[Unknown location]
(Late into the night, a woman is woken up by the sound of knocking at her door. She talks through the dark half-dressed with no weapon in hand and unlocked all of her locks from the door without hesitation or a glance into the peephole. She becomes instantly annoyed once she sees who it is.)
Zoey: Ugh, you…? (Walks away)
(Gabriel follows her in and closes the door using his telekinesis.)
Sylar: Now, now, let's not forget you were the one who came to me first. Remember, you sliced my head open while I sleeping? That was one of the best naps I had in a long time.
Zoey: Whatever, Gabriel.
(Zoey takes a seat on her couch after turning on one of her lamps to light up the room.)
Zoey: These people are gonna start blaming you again for the murders. What're you going to do about it?
Sylar: Find who's been doing this and stop them.
Zoey: Other than the two of us and you-know-who, there are a few others with our ability. Where they're at is anyone's guess but Chandra Suresh was onto one of their locations. When he was looking for you, he was actually looking for a different Sylar- the Sylar before you adopted the name.
Sylar: You mean Samson Gray?
Zoey: No, the guy who actually made the watch shop you worked at. Chandra was looking for patient 0, but in the 60's he was involved with a Coyote Sands prison camp. The first of "them" obvious, was not- you. (Fiddles with something on the table with major focus)
Sylar: Who was this "Sylar" before me?
Zoey: One of the world's most dangerous. Some of these abilities we're given follow different sets of rules. Sort of like how Rebel, Micah has the ability to sense others with abilities keenly. (Raises a lighter to her current project and lights it for a few seconds) The ability that Patient Zero actually has is far more dangerous than you can comprehend. He might just kill you just by smelling the powers you have on you.
Sylar: Could he be the one starting up the killings?
Zoey: I doubt it. From what I know of Patient Zero, he's a monster. He wouldn't be afraid to display the slaughter.
Sylar: So we're working together to figure this out.
Zoey: (Angrily stands to her feet and backs away) I'm done with that. Look you were the only lead I had and trying to kill you was something I shouldn't have even tried doing. My life is fine here away from all of that stuff!
Sylar: And what if this killer comes for you next?
Zoey: Obviously I can take care of myself. I've indulged in my addiction, same as you and I'm more than capable of protecting myself. Even with all of your powers, I can still kill you with ease.
Sylar: How many people have you actually killed?
Zoey: I channeled my hunger into intimacy and used that to obtain powers. Killing was something I despise.
Sylar: (Not buying it) That doesn't answer the question.
Zoey: (Sits down on her chair) 4. The last one was a little homeless girl whose parents kicked her out for drugs. She was taking drugs because she was sexually abused by her birth father she saw on the weekends and didn't know how to tell her parents at home. Instead of asking her why she started doing them, they kicked her out and being the alone, scared; helpless pre-teen girl that she was, I took advantage and became her friend. We bonded a lot, but only for a day or so before I lead her under a bridge and bludgeoned her. (Devilishly yet guiltily smiles) I made sure she was still alive though when I cut into her brain. One of my other abilities I took on from a previous victim. (Takes a smoke) After that, I stopped killing. I couldn't shut my soul off anymore like that. That girl's pain still haunts me to this day. You seem to have made peace with how many people you've killed.
Sylar: I never said I didn't feel guilty. Many of the people I've killed died in vain because I lost their abilities.
Zoey: You don't just lose abilities, Gabriel. You're suppressing them for some reason. The mind does that.
Sylar: It was actually a virus that took 'em away.
Zoey: (Takes a deep inhale of smoke) Shanti- right?
Sylar: How do you know so much?
Zoey: I've been in the loop a long time. But that virus doesn't just take away our powers, it suppresses them. It disconnects us from them. You need to reconnect with every person whose power you took in order to get them back.
Sylar: That'll be challenging, seeing as they're all dead,
Zoey: Right, but hey, anything's possible. Anyway, if you wanna pursue that killer, do it without me. Take one of my abilities if you want, but I warn you, they are depressing. I killed victims who weren't just shattered inside, they were very, very sad. You will have to empathize with their life and their pain, and their death as they transitioned.
Sylar: I think I'll pass. Not a sentence I ever thought I'd say.
Zoey: Please go now. I need to sleep.
Sylar: First I need a lead... of the other one.
Zoey: Fine… I'll give you some direction.
(Moments later, Sylar leaves the apartment and is seen walking out in the street. He passes a shady individual wearing a suit leaning against a nearby wall.)
Linderman: Your sister is quite a charmer is she not?
Sylar: You! You've been following me for days, who are you people?
Linderman: (Shrugs) We're no different from you, Gabriel, or Sylar I should say.
Sylar: You have 10 seconds before I cut your head open right here.
Linderman: Why stop at me, when I can give you a list of so many others whose heads you can "cut open" like an uncooked egg? I want you to do something for me, Mr. Gray. Unleash that side of you which you have let remain dormant for so long. I want you to start killing again.
Sylar: And if I say no?
Linderman: … (Deeply inhales) Then someone very close to you will die.
Sylar: (Grins) Considering the fact that most find me distasteful, I'm sure Peter can handle himself. Now, if you come to me again, I can assure I will go back to my old ways.
(Without saying another word, Sylar flies away.)
[Peter Petrelli, New York Hospital]
(Peter enters the room of the woman whose life he saved but who was further injured by the crash of the ambulance. He takes a seat next to her and she smiles at the site of his face.)
Peter: Hey, sorry to disturb you; how're you feeling?
Helen: Like I was hit by a truck. (Lightly laughs) But I'm okay. The voices have stopped finally and I'm alive. I've gotta be grateful for that, right? (Smiles)
Peter: (Gently touches her shoulder) I'm glad you're okay. What do you mean voice?
Helen: Call it crazy or grandeur or heck even demons from the past or whatever, but I've just always- or lately, I've been seeing things- my nightmares coming to life. Not just for me, but others too. But after the ambulance, I no longer hear 'em. It's so beautiful. (Sheds a tear)
Peter: … Were you-
Helen: A freak? I don't know. I think so. The government tried to make it mandatory to register but I didn't want to. All I know, is that his guilt, fear, shame; everything- is not so in my face. It's not my dominant expression as of this moment. (Cries more tears of joy) I'm happy… (Sniffs) I AM HAPPY. (Cries harder)
(Peter places his hand on her shoulder to comfort her and share the moment with her.)
[Tokyo, Japan]
(Lars, Mohinder, Claude, Antoine, Niki and Molly approach the Dial-A-Hero building and Mohinder can't help but notice the large billboard of Hiro and Ando standing side-by-side on the building.)
Mohinder: We came all the way to Japan to see Hiro Nakamura? I know Hiro Nakamura; I could've just called him.
Lars: … Huh… I guess I should've told you who my business proposition was, that would've saved some time.
Mohinder: It's alright I suppose. At least the trip was nice.
Lars: I could've sworn I did tell you his name though.
Mohinder: Maybe you did and it just slipped my mind.
Molly: This is so cool! I LOVE Japan! I can't wait to try the yummy food and gift shops!
Lars: Maybe after our business arrangement with Mr. Nakamura, he can take us sight-seeing.
Molly: That would be so cool.
Claude: You okay, Blondie?
Niki: (Nervous) Don't too so well with crowds.
Mohinder: Niki, if this bothers you, we can ask Hiro to take you back to the hanger, or whatever it is they call it outhere.
Antoine: Tres manifique! This city it is- art. (Kisses his hand) Such beauty on the surface always deceives with oppression at its heart. My goal is to learn of this art Tokyo offers our variant strange world.
Lars: You do what you want but in the meantime, we need to make sure Niki is fine. Let's head inside.
(In the head office, Ando and Kimiko are trying to keep the business up and running. A detective walks up to the office and knocks on the glass door. Ando opens it. They converse in Japanese.)
Detective: Apologies, sir, but there is no sign of your business partner anywhere. All we can do for now is keep looking, but there is very little hope for good news.
Ando: Ah, it's okay. Thank you for keeping me updated on the situation. Please, keep me informed if you find anything regarding Hiro's location.
(The detective nods and leaves the room. Their phone rings and Kimiko quickly picks it up.)
Kimiko: This is Kimiko Nakamura speaking. (The other person talks a few seconds) A who? I don't know a Dr. Suresh. Tell him we are not taking interviews right now.
Ando: Doctor Suresh?! (Rushes over to Kimiko and gently takes the phone) Here give me the phone. (Speaks in English) Hello, Dr. Suresh; this is Ando.
Mohinder: Ando, I'm here with a colleague of mine who says he'd like to speak to you and Hiro about expanding your services.
Ando: Hiro is actually missing; we have no idea where he is. He's been gone three days now.
Mohinder: Three days? May we speak in your office?
(Mohinder, Molly, Niki, Claude (Invisible), Antoine, and Lars all make it to the main office upstairs to talk with Kimiko and Ando. Molly stands in front of a world map and holds a thumbtack in her hand. She closes her eyes and focuses on Hiro.)
Mohinder: Molly can find anyone in the world just by thinking of them. If Hiro is anywhere in the world, she'll find him.
Kimiko: (Folding her arms) Ando, why are you looking at that American woman like that? Do you think she's prettier than me.
Ando: N-no, I just- sorry, Kimiko.
Niki: (Looks up at Ando suspiciously) Have we met?
Molly: I found him. (Places the thumbtack on the map)
Mohinder: New York? What's Hiro doing there?
Lars: Before I suggest we take a plane there, do you know anyone who lives in New York?
Mohinder: Peter Petrelli; he's kind of a close friend.
Lars: Let's call him up then.
Molly: While you guys are doing boring adult stuff, can I go explore Japan a bit more, please?!
(Back in the hospital in New York, Peter enters Hiro's room and his phone begins to go off. He answers it once he sees who it is.)
Peter: Suresh?
Mohinder: Peter, hey. Uh, kind of an odd question but is Hiro with you by any chance?
Peter; He is actually. He's right next me. Where are you?
Mohinder: We're in Japan.
Peter: Hiro is injured but it's nothing fatal. He should be healed within a week or so. Right now, I don't think he's in any position to travel.
Mohinder: Can't you just copy his ability and take us there?
Peter: Right, good idea. Uh, Hiro, do you mind? (Gently lifts his hand)
Hiro: Please be careful. (Extends his arm out to him)
(Peter grabs Hiro's wrist to copy his ability but a light does not transfer between the two. Peter backs away and closes his eyes to teleport to Japan. He opens his eyes a few seconds later but nothing happens.)
Peter: Why isn't it working? (Grabs Hiro's wrist again and focuses) No, nothing. I'm not absorbing your power Hiro; I don't know what's going on.
Lars: No worries, we'll fly to you! Let's go, team, time waits for no one!
Mohinder: We literally just got off a flight and you're already jumping to get on another one?
Lars: Right. (Scratches his head) Sorry, I just get a little excited when it comes to flying. Uh, I supposed Ando here can take us sightseeing around Tokyo for a bit.
Ando: Uh…
Hiro: It's okay, my friend. I will be safe here.
Kimiko: (Says in Japanese) Brother! You promise me you come back soon!
Hiro: No worries, Kimiko, I am safe; this Hiro shall live many more days.
[Matt Parkman, LA]
(Matt sits at his desk going through his things. He packs up what he needs and throws away the useless junk. He grabs a picture of his wife and smiles before packing it with the rest of his stuff. His partner Mike walks up to him.)
Mike: Big Man Parkman, moving on to better things. What's it like knowing you're gonna be working with the FBI again?
Matt: Pretty great actually. I understand that every job has its opportunity to do something great, but I feel as though my "talents" are better suited in the FBI field.
Mike: (Nods) I get that. (A bit hesitant) You know that once you start this new job you won't be able to afford any "slipups".
Matt: I know, Mike. Thank you. Honesty, that won't be a problem anymore. I found the source and fixed the problem.
Mike: (Smiles) You hang in there. We're gonna miss you when you're gone.
[Unknown location, REBEL]
(Monica enters the room along with Micah and Sparrow. She places a few bags of food on the small table next to Micah who stares into his computer in deep focus.)
Monica: You're gonna go blind staring at that screen all day. You need to take a break.
Micah: Does crime take a break; no, so why should I?
Sparrow: (Grabs a bag of food and examines it) Your cousin had this brilliant idea using bait to track the location where the government's keeping prisoners. We thought we'd support the idea since none of us had anything better.
Monica: That explains where boy-wonder is nowhere around. That boy won't stand to miss a meal.
Sparrow, yeah, well, he is today. (Approaches bag and grabs some food)
(Worried for her cousin's health, Monica approaches Micah in hopes she can still talk with him and translate some sense.)
Monica: Hey, cousin, you still with us?
Micah: I'm enjoying myself; everything is fine.
Monica: You friend's in danger, Micah. You can't be ok with that.
Micah: I am ok.
(Monica sighs and looks over to Sparrow. The two of them engage in a mental exchange and Monica begins to leave the room.)
Monica: Keep me updated on how everything goes, Micah. I love you cousin.
(Monica stops and turns back around to look at Micah one last time.)
Micah: I feel you looking at me and the answer is no- I'm not quitting being a hero so I can live a boring life like you. I'm actually making a change and doing things that are important.
Monica: I a'int say nothin'. (Slowly nods her head) I'll see you soon, okay. (Makes eye-contact with Sparrow before leaving)
(As soon as Monica leaves, Sparrow crosses her arms and turns over to Micah.)
Sparrow: Take a break; come see me in the garden. (Walks away)
(After a short debate, Micah decides to grab some food and join Sparrow in the garden room inside the factory where various plants, vegetables, and a few fruit grow.)
Micah: You have until I finish my burger, then I'm going back to work.
Sparrow: That's fine. I just wanted to come out and enjoy nature for a little while before you get even crazier.
Micah: I'm not crazy, I'm just determined.
Sparrow: You're disconnected is what you are- from life and many things it has to offer us as Earth's inhabitants. (Stops and slowly strokes a leaf)
Micah: I've made my decision and that's what I've dedicated my life to- being a hero; helping people. Sorry if you can't understand that.
Sparrow: Micah, pay attention to what your gift I telling you. You connect with machines because you lack connection yourself. You never had very many friends and your family was always out working. They neglected you and you felt alone. But you don't have to be alone anymore. Reach out, Micah; take a chance a live again, because sitting at that computer all day is not living. It's all just simulated. Now, I'm not saying it's bad or telling you to stop, I'm just saying you too deserve a life.
Micah: I chose to be a hero and help people. I thought you did too, why are you questioning that?
Sparrow: I'm just worried about you, we all are.
Micah: Well I'm fine. Can I finish my food now and get back to work?
Sparrow: Sure, kid. I'll be up there soon to join you.
Micah: Thank you. (Walks away without a single thought)
[Unknown location, Knox, Brandon, and Elle]
(Elle is driving in Brandon's car while Knox and Brandon sit side-by-side each other in the other. Knox is driving.)
Knox: I love that girl, man, but I a'in't gon' lie, it's good being with another dude. It takes too much mental energy keeping the peace with them.
Brandon: (Chuckles) Funny, I think it's the opposite for them.
(There is a slight moment of awkward silence.)
Brandon: I think what I'm trying to say is I think women have to not have a filter on themselves in order to keep the peace. The second they feel they'll being controlled, silenced, or suppressed, that's when issues start. As long as they can be themselves and have no one telling them what to do, and they can express every little thing they're feeling without judgment, they're fine and you're fine.
Knox: (Chuckles) If that's the case, women can never handle being a man. And they wonder why men are so aggressive and miserable. We can't express how we really feel without more severe consequences. How many brothas you know shed tears on national television or T.V. and now you see funny videos and pictures about them?
Brandon: Both of us have it hard really, I just don't think we look at things through a right lens. Ya know what? Actually-
(Brandon closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and suddenly, Guillame, the Haitian is seen sitting in the back.)
Brandon: (Looks back) It worked, huh.
Knox: What?
Brandon: Nothing, sorry, go ahead.
Knox: Well now that we in a safe space, I think I can tell you that as long as you feel a victim, you'll be a victim and you'll spread that like a disease. Being black, I know. We embraced being a victim so much that we identified with it and made it our modern culture. Maybe if we took the power of our ancestors and turned that into new power, we could create something beautiful.
Brandon: Is that your power talking? You take in fear, right, or emotional negativity and turn it into your own strength? Being Black, that has a stronger meaning.
Knox: (Nods) I just think that we all have it bad, man, dude or lady, but women don't always understand the struggle to be a man because we suffer in silence. At least majority or 'em can express themselves without risk of losing someone they thought was their lover, their family, respect, or even their life. I knew brothas who took their own life because they let themselves feel emotion and felt they lost they whole manhood. We all have it rough in different areas, but instead of making each other feel bad all the time about it, we need to find security and help other people understand what they're going through.
Brandon: Huh… Let me see if I can guess where you're coming from- so like- uh… Women can teach men how to open their emotions and me can teach women how to structure those emotions when they get too out of hand?
Knox: Y-yeah… yeah something like that. But… then like you said before, women don't like being controlled and if they get a whiff of it, the process won't ever work.
Brandon: (Thinks for a few seconds before speaking) Sounds like you're in quite the predicament with your girl back there. Love holds Y'all- (Clears his throat) Sorry, holds you two together, but her crazy off-the-wall nature is being suppressed by how grounded you are. She may be euphoric now but she'll eventually grow to hate you because of it. She probably already does which is why she's in my car alone. Wow, love really complicates things, doesn't it?
Knox: I think it actually simplified them to the point that we refused to remain at peace with it, so we complicate things to try and hold on to what it is love is trying to clear FOR us, ya know?
Brandon: Wow, a little outta character but okay. Then again, maybe that's when the deeper version of us reveals itself.
Knox: Alright, we're here.
(The two of them park their vehicles in front of a small community center and enter the building to speak to the gum chewing receptionist.)
Gum-Chewing Woman: Can I help you?
Knox: Yeah I'm the volunteer for the thing with the kids.
Gum-Chewing Woman: Oh, Mr.-
Knox: Clinton, yeah.
Gum-Chewing Woman: ID.
Knox: Yeah, uh… I don't really have it right now.
Gum-Chewing Woman: Guess you're not gettin' in.
Knox: Let me go get that; I'll be right back.
(As Knox and Brandon turn around to leave, Elle looks over at the receptionist and a memory begins to come back… eventually, the three of them get to the parking lot and go to one of the trunks.)
Brandon: What is that?
Knox: Oh that's Mr. Clinton. We're just getting his ID.
Brandon: When did you kidnap this man and why is he in my trunk?
Knox: (Searches his body) It's best you don't ask questions like that. Are we good? Honestly, I mean, we cool?
Brandon: (Exhales) We're cool.
Knox: (Grabs the ID) A;ight. (Closes the trunk)
(The two of them enter the building again and Knox shows her his ID.)
Knox: Seems valid to me.
Gum-Chewing woman: Sounds good to me. You can go.
(A short time passes and the three of them enter a room with a bunch of out of control kids yelling, screaming, arguing with each other, physically assaulting one another, harassing, and engaging in many unsanitary practices.)
Brandon: Take it from a guy who's a medium- these are real demons
Knox: You're telling me.
(A blonde young woman and a guard approach the two of them in a rush.)
Jennifer: Please tell me you're the youth speaker! I don't know, I tried and tried, but these kids, they're too much! I'm not cut out for this!
Knox: Very few people are. Alright.
(Knox yells out to the kids to get their attention but only a few of them glance at him before looking away again. He attempts again but it is still to no avail. Knox turns to Jennifer and grabs her shoulder.)
Knox: You're terrified. You have every right to be. These so called children, are demons and they will suck the soul out of your body if they get the chance.
Jennifer: (Slightly squeals in pain) Oh no…
(Knox backs off and takes in all of her fear. He grabs the podium and forcefully throws it out the wall. All of the kids look over at him in terror and instantly become silent.)
Knox: You think it's cute what you're doing now but as you get older, you'll realize how bad life really can get. The decisions you make now as you're young is going to shape who you become when you're an adult. Those of you who still have family, those few of you who still have someone who cares about you, will continue to struggle because you decided to waste your life being hardheaded. How many White kids you see in here, how many Latin or Chinese kids do you see? Compare that to how many colored kids are here. Almost ALL y'all! The system was meant to break people like us, not help 'em and in this home, you may feel abandoned, like no one loves you, you might be legitimately good kids trying to make it to support your family, or some of you might be trying to prove something. I noticed some of y'all fighting over in the corner there. Real beef get you and people around you KILLED. You get shot dead in these streets for no reason! You got $20 in yo pocket, you getting shot. You accidentally get someone pregnant or get pregnant, you're at risk of getting murdered! This system was not meant to help people who like you, you, or you, or me. This system was meant to break us down, and you need to wake up and understand you are the system. You are a part of it and you can use your part to make a difference. Instead of destroying each other like THEY want, use your situations to make a different. I don't wanna be special! I shouldn't be special. All of you have the gift to come up here and speak with a voice stronger than mine. All of you can be better than who you're told you're not supposed to be- you can be successful, you can get out the hood, you can be accepted, you are beautiful, you are enough; and you are wanted. Some of you have parents who probably sold you or put you in these group homes for a hit of drugs; that's they fault; their demons. You probably don't understand, but you will when you're older, and when you do understand, remember what I said today- you didn't do anything wrong. They refused to see their issues and deal with them. Black people are taught that our mentality isn't important or that seeking help means we're crazy and belong in a mental institution. You're not crazy for admitting you need help. Some of you, IF ANY, will understand what I say, but we suffer because we do it to each other. Don't sell your soul to something that will only destroy you. These streets, an abusive job, sex, the hood, home boys, peers.
(For dramatic effect and to re-shock the kids, Knox takes in their fear, grabs a teacher's desk and throws it through a different wall. He then turns around and leaves the building through the wall he's just broken.
Elle: Stay in school! (Follows him out along with Jennifer and Brandon)
Jennifer: I'm going back to the car dealership… (Runs off)
(Knox grabs Mr. Clinton out of the trunk and throws him to the ground while still tied up.)
Knox: You're alive cause I'm allowing you to be; don't forget that. I will be back and I expect you to be teaching these kids how to better their community instead of destroying it.
(Knox unties him and lets him go but a after a few seconds, his entire body explodes into a bloody mess after being smashed by a car. They look over a few feet away from them and see a German man extending his arm out. He lowers it and smiles at Knox.)
German: You've gotten soft in your time away. Is this your new crew? (Chuckles) Jesse would like to talk. He says to meet him where friendships begin.
(The German walks away and uses his ability to open the door to his SUV. He gets in and uses his ability to close the door and drive off.)
Elle: I guess when I asked you to bring me back to your home, I also brought back some old demons too.
Brandon: After that display in there, it sounds like your heart is at odds. I trust Hiro Nakamura knew what he was talking about when he said to speak with you. I know you'll make a good decision.
Elle: (Laughs) Whatever decision he decides to make will be up to him. He'll still have me at his backside.
Knox: I guess I'm seeing some old friends.
[Tokyo Japan]
(Niki, Ando, and Molly sit together at a nearby ramen shop waiting for their food.)
Ando: This place has some of the best noodles I have tried. You'll love it here.
Niki: (Chuckles) Thank you. Um… Ando, right? Um… I know you're trying but you've getting married now, if you're not already. Taking my clothes off was not me, okay. Please don't confuse me with her.
Ando: Who was it then, uh, Tracy?
Niki: Who's Tracy? No, look- (Sighs and face palms) I really don't wanna ruin what you have with your real lover, okay? Please don't make this hard for both of us, just appreciate what you have and embrace that.
(Ando awkwardly looks down and taps his fingers on the table.)
Ando: It's just that- I was your biggest fan and I guess… I was not as ready for marriage as I thought I was. Seeing you again has brought back an old spark in me I thought was gone.
Molly: If there's one thing I learned from being in India so long, it's that the people there are very traditional. Your people are traditional too, right, Ando?
Ando: Uh, right. (Smiles) That is correct.
Molly: Then it's probably not easy to understand your feelings. You have something inside of you that you wanna explore. I know what's that's like. And the closest thing you have to that feeling, is probably the feelings you get from this beautiful woman right here. I'm sorry things are so messed up, but maybe you should talk to her about what you're feeling- your wife girlfriend thing I mean!
Ando: Right… (Looks away and attempts to drink his nearby cup of water nonchalantly)
(After a very short time, Ando gets up and leaves without saying another word.)
Niki: That was awkward. Hopefully he'll be ok. Suresh must've passed down his wisdom to you.
Molly: No, I just recognize the feelings he felt. I'm just like him in a way. I'm lost too. I want to explore being alive and explore myself but Mohinder won't let me. He thinks I'm still a kid.
Niki: Maybe you should listen to him.
Molly: NO! I've gone through WAY more than what most kids my age have gone through and I need good experiences to balance those bad ones!
Niki: What, you mean being adopted? Kid, I'm sure being adopted isn't that bad.
Molly: I was hoping you would understand. But I guess not.
Niki: Kid, what do you want me to say? You're a child, and you should be doing something better with yourself then trying to get into trouble. Listen to your dad, okay, cause he knows best.
(Niki grabs a glass of water, takes a big gulp and stops to analyze everything she has just said. She comes to a realization and lets herself feel guilt for a moment.)
Niki: I sound like my mother now, I a- I am so sorry, Molly. I can't help you, sorry.
(Claude becomes visible and appears next to Niki, startling her.)
Claude: Oh, come now, a classic case of mother-daughter dynamic gaslighting. You're projecting how you feel about yourself onto her because that is what you were told as a child. Dealing with empaths so much and getting to know myself, I've learned to see things most people are unaware of. Take a leap of faith. If you're unfulfilled in one particular area of yourself, maybe give the exact opposite advice you normally would, otherwise you're leading the youth down a path of your limited experiences, understandings, and problems- very, very bad problems.
Niki: No one asked you for help. I appreciate it, but go away.
Claude: Right, not my place. Sorry for butting in. (Turns invisible)
Niki: Well… (Sighs and pulls her hair to one side) I don't know what you're truly feeling. I wasn't able to do the things you're talking about. I was very scared as a child; I was abused. I endured it with my sister. Not nearly as bad- far from, but it still messed me up. I was too afraid to let that out and as a teenage girl, my advice, is if you don't wanna end up like me, then maybe… (Holds in her tears) Maybe let that side of you go- cause if I let myself explore those fun parts of myself- maybe my husband would still be alive. He died looking for me- to bring me back home.
Molly: (Places her hand on Niki's shoulder) It's okay. I think we're both trapped. Parents are hard.
Niki: (Laughs) They are, yes. Sometimes I wished I had a better father to teach me how to make the right choices.
(Molly removes her hand from Niki's shoulder.)
Niki: But, hey, Molly, you can succeed where I couldn't. Go out and have fun. Be safe and explore yourself, okay. It's important for a young woman to explore herself.
Molly: I want to, I really do! How do I convince Mohinder to let me go?
Niki: (Tries to deeply think about the question) I don't know how to convince him. As a parent, I can't answer that question, but I know you'll find an answer in yourself somehow. I mean I never thought I was strong and couldn't protect myself, but somehow I'm super strong now. At least, for awhile I was. I can't really access my powers now. But the point is that, you can be strong. Strength is inside me somewhere, I just… don't know how to find it. I guess… my dad won't let me either… (Lightly chuckles and sheds a tear)
Merchant: Fresh noodle for you, and fresh noodle for you. (Serves them both)
(Piano music fades into the background louder and louder as a young Chinese girl plays in a large officer room surrounded by guards. At the head of the large table is Angela Petrelli enjoying the sounds of the beautiful melodic tune. When the girl finishes, Angela can't help but smile at the girl and give her a light applause with her fingers. The young Chinese girl smiles and deeply appreciates Angela's applause.)
Angela: Your parents will be amazed by how much you've improved. We're already passed our time, your parents should be waiting outside.
Chinese Girl: Thank you, Mrs. Petrelli.
(The young Chinese girl grabs a pair of crutches that are next to her and puts them beneath her arms. She then gives Angela one last smile before being escorted out of the room. Bennett and Lauren both meet with Angela in her new office after turning in both Christina and West. Angela sits at her desk and both Bennett and Lauren sit on the opposite side.)
Bennet: So those two problems we talked about have been captured and turned in.
Angela: I'm surprised how quick you were able to capture these two, but now you have Micah and Sparrow Redhouse to look out for. Those two are the more dangerous ones.
Bennet: We just gotta keep him away from electronics and her away from earth; simple.
Angela: We'll see how simple it is when you back them into a corner.
Bennet: You don't have to worry about that; we've got it under control. (Smirks)
(Angela stops to look at the familiar look in Noah's eyes and softly smirks.)
Angela: Well, Noah, I really must say, retirement does look good on you.
Lauren: He can't commit to anything- he's told me to stay away from him how many times, yet I'm still here, Robin it to his Batman.
Angela: I appreciate the visit from you two but why the sudden visit?
Bennet: Just were in the area and decided to give you an update on things.
(Angela is not convinced by his answer and just smirks. Bennet knows she's not buying it.)
Bennet: How's Peter?
Angela: Alive and somehow holding on to his job. He doesn't understand how much he's shaken the world with his little display on national television. He's avoiding all political attention of himself, not realizing he's being looked at as a potential terrorist for disrupting the peace and causing the people to form a rebellion against these new mandatory registration laws.
Lauren: It's so funny how fight for specific rights and laws which were put in place to prevent violation of human rights, but when people are pressured by fear, they're quick to give 'em up.
Noah: Humans will always choose logic over emotion. If the president issued the execution of all evos, the choice would give people a sense of power and many of them would see that as the logical choice- we were fine before they came- we'll be fine when they're gone. That's how the people would see it. By making that point that we don't need 'em, it creates the "good point" to have more people on board with the idea of execution, then from there, the only ones willing to fight for evos are those who are emotional- who have heart, and understand human rights. Human rights are not logical.
Angela: Which is one reason why we had to keep evos in hiding. There would be no separation between political justice and social justice and when the two minds are fused, it becomes very easy for one to influence the other and push agendas out into the world. People will become leaders through their logic and decide how the world will be and politicians will enforce that law while having the people under their thumb and control. An equivalent exchange of copper for freedom.
Lauren: Someone's been looking into the future a little too much. I only asked a simple question, guys. (Sighs) But hey, you don't seem shaken up at all, neither of you.
Angela: The world is very predictable, Ms. Gillmore. History always repeats itself and sometimes you have to be grateful to not be in the worse of those times when everyday you're afraid to walk outside and look up at the sky cause the moment to take a moment to breathe, it the moment you may have your last. Tragedy has always been a part of everyday history, and you just gotta learn to find some sense of peace within' it. Whether you want the world's problems to be yours is up to you, but just remember that these problems will be here after you've passed on and are buried and always have been before you were ever born. Then on your death bed, if you're lucky enough to have one, you'll probably die in regret that you denied yourself a fulfilling life you wanted, simply because you took on others problems with a false sense of pride and no guidance on how to usefully contribute seeds of light for others to plant in the future to benefit the world in their future.
Noah: You and I have taken retirement very differently… It looks better on you. How'd you get to this point?
Angela: Yoga, with Peter (Smiles).
Angela: Humans will always choose log
(Both West and Christina are thrown in the back of an armored and locked in. The truck drives off and from Micah's computer back at base, he able to track the two of them with GPS.)
Sparrow: We have their location?
Micah: Yep. I guess Bennet caught the two of them and is now taking them to where they imprison us. We'll have their location in no time.
Sparrow: I don't know, Micah, this seems too easy. Something doesn't seem right…
(The sound of a rusty pipe tapping against metal pipes is heard behind them through the dark doorway. They turn around in slight confusion and concern. The sound gets louder and louder and both Micah and Sparrow can't help but stare into the dark abyss behind them. A man wearing an all black jumpsuit comes out of the shadows and slowly walks into the control room where the two of them are.)
Micah: Who are you?!
Shadow Man: A prisoner- (Turns his head and examines Micah) Huh… You have your father's eyes.
Micah: What?
Sparrow: Micah, run!
(Sparrow controls the pit of dirt which is on the floor beneath them and creates solid rocks from the dirt. She levitates them behind the Shadow Man and throws them at him. Before they make contact with him, they stop mid-air and the shadow man himself begins controlling the rocks with his mind. He levitates them forward with his mind and chucks them, smashing all of Micah's equipment.)
Shadow Man: I gave you a chance to kill me, but you blew it.
(Micah and Sparrow can't help but stare in fear at this man as he scowls at them like prey. He aims his hand at them and a stream of black energy extends out to them. Moments later, the two of them are thrown in the back of a truck while unconscious. Two armored men walk up to the Shadow Man as he stands behind the truck and he extends his arms in front of him while continuously starring at one of the armored agents who fearfully puts handcuffs on him.)
Armored Agent: You know the drill Cyrus, you get in there too.
(Cyrus stands in place and continues to give the agent an unsettling grin. The agent reaches to his side and puts his hand on his weapon.)
Agent: Don't be difficult.
Cyrus: (Chuckles a bit) Don't worry I'm a good boy. (Willfully gets in the back of the truck)
(The agent takes a breath of relief and closes the doors behind him. Cyrus takes a seat and sitting before him is a woman with dark light red hair and a very intimidating look in her eye. Beside her is her male bodyguard with a seemingly constant scowl on his face.)
Cyrus: Ah, the red queen's here.
Red Queen: Is that what they're calling me these days, the Red Queen? You prisoners always have such unique ways of communicating.
Cyrus: I know you don't plan on keeping your end of the deal and letting me go after I helped capture these two for you. Instead of trying to surprise me with the expected, why not just tell me my next target?
Red Queen: You seem to be taking this rather well.
Cyrus: I know how the game is played.
(The Red Queen lifts her hand and her assistant hands her a cell phone. She types on it a bit then shows Cyrus the screen. He leans forward to get a good look at it.)
Red Queen: There are a number of individuals who wish to oppose us. I need you to deal with them, starting with this one.
Cyrus: (Leans back in his seat) Interesting.
(Two loud taps are heard on the side of the truck and the truck begins moving.)
Cyrus: You know how dangerous this one is?
Red Queen: This was one of the individuals from the Building 26 files. He's a time traveler so I wouldn't make any mistakes if I were you.
Cyrus: It doesn't matter what his ability is, if he's close to me, his power is useless. Sometimes I can mirror the abilities of those close to me, but only certain ones. I'm still not sure how that works yet.
Red Queen: … You will have your freedom, Cyrus.
Cyrus: Right, just as long as I work for you, right Red? Well heck, I'm not in any position to bargain so I'll take it. (Leans forward) It's not like I have a family to go back to anyway. I'm stuck here whether by choice or by imprisonment.
Red Queen: … Okay… (Looks down at the unconscious Micah) Now that we have Micah Sanders we should be able to further enhance our technology. Once we have it stabilized you will have more freedom to roam.
Cyrus: (Slowly falls over and closes his eyes) I'm holding you to it, Red. Now let me get some sleep.
(Driving behind the convoy of armored trucks are Claire Bennet, The Haitian, and Tracy Strauss.)
Tracy: You're kidding me.
Claire: What? Did something happen that I missed?
Haitian: The new Government branch made by the FBI.
Tracy: They found Micah.
Claire: Micah? Rebel?!
Haitian: Rebel was a cover name for a broader organization. Micah was just their leader.
Claire: Aren't we gonna do something to safe him?
Tracy: Claire, the game has changed. This is no longer a private Homeland Security issue, okay. People like us are treated like terrorists.
Claire: So there's nothing we can do?
Haitian: Not every battle can be fought with violence. We will save Micah, no matter what the cost. Plus, Tracy is Micah's family. (Looks over at the side of Tracey's face) I doubt she will let anything happen to him.
Claire: I assume we're headed to the same place as them?
Tracy: That's right. You ready to get into some trouble?
[Knox, California, Best Dogs Diner]
(Knox takes a seat along with 3 other familiar individuals. The waitress walks up to them and recognizes Jesse and Knox.)
Knox: You still work here? You're brave.
Jesse: Get a coffee for my friend here.
Flo: (Refills Jesse's cup first) You got it. (Walks off with a straight face)
Jesse: (Examines Knox) How you been, friend? (Takes a sip of his drink) You been staying low?
Knox: Obviously not if you found me.
Jesse: We've been tailing you for quite some time. (Shrugs0 Sorry about your cousin.
Knox: Oh so that was you?
(The German gets a little hostel but Jesse quickly corrects him.)
Jesse: Chill out; we're a crew; we gotta make our boy welcomed. Now, Knox, we didn't actually kill your cousin. No, see we let him live just in case, but also, if we were to get you back, we couldn't afford to get on your bad side.
German: Are you with us or not?
Knox: What exactly is the goal here? And how are you still alive?
Jesse: The company we work for- (Exposes black marks on his neck) They chipped us after bringing us back from the dead. We're walking zombies.
Knox: So what, these people just, brought you back and what, are using you as a slave labor force?
Jesse: If not, our brains are blown out.
Flint: That's right so now we work for an even bigger company than Petrelli. He was nothing compared to these new fellers. Come on, join us.
German: That little girlfriend you've been paling around with still has a tracker on her, so we were able to follow you everywhere.
Knox: (Chuckles) You mean this? (Reaches for a chip in his pocket and puts it on the table) My cousin was able to remove it.
Jesse: Well… in that case, we can't use her as leverage. Ours were removed as well by him. That is another reason why we let him live.
Knox: So now that you're all free, what's next?
Jesse: We wanna take down the rats who did this to us. But first, we need the world to know who we are. This world has treated us like criminals all our lives; and I think it's time they see the monsters they've created.
Knox: You just want an excuse to do bad things.
Jesse: I don't need an excuse. I wanna do 'em, but you're like kin and I want you a part of this. I can trust you, Knox and I know you're loyal. So come on, do this with us, be a forefather in this new world of villains we'll create. Let the world fear us!
Knox: (Sighs and leans back in his chair) The world needs correcting, who better to do it then than the people who display the biggest scars created by the world? I'm with you.
Flint: Ah look at this, a big family reunion.
Jesse: (Laughs with deep excitement and gives Knox a friendly handshake) Alright, homes, time to party! Let the monsters RAGE!
(Jesse stands to his feet and screams as loud as he can, shredding the bar, tables, chairs, and even individual people with supersonic sound waves. The German uses his magnetism to black the doors with cars and sends multiple other cars crashing through the windows, to slaughter various other individuals who were at the diner. Flint finds a couple cowering in a corner and unleashes blue fire at them. Knox runs to the back of the kitchen still in slight conflict about the whole thing, only to see Elle staring back at him with blood on her face and clothes.)
Elle: I was almost caught up in that. (Breathing heavily) A kid was hit right in front of me with one of those trucks. (Shaking)
(With his heart in suspension, he slowly approaches Elle attempting to help her calm down.)
Elle: No, get away from me, don't touch me! (Holds herself and begins to cry)
Knox: (In disbelief and guilt) … No- E-Elle, come on, it's okay. It's me.
Elle: It's not you… Don't you dare say this is you… (Shakes more and backs away) You are a monster if you go with them.
Knox: You said you were going to be with me, Elle, come with me! You said you wanted this, right? Then come-
Elle: A CHILD WAS JUST SLAUGHTERED RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES! I thought I wanted this, I thought I did, I really, really did. (Trembles and wipes her nose) But I didn't have a heart. I said what I said and didn't realize what the reality of that meant. If I'm going to join you, it means I'm gonna have to kill any hope of me being a good person. A person you helped me see I could be. Please don't leave me… please don't take that from me… (Cries harder)
Knox: (Creeps closer and reaches his hand out) I know you're not thinking straight, but it's okay, just come with me and I'll take care of everything.
(Elle just continues to back away and Knox stands up straight and lowers his hand from her.)
Knox: Elle, I don't want to lose you.
Elle: (Slightly whimpers) Ben… You lost yourself.
Knox: No, I've found myself. Through fear, I can make the world a better place. We can make the world a better place.
Elle: Any kindness you had disappeared the moment we left your childhood home. You changed… in the snap of a finger you changed. And I have no idea how to save you.
Knox: You don't have to save me, just be with me. (Slowly getting closer)
(Knox has found his way to Elle and grabs her hand so she doesn't attack him. He then wraps his other arm around her and holds her tight.)
Knox: Elle, I'm embracing this path. You gave me the best times of my life, but this is what I am. I am a monster.
Elle: Don't kill any more people… Please, Benny. Please for me, just don't do it. You'll destroy me too.
Knox: I fell you're scared, but it's okay… I know what I need to do. I need to become this monster and I need to go all the way. It's a part of me.
(Elle and Knox lock eyes and the temptation of death is all they can see.)
Elle: Then I guess this really is it.
Knox: I guess so. Don't think you can win this- not against them.
(Elle takes a deep breath and uses a full blast of electricity to try and kill Knox. Knox falls to the ground continuing to get electrified and screaming as loud as he possibly can in pain. Elle backs away from him and gives him a break just to see him slowly try to look back up at her. Knowing she will not be able to handle the emotion of him looking at her again, she blasts him with another stream to prevent them from locking eyes. She remembers the good times they had and the laughs they shared to keep the innocence of him alive in her memories. She fuels those emotions into her electricity and even stronger currents of electricity go through him. Through all of the fear, panic, uncertainty, and death, Knox is able to take in the fear of the people dying in the diner, the fear of himself, and the fear of Elle's destroyed heart. Knox falls to the floor unable to hold on anymore but in his last moments, he remembers the love and true companionship she gave him which he knows will forever live within him. The electricity stops and Elle jerks her body. She looks down and sees that Knox has punched a hole through her chest which extends out of her back. He pulls his fist out and lets her body fall into him. She just shakes and slightly seizures, unable to hold on or process anything but a feeling they share. Everything then goes quiet.)
Knox: You taught me not to be afraid to live. You'll always be a part of me.
(Know opens his palm and a surge of black lightning courses through his arm. He drops Elle's body to the floor and as he reaches out to her, he blasts her body with his newly obtained black electricity.
Mohinder Narrating: How long will we allow our demons to trade copper for gold, to destroy not only what we can become, and to destroy those around us whom we care for, while justifying in our own eyes why those same people who care for us are the ones to blame? What is a revelation but an awaking of understanding- whether of healing or destruction? What is a revelation and in what ways does it gives us life and in what ways does it kill us…?
TO BE CONTINUED…