The Waywards
Twenty-Eight.
Rudy stood before his older brother, in the abandoned home. The moments of their life swirled about his head, but he knew Ty couldn't see any of it. Ty stopped caring about family the day he donned the mask of villain. Rudy hadn't had an older brother in years. He watched his brother's lips twitch before they transformed into a pleased smile.
"What are you doing standing in my way Rudy? I know you don't want to really fight me."
Rudy scoffed. "You said it yourself. I haven't seen you in thirteen years. What do you know about me anymore?"
"Plenty," he stated. "Do you still stick your nose in other people's business? I thought your visions would have gotten you in trouble by now."
The shorter male snorted. "Shut up Ty!"
Ty glared. "Don't raise your voice with me. I'm still years ahead of you brother."
Rudy ignored Ty's comment. Quickly, he bolted forward, fist raised. Ty disappeared from sight. Rudy ran ahead, a frown on his lips. A strong force connected with his back. He grunted, moving forward.
"I don't remember you being this fast?" Rudy spat, eyes set on the creatures holding Ty's arms.
"My creatures move me out of harms away," Ty remarked, petting the shadowy creatures.
Rudy grunted. He analyzed his hands and winced at the peeled skin upon his palms. He ignored the pain, and focused on Ty. He knew Ty had grown considerably powerful since their last real encounter thirteen years ago. Before, all Ty could conjure were the beastly dogs. The mangled zombie like creatures were a new addition. It was worrisome. Rudy knew how Ty made his creatures. The elder male had told him with an excited voice. Ty was happy with his power, but Rudy was frightened.
"Hiding behind your creatures still?" Rudy laughed. "I'm disappointed."
"I still kicked you didn't I?" Ty glared. "I don't need them to fight you. I'm sure you remember who won most of our sparring matches in the past."
Rudy tensed.
"Look," Ty smirked. "Forget this goody nonsense. Don't you see you are wasting your time? That ungrateful mayor stated things would get worse. He didn't say for who. He said every single wayward. You want to save a city that he runs?"
Rudy bit his lip.
"I'm still your older brother," he stated, eyes soft. "I've saved you countless of times. From bullies, the neighbors, and the city we used to live in. You know Seaford's secrets Rudy. Seaford doesn't give a new life to people with powers. Seaford takes lives. And it continues to take lives. I've seen it take lives."
Memories of all the information drifted through his mind. Tiffany indirectly helped him unearth every dirty truth Seaford held. Most the deaths were inexperienced teens. The list of the missing intensified with each day. Seaford was rotten at the core, but this wasn't the way to do it. He knew his brother had it all wrong.
"You knew someone who died?" Rudy whispered.
Ty grunted. "Never mind, I don't know why I'm trying to reason with you. You moved out and ignored my good advice."
Rudy sighed. "Ty –"
"It is over Rudy. You made your choice and I've made mine," Ty stood firm, a smirk back on his lips. "Consider me your enemy."
One of the zombies charged forward. Despite the zombie like appearance, it didn't move like the undead. He groaned at the impact, but stood his ground. Sharp silver teeth latched onto his right arm. A scream bottled within his throat, but he refused to give his brother the upper hand. The beast erupted into flames, embers licked at the shadowy figure. When one exploded into strips of black strings, another replacement charged.
"Give up Rudy," Ty shouted.
A punch landed on his right cheek. His vision grew dark for a few seconds. A burst of bright light assaulted his briefly disoriented self. Another fist made contact, but he encased his body in flames. A shout left Ty's lips. He backed away.
"So you've grown up as well," Ty remarked, his scorched hand in his right pocket. "I remember when you could barely handle your own fire."
Rudy smirked, he bolted his fist surrounded by flames. Ty may have creatures on his side, but when they were gone, all he had left was his fighting ability. Rudy could tell he barely trained from his sloppy fighting. He landed his second punch on the older male. Hopefully, the others had better luck than him.
Jack huffed, almost out of breath, as they continued their journey down the hall. Milton took a detour without their knowledge. He was concerned with the redhead's absence. His friend left him with a single message. Milton knew exactly where Kim's parents were being held.
"Milton and my parents will be okay?" Kim asked, pieces of hair stuck to her forehead by a thin layer of sweat.
Jack gave her a smile of assurance. He was certain Milton would be victorious. His powers were a lot further along than before. For a brief second, he turned his gaze to Jerry. The teen hadn't wished to talk about what happened in the alley yet. He was pleased to know Jerry had handled his power the best he could. He didn't know what he would have done if Jerry continued with his plans for Chester. He shuddered at the thought.
"Hey! I see Milton!"
Jack glanced at Eddie and then continued to look ahead. A wide grin of relief spread across his lips. A couple feet away Milton, Kim's parents, stormed down the hall with a black dragon. Jack's eyes narrowed at the unwanted addition.
"Stand down Jack," Milton chuckled. "Brody is on our side."
"A Black Dragon on our side?" Taylor questioned. "How are we supposed to believe that?"
Jack nodded in agreement, a little weary. Taylor had a good point. Black Dragons couldn't be trusted. He analyzed Milton's facial features. Milton seemed certain so he calmed down.
"Brody!" Kai shouted. "I knew you were garbage. I just didn't know you were this much garbage. What are you doing with that guy?"
Guilt flashed across Brody's face. Jack glanced at his cousin, eyes wide. Kai launched a fist at Brody. The teen staggered back, his hand upon his jaw. Jack's mouth hung open at the sight. He had never seen the Black Dragons attack each other.
"Kai, please," the teen remarked.
"Shut up, you traitor!" he glared. "What the heck are you doing?"
Jack turned his attention to the hall on their right. The group stood in the middle of an unexpected intersection. He looked to his cousin, slightly shocked by the violence.
"Kai, listen, Ty isn't you who think he is," Brody promised. "We have to stop fighting. We all have to. Not just because of the city, but it is dangerous. We aren't a strong as we should be. I could heal you, but I just don't think my power will reach something as important as the soul."
"Soul? What the heck are you talking about?" he hissed. "Listen up traitor! I'm going to pound you into the ground, then I'm going to scrape you off and pound you again. You garbage trash!"
Before he could strike again, Milton blocked him. Unstable laughter left the shorter teen's lips. Jack's frown deepened at the display. Had his cousin finally lost it? He knew the stress of their lifestyle would get to them eventually. He wondered if Kai finally realized all his wrongs.
"I would have never seen the day," he shook his head. "Move redhead, for once this isn't about you and your punk team. This is between me and him."
Brody shook his head. He took off in a sprint. Jack watched as his cousin followed closely behind. Milton sighed.
"We have to help Brody," Milton urged.
"Mom? Dad?"
Kim rushed to her parents. Jack grinned at the quick family reunion. Their happiness was what he wished for. He didn't know what to expect after the entire battle but he was pleased that the family was back together.
"I hate to break up this reunion, but we aren't alone," Jerry shouted.
All halls but one were swarming with creatures. Jack pointed ahead. Everyone got the message. They decided to run from the creatures. They were capable of fighting off the shadow demons, but it would take too much energy. They had to save what they had left for Ty. Ty would be their greatest opponent.
Kai was furious. He ran after Brody, a fire in his eyes. He knew where the traitor was headed, Ty. The puke was going to ruin everything. Despite his labored breaths, he increased his speed, a trait he had taken from a young powered teen a while back. He heard the shouts and screams from the outside as he ran. If they didn't win, surely the town's disarray would bring Seaford down for them.
Kai confessed to being concerned. He wanted the money still, but he didn't need Seaford to get it. Other cities had opportunities. Ty obviously wanted to destroy the city. Kai was all for destruction. Once Seaford fell, he'd pick up his team, boot Ty out, and continue with their usual form of business. Ty wasn't necessary after their victory. He pondered it as he ran. Then again, he would probably let the adult stick around. Their funds increased due to the older man's presence. Kai would be an idiot not to keep him around.
He watched Brody charge toward a back door and out into the late afternoon. Ahead two zombie creatures blocked Brody. Kai reached the area and was shocked to see the brothers' fight at a standstill. Why were they stopping? What was going on?
"Brody! Get the heck away from Ty," he growled. "You don't know what you are doing? Ty is going to destroy this place. It is exactly what we want."
"No," Brody answered, eyes on the creatures hissing. "You don't understand. Kai, he has been stealing energy from us for almost a month now. That is why we've been tired, but you never noticed. As long as the money didn't decrease, you didn't care. If we continue to stay with him, we will die."
"I don't care for your drama," he stated inches from Brody and the creatures.
He noticed Rudy's eyes on him. He scoffed.
"Ty, you've been taking energy from children?" Rudy frowned. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Energy?" Kai snorted. "That is a load of crap. Why would he want to weaken us for? We have the best powers around. He would never be able to achieve this alone. He needs us. I know he is useless without us. Without us all he has are dumb puppets."
"No, you don't get it," Brody argued. "He never cared. As long as we served our purpose he'd probably take all our power in the end. And then leave us for dead. Remember he said there are replacements? Kai, I think he does this everywhere he goes!"
Kai turned to the male, eyes set on him. Certainly, he looked unstable, but in the face of victory one could lose them self. He admitted a successful threat often brought him a sense of euphoria. He enjoyed power and money.
"You don't see what I see," Brody continued. "I won't be able to heal any of you after this. What he did is irreversible. All we can do is make sure we don't let him get near us again. We may not heal completely, but we have to stay away from him. We'll get even worse if we don't."
"Don't worry about healing," Ty snickered. "There are people on our side with your same power and they aren't pathetic like you."
Kai smirked, he turned his attention to his teammates. Frank and Carson joined them, no longer distracted by their own side fights. He grinned at the sight. Their victory was so close.
"I won't let you do this Ty," Brody shouted.
Kai frowned at the sight of his cousin and their friends approaching. Soon they arrived outside, ready to fight. He watched the creatures around Ty stir. It didn't matter. Ty was powerful and with the Black Dragons, they would be unstoppable. He watched Milton pull Brody back. Kai chuckled at the display. Brody had chosen his side.
He walked toward Ty. Frank and Carson joined the adult on his other side. He noticed Ty smirk at them, but ignored the gesture.
"And what is this? The mayor and his wife safe and sound? Let me fix that," Ty announced.
Mangled creatures appeared on either side of the couple. Their grotesque arms grabbed the adults and disappeared. Soon they reappeared near Ty and them. The mayor and his wife were trapped again. Kai couldn't wait to destroy the city and have them thrown out. He'd like to see them survive with barely anything.
He felt Ty grab his wrist. He glared at the male's sudden gesture. Was that supposed to be for comfort? He pulled his arm away. He didn't do comfort. Ty gave him a grin before he turned to the others. A dizzy spell blanketed Kai, but disappeared seconds later.
"Citizens of Seaford," Ty announced.
Kai grinned as he noticed a few more of their supporters knocking out the other side.
"Consider your city done for," Ty cackled. "It is over. Give in or suffer while the walls come tumbling down."
A few more zombie like creatures manifested from thin air. Kai grinned. Jack and his friends had no choice, but to submit. After his pesky cousin and friends were out of the way, they were going to bring the rest of the town down with them.
Rudy winced at the shouts of terror from further away. He knew the city was crumbling around them. How had such a peaceful city fallen to its knees?
"Seaford is in my control and I'm going to destroy it," Ty announced.
"Ty," Rudy stated, concern laced in his words.
Rudy's eyes grew wide. Red liquid trailed from Ty's nostrils down his chin. He analyzed the male's face, but noticed he was unfazed by his sudden nose bleed. His cackles only increased.
"Ty, you are bleeding."
Despite the state of the city, Rudy still cared for his brother. In the past, he spent half of his time keeping close tabs on his brother in the media. He watched out for his older brother on the news. He wanted any updates at all, anything to know his brother was somewhat okay.
"Don't be alarmed, brother," he stated. "Nosebleeds are nothing new. Honestly, I just use them as an indicator of how victorious I am. Obviously, I'm very victorious"
"You always get nose bleeds?" Rudy questioned, eyes focused on the blood.
"No need to worry for nothing brother. You should worry more about what will happen to you and your little friends."
"Don't be dumb Ty," Rudy barked. "Every day nosebleeds aren't good and you know it."
"Dumb? I'm brilliant!" Ty hollered.
A gasp drifted into the sky. Rudy turned toward the mayor and his wife. The creatures erupted into nothing. He watched Kim rush toward them.
"Ty," Rudy growled. "You are delusional. I think the power is hurting you more than helping you."
Ty narrowed his eyes. He wiped a hand across his nostrils. The older male analyzed his blood splattered palm. His lips stretched into a smile, red staining his white teeth.
"Don't worry your pretty head, it will stop," Ty promised. "And so will you."
The creatures let out a deafening wail. A chorus of screams filled the sky. Rudy analyzed each area. He watched Ty turn toward another direction. Rudy took a single step forward, but then moved back. He couldn't stop his brother even if he tried. They had more important things to do.
Kim's parents stood on either side of her. She surveyed the scene. Ty and all the Black Dragons except one turned away. She frowned at the sight of the other Black Dragon that didn't join the group.
"Please," Brody begged. "Don't go with him. Carson! Frank! You know I'm not lying. Carson, he'll listen to you! Tell Kai no. Ty will drain you all and leave you behind."
Carson gave Brody a brief look. For a few seconds, the look of consideration flashed across his face but it was over. The creatures around them grabbed the boys' arms and Ty. Within seconds, they disappeared. Kim's eyes widened. Ty and the boys were gone, but the creatures remained. She watched Brody fall to his knees. Her heart went out to the boy. The Black Dragons had been together for a year. They came to Seaford as a team. They must be a connection between them.
"No," Brody shouted. "No!"
"Hey, Brody, listen," Milton remarked. "We have to focus on the now."
Kim turned to her parents. Milton was right. She backed away from them.
"Where are you going?" her father shouted. "You can't be trying to help these things?"
Kim crossed her arms, as the creatures continued their attack.
"Yes, I will help, because if you didn't notice," she gestured around. "A lot of the people you've oppressed well they are fighting for Seaford, our city. Even if you treated them like dirt."
Her father looked around, there was resistance in his eyes, but she promised she saw somthing else for a few seconds. She didn't give him enough time to showcase all his emotions. She ran toward the others. Three creatures surrounded Jack. She launched a fist at one and it instantly dispersed into tiny pieces.
"They are weakening," Jack answered, exhausted from the fight. "I think what Rudy was saying is right. Ty can't handle the power. I mean it must be a lot for him. He sent so many creatures out into the city."
Kim nodded, back to back with Jack. They were suddenly surrounded.
"There are a lot of them. This is ridiculous, how can one guy produce all this?" Kim questioned.
Jack bit his lip. "He can't."
Kim covered her mouth with her hand. Tears welled in her eyes. Ty may be psychotic but he was Rudy's older brother. What Jack implied truly made her sad. After she knocked out a few more creatures, she looked to Rudy who fought just as hard. Did he know? He had to know what it all meant.
"They are brother's Kim," Jack reminded, as they rushed to help Jerry. "And –I just don't think Ty understood that."
She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Well – enough about that. We are going to clear out this town of all his nasty creature things. I'm getting tired of them."
Jack gave her a soft grin. "I defiantly underestimated you."
Kim turned her head away to hide the faint reddening of her cheeks. She refocused her thoughts and energy on the task at hand.
Mangled zombies surrounded Jerry on all sides. He gave himself an internalized pep talk before he launched his fist at one of the creatures. A hiss left the pale thin lips of the creature. He noticed razor sharp silver teeth displayed in their mouths. He winced at the dangerous incisors. He wondered how he got himself in this situation. A boney limb clothed in black swiped at his midsection. He stepped back a few centimeters.
He analyzed his situation. There was no way these human like things would be affected by his persuasion. He settled for his second ability. He allowed his body to hover from the ground. The creatures raised their deathly arms, but were unable to grab at his feet. A large grin spread across his lips. It was good to know the things couldn't leave the ground. He landed in a cleared area and scanned the scene.
Milton was caught up in his own battle. He turned his direction toward him. He'd help Milton out. He flew over toward the redhead. A horde of devastating creatures closed in on Milton. He dropped from the sky and shot through the creatures which exploded on impact. He grabbed Milton and they soared over head.
"Jerry?" Milton shouted, eyes wide. "How? Where did you come from?"
"Never mind that, where are Jack and Kim?"
Milton was speechless, but sent his answer through his thoughts. Jerry nodded and redirected their destination. He found Jack and Kim fighting their way through their own group of creatures. Jerry placed Milton to the ground and landed himself. Jack and Kim's opponents exploded seconds later.
"I see you both are doing well," Jerry grinned, a bright smile on his lips.
"Jerry, Milton," Jack stated through labored breathes. "Good. I'm glad to see you are both okay."
"I think the creatures Ty left are weakening," Milton shared. "Jerry destroyed some on impact."
"Yes they are, eventually they should all disappear right?" Jack questioned.
Milton nodded. "Yes, Ty's power is overwhelming him as we speak."
Jerry cheered, arms raised in excitement. He surveyed the scene around them. A few more creatures burst into black threads. They were disappearing, leaving their opponents exhausted and confused. Soon, Ty's awful plan to destroy Seaford would be over.
"Let's find Eddie and Rudy!"
The teen agreed and headed over.
Eddie knew they were in over their head. He and the man called Rudy were surrounded by the zombie like creatures. He set his palms out, freezing a couple of them. Instantly, the ice cracked and the creatures were no more.
"You have an excellent mastery of your power," Rudy smiled.
"Thanks," Eddie beamed.
Eddie had truly gotten to know Rudy through their shared fight. It was nice to meet such a kind and understanding adult other than his parents and Phil. A figure bolted through the fray. A few creatures burst into black strands and blew away. He beamed at Kim, Jack, Milton, and Jerry.
"Boys," Rudy called out. "Good to see you all safe. I'm glad you are okay Kim."
Kim laughed. "Me too."
"I think we'll have the last of these creatures gone soon," Rudy informed them.
Eddie glanced beyond them. The creature's presence diminished around them. It was clear that Ty's control was slipping. He nodded to his companions before he continued to freeze more creatures. He watched Taylor appear on his right. She gave one of the creatures on his right a kick to the stomach. He didn't know the creature was so close.
"Thank me later," Taylor winked, and then disappeared.
He nodded, slightly out of breathe. Just before him, one of the last creatures received a mighty punch from Jack. One by one the remaining creatures erupted. Over a million black strands floated upward. A sigh of relief left his lips. He frowned at the destruction the fight caused. He spotted a few figures lying motionless upon the grounds, wounds prominent on their skin. He winced at the sight before him. He only hoped they were simply unconscious.
A short teen hovered over one of the fallen supporters upon the ground. His palms glowed a dark forest green. Eddie focused on the phenomenon. He watched Milton rush toward the scene. He couldn't hear the conversation from a far, but he could tell it was a bad one. An exhausted sigh left his lips. He massaged his own shoulders as he surveyed the rest of the damages.
"Eddie you were great."
He turned to Taylor, his good friend. She threw her arms around him. He smiled warmly, patting her back. He could tell she was concerned by her tight grip on him. It was a nerve wracking experience. He knew.
"We are okay Taylor," he remarked.
She nodded. "Of course we are."
He watched her turn her attention toward Kim and Jack. A tiny smile fell across her lips.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Eddie frowned deeply, but pushed his confusion aside. He was eager to get as far away from this place as he could.
Brody couldn't hear Milton. Tears blurred his vision as he stared at his illuminated palms. He gritted his teeth. First, he couldn't save his fellow Black Dragons and then he couldn't help some of the fallen powers. What was he even good for? A frustrated growl escaped his lips.
"Listen to me carefully, Brody," Milton called out. "Don't be hard on yourself. I'm sure they'll be fine. Ask for you? You are exhausted. You can't use your power now. You need to relax. Take a deep breathe."
He shook his head fiercely. He should be able to force himself to heal others. If he concentrated, he was sure he could extend his healing power. The older male before him counted on him. There were so many tragic forms, calling out for his help. He had to save them. A warm hand settled on his shoulder. The skin of the fallen man began to turn a dangerous red color. His powers were hurting him not helping him. He covered his mouth with a shaking right hand. He had to save him.
"Brody."
He looked to the red head. Warm thoughts of encouragement wrapped his otherwise troubled mind. After a few seconds of protest, he allowed Milton's thoughts to wash over him. He accepted the peace as he was pulled to his feet. The sound of police and ambulance sirens rushed toward his ears. He recognized the disaster relief personnel and knew the extent of the situation.
"Come on," Milton smiled.
Brody nodded, moisture settled in his eyes. He turned his attention back to the man. Ragged breathing left man's pale lips. Paramedics arrived seconds later, lifting the man onto a stretcher. He turned away from the scene, green palms stuffed in his pockets. He would be of no use to anyone right now. He winced as he spotted a few teen supporters of Ty. They struggled against the police officers, hands cuffed behind their back.
"Traitor," a tall teen hissed. "You are a freaking traitor!"
Milton guided him away. He was thankful for the escape. He was glad he helped Milton and his friends out. Deep within his heart, he felt like he betrayed the Black Dragons. Either way his situation was an odd one. Where would he go? He was no longer a Black Dragon. His companions abandoned him. He was certain they didn't care what became of him.
"What now," Brody asked, voice unsteady from tiredness.
"Not sure," Milton sighed, eyes set on two figures in the distance.
Brody turned his attention to Milton's direction. He looked beyond the taller male at the sight of the Mayor and his wife. He winced. Who knew what their futures would be like? He silently prayed for the best.
Jack wiped the sweat from his forehead. He surveyed the ambulance, fire trucks, and police cars scattered around them. He looked to Kim, who stood a few centimeters from her parents. She hugged her family tightly. He chuckled lightly at the display. Her bright smile put a bigger smile on his face. Blonde hair bounced around as she jumped for joy.
Slowly, he inched toward the family reunion. Kim noticed his arrival and instantly grabbed his hand. His eyebrows rose into his hairline at the sight of the contact. The warmth of her hand created an odd feeling in him. He shook his head, dispelling his confused thoughts.
"I have to be honest," Mayor Chuck began. "I was going to round all of the powers up and put them in jail or throw them out of Seaford."
Kim paused. Jack wasn't surprised by the admission. It was obvious even during the fight, that Mayor Chuck still didn't trust them. If anything the destruction probably increased his worry. He couldn't blame him completely.
"Sir, we gathered some of the more troubling powers like you said," the burly officer shared. "Should we gather all the powers?"
"Before I would have said yes," he commented. "Now – I'm not quite sure. Just take the ones I've described away."
The male nodded his head firmly. Quickly, he headed toward his car where he radioed his team for further back up. A good portion of Ty's followers were unconscious. A few supporters escaped before the true fight began. Others followers struggled against the tight hold of the police.
"Dad, please," Kim begged. "Jack, Jerry, Milton, Taylor, and Eddie saved you both today. There are so many people with powers that fought hard today."
Jack watched the mayor's lips twitch on either side before a full blown smile stretched across his features. Mayor Chuck pulled his daughter into a hug, moisture in his eyes. He whispered his fears to his wife and child. Jack knew he was still shaken. He could imagine their conversation. After a few seconds, he let Kim go.
"We have much to discuss," Mayor Chuck suggested. "But not today. Today I'm tired. Tomorrow we will talk."
Jack nodded, shocked that the statement was directed at him. He watched Kim's mother weep over her as they hugged. He turned from the family eyes set on his companions. Discolored bruises rested along Jerry and Milton's face. He turned his attention to the shorter boy, eyes narrowed.
"Brody broke from his group, Jack," Milton promised. "He chose our side. He isn't a Black Dragon anymore."
Jack nodded, eyes focused on Jerry and Milton. He didn't know what they'd do about Brody, but he decided to follow the mayor's example. They'd worry about it all tomorrow. His attention went toward Kim's direction. Their eyes made contact as a golden smile fell across Kim's lips. Yeah, they'd discuss everything tomorrow.
Hey Everyone! Wow, so much happened in this chapter! It was a lot of fun to write this chapter. My favorite scene was the one between Rudy and his brother right before his brother left. It was a difficult scene to write but I believe it came out nicely.
The next chapter will be the last one. I know, the very last chapter. I have to review it a couple of times, but I promised it will be up a lot sooner than the previous chapters. The next chapter is 20% (estimated) of the way done.
Feel free to let me know what you think, good or bad. I'm interested to know how you felt about this chapter!
Once again, I want to thank all of you for supporting this story. It means a lot to me! Thanks again to those who read, follow, favorite, and review. You all will always be the best!
Until Next Chapter,
Bye
