Author's Notes: Guys and gals, I am very, very, very sorry for holding you up. So much has happened in my life these past few months that I barely had time to work on this fic; and being the very fair author that I intended myself to be, I wanted the next chapter to be just as long (or even longer) than the first... I'm not sure if I succeeded though. Oh well, it sounds like everyone really wants chapter two, so... sorry, if it doesn't exceed expectations :(.
Chapter 2;
-Lessons tainted silver-
Five peaceful days have passed since Edna took the potential super, with everyone now acquainted to a bratty kid named boredom who fancied kicking everyone on the butt when they weren't looking. No new crimes, no adventures... in other words, life was basically being lived the way it should be. Well, for an ordinary person anyway.
"Argh, can you believe this?" Bob whined, flipping channels on the television every second. "One month of absolutely nothing!"
"Yeah, it is getting a little quiet around here." Lucius agreed, sighing. "Heck, we don't even know what's up with the boy."
"Tell me about it... E's gotten so obsessed in prep'ing Klaye that I can't even call them."
"How about your kids? Are they coping well with the peace and quiet?"
"Truthfully, no idea." Bob crossed his arms, leaning on the sofa lazily. "Dash seemed kinda stressed with schoolwork."
"I wish 'I' was stressed over something. What about Violet?"
"Ah, you know girls... she's a little depressed about Klaye." The larger of the two shrugged. "E's driver picked her up this morning though."
"Talk about falling head over heels... so are you still planning on sending him to school?" Lucius asked, a little skeptical about Klaye and Violet's puppy love relationship.
"Yep. Western view junior high."
"You know Bob... if Vi was my daughter I'd be a little more protective about her."
"Trust me, it's much better this way."
"And why would it be better?" Lucius somehow always thought otherwise. "You're just going to mind your own business without so much as warning her about the dangers of being too close while being this young?"
"Of course I'm going to warn her, I just want to be a little more lenient with them." Bob answered, thoughtfulness etched on his face. "Me and Helen shared our first kiss when I was their age."
"Ah, I see where this is going. You don't wanna repeat what your parents did."
"Bingo. Seperating the two of us definitely wasn't the smartest choice. I only got to see Helen again when she was Elasti-girl, and I didn't even know she 'was' Helen."
"What if it's just coincidence?"
"Maybe so, but this is just too surreal for me. Besides, Klaye doesn't seem to be a bad choice at all."
"Yeah... but what makes you so sure that you can trust them? It takes a hefty amount of responsibility on their part you know."
"It takes a more than hefty amount of responsibility to risk your life for the sake of people you don't even know." Bob grinned. "It takes a more than hefty amount of responsibility to survive for nearly a year with only yourself to rely on."
"Argh, I knew you'd say that." Lucius sighed once more. Guess Klaye and Vi won this round. "I just hope they do the right thing."
Bob nodded, but his face soon distorted to a more confused look. "What 'is' the right thing anyway?"
Lucius thought for a while, and then shrugged. "Depends."
"Depends on what?--
Their down-hill conversation was fortunately interrupted by an excited female voice coming from the Den. "Bob! News channel!"
The blonde man's face lit up as he quickly pressed the two digits that mattered the most to him on the remote, his eyes plastered on the screen.
Seconds passed in silence and a childish smile played on his lips as he realized what the media was saying. "You know what this means don't you?"
"Yep... you two go on ahead, I still have to grab my suit. Are Dash and Vi coming?"
"Dash isn't home yet, and you know where Vi is."
"Heheh, I guess this one's old school then."
o--
'Alright, relax... breathe.' Violet thought, trying her very best to stay calm as a large samoan bouncer escorted her through Edna's home and working facility. No matter how many times she visited, the sheer size of the modern palace still surprised her. 'I wonder where Klaye is?'
Deciding to keep quiet for the rest of the walk, she noticed that the very large bodyguard was leading her right across the house, and into the park section. Her heart was filled with that same, twitchy, giddy feeling as she saw Klaye and Edna talking through squinted eyes.
Unable to hide her excitement, Violet walked as fast as she could towards the two.
"I see." Klaye nodded, finally understanding everything that had happened concerning his parents all those years back. It disturbed him, yet at the same time it felt like a large heavy object was just lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you for telling me."
"I just fulfilled my end of the bargain, dahling." Edna shrugged, a smile on her face. "Goodness, how time flew."
The young boy looked like he was about to agree when a very familiar feeling suddenly derailed his current train of thought. Turning his head very slowly, Klaye's silver eyes shimmered with emotion as he realized who was standing just a few feet behind him.
"Hi..." The raven-haired girl muttered, her eyes flickering with the same happiness.
Klaye turned around, allowing himself a blissful smile. "Heya..."
It was then that Violet actually realized the change in his physical form. Klaye's unscathed face was tired and serene, yet his pale skin glimmered with a restless--almost aesthetic color. She hissed out an uncomfortable breath as her eyes continued to explore the boy's newly honed body, looking so different than from when she first saw him. Wearing a brown polo shirt that was unbuttoned and flowing wherever the wind took it, his abdomen and chest now seemed to boast some very finely toned muscle form; and by some miracle the slender and smooth look still remained.
"Judging by that silly expression, she likes what she sees." Edna whispered, her small chin lifted in pride. He was definitely her finest work yet.
Klaye shook his head, the attractive smile never leaving his face. "So do I."
Edna sighed amusedly as the two walked towards each other in unison; in a way it reminded the eccentric designer of her own memories, but the past had wounded her emotionally somehow. 'Never look back.' "After you both are finished with your hellos, meet me in the den."
Violet's anticipation grew as she eyed him some more. How she missed that smile, that look. It was going to take every ounce of the young girl's strength not to launch herself at him--although the fact that she wasn't even going to bother fighting it ironically didn't urk her the slightest.
"How've y--eh!" Klaye's eyes widened as he found himself tackled and pushed downwards, the blades of grass not doing well to soften the fall. Totally caught off guard, he finally realized what had actually happened when Violet's mouth pinned his own, her tongue easily entering his lips. Violet moaned in delight as she felt him kiss back, raw instinct taking over.
Intoxicated by their own powerful emotions, the kiss only grew much more intense as they dug deeper into each other; savoring the taste of each passing moment. Several seconds turned into sixty, with neither of them letting down.
It wasn't until the third minute that Violet broke the kiss, looking completely flushed and out of breath.
"Yeeesh... I missed you too." Klaye panted, his head falling on the grass with a small thump. Violet could only laugh in reply as her own head followed, landing softly on his chest.
"I'll be sure to warn you next time, though I might forget..." The girl sighed happily, closing her eyes in peaceful satisfaction. "sooo, how've you been?"
"NOW you ask me..."
o
Metroville's institute for the criminally insane had never really been a pleasant place, but the lack of hostile take- overs or any recent activities at all had given it a reputation for being a haven of solitude at least. Fifteen long years passed with no new blood being condemned to the prison of the gifted, and the eccentric inmates looked much older and were even a little less bitter than when they first entered its walls. Now, the stench of apathy and indifference overwhelmed the once great cells of criminal ingenius and variety, as the matured villains no longer cared.
But just like everything else this 'world of opportunities' had to offer, the peace and quiet was going to end. In a bizzare twist of fate, the supers' return spiked the fifteen year streak--just about everything was the opposite now. In fact, one of the newly registered prisoners had already hatched a sinister back-up plan in motion.
Some of the wiser inhabitants agreed that this was no ordinary prisoner, but his idea definitely could have used a little more subtlety...
"You've gotta be kidding me." Frozone said to himself, peering through the impaled structures and debris. Sure he was expecting trouble, maybe even a little destruction but not like this.
An extremely large hole on the ground, followed by some massive tank tracks that plowed to the north-east direction in a beeline that looked like it pretty much decimated everything in its way.
Pondering on what could have caused all this, the seasoned super silently cussed at his own pride and cockiness. All he usually glanced at to know that there was trouble was the environmental destruction, and the word 'live' on the upper right corner of the television screen--charging into the unknown always seemed to heighten his adrenaline somehow. But it looked like his plan backfired, as he found himself shocked and unprepared.
Knowing what he had to do for now, Frozone's eyes followed the trail which almost mockingly went through a very wide building, obstructing his view. An audible gulp escaped him as he skated towards the building. "Time for a little vertical climb."
"Any luck up there?" Mister Incredible yelled frantically to his equally agitated wife, leaping forward to once again catch a shocked civilian and bring him to safety along with the other sixteen victims awkwardly placed on his cramped shoulders. "I've only got two arms, I can't hold anymore of these people!"
"Oh, and I've got eight!" Elasti-girl yelled back, her hands deep inside what looked to be an opened console for a heavy mechanism. "Just drop them near the exit and ram the next wall before this monster of a drill beats you to it!"
The super hero sighed, trying his very best to sprint towards the main exit in record time. He never expected the underminer to plan an escape so soon, even more so make the huge drill much faster than before. "Did you find the wires you needed to rip like last time?"
"Yes, but it's going to take a while!" Elasti-girl replied, a look of pain clearly etched on her face. "These things are as hard as your fingers!"
"We need a new plan..." Mister Incredible realized as he ran through the cement wall that it was the last one the battered building had to offer. "uh-oh, not good... honey, you've got to try harder! This whole place might come down if that thing destroys the last wall!"
"Switch places then!" The super suggested, removing her tangled arms from the console and jumping down the inhumanly large unmanned drill next to her husband. "If we can't stop this, then it'll bore a hole right through the criminal institute."
"Hmmm... move the civilians in the parking lot to a safer place, and I'll take care of the drill." Mister Incredible said, blatant determination fuelling him as he swept the rubble off of his suit. "When I open the controls, which wire do I...?"
"I'm not too sure about this one, though it does feel the same as last time... just rip them all up," Helen shrugged. "better safe than sorry."
o--
"What?"
Klaye coughed, his laughing fit having died down slightly. "Heheh, sorry. You just got me by surprise."
"I just asked if you believed in God, silly." Violet arched an eyebrow, smiling. Though in a wierd way she actually understood why that was his reaction. "Well, do you?"
"Yeah."
"Oh? And here I was expecting a little more than just 'yeah'."
"You're a lot brighter than you let on, know that?" Klaye praised off-handedly, realizing the odd expression on her face. "Err, think of it in a 'smart looking girl that's smarter than she looks' kind of way... heh."
"Hmm... I'll certainly keep it in mind the next time you say something that doesn't sound right." Violet smirked, moving upwards to reward him with a kiss on the cheek. "You're a lot sweeter than you let on, know that?"
Klaye chuckled once more, bringing a gentle arm around the girl's upper back. "Thanks... can't say the same about blushes though."
"Haha, why's that? Can't hide it?" Violet didn't know why she liked to see him blush so much. Maybe it was because he had a cute blush. Or maybe she just felt good about herself. "You don't need to be em--eep...!"
Klaye had somehow found his way to her neck while she was stroking her ego.
"What are--Mmm!" Violet's eyes fluttered as an intense warmth slowly spread all over her body. Next to the kiss, it was the most fantastic thing she'd ever experienced. And the fact that his lips were gentle and teasing added a very pleasant sensation that she never wanted to stop feeling. But when the kissess reached from her right collarbone to the sensitive skin between her jaw and ear, she squealed and fell completely to his side--unable to take anymore. "Oh... God... ah..."
The boy seemed to have a strange grin on his face, definitely having enjoyed their newest act of affection as well. "Oh look, you can't hide your blushes either."
"You... youuu...!" Violet panted, shivering inwardly. A drop of sweat trickled down to her jaw. "now I'm all sweaty..."
Klaye brushed away the sweat off her forehead and smiled. "Did you like it?"
Violet sighed. "And if I say no?"
"Then I won't do it anym--"
"Yes then. Happy?" Violet answered quickly, another rush of blood invading her cheeks. She was starting to think that he asked that on purpose.
"Yep... and I promise you'll be happy too."
The girl exhaled deeply at his words--her blush growing deeper.
"Hey, are you alright?" Klaye asked, genuine concern in his voice.
"Drained." Violet smiled sheepishly as Klaye smiled back. "Oh great... now I need a new pair of--uhm."
Violet noticed his instant change in expression and placed a hand over her mouth.
"Did I just... say that out loud?"
Klaye nodded slowly.
"Erm..."
o--
"Damn, there are still people up there, and this drill is as hard as the omnidroid..." Mister Incredible said to himself, eyeing the now very unstable elevator. So far half of the civilians had made it out safely, but the rest were still in the higher floors. The fire exits were already useless and littered with debris, save for one that was going to be impaled by the drill if he didn't do what he did best and quick. "I don't think we're going to be able to stop some casualties!"
"We have to try!" Elasti-girl yelled back, still helping some of the victims out. "Just grab a large rock and make a hole through all four floors! That way they can just jump down!"
"It's a risky move, I might hit someone!" The superhero warned, though he was clearly thinking about it.
"Better that than everybody dyi--"
"That won't be necessary." A familiar voice echoed from above before a large piece of concrete, followed by some very sharp pieces of ice fell to the ground.
"It's about time you got here Lu!" Elasti-girl looked upwards to see a head pop out from a frosty hole in the ceiling.
"What's the situation up there?"
"I've swept the whole building top to second floor, and now we just need a very sexy trampoline to jump down on." Frozone said, a small grin on his face.
"One very sexy trampoline coming right up." Helen smiled back, running towards the drill. "Bob, gimme a hand!"
"You got it!"
It was like water--how fluid the two worked together, Frozone thought with a little envy. Elasti-girl started by jumping on the treads of the drill, quickly making her way up to where Mister Incredible was. Almost as if they had planned it from the start, he took hold of her hand and gently threw it towards the cieling rail straight above. With the twist of a wrist, her elongated arm made a perfect loop and was caught by Mister Incredible, who took her as she held on to the seat of the drill and jumped towards a sturdy structure to the far left; placing her leg on something hard. He did the same thing with the right leg in the right corner, and finally placed the arm he used to swing around on the farthest corner he could find. They did it so quickly that Frozone didn't notice the breathing trampoline waiting below him.
"Wake up Lu, there are people to save!"
"Oh--yeah, sorry. Ok now everybody jump down! No pushing!" Frozone yelled, snapping out of his reverie. Surprisingly the civilians obeyed, jumping down one by one in an orderly fashion. Maybe it was because some of them were older than the usual worker. "What building is this anyway...?"
"Old school superhero fan base." The last of the seniors said, before jumping down.
"Oh."
"Hey Zone, a little hand here?" Mister Incredible asked, once again on the top of the unmanned drill. Frozone nodded and used his ice powers to skate towards him.
"What's up?"
"I need you to freeze the heck out of this console with a concentrated ice beam."
"A concentrated one? But if I freeze it too quickly it won't short circuit."
"Just trust me on this one."
Frozone shrugged, focusing all of his energy on the controls. In seconds the console was turned into a pure ice popsicle; and the drill was still moving. "You see? I told--"
Frozone was interrupted by two huge fists smashing the frozen metal into oblivion. Lucius shook his head as Mister Incredible grinned at his old friend. "Short circuiting the drill was never part of the plan."
"Should have seen that one coming."
Bob smirked and reached deep inside, grabbing five handfuls of wire with just two. "You know what to do."
Frozone nodded, freezing the middle part of the electronic bundle.
The two superheroes grinned at each other and with a very satisfying snap, the drill roared its final breath.
Several minutes later in the not-so-distant mental institute, some of the inmates shook their heads knowingly and snuck in sympathetic gazes with the still very shocked mole man. It was a good try...
o
"Well what do you know, they made the news." Edna said to no one in particular, taking a small puff from her stylish tobacco. "Next time, we will see if Klaye is worth his salt in hero work."
"Pardon?"
"Eh?" Edna gasped, jerking her head back wards to see Klaye sitting on the black and red leather sofa behind her. "Goodness dahling, you--"
"He scared you?"
"AAAH!" A female voice cut her off; coincidentally, also scaring the holy hell out of the fashion designer. Violet couldn't help but giggle as she reappeared beside the panting Edna. "I am not young but I still have a lot of things ahead of me! Don't cut it short!"
"Sorry E." Klaye apologized, finally having learned to call Edna by her nickname.
"Me too, sorry..." Violet followed with that same happy look in her cerulean eyes.
"No, no that's alright. Where have you two been? I expected a heartfelt greeting at most but almost twenty minutes?" Edna said with her usual hint of frankness. "You missed the afternoon news."
"But the news isn't 'til six..." Violet pondered, suddenly understanding what the woman had meant. "There was an emergency live broadcast?"
"Yes, and your parents made the news."
"Oh? Figures..." The younger girl smiled, shaking her head slowly. "I didn't expect anything to happen today... then again it was already too peaceful. Who was it this time auntie?"
"That hideous egotistical small man from before."
"The underminer? I thought he was already in jail?"
"Apparently he had a plan B. For his sake I hope he has a plan C."
"Heheh, you never know." Violet shrugged, placing her attention on Klaye. "What do you thi--huh?"
His head rested on the sofa's arm, Klaye responded with a light snore.
"Uhm..."
"Don't worry dahling, it's a sign of heavy fatigue... we shouldn't wake him anymore."
"What did you guys do anyway...?" Violet asked, a small hint of disapproval in her voice.
"Trained him long and hard." Edna grinned, not a guilty neuron in her brain. "In my honest opinion the boy soared through all expectations, including my own."
"I knew it." Violet whispered, her eyes fixed on the slumbering figure. "He really is... different, isn't he?"
"Oh I wouldn't say that dahling... there's one living person I know whose powers are related to his."
"Huh? Who?"
"You."
"What?" Violet gawked. "Why me?"
"It's actually very simple... your force field is created from the raw energy in your body, a particularly dense power that is impressive in ballistic shielding as well as visual reflection." Edna explained, shifting her glassess upwards almost instinctively. "Klaye also uses the raw energy inside him, though in a purer, less fixed way."
"He can do more things with it huh?" The girl answered, happily recalling that night with the orange spider.
"Well yes, in a way." Edna shrugged. "Perhaps he can explain more of it when he wakes up... which won't be in quite a while. You see? Even though Klaye's powers are high class, he is still limited to the energy he holds at current."
"I... understand." Violet smiled, a tinge of pride in her voice. "We only met a week ago and I don't know why, but he means the world to me."
"I can tell." Edna grinned. "If you two kids were just an ordinary bunch I would have been surprised to see your little show by the gardens, but--"
"Wait, you were peeking?" The young girl interrupted, her cheeks slowly growing red. "I... that was..."
"I apologize for that really; the cameras were on and you made it very hard for me not to look. Though it 'is' safe to say that the relationship is perfectly normal between you two." Edna smiled knowingly, earning a though, look from Violet. "Your hormones are working fine... it's just all the extra energy you two have that makes it stronger."
"R-really?"
"Let me ask you something... did you get at all uncomfortable; mood-wise, with that rather long... lip lock you two engaged in earlier?"
"Uhm, no... actually..." Violet's blush grew deeper as she looked at the ground. "I wanted it to be even longer, but we ran out of breath."
"Ah, then that's a good sign of a healthy relationship." Edna nodded. "Although it is very young and based on infatuation, I can sense some very deep roots starting to grow."
"Actually, I don't know... even in the fluffiest movies I've watched, the lovers kissed only in the ending scene of the film." Violet sighed, the doubt obvious in her wavering voice. "It's just... I can't hide it from him at all. And what's worse is I still feel too young."
"It's just because you've never seen those levels of intimacy at such a young age before... let me tell you dahling, the reason you can't hide it from him is because the boy really is a charmer."
Violet frowned mockingly, her blood getting warmer by the minute. "You can say that again..."
"It's his asian and german blood dahling, quite a pair I tell you." Edna grinned, laughing whole heartedly for the first time in nearly two months. "I actually can't believe I trust him already. But I think he deserves it."
The young girl smiled. It was definitely a sight to see. Her gaze now returned to the slumbering boy, Violet's cheery lips grew wider. "By the way auntie... I need a favor."
"Hm?"
Violet reached into her pocket and pulled out a small stationary, followed by a short purple pen. "I want to know anything or everything Klaye said about himself in his stay here--what he likes the most, what bothers him, stuff like that; if you don't mind."
o
Dad, where are you?
"Open your eyes son, many people may not be able to accept what you are capable of."
Fog... endless fog... that was all he could see. Familiar voices had been ringing through his head ever since he'd woken up in this baseless void, unpleasant voices... unpleasant memories. The feeling of guilt was overwhelming. Absolutely no one heard his terrified screams yet the mocking, painful voices of the past held no mercy. What's worse was that it reminded him of just about every miserable thing he had experienced during his... needy times.
"Just leave me alone!" A shivering voice echoed from nothingness, ramming into Klaye's head like a well placed bullet.
"I don't want to be your friend, so stop trying to talk to me and just go away, understand?"
I... remember this.
"I'm sorry, son." A voice from the past whispered, forcing Klaye to recall yet another bad memory.
Dad...
The fog slowly formed into a vague and complex compilation of memories.
"Son... please, you must run! Run!"
Mom... why did this have to happen to us? I miss you all so much...
"I appreciate your charity..." The young boy's eyes widened as he immediately recognized the voice. "but..."
No, wait... wait Amy please! I didn't mean it! I was just... trying to help.
"but..."
I'm sorry... please...
"I can't forgive you."
o
"NO!" A confused scream echoed throughout the dimly lit room as Klaye's entire body jerked forward--and just when he was about to fall off whatever he was lying down on, two soft arms quickly encircled and caught him, gently pulling him back to a more comfortable position.
"Relax... It's alright." The boy recognized the voice as Violet's and forced himself to calm down. Wherever he was, it was safe. But that didn't seem to help his current state of mind one bit. "I'm here..."
Klaye shook his head and sat up slowly with her help, placing a pale shaky hand on his lap. He said nothing.
Vi frowned sadly. She could literally feel how scared he was. "Are you ok?"
"I don't know... I feel tired." The boy said plainly, his eyes glazing over. He couldn't seem to breathe properly. "It's hard to see."
Violet responded by carefully leaning forward and giving him a reassuring kiss on the forehead, slowly combing his hair with her fingers. "I know. Edna told me that you needed treatment as soon as you woke up, I just didn't expect you to be awake so soon. Wait a little while I get you something to munch on, 'k?"
Klaye didn't say anything, he simply took her hand in his and absent-mindedly gave it a slight squeeze. The young girl smiled at this caring reaction, yearning to bear hug and just plain kiss him to death, but now really wasn't a good time. Somehow, she didn't think there was a good time. Reluctantly letting go of his hand, the love struck yet very concerned girl stepped outside of her room, temporarily leaving the young boy alone to his thoughts.
"Amy..." Klaye stared very blankly outside the open window as the door creaked to a close. He had never dreamed about... her before. In his entire life, she was the one that probably hurt him the most, but it seemed like he had hurt her equally; even though he never meant it. It wasn't his fault her mother had died, was it? Yes... yes it was. There couldn't have been anyone else to blame. Maybe she would have healed in time, but he 'had' to do it, he cared for her that much. It was the biggest mistake he'd ever made because now she's probably in an orphanage somewhere...
Hating him.
"No, no... Please don't hate me... I'm so sorry... please don't hate me..." The heavily stressed boy whispered to himself, praying to God she would forgive him... but knew it wasn't really possible. He had never forgiven Syndrome for what he had done... it was the same situation with Amy... why now, of all times did she have to plague him? He had promised himself so many times that if he ever managed a stable home, he would find her...
'But would she even speak to me... would she even care?'
Klaye's merciless thoughts were cut short when Violet came back in, slowly balancing some snacks in a tray. It wasn't until she came closer that his pale silver eyes widened.
Vi giggled slightly as she noticed Klaye's immediate change of expression; it looked like Edna was right. A large bowl of sour gummy worms, walnuts, two bananas on the side and a glass of cold mango juice--all of Klaye's favorite foods. A playful smile entered her lips. "I'm good, aren't I?"
"Good?" Klaye huffed, finding the wooden floor once again to be very interesting. "Try very attractive and creepy."
"Haha, maybe I'm just in love." Violet winked, and Klaye's heart nearly stopped. He had never heard her say that... the completely vulnerable boy didn't notice a super megaton blush on his snow white skin as Violet laughed once more and walked on towards him. Sitting beside him, Violet gently placed the tray on his lap. "Need help?"
"No--" Klaye stopped, suddenly finding everything anchor heavy. He couldn't even lift a finger. "Uhm... maybe."
"It's alright, completely understandable, really." The girl grinned, gently yet firmly taking the glass of mango juice. "A strong guy like you, needing help from a little girl like me..."
Klaye frowned and tried to lift his hands... it obeyed for a few seconds, but that was it. He was just too tired. "Dang, I really can't..."
Violet giggled for the millionth time today, patting the helpless boy on the cheek. "I was just kidding, dummy."
"Hey uhm... Vi?" Klaye sighed, his gaze stopping on an open window. "Wanna hear a story I made up?"
"Really? Sure." The girl answered, surprised and at the same time interested at what her care bear had to say.
"Well, the story starts with this boy... he isn't rich, but his father left him a pretty big amount of money before he died." Klaye started, his eyes subconsciously telling Violet that this story meant something to him. "And he met this girl... she on the other hand is very poor, but she has her mother, who loves her and takes care of her."
"Go on..."
"Now, this girl became good friends with the boy. So good in fact, that the girl starts to tell him more personal things, about her family... about her mother." Klaye continued, animatedly moving his hands as he spoke. "She told the boy that her mother was very sick, and there was a chance she would die of that sickness unless she was operated."
Violet nodded, now very interested. This wasn't a normal story.
"So the boy, wanting to make the girl happy at all costs, used all of his money to have the girl's mother operated, but he didn't tell the girl--it was a surprise of some sort." Klaye hesitated for a while, an emotional moment that did not pass unnoticed by the listener. "But there was a problem."
"A problem?"
"The operation didn't come out succesful, and the mother died. The girl was very shocked when she heard what he had done, and she was angry, and... sad." The young man's face fell as his story ended. "The boy, knowing that it was his fault and feeling very bad about it, left the girl to face the world alone without any money because of the operation..."
Violet was quiet for a good while. It was a very original and somewhat, disturbing story. She definitely didn't expect it from him.
Klaye sighed, facing her with an almost icy seriousness. And in an instant the expression disappeared. "Wierd story, I know... but do you think the girl would've forgiven the boy someday?"
She wasn't very bothered at what he had said; she was bothered at 'why' he said it... could this be something from his past? "Well, if I were the girl in the story, I'd most certainly be mad... but only because of the initial shock."
"Huh?"
"A girl looks into things a little more rationally in time, Klaye... she would start feeling sorry that she had driven him away when she knew that he was only trying to help, by all means it was probably the surgeons' fault." Violet noticed Klaye's face brighten, and smiled softly. "Anyways, is there any reason why you're asking me this?"
"I wanted to know what a girl felt about it... I'm writing a story, you see."
"You write?"
"A little bit... well, used to write a lot."
"Yeeesh, how many talents do you have anyway?" Vi shook her head in disbelief as she helped Klaye get a gulp of his fruit juice. He was just as unreal as she was crazy about him... "Heh, the more I speak to you the more I just seem to shrink."
"And why's that?" Klaye arched an eyebrow, a small smile playing his lips. He felt uncomfortable when she was insecure, but she just looked too adorable--her lips curled like that.
"Nothing... oh, stop looking at me with that face, cutey." Violet reached forward and wiped the smirk off of his face with a quick kiss on the lips. Klaye immediately felt his knees weaken and was infinitely glad that he was sitting. "Now eat... you really need this."
"Not unless you tell me what's wrong." Klaye pouted and clamped his mouth shut, causing a very sensual giggle from the raven haired beauty.
"Now now... you need to eat."
"Mmm-mmm!"
"Klaye..."
"Mmm-mmm!"
"Klaye."
"Mmm--"
"Klaye!"
"What?" As soon as he opened his lips he felt his mouth fill with gummy worms. For a while it looked like he was about to gag, but he managed to hold his stomach at bay and then began to chew rather helplessly. Violet watched on in triumph as Klaye let out an audible gulping sound, followed by an extreme sigh of relief. He tried to open his mouth again but he saw her hand reach for more gummy worms and with a bundle of effort; lifted his hand to cover his mouth. "W-what'd you do that fo--"
"Hush!... now if you don't want any trouble I suggest you open your mouth, okay? I promise I'll be gentle."
Klaye rolled his eyes and dropped his hand in defeat; opening his mouth. Violet very carefully put two gummy worms at a time and with a look that seemed to apologize for almost choking him, watched the boy chew. "This feels so odd... heh..."
"Well then, how about you feed me too? If you can that is... that way, you won't feel too 'unmanly'." Violet smiled as she watched him ponder over the suggestion. Nodding, he reached for the bowl of gummy worms and she opened her mouth slightly; closing her eyes. "Aaah..."
A few seconds passed and she heard some ruffling noises on the bed. She didn't mind it though.
Big mistake.
Her mouth definitely felt something... but it wasn't gummy worms. She opened her eyes only to be greeted by his lips crushing hers as they both fell awkwardly on the bed. Guess it wasn't such a big mistake after all...
"Wh-what are you... mmmph... mmm..." Violet was completely silenced by Klaye's sudden advance. He wasn't usually this... this... oh, who gave a darn! She was enjoying it! Klaye ended up on top of her and to her growing excitement, it didn't look like he was going to give up his position anytime soon. As the kiss grew more and more intense, Violet instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and clung on for dear life; drinking his affectionate kisses as if it were the most precious things in her life. The world seemed to blur as their mouths danced passionately to the heightened beating of their hearts. For a while it seemed like it would never end, and Violet so eagerly surrendered to the theory. She didn't care if they both passed out through lack of air--she wanted to kiss him, to ravage his mouth with her love until she drew her last possible breath... and she almost did.
Klaye, finally letting go, quietly gasped for air as their lips popped softly in reluctant seperation. Violet on the other hand fell back on the bed with her arms sprawled uselessly around her, panting hard. Now that was really something... the sheer force of the kiss disturbed her, but heck, it was really, really something. Even with Edna's encouraging words regarding her relationship, she couldn't help but feel way too under-age for a kiss like that... but it was just so wonderful. And the fact that it was almost certainly taboo also seemed to heighten the appeal of the irresistable boy that never ceased to blow her mind away when given the chance. "Klaye... that was--"
"I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Violet pried her eyes open, fighting the urge to rest her limbs for the moment and forcefully sitting up to see a pair of remorseful, silver eyes staring back at her. She wasn't exactly aware of the whole mess of things at the time since the kiss had temporarily halted any kind of concentration she had left, so she spoke her mind. Not that it had anything really intellectual to say. "Sorry for what?"
"For rushing you into this... for doing what I just did." Klaye shook his head, his voice a mix of sorrow and confusion. Violet looked like she understood, but he felt the need to explain further--he classified himself as a kid of sorts too, and consequently he felt the same, frightful paranoia Violet had experienced. Everything was simply out of place. "These days I... I haven't been myself lately. Actually, I haven't been myself in a long, long time. All this kissing, everything we've been doing... I really do love it... but somehow, I want to control how I act, because I feel so wierd. And I just can't..."
Violet leaned forward, now very interested in what he had to say. Of course her face was telling Klaye to go on in the kindest way possible--and it helped more than she ever knew. It was one of those mysteries her mind had consistently returned to since she first began her relationship with the silver-eyed boy. She'd wanted to know if he too felt a little awkward about the entire thing, partly because they were young, and mostly because it was so steamy... actually she liked that a little too much. That was probably why it was so wierd.
"What I'm trying to say is... I'm a huge mess... and I don't think it's right that I dragged you into this crazy thing..." Klaye sighed hoarsely, putting all of his apprehension away for this single moment. "I'm sorry I kissed you so forcefully... but it was because I don't want us to get carried away, so I've decided not to be so open with you physically... and I wanted something to remember your lips by, until, well... until I fix myself."
Violet suddenly felt her stomach make knots at the sudden realization of what Klaye had said. For a good few seconds she used Edna's words as a source of relief, but soon the young super unenthusiastically faced the hard-hitting truth... what Klaye was saying made a lot of sense. And although she didn't agree with his self-beatings, his decision made her feel both uneasy and secure, happy and sad. They were treading unknown and maybe even unsafe waters... she was going to be damned though if that would be her final kiss in a while. She wasn't ready for it. "I... understand. But I'd really appreciate it if you kissed me one more time..."
o--
Having saved the day yet again--only to mysteriously disappear when the job was done, a very satisfied looking Bob Parr was seated on one of the zebra-striped fur couches that littered the coliseum-esque shape of Edna's living quarters. Right across him, the infamous owner of the house herself was seated snugly on a much smaller though more comfortable looking chair, her legs crossed to create the eccentric, visual effect she was religuously known for. Neither looked like they were in a bad mood. Neither looked troubled in any way. It's funny, how nostalgia can up and change everyone's lives in an instant. "Sooo, how did it go?"
"Ah, you wouldn't believe it E... the huge drill was a tough one; and what's even better was we all moved like we did before, like we never missed a single ounce of hero work all these years!" Try as he might, Bob just couldn't calm himself down. "Everything is finally going to be all right, we are definitely making a come-back."
"Yes, it does seem that way." Edna smiled, also a tad bit hard-pressed to hold back her excitement. "It is almost like the clock was turned back... though only almost."
In an instant both of their expressions darkened. Bob knew exactly what she meant... he'd nearly forgotten about the predicament the once proud supers were now facing. Extinction. "It was horrible, what Syndrome did. I still can't believe they're gone."
"To tell you the truth dahling, neither can I. All of them were friends, most of them quite close." Edna shook her head, mentally slapping herself for ruining such a bright, peaceful atmosphere. "I was more than shocked to see the list in the Nomanisan master computer. The loss of Gamma Jack was especially troublesome."
"Hm? Why?"
"Apparently, he was a relative of Klaye's... you wouldn't imagine the mental stress I went through checking nearly every super in that list for any information about the boy." Edna grinned slightly, her pride hiding some of the pain that was plainly etched on her face moments ago. She always felt a little better whenever she talked about Klaye. "His father was also quite cautious about his family, so I know nearly nothing about the supers he is related to some way or the other... Gamma Jack was our only lead."
"Gamma Jack's a relative of Klaye's? That fits I guess... oh that reminds me, who was his father anyway?" Bob asked, a little embarrassed at the fact that he thought Edna thought that he knew who... ah, dangit. It bothered him at what her reaction might be was all.
"You were probably too busy to know, but he was one of the most powerful supers in Japan... and also the most mysterious." Edna explained, adjusting her specs to fit her eyes perfectly atop her nose once again. She still didn't know why a respectable fashion guru such as her hasn't yet resorted to contact lenses... perhaps she felt older than she thought. Or maybe it was the exact opposite. Either way, she didn't really care. Sighing softly, Edna calmly placed her focus back to the matter at hand after the split second thought had derailed her current reply. "Interested only in protecting the populace, he hides his face almost completely, and from what I've been able to study, Klaye has inherited the man's powers to the very last detail."
"Hm... is it just me, or are the supers in other countries different?" Bob asked, deciding to ask everything he'd been pondering about for the moment.
"No, it's not just you; it also took you long enough to notice dahling." The fashion designer let out a smug grin. "The humidity of an area's location is a substantial factor in the alteration of your powers before birth... North and South America's atmosphere provides some of the more basic powers, such as super strength, durability, speed... the very rare combinations being your daughter's and Jack-Jack's. As you might have heard, the island country of Japan is a clean, very likeable location. Its connection with nature is also a factor, so consequently it houses supers with a little more complexity. Don't give me that competitive look, of course it doesn't mean they're better than everyone else's, they simply have powers that seem vague to the untrained mind."
"Oh. Haha, for a second there I thought I'd finally get to see some real butt-kicking powers." Mister Incredible replied mockingly, a little disappointed. Instead of feeling threatened he actually felt a burst of exhiliration, in hopes that there were supers who had it better than he did. Nothing like a little friendly competition to spice up life. "So how'd you get to know him?"
"Dahling, did you really think I toured around the world only for the sake of fashion? Unfortunately though, he was also on Syndrome's terminated list... so was Klaye."
"What? How?" Bob asked hastily, genuinely surprised. He remembered what Syndrome said; about him hiding under the bones of a dead super... if it was 'that' hard to escape against his inventions, how on earth did Klaye manage it?
"Just like you and all the other supers, Syndrome had tried to trick him into fighting the omnidroid. Only in their case he rejected the offer." Edna crossed her legs again, this time with her left leg over the right. "By that time Syndrome already knew where he was, and unfortunately their house was built in the outskirts of the city they had recently relocated to, that is, if the information I was able to obtain from both my chat with Klaye and Syndrome's digitized journal was correct."
"I see... but that didn't answer my question. How did he get in the terminated list?"
"Have you seen Klaye's torso?" Edna's voice was flat and down-right serious now, earning a curious look from Mister Incredible. "His small body holds wounds, grievous wounds that look like it could have killed anyone his age... how he had managed to survive without any medical help up to this point is still beyond me; though during his stay here I did my best to help his body fight the insurmountable damage the injuries have caused, both physically and mentally."
Bob remained silent for a while, his smooth calculating mind trying to digest what Edna had just said. If what she said was true, then... he really didn't know what to say anymore. "Does Vi know?"
"Yes dahling, it appeared she did... she asked me about it when she picked Klaye up." Edna saw the look on Mister Incredible's face and shook her head in mock disappointment, a grin overpowering her features. "What's the matter Robert? Don't you trust your daughter?"
"O-of course I do!" Bob shot up, his embarrassment just short of reaching the ionosphere. He couldn't believe he let Edna catch him red handed like that... no. He trusted his daughter as much as he trusted Helen. Violet was a good, responsible girl... with waking hormones. Oh boy, he needed to talk to Klaye about this. Bob could almost visualize Lucius' smirking face, the words 'I told you so' hitting his head like a freight train. "I mean, she's aware of the consequences, right?"
"Dahling... you mean to tell me that you do not know your own daughter?"
"No, it's not that I... can we just not talk about this E? What about the supers?" Was Bob's sheepish, trying-hard-to-stray-off-topic reply, and Edna shrugged in silent acceptance. "Tell me that at least there's still more than a handful of us left."
"I don't have the exact number, there are still too many children around the world that could be supers... as for the supers from our time... well, there is more than a handful. But that includes you, Lucius and your family." Edna saw Bob's shoulders slump and let out another small sigh. She couldn't help but feel his pain. The loss of the supers was a huge blow to the natural balance the glory days had once exhibited so perfectly... "Do you remember Firefly?"
"Firefly... wait, he was the young super from the grand canyon! Haven't seen him in nearly sixteen years..." Robert's mood brightened at that, small memories of the old days surging through his mind and making his spine shiver. "he would've made an awesome super. Actually, now that I mention it, Klaye's powers remind me of Firefly. Is he all right?"
"Your memory serves you well enough, dahling. His powers are indeed very similar to Klaye's, and yes, in fact he is doing quite well. Married a pretty irish girl a year after the supers were... temporarily exiled. You had been relocated by then, so that explains why he was never able to visit you."
"Got married huh? So where does he live now? Maybe me and the family'll visit him sometime."
"Oh, you needn't worry about that dahling. When Henry heard about the supers' return; all your doing no less, he gave me a call and said they were moving to Metro City the first chance he gets."
"Finally, some good news. Can't wait to see him." Bob could literally feel the depression hiss out of his body at the mention of his young, turned slightly old friend from the glory days. He remembered looking forward to seeing if Henry could make it as a super hero... and he thanked whoever it was up there that it still wasn't too late. The supers were back in business, and the Firefly would definitely be a welcome addition.
"Yes, he would make a fine addition. But enough small chit-chat, we have more pressing matters to attend to... now currently, the rough estimate of supers in the international level is still far too low, which is why I am giving you and your family your very first real assignment this year." Edna explained, now wearing the stoic, professional face she used when conducting businesses that actually mattered. Actually she hadn't worn it in so long, she really couldn't help but playfully imagine the dust and cobwebs that'd formed behind her cheeks.
"Wow... this really brings back ol' memory lane. I haven't recieved an assignment from you in--"
"Sixteen years, three months, three weeks dahling, I know. Back to the matter at hand, I hope you like coconut milk; because in a week, you and your family will be flown to a collection of tropical islands known as the Philippines." The fashion designer began, motioning for her men to leave. Of course it goes without saying that they complied. "A peaceful yet impoverished country just a few ways south-west of Japan, the Philippines is the perfect haven for just about any villain to work on their psychopathic creations... in fact two years ago, my sources found what appeared to be Samuel Kain's secret head-quarters there, underneath a dormant volcano called Taal by the locals."
"Wait a minute, what? Really? Samuel Kain? 'The' Samuel Kain?" Mister Incredible couldn't believe it. The mythical criminal mastermind thought to have unified and controlled all of the world's villainy one time in his career, actually existed? He even recalled obsessing over the villainous icon, spending a lot of time (and money) in his late teen years trying to decipher the patterns of the villains he'd faced, hoping that it would lead him to the so-called, 'god of gifted crime'... but after years of late nights and dead-ends, he was all but convinced that Samuel Kain truly did not exist. "This is... this is big. Don't tell me you're sending us there to face him."
"No dahling, Samuel is dead. We found his body, carefully preserved in his laboratory. We are sending you there because for some reason, all of the technology in the volcano that we had planned to relocate has suddenly kick started and are as of now fully operational... we still do not know if this was done by a person, or by the computers itself. There are also no supers in the Philippines... sending you would be the most obvious choice." Edna replied, a thoughtful air now looming around her. "Bringing your family along is optional dahling... I can send you without them, if you like. However, I would appreciate it if you brought Klaye with you. Perhaps Frozone can be of assistance as well, but his absence in Metro City may challenge its safety... Elastigirl would have to stay if you brought him."
"Hmmm... tough decision." Bob cupped his wide chin with the back of his left hand, leaning forward to rest the corresponding elbow on his knee. If he didn't take Helen, she'd kill him. But maybe if he carefully, calmly explained why and used the kids as a reason, she'd only leave him half dead (wishful thinking, definitely). Frozone was a good choice, Lucius could watch all three of their backs if he had too. Not that Helen wouldn't be able to do that, she was actually almost the better choice. But if Helen was coming, then that meant Dash would want to come, and if Dash was coming then Violet would undoubtedly follow; not only because of the family, but because Klaye would be accompanying him too... call him classic, but he really didn't want the kids to be involved in things that were too dangerous for an inexperienced super to handle. And he'd be damned if Samuel Kain's haunted technological 'grave' didn't qualify as too dangerous. In fact, to be totally honest with himself, Bob didn't feel confident enough to drag Klaye into such an unpredictable mission... but on the other hand, he didn't want to go at it alone... underestimating someone like Kain--dead or alive, was a fool proof plan to get just about anyone killed. "I'll have to give this one a lot of thought... I'll let you know when I've decided. Next week right?"
"Yes dahling, September thirteen, Wednesday next week--"
"Hold on, September what? Oh no." Bob smacked his head, having forgotten one very important detail. School. He was still supposed to enroll Klaye. And if he wasn't mistaken (which he hoped he was), Monday next week was the start of Vi's first quarter examinations... 'Even after all these years, education still pesters me...' "Vi has exams E... I guess Klaye is all right, because I'm still having a little trouble enrolling him without a birth certificate--"
"Already done dahling. I talked to the newly promoted principal of Western View yesterday; a personal friend of mine, and he agreed. He even allowed Klaye to be in the same class Violet is in... though she will have to help him as he is almost four months late." Edna shrugged as if what she had done was expected of her as a completely basic and prioritized necessity. Mister Incredible simply gawked in wonder. "I've also mentioned their little trip; they will both be given homework to make up for their absence as well as take the tests after, which depends on your choice of who to bring of course. As for your little boy's excuse, well I'm pretty sure you can handle that yourself dahling."
"H-huh? Oh... yeah. So how'd you find out anyway? Tapped my phone? Spied on me with the Mode Satellite?"
"Ah, simple, naive Robert. All it took was a wild guess... and maybe a shot or two of fine tequila. Can't expect me to manage a tight schedule and just up and do your errands without an outlet, after all."
Chapter Ending;
-Peer Pressure-
"All right Klaye... everything ready? Books and all that?"
"Y-yeah."
Violet smiled, unable to stop staring at her on and off boyfriend... who was at the moment a big bundle of nerves. She could practically feel his apprehension in the air. She didn't know why he was so nervous though, having spent the past three days absorbing everything she was teaching him like a huge sponge, and memorizing the lessons that mattered as of recent school topics. He even managed to understand the newer problems in algebra; something she was still having trouble solving... heck there was absolutely no reason to be afraid, as a matter of fact she was actually excited for him. "Don't worry about it will ya? You'll do fine."
Klaye nodded slowly, still helplessly nervous about the whole thing. He hadn't been to a private school with so many students since... well, in a very long time. And as much as he'd like to be happy, all of his memories regarding open education brought about as much joy as a stuffed puppy being baked in an oven. It seemed like the only coherent thing he could do to make himself feel even just a fraction of relief was to look himself over... and over, and over again. But no matter how many times he changed his shirt or fixed his hair or brushed his teeth, there was always that nagging thought that everyone was going to stare at him... and if there was just one thing on earth that could kill the anti-social boy, it would be a fatal dose of embarrassment. Having finally chosen a simple, dark-green shirt and a pair of brown pants to wear several minutes ago--both of which Mister and Mrs. Parr had bought him during their trip to the mall, Klaye shouldered his grey backpack and let out one final, reluctant sigh as he and Violet walked out of the house and onto the drive way.
Helen observed the two from inside the family van, and was actually surprised to see them both trying their hardest to be distant. Did something go wrong? In fact now that she mentioned it, they haven't been very snuggly since Violet started to teach him--maybe they realized how quickly their relationship took off. Oh well... they still looked pretty darn cute; snatching glances when the other wasn't looking. The all-knowing mother of three grinned her usual lop-sided grin as her daughter placed a small kiss on Klaye's lips right before she opened the van door, sitting next to her on the front seat.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself..." The raven-haired girl smiled, a small splash of red revitalizing her cheeks as a half-stunned Klaye entered the middle row, making himself comfortable before nodding in sheepish silence. "you looked like you needed it though."
Klaye released a shaky breath, the kiss draining some of his paranoia but at the same time heightening a certain something... he couldn't quite put his finger on it, though he wasn't really in the right state of mind to do so. He felt tons better though. "I did... thanks Vi."
"Then... would you mind if that happened a little more often?" Violet asked, her tone light as a feather as she stared at the back of her hands, which were now placed firmly on her thighs. It embarrassed her a bit to say that, but she was going to go crazy if she couldn't at least peck him on the cheek every now and then.
The silver-eyed boy looked thoughtful for a moment, his mind returning to the kiss, and what it did to him. After a brief moment of silence he shook his head, smiling lightly. Without a doubt he needed it. "Of course I wouldn't mind... that is, if you don't mind me kissing you like that from time to time too."
"I'd be insulted if you didn't!" Violet's smile grew wider, now very happy to have obtained permission to kiss him. She looked behind her and saw the same expression on Klaye's face. But she could still make out the faint, trace of dread around it... why on earth was he so afraid of school?
Meanwhile, a completely ignored Helen was staring at them like they were playing parts in a soap opera. She never realized how evolved their relationship was... they were practically giving each other a time-out! This was just way too adorable! "So uhm... ready for school Klaye?"
"I... definitely hope so Mrs. Parr."
Vi shook her head in slight bemusement, jotting up a mental note to ask him more about his phobia later tonight. "Don't worry; I'll introduce you to all my friends, it'll be a blast."
"I'm sure everything will be fine sweetie. And you don't have to be so formal--auntie would do nicely, or even mom if you want."
At that moment a shaken, sad look passed quickly through the boy's face. Helen immediately began to regret what she had said as Klaye's expression started to vividly play out the emotional turmoil he was forced to experience everyday--and ending the myriad of feelings came the distant look that she remembered him wearing when he first entered their lives... though it contributed nearly nothing to ease the situation in her case. It looked like his voice had clawed out of his throat, and a light nod was the only reaction Elastigirl could make out as a reply.
'Darnit girl--why'd you have to go and say that?' "Ah, shoot... I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry Klaye, I know your mother means a lot to you... But I'd like you to know that I'm not out to replace anyone, I just hope that having me and Bob taking care of you can at least fill some of the emptiness you must be feeling."
Klaye shook his head, a sad smile forming the delicate curve of his mouth. "My dad... he was never really that close to me. He taught me, sure... but he was always out. In fact I don't think he got along with my mom very well either. I was always being left alone, but it wasn't that bad. And I understood my mother's problems--she needed to work because what dad earned wasn't nearly enough. My sister kept me company, and I taught her how to read... I also practiced katas when she was asleep... I guess that was my life."
Violet looked like she was about to speak, yet found herself at a loss for words. It was a good thing too, since Klaye had more to tell.
"Then... that 'thing', ruined my life, and took them all away from me. Half a year later, I'm part of something I thought I'd never, ever have again... auntie, no-one can replace my mother, my sister... but I want you to know that this family means more than the world to me..."
Helen was, by now obviously smiling a smile brighter than the sun towards the boy's heart-felt (not to mention very well said) thanks. She was pretty much convinced that meeting him was a ploy on destiny's part... miraculously providing a perfect addition to the abstruse super family that was the Incredibles; and their equally confusing alter egos, the Parrs. "Klaye, as far as I'm concerned this family, is 'your' family."
"And you don't ever have to leave--in fact I'm not allowing it." Violet exchanged a playful glance with Klaye's emotionally relieved one, their eyes locking with the same mutual intensity for a split second before the brunt of the current happenings once again hit the latter's mind. "So you might as well enjoy our company, right?"
"...darn it."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
Helen simply understood, years and years of life experiences lending its wisdom. On a side note, it bugged her that the number of years it took to yield such knowledge had to be so damned numerous...
Klaye quickly looked down and wiped his eyes, a great deal of pain and joy attacking his emotions simultaneously to deliver something he will perhaps never be able to comprehend. His sight now blurred slightly with moisture, the young man brought his gaze back towards Violet and his heart skipped a beat. She finally understood what was happening as a quick sniffle escaped him. "Totemo... utsukushii."
"Hey now, don't cry! It's contageous..." Violet sniffled a little herself, helplessly laughing at the sheer comical sense of it all. "and what was that supposed to mean?"
"Ah, sorry... old habit." Klaye smiled back, regaining enough composure to sit up straight and simply take in the divine entity that was Violet Parr. Everything that went between them seemed to have happened so fast... he still had trouble remembering why she kissed him, exactly. Even more so why he returned the favor three-fold.
"What're you apologizing for? I love it when you talk like that." The raven-haired girl replied sweetly, tilting her head to match her embarrassed smile. "'Course it wouldn't hurt to know what that meant..."
"Oh, geez got carried away there; look at the time! We've gotta go, you guys are gonna be late." Helen said quickly, mentally slapping herself for forgetting her place and pressing down on the clutch with her left foot as she skillfully switched from the neutral gear to first. The small van reacted obediently as she placed the tip of her right foot on the gas pedal and; slowly letting go of the clutch, pressed ever so softly on it. Pretty soon they were out of the garage and well on their way to Western View.
Violet was going to ask about what Klaye'd said once more, but as she looked back, his eyes were glued to the scenery again. At that point another question popped into her mind, and almost immediately all of her thoughts were focused on it. Returning her view ahead (she never did like getting car sick), Vi pondered on what to say for a good while before asking. "So, Klaye... uhm, the other day when you stopped that guy with the gun... how'd you know?"
Klaye's eyes subconsciously darted to where Violet was, but she already had her sights set towards the road. Looking back at the speeding scenery, he remembered what happened that day before the mall and let out a random sigh. "Oh, when i melted that gun? I... don't know exactly. I guess I can sort of feel the emotions of another person when I concentrate hard enough..."
"My word, an empath." Helen was once again drawn into the conversation, fascinated by Klaye's powers. It was a straight road, probably a minute or two before they reach an intersection, which allowed Elastigirl to relax for a bit. "From what I've heard, supers with that power can see people through walls, right?"
"Ah... well, when I focus, sometimes I see colors on the other side of a wall... Dad told me that each one belonged to a seperate person... It's really tough to do though." Klaye explained, trying his best to sound coherent and at the same time, not tongue twist himself. "So I didn't really see how many people there were in that house, I just felt that there was something wrong."
"So you actually see what a person is feeling?" Violet risked getting car sick and looked back again, this time met by Klaye shaking his head in amusement.
"It's not really seeing... and my emotions have to be kept bottled up, or it's just gonna overlap and confuse me--it's pretty much as bad as it sounds." Vi chuckled at that, the two now once again helpless to each other's gaze. "Most of the time I just try to read their faces, but if I really have to, I concentrate to see what someone is really feeling."
"Mmm... sounds really useful." The young girl said slyly, managing to break from his powerful charms long enough that her eyes caught the sight of his right hand's fingers. Her eyes widened as she stared blankly at her new discovery. "What happened there?"
Klaye looked confused for a split second; before glancing at the limb of interest himself and chuckling sheepishly. Right underneath his shapely, pointed fingernails, were small traces of raw flesh and irritated skin. "Accident."
"Does it hurt?"
"Yeah, a little bit." Vi didn't look like she was going to stop staring at him anytime soon (neither did he for that matter), so the boy quickly steeled his tongue for another explanation. "...Edna had some problems with the driver of a moving truck that was supposed to hand over some really expensive equipment, so John and I ended up pitching in to help. I was carrying the air-conditioner when it slipped and the filter thing cut me..."
"Ouch... would you mind if I had a look at your hand?" Klaye shook his head again, bringing the aforementioned limb in the care of Violet's nimble fingers. What happened next went as a shock to well... no-one really. Helen couldn't help but smile at the sight of her daughter kissing the healing fingers on Klaye's hand, leaving the latter dumbstruck and embarrassed. "Poor baby."
"I... errr... t-thanks... heh."
"I wish I brought my camera." Elastigirl let out a giddy laugh as the two flashed a shade of red, with Klaye's cheeks being much more apparent. Silence hailed soon after they passed the intersection, and before anyone really knew, Western View Junior High was right in front of them. The newest family member was at the moment eyeing the intimidating structure, a dose of apprehensive fear so obviously etched on his face. On the other hand her daughter was also looking around outside, though she assumed it was for friends. By this time Helen had already parked the van neatly underneath the vast shade of one of the large trees that littered the exterior of the school. "Now Violet, you take care of Klaye all right? It's an hour an exam meaning by twelve noon you two should be done, so I'll be having coffee with Honey and Lu at the Blends until then... good luck guys."
"Don't worry Mom, we've got this one. Right Klaye?"
Silence.
Poke poke. "Right?"
"Oh, y-yeah... we've uh, got it."
Satisfied at Klaye's response for now, Violet unlocked the front door and very eagerly opened it, the familiar quiet clattering of infinite footsteps that could be heard only around a prosperous campus; quickly filling the van with a sense of the new week. There certainly was nothing like the transparent scent of a school morning--even Klaye was forced to remember the better memories of his childhood as he inhaled the mixed air that Western View provided. "Get over here, silly."
Klaye nodded, unlocked the door and opened it, though with much less enthusiasm than what the raven-haired beauty had shown. True, the light crisp air had indeed succeeded in calming his nerves, but he was still uncomfortable. Then again, he'd forgotten what it was like not to be slightly paranoid all the time anyway, so he ignored his bothersome thoughts for when it really mattered (it usually never did). Back to reality though, knowing that opening something was usually accompanied by either going in, stepping out or fulfilling a certain degree of hunger or thirst, he looked back to see Helen waving and speeding off; now disdainfully aware that he had passed the point of no return. 'Oh boy help me somebody...'
"Violet?" A calm, slightly baritone voice caught the silver eyed boy off-guard, prompting him to look back towards the girl in question to meet his very first friend since the Parrs. Well, his first acquaintance anyway...
"Hiya Tony." Violet spoke, her tone clearly brimming with security. These past few months had worked wonders on her relationship with Rydinger, whatever doubts she had of his intentions now as clean as a baby's sheets. That being said, she couldn't make out what exactly appeared in her thought bubble when she turned back to look for Klaye, only to see the criminally cute boy staring oddly at him. "Come'ere, I want you to meet Tony!"
'Here we go...' Klaye's eyes slowly darted to and fro, before he finally let out a sigh and joined the commodity. Tony, who had just noticed him began to instinctively eye what was coming. The cream white skin and the brown leather jacket which apparently Klaye had worn because of the cold was the second to be mixed into his thoughts, right after the initial shock of looking at a pair of genuine silver eyes. "Uhm... hi, I'm--"
Now fully convinced of his observation; call it an adolescent male's silent judgement, Tony startled the new-comer as he shot one of his famous charismatic looks and at the same time interrupted the barely audible introduction with one of his own. "No no, allow me to introduce myself first... wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I didn't right?"
Both Violet's and Klaye's eyes widened at that one... actually, the latter's pupils even shrinked. Tony ignored it, knowing his charms were at times irresistable. Instead, in as modest a form as possible he took hold of Klaye's free hand, giving it a slight peck.
"The name's Tony Rydinger... pleasure to meet you."
'He didn't...' Violet cringed, having obtained a very interesting fact from Edna a few days back about the boy who now looked like he was about to faint. It seemed he was afraid of men that... well, were of the opposite sex. She tried to speak, but her throat was just too tight. And it made her feel just plain horrible to see the look on Klaye's face. 'Oh no... not a good first impression at all...'
The more--for lack of better words--violated of the three still had a pale hand out, even after Tony had left it hanging there a little over five seconds ago.
Violet could've sworn she saw Klaye's hand twitch. She was still way too shocked to speak, so instead she found herself spouting out words from her eyes. 'Klaye, what are you doing? Breathe! Pleaaase don't topple over... keep your balance!'
"Hey uh, is she okay?" The clueless one turned to look at Violet, whose eyes widened again for a split second, before completely shaking off the whole matter... at least, enough that she could speak a few sentences without choking.
"Errr... yeah. I'm fine... 'he' isn't, though." Violet didn't know whether she was going to burst out into laughter or glare up a pair of deathly sharp daggers, choosing to do neither and simply pointed at Klaye; now looking like he was caught in suspended animation.
"What? Wait... so she's not a--"
"Yep."
"He's a--"
"Yes."
Tony looked thoughtful for a moment (as thoughtful as a straight guy who kissed another guy can be), and very soon mimicked Klaye's lack of reflex.
Violet sighed, pondering on how life got any wierder than it already was. And that was when she noticed that more than just a few students have stopped to gather around the three."...Ah, they're just um... playing that game were you dance and... freeze when... there's no music. Uh, I'm going to get the nurse now."
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Author's Notes: Ah, that felt good. Doesn't that feel good? -dodges a tomato- Sorry, sorry, you guys're still sore. Anyways, I'll be working harder, I swear... sorry it wasn't as long, I could've made it longer, but then that'd be hinting on Chapter 3 :). You guys keep outta trouble, so you can read more of my fic... I'll possibly finish the next one in three weeks :).