~Chapter 6:
Project Psycon~
Within the boundaries of Crossworld Forest, a brutal assault from Horatio Hart ensued. The never ending gang like beat down resulted in a scorch of bruises on the professor's face. Grimlord grabbed him by the collar of his shirt looking to demand some answers.
"You don't realize just how much it means to us. I know damn well you have the information we need for those armor suits," he ranted.
"Master Grimlord, you've already punished him enough. Ease the beating on the professor and just ask where he stored them," Strickland pleaded. Despite going forth with their plan, he could only witness so much pain for Horatio to endure.
"Why should I bother? I rather have you destroy me this instant than letting you in on the details," said Horatio barely able to speak.
"Silence, this has been waging far more times I can count. If you don't give me a straight answer by the time we leave, you will endure something far worse than death," Grimlord threatened him.
"Let me check his briefcase." Strickland took this opportunity to unseal the briefcase belonging to Horatio. Skimming through a pile of documents, an unfortunate sense of failure was justified based on his expression.
"I knew it was too good to be true," he mumbled before letting out a sigh of disappointment.
"Skugs, check the back of the cab. See if you scout any other belongings he has in there." Abiding Grimlord's orders, the foot soldiers monitored the vehicle that the professor rode in.
To that end, he released the professor from his clutches as it allowed him time to regain his breath.
"I can understand why they call you a professor for a reason," Grimlord cackled. "Your colleague may have had the fortitude to take me on, but even his actions couldn't speak louder than his words. If you can answer exactly where you stored the blueprints or even those Virtualizers, I'll set you free. No one will have to suffer." The creature offered him the benefit of the doubt.
"The team over at Steele Labs worked hard to engineer the suits. But all of that wouldn't have been possible if Tyler and I had a hand in designing the idea," said Horatio slowly pulling himself up by a tree branch.
"Just leave him as he is. Let the professor speak on his behalf," Colonel Icebot encouraged to his leader.
"I liked you much better with your glasses. But it appears even without it, you won't be able to drive off without the risk of a fatal accident," said Grimlord.
"Uh master you had the Skugs flatten the tires of the taxi cab," General Ivar reminded him.
"I suppose I should have clarified. But as far as that white vehicle is concerned, you will have to go through all of us if you want to live," Grimlord made correction on his comrade's behalf.
"And how exactly are you going to kill me not knowing I could be hiding something? The truth," Horatio taunted in his attempt to get under the creature's skin.
Grimlord shrugged letting out yet another cackle. "You've kept Project Psycon going for as long as the public has known about it. I could've continued to look around Tyler Steele's laboratory had the stinking police not arrived. Even I can be pretty reckless at times."
The Skugs returned to their leader to provide them with an update. Shaking their heads, it became apparent that the professor did not obtain information they intended to find.
"We're wasting our time," Grimlord cursed. As his body fueled with anger, he pounded his fist on a tree branch that collapsed along with other set of branches like a game of dominoes. Horatio felt the intensity of his heart pounding away. It was that instant in which he did not expect to witness.
"There is going to be more we will do once we declare war on this very world we're in. Since we don't plan to destroy you, we may as well recruit a member to our growing army."
Without putting into words, Horatio stood terrified. If death wasn't an option, just what would the thought of selling himself to a creature with the gruesome intention to cause chaos?
The professor looked around figuring out a way to escape the clutches of Grimlord and his army of loyal mutants.
"How about we pledge an oath to welcome our newest member to our growing faction?" Grimlord took one step forward towards the professor. Before he could continue to taunt him more, the creature felt immense pain coming from his chest. Grimlord kneeled to the ground as he continued to clutch onto the wound. To make matters worse, a gleaming headlight blinded the eyes of Horatio and Grimlord. A red Mazda drove straight towards the location in which the confrontation occurred.
"What the hell is going on over there?" Kaitlin wondered while remaining behind the wheel.
"Kaitlin pull over," J.B instructed.
"Garr damn it," the creature cursed with sheer frustration.
"Master Grimlord should we retreat?" Colonel Icebot suggested.
"Retreat as we may," he answered before turning his focus back towards the professor. "I'll let you off the hook for now. But the next time around, you won't be so lucky."
With the entire army gathered together, the faction teleported out from the forest they were in. As the Mazda pulled over by the side of the road, J.B and Kaitlin discovered a battered up Horatio lying against the tree.
"Professor," Kaitlin shouted. They approached the professor having received numerous blows endured by Grimlord and his minions.
"Hang in there professor. Just take it slow," J.B advised. Along with Kaitlin and Ryan, the trio provided him with their assist as they carried him up from the hillside of the forest.
"Ryan, open the backseat," Kaitlin ordered directing their focus towards her Mazda.
"Wait," said Horatio, "My glasses are somewhere out here."
"Let me go ahead and check," Ryan said easing the stress building upon the professor. After a minute of scouting, he discovered some coke bottled glasses lying underneath a pile of leaves. As Ryan retrieved the glasses, he met up with the gang once more in persisting to aid Horatio.
When Ryan opened the door of her red car, they set Horatio along the cushion inside the passengers' seat.
"Hold on. I've got some first aid kit inside my purse," she assured. As she brought out the necessary healing kit, she wrapped some bandages around the targeted bruises scattered on the cheekbones of his face.
"Here you go," said Ryan strapping the glasses for the professor to see.
"I can't help but thank you. I would be a goner right then and there," Horatio greeted them with a compliment.
"What happened back there? It's like a group of criminals came by and mobbed you," Ryan wondered failing to comprehend the event that went down.
"It's the Skugs. Kaitlin and I had to deal with them the first time we encountered the professor," J.B explained.
While Ryan investigates the cab, it wasn't for long when he discovers Horatio's briefcase hadn't been properly locked.
"Looks like someone had been desperate to get a hold of your stuff," Ryan said locking the briefcase shut before picking it up.
"I swear those crooks are going to pay when I get my hands on them." Horatio tried to budge but it was then in which he began to experience back spasms.
"Easy Professor," Kaitlin said continuing to provide him with medical treatment. Much like with Ryan, J.B took a close glance at the flat tire they were monitoring.
"They must have done a hell of a job flattening these wheels," said J.B.
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," Ryan told him.
With Kaitlin wrapping the last bandage on the professor's hand, Horatio leaned back against the cushion of the car seat letting out a sigh of belief.
"I should be fine. It should only take me a couple of blocks to get to my place," Horatio assured.
"We should probably follow you to make sure you make it home alright. Just in case more shenanigans start to loom back," Kaitlin instructed to his friends. Taking very little thought into the matter, Horatio nodded his head in agreement.
"It sounds good. I'll send you the GPS coordinates and then you can follow me to the destination point," he said. With the situation under control, the gang prepared to return to their respective vehicles parked along the side of the road.
"I don't get what the Skugs would want with the professor. For a second I would have thought it'd be a bunch of cos-players seeking attention if anything. Like, you know a tasteless teenage prank." Ryan speculated to much little known of a fact.
"I can explain to you everything when we get in the car," said J.B.
"Now that you mention it, it's getting a little chilly out here. Let's get moving," Ryan insisted. With the ceasing of the conversation, they gathered inside Kaitlin's Mazda. As Horatio began to drive off into the road, the trio followed suit with Kaitlin piloting by the driver's seat.
Upon making their arrival, Kaitlin pulled alongside on the driveway of the only cottage deep in the forest. The rest of the gang exited out from the car taking a glimpse at the home where the professor resided. While Ryan unloaded the professor's briefcase from the car, they followed Horatio over to the front porch with his keys intact. Having unlocked the door, the trio followed him inside the living room interior of his home.
"This place looks amazing," said Kaitlin in awe of her surroundings. The living room was structured spaciously with a place to walk around. Covering the wooden floor contains a clean red carpet scattering the perimeter in which the furniture and table were being placed. On the table consisted of a small vase with daisy flowers inside as well as a fruit basket consisting of bananas, apples, and grapes together.
"I haven't been inside a cabin since I was in grade school," Ryan mumbled. "Dad and I would spend our weekends on a fishing trip. I couldn't figure out how to reel in a rod to save my life." The young man shrugged off the nostalgia with a fake laugh.
"The smell inside is another topic but the lights are full on bright and the furniture feels quite cozy," said Kaitlin laying her back on the Corinthian leather couch.
Displayed on the living room table, J.B discovered a picture frame of Horatio standing alongside a middle aged woman at a local park.
"Make yourselves welcome. I'm going to go grab something up from my room," the professor told them. He proceeded up the staircase leaving the trio to explore the rest of the house.
Approaching the dining room, Ryan observed a display of certificate awards that were nailed against the wall. These framed lifetime awards demonstrates the effort and time devoted in part to Horatio's contributions in his decades' worth of teaching. Below the nailed certificates contain another picture frame of Tyler standing by the podium to present the award to his colleague.
"Dad," Ryan wept with a teardrop but shook off the sorrow that affected him emotionally.
As Horatio arrived in his bedroom, he looked around in search for a particular item not present in his bedroom.
"His journal has got to be around here. Where did I put it last time?" He wondered much to his frustration. He pulled out all the stored file cabinets containing confidential information pertaining to the project he and Tyler had been conducting on. Horatio looked underneath the bed pulling out every junk of item he could find.
"Damn it!" He exclaimed pounding his hand on the desk.
Downstairs the rest of the trio stopped their tracks as the vibration of Professor Hart's fumed anger echoed below.
"What in the world was that?" Ryan asked.
"Let's find out," Kaitlin said. Along with Ryan and J.B, they marched up the second story floor while approaching Horatio in his bedroom.
"We heard some banging from downstairs. Is everything alright?" J.B expressed his concern.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare all of you," Professor Hart apologized. Every move he made, the soreness from his left arm continues to intensify at every moment.
"What were you looking for?" Ryan wondered curiously.
"It's a journal that belonged to my colleague Tyler. Now that I realize I may have left it back at the lab," Horatio said rubbing the sweat off from his forehead.
"It's Tyler as in Tyler Steele? You mean my father?" Ryan unveiled his kinship in connection to the professor's colleague.
"I got so caught up with all this mess we haven't properly introduced ourselves," Horatio took his personal issues into account. He extended his hand out as he looked to greet Ryan for the first time. "Your father has told me a little bit about you. I'm Professor Horatio Hart but feel free to call me Horatio."
"Nice to meet you Horatio," said Ryan firmly shaking the professor's hand in the process.
"Oh no," Kaitlin spoke with concern.
"It was not left in the wreckage of Steele Labs," Horatio told them otherwise. "There's a private laboratory he and I built. It'll only take a few minutes," he informed the gang.
"Professor you nearly collapsed. With everything that's happened, it's better off if we keep a close eye just in case," J.B advised.
"Dad recorded a journal? I was going through my parents' bedroom for our yard sale and I didn't find anything," Ryan said.
Horatio opened the lid of a capsule containing a prescription machine on a shelf next to his desk. By swallowing the pill inside, he took a sip from his water bottle consuming plenty of fluid to maintain stability of his body.
"You should probably use some rest, at least for the sake of your health," J.B advised to the professor.
"Wait guys," Ryan said stepping in to attempt a request. "Excuse me Horatio. I don't mean to barge into all of this mess. You don't mind if I take a look at what my father wrote before the incident?"
"Ryan," Kaitlin scolded him.
"I'm okay. You guys have continued to help me more than I've helped myself," said Horatio as he stood up from the chair he sat on. "I hope you have your flashlights fully charged. It's a narrow corridor down there."
J.B remained puzzled in response to the professor's comment. "I don't understand."
"Let's just say our lab is located someplace that is barred from the public to find," Horatio attempted to clarify.
Despite the initial hesitance lurking upon the frown of J.B and Kaitlin, they had no choice but to proceed on behalf of his request.
"I'm sure cell phones with a flashlight feature count?" Kaitlin spoke in a rhetorical manner.
To that end, Professor Hart directed the trio outside of his cottage. They came across a white concrete barricade containing a golden arch attached to the top of the structure. A censoring monitor served as a security camera to record footage of those willing to trespass what lies ahead. With its red laser beam, the device scanned Horatio's eyelid before further proceedings. With security approval, the door slid open unveiling a staircase that would lead downward into an almost pitched black dungeon.
"This is something I would expect for Indiana Jones to pull off," Ryan said. They proceeded taking a step down a flight of stairs that distanced themselves from the outside landscape. With the exception of Horatio, the three friends proceeded through the narrow dark passageway. Bright lights gleamed from the true tone flash of their I Phones. As they approached a door ahead, the gang would soon stop their tracks. Swiping the magnet stripe with a card key, the door would open instantly unveiling the spacious interior of the laboratory. Vivid blue lights illuminated all over the lab. With each corner comprised of dashboards and monitor screens that display a company logo of Steele Labs. By the upper right corner of the room contain a set of high resolution computer desktops compatible with modern engineering. They were amazed to witness the decoration of advanced architecture enveloping the place.
To the far right of the corner, the trio came to discover a display case containing three multi-colored armor suits. Their eyes gaze with a sense of familiarity in which they recognize from somewhere.
"Is this what I think I'm seeing?" The sudden awe on Ryan's face illuminated with intrigue.
"I didn't realize the professor is a Metal Fighters fan let alone an avid gamer," said Kaitlin standing next to Ryan while peering at the display.
"Professor how did you two managed to structure everything around here? I mean, I would think you had some outside help to construct all of this," Ryan wondered.
"Nope it was simply your father and I responsible for the construction," said Professor Hart. "We built this particular lab as a place to store inventory that Steele Labs had no room for. We've also kept file records of confidential information and blueprint designs to lay the groundwork for any upcoming project in the works. It took us quite awhile due to our scheduling conflicts. But eventually, we took liberty in ourselves to lay out the architecture someplace that nobody could trespass."
J.B commented in response to Horatio's comment.
"That must have taken a lot of toll on your bodies to build something high tech as this," he remarked.
"I knew my dad put plenty of work operating his work site. The more I start to realize he devoted all of this time building this goes to show how much is there I was not aware of," said Ryan.
"These Metal Fighters suits resemble the ones that are in the game, and I don't mean like if someone were to be cos-playing," Kaitlin observed.
"What do you mean?" Ryan wondered.
"Most of these suits sold in stores would be made in skintight fabric. Unless if this came from an auction, these ones on the other hand look too expensive for a customer to afford even if you were to buy it online," said Kaitlin. She turned her attention away from the suits with her focus right on Horatio. "Professor, where did you manage to own a collection of the Metal Fighter suits?"
"Just before the fire at Steele Labs, Tyler and I transferred these suits over to here. He told me they had been receiving a number of security breaches in the weeks prior to that incident," Horatio explained. "Some intruders threatened his employees at the expense of getting a hold on the suits and the devices used to control them."
"I have a hard time getting my head wrapped up in all of this," Ryan said. "I mean it doesn't explain how a software company managed to obtain the rights to use your work and make an adaption into a gaming franchise."
"When we first started the project, Tyler and I were brainstorming an idea to design a bulletproof armor that could be used for military soldiers and law enforcement agents to protect them in battle. Ziktor Industries agreed on the investment to fund the project that would be in development. This venture in turn would become known as Psycon, a concept to merge both human and machine by utilizing virtual reality technology," Horatio explained to the trio in detail.
"I don't know what else to say. But that sounds like a bizarre way of thinking about it," J.B spoke up.
"That's how I felt when I first heard about this stuff," Kaitlin empathized.
"While all of this was going on, the president at Strickland Gaming pitched an idea to create a video game based around a group of trained military fighters with the ability to transform them into what he perceived as 'war androids', titanium based armor equipped with an extensive high tech arsenal that could only be summoned when the suits are in use. When Strickland came to visit for inspiration, that was where I first heard about the concept of Metal Fighters," Horatio continued.
"So you're saying is that you and my father have been working on this project before the game was conceived?" Ryan wondered.
"Our project has been in development hell even before Ziktor and his corporation stepped in and began funding it. Back then technology was very limited when it came to the power tools we had to use," the professor told them.
"How have you been continuing to go out your way and engineer the suits the way you two did?" Kaitlin asked.
"Even with the rise of the internet, we weren't ready to share any concrete information to the public. A project with as much investment poured into, we knew it would take a long time before we could publicly demonstrate the suits' functionality," said Horatio providing them with support in regards to his situation.
"What happened?" J.B questioned.
"We had a physical copy of the blueprint that features a prototype to our first armor suit. Compare that design to the models that the game developers based it around," the professor said showcasing a display of the diagram on the screen.
"If trademark infringement isn't the best way to describe this situation, this couldn't be any more appropriate," Kaitlin observed.
"When we first spotted the image on the news, we were outright furious. Tyler and I filed a lawsuit concerning their similarities. Before the case could go to trial, our chance at evidence would be thrown out of the window. An original copy of our design went up in flames which left us with nothing to justify our claim. What you're seeing here happens to be a revised blueprint that we diagrammed after that incident," Horatio continued to provide with an explanation.
"Did you speculate who may have responsible for destroying the evidence?" Ryan spoke vocally in the midst of the interrogation.
"Given how passionate he was when it came to developing video games, Strickland was bound to do everything he could to take full credit for designing those suit models," said Professor Hart. "Shortly after the case fell through, I made it clear that my services would no longer be required. That along with my teaching duties played another factor as to why I resigned from the project."
The professor keyed in a number of button combinations on a dashboard. A slot pulled open to unveil a display of three golden keys comprised with a mixture of colored gemstones: sapphire, ruby, and diamond.
"What in the world are those?" J.B asked.
"These devices we refer to them as Virtualizers," said Professor Hart. The trio's eyes widened with a mere glance of fascination over the objects' shape and texture.
"Amazing," Ryan replied. As he reaches over to grab one, the professor swipes his hand away from his thus preventing him from touching it.
"The Virtualizers were designed to initiate the suits' full power. These devices are entwined with the metal armored suits you see in the display case. Think of it as the equivalent to the human heart. It's the central organ in our body that continually pumps blood through the veins and arteries," Horatio bestowed his expertise towards the young adults.
"You mean as in the cardiovascular system?" Kaitlin clarified.
"Precisely," Horatio answered. "Without the heart, the body shuts down and our motor neurons will follow along with it. Now to activate the Virtualizers, there is a password that they must enchant in order to trigger the transformation."
"So what was the point of the intruders to get a hold of them if they couldn't figure out how to unlock their power?" Kaitlin wondered.
"The sad thing is it never occurred to them," the professor answered. "Tyler hired Security to monitor any unusual activity unfolding in his workplace. With every failed attempt the intruders had, officials got to them before they could even come close to retrieving these devices. It was that instant when we decided to secure the Virtualizers and the suits to a base where they cannot retrieve them."
As Horatio keyed in data on the panel, an image of Tyler Steele would be projected on the monitor.
"You were a hell of an ambitious worker. All of that hard work we did only to be put on hold," he mumbled in which followed up with a deep sigh of unfortunate circumstances. With his hands firmly on the console, His head tilted face down leaving his eyes staring blankly at the dashboard.
Suddenly, the sounding of a ring tone blasted from the stereo of Ryan's cell phone. By picking up the phone, he came across a caller ID that traces back to his mother.
"Crud, I forgot," he said before hitting the green phone icon displayed on the touch screen. "Hello Mom. I'm sorry we got a little sidetrack."
"Where on Earth are you? I sent you countless phone calls and text messages yet not one response," Rebecca provided him with an update.
"Sorry Mom. It must of have been coming from a weak phone signal," Ryan replied. "We're headed on the way home. Traffic is a bit of a mess with all this evening rush hour."
"Better make it home quick. All of this rearranging in the house is making my stomach upset," said Rebecca.
Temporarily, Ryan moved his phone away from his ear. "I never thought I'd hear my mom complaining like this," he muttered before resuming with the discussion. "Okay Mom let's settle down now. We'll be there shortly before you know it. We bought all the stuff you need from the list down."
"No worries. I just thought I check by and remind you," Rebecca assured. "I love you Ryan."
"I love you too Mom," said Ryan as both parties immediately hung up from the conversation. "It's already getting dark so we should better get back."
"Ryan before you go, I thought I give you something in return for your help back there." Professor Hart approached his office desk. He pulled out his drawer to retrieve a record of his father's log book he secured prior to his absence.
"It makes me wonder what kind of scientific material he wrote in this," Ryan said taking this opportunity to observe the entries recorded in the journal.
"Every night when he finished his shift, he would record a reflection that not only involved his research data. But he also talked about some of his true feelings on his life and the peers affiliated around him," the professor informed him.
"Have you gotten around in reading any of this?" Ryan wondered.
Horatio shook his head. "Due to my school lectures along with family business, I never got around to read what he wrote. There may be more you would like to know about your father. Whatever it is you'll find, you'll have a much better understanding what he had to go through," he said.
"I'll give it a read when I have a chance. Thank you professor," Ryan's eyes dampened with a slight tear shed on the corner of his right eye. He and Horatio embraced with a hug drowning the sorrow of their emotions. As both parties resumed control, Ryan along with Kaitlin and J.B said their goodbyes to the professor thanking him for everything he's done.
"We should better get going. I could hear the growl coming from my stomach," Kaitlin said clutching onto the bottom torso of her body.
"It's been a pleasure that we were there to help. I don't think we want to know what they would've done to you had we not intervene," J.B concluded.
"Neither would I," Horatio told him. "Thank you all for coming along. Just for the sake of our privacy, please keep the topic we discussed between the both of us."
As the trio prepared to exit, Horatio went out his way to bring up another reminder.
"And Kaitlin, if you have any other questions you like for me to ask, my contact card is one phone call away," he assured.
"We appreciate it Professor," said Kaitlin. With their conversation adjourned, the gang bid goodbye to Horatio upon exiting the underground laboratory.
"Let me lead you three out," Horatio insisted in directing his visitors out from his private laboratory.
On the pedestal inside the Virtual Dungeon, a disgruntled Grimlord stood tall in front of his fellow army looking to address his army in regards to their recent mission.
"Listen up. I am not faulting anyone around here who failed to succeed. But I can assure you what happened back there is far beyond your control. World domination will come. But the only question is the time of when that day arrives," he said.
"Your master, we will do what we can to ensure that the tasks are handled effectively. Most important, we want to make sure if you're one hundred percent to carry on with the operation," said General Ivar.
"It's going to take some time to adjust being inside a human's vessel," Grimlord commented. "Karl Ziktor is a hard working businessman who will go out of his way to take the steps needed in restructuring his business. If it means taking advantage of a scientist's work, he has accomplished just that."
Suddenly, a stoic robot clad in silver armor with orange and black torso palettes stepped forward from the crowd.
"There was a brief technical glitch with our satellite feed. Thankfully we managed to get it repaired," said Zelton, one of Grimlord's key lieutenants.
"Perform a test run to make sure our viewing screen is fully operational," Grimlord instructed. With a remote, Zelton switched on the monitor in which displays footage of Kaitlin along with Ryan and J.B inside of her vehicle.
"Those folks may have been lucky to rescue the professor from our clutches. Whether or not he has them in storage, I can guarantee that somewhere on this Earth the Virtualizers are lying dormant as we speak," mumbled the self-proclaimed ruler of Virtual Reality.
"Grimlord sire." With some glass of water and medicine tablet in hand, Colonel Icebot provided him with the medication needed to lessen the pain coming from his chest.
"Very well Colonel," said Grimlord taking a moment to consume the water and medicine in his mouth.
"I would like to inform you about the health results that just came in. It appears while your heart is in steady condition as of now, we strongly advise you maintain control of your sanity the best way possible," the Colonel informed to his boss.
Grimlord handed the glass cup back to Icebot as he leaves.
"The war hasn't gotten off the ground yet. But as my temper continues to boil, it is best if I fade into the shadows until I recover. I'll let Karl Ziktor take over for the duration of my exile," he stated.
"Take as much time to heal sire," said General Ivar.
"Hail Grimlord," the rest of his mutant army shouted in unison.
"The professor's life may have been spared but the worst is far yet to come," With his final words, the Wizard of Darkness stepped down from his throne. The rest of the crew continued bowing to their knees in respect towards their leader.
Grimlord glared towards the monitor once more. An instant shot of Ryan reading his father's journal projected a still framed image etched in his mind. Just what kind of bad blood will boil over the course of time?
By the time the sun had completely set, Ryan alongside J.B and Kaitlin had made a safe trip back at the Steele family household. Along with Rebecca, they all gathered at the dining room that has since been filled with takeout meals ordered from the Crossworld Cafe. Utensils including forks, spoons, and knives were divided for each person at the table. Trays of Rotisserie Chicken along with gravy coated mash potatoes and mixed vegetables were waiting to be consumed. In addition, Empty dish plates were placed in front of the four individuals. Miniature bowls of corn chowder soups along with small pouches of crackers were compiled exclusively in their plastic bags. It was a family sized meal that brought everyone in unison.
"Thanks for inviting us to have dinner with you guys. It's been such a long time since we've done anything like this," Kaitlin offered them with her sincere appreciation.
"We couldn't be any more flattered," Rebecca complimented.
"Sorry for the delay. Traffic was what you expect during the tail end of the afternoon," Kaitlin apologized. "For everything that's happened, you could definitely use some company."
Rebecca smiled passing down the salad bowl on the table. "The past couple of weeks have been quite lonely around here. I'm very thankful to have all of you here tonight."
"Thank you for inviting us to begin with," J.B counteracted with a compliment of his own. "Ryan told me you were taking time off from work. This could be a great time to go outside and clear your mind for a bit."
Rebecca responded with a chuckle. "It's interesting now that you mention it. That's what I had ranked number one on my priority list."
"How is the yard sale preparation so far?" Kaitlin wondered curiously.
"It's been quite exhausting. We've been arranging which items we wanted to sell and made sure they're in good condition," said Rebecca taking a bite on the sliced piece of chicken meat remaining on her plate.
"Before everything that happened, my father and I got around in determining the price range for our items. I even made a signage for any expensive products that will be up on display," Ryan informed to everyone.
"Listen, I know it may not be necessary but if you like, J.B and I could help you and Ryan out in setting up stock," Kaitlin offered in volunteering to assist Tyler's surviving family members.
"Well, I wouldn't mind having any more assistance. But we've gotten that taken care of," Rebecca said not completely ruling out on the scenario given to her.
"Don't forget the time the three of us started up a lemonade stand when we were kids. One customer paid us a one hundred dollar bill to the point where we had to split the money for their children," J.B brought up a memory of their past.
"That's not how it went," Ryan said. "We were blinded by greed so much that my father deposited the hundred dollar bill to his savings account. That could've been saved for our trust fund but it doesn't matter anymore."
Kaitlin leaned back from her chair pondering over the embarrassing side of their nostalgia.
"It's like you guys forgot the real reason why you gotten into Martial Arts," she laughed subsequently.
"You're just as guilty of this as the both of us," Ryan rebutted.
"Oh and how so?" Kaitlin escalated on the matter.
"You went as far as trying to burn the bill with a lighter," J.B said. "Even at that young age, you shouldn't be messing around with a lighter."
"Have it your way wise one," Kaitlin mocked in sarcasm towards her boyfriend's comment. "I never vow against my will to use Martial Arts to hurt others even coming from somebody responsible for educating me on those principles."
Rebecca snickered having to witness their conversation intensified on the subject being told. They continued to socialize while using this time to chow down on the chicken and salad meals served on their table. Faces of laughter and overall engagement scattered throughout everyone in the room.
By the time they've managed to finish their dinner, they collected all of the non-disposable dishes before transferring them over to the kitchen sink. Kaitlin and J.B approached the main door along the hallway grabbing their coats from the coating rack.
"It's getting pretty late but thank you for having us here Rebecca. We could use definitely use some humor to lighten up the place," Kaitlin said.
"You're more than welcome to visit anytime," Rebecca encouraged her visitors.
"Oh and there's one other thing. Tao should be back from his vacation soon. He wanted to let you know he said hi and hopes that you're doing okay." J.B also gave her his blessings eventually exchanging a handshake thanking for her time.
"I'll be sure to message him on Face Book," Rebecca assured. To that end, J.B and Kaitlin signified their goodbyes with a sincere hug and uplifting embrace. By opening the main door, Ryan directed the couple outside of their home as they headed their way towards their vehicle.
"Hey wait a minute. I think I left my scooter back in your garage," J.B recalled.
"Let me unlock the garage and you can go ahead and get it," said Ryan. He proceeded to key in the password on an electronic pad that allowed the shed to slide open. While Kaitlin opened the trunk from her car, J.B transferred his moped over to the trunk before closing it altogether.
"Oh and Ryan. Thanks for making the repairs to my car. I'll be sure to take better of it," Kaitlin said providing his friend with a compliment.
"Anytime Kaitlin," Ryan responded with a smile.
Each of the pairings waved their hands respectively as Kaitlin along with J.B rode into the street. Keying in on the electronic pad once more, Ryan proceeded to close the garage shed. He along with Rebecca returned to the kitchen assisting his mother out on the dishes.
"Have you finalized some of our items you plan on selling for the yard sale?" Ryan wondered.
"I have plenty of hair combs and some nail polishers I don't need anymore," said Rebecca. "Is everything okay at your place?"
"I like to think of a better word than crazy," Ryan replied. "Rent has become pretty expensive lately. I'm not so sure if I have enough to pay back for the landlord. I've been looking all over to see if I can find another apartment complex to crash at."
"Have you thought about moving elsewhere?" Rebecca wondered.
"I'm sure I can figure something out," Ryan said.
With a dish wash sponge, Rebecca continued to rinse out the grease and stains leftover from each plate that had been stacked. Ryan couldn't witness the overwhelming work load intensifying from his mother's state of mind.
"It's alright Mom. Let me take it from here," Ryan insisted allowing Rebecca to put the plates on hold.
"I'm going to be using the restroom for a bit. Just make sure the plates are on the drying rack when you're finished," Rebecca instructed.
"Will do," Ryan complied. As he continued to wash, Rebecca removed her yellow gloves aside by the corner of the sink. She exited out from the kitchen while navigating up a flight of stairs into the bathroom.
Turning on the faucets, Rebecca took this time cleansing her face with warm water. Still adjusting to life without her husband, the past month or so has the city's police chief overwhelmed with a set of demands she struggled to prioritize. The constant callbacks from that fateful night have greatly affected not only her performance at work but to also factor in her mental health. She could only bear to get through the day without a single break down or concern over her husband. Having taken a leave of absence, Rebecca used this moment in time to clear out any personal struggles going on in her life.
She took a glimpse at the mirror that projected her reflection. Despite reassurance from those around her, Rebecca continues to endure the seas of sorrow trickling down from her face. Any trace of optimism approached a screeching halt. Time and again she told herself things will be okay, and that hope is there to ease the despair. 'Why do I feel this way? Where is my will to help those around me? How can I escape from the walls caved around me? These set of questions only she had to ask herself.
Inside the car of her red Mazda, Kaitlin sat behind the wheel driving along the highway. Sitting next to her by the passenger's seat saw J.B sipping from the straw of his drink. During the course of their ride, the couple chattered about their day which included their visit with Psychology professor and co-founder of Project Psycon.
"Good lord what a day it has been. Talk about a full course stomach back there," said Kaitlin reflecting back on the meal they had back at the house.
"You could say that again," J.B commented. "I remember we used to crash into their parents' place after we got out of school. How empowering nostalgia can be at times."
Kaitlin smiled. "Now that you mention nostalgia, I haven't seen Ryan's mother smile like that in awhile. I can't imagine putting myself in her shoes, especially with all the criminal activity that's going on," she said expressing a matter of sheer glimmering hope.
"I'm sure they will bounce back from this," J.B concurred. "I don't mean to sound like your parent but just be sure you get plenty of rest when you get home. From all the shenanigans we've endured the past few days, who knows exactly what kind of surprise is in store."
Regarding J.B's concern over her well being, Kaitlin did not hesitate to speak up on the subject.
"What is up with all these muggings? First we got our asses nearly handed to us back at the alley. Then some crooks laid out the professor in the middle of a forest," she went on a tirade. "Ever since the gaming convention, it's like a barrier was lifted between the gaming and real world we're living in. Think about it. How is it that the Skug soldiers even learn to fight like how they did back in the simulation? And remember what about what Grimlord alluded to when he pulled the trigger in opening the gateway linking to those two worlds?"
J.B pondered momentarily before coming up with a response. "Besides the fact that it can't be any coincidence, it sounds like he plans on accomplishing something more than conquering another parallel world."
Kaitlin sighed taking a moment to clarify his side of the issue. "When I spoke with Rebecca this afternoon, she told me about an evil figure she encountered that night of the fire. From the way she described him in detail, I feel very much convinced she wasn't lying. There is a higher chance Grimlord may have been responsible for Tyler's murder. They had to have been the ones orchestrating the professor's attack to obtain information on the project he and Tyler were working on," she stated.
"I can't say I don't believe you. But did she make any mention about seeing anyone else with those evil motives?" J.B took into account.
"What do you mean?" Kaitlin wondered from a lack of clarity.
"Could there have been an assailant working alongside Grimlord that night? Not just him alone?" J.B continued to interrogate.
"It was the only suspicious figure she saw," said Kaitlin. "Unless they happen to make their presence known, the Chronicle isn't going to buy even the slightest bit that an army of robots from a video game have invaded our world. It's not so much they would want to believe. To have them witness the possibility of all that going down is what's going to raise havoc in the world not just Crossworld City."
"Even if they do launch an onslaught attack, you'll have law enforcement ready to take charge and make sure everyone remains safe," said J.B.
"I don't know. Even that's what scares me. These aren't just two opposing armies firing their guns in trench warfare. We're talking about an army of robots capable of destroying everything and everyone in sight," Kaitlin spoke strongly on the matter. "The world doesn't realize what we may be up against. If the chances that there are more creatures other than the Skugs out there, it's more likely that someone like Grimlord may be in the neck of our woods."
With the insecurities surrounding Kaitlin's emotions, J.B chimed in to provide a sense of uplifting encouragement. "Sometimes it's okay to be afraid. Fear is a natural trait all of us have even if we don't want to admit it. My Sensei taught me that the best way to overcome that is to look straight into their eyes and tell them you're not afraid."
"Now that's an instructor I would like to train with," Kaitlin responded in a sarcastic tone.
"I'm serious. Look, if you like I could lend you some of my books. They've really helped me learn the spiritual side when it comes to Martial Arts," J.B assured. "They give you a close look on how the art helps enhance your confidence and learning to develop your mind as you go through life. You're a strong woman Kaitlin. There may be some folks that will resort to committing heinous crimes they shouldn't be doing. But where there is pitched darkness in our world also lays its beauty of nature. You could also learn a lot more when you attend our seminars."
By consuming his words of wisdom, Kaitlin reflected on the speech provided by her mate. The thought of a potential widespread Armageddon raised concern over the fate of their city. For as much chaos and negativity that weighed in on her emotions, she refused to think of the worst case scenario. Somewhere along the narrow path lurked a shining light at the end of the tunnel.
"Well here we are," said Kaitlin. "When you head inside, do you think you could lend me some of those Martial Arts books for me to read? It's better late than never to use this time in educating myself."
J.B smiled. "Absolutely you're more than welcome to. I'll be back in a flash." As J.B prepared to step foot on the porch of his house, it would follow up with a subsequent mouth to mouth kiss that ensued from the couple.
"Don't forget to grab your scooter also," Kaitlin reminded him lifting the lever in the car that triggered open the back of her car.
"Thanks again for reminding me," said J.B as he brought out the moped he stored inside the trunk.
As Ryan parked his truck along the parking space facing towards his apartment, he proceeded to turn off the keys from the ignition. When he exited out of his vehicle, he worked his way up a flight of stairs approaching the door that led into his apartment. Just as he was about to insert the key into the doorknob, Ryan would soon discover a NOTICE sign taped on his door. Sparking with a sense of panic, Ryan barged through the door to find no trace of furniture. An entirety of decorations he had owned has since been disposed from his apartment. He couldn't believe what he witnessed. Ryan closed his eyes with the belief that all of this had to have been from his very own figment. But as he opened them, the thought of the unimaginable turned out to be legit. Banging his hand on the wall, he struggled to adjust to living an independent life in the age of adulthood. A majority of his personal belongings which include his father's camcorder were nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, as he entered his bedroom, he peered behind the drawer to retrieve a picture frame which includes his parents on a cruise ship.
To say it had been a stressful month for Ryan Steele would be an understatement. But to lose a close family member like his father left a missing gap he would not be able to find. Part of him felt the need to break down and release the tears of sorrow troubling his mental state. On the other hand, the masculinity aspect of him insists he pressed on in overcoming the difficulty of grief in his heart. Having grown up with a father figure, instinct tells him that even with his absence Tyler would've encourage his son to do just that.
Underneath his shirt collar, Ryan pulled out a locket which displayed an image of his father. Happiness can go so far to remind how close he was to him and how his influence shaped Ryan to be the person he is today. For every cloud that scattered across the sky, somewhere in-between lurked a shade of sunlight illuminating the Earthly ground. A symbol of hope or the will to live remained intact for the twenty-something male.