Ben 10 Alien Force
Six Degrees of Separation
A Crossover Side Story
This chapter was largely inspired by the track "Flashback Memory Stick" from the soundtrack for "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex."
In the first part, picks up just a few moments after the ending of the previous chapter, where Ernesto is taken to where it started and ended for Wilfredo. In Philadelphia, they recount moments that occurred during those days three years prior. This part was partially inspired by the track "El Accidente" from the soundtrack to the film "Mar Adentro".
The second part takes place in June 2008; nearly a month and a half after the catharsis and Ernesto makes his final decision regarding Ben, Gwen, and Kevin. And a revelation on how these teenagers are connected, and it goes back to a time of LES MUSICIENS 2005. This part strangely was inspired from a track called "Faces Without Names" from the soundtrack to "The Bourne Ultimatum".
~In Continuation~
May 2008, week one, degree five
Bellwood, TX
[Wednesday, 5:51pm]
Jordi's body disintegrated and the black butterflies flew up into the dimming light of the setting sun, and they disappeared into the ether. The others on the street looked up and Danny quickly nudged Sam's arm, "Come on we're going back to Philadelphia," he said and Sam looked at him.
"Why," she asked, "Because Jordi is going back there before leaving for Spain again," Danny explained, "But why? There's nothing left to solve or fix. It's over," Tucker walked up next to Sam, trying to understand their friend.
Danny sighed and explained himself, "There is! Remember, the incident involving Anamnesis and those Israeli soldiers we fought," his friends remembered and nodded allowing Danny to continue, "But it's not about that. No…its something for us to see again and…" he then looked at Ernesto, "Ernie, you have to come with us this time," he called out and Ernesto was surprised.
"But why," he called out, now he and Ben, Gwen and Kevin, along with Albedo and Julie were now confused, "Trust me, trust us. It's very important," Danny said and Ernesto, now totally numb silently stepped forward, "…okay," and went to the trio of Philadelphia.
But then Ben called out, "Wait," and the others looked at him, "If he's going, we're going too," he made his point, "Yeah, we've been through hell tonight. It's the least you can do," Kevin said.
Gwen looked at him and then at Albedo and Julie, "Right, let's go. See how far this goes," she stepped forward and then Julie, "If you three are going, then I'm going too," she said and Ben looked at her.
"But Julie, this could get dangerous," Ben said worriedly, "No it isn't. Trust us on this," Sam said and Ben looked at her and then at Julie, "Ben, I helped out in that fight against the Forever Knights and monitoring our friends while they were under. Let me come," she said trying to reassure her boyfriend, and Ben ultimately relented.
"Okay Julie," he said. Albedo looked at all of them, "And since I'm under Kevin's supervision, I guess I'm obligated to come," he said and Ben gave him a cold stare, but knew he was right.
Danny looked at them, smiled inwardly at their persistence. Reminds him of when he and the others were their age, "Okay, and thank god that the Phantom Cruiser has been modified recently. It could fit all of us," Tucker said snapping Danny out of his thoughts, "Tuck, do think this is a good idea," Valerie asked, "Yeah...I think so. And so does Danny and Sam," he said and Valerie looked at her two friends and understood.
"Then it's settled," Danny said and all of them followed the Philadelphia trio a block away from the loft they were at. Then they encountered the vehicle and climbed inside. As they sat, Ben looked at Ernesto who looked a bit anxious, as if he were about to meet a long lost relative.
They felt the vehicle levitating upward and Sam pressed a button so a portal could be formed and felt the vehicle zipping inside…
Philadelphia, PA
[6:57pm]
The portal formed and the vehicle appeared. The Bellwood teens looked out the window seeing downtown below. But they kept going north until they arrived at the Amity District. They landed in front of Amity High School, they got out and the vehicle powered down, "Since everyone is gone, I'm pretty sure we're safe today," Danny said as he looked around, attempting to sense any presence of Jordi.
Then on cue, he turned around where the others are and they too were startled by Jordi's presence, "Looks like everyone is here. Now…time for a trip down memory lane," he announced, and was about to lift out his arms, until Danny interrupted him.
"Wait! What are you planning to do," Valerie asked and Jordi smiled nostalgically and turned around to face the confused teens, "Think of this as a trip down memory lane and…seeing how the links for the events that led to this at one moment in time. How that one moment stretched down the road of time," he said and rose out his arms and then an energy field formed around them and noticed how the daylight returned.
"What's going on," Julie asked and then all of them felt a wave of energy coming from across the street and heard the windows rattling, "My word! What was that energy conflagration," Albedo exclaimed and in a few moments the school's front doors opened abruptly, and the person who came out almost had Ernesto running to him…it was his cousin, looking fourteen/fifteen in a white shirt and blue jeans with Converse sneakers.
"Wilfredo!" Ernesto shouted, even though he would never hear him. They noticed Wilfredo looking around and at the buildings across the street, concentrating on where the energy wave came from. He then looked at the direction of a five story commercial building across the street, he looked right passed the teenagers viewing the memory. It unnerved them greatly…Wilfredo then started to run, passing them and Ernesto almost reached out to grab him. They started to run after him.
He ran across the street narrowly missing the traffic and still feeling the energy emanating from the roof. He started to go up the fire escape, breathing heavily and his legs beginning to vibrate from sudden overuse.
Wilfredo reached the roof and noticed the man over the boy's body. The man tried to send out an energy wave in order to knock him out. However, Wil used his own energy to block the wave, the little that passed through made him stumble. He regained his stance and stared at the man, who now has a pistol aiming for Wil's head while still holding his rifle over the passed out boy.
"Wait! That man is…er, was about to kill Wil here," Gwen exclaimed at the shocking sight and panting for breath as did the others and watched another sight that shocked the Bellwood teens, while the teens who lived through this sighed sadly at what occurred. They then felt three pulses of energy pulsing from the street below, but before the Bellwood teens could check it out…
He heard the man pulling the trigger. He instantly flinched, but felt no pain. Instead, he noticed the boy on the man, forcing the man's arm upward and firing his shot. The boy then wrestled the pistol out of his hand and throwing it in front of Wilfredo. He then picked up the pistol and looked at it, while at the same time looking at the memorial spirits fighting it out with a bar of iron against the sturdy rifle.
Wil then gulped down his nerves and shakily held up the pistol, aiming it at the man. He pulled the trigger and the man's head tilted at an angle and fell to the ground. The boy got off of the man and stood up, looking at Wilfredo who just kept the pistol in place and having to take deep breaths through his gaping mouth. He then let the pistol fall to the roof and he ran towards the boy. He knelt down and turned the man over.
"Shit," Wil muttered, "He's going to disappear before I could dive into his mind," he was about to grasp the man's head but the boy stopped him. He looked up at the boy who had a tired, but serious expression. He then led him over to the roof's edge back to the fire escape's railing.
"I'll handle the man, you go down there and try to help out the three," the boy said but Wil didn't know what he meant until he saw Asuka and Dante passed out and Shinji recovering from something awful.
"My God! What happened here," Albedo asked, completely shocked, as did the others who are witnessing this for the first time. There were more layers to this ordeal than they ever imagined…
"What the hell," Wil muttered but the boy urged him to get back on the railing and he did, "Lembra-te Wilfredo, que o que quer que aconteça, aconteceu por causa de coisas que ficaram por dizer. Nós vamos ter a nossa conversa hoje à noite, mas antes disso, vais ter de fazer com que aqueles três ali em baixo se abram em relação aos seus passados. Estamos ententidos?" (Remember Wilfredo, whatever happens, it happened because of things were left unsaid. We'll have our conversation tonight, but before that you'll have to urge the three down there to open up about their pasts. Do you understand?")
Wil turned his head and saw Shinji shaking his two friends out of their unconsciousness. He didn't know what to say, but he looked at the boy and nodded, signaling his understanding. He began to go down the fire escape as fast as he could with sweat pouring down his face and wetting the back of his shirt.
Gwen was about to form steps out of her manna, but was stopped by the energy field. She looked at Jordi who nodded a no, "Sorry, but all you can do is watch. But it looks like Ernesto is going down with his cousin," he said and the Bellwood heroes looked at the sight, "Ernie! Come back!" They shouted, but all they saw was him heading into the protective darkness.
His legs ached from exhaustion, but he pushed through the pain and once on the ground again he ran to his three friends as fast as he could. He noticed camera flashes on him and on his three friends from people and older students who didn't have a sixth period. Wil didn't pay attention and ran up to Shinji with his hands glowing blood red.
Ernesto's legs burned as well and watched the memory of his cousin running towards the three members of LES MUSICIENS, "What is he doing and why are those three looking like that," he pondered and continued to follow him. Then sees the horrible sight…
Shinji felt the pain in his chest subside, but exhaustion set in. He struggled to sit up and once he did he noticed Asuka and Dante passed out, bloodied up as he was. He crawled towards Asuka and held her in his arms; immediately memories of Antarctica came flooding back. He checked her pulse and was relieved that she was still alive; he then kissed her forehead. He then glanced at Dante; he gently laid Asuka back on the ground and moved towards him. He checked his pulse to make sure he too was alive and again he was relieved. He picked up Dante slightly and moved him next to Asuka. He looked at the two and held them in his arms. He wasn't too strong, but he didn't care. He started to tear up and inevitably cried out. His groans rang around him but knew no one would pay attention or even do anything.
He then heard footsteps rushing in his direction from behind. He grew angry at the thought of someone who would yell at them to move out of the way. He was about to turn around to activate his AT Field, but stopped at the sight of Wilfredo, whose hands glowed blood red and had an exhausted expression on his face and sweat all over.
"What happened," Shinji yelled out, "I should ask you the same question," he yelled and stopped in front of him. Shinji looked at him and then at his two comrades. He reached out his hand to caress Asuka's hairline. Wilfredo noticed and knelt down to put his hand on Shinji's right shoulder. He glanced at his musician friend and clasped his hand, appreciating the gesture.
Wil then knelt in front of the two unconscious Europeans, "I'm going to try something Shinji. Don't be afraid and try to relax," he positioned his hands above their heads. Shinji looked at Wilfredo, unsure and curious about his ability. He then noticed Wil's aura glowed a faint red and his eyelids drooping down and his eyes glowed a faint red as well.
Ernesto then heard sounds coming from the school down the sidewalk…
Danny followed by Sam, Tucker, Valerie, and Jazz rushed out of the entrance and headed down the street where they noticed Wilfredo kneeling down and holding his hands above Asuka and Dante as Shinji looked on. They then looked at Shinji who had blood on his shirt like the other two and how Wilfredo had sweated through something hardcore. They walked up to them quickly and saw Shinji looking at them with a surprised look.
Unable to speak he just looked at them, "Shinji…what happened," Jazz asked now concerned. Shinji didn't know what to say, but then he heard Dante's phone vibrating again. He moved slowly to where the Italian was and took out his phone discreetly as to not break Wil's concentration. He flipped it open and what he read shocked him to hell. He read the other missed texts over the span of a few minutes and they all had the same message: EVA Units undergoing a self-diagnostic check.
He closed the phone and looked at the unconscious two, "What is it? What did the phone have," Sam spoke up, but Shinji didn't look at her, he just stayed focused on the German, the Italian and now the Portuguese American.
"Shinji…what's going on," Sam walked to Shinji and knelt down. She then clasped his left shoulder, "You can tell us," she softly said. He looked up at her and gave her the phone. She eyed him and opened the phone. She went to the messages icon and opened the recent texts Shinji just looked at. Her eyes widened and showed the others the messages. They read it and their eyes widened as well, and by looking at the three and their blood covered clothing, they pieced together what happened.
After what seemed like a few minutes, Asuka and Dante gasped for breath and Wilfredo slumped back. He calmed down so his aura could dissipate. Asuka and Dante hugged him in thanks. Wilfredo and Dante helped each other up while Shinji and Asuka helped each other up. The four now stood eye to eye with their friends. Shinji and his two friends went back to Sam's house to change out of their dirty clothes, ignoring the stares and hushed remarks from people passing by. Wilfredo and the others headed back inside…
Ernesto viewed the sight as the memory slowly faded from his vantage point. When the memory ceased completely, he sat on the curb of the sidewalk, slowly digesting what he had witnessed and experienced. He knew his cousin went through a lot over the years, but never he imagined it went this deep. He felt like he's seen a glimpse of Wilfredo's hell, "Wil, I'm sorry I've held some resentment towards you over the years…I guess I was envious of what you could do and never tried to…see or listen what you've only hinted," he said quietly to himself and stared at the building across the street, never looking above.
Back on the roof, the others watched the sight below as they watched Jordi's past self standing over Rodrigo's body…
"After all of this time…you couldn't leave me be huh? Just have to have your way in order to put things in order," he then placed his hand over Rodrigo's head and forced him to convulse and disappear into a single point. He began recalling memories of the man, how he joined the Fascist army and saw glimpses of the circumstances that led him to make that choice…even one moment where the man felt and looked regretful for what he was about to do to a village suspected of hiding Communist sympathizers.
Jordi stood up and walked over the ledge and watched Wilfredo walk back to class and the three foreign teenagers walking back to Sam's home to change their clothing, 'Those poor three children…so much locked away…' he thought and looked up, and felt his body disintegrating into numerous black butterflies.
Then the energy field disintegrated and the light disappeared, with the twilight back and they looked around shocked and looked down from the building and seeing Ernesto sitting on the curb. Gwen formed steps out of her manna and she along with the others ran down. They stopped a few meters away on the same sidewalk as he was on, and Sam was the first to approach him. She sat down next to him and placed her left arm around his shoulders. He sensed him and he rested his head on her shoulder, still feeling numb but felt tears forming in his eyes, "I felt what he felt when he helped out those three musicians," he said quietly and she listened, "So intense, deep, and tragic they were…why didn't he tell about this firsthand," he asked, not knowing if he would get an answer.
Sam looked down on him, "Whatever happened, happened…I guess Wil thought he didn't need to tell you. Trying to spare you from the pain he and we had experienced, it was a tough school year," she responded and Ernesto adjusted himself but Sam then hugged him and he nearly lost it.
She then started to explain what happened in full detail with the Anamnesis incident that occurred a few days prior to what was reminisced to everyone. The way he was controlled by one of Rodrigo's mental projections, how he attacked Moradi and how his students, as well as the three foreign teenagers got into school despite the teachers' warnings and how they fought the forcibly formed projections of Mohammad's memories. And how Danny distracted the projected Israeli soldiers and how the rest went upstairs to fight them off. Even how his cousin viciously fought the ghost in order to rescue their music professor. As he heard this, he let out a few coughs of his sadness, but still barely maintained his emotions, not wanting to break down on the street.
Jordi coughed and everyone looked at him and stood in the street two meters from everyone, but facing Gwen and Ben primarily, "And you two…we've met once before," he raised out his arms and a familiar wave of energy engulfed everyone, now seeing the inside of an RV, seeing Ben and Gwen when they were 12, along with their grandfather Max, and Danny and Wilfredo riding along. It felt like a film with them standing and sitting on the sidewalk.
As some 60's music played over the radio, Danny and Ben talked who also shared his past experiences as a hero with a watch that enabled him to transform into 10 aliens. Gwen also began sharing her magical abilities with Wilfredo who in turn, shared his. Max looked at the scene on his overview mirror; he smiled inwardly and continued driving.
Ben and Gwen looked at each other and smiled at the sight of their grandfather, driving with a smile. They felt something tied in their stomachs as they watched. Julie noticed and grabbed Ben's hand, he looked at her and thanked her quietly; the same went for Gwen as Kevin put his hands on her shoulders as she clasped his hands.
Wil then looked out the window and noticed a flock of black butterflies, "Man its hot in here," Ben exclaimed and opened the window. One of the butterflies outside entered the RV and landed on the table.
Wil slowly outstretched his arms and hands over the butterfly and quickly caught it before it took off. He carefully opened his hands and the butterfly stayed on his open left palm. Unknown to the tourists, he searched to see if this was the boy in his most stable form. It was and Danny nodded in his direction, but Wil's expression told him that it was okay.
"Gwen, hold out your hand," she did so and he handed her the butterfly as gently as possible. When the butterfly landed on Gwen's hands, she immediately felt giddy, "Wow, it's so light and the wings…they feel a bit fuzzy," she said softly. She took in the sight of the insect's gently flapping wings. Then the truck stopped at a red light, but the butterflies were still adjacent to the RV.
Gwen then handed the butterfly to Ben, "Careful with it," Gwen said, "Yeah I know," he said and the butterfly landed on his open palms. He too took note of the insect's lightness and fuzzy wings. Then in a moment it flew back onto the table. None of them dared to make a move in order to not frighten the butterfly. Then when the RV began to move, the butterfly fluttered back outside and rejoined the flock outside. The flock flew beside the RV until it disappeared behind one of the passing apartment buildings.
The 'film' ended and the teens looked at Jordi and he looked at them with a grateful expression, "I'm truly sorry for I've put all of you through. I didn't mean for it to happen, but now, I hope with these glimpses into the past, seeing how those events linked to whatever happened today," he said.
The teens were silent, not knowing how to communicate. This was beyond anything they've done or experienced, witnessing abilities from a memorial ghost who has killed in the past and looked for redemption, now has a pulse and can age like a normal young man.
He turned around and felt his body dissolve into butterflies, but this time, only two were present, a white one and a black one. The two manifestations of Jordi's soul flew upwards into the growing twilight and disappeared into the ether.
"I want to go home," Ernesto said quietly, "I'm tired," he added with heavy melancholy in his voice, "Of course," Sam answered softly as he helped him up.
"Danny, lets get these guys home," she said with her voice slightly tired as well, "Sure," he replied and looked at the Bellwood teens, but especially at Ernesto who continued to look at the ground as he walked with Sam.
They made their way back to the Cruiser and in a few moments they left back to Bellwood.
Bellwood, TX
[6:15pm]
Danny, Tucker, Valerie and Sam said their goodbyes and each one gave Ernesto a hug and promised him to notify Wilfredo once they arrive home. He thanked them and soon they left into their portal.
Ernesto then went to Kevin's car with Kevin, Albedo and Gwen. Ben volunteered to fly Julie home as Jetray. Albedo was silent for the most part; he never knew how humans could have so many layers to them. He believed they were gluttonous creatures with no moral compass with little understanding of themselves or their capabilities. He still believed that, but after everything he's seen and experienced, he now sees them in a more favorable light now.
As they sat in the car, Kevin turned on the engine and then sees Ernesto breaking down in a silent, but violent outburst of tears. Albedo looked down at him and again feels intense emotion at the sight, but still not knowing what the correct act might be to handle the situation.
Then Ernesto sat up and retained a calm exterior as best as he could and looked at Kevin's reflection, nodding knowingly and both of them understood. He began to drive down the street, not one of the passengers said a word.
Brooklyn, New York City, NY
[7:21pm]
Wilfredo rolled up his rosary and put it in his cello case, along with his sheet music. He was dressed up for a special performance tonight at the Julliard School of Performing Arts with the rest of his orchestra. Then his cellphone binged with a Facebook message from Danny. He read the message:
[Since finishing the job, I took Ernesto and the others to Philadelphia to meet up with Jordi before he leaves. He showed us the memories of what happened to us when you encountered Rodrigo on the roof and when you helped out Shinji and his friends. Ernesto witnessed everything while the rest of us saw how Jordi dove into the man's memories and made him go into the void again. That's what happened and again, your cousin is safe. Don't worry]
Wilfredo reread the message and then put the phone away. He punched his desk chair with his right hand, '…sorry Ernie. Sorry for putting you through this…forgive me please,' he internally pleaded and then heard his mom calling from downstairs to get to the car quick.
He yelled, "Give me a second," he breathed and stood in front of the mirror, "Well…here goes nothing," he told himself and grabbed his cello case and headed downstairs.
Chapter Six
June 2008, week one, degree six
Bellwood, TX
[Saturday, 7:01pm]
Ernesto was with his parents eating their dinner with his old time friends and their parents. His parents always did this a week before his birthday, and now he was turning fifteen, what his friends would say, "Half way to becoming thirty…an old fart!"
His mom cooked cozido a portuguesa, with some help from Hugo's mom and the rest brought some sweet bread or small pastries for dessert. Ernesto was glad tonight, having a normal night and eating one of his favorite dishes. Before the meal, his mother let him sip some wine before eating, which surprised Manny and her parents as well as Tyrone's, but not Hugo or his parents. His mom decided to let him try a bit of wine to go with certain food, but as a good parent, she along with his father forbade him to actually drink alcohol. He was growing up yes, but they didn't want him to grow up too fast, even with what he went through last month.
Meanwhile…
"So that's what happened to the three of you last month and in April," Max said. He returned from the Null Void, accompanied by the three Plumbers kids the trio met a few weeks ago, shortly after the Jordi catharsis fiasco, "Yep, it wasn't pretty," Kevin said bluntly.
Max then turned to Gwen, "And how are you sweetie," he asked his granddaughter, his voice full with concern, "Pretty good. After that mission, I've been having very intense nightmares, but Ernie told me that was normal and after a week or so, they stopped," Max was about to ask more about it, but Gwen sensed it, "But it wasn't just me. Ernesto, Sam, and even Jordi said they also had nightmares," Gwen added and Max relaxed a bit, but not by much.
"Where is this guy by the way," Pierce asked, "He's at home. He said he's going with us on a night patrol with us," Kevin said and then added, "He's still a little undecided about…well you know."
Back at Ernesto's home
Ernesto and his friends played loud music out in his backyard, with "Pesada (con Maigaz) by Control Machete" playing and their parents inside gossiping and talking nonsense in their opinion.
For them they were joking around and talking about a certain subject, "So how are tricks in dreamland," Manuela asked, "Same old, same old. There are times where I actually miss dreaming without actually having to work on it," Ernesto said as he gulped down the last bit of coke.
"So you don't dream, just to dream? You actually work on it like homework or something," Tyrone asked, "Pretty much. Well, since that thing I told you guys about last month, things have calmed down. Though I still feel like a basket case," Ernesto said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Putting that dream shit aside…how are things working with Michelle," Hugo asked and Ernesto grinned a bit, "Friends and no dating yet. Taking it slow," he said in an almost nonchalant way.
"Yeah, since that thing with her and John didn't work out. She's on the market again," Hugo said and then looked at Ernesto, "Why don't you date her? It's obvious to us you like her," Manuela said and Tyrone spoke up, "Unless you like this monk like existence."
Ernesto looked at his friends, remembering how this moment was like the first time they really talked to each other. He missed his old life in New York, but especially Wil when they used to explore each other's abilities through their small dream and trance like games. But when he moved, his abilities spiraled out of control for a while and when he met Tyrone, followed by his best friend Hugo, and then meeting Manuela, his abilities stabilized. Also reminisced about the time he first asked his new friends to share dreams at his house when his mom went to get food and his dad was busy with paper work in his bedroom. At first they were shocked and didn't talk to him for a week, and at first he thought he scared them off and fell into mild depression. Then things got worse when during that time, he learned that his cousin was being investigated by both the Church and paranormal investigators, due to his abilities; afterwards, when Wil's powers subsided in intensity, so did his. Then to his surprise, the three came back to him and asked him how was he able to do those things in dreams and why did he share it with them. When he told them he thought that they were friends enough that he can trust, and they were a bit guilty for not trying to talk to him. Afterwards, they got along better and the rest was history.
"I do, but now…I kind of want to date," Ernesto responded and heard Manuela laughing, "Then ask out Michelle! Jesus you can be an idiot," she said and he laughed too, "I know," he grinned and Tyrone along with Hugo laughed a bit too.
[8:45pm]
After his friends left and their parents, he was in his room relaxing and almost nodding off to sleep. But then he received a text on his cellphone and read it:
[It's me, Ben. My grandpa wants to talk to you. He wasn't dead, but in the Null Void all along! He also said to bring your files on what happened last month. Bring everything he says.]
Ernesto read and reread the text and as he looked around in his darkened room and got up to put his files on top of his computer desk into his messenger bag and headed out the door. He checked himself in the hallway mirror, adjusting his glasses and sorted out his light blue polo shirt into his black cargo pants. He checked his new Vans sneakers and headed for the door.
"Where are you going," his mom asked, "To the store. Getting some chips to eat later," he said and she nodded, letting him go. He left the house and walked down the street, only hearing the occasional car passing by and feeling the cool night air caressing his face.
He approached the 7 Eleven and went inside. He was getting a water bottle and when he was about to head for the cashier, he noticed Michelle coming inside and the two noticed each other, "Hey," Ernesto greeted somewhat shyly, "Hi," she greeted back, kind of noticing his shy demeanor.
On the road…
Max drove his new RV, which looked like his old one, but with the same Plumber features and a few new ones. Kevin checked his badge and found Ernesto's cell phone signal, "Typical, he's at the liquor store next to house. Probably getting water or chips," Kevin said and Max made his way to the store a few blocks away.
"What kind of files you guys are asking him to bring again," Helen asked, "About the mission we had and something about his cousin. I also texted Danny and Jordi to come as soon as they can," Ben said.
Gwen looked at him as she levitated while at the same time, detecting to see if Jordi was nearby and then her lights lit up a bit, "Jordi's coming. Just five miles away," she announced.
Ben and Kevin looked at her, "And Danny? Do you sense him at all," Ben asked but she nodded a no, "Nothing yet, but I think he'll come around the same time as Jordi," she said.
Max, Manny (Fourarms), Helen (Xl-R8), and Pierce heard the three's discussion on a matter that sounds it has many layers attached. They noticed the local liquor store a block away and seeing Ernesto talking to a girl and walking her to the car where her parents were waiting and as the car drove away he had a semi-grin on his face.
"Looks like his night is going well," Kevin remarked, earning him a smack on the arm from Gwen, "Don't tell me you're to tease him like you do with Ben," she wondered and he smirked, "Nah, he's cool. That honor lies solely with Benji," he remarked and Ben glared at him and the ex-con just grinned.
Ernesto watched Michelle leave with her parents and noticed a beat up RV coming up and it honked. Then the door opened, "Got everything," Kevin called out, "Like I have a choice now," Ernesto said.
As he was about to approach, Danny appeared above him and landed, turning back into his normal form. Then both of them sensed something in front of them, two butterflies and in the blink of an eye, Jordi appeared. The three entered Max's RV and he drove off, seeking a place that was semi-secluded. They drove to the train tracks that were ten minutes away.
Ten minutes later…
All of them exited the RV and Jordi used his telekinetic abilities to bring over a crate to use as a makeshift table. For someone like him, it was child's play, and Ernesto opened his messenger bag.
"Hello, I'm Max Tennyson," Ernesto looked at him and shook his hand, "Nice to meet you. Ben and Gwen told me a lot about you when he went into the Null Void to help these guys out. Which by the way, still haven't gotten over the fact you tried to kill us," he looked at Manny Fourarms and Helen.
"Man, are you going to let that go," Manny asked, "No," Ernesto stated simply, "But right now that's not important," took out his thick file and opened, taking out his cousin's photo. Max picked it up, "I remember him. He helped you out in Philadelphia in that park a few years ago," he looked at Danny, now remembering that moment.
"Yeah he did…and you're going to find out who he really is, in regards to someone here as well," he said and looked at Kevin, "What," he asked but Danny remained silent, he looked at him with an uncertain expression and Kevin also noticed how Ernesto didn't talk to him for the past two weeks.
Then Ernesto proceeded to take out documents given to him by Tucker via email, days after the Jordi/Rodrigo catharsis. He handed Max the syringe tubing he used for the job and mentioned Tucker has a more developed prototype. He also shared his notes for the catharsis and older notebooks with ideas and old mazes he experimented on and played with. Some of the documents were the testimonials that also had restored and enhanced photos of the crime scene that dealt with the carjacking spree from five years ago. Danny handed the photos to the others and they went through them. To their surprise when they saw Wilfredo in the cop car, they also noticed a kid in punk clothing from one of the CCTV's from a local liquor store…and it caught his face.
They immediately looked at Kevin, "You did this," Gwen asked, "And I'm not proud of it. And when I said there were moments in my life I rather not talk about, I meant it…Wil was one of the few people who tried to help me, but I panicked and during that time…I framed him and I ran…" he then looked at Ernesto who still looked upset, "I'm sorry dude…" but he held up his hand, "What's been done is done. And, you shouldn't be saying this to me. You should say this when he comes next Sunday," he revealed.
Ernesto was handed back the photos and documents and put them back in his folder, but then a few other photos dropped to the floor. All of them, photos of various musicians from LES MUSICIENS and all of them with names: Zane Zhu, Alberto Rodriguez, Gilberto Santos, Asuka Langley Sohryu Mercier, Dante Tripodo Lascano, Shinji Ikari Manabe, Fatma Hahira Asgari, Cecilia Chaves Oliveira, Ahmed Said, and the orchestra's conductor Mohammad Moradi.
Max picked up the photos and observed them carefully, something telling him they looked familiar, but from where he couldn't recall right away. Then Ernesto coughed to bring him back to reality, "Um, Mr. Tennyson, if you don't mind," Max looked at Ernesto, "Oh, sorry. Here you go," he handed back the photos and Ernesto put them back in the folder, along with his cousin's photo.
"Listen, I'm pretty sure you know this, but my grandkids and I have met your cousin once a few years ago during a fight between a ghost and Danny here," he started and Ernesto nodded, "Yeah, Danny filled me in along with Jordi last month...It was an eye opener to say the least," he said, not knowing whether to feel abashed or uncomfortable.
"Looks like your cousin and Jordi here were the center of this whole mess," Pierce said and Danny looked at him with a shrug of his head, "Wil and Jordi are just two part of one huge iceberg," he said and Jordi looked at him with an unreadable expression, "What do you mean," Ben asked and Danny, along with the Catalonian stood silent until, "More on that later," but before anyone could ask or protest anything, he held up his hand, knowing any further inquiry would be pointless.
Danny rubbed the temples of his forehead, "Sometimes I just want to strangle you for being this complicated," he muttered and Jordi smirked, "But at least he gives you something to think about," Ernesto kindly retorted and Danny gave a grimaced expression, "You sound like Sam just now," he mentioned and Ernesto gave a smug expression.
Kevin then spoke up, "Okay enough of this secrecy! And why is there more to this than just being Jordi or that messed up Rodrigo," he demanded an answer but Danny looked at him, "Something that my friends and I, along with our families have gotten involved with that's...that's downright harsh, sad, and strangely...empathetic," he said and his his voice turned soft on the last part.
Ernesto sensed his uneasiness and decided to bring the others into another topic, "Guys," he now looked at Kevin, Gwen and Ben, "I've...I've been considering your offer. About joining your team," he worded it carefully and the three looked at him but Ernesto continued, "The reason why I didn't want to before was because of Jordi. You know this," the three nodded, "But also," Ernesto hesitated a bit but then felt a pat on his shoulder.
"It's okay," Danny said with a comforting smile and Ernesto continued, "But also because I felt utterly useless when I saw you guys fight those aliens, bad guys and Charmcaster when she first showed up in January," he said, "But you can fire energy bolts and can put up a decent defense," Gwen pointed out those qualities, but Ernesto shook his head, "But that's not who I am. I'm not like you Gwen," she stood quiet, "I'm a dream walker, someone who can access dream and pick out places in a person's subconscious mind and know that person's secrets. That takes a lot of concentration and work. Firing energy bolts or putting up shields for me are just side effects."
Ernesto finished and chuckled nervously, "Is it okay for me to be nervous to join your team," he felt his face heat up tremendously and his new friends looked at him somewhat surprised, "Of course it is," Gwen said reassuringly but Ben stepped in, "But if you're nervous, why did you practically jump in to help Jordi and Danny with what happened to your cousin," he asked.
Ernesto answered, "Because they're family. My cousin and Jordi I mean. But with Danny here," he turned around to face the older teen, "I guess a friend of Wil is a friend of mine," he shook his head, "I'm such a mental screw up," he laughed at himself.
Kevin looked at him, "You're not...just cautious. As you were when you did that catharsis for Rodrigo and Jordi here," he said and he glanced at the Catalonian boy, "And believe it or not, you're far from being useless. Especially with a plan I have for the Highbreed," he mentioned with a smirk, "Meaning," Ernesto asked and Kevin quickly whispered his plan to the Portuguese/English American teen.
"Risky, dangerous, but can be done," Ernesto said with a half smile, "What is it," Max and Ben asked, "We'll tell you tomorrow. But first, I guess its that time for a night patrol," Ernesto mentioned and both he and Kevin winked at each other and then at Gwen who nodded knowingly.
"May I come along? I want to see how you guys do your thing," Danny asked and Jordi spoke up, "Yes, with the catharsis over and some free time on our hand, might as well see how this is really like."
Ben and the others were somewhat surprised and then Max spoke up, "Sure, the more the merrier," he said with a grin and Danny transformed and Jordi turned into two butterflies and hovered in the air, "He's waiting," Danny said and the others still can't get used to Jordi or his behavior. Then the two Tennyson heroes along with Clarkson/Taveres headed for Kevin's car while the other teens and Max headed back inside the RV. After a few moments, they drove off and Danny along with Jordi followed them into the night.
Philadelphia, PA
[10:02pm]
Tucker was in his room, rereading a text from Danny saying he was going to Bellwood and knew that some things on Wil and Jordi were going to be exposed. Tucker knows that this was unavoidable, but there was one thing even Danny didn't know about, a secret job he did with his friends from the orchestra. He got up from bed and reached down to get something from underneath his bed. It was an old cardboard box, something he told his parents that it only had some things from his freshman year, like his old PDA and four year old laptop. It did have that, but it also a hard drive that was sealed in a black plastic bag, and also picked up some papers printed from the internet, news articles about the investigation and exposure of the GBCC, the Global Bank of Commerce and Credit and the scandal that rocked Europe and the US for months. The papers dated to December of 2007 and to a few months ago to around February or so.
"I don't know how long I'm going to keep this a secret from Danny. A strict order from Wil and his friends. Sam knows and also promised to not tell Danny until the time was right. But from what's been going on, I'd say in about a week or so...hope he forgives us," Tucker said to himself silently and put the things back in the box and placed it back underneath his bed.
MACAU, CHINA
[MONDAY, 3:20AM]
MACAU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The airline Air China landed on the runway, with a nearly twenty-two hour flight from New York, and making a two hour layover in Shanghai in order to get to Macau. The passengers were groggy and woke up from their slumber in order to get their luggage and held their immigration forms. As the plane emptied, the orchestra staggered to the place to show their passports and visas for some of them in order to claim their luggage. They also had to deal with some of the late workers in order to claim their bigger instruments. Since the music center in Macau has their harpsichord in repairs, Mohammad had to bring their own from New York, which meant more work and worries that it wasn't damaged.
"I feel like dying," Christina said to Zane as she grabbed her cello case who was equally just as tired and held onto his double bass case, "At least today we have the day off," he mentioned and he felt relieved. He then put his free arm around Christina's waist, "And enjoy some alone time," he said with a smile and she chuckled, "Let's get to the hotel first Romeo. But I think when we do, we'll just sleep like the dead," she retorted playfully and Zane gripped her waist a bit more, "With you, I'll gladly take that chance," he smirked and she laughed tiredly.
As the others have their instruments and Dante worried about his harpsichord, "Our last international performance, at least for this academic year," Dante muttered under his breath and felt two arms around his torso, "Last two months to be together my love," Fatma said in his ear and kissed his neck, with her violin case strapped around her left shoulder. He relished it and tilted his head to capture her lips, "Let's focus on right now and our hotel room," he whispered huskily, despite being tired as his girlfriend.
Wilfredo and Cecilia were in the vans already, passed out with their hands intertwined and leaning on each other's head, "At least these two are getting some sleep," Shinji whispered to Asuka next to him and their two friends in front of them, "Like us when we finally get to our hotel. I'm dying right now," Asuka whined while holding her violin and Shinji clutched his cello case with his right arm, "Me too, but at least we'll share a room," he mentioned and she cooed, "I like that," she whispered.
With everything and everyone in their vans, and Gilberto with Alberto the last two to get into their van, they drove down the highway and headed for the city. With a planned concert for music by Johann David Heinichen, Antonio Vivaldi, and a new piece for them to perform composed by the French Baroque composer Jean Baptiste Lully, this will like what their school year has been, long, exhausting but ultimately rewarding in the long run. However, there was something eating their memories, an incident that nearly destroyed their orchestra from good intentions.
Thus ends this side story for my saga. The ending is actually a moment recalled in the beginning of arc two for LES MUSICIENS. The moments italicized here are derived from chapters six (May) and seven (June) from '2005', slightly edited for the sake of this story. The Anamnesis incident is in chapter five of that story (April) as well. Also, when Jordi dissolved Rodrigo the first time in the flash back, that wasn't in the original story, but in here I added it in order to link these past and present events together. Read them in order to get a fuller understanding of this saga overall. I also recommend reading my other completed story Four Walls, in order to understand Ernesto's cousin, his friends and his strange friendship to Danny and his friends.
As for the mysterious bit with Tucker and the musicians...I'll reveal that in my upcoming story '2007'. A cliffhanger if you will ;)
Read, review, critique and I'll post the new arc of this saga in the coming months. Take care readers :)