Chap. 15

Walking the Line

One week later…

They say that walls can talk. Sometimes, they're right. If a person knows where to look, he or she can find an amazing story buried on a wall. The question of course, is whether or not you want to hear the story. But that depends on the wall you're listening to. And as Rorek lay on his bunk, he saw stories out of the corner of his eye that he had no interest in listening. "Pigs." He muttered, as he turned over and stared at the stone on that side of the bed. He'd only been in this modern prison a few days, but it seemed like forever. The smell was horrible, the treatment was worse, and the cell in which he was kept was a disgrace. The only thing that gave Rorek any real pleasure here was knowing that he had already created a small realm of power for himself. Though he no longer had his main powers, Rorek still had enough magical knowledge to be a threat. On his first day here, one of the prisoners had come up to him in the yard, demanding that he pay 'entrance fee.' Rorek did not know or care what that meant, so he'd walked away.

Apparently, that had been the wrong answer, as the prisoner had trailed after him, meaning to break the wizard's body. He'd just laid his hand on Rorek's shoulder when the boy's head had whipped around. Rorek's eyes had blazed at this peon who'd dared to place his hand on his superior form. The wizard had muttered some old words and then things had taken on a far different path. The prisoner's arm had released Rorek's shoulder, and then turned on its owner, slamming into the behemoth's face again and again. He had tried to restrain his fist, but he no longer had any control. Eventually, Rorek had tired of his screams, and ended the spell. The man was currently in the prison hospital, waiting to have his lower jaw rebuilt.

Since then, none of the prisoners had dared lay a hand on him. The guards were even frightened of him. But none of that meant a damn to Rorek now. If it weren't for that cursed winged rat, and that jealous green idiot, I could still do more then these stupid parlor tricks. Rorek though bitterly. And there's still the chance they could end all this for me….. I have to get back. I have to have her. Then the last five centuries will have been worth it. But even lost in his bitter thoughts, Rorek knew he needed more then what he had now. Brett had stripped him of most of his natural power, and the only way to get it back was back at the Tower. But there was no way for him to get out of here, not as he was. I need more strength. But how do I get it? He wondered. But the answer was much closer then he realized.

In fact, Rorek got his answer later that day in the mess hall. He had been getting his new supply of slop, when he'd looked in the crowd and seen something that had widened his eyes to the size of saucers. Moving to one of the guards, he'd asked, "What are those new guys doing here?" "Metahuman transfers from the island." The guard had replied. "They've been restrained, so they were sent here while repairs are made to the cells over there." Rorek nodded. He could not have asked for a better solution. Further proof that kingship is mine. He thought. Smiling, he walked over to the table where the new transfers sat. Upon sight of him, they stopped eating. Rorek took no notice, as he sat on the end of the table and asked casually, "Enjoying your stay?" "Like it's any of your business!" Gizmo sneered.

"I see the warmth of your people is apparent still." Rorek said, as the rest of the HIVE Five turned to face him. "Like you should talk, city boy." Billy Numerous said from the side. "What's your goody two-shoes butt doing here?" "I had a bit of a falling out with the Titans." Rorek answered. "Ha! What'd you do, try to take their trophies? Mammoth laughed. "Actually, I tried for something a bit bigger. Of course, I realize that pretty bauble may be at the forefront of your thinking, so I'll forgive you for it." Rorek replied. Mammoth's eyes narrowed, but as he began to raise his fist against the young wizard, a beeping noise emanated from his wrist. Mammoth looked down to see a metal band on his lower arm beginning to beep. Snarling, he lowered his fist and the beeping stopped. "Problems?" Rorek asked. "Some new tech from the guards." See-More muttered, as he showed the band on his own wrist. One by one, all the HIVE Five members held up their wrists to show their own bands.

"What do they do?" Rorek asked, not really caring about the answer. "They monitor our body chemistry." Jinx explained. "If we do anything to use our powers or take them off, they send a chemical into our bloodstream that paralyzes us." "I see. And your tiny friend can't get them off?" "I could, if I had my tools." Gizmo muttered. Rorek was quiet a minute, letting what had been said sink in. Then he leaned forward and said very quietly, "I don't need tools." "What are you saying?" Jinx whisper back. "I still have a few spells. I can get those bands off you." "Right. And what do you want in return?" Jinx asked. "Simple. Help me get back at the Titans." "You want them gone?" "Eventually. But for now, I need to get a few things from their Tower. Help me get them, and I'll let you take part in my plan." "Oh joy of joys, your plan." Jinx muttered sarcastically. "Fine. Stay in here. I'm offering you a chance for power beyond your wildest dreams, a chance to rule the world. But I can't set in motion in here, and you can't get out without my help. Do you really need to think about this?"

Apparently, Jinx did, as she placed her hand to her chin in thought. But the other H.F. members didn't need to do that. "I'm in." Gizmo said. The others all nodded their agreement. "And you my dear?" Rorek asked of Jinx. The young witch removed her hand, looked at Rorek, and nodded. "Good. Now here's what we have to do….."