Chapter 11: Us Against Them
The Company
Peter and Lazarus arrived at the company and discovered Claire and Toby waiting for them inside. Peter could see the worried look on Claire's face before they walked in. He felt remorse and it was eating at him that he got her involved in this giant mess.
"Peter!" She jumped up and hugged him tightly, "Thank god you're okay."
Peter was feeling worse by the minute, "I'm sorry Claire…I'm just glad you're okay."
She didn't understand what he was apologizing for, but when she looked up she noticed something happening to his cheek.
"You're bleeding," Claire tried to get closer look at his wound but Peter turned away from her.
He touched his cheek and his fingers were bright red with fresh blood. There was some pain, but it wasn't really enough to bother him. Peter walked over to the elevator to see his reflection.
"Degenerating…" he looked over at Lazarus, who was still standing by the door. "Look, it's happening to me too. It's your ability. When I started to feel…"
"Guilt?" she offered.
"Yeah…guilt." He turned to Claire, "for getting you involved in all of this."
"Don't Pete; I'm not a little girl. I made the decision myself and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I don't understand…what does guilt have to do with your cheek bleeding?"
He shrugged, "I'm not sure yet…but I think Lazarus's regeneration abilities have an opposite effect when it comes to feeling guilt. Instead of the body repairing itself it begins to break down."
"What sort of guilt could she possibly feel?" Claire spat causing Peter to take a step back.
"It's got nothing to do with her Claire, it's her ability. This is really serious if it's not controlled."
"Oh really? Maybe she can take Virgil's place in level 5, since she killed him and started this whole war," with that she glared a Lazarus.
Lazarus rolled her eyes, "shut up, I did the world a favor…you're welcome."
Peter sighed and led Claire into another room to talk to her, "let it be Claire…Lazarus and I had one hell of a day."
Claire pulled away from him, "That's no excuse…before Virgil found me I was in my dad's office and I found her files…How can you trust her? How can anyone? She's killed someone Peter, before Virgil. Did you know that? Not only that, she wants to kill more. She's not one of us. I still don't trust her Peter, she's freakn' crazy!"
Peter shook his head, "you're wrong about her Claire. She saved my life back there."
"Only 'cause they told her to! Look at what she did to Virgil…snap his neck? Who kills like that? I understand Virgil was a bad man but that is NOT how we deal with people. They should return her to the cell they found her in…"
Lazarus stood in the doorway and heard the whole conversation. Something in her snapped and she ran into the room, charging at Claire. Lazarus pushed Peter out of the way and she and Claire flew across the room and into a bookshelf.
"What do you think of me now, bitch!" she yelled as she pounded Claire left and right with punches...making her a bloody mess. "Shut. Up. You. Ignorant. Self-centered…"
Lazarus ended every word with a punch and Claire was unable to fight back from under her. She channeled all her anger into hurting Claire, even though she knew Claire was indestructible and couldn't feel pain. That just made her the perfect punching bag.
"I'm going to hit you until you feel what it's like!"
Peter recovered and was about to pull her off Claire when a shot came from the doorway. It didn't take long for Lazarus to fall over with a dart in her back.
"Peter take her to level 5," Angela ordered and gave him the gun, "take this just in case."
Peter glared at his mother and picked Lazarus up after taking the gun. He quietly left the room and disappeared into the elevator.
Angela made sure Claire was alright then gave her a stern look, "You need to watch your mouth Claire…it will get you in trouble around here. I know you care about your father and Peter, but that does not give you the right to talk about one of my agents like you did. Lazarus is a fragile case and your little stunt right has set back her progress. Whether or not she is right for the company is not your decision to make, Claire. As for sneaking around and reading classified documents…I'm disappointed and your father will be informed once he arrives."
Claire tried to speak but Angela left the room before she could fight back with a response. She shook her head and wiped the blood away from her nose. It made her wonder if Angela was watching the right video…couldn't she see Lazarus beating her to a pulp? Claire looked over at the camera that was in the corner of the room and sighed.
Level 5- Peter Petrelli
Peter placed the restraints on Lazarus and the monitors as company policy stated. They were not alone down there….other men and women with powerful and destructive abilities were in their own cells.
"This isn't right…you don't belong down here," he sighed to himself in frustration.
He sat down in a chair and looked at her, "Claire is just protective of her father and doesn't see past that. Don't worry….I'm sure Claire will come around eventually, you just can't give in to that urge. I'll talk to her and Noah will surely talk to her, but you have to help too. I think when Nathan died Claire started to become very protective of Noah and you not having a father…she must think you're trying to take her's or something…" Peter gave a short laugh, "Or I might just be reading too far into it."
Peter squeezed her hand, "I still feel horrible about the girl in New Orleans. If I had to do it again I wouldn't have gone down there…and even if I did, I wouldn't have taken Claire or Toby. Doesn't matter now…what's done is done. Just like Simone…Isaac shot her because he thought she was me. If Isabel hadn't touched me she wouldn't have fallen backwards…or maybe that wasn't even it, maybe she saw Virgil dead?"
He winced in pain as his fingers were degenerating in his gasp. "I need to get rid of this ability before the guilt destroys me…"
Peter let go of her hand and kissed her forehead, "At least now you don't have to worry about anyone screaming…I'll talk to Angela and get you out of here, don't worry."
He left level 5 and headed to his mother's office to talk to her.
Once the lights turned off in level 5, a tear went down Lazarus's cheek. She heard what Peter had said to her, even though he wasn't aware of it.
Angela was waiting in her office for Peter to visit. "Come in Peter..." she said after there was a knock on her door.
"Ma, level 5? Lazarus only acted that way because Claire set her off. I probably would have done the same..." he admitted.
"You were there Peter…she wasn't going to let Claire go, so I did what I thought was best. I've warned Claire and it shouldn't be a problem again. But sit Peter, we have much to talk about."
He took a seat in a large chair and looked across at her, "Like what?"
"Things have been forever changed. Virgil's men in Louisiana have waged a war against the world on behalf of those with abilities. We've seen this coming from the beginning, but back then we were able to contain what happened. Everyone was so afraid that no one acted out against what happened at Coyote Sands. Then again at Building 26, we were able to locate most of those that the government had captured and monitor them."
"Most? So those like Virgil slipped under the cracks I guess?"
"Virgil was on Flight 195 and survived the crash and escaped. He met some people who also escaped Building 26 and they banded together. I guess you didn't read his file as carefully as you thought when you broke into it."
Peter gave a heavy sigh and looked around, "I guess…I just forgot."
"Well. Even before Virgil's death they started using their abilities out in public, so there wasn't much of a connection to his death. It's already gone global; the press in Sydney are even talking about it. However, if we had managed to capture Virgil alive, we might have been able to convince them to stop. Right now we're trying to get everyone on our side to meet in New York and then we'll devise a plan together to stop them before they destroy all we've worked for."
For the first time since Nathan's funeral Peter noticed Angela was visibly shaken.
"Okay Ma." He was about to get up and leave, but he then remembered something else he needed to tell her. "Oh…There's something else, about Lazarus. I think the lab should take a look at her ability…It's not just regeneration like Claire, there's another side to it."
Angela raised a brow and gave her full attention.
"When we were at my apartment I was talking to her about what happened back at the hospital and her hands…they started falling apart and they weren't healing; they were degenerating right down to the bone. Then in the lobby when I was talking to Claire it happened to me too, I think it has something to do with intense emotions."
Angela stood up after she received a call, "I'll let the lab know and they'll run some tests." She gave Peter a hug, "Get some rest while you can, I'll call you if I need you."
Peter didn't feel reassured about Lazarus's new ability, but there really wasn't much they could do about it. He left her office and walked down the hall…he wasn't tired so he headed to one of the suites to take a shower.
Noah Bennet and Angela Petrelli
After arriving he met with Angela while Sylar and Natasha rested.
"Where's Claire?" He asked her.
"She's here somewhere. She got into a fight with your partner earlier and I told her to knock it off. She's mad at me, but she hasn't left the building. Lazarus in level 5 if you want to get her side, but there's something you must know first. Claire went into your office and looked at her files. She seemed really upset about what she found and Lazarus over heard her conversation with Peter and reacted. I put her in level 5 to let her cool down and also to be tested for changes to her DNA."
Noah was a bit overwhelmed with all that Angela was casually telling him. "Claire apologized to me when she called. We had a disagreement about this and that's why I need to speak with her. But what's this about Lazarus's DNA? What do you mean look for changes?"
"Peter said there is also a degenerative component. I've seen it before in those with regenerative abilities…it's a recessive trait meant to thin out the herd." Angela folded her arms, "Luckily her aggressive nature has been a tool in preventing this destructive ability. Usually people with that trait don't live very long after it manifests. Paperwork is in the works if you don't want to keep her as a partner, her immediate use has expired."
Noah sighed and thought about it, he thought about the anger he saw in her at the hotel in New Orleans over his notes…he thought about Claire and her distrust in her. Everything around him was telling him to let her go, yet he couldn't do it.
"That's not necessary; I don't mind having her as a partner. She has potential and I think I can get through to her."
"Very well. If she becomes too reckless I'll have no other chance but to take her out of the field." She checked her watch, "Kate's plane should be landing soon. I want Sylar to go alone; I need you to stay here in case there are new developments. The team I had watching Virgil's group is giving me updates about their movements."
Noah nodded, he didn't want to go anyway, and instead he left to talk to Claire.
It was in his office he found her sitting. She was in one of his chairs with her head resting on the back with her eyes closed.
Noah went in and stood in front of his desk looking at her, "I hear you got into a fight."
Claire rolled her eyes, "No, your psychopathic partner jumped me. I didn't throw a single punch! I swear. Peter was there…he saw her attack me."
"Well there must have been some reason she attacked you. And for your information Claire, she is not a psychopath, you have been misinformed."
"Have I? I read her file, Dad. I know what it says about her and she killed Virgil! That should be reason enough not to let her out of there." Claire had sat up and wasn't backing down.
"Those notes are not a reflection of her…Yes she killed Virgil, but only because he threatened Peter. She acted on instinct," Noah wasn't sure what to say to her, since nothing was going to change her mind at this point. "Just don't provoke her, that's all I ask. Come here and give me a hug, I'm just glad you're alright."
Claire stood up, "you didn't care…" she left his office.
Noah took off his glasses a moment to rub his eyes. He then decided to head down to level 5 and talk to Lazarus.
As he swiped his card and walked in he saw the lights were already on and someone was talking. Noah held back a moment to listen…it was Peter.
Peter sighed, "I caught a moment of the news…they're saying that the president is going to give an address. This is going to be bigger than Building 26. I don't know…I don't think people are going to accept us, they're gonna fear us. I just wish Nathan was here, he'd know what to do. He probably could have talked the president and somehow make this go away. I think my mom saw this coming and tried to stop it, but I know she won't tell me what she saw. I have her ability now and I'm gonna see what she saw."
Peter rested his head and felt movement in her arm, he immediately sat back up. "You're awake?"
Lazarus opened her eyes, "Yeah…actually I did when you left earlier. I decided to get some sleep...since I can't exactly go anywhere." She pulled up on the restraints.
"Yeah sorry about that…" Peter started to undo them when Noah came into the room.
"Leave them be Peter…I'll take care of them. Could you give us a moment?"
He was a little startled by Noah, since he hadn't heard him come in. "Uh yeah…sure. I'll see you around," he waved to her before leaving.
"I think he has feelings for me," she mused.
Noah gave a short laugh, "I think he does. You saved his life…"
"So?"
Noah sat down in the chair, "well, maybe I'm wrong…maybe he saw something else in you. You're a smart woman, independent, athletic, fearless, and you've overcome a lot of hardship. I think Peter might admire that and see a bit of himself too."
Lazarus gave a half a smile, "You think I'm smart?"
He nodded, "yes, I do; which is why I want us to stay partners. Angela has given me the option to change and I turned down her offer. I heard that you killed Virgil because he threatened Peter. That's trust. I want to regain your trust. Are you willing to let me back in?"
She silently nodded. "How about we start with letting me go?" Lazarus was frustrated about the restraints she had become accustomed to in the psych unit. "Just tell Claire to chill out. She deserved the beating…besides…she can take it, she can heal too. I just…wanted her to feel what I felt, the pain of hearing her talk about me like that to Peter. I reacted. I know Claire must hate me more now…oh well, I don't care."
Noah started undoing the restraints, "Yeah, Claire can be a handful sometimes, but she isn't perfect Lazarus. I know she can heal too, but that doesn't give you the right to hit her. Just don't go comparing yourself to her alright? Now, Sylar and Natasha have gone to meet Kate at the airport, so we..."
"Sylar's alright? Wait…the chick that did this to him is HERE?" she interrupted him.
Noah realized he had completely forgotten to tell her, "Yeah. Natasha learned the truth about Virgil and it turns out she was tricked with persuasion to carry out his plans. We brought her back because we could really use her insight into how to deal with these people."
Lazarus bit her tongue. The whole thing sounded fishy to her and really she wanted to hurt her for what she did to Sylar…but now it seemed everything was cool, so she tried to shrug it off.
"As I was saying, we need to start getting people on our side…people we've dealt with in the past. One of Virgil's men is good with computers…so we need to clean everything out and store it someplace safe. I don't know how much time we'll have before they find this place and once they do, we can't be too sure they won't come to steal information. Strength is in numbers and they've already got fear on their side. Our database has locations of millions of people."
"So….what do you want ME to do? I'm not the phone type. I can do stuff with computers though. You guys have external hard drives?"
Noah nodded, "I'll send someone to help you. Try and be as quick as possible and I'll call if anything changes."
He led Lazarus out of level 5 and walked with her to the computer room since she didn't have an access card. "Here it is…don't cause any trouble," he gave a half grin.
As he walked away he used the PA system to call Peter to the computer room. Noah was trying to do everything in his power to keep Lazarus out of trouble and to prevent Peter from using Angela's gift to get ahead in the game. Noah didn't know what the future held…but it was best that way. Knowing the future often meant making irrational decisions, a connection that took him a long time to discover.
Virgil's Plantation- Marek
While the others had started to pack, Marek was figuring out a plan. Quickly he gathered them together and told them to leave their things behind.
"We're teleporting to New York. I think it will be the fastest route and flights have grounded anyway. It's the only way guys, I'm sorry."
His hand was on his cell phone waiting for "the" call. This call was important because the information was needed to make their first bold move against their enemy. In the meantime, Marek sat on the arm of a couch…just inches away from where Isabel's life had ended. His eyes looked into the void space as if she was still lying there.
His phone started buzzing and he answered, it was her.
"Hello?"
"Hey Marek, I don't have much time, so we need to be quick. I'm at the airport with Zero and they suspect nothing. I've got the address you needed." The woman proceeded to give him the address of the company.
"Good. No one here knows either. I got the full police reports on Virgil and we have our targets. We're going to teleport there now and do our thing while you're still away…I need you to remain in position because we'll see need you undercover. Call me with an update later; I need to know whose still standing."
"Alright Marek. It's done."
He looked at the others and gathered then around again. "Listen up! We're leaving now and in order for this to work everyone must be touching."
Marek waited while everyone quickly gathered around and joined hands.
"Alright James…get us there in one piece and at a safe location."
James looked a little nervous about transporting so many people at one time. He closed his eyes and concentrated all his energy into taking them to New York.
The moment he opened his eyes they were surrounded by oak trees that began to spin. James fell backward into Mercedes's arms in exhaustion. Blood dripped down from his nose.
"Are you alright babe?" She gently lowered him down to the grass.
"Yeah. I did it," he smiled.
"You sure did," she smiled.
Marek and the others were taking in their surroundings...it was Central Park James teleported them to.
"This will do. Now, I'm dividing everyone into teams of five." Marek pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. "Each group has a leader you will be reporting to, that will then be reporting to me. Understood?"
The others nodded at him and paid close attention to who they were assigned to. There were four teams, each led by: Marek, James, Mercedes, and Omara. Original member Kim was in James' group and Mary was in Omara's group. Marek was sure to split companions because in times of war feelings should be casted aside and not impair judgment.
Marek looked at his group of four. There was Amanda, who could absorb and store abilities; Aaron, who could create illusions; and lastly Destiny, she had the ability of terrakinesis, which meant she could manipulate Earth. He chose this team in accordance to his purpose…it was a carefully thought out plan to make his first move against them.
"Let's start walking…" he told them after telling the others where to go.
James took his group to Times Square to start their wrath there. Omara's group was sitting this one out, so they stayed in Central Park and waited for word. Lastly, Mercedes's group headed underground to the subways.
"Destiny…this will be your show. There is a building I need you to bring down. Demolish it. Those people are responsible for what happened to your family and they hurt mine too. Now Aaron, I need you to create an illusion of the building for those outside. You said you were strong right?"
Aaron looked up at Marek, "Yes sir, I've created an entire town before. Masking the building will not be a problem; however, I can't control the sound of an imploding building. People will hear it."
"I know. I just don't want anyone coming to their rescue that's all." He turned to Amanda, "Now you are special, with a special task. I need you to bring me anyone that escapes. But I will be moving first to see if they have any information that would be of use to us. From what I understand they are networked to somewhere else…if we find that network we can get all the information we need easier."