Chapter 14
"Wow, I can't believe how young the three of us look here!" Blaze comments as Axel passes her another photo of the trio on duty in their police days. The two of them have been sitting there for hours talking.
"You haven't changed a single bit though" he grins.
"You look different without a beard there!" Blaze laughs.
"Everyone tells me that. This one here must have been taken around 12 years ago…" he says whilst examining the picture on the couch next to her.
"I just wish I could remember something, anything! I mean, when I saw you and Adam you both seemed so familiar I knew we had all met before. How long did we work together?"
"Well when you first became a cop, you and Adam trained and worked together for about 4 years. I met you years later and we were both on the same team for just over a year. WOPD wanted to offer you your old job back at one point but you punched the commissioner in the face so that was the end of that!" Axel explains.
"Well he must have had it coming to him!" They laugh.
"You got a nice place here you know! Is that your son?" Blaze stands up by the shelf, noticing a framed photo of Leon.
"Yeah, we just moved here around 3 months ago. I had to do some time out in the wilderness away from the city but Leon would stay with me for half of it then with Adam during the school term. But now that's all over I think he's more settled here."
"He looks like you," Blaze comments with a smile. "Does his mom live here too?" She curiously asks.
Axel shakes his head "No. She left after he was born."
"Oh...I'm sorry".
"We have our ups and downs but you end up making the most of what you got".
"I don't understand how a mother could just leave their baby like that? You asked me earlier if I had a kid. I don't now, but I once did. I begged the authorities to let me go back into the hospital on the day of the explosion, I could barely stand but they dragged me away. They kept saying to me it's too late. So my baby never made it out of there. I'd give anything to spend a day with him or her" she explains with sadness on her face.
"I'm so sorry" he replies with his voice slightly shaken. "Blaze, there's something I need to tell you…"
Just as he finishes his sentence, the phone rings. The two of them pause and stare at each other for a moment.
"You'd better get that" she forces a smile, feeling embarrassed.
"One minute…" he replies as he reaches for the phone.
"That was Leon's teacher. I gotta collect him early as he's been involved in a fight. It's not like him at all, I'm sure something is wrong!" Axel says with concern on his face.
"Woah, it's already 2pm. I better get going. Charlie and I have taken up enough of your day already!" Blaze awkwardly smiles.
"Wait! Why don't you come with me? I'm sure meeting you and Charlie is gonna cheer Leon up. Besides, there's still so many things left that I remember that might help your memory…"
"You said you had something you needed to tell me?" Blaze asks.
"Yeah erm… I'm sure it will come back to me. Wasn't anything important! I just realized we haven't eaten anything since breakfast." Axel tries to change the subject.
"It's ok, really. I should get going" Blaze replies.
"Let me atleast pick up something for you before you go all that way back. There's this really nice place next to Leon's school, the cakes there are his favourite" he smiles.
"Ok, I guess I can stay a little longer" she smiles back, trying her best not to impose but not wanting to leave either.
Once they reach the school grounds, a whole load of children in the kindergarten class that finish earlier in the day excitedly point when they see the cute looking Springer Spaniel by the gates.
"Mind if my son pets your dog?" One mother happily questions Blaze.
"Sure, he's really friendly!" She smiles. Gradually one child and parent turns into at least 10 surrounding them.
"Give me five minutes ok?" Axel says to Blaze who is occupied outside holding Charlie whilst the dog enjoys all of the attention from a group of 4 year olds.
"Mr Stone, thank you for coming at such short notice" one of the teachers says as she leads him into her office.
"What happened?" Axel asks, trying to stay calm as soon as he spots Leon sitting in the corner sulking with his head down.
"Leon and some of the boys in the year above were caught up in a scuffle earlier at the back of the playground. Your son here threw one of them over the trash can and punched the other two in the face, knocking them to the ground. I've had to call the other parents who have now taken the boys to hospital to get them checked over." The teacher explains.
"I'm so sorry about this, I will make sure this never happens again and the hospital bills are covered." Axel reassures her, noticing a cut above Leon's eyebrow on one side of his face.
"That's very kind of you…"
"But that's not fair, they're the ones who started it!" Leon shouts out.
"Kid I'm not gonna tell you again not to interrupt like that. It don't matter if they started it, if someone wants to pick a fight with you, walk away and don't be stubborn!" Axel tells him.
"But I already tried that!" He complains.
"Look Mrs Lewis, I know Leon can fight but he's really a good kid. Don't you think it's a little strange that there was 3 against 1 here? If these older boys are trying to pick on him, the school needs to look into that. He shouldn't have to defend himself."
"You're right, and we have a very strict policy on bullying. This is why we're suggesting that you and the other parents sit down together here due to the seriousness of the fight".
"No problem," Axel agrees.
"I'll be in contact sometime later this week" she replies.
"Thank you" he says as he and Leon get up to leave.
"Let me see that cut" Axel sighs, examining his face once the two of them are outside of the office.
"I didn't start the fight dad I swear!" Leon frowns.
"I know you didn't. Just know that someone could have seriously got hurt. I always say it's ok to defend yourself, but there's no need to go punching them in the face is there? Remember these kids can't fight like you".
"I guess," Leon shrugs.
"Do you wanna get that cut checked over?" Axel asks.
"I'll be ok" he nods.
"Everything is gonna be ok…. Hey listen, I brought with me one of my old work colleagues who is waiting outside for us. And she has a dog with her who is very excited to meet you".
"Really?!" Leon's face immediately cheers up with a smile.
"Yep, you're gonna love him!"
As they step out into the playground they see the group of 4 year olds and their parents starting to disperse after having the chance to greet Charlie.
"Dad, why are you squeezing my hand?" Leon looks up at him, puzzled seeing his dad slightly nervous.
"Sorry er, I was just worried about you after the fight you had".
"But I'm fine!" he insists.
"Hi!" Blaze smiles at them once they approach her.
"Leon, this is my old work colleague Blaze, Blaze this is Leon" Axel introduces them.
"Nice to meet you!" She gives him a warm smile.
"Hi," he shyly smiles back.
"And this is Charlie, I think he wants to say hi to you".
"He's really cute!" Leon grins as he strokes his fur. "He just licked my hand!" he giggles.
"Yeah, it means he likes you!" Blaze smiles back.
"Thank you, I think you've made his day" Axel says to her.
"Yeah, thank you! He's a good dog." Leon excitedly replies.
"Well, anytime you wanna see Charlie or visit, let me know. I'm sure he'd love to hang out with you" Blaze smiles then she hands him the lead.
"So were you a cop like my dad?" Leon asks her as they leave the school grounds together.
"Apparently a long time ago!" Blaze laughs.
"Cool! Can you fight?" He questions, feeling intrigued.
"Yeah, I think I'm a pretty good fighter," she proudly grins.
"Blaze is a badass fighter- she could definitely teach you how to strengthen those hook kicks" Axel answers.
"Speaking of fights, how's that cut above your eyebrow feeling?" Blaze asks the young boy, feeling concerned.
"I'm ok. This kid called Aaron in the year above kept bullying one of my friends. I told him this morning to leave him alone. So after lunch, he and his two friends followed me. He tried to stab me with a pair of scissors and that's how I got this cut. But then I fought them off." Leon describes.
"Wow you're brave! 3 against 1! I'd say those boys were cowards attacking you like that" Blaze replies.
"I ended up punching two of them in the face then throwing the third over a trash can".
"Nice! I would have done exactly the same as you kid! Good on you for sticking up for your friend and for yourself. Something tells me those boys won't ever mess with you again" Blaze praises him.
"Just keep your cool Leon, fighting is a last resort" Axel says to him.
"Yeah! Your dad is right, only fight if you have to" Blaze agrees, feeling slightly guilty about praising his actions.
"This is the place I told you about!" Axel says to Blaze, lightening the mood when they reach a small bakehouse on the corner of the street.
"Yes!" Leon excitedly answers knowing that he's about to choose some treats to take home.
"Hey there, what can I get the three of you? Cute dog by the way!" The lady behind the counter smiles as Leon starts to choose from the array of cookies and cakes on offer.
"1 large cookie and 1 small cake is your maximum and that's it!" Axel warns him. "If he has more than that he gets hyper" he mentions to Blaze.
"I can understand that!" She laughs "I'll have the triple chocolate one please" she orders.
"They have the best hot chocolate here! It's my favourite, you have to try it!" Leon enthusiastically says to her.
"Really? Wow, that's my favourite drink too! I think I'll take your advice then" she grins back at him.
"Can we get three hot chocolates to take out please?" Axel orders.
"Can I interest you in the Christmas Fair across the street? They've just opened the gates at the park in the last hour and are giving away the first 50 tickets free of charge. It's only an hour until the school day ends so I think they're still available."
"Please…..?" Leon cutely asks.
"Don't you have to revise for a test tomorrow?" Axel shakes his head.
"I got suspended from school for a day, remember? So I can revise tomorrow. And if we go now, Blaze and Charlie could come with us!"
"You gotta ask first, you can't just go making decisions for people Leon... " he replies.
"I don't mind! And I have the rest of the day off plus it's nice to get to hang out with you both" Blaze reassures him.
"You sure?"
"Yeah of course!" She happily answers without any hesitation.
The three of them along with the dog enjoy the next hour checking out the mini theme park and market set up around the park. Leon leads the way, still holding Charlie's lead with Blaze and Axel not far behind him.
"Hey I think I know someone who can help you with your memory" Axel says to Blaze.
"Who?" She queries.
"Someone we used to know. He's a scientist and has invented some amazing things you wouldn't believe. He's definitely an expert in neurology, maybe we could give him a try if you want?"
"Is he close by?" Blaze asks.
"Yeah, Zan's lab isn't too far from here".
"Wait, that name sounds familiar" she remarks.
"Yeah, you knew him for a long time. He's gonna be so happy to see you and I'm sure the doctor can help you".
Blaze looks at Axel with a lot of hope on her face "this day just gets better and better! Thank you, I definitely wanna give this a try!".
"Ok, once we've finished up here we can go there".
"Look, this stall has dog toys!" Leon calls them over towards a venor hosting a shooting game.
"Wanna give it a try Leon?" The man behind it who happens to be one of their neighbours offers him a go. The boy fires one rubber bullet towards a target which ends up a success. He celebrates and wins a small chew toy for his new friend.
"Aww thanks! Charlie's gonna love that!" Blaze says to him.
"Why don't you try and play for one of these bigger prizes kid?" Another man on the next stall with a southern accent grabs their attention.
"Look, they have drones!" Leon points out.
"Yeah that drone up there is the top prize. $10 to enter and you win if you can shoot all 6 of these targets in less than 10 seconds!" The vendor hands over a large rifle to him.
"Nah this ain't gonna work. First the targets are too high for any kid his age to hit with those plastic bullets and he can barely hold that gun. Here, let me do it and I'll win the drone for you" Axel says.
"Hell no! The whole neighbourhood here knows you used to be a US army sniper. That drone is worth over 100$!" The vendor tries to hand back their cash.
"That's not fair, we still paid like everyone else!" The boy answers back.
"I'll do it then!" Blaze suggests "I'm not a sniper!"
"Sure lady, here you go" he hands over to her the rifle, not expecting much of an outcome.
Blaze carefully aims the gun at the first target as he sets the timer.
"10 seconds starts now!"
She fires each bullet one after another without hesitation. To the vendors surprise, within 6 seconds, she has hit all of the targets on point.
"That was awesome!" Leon excitedly shouts out.
"Come on, hand the kid the drone then!" Blaze demands whilst the vendor's mood changes to defeat.
"Great doing business with you Sir" Leon smirks when he is handed the top prize.
"The look on that guy's face was priceless!" Axel laughs as they celebrate their win.
The 20 minute walk to the lab feels so much shorter than usual with the three of them laughing and joking around.
"When we get there can we power up the drone?" Leon asks.
"I'm sure that won't be a problem for Zan" Axel laughs to himself.
"Just make sure if Zan offers you food, don't take it! His cooking is gross" Leon advises Blaze.
"Ok, I'll bear that in mind" she worriedly replies, noticing Axel starting to laugh hysterically.
"What is it?" She giggles.
"I'm just remembering this one time when Zan offered you this sea cucumber dish. You hated it!"
"Sea cucumber? What the hell was this doctor thinking?" They burst out laughing together.
Shortly afterwards they arrive at the lab.
"Sup Ax? Hey Leon" Floyd opens the metallic door with a smile on his face.
"Good to see you again. This is Blaze" Axel introduces them.
"I'm Floyd by the way! And that's a cute dog!" For a moment she's surprised when he extends his robotic hand to shake hers.
"Nice to meet you" she smiles back.
He leads them downstairs to a classified lab. As soon as Zan sees Blaze he freezes and stares at her with a tear in his eye as if he has just seen a ghost.
"Adam told me you were alive but I could only believe it when I saw for myself" Zan remarks.
"Blaze doesn't remember anything before the hospital explosion. We're trying to find anything that can help trigger her memory." Axel explains.
"Do you think you could help me?" She pleads with Zan.
"Yes" he nods with certainty.
"First I need you to answer a few questions, just to see how far back you can remember. Preferably without any distractions" Zan says as he glances over towards the others.
"Leon take Charlie outside with the drone, I'll be out in a minute" Axel says whilst Blaze follows Floyd into the next room.
"Just so that you know, I haven't told her anything yet about me or Leon. She only knows about us working together" Axel discretely explains to Zan.
"That's a good thing. It's better if her memory works itself without any assumptions behind it."
"What are you planning to do then?" Axel asks.
"Return back inside in 15 minutes and you'll see" Zan replies.
Axel can't help but smile when he notices Leon outside in the garden area playing fetch with Charlie and his new chew toy.
"I see you've made a new friend today" Axel says as he joins in then throws the toy.
"I know! This dog is super smart!"
"He is! Hey I wanna ask you something" he takes a seat on the bench next to his son.
"Sure!" Leon replies, still distracted whilst playing with the dog.
"How would you feel if Blaze and Charlie were to hang out with us more often?"
"I'd like that. Blaze is really cool and she makes me laugh!" He grins. "Why does she have to go to the doctor? Is she gonna be ok?" He worriedly asks.
"Yeah Blaze will be ok. She was in an accident a long time ago and unfortunately she lost her memory. Zan's just tryna help her get it back".
"Hey! The doctor is asking for you. I can stay out here with them!" Floyd interrupts.
"Thanks" Axel returns to the lab on his own.
"What's going on then?" He questions Blaze and Zan.
"We're gonna try this prototype simulator that Dr Zan has recently designed. He reckons it might help trigger my memory" Blaze explains.
"That's great news!" Axel smiles.
"The only issue is, with the damage previously to her brain we risk causing a seizure if she goes under simulation" Zan says with caution in his voice.
"I still wanna try it" Blaze insists.
"How bad could the seizure get?" Axel asks.
"It's impossible to tell but I'll be able to gradually get her mind out of the simulation within 15 seconds".
"You sure about this?" Axel looks at her with concern on his face.
"I've tried for almost 9 years and nothing else has worked. I think this is the only option left" Blaze sighs.
She takes a seat in a comfortable chair before a headset is lowered from above. It covers the top part of her face as well as her eyes and ears.
"Before I place you under anesthetic, I have to lock these around your wrists as a precaution for your own safety and for ours". Zan explains whilst a metallic ring attached to the chair is locked around each of her wrists.
"I understand" she nervously says.
"I'm gonna be right here next to you" Axel tells her then he takes her hand as the anesthetic is injected into Blaze's arm.
A red light on the headset flashes on as the simulator starts to work.
"Now what?" Axel questions Zan.
"All we can do now is wait" the doctor answers.