"I don't like this Richie," Virgil paced back and forth inside the gas station. "They don't seem dangerous. And they obviously think what they're doing it right. What are we supposed to do?"
"We could try to talk to them again," Richie suggested, fiddling with some wires. Virgil snorted.
"You just want an excuse to see Vine again," Richie laughed awkwardly.
"Whatever man. So how about we do a little super sleuthing and find some dirt on Sandel. I can fire up the computers and-" Richie was cut off by Virgil's pager beeping. Virgil fished it out of his pocket.
"Oh man," Virgil slapped his forehead. "I completely forgot. I promised Pops I'd help out at the community center. I gotta go." He began quickly stuffing his costume into his backpack.
"Ah well, more fun for me," Richie cracked his knuckles and powered up one his computers.
"See you tomorrow Rich," Virgil called and he ran out the door. It clanged shut behind him. Suddenly a knock echoed through the room. Richie sighed.
"For the last time V, I'm not helping you at the center anymore. Every time I go your dad asks me to fix the old arcade games. I can't tell the machinery from the duct tape anymore." Richie yanked open the door to find Vine standing on the sidewalk, hands covering her eyes.
"Do you have your helmet on?" She asked. "Because if I try to come with my eyes closed I'm going to break something."
"I-uh, just a sec," Richie grabbed his helmet off the counter and jammed it on his head. He turned back to Vine. "Your good."
Vine peaked through her fingers. Seemingly satisfied, she slid her hand off her face. She ducked quickly into the gas station, then turned to face Richie.
"You, uh, you didn't happen to see anyone leave here, did you?" Richie asked. Vine shook her head.
"I wasn't looking," She smiled. "I figured I didn't have a need to go snooping around, trying to figure out your alter ego." She laughed quietly. "I'm hoping you will return the favor." Richie cleared his throat.
"So, um, what brings you here?" He asked.
"I've come to ask you to leave Sandel to me and my team," She said, smiling apologetically. "I know you feel the need to stop me, you think I'm doing something wrong, but Sandel isn't about to start making the right choice. Someone has to stop him."
"How did you find this place?" Richie asked, trying to stall for time. Vine smiled coyly.
"I had Code track the number you gave me. She said it traced back to a private number that was transmitting from the old gas station," Vine tilted her head. "You can't convince me to leave Sandel alone, Gear. I have to make sure he does the right thing."
"Why?" Vine sighed.
"My group is called the Merry Men. Do you know what story that's from?"
"Robin Hood," Richie answered. "The Merry Men were his group of outlaws. They stole from the rich to give to the poor."
"Exactly," Vine smiled slightly. "That's kinda what my girls and I do. We hinder the rich to protect the poor. We make sure the lesser can obtain things without unknowingly putting their lives at risk. We stop Sandel from buying illegal wiring or," her voice wavered. "faulty braking systems. We stop him from pulling thousands of people at risk of injury, or even death. If it wasn't for my girls, who knows how many 'accidents' would've occurred." She looked away from Richie, anger sliding away to reveal unbelievable pain. "He can't continue."
"But why not just report him to the authorities?" Richie asked slowly. "Why not let them deal with Sandel?" Vine turned back to Richie. A tear traced its way down the side of her face.
"Because he killed my brother,"
Realization dawned on Richie. He took a step towards Vine and set his hand lightly on her arm.
"Listen, Vine," He started. "I know it hurts, but revenge isn't-"
"This isn't revenge," Vine yelled, her eyes shining green. She yanked her arm away, her hands balled into fists. Then she shut her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again they were clouded with fresh tears.
"I just have to make sure he doesn't hurt anyone ever again," Her voice was barely audible. She looked up at Riche, her eyes pleading. "Please, Gear. You have to promise me you and Static will stay out of this. You have to let me deal Sandel." She looked down at her hands and sighed. "I-I don't have very good control of my powers. They behave fine when I'm calm but when I get mad." She squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't promise no one will get hurt if you try to interfere." Vine opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him. "I don't wanna hurt you...or Static," She shifted slightly. "So will you help me?"
"I-I don't know," Richie shifted.
"Please," Vine set her hand on Richie's arm. "I have to do this alone," She was shaking from head to toe, seconds from completely breaking down. Richie sighed.
"I'll talk to Static," Vine smiled widely. She threw her arms around Richie's neck.
"Thank you," She whispered, still shaking. She quickly released him and turned to the door.
"I have to go. I'm late for dinner," She started towards the door. "Oh, and Gear?" Richie looked up. Vine help up the card he'd given her. "I'm keeping your number." With that she dashed out the door, letting it bang shut behind her.
Richie stood there for a minute, staring at the door. Then he groaned and rubbed the back of his neck.
"What did I just do?"
So what do you guys think. Did I wrap up chapter 4 alright. I'm worried I rushed things. Also someone suggested the Merry Men find out Static and Gear's secret identity. What do you guys think. Should Code do a little digging? Comment if you think this would add to the story. I'll post the next chapter as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.