared? Feel anything like that?"
Shard "For a long time I felt helpless against Fuegshito, he's called the Destroyer for a reason. I get scared that Fuegshito's forces will invade Earth and his host won't be able to control him. As you call it Doomsday."
Seth comforted "Whenever he came, whatever comes it won't be doomsday." He asked "Can we speed up the power transfer?"
Shard "Maybe a little but the faster you get powers the longer I go away in between training sessions."
Seth "I still go through the landfills, pull compost and recycling to take somewhere else then fill in the holes. I still crush cars. I still move crates at the docks. If we could clear the landfills of people for a day then we could break all the garbage down into parts. We could put the parts into piles according to material, melt the material down into just the raw substance. Food would of course be together in a pile not breaking that down. Too bad we can't reverse the effects of rotting, if we could do that then the food could almost be recycled for re-consumption and distribution by soup kitchens or something. Once most materials are melted down they can be recycled. Food could go to compost. The main problem is clearing the landfills for a whole day in a way that nobody expects to profit."
Shard "You could create a false safety concern, slip away unnoticed. The area would be shut down and using speed for cover you could get in and clear out the landfill."
Seth's parents came out to the car, they talked the whole way home. At home Francine told Seth "We have to get back to work."
Seth said "Okay. I'll clean Skylynn's room."
Francine said "Good boy, see you later."
Shard "I'm cleaning your sister's room."
Seth "No, this one's mine. What kind of safety concern were you thinking of when you made your pitch?"
Shard "I was thinking about how a town can be evacuated. I can set something up, just dangerous enough to clear the area without causing a panic."
Seth "Great, I got cleaning to do. What's our PIN #? I want to make a withdrawal." Shard answered.
Seth "Wait until tomorrow, I need a day." Then Shard left, he set up the safety concern.
Shard returned after dinner "Cover intact."
Seth "You were setting up a safety trick to evac the dump."
Shard "You need a reason to leave."
Seth was angry "Not on Saturday."
Shard "Relax, just a sign up for lunchtime."
Seth "It better."
Shard "What are you doing with the materials?"
Seth "Recycling. Tomorrow, I mean Sunday the center is closed. We break in, melt their materials down like ours then add ours. Problem: after tomorrow the dump will be empty. Workers will notice. Composting food, recycling stuff, almost nothing left."
Shard "Is tomorrow a trash day?"
Seth "Tonight we could go to Nexus City. Mercury does charity runs, tell him the plan and maybe he'll help."
Shard "Okay," as they went to the master bedroom.
Seth knocked on his mom's door, asked "Can I go to Nexus City? Nova Labs needs a follow up. I can stay with Dan. It's all set."
Francine said "Okay but call to check in tomorrow."
Seth said "You got it. I can get there on my own. Thanks, love you, 'bye." He ran off and flew into Nexus City.
