Jimmy turned off the headlights as he slowly inched down the foundry road; he stopped the truck about a half a mile away and killed the engine. The two teenagers just stared at the run down building in the distance.
"Now what?" Jimmy asked after a few moments. Linda took a deep breath and got out, closing the door quietly behind her; Jimmy quickly scrambled out of the truck and joined her as she tiptoed down the dirt road.
"You're actually going through this?" Jimmy asked, his voice barely audible, his eyes adjusting quickly to the dark; the only light shone down from the moon, but it was just enough to see any large rocks that might be a hazard.
"We're already going to be in big trouble for sneaking out and taking Dad's truck," Linda whispered back. "Maybe if we actually find Superman, they might not be so upset."
Jimmy snorted. "Yeah, sure," he said, slightly sarcastic, "believe that all you want." Linda quickened her pace, and the young man found himself trotting to keep up with her. They were silent for the rest of the way to the building, sneaking around the exterior until the found a door. Even in the dim light, both teenagers could see the door leaning against the frame, and the knob had been crushed; the two glanced at each other nervously.
"Nice call," Jimmy said softly.
"Thanks," Linda replied, trying to sound calm. She stared at the door, squinting slightly. There was a white flash, and her vision changed to X-ray. She could see past the door into the rest of building and did a quick scan of the area, noticing some of the objects she couldn't see through. Lead, she thought, as she continued looking around. She quickly spotted two figures, one standing half-hidden behind a lead object, and another sprawled on the floor. Linda glanced briefly over at Jimmy, wondering how she was going to get rid of him.
"Jimmy, we need to get the police," Linda said after a few seconds.
"Come again?" Jimmy asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Police," Linda repeated. "We need to get them."
"Why?" Jimmy asked, confused. "What happened to doing this ourselves?"
"Uh, well," Linda replied slowly, "we did find them." Jimmy looked a little unconvinced, and she sighed. "Look, Jimmy, if Rudy Jones is in there, then we're going to need help, right?"
Jimmy appeared unsure, but he shrugged. "Okay," he said. "Let's go get them together."
"No," Linda said quickly. Jimmy furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh, I mean…maybe I should stay here and you go get the police?"
"Why me?" Jimmy asked. "This is your town; the police know you better."
"Yeah, but I don't know how to drive," Linda pointed out. "If by some lucky chance I make it there without damaging the truck, they're going to keep me there."
"Who says they won't hold me there when I show up?" Jimmy retorted. "What if your dad reported the truck stolen?"
"Given the circumstances," Linda replied, "he probably hasn't." As least, I hope not. "He's probably waiting for us back at the farm."
"Great," Jimmy muttered. "All things considered, I think I'd rather deal with the police over your father."
"Does that mean you'll get them?" Linda asked.
Jimmy glanced at Linda; he was tempted to say no, but he sighed and nodded. "Fine, I'll go," he replied.
"Make sure you find the Sheriff," Linda said. "His name is Pete Ross; tell him we found Superman, and that I'm here waiting…he'll know what to do."
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Jimmy added. He put a hand on her shoulder, looking serious. "Please don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."
"I won't," Linda said sincerely.
Jimmy stared at her for a few seconds before he appeared satisfied. He trotted back towards the truck; Linda watched him get in the truck and drive off. She waited until he was out of sight before she faced the damaged door of the old building.
"And if I didn't have superpowers," Linda added as she removed her glasses, "this really would be stupid." She tucked them into her back pocket before carefully picking up the door and setting it aside; she took a deep breath and cautiously made her way in.
Superman had to fight to keep his eyes open; he tried focusing his thoughts, but he was too weak. Rudy stood at the far side of the foundry, working to master his new abilities; Superman could tell the fugitive was quickly learning control. Movement out of his left peripheral caught Superman's attention; he slowly craned his head, and his eyes widened a little when he saw Linda quietly sneaking over.
"Hi," she whispered as she knelt beside him. "You okay?"
"How did-," Superman started, but then he stopped, looking stunned. "It actually worked, didn't it?"
Linda nodded. "Yeah, but you gotta work on your volume control. Come on, let's get out of here." She positioned herself and reached under her cousin's arm.
"Hey!" The two looked up and saw Rudy glaring at them. He quickly blurred over, stopping about ten feet from them towering over them; he glared at the young girl. "Who the hell are you? How did you find this place?"
"Leave her alone, Rudy," Superman replied hoarsely, "she's no one."
"Now, why don't I buy that?" Rudy asked as he slowly walked over, stopping a few feet away. Suddenly, he furrowed his eyebrows, then slowly grinned. "Man, oh, man, this is my lucky day. Two for the price of one."
"What are you talking about?" Superman asked.
"The girl from Metropolis," Rudy replied, never taking his eyes off the young girl. "Heard about her in the papers." He looking her up and down appreciatively, whistling softly. "Definitely cuter in person." He took a step toward Linda. "Come on, honey, let's have a kiss." He opened his mouth wide, and Superman and Linda blanched when they saw the grotesque, leech-like features instead of normal teeth.
"I'd rather kiss a Bloodmorel," Linda said, frowning.
Rudy looked confused, then pretended to be insulted. "Aw, too fast?" His features hardened as he moved slowly toward her. "I can settle for holding hands instead."
"Hold this," Linda replied before she thrust her hand out, palm facing Rudy. The fugitive flew backwards into the air, landing hard onto the ground fifty feet away, stunned. Linda raised his eyebrows, a little surprised; she slowly glanced at her cousin, who also appeared startled.
"Nice hit," he simply said.
"Thanks," Linda replied, surprised; she couldn't believe that it had actually worked. She slowly smiled proudly as she started to stand, but Superman reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Don't let him touch you," he reminded her.
"Don't plan on it," Linda replied before standing up; her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Rudy getting to his feet. She was relieved her new power seemed to be working properly—finally—but a tiny doubt in the back of her mind, like she really had no business doing; she quickly pushed it aside. No turning back now, girl, she thought as she tried to appear confident and sure of herself, hoping that Rudy wouldn't know just how scared she truly was.
Rudy rubbed his head, trying to get the ringing to stop. "What the hell?" he mumbled as he slowly looked over. The girl stepped toward him, stopping ten feet in front of Superman; she stared at Rudy with a determined expression on her face. The fugitive would have laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation if she hadn't…he didn't even know what she had done to him. All he did know what that he wanted it—and she was going to pay.
Remember what Dad said, Linda thought as Rudy charged her. Just focus. She held up her right hand, palm out, and Rudy suddenly stopped as if he'd hit an invisible wall. He tried moving, but it felt like he was bound with invisible ropes; he couldn't even wiggle his fingers.
Linda felt her muscles tense as she held Rudy in place, her arms shaking slightly. She knew she couldn't keep him there forever, so she took a deep breath and flung her hand to the side. Rudy violently flew through the air and slammed into the wall, denting it before falling to the ground.
Breathing hard, Linda put her hands on her knees, hoping Rudy would stay down; she watched him for a few seconds. He didn't move, and the young girl appeared relieved, but it was short-lived as Rudy slowly got to his feet, glaring straight at her.
"So, you wanna play like that, huh?" he growled. He squinted his eyes, and two heat beams shot out. Linda's eyes widened, and she reflexively threw her hands up to protect her face, turning her head and tensing for the burn. After a few seconds, she slowly opened her eyes as she realized she wasn't getting hurt. She slowly looked over and saw the beams stopping a couple inches in front of her; she could feel the heat against her hands, but the actual beams were being deflected.
Linda's arms and legs started shaking, and she desperately wanted to drop the invisible shield she'd created and rest, but she knew she couldn't. She squeezed her eyes tight, focusing harder than she could ever remember, tapping into the deepest part of her abilities. With a loud shout, she threw her hands forward, sending a wave of telekinetic energy throughout the entire structure.
Rudy flew backwards and crashed into the far wall, falling to the floor; a second later, pieces of steel girders and loose machinery and equipment sailed past Linda. As Rudy stood, he was pelted like young crops in an unrelenting hailstorm. He still had enough of his abilities intact to deflect some of the incoming missiles, but he didn't see the large piece of girder until right before it slammed into his face. He stood, stunned for a moment before his eyes rolled back and he fell forward onto the floor, unconscious.
(End of Chapter 11)