Let's Do some Enforcing
Chapter Seven
By Kellyq
Once Martha had the kids get ready for dinner, she led Blister, Jack, Mina, Trudge, Yusei, Akiza, and the twins into the living room. They all sat down ready to hear what the old woman had to say.
"No one knows what really happened," Martha started to explain. "The fog only descended on the downtown area, and when it lifted, no one was there anymore."
Yusei narrowed his eyes at the thought of the Dark Signers taking all those poor people into the realm of darkness.
"We haven't even heard from Rally, Crow, Blitz, Nerven, or Tank," came Blister's voice. That got everyone's attention, and they gave him their full notice. "Crow did say something about going after Kalin, so he could kick his ass for what he did to you."
Concern flashed across Yusei's face for a moment, before he lowered his gaze. Martha watched him a while with sadness in her heart; she felt bad that she couldn't erase what happened to him.
"Speaking of which," Martha said, getting Yusei's attention, "how are you holding up?"
Everyone around the table eyed him wondering the same thing. Yusei felt a little uncomfortable under their collective gaze. He closed his eyes, trying to keep the memories from coming back.
"I'm fine," he said quietly. He opened his eyes and stared at his hands that were balled into fists. "But I'm not going to give up. I want to save all those innocent people and our home."
"Does this mean you'll fight against the darkness?" Martha asked, choosing her words carefully. Yusei gave her a confident look then nodded his head. Martha smiled. You've always been a sweetheart, she thought. "You've grown into a fine young man," she complimented him, "and I'll support you anyway I can," she continued, referring the whole situation about Kalin.
"I do, however, I want to save Kalin from the darkness and eventually figure out what happened to him," Yusei stated, still staring down at his hands again. The weight of his friends' judgment hung in the air between them.
Jack eyed him for a moment, feeling anger grow up through his body once more in response to the thought of Yusei being hurt and taken advantage of. The sound from the back of his throat got everyone's attention. Jack got up and walked out, with Mina following close behind.
"Well, I can't let you guys go without having something to eat," Martha said, getting to her feet.
After everyone went their separate ways, Trudge decided to step outside to get some fresh air. He rounded the corner to the back of the house and saw a small garden bursting with tulips. Trudge eyed the flowers and the thought of Mina popped into his mind. He bent down, plucked a tulip, and smiled at the thought of giving it to her, finally admitting his long-held feelings. Trudge chuckled, until he felt that he was being watched. He froze, and then glanced down to see Taka standing there, carefully watching his every move. Trudge flushed with embarrassment realizing that he had just been caught with a flower in his hand.
"What do you want?" Trudge asked, a little annoyed that same kid was following him everywhere. "And it's not what you think!"
Taka just smiled. "Is the flower for one of your friends?"
"Uh ..." Trudge started to say. He was snapped out of his thoughts when he and Taka heard Mina's voice.
The two made their way to the front of the house to see Jack and Mina. The blonde-haired teen was leaning against the monkey bars, and Mina was standing behind him, a troubled look blanketing her face.
"What's going on Jack? You're grumpier than normal," Mina pointed out. She waited for him to respond, and when he didn't, she looked away. "I know that you're still worried about Yusei, but I'm sure he's …"
"He's not fine!" Jack interrupted, glancing over his shoulder, giving her a hard look. Mina cringed and glanced away. Jack sighed and looked straight ahead. Trudge and Taka stood quietly and look on.
Awkward silence fill the space of the remaining porch. Mina adjusted her gaze back at Jack, and noticed that he still looked tense. "You care about Yusei, don't you?" She still didn't get an answer from him. After a moment of intense silence, Mina spoke up again. "It's okay. You don't have to tell me, but there's something I need to tell you!" That got Jack's attention, and he peered over his shoulder, hoping that it was something related to either Yusei or Yusei's father. Mina looked away before she glanced back at him. "Jack, I have special feeling for you!"
Trudge held his breath, hoping that Jack didn't return her feelings. The blond-haired teen rolled his eyes and looked straight ahead.
"That much is obvious," Jack muttered. He straightened up and walked back inside, leaving Mina standing there.
Taka eyed the whole thing quietly, slowly figuring out what was going. He could tell by the way that Trudge was staring at Mina that the cop had feelings for her. Taka was about to tug on Trudge's arm when soft familiar footsteps reached his ears. He turned to see Martha walking quietly behind Trudge. She reached out and pulled on his ear, dragged him inside the house. She didn't let go until they were in the kitchen and he yelped all the way. They were now standing over a counter that had food ready to be chopped.
"You're going to help me make dinner," Martha said, in a stricked tone, putting her hands on her hips. Trudge's mouth dropped in surprise, and a white apron was thrown at him. "And it will look great on you, too." She added.
To Be Continued …
