4/27 You will notice several parallels to what is currently happening on the actual show, but that is somewhat necessary at this point. No worries, I'll switch it up again.

Thanks for the reviews! They keep me writing.

A NEW AWAKENING

(Nathan Petrelli stands in his bedroom, viewing himself in a mirror as he fixes his tie and adjusts his suit coat.

Heidi sits in her chair behind him, watching him with a sad smile on her face)

Heidi: You're sure you're ready to face the press?

Nathan: (sighing, he releases his tie and turns to face her) I don't have much of a choice-

Heidi: Nathan, it's only been a week since the funeral-

Nathan: I'll be fine, Heidi. I just… I need to keep up appearances… I'm going to be a Congressman in January, and if the press senses any sort of weakness, it'll be like a pack of wolves on the kill.

Heidi: (sighs but smiles) Okay, then… I just want to be sure you're okay.

(He smiles down at her, then leans in, kissing her forehead)

Nathan: I will be.

(As he straightens up and turns back to the mirror, Heidi gets a slightly anxious look on her face)

Heidi: There was something else I wanted to talk to you about…

Nathan: Yeah?

Heidi: It's Simon… he's been acting… odd, lately.

Nathan: (examining his face in the mirror) How so?

Heidi: I don't know… he just… he's been spending a lot of time alone… he doesn't play with Monty… he won't let the nanny near him… I'm worried.

Nathan: I'm sure he's okay… it's probably just a reaction to… to Peter…(At mentioning his brother's name, he freezes for a second, a wave of emotion flashing across his face.

As soon as it comes, though, it is gone, and he turns back to his wife) He'll be okay.

(She smiles, assured)

Heidi: You're probably right. (Begins to roll herself out the door) You coming?

Nathan: Yeah, go ahead… I'll be out in a minute.

(She smiles, exiting the room.

He waits a second after she had gone before shutting and locking the door, then pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and dials)

Voice: Hello?

Nathan: Mr. Masahashi?

(The scene switches, and we find Ando and Hiro in the terminal of JFK. The scene is loud and crowded.

Ando has the phone, and Hiro strains to hear the conversation)

Ando: Mr. Petrelli?

Nathan: Yes… I'm glad you picked up… I remembered you guys were leaving today.

Ando: Yes… our plane leaves in an hour.

Nathan: Oh… I'm sure you guys have lives to get back to… but… you think you could postpone it a little while?

Ando: (to Hiro, looking quizzical) He want us wait to leave.

Hiro: Why?

Ando: (into the phone) Why?

Nathan: I need your help finding someone.

Ando: (to Hiro) He need help finding someone.

Hiro: Who?

Ando: (into speaker) Who?

(The scene switches back, and we find Nathan sitting on the edge of his bed, his head resting in his hand)

Nathan: …Claire.

NEXT SCENE

(Claire sits on the bed of a dingy, poorly lit motel room, looking aggravated.

Across the room from her, the Haitian sits at a desk, reading through a small pile of paper. She watches him with smoldering eyes, and he doesn't seem to notice.

It is a minute before she talks)

Claire: How much longer do I have to stay here?

(He looks up at her, acting almost as though he'd forgotten she was there)

Haitian: Until we receive further instructions. (Returns attention to his work)

Claire: (watches him for a few seconds, as though waiting for him to say more) And when will that be exactly?

Haitian: (without lifting his head) I have told you several times already; I don't know.

Claire: (getting up from the bed and walking to him) Who is it that we're waiting on? … Mr. Linderman? I'm sorry… my father?

Haitian: (lowering the paper in his hand to the desk) Pourquoi me? … I do not work for Mr. Linderman… and, regardless of what he may have told you… he is not your father.

Claire: …What?

Haitian: You seem surprised.

Claire: Well, not really (begins to slowly pace the room) but, just… I don't know. It would've been nice… knowing where I come from at least.

Haitian: (laughs a little) you'll know soon enough-

Claire: (turning back to him; sarcastically) When this mystery person finally calls.

Haitian: Yes.

Claire: Great. (Sits back on the bed and looks around the room looking somber) Can we at least stay somewhere less… depressing?

Haitian: (looking, once again, at the papers) No… we must stay. No one will look for you here.

Claire: …I still don't understand why I can't just go back to Odessa-

Haitian: There is nothing left for you there… I told you already.

Claire: So I'm just supposed to abandon my entire life and sit here for however long waiting for someone I don't even know to call and tell me what to do next?!

Haitian: Yes.

Claire: Why?!

Haitian: (looks at her) Because your father died to protect you, and you will not make that meaningless by running off and getting yourself killed.

(She stares at him, speechless, before sort of slouching with guilt.

They sit silently for a few moments before a cell phone on the desk near the Haitian begins to ring.

He looks quickly at it, almost startled, before answering)

Haitian: Oui? (He waits as the person on the line talks) Bientôt. (He hangs up and immediately begins gathering the papers on the desk) Get your things, we must hurry.

Claire: (leaping up from the bed) Was that it?

Haitian: Yes… hurry.

(She hurries to pack, looking confused, nervous and excited all at once)

NEXT SCENE

(Gabrielle is in one of the 'cells' in the PrimaTech building, wearing a hospital gown and looking pale and sickly.

The room in which she sits is completely void of any form of electricity; it is lit by a sort of fireplace in the wall. The hallway outside is dimly lit, and the couple of guards watching her door wear protective suits.

She stands at the window of her cell, staring out angrily at the guards.

Although one of her arms is still in a sling, she begins to pound the window with the other hand)

Gabrielle: Let me out of here! Let me out! … You sick bastards, let me go!

Guard 1: (pressing the intercom button) Get back, Girl!

Gabrielle: (pounding harder) Let me-

(A doorway directly across from hers opens, and Thompson, a medical technician, and the young man from the warehouse enter.

The med tech smiles mockingly at Gabrielle's desperate pleas, and Thompson shakes his finger at her)

Thompson: Now, now, now… is that any way for a young lady to act?

Gabrielle: (smacking the glass) Piss off!

Thompson: And what has you so worked up this morning?

Gabrielle: (backing away slightly from the window and glaring at him) Oh, you know, the same thing as yesterday… and the day before that… Being locked up like some animal tends to make me like this.

Thompson: (nods at the two guards, who promptly leave the hallway, then turns back to Gabrielle) You of all people should know how lucky you are to be in your current situation… we've shown you endless mercy.

Gabrielle: (sarcastic) Oh, you're right… I should be grateful to not worry about having a life to live.

(As she speaks, Thompson unlocks the cell and enters; the young man follows close behind)

Thompson: She has got quite a mouth, hasn't she? … Just like her mother.

Gabrielle: (suddenly losing the sarcastic tone) Don't you talk about my mom.

Thompson: (beginning to pace around her) Ahh… right. Touchy issue.

Gabrielle: Touchy? Touchy? You killed her!

Thompson: Believe what you want, Girl… Anyway, I have a reason for my visit today… We have another task for you-

Gabrielle: (turning away and heading for the small cot in the far corner of the cell) You wasted your time… I'm not helping you with anything.

Thompson: Oh, I think you'll want to.

Gabrielle: (turning back to him) Why?

Thompson: Your little friend, Claire Bennet… she's missing.

Gabrielle: Missing?

Thompson: After her father and Peter Petrelli were killed-

Gabrielle: … Mr. Bennet is dead?

Thompson: Unfortunately… After he died, there was a bit of a … commotion. We lost track of her in all the excitement… you understand.

Gabrielle: I'm not helping you capture Claire.

Thompson: Yet… you were so eager to help Bennet…

Gabrielle: He was going to help me… he wasn't a monster like you.

Thompson: (walks toward her) Help you… help you find your brother, I assume? (He pulls a file out of his coat and holds it in the air for her to see)

Gabrielle: (stares at the file for a second before speaking) What is that?

Thompson: You know what it is.

Gabrielle: My brother's file… I've already seen it.

Thompson: Yes… I know about your small-time thievery… but, you were young, and I am willing to forgive past mistakes. … Still, I would like that picture back-

Gabrielle: There's nothing in there that helps me… but, thanks.

Thompson: Are you sure about that?

(She doesn't respond, just looks at him with interest)

Thompson: Bennet said he'd give you more information… you didn't assume he was the only one with that information did you?

Gabrielle: I don't believe you-

Thompson: You don't have another option… Either you do as I say and go find Claire… or you stay here and never get what you crave most (waves the file in the air at her)… answers.

Gabrielle: …You're just gonna let me go? … You're assuming I'll actually do it.

Thompson: You don't think I'm that naïve, do you? … No, Mr. Moore here will be joining you… to help out… keep you in line… Anyway, you don't get the information until I get Claire.

Gabrielle: (eyeing Mr. Moore) … I won't go. I won't help you hurt anyone else.

Thompson: Ms. Bautista, we will find Claire… with or without your help. I just thought you'd want to be there to make sure she wasn't mistreated.

(Gabrielle looks at the young man again, who smiles at her somewhat evilly)

Thompson: (turning to leave the cell) I'll have your things sent down… you leave tonight… Come Mr. Moore.

NEXT SCENE

(Claire follows the Haitian up the steps to a rather daunting mansion, and tries to peer into the glass of the door as he rings the doorbell.

It takes a moment, but the door opens, and we find a very anxious-looking Angela Petrelli)

Angela: (to the Haitian) You certainly took your time getting here. They left an hour ago. (To Claire) Hurry; come inside before someone sees you.

(Claire looks at the Haitian who nods, then steps inside as instructed. The Haitian follows and Angela shuts the door.

Claire looks around at the massive entryway and into the equally large sitting room beside it, then at her hostess)

Claire: Why am I here?

Angela: Now is not the time for questions, Claire… Come. (She heads into the sitting room and motions for her guests to sit on the couch and sitting on a loveseat across from them)

Claire: How do you know me?

Angela: Again with the questions.

Claire: (looking down at her hands which rest in her lap) I'm sorry… I just-

Angela: (Smiling with understanding) Don't apologize… just listen.

(Claire looks up at her, confused, but remains silent)
Angela: As I'm sure you've noticed, there are a lot of people out there who are looking for you… You are, after all, a very special girl.

Claire: …You know?

Angela: Oh, I know… I know a lot about you. Even more than you know about you… Anyway, there are also a lot of people, including myself, who have put a lot of effort into keeping you out of the reach of those who wish to hurt you… and just because Mr. Bennet is no longer alive doesn't mean I'm going to let the system falter.

Claire: …What do you mean?

Angela: You need to be protected… especially now with that they've seen what you can do.

Claire: I just want to go home-

Angela: Texas is no longer your home, Claire… You must accept that.

Claire: I can't… I won't… Everything I ever knew to be true has been ripped to shreds… I can't leave anymore of myself behind…

Angela: You won't be… You'll be discovering yourself on a whole new level… far from the dangers that have been following you ceaselessly for the past few months.

Claire: I don't understand-

Angela: All you need to understand is that, from now on, I will be in charge of your well being. You will do exactly as I say, when I say, how I say… do you understand?

(Claire stares at her for a moment before standing)
Claire: I don't even know you… (Looking at the Haitian) I don't know why I trusted you so much… (Looking back at Angela) I'm sorry… I just… I'm the only person I can trust.

(She turns to leave, but as she does, notices a photo on the wall and stops)

Claire: (turning back to Angela) Is that Peter Petrelli?

Angela: (Standing and looking at the photo; it is a photo of Peter holding a diploma commending his graduation from nursing school, and Angela stands beside him) Yes it is… after he graduated… I was so proud of him… we didn't need another lawyer in the family.

Claire: The family..?

Angela: (her eyes become slightly misty) Yes. He was my son.

Claire: (turns to face Angela, a confused look on her face) You're his mother?

Angela: Yes…and you're his niece.

(Claire's face pales and her jaw drops. She looks confused, astounded, and doubtful, but says nothing)

Angela: So you see why I'm so concerned with ensuring your safety… you must trust me.

NEXT SCENE

(Nikki stands in her kitchen, preparing a lunch for Micah. She works silently, and when she finishes, packs it all in a Superman lunchbox)

Nikki: Micah! You'd better hurry or you'll be late!

(After a few seconds, Micah walks into the kitchen. He moves slowly and looks upset)
Micah: I'm not ready to go back yet.

Nikki: (Smiles sadly at him, then crouches beside him so they are face to face) I know it's hard, Baby… but you have to be strong.

Micah: Mom-

Nikki: What you saw… no little boy should have to see… but I promise… everything's gonna be okay now… I'm never going to let anything happen to you again.

Micah: (looks faintly unconvinced) Promise? (He holds out his pinky, waiting for her to do the same)

Nikki: (smiles and 'pinky swears') I promise.

Micah: Okay… I'll go.

Nikki: Good! (Stands up and kisses his forehead before handing him his lunch) You'll feel better once you get back to your normal routine.

Micah: …Okay.

(He hugs his mother then exits the kitchen, going to grab his backpack which rests on the living room coffee table. As he leaves, D.L. enters, fully dressed, and hugs his wife)

D.L: (looking out to the living room at Micah) How's he doing?

Nikki: As well as can be expected… he'll be okay. We all will.

D.L.: I hope so… sooner or later Linderman's gonna come looking for us-

Nikki: (lifts a finger to her husband's lips to silence him) Don't… we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

D.L.: (kissing her) Okay… I'll be back. (He turns and heads out to the living room.

Nikki watches from the kitchen)
D.L: (to Micah) Time for school, Kiddo.

(He heads out the front door, and Micah follows, his backpack and lunchbox in tow.

Nikki watches as they get in the car and pull out of the drive before looking at her reflection in a mirror on the wall.

We find a scared looking Nikki staring back at her, and find that the woman we've been watching is, in reality, Jessica)

Nikki: I'm only letting you do this because I won't put Micah or D.L. in danger anymore.

Jessica: Relax, Nikki… I got a little overzealous before… but I'll be more careful this time.

Nikki: You'd better… if anything happens to Micah-

Jessica: It won't… just let me do my thing.

(With that, she turns from the mirror, grabs a bag she hid in a cupboard, then leaves the house, shutting the door behind her)

NEXT SCENE

(Mohinder sits at the paper-laden desk in his apartment, holding his head and staring at the names of 'The list' on his computer.

Audrey stands on the other side of the desk, her hands on her hips, looking to be lost in thought)

Audrey: We've been sitting here for a week, trying to find a place to start… he's probably out there killing someone right now.

Mohinder: You saw what he is capable of, Ms. Hanson… we cannot simply rush into this unprepared.

Audrey: Look, the only reason I'm still here is because you may well be the only person who really gets what this guy can do… if I tried telling anyone at headquarters, I'd be fired on the spot and committed.

Mohinder: I understand that, but… think about it. You've been on this case for how long? And how far have you gotten? … It will take careful planning and a real understanding of this man if you want to have any hope of catching him.

(She leers at him and sighs with irritation, but pulls up a chair and sits)

Audrey: So… what are we gonna do that my team and I haven't already done?

Mohinder: I don't know… he could be anywhere… what do you know about his past?

Audrey: We've already covered that-

Mohinder: Please! Just… tell me.

Audrey: Well… we know that his real name is Gabriel Gray… he had a normal family… you know, mom and dad… but we don't really know much about them. His father is dead and his mother is just as elusive as her son.

Mohinder: Where does she live?

Audrey: Queens… she won't talk.

Mohinder: (ignoring her and standing, grabbing his bag and coat) We'll go see her… I need to know more about Gabriel.

Audrey: Why would you want to know the man who killed your father?

Mohinder: (stops moving and faces her) So I can know how he works… that's the only way we can stop him.

NEXT SCENE

(Claire and Angela still stand where we last saw them. Claire looks floored)

Claire: Wait… his niece?

Angela: (wiping her eyes, attempting to hide her instant of weakness) You didn't really believe that a man the age of Mr. Linderman-

Claire: Well, no… but… if Peter is my uncle…Nathan?

Angela: (smiling for the first time at her granddaughter) Yes.

Claire: (hyperventilating) But… he…

Angela: Turned you away? … Yes, I know… but you have to understand, Claire… there's a lot going on in his world right now-

Claire: The election.

Angela: Yes… among other things… (Seeing the hurt look on Claire's face, she touches her shoulder in an attempt to console her) Look at me, dear… Your father didn't even know you were alive until recently… the last thing he was prepared for was a daughter.

Claire: An illegitimate daughter.

Angela: He wants to protect you… keep you out of some of the less than safe things he's currently involved in-

Claire: He told you all this?

Angela: No, not exactly. But… I know my son. And I know that he would give the world for you… but right now… you need to stay hidden.

Claire: From the public.

Angela: From everyone. The public… Mr. Linderman… your father.

Claire: Because he doesn't want me-

Angela: Because he doesn't know where you are, and it needs to stay that way.

Claire: (backing away, looking slightly disgusted) Why?

Angela: (sighing) You ask too many questions.

Claire: You give bad answers.

Angela: (raises her eyebrows in surprise; though she looks somewhat amused) Well… you've got a sharp tongue, haven't you?

(Claire just glares at her)

Angela: I guess I shouldn't be surprised… it's a trait that's passed from generation to generation like intense eyes and winning smiles.

Claire: …I want to see Peter.

Angela: (looking confused) Claire…

Claire: I wasn't allowed at the funeral. I want to see him.

Angela: I'm sorry, darling… you cant. Not now.

Claire: (angry; starting to cry) Why not?! He was the only person who cared about me… I want to see him!

Angela: (holding Claire's shoulder's so they are face to face) Listen to me Claire! You must do as I say and stay hidden… In know you want to visit the cemetery, believe me. But I can't let you… not yet… I won't let you slip through my fingers after all this time; do you hear me?

Claire: (searches Angela's face for a moment before speaking) …Yes.

Angela: (Straightening up and looking at the Haitian) Your instructions are in that envelope (motions to an envelope on an end table beside him)… you must leave now. I don't know when Nathan and Heidi will be returning, and he can't know you were here.

Haitian: (standing and grabbing the envelope) Yes.

Angela: (turning back to Claire and smiling) You do as he tells you, understood?

(Claire nods)

Angela: (reaching out and touching her face) … you are just the most beautiful thing I have ever seen… Please, be careful.

(As she finishes, the Haitian starts out the door and Claire follows.

As she steps out the front door, she looks back at her grandmother; then closes it behind her.)

NEXT SCENE

(Nathan stands on the steps of a large building, surrounded by his campaign manager and employees, and in front of him is a large crowd made up of the press and onlookers. Heidi sits beside him.

He stands behind a podium with several microphones, and gazes out over the crowd looking melancholy)

Nathan: (stepping up to the microphones) Before I start, my family and I would like to thank you for being here today… It is, of course, terrible circumstances that have brought us all here, and I appreciate your concern in light of the situation.

Uh… as many of you know, last week, shortly after the announcement of my victory in the elections, a large portion of the city of New York was evacuated due to the homicidal rampage of Theodore Sprague…

Several others and myself were caught in the midst of the bombings, and before Mr. Sprague was killed, he succeeded in destroying several establishments, private property, and… his actions directly resulted in the deaths of two people-

TV Reporter 1: Mr. Petrelli… weren't there three people who died on the street that day?

Nathan: (looks slightly sick for a moment before continuing) Well… uh, yes… there, there were-

TV Reporter 2: And isn't it true that the third fatality was your brother?

Nathan: Yes… it is-

Print Reporter 1: Is it true that he committed suicide?

Nathan: (looks down at his hands) Uh, I'm not going to comment on that just yet-

TV Reporter 3: What were you doing on the street that day? Weren't you, of all people, evacuated from the area?

Nathan: Yes, I was… I was there because I thought my brother might still be inside the evacuation area and, against my better judgment, re-entered to try and find him.

(As the 'ask and answer' continues, we again see the entire crowd.

It is full of unfamiliar faces, all looking emotional; whether impressed, shocked, appalled, distraught, hopeful, or otherwise, they all watch Nathan with intent.

As we scan the crowd, a familiar face suddenly becomes visible to us.

Standing at the very back of the mass of people, with his arms crossed across his chest and a sort of half-smile on his face stands Peter, completely invisible to everyone around him.

For a short time he watches as his brother speaks, looking slightly amused, but eventually takes a deep breath and disappears down the street, not looking back)

END