Dark Inheritance

Warning: Mature themes discussed

"…this civilization, known by later generations as the Ascendency, covered the entire planet. Its inhabitants, called the Host, were masters of both science and the arcane. They dominated the indigenous people of the world, using their superior power to elevate themselves to a privileged lifestyle. Their reach was not limited to one world: the machines they developed managed to pierce the veils between worlds and bring them greater prosperity and decadence…

…none can say when or how the Progenitors appeared. Some say the Host attracted their attention when they crossed over to other worlds. Perhaps they had always been here, keeping to themselves for countless ages. Regardless of their origins, they only marginally resembled the race of humans they united with. The offspring of their unions, called the Nephilim, possessed powers similar to their inhuman parents. These demigods in turn produced inheritors of their own, establishing bloodlines in nearly every part of the world. The Progenitors and their offspring were enraged by the Host, though none can claim to know why…

…the armies of the Progenitors threw themselves against the might of the Ascendency. Fire and lightning streaked from the heavens, reducing vast cities to ash. Floods and earthquakes broke their foundations and stole the life from their inhabitants. The Host countered with war machines of immense arcane power, but to no avail. Ultimately, their capital was besieged and fell to their enemies…"

JC sat back from reading. The whole thing was like the old fairy tales and myths he'd read growing up. Which, when he thought about, made sense. Many of the old stories described something similar, as if inspired by it. And after everything JC had experienced, it wasn't so unbelievable. He rubbed his eyes. He could instinctively read the ancient script, but it gave him a headache. Alice entered and saw him reading the book.

"What have you found, JC?"

"I've got the basic story. Evil empire, gods showed up and destroyed them, their children live on…pretty straightforward."

"Yes, those were tales passed down for generations. Few written sources are found nowadays. Your family must have been dedicated to their lineage to find and hold onto one."

"I don't know if 'dedicated' is the right word. They're obsessed with doing what they think is right they haven't stopped to think about what they're doing."

Alice nodded. "By the way, I've looked into what that pop star Kayslee said. It may actually be true."

"Alice, I saw her in my vision. She was there. There's no 'maybe' about it. Talking to her should be my next step."

"You think you can just walk up and ask her?"

"What choice do I have?"

Alice took out an envelope and handed it to him. JC opened it and was surprised to find tickets to Kayslee's upcoming concert. "Alice, thanks. But you didn't have to –"

"JC, with everything that's happened I'm worried what will happen to her. The Reinhardt's have been pursuing people like you for years. Her announcement might have put her in danger."

"So, I not only can get info from her, but I have to protect her as well?"

"Weren't you thinking the same thing?"

JC sighed. Alice was right. Kayslee made herself a target when she made the announcement. If there was any truth to it she needed to be warned.

"I'll need to talk to her alone, and that won't be easy."

Alice smiled. "Her security detail has been contacted. They'll agree to let you see her. Diana will go with you to help."

JC stood up. "She doesn't have to. This is my fight. She may be put in danger."

"We're already in danger." The two of them turned to see Diana had walked in. "They attacked my sister. This is bigger than all of us. Besides, I'm not letting you have all the fun."

Fun? "I don't know what will happen, Diana."

"Which is why you need me. Someone has to watch your back."

JC nodded reluctantly. Jasper walked in.

"Excuse, master JC. Can I see you for a moment?" JC followed him to a nearby room. A package was on a table. "This arrived for you this morning. There's no return address. Were you expecting anything?"

"No." he replied. "Any idea who sent it?"

Jasper handed him a card. On was stenciled the words: From: A friend.

"JC, with your permission, I'd like to open it."

JC nodded. Jasper opened the cardboard box, revealing a metal suitcase, two feet by a foot and a half in size. It was latched shut. Carefully, Jasper undid the latch and opened the case. Foam holding material held several objects in place. JC's eyes went wide.

Inside was a large revolver handgun, made from shiny polished metal. It appeared to have two barrels, one on top of the other, separated by an inch and a half of metal. JC carefully picked it up. It was heavy, but he handled it easily. The cylinder had two rows of bullet chambers, one inside the other. The outer one fed into the top barrel while the inside fed the lower. They were oriented so that firing one would move the round in the other row into place, alternating the barrels used. Letter was stamped into the weapon: Between the barrels was the word "Purifier" in large print. The ones on each side of the barrels were smaller: "Heaven" on the top and "Hell" on the bottom. It was strange and cool-looking at the same time. Several speed loaders, custom-fit for the weapon and complete with bullets, and a box of extra ammo, were included. JC was speechless.

Jasper stepped in. "Do you recognize it, master?"

JC shook his head. "I've never seen this. Who would send this to me?"

Jasper carefully took the weapon and examined it. "It appears to be .44 magnum caliber. This is serious firepower. And by the looks of it, it's been very well maintained."

JC didn't know what to think. Was this for him? What "friend" would do it? "Better have it checked out. It may be a trap."

Jasper nodded. "I'll have it looked into. Better safe than sorry." He took the weapon and the case and carried them off.

…

Sarah Reinhardt entered the sitting area. Her daughter, Judith, was sitting with Amy, the new arrival from a week ago. Both were in deep conversation with each other. Sarah approached the two. When they saw her, Amy said a brief goodbye and headed away. Judith stood to meet her mom.

"Hey, honey, getting to know Miss Hanson?"

Judith nodded. "Yeah, just having girl talk. What's up?"

"Well, we'll be heading to the new facility soon. There are some people I'd like you to meet."

Judith looked worried. "Really? What do they want?"

"Don't worry, it's just a formality. Come on."

…

Marcus sat in the conference room with the others. He felt excited. Despite what had happened, things were coming together. He addressed his associates.

"The main facility is now fully operational. Arrangements have been made to move everyone over. The project is proceeding normally." The door opened and Sarah and Judith entered. Marcus smiled. "Ah, our guest of honor has arrived. Everyone, this is my cousin, Judith Reinhardt. Judith, allow me to introduce everyone."

"Dr. Alan Howards, Operations Leader and weapons development." A man with long blonde hair and blue eyes stood.

"Gail Smith, in charge of Inheritor education." A young woman with platinum hair and grey eyes stood.

"Yuri Chekov, genealogist from Russia." A young scientist with long brown hair stood.

"You already know Dr. Jennifer Clay." The doctor stood. Judith cringed slightly at the sight of her old pediatrician.

"Kai Lung, a martial artist from China." Marcus said as an image of a young, scary-looking Asian man appeared on a projection screen. "In charge of Inheritor security. A final member, Hasan Pagan, a top assassin from Indonesia, was supposed to be here, but he's been delayed."

Judith looked at everyone. "Why do you need people like that?"

"To protect you and the other inheritors." Marcus explained.

"From what?"

"From anything that could bring them harm." Marcus continued. "Like your brother." Judith tensed at that statement. "Which, by the way, is why I wanted to speak to you."

Oh crap. "Why?" Judith asked.

"Our project is moving forward. All our resources are being focused on it. To proceed more quickly, we need not just you, but JC as well."

"I don't know where he is."

"No worries, we do." Marcus said with a smile. "We've known for some time. We also know JC is…reluctant to return. We need someone to convince him to come home."

"You think he'll listen to me?"

"Why not? He tracked you down at your previous facility. He obviously still cares about you. Don't you think he'll want to be reunited with you?"

Judith started to panic inside. She kept her cool though. "I don't think that will work. JC loves me, but he's stubborn. He won't turn himself over to anyone, not even for me."

"Are you sure? I always thought the two of you would do anything for each other. Surely you can talk some sense into him."

"Marcus" said Sarah, stepping forward and placing her hands on Judith's shoulders. "I appreciate your concern, but I believe Judith is right. If she thought she could bring her brother to us, she would."

"I think Judith can be very persuasive when it comes to him."

"I think I know my children better than anyone else." Sarah said. "If there's nothing else, my daughter needs to do some packing." The two left quickly.

"Mom, what was that about?" Judith said when they were alone.

"Marcus is a little ambitious. He thinks we need you and JC right now. Honestly, we're better off not splitting our resources trying to bring him in."

Judith was wary, but relieved she didn't have to explain herself. Now she needed to figure out how to get more info to JC.

…

JC and Diana watched as the car pulled up to the house. They were on their way to Kayslee's next concert, hopefully to find out more about her connection. JC opened the back door and stopped.

"Chelsea? What are you doing here?"

The dark haired girl smiled at him. "Alice told me about what you found. She thinks it could be good for me too."

Diana looked over his shoulder and frowned. "Really? And what can you do to help?"

Chelsea held up her hand and a shimmering aura of power swirled around it. "Plenty."

"Okay," JC said cheerfully. "Let's all go, okay?" The three sat in the back seat, JC between the two women as they scowled at each other. As the car traveled, JC told the others about his visions.

"I know it sounds weird, but I think it's worth looking into."

"It's not weird." Chelsea said. "I…I've had some dreams as well. That battle you saw…I think I was there as well."

"Really?" JC said, hopeful. "What did you see?"

"Like you, I saw a pitched battle. I was dressed in a black, hooded cloak…"

"I was dressed in platinum armor."

"Yes!" Chelsea exclaimed. "I remember. That was you!"

"You mean you both knew each other in, what? Another life?" Diana chimed in. "How is that possible?"

"It could be reincarnation." Chelsea said. JC and Diana looked at her. "What? What else could it be?"

"You're right." JC said. "This girl, Kayslee, was there as well. I know it."

…

The three arrived at the concert hall shortly before the performance started. They had tickets already so they got seats with no problem. The lights went out, and Kayslee rose from the stage, dressed in one of her usual concert outfits: Leather hot pants held up by suspenders over a tube top, elbow-length gloves and knee-length boots. Spotlights streaked across her and her backup band as the music started. Her music was a mix of rock, techno, with some hip-hop thrown in. It was exhilarating. It was her claim to fame: her music could invoke different emotions depending on the song. If JC's visions were right, it wasn't a coincidence.

The performance went on for a couple of hours. Afterwards, while everyone else was leaving, JC, Chelsea and Diana headed backstage to see Kayslee personally. Her security detail waved them through after they showed their IDs. Kayslee was in her dressing room, already changed into more appropriate attire for heading out. She looked up as they entered and smiled.

"So, you're the ones who're interested in my story."

The group introduced themselves. JC got down to business. "You said you're descended from a 'heavenly being'. What did you mean by that?"

"When I was younger my grandmother, before she died, told me stories. She said I was special. I didn't believe her at first, I just thought they were silly kid stories."

"I heard those stories too. I thought the same thing. I think there's more to it though."

"Oh." Kayslee said, raising her eyebrows. "What makes you say that?"

JC told her about the visions he had over the last few months. He left out the nastier events. Kayslee listened in disbelief.

"I know it all sounds weird. But I swear there's a connection with your story and mine."

Kayslee was silent for a moment. Then she picked up an unopened water bottle from her dressing table. Placing it on the table between them, she touched the outside of the bottle and concentrated. JC and the others watched in shock as the clear liquid turned a deep, dark red color. Chelsea opened the bottle and took a sip.

"This is wine. Really good red wine. How did you do that?"

Kayslee shrugged. "I've been able to for some time."

"How do you know what wine tastes like?" Diana asked Chelsea.

"I had a sip or two when I was younger. No big deal." Chelsea defended.

"Anyways," JC said, getting them back on track. "Why are telling everybody?"

Before Kayslee could answer, an older woman entered the room. She was in her late forties with black hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her blue eyes looked over the group. She didn't look happy.

"Kayslee," she said, "What are you doing? Who are these people?"

"These are the people I told you about. JC, Diana, Chelsea, this is my manager, and my mom, Helen."

The group waved at her. Helen's expression didn't change. "You're here about that story my daughter's been telling the press. I don't know why you're interested, but don't think you're going to cash in on anything."

"That's not it." Diana said, standing up. "We just wanted to—"

Helen held up her hand. "It doesn't matter. Finish your talk soon. Kayslee has to prep for her next performance in a few days." With that, she turned and left the room.

JC turned to Kayslee. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to take up your time."

Kayslee shook her head. "Don't worry. She's always like that. It's been hard for us."

"Really?" Chelsea asked incredulously. "Your life doesn't seem that hard."

JC gave her a look. Kayslee continued. "It wasn't always like this. Before I got into singing, my father left us. Mom wouldn't say why, but I think he never really wanted a family. At least that's what I tell myself." She sighed. "We struggled for some time until my voice was discovered. Now our lives are comfortable, but my mom's paranoid. I guess she never got over it."

JC nodded. He recalled his own parental issues. He dismissed them quickly. "Look, is there anything else you can tell us about your ancestor?"

"Well," Kayslee pondered. "There is a family heirloom my grandma told me about. It supposedly belonged to my ancestor."

"May we see?" Chelsea asked.

"Well, it is a priceless heirloom. My mom's adamant about not revealing it to anyone." Kayslee thought for a moment. "How about this," she smiled at JC. "I'll show it to you, if you go on a date with me."

"WHAT!?" Diana and Chelsea exclaimed. JC was stunned silent.

"My mom's been up in arms about me going public with my story." Kayslee explained. "The paparazzi have been all over it. However, being seen on a date with someone who's not a celebrity will grab their attention. That should placate my mom. Then it'll be okay for me to show you."

JC was speechless. He felt Diana and Chelsea glowering at him. "Look, getting me into the public eye is not a good idea. My family, the Reinhardts, they –"

"Wait, the Reinhardts?" Kayslee said, surprised. "You're that JC Reinhardt?"

"Yes…" JC said slowly. "Wasn't the name familiar?"

"It is now. Why are they after you?"

JC sighed. He told Kayslee a little about what had happened, mainly his family's unhealthy interest in his abilities. Kayslee was taken aback. "Show me." She said. JC held up his hand and focused. Sparks of lightning coursed around his fingers as his eyes began to glow. "Cool." She responded awkwardly.

JC stopped the effect. "That's the other reason I wanted to see you. If my family saw your statement, you're probably on their radar."

Kayslee nodded. "Okay, I believe you. Still, don't worry. I'm so much in the public eye it would be stupid for them to try anything. And if you're on a date with me, you should be safe as well. So, my offer stands." She sat back and smiled.

JC sighed. "Okay." Diana and Chelsea didn't look happy. "Great." replied Kayslee. "We can go after my next performance in a few days. Don't worry, I'll get the check. It'll look better for the press. I'll have tickets sent to all of you." She stood and smiled. "It'll be great."

…

Judith woke from a hazy sleep. She looked about and saw the room she was in. It was familiar: Her old desk, her PC, pictures of her and her brother, even her bed was familiar. For a moment, she thought she was back at home, when her life was normal. Then she remembered: She was in the new facility. Her parents and the others had insisted she had to be sedated before the move. Most likely to keep her from learning where she was. She recalled JC telling her that all their stuff had been moved out of their old rooms. I guess this is why she thought, looking at her old stuff. It was only slightly comforting. A flatscreen TV and full length mirror were included. A door led to a small bathroom.

She got out of bed. She was dressed in what looked like high-end pajamas made from a thin, soft material that smelled of lavender. A silver tag hung from a necklace around her neck, stamped with some personal information, like her name, blood type, and "Hidden Sun". She remembered from her training that that was her inheritor type. To her horror, the medallion JC had given her was missing. Quickly looking around, she was relieved to find in on her desk. She quickly put it on. She checked out the dressers – also from her old room – and saw the clothes that had been provided. Various shirts, pants, skirts and dresses were available. All were high-end brands, even the undergarments; none of her old clothes remained. She put on a t-shirt and jeans set and checked herself in the mirror.

She looked like she'd always had: Long dark hair just past her shoulders, deep mystical blue eyes like her brother, slender frame, attractive in a tomboyish sort of way. She noticed her hair and skin had been cleaned while she was unconscious. She shuddered.

Was she really doing this? Going along with this peacefully? She should be trying to escape. Yet here she was, staying under the radar, even though she was screaming inside. She sighed. She needed to keep her wits about her; her real trials were beginning now. A chime sounded; Judith looked around and didn't notice anything but the door. "Come in?" she tried. The door slid open and in walked Gail Smith, one of the people Marcus had introduced her to before coming here. She smiled warmly but Judith kept her guard up. She still had no reason to trust these people.

"Welcome Miss Reinhardt." Her voice was very soft spoken. "How do you like your new room?"

"It's great." Judith said, hiding her real feelings.

"We've brought in your personal affects. Everything from your old life should be here, except your smartphone. You understand I'm sure."

Judith wasn't surprised but said nothing.

"I'm here to give you a tour of your new home. Do you have any questions before we begin?"

Why am I here? And where is this place? Judith held up her tag. "What's this?"

"It's your identification tag. It lists your information, and the keycard to your personal quarters and other facilities."

"Why do I need a keycard? Is security really an issue?"

"It's just a precaution. Shall we begin?"

Gail showed Judith around. The place was well-lit and tiled in white linoleum and large enough to have several areas. Her room was in an area with several other private rooms. "These are for teenagers like you, who value some independence." Gail told her. "There are a few wings of these rooms on each floor."

"Each floor? There are more rooms?"

"Yes. We need to accommodate everyone who comes here." They entered a wing with rooms containing multiple beds. "Smaller children live here, in communal dorm areas." A few hallways further, to another wing. "Adult supervisors like me live in nearby personal rooms. Others live in the other building."

Another building? "There's more to this place?"

Gail looked at her. "You sound surprised, my dear. This facility was made with virtually everything in mind." They entered a large room with a marble fountain surrounded by plants and flowers under soft lighting. "This is the Arboretum." Connected to it was a room with tables, chairs, vending machines and food bars. "This is the cafeteria." Further along was a room with soft easy chairs and a flat screen TV on the far wall. "This is the common room. Like the dorms there are similar rooms on different floors. There's a pool, training area, and classrooms as well. Your tag will give you access."

Judith took in all the scenery. It certainly was well-appointed. Then she realized what she didn't see: Windows. There was no view to the outside, at least not from here. She figured the rooms were made deeper inside from the outside walls. She kept this realization to herself. "You mentioned the 'other building'. May I see that?" she asked innocently.

Gail smiled at her. "Of course. Usually it's for authorized personnel, but I can show you some of it." They walked down a long hallway. Judith saw there were windows, but they were covered with security shutters. Judith doubted she was authorized to open them. They came to a secured door with a keypad. Gail punched in a code and swiped a card she took out. The door chimed and slide open slowly. Judith could see it was thick and heavy, almost like a vault door. The corridor continued past it and lead to a series of offices and lab areas. 'This part of building is primarily a medical facility. We have everything a full hospital would have: doctor's clinics, dental equipment, therapy services, anything to look after the health of the residents. And like I said, the living quarters of some of the personnel."

Judith saw all the equipment and felt uneasy. She remembered being held at the first facility with Dr. Clay. The equipment here looked more advanced but eerily similar. Her anxiety began to increase. Gail noticed and gently touched her arm. Almost immediately Judith felt herself becoming calm. She looked at Gail. "How did you do that?"

"I'm an inheritor like you." Gail said gently. "A Crimson Lord, to be precise. Helping and inspiring people is my specialty.'

Judith was stunned. An inheritor willingly working for her family? "How did that happen?"

"I've been working for your cousin for years. He's known about me. He hired me because I'm good at my job."

So you weren't captured like me Judith thought. "Thank you for the tour. I'd like to return to my room now."

Gail smiled and escorted her back. Judith wasn't optimistic about her situation.

…

JC sat down in the living room and rubbed his eyes. All he wanted was to get more info from Miss Simmons, and he got suckered into a public date with her. Under normal circumstances this would a teenager's dream. This was far from normal. Needing a distraction he picked up the book he'd been reading. It read like his favorite fantasy novels. If only they'd stayed fantasy…

"…the inheritors and their parents conjured a massive portal to the Abyss, a dark Nether realm where none are meant to escape. Gathering up the souls of the slain Host, they tossed them in and closed it with a seal of adamant and bronze. With another ritual, the ruins of the Host's capital sank into another rift, fading from the world…"

This led to the part he'd read earlier about the Nephilim rising to power and founding several bloodlines. He read past that part.

"…it is uncertain what became of the Progenitors after the Host were defeated, for they disappeared shortly after their war ended. Their children were left with a world in chaos. Though some attempted to establish leadership and order, they were too dispersed to be effective. Those of their blood migrated into solitary adventurers…"

The stories fizzled after that. Bottom line: No one knew what happened after the conflict. These "Nephilim" were the source of what he was. Himself, his sister, Chelsea and Kayslee it seemed were descended from them. They weren't just any inheritors; they were the original descendants of the Progenitors. How that had happened was beyond him. No wonder his family wanted them so badly. Whatever this project of theirs was it involved inheritors of his level. It was not a comforting thought. His thoughts were interrupted by Jasper entering the room.

"Excuse me, young master. I've had your 'present' checked out."

JC welcomed the distraction. "What did you find?"

"For all intents and purposes, the weapon is clean. Unregistered, no markings, nothing connects it to anything or anyone. It has been used though, for what is anyone's guess." He handed the heavy revolver to JC. "It still causes me concern, but I think you should take it. Whomever sent it may have felt you would need it."

JC took the weapon and looked it over. It was cool to look at, and no doubt would be useful.

"Also," Jasper continued. "You may need this." He took out a strange looking pistol. It was boxy and had four barrel openings in a square. "It's a special taser." Jasper explained. "Instead of using wires the darts have their own capacitors. It's slow to fire, has short range, and only holds four shots, but it should help you out."

JC looked it over. "Jasper, where did you get this?"

Jasper smiled. "Self-defense is everyone's concern."

JC shrugged. He went and stashed both weapons in his backpack. He hoped he wouldn't have to use them.

…

Days later, JC, Diana, and Chelsea stood in the concert hall. While he was looking forward to the show, he was not looking forward to his 'date'. Diana and Chelsea's disapproval aside, he feared it would draw attention to both him and Kayslee. As a precaution he'd worn his backpack to the concert. Security hadn't found anything due to the enchantments. Soon the music started and the show was on.

The music played its usual exuberance. The crowd was wild. As Kayslee hit her refrain, JC felt a surge in the air. A wave of energy washed over the crowd as Kaylsee's voice became louder and stronger. Sparks began to shoot from the onstage equipment. JC's ears started to hurt. He looked around and saw other people reacting as well. When the crescendo hit, a shockwave blew out, knocking the audience down and the hall went dark. People started panicking as security tried to usher them to safety. JC and his group knew what had happened. They need to find Kayslee quickly. Slipping through the chaotic crowd, they found their way backstage. Kayslee's security detail was nowhere to be found. Must be trying to get the audience out he thought. They entered Kayslee's room and found her slumped in a chair, trying to catch her breath.

JC ran to her. "Are you all right?"

Kayslee nodded weakly.

"What was that?" Chelsea asked.

Kayslee regained her composure. "I don't know. All of a sudden I felt this surge of energy. It's never been that powerful before."

"Wait," Diana said. "That powerful? You've done this before.?"

Kayslee sighed. "One of my powers is to enhance or even control emotions. I do it at almost all of my concerts. When I sing, I can feel it flow though me. This time, it was too much. I couldn't stop."

JC recalled some of the victims of the drug his family had put in the water supply. It must have enhanced Kayslee's own abilities. "Let's get out of here." He said. "We'll meet up with your security detail when we exit the building."

Kayslee looked at him quizzically. "Aren't they outside?"

"No. We thought they were helping the concert goers." Chelsea said.

"They brought me here and said they'd be right outside." Kayslee said. A sense of alarm went through the group.

"We need to leave." JC said. The group carefully exited the room and scanned the hall. No security. Then JC saw two men in uniforms walking towards them down the hall. They didn't look happy. JC looked at Kayslee and she shook her head. The group headed the other way down the hall; the two men quickened their pace and reached into their pockets. Chelsea held out her hand and wave of destructive energy enveloped the two attackers. They cried out and collapsed.

"Let's move." JC led them down the hall. Diana took out her phone and dialed. "I can't get a signal." She said with trepidation. "We need to get a car." JC said. "Can anyone drive?" "I can." said Chelsea. "I got my license a while ago. We need to get to the garage." As they neared a corner a man in a black suit turned towards them. "Stop!" he yelled, pulling a gun. JC charged towards him and punched him out before he had it fully out. The four quickly continued. Further down two figures approached them. Both were in familiar black jumpsuits and ski masks, carrying stun batons. JC turned on his sight. Drones. Gathering energy in his hand, he launched a bolt one of them. It staggered and went limp. The other continued uninterrupted. Once within range, JC knocked it to the floor with his forearm before stomping it. Kayslee watched the 'fight' with shock and awe.

"You're that powerful?" she exclaimed.

"Yes." He answered. "And if I'm right, so are you."

Eventually they reached the garage. Numerous cars were parked between them and the main door. No other person could be seen. Off to the side in the distance was the main office, complete with a large window overseeing the area. The group headed for the exit before JC put his arm out stopping them. Something wasn't right. "Get down and hide." He said quietly. Taking cover amongst the vehicles, he slowly led them around the edge of the garage, heading towards the main office. When they got closer, he focused his sight. They weren't alone: Someone was sitting in the office, staring out the large window, rifle at the ready, giving them a full view of the way out. Bastards JC thought. Easing quietly over to the office door, he carefully turned the handle. Idiot hadn't thought to lock it. The other stayed out of sight while he crawled over to where the guy was. The man looked over just in time to see JC raise his hand and send another bolt right into him. Stunned, he was quickly knocked out by punch to the face, courtesy of JC.

JC looked the man over. He was wearing urban fatigues, similar to the mercs he'd seen at the warehouse. The rifle was actually a high-tech tranquilizer rifle. JC took that and several extra darts he found on him, stashing them in his pack. Before leaving, he snapped a picture of the man on his phone. He rejoined the others.

"Okay, I think we're clear. Now we just need a car."

Chelsea went into the office and grabbed a set of keys off the wall. "Probably one of the employee's." she said. "Not that we have a choice." The group found the car they belonged to and took off, Chelsea at the wheel. Diana tried her phone and contacted Alice while Kayslee contacted her mom.

"Kayslee! Why are you calling?" her mom said.

"Something happened at the concert. Where are you?"

"I'm at the house." Her mom replied. "I heard what happened. I was just about to head over."

"No, stay right there. We'll come to you. And mom, be careful."

Diana overheard Kayslee and arranged for Jasper to meet them at Kayslee's house.

…

It was a tense ride to get to Kayslee's home. Everyone kept an eye out but they weren't followed. The group pulled up and noticed that Jasper hadn't arrived yet. They entered the house and saw Kayslee's mom standing in the foyer. A sad look was on her face.

"Mom, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry, honey." Several men in black suits came out of the nearby doors, surrounding them with guns drawn. JC knew he couldn't spring into action. There were too many of them.

"Thank you Mrs. Simmons, your help has been appreciated." one of them said, clearly in charge.

"Mom, why?" said Kayslee, tearing up.

"Honey, I'm sorry. These people said they have use for your skills. They're not going to hurt you or your friends."

"Indeed." Said the man. "Each of you has an ability we can put to good use. Except you, of course." He looked right at Diana, as if wondering what to do with her.

"I'll still get to see her, as you promised." Kayslee's moms said.

"Of course." He replied. After a slight moment, "Well, she'll be rather preoccupied for the most part. Her performances will have to be cut short for a while."

"Wait, that wasn't the deal!"

"Calm down, ma'am. You'll be more than well compensated for your daughter. And she'll be more useful with us than doing her so-called music."

Kayslee had heard enough. She felt a surge of power go through her. JC noticed what was happening and hit the floor, pulling Diana and Chelsea with him. Kayslee screamed. With her scream came a loud, powerful sonic wave that ripped through the room, knocking down her mom and the henchmen. The men clutched their ears in pain. JC saw his opening. Jumping to his feet, he charged at the fallen men and roughly kicked them into submission. One of them got to feet before JC got to him. JC silenced him with a lightning bolt. Mrs. Simmons stared at him.

"Yes, I'm like your daughter." He told her. "Now why did you try and sell her?!"

Mrs. Simmons started crying. Kayslee approached her. "Why, mom? Why are you trying to get rid of me?"

"I'm not!" her mom cried. "I don't want you to leave! I want you to stay more than anything!"

"Then why?"

Mrs. Simmons composed herself. "I've always known you were special. When your gifts came out, I was afraid you would…would decide you didn't need me. Just like your father did."

Kayslee was shocked.

"I couldn't stand the thought of you leaving. You're my entire world. I just didn't want to lose you."

"And you thought selling her to a group of people you don't even know would keep her close?" Diana asked incredulously.

"They approached me several days ago. They said Kayslee had been found to be 'exceptional' to them. They promised to keep us in touch if I let them have her."

"And you believed them?" JC asked angrily. "I can tell you from firsthand experience that they don't care about that. All they care about is themselves."

Mrs. Simmons started crying again. Kayslee knelt down and hugged her mom. "I'd never leave you, mother. I just wanted you to…actually be my mother."

JC, Diana, and Chelsea stepped back and gave them some space. Diana got on her phone and called Jasper. "Call the police, Jasper, there's been a development."

"I've already brought them." He said. Sure enough sirens were immediately heard outside. "I thought you might need them."

…

The men were rounded up and the police took everyone's statements. The story was that the men had tried to kidnap Kayslee for ransom but had been overwhelmed.

"I doubt the truth will come out." JC said to the others. "They'd never believe it."

"Excuse me." said a voice. A man, late thirties, with brown hair and a serious expression was looking at JC. "I'm detective Johnson, special investigations." He showed him his badge. "I'd like to have a word with you."

JC was about to say no but Jasper put a hand on his shoulder, nodding. JC got into the detective's car on the passenger's side.

"Am I in trouble?" JC asked cautiously.

"Well, I am interested as to why the son of a prominent family is no longer seen with them, or at their old school, and hanging out with a family that seems to have no connection to them." Johnson remarked. "And why their main family hasn't said a word as to why that son is missing." He smirked. "Don't you have a sister who's also missing? She hasn't been seen at all."

"What do you want?" JC asked.

"Relax, that's not what I'm here for." Detective Johnson took out a folder and opened it for JC to see. Files regarding the incidents in the last few weeks were inside: The hospital explosion, the contaminated water supply, the missing persons cases, the 'mysterious facility' inside the warehouse. "Seems there's been a lot of activity in the city lately. My instincts tell me this can't be a coincidence. Now, we can't trace anything back to anyone, but they coincide with big money transfers done by Genetech." He paused. "Your family."

"You think I know something about all this?" JC handed the folder back.

"I think that there's a connection between Genetech, all these incidents, and your change of living arrangements. I have a buddy in Interpol who's been looking into them, and he doesn't like what he sees."

JC felt a little hopeful. Maybe he had an ally after all. "How do you think I'm connected?"

"I don't. But I think you don't like it any more than the law does. And I don't think that fire at the warehouse that got our attention was an accident." He lowered his voice. "So if more info should happen to reveal itself, it could help a lot of people. Of course, I can't stick my nose into this too far. Our investigations so far have been getting stonewalled. You understand?"

JC nodded. "I hope more info becomes available." JC exited the vehicle. I hope this works.

…

JC, Chelsea, Diana and Kayslee met in the living room after the police left. Kayslee had changed into some casual attire.

"So, how's your mom?" Diana asked.

"She's okay." Kayslee replied. "I know you guys don't think I should trust her, but I really think she meant well. Don't be mad at her."

"I'll try." JC said. "Are you worried they'll come back?"

"No, after what happened they'll have to keep their distance. Can't have a scandal, now, can they?" Kayslee suddenly remembered. "Okay, since you saved me, I'll show you that heirloom I told you about."

"So no date?" Diana and Chelsea asked simultaneously.

"No, after this, I think I'll be cutting back on public appearances. My mom and I need to reconnect." She stood up. "So, shall we?"

Kayslee led the group to a storage room in the back. Several unassuming boxes were strewn about. She went to a box on a table in back and took out a small key. Unlocking the box, she opened it. Inside was a golden tiara, an inch and a half-wide ruby embedded in the front. She showed it to them. "Supposedly, this was worn by an ancestor of mine, as a symbol of her power."

JC stared at the tiara. Somehow, he felt some connection. Reaching out, he carefully took it into his hands and gently placed it on Kayslee's head. A flash went through the three inheritors.

He stood with the four others. They looked at each other and smiled. He held out his sword in the middle of their circle, blade facing down. One by one, each of them placed their hands on his. An oath was sworn…

They all snapped back to reality. A new connection was now felt between them. Diana looked at them, wondering what just happened.

"Make sure you keep it safe." JC told her. They all stood. Kayslee kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks again for saving me."

"Excuse me!" Diana and Chelsea both said, each grabbing on of JC's arms and pulling him close. JC shook his head. I can't win.

~To be continued