Dark Inheritance
Chapter 17
Warning: Mature themes discussed
JC sat in the hospital room quietly. He stared solemnly at the figure lying in the bed, hooked up various equipment, all there to keep her alive while comatose.
Ayla Perkins. Classmate at his new school. Drugged with the substance his family created to "awaken" more people like him. The victim of someone she'd trusted. JC still felt bitter towards Mr. Jenkins, the teacher who used her. He'd pretended to care about her to gain her trust, then tricked her into attacking JC as part of an experiment. JC remembered the confrontation: Ayla hadn't been able to control her powers and had collapsed. Jenkins got angry and yelled at her, calling her useless, a waste of time. JC had to knock him out and stop Ayla from killing herself from the heartbreak.
Had Jenkins actually cared about her? Was he just swayed by greed when his family approached him? Or was he stringing her along the whole time? It hardly mattered now; he was facing assault charges and Ayla was in a coma.
I can't let this happen again he thought to himself. Lately, even his accomplishments seemed lead nowhere. His latest one was supposed to liberate his sister. It figured the info he'd been given was out of date and she was long gone by then. I'll find her he swore. And when I do…they'll answer for this. ALL of it. JC left the room and headed outside the clinic. That's when he heard it.
"Let me go!" someone screamed.
Right in from of him on the curb were two men in suits grabbing a young girl. JC's instincts kicked in and he charged the group, knocking one of the men down and smacking the other with a forearm to the face. The two quickly got up and ran away to a nearby black car. That was fast JC noticed. He looked back at the girl. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you." She said gratefully. She was young, around JC's age, with short brown hair and a fearful look in her blue eyes. "That was close."
"Who were those guys?" JC asked.
The girl looked around cautiously. "I don't know. I should get going…"
"Wait." JC said. Those guys looked like his family's henchmen. "Talk to me. Maybe I can help." The girl seemed hesitant. "Those guys could come back." he warned.
She paused for a moment. "Okay." She said finally. Looking down the street they saw a small café. "Come, I'll tell you what I know."
The two sat down at a table sipping drinks. No one else came and bothered them but the girl still seemed anxious. "My name is Melissa." She said. "Thank you again Mr…"
"JC" he said "JC Reinhardt."
Melissa looked at him for a moment. A smile crossed her face. JC felt, for a moment, that she looked familiar. "Can you tell me what happened back there?" he asked.
"It's been going on for weeks now." She said. "I've had the feeling someone's been following me. There've been cars and people I don't recognize shadowing me."
"Did you contact the police?"
"No." she said. "I thought it was just my imagination. But now…" she trailed off. "That was the first time someone's attacked me."
"Well, you should tell the police. Like I said, they may try again."
"No!" Melissa said quickly. "I…I mean…that's not…not a good idea. I'm afraid."
"Of what?" JC asked.
Melissa looked around carefully. Leaning forward, she held her hands close together. *ZAP*. Small arcs of electricity danced between them. JC's eyes went wide. Now it makes sense he thought.
"It happened a while ago." Melissa said. "I started being able to do things like that. I was scared and tried to suppress it."
JC connected the dots, but felt a little wary. "Do you think that's why you were attacked?"
"Maybe, though I don't know how anyone found out. I haven't told anyone."
"Not even your parents?" JC asked.
An intense stare flashed across Melissa's face for a split second before fading. "No, not even them." she said evenly.
"Well, you need to lay low." JC said. "Those creeps might come back."
Melissa nodded. JC felt he had to do something, though his gut told him something didn't add up. "Here's my number." He told her getting out his phone. "If something happens call me. I might be able to assist."
"Really? Thank you!" Melissa said excitedly. The two got up and she hugged him. "I am so glad I ran into you. You've been a big help." She said before heading out. JC watched as she left and wondered. Why did they attack in the open like that? And why not go to the police? It gnawed at him that something wasn't right.
…
"Are you sure she can be trusted?" Alice asked him.
"She was attacked in broad daylight. I think that's a clear sign she's a target." JC answered.
"That's pretty brazen of them." Diana said. "Wouldn't they be concerned about witnesses?"
"Unless they're arrogant or desperate." Chelsea said. "Still sounds pretty sloppy of them though."
"Well, it's worth helping her out then." JC replied. "If they're that determined to get her, they'll make mistakes. It could lead me right to what they're planning next."
"That's what concerns me, JC." Alice said. "Desperate people stop at nothing to get what they want. If you interfere too much this time…"
"I can handle it Alice." JC said quickly. "Just like all the other times."
"That's another thing." Alice said. She looked at him with great worry. "You've already done so much against them. Must you go running off again this time?"
"Alice, she's in danger." JC pointed out. "I can't just sit by and ignore this. Why can't you support me in this?"
"I do support you." Alice said. "But you can't do this all by yourself. At some point the proper authorities are going to have to step in."
"Fine." JC said, just to end the lecture. "But not right now. I've got work to do." He headed away while the others watched rather sadly.
JC, I want you to have a normal life Alice thought. Not one of endless conflict and violence.
…
A few days later JC was getting out of school when he received a text on his phone. It was not one he recognized. When he checked it out he received a shock.
"JC, Melissa. Got chased by some goons. Hiding in warehouse on Clark Street. Don't know if they followed me in. Help!"
JC froze. He needed to get there. He checked his watch: Jasper wouldn't be around for fifteen minutes, no time to wait. I'll have to hail a cab and explain things later he thought. He set out immediately.
The warehouse hadn't been in use for some time and was small compared to others, which was why it was in the main city and not out by the main industrial area. JC looked about.
"No signs of any cars, no evidence anyone's been here." He was puzzled. Several things didn't add up. The brazen attack, followed by another attempt in broad daylight…and he was sure he'd seen Melissa before. "I'll ask her once I find her." He said, entering the open gate of the warehouse.
The room he entered was dark, yet JC could feel how expansive it was. Focusing, he activated his Sight and scanned the area – got more than he anticipated. "Uh-ho…"
The lights came on in a flash, revealing what he'd already seen: Several drones and Golems, standing ready to attack. JC instinctively summoned his sword and went at them. Quickly he slashed at the figures as they attacked in turn. Moving from one end to the other he took them down, blocking their attacks and taking them out. The Golems were the most difficult. One took a stab in the stomach before a follow up beheading. Soon the room was quite with sprawled figures strewn about.
"Well, well, looks like the rumors were true." Said a familiar voice. JC saw that Melissa had stepped into the room. In her hand was a sword similar to JC's, but hers was bright and shiny compared to the shiny gunmetal gray of his. She balanced the blade with a smug look on her face. JC shook his head.
"So, you were working with them the whole time."
"Correct." She answered. "I knew you'd come if I said I was in danger."
"Well played Melissa, if that's your real name."
"Of course it is." She said with a glare. "Don't you recognize me – cousin?"
Suddenly JC remembered. "That's why I recognized you. Haven't seen you and Aunt Rose since we were six."
"Don't you mention her!" Melissa suddenly screamed, launching herself at him. JC quickly blocked her blade with his. Blue sparks burst between the blades and she fell back from the impact. "You're going to pay!" She came at him again, swinging her sword full of fury with a murderous look on her face. JC parried her attacks and managed to shove her away. "What are you talking about?" he said.
"She was at your 'birthday party'. The one where you unleased all that power." She said through gritted teeth. "She was caught in the outburst and was killed. She's dead because of you! And you just walked away like it was nothing!"
JC thought back. There had been several relatives at that gathering. It was possible. A horrible thought crossed his mind. "Melissa it was an accident – "
"Shut up!" she screamed, resuming her attack. "She was my mother and you took her from me!" JC blocked her attacks, noticing the sparks each time their swords connected. Melissa jumped back and threw a bolt of lightning at JC. I forgot she could do that as he narrowly avoided the attack. Melissa used the opening to charge him again. Their swords locked as they pushed against each other. "It was an accident! They tried to kill me!" he said as he shoved her back. The two swung at each other. The blades connected – and Melissa's shattered into pieces as JC's passed through it. Melissa fell on her back from the impact and glared at him. "You going to kill me too?"
"Melissa it was an accident." JC insisted. "I was shot in the gut and – everything just happened." He looked at her with sympathy. "I can't undo what I did but I swear I didn't mean for anything to happen."
Melissa just looked at him. "Really? That's what happened?"
"Yes." JC said, finally getting through. "I can't take back what happened but I never meant to hurt your mom."
Melissa looked away dejectedly.
"Besides, I think Aunt Rose would have wanted you to live your own life. Not one where you've sold yourself to Marcus and the others. If you'd seen what I've seen you'd be distancing yourself."
"I know." Melissa said finally. "It's just – I miss her."
"It hurts, I know." JC said. "But you can move on and try to live a good life in spite of that. I think that's what your mom would have wanted."
Melissa nodded and held out her hand. JC took it to help her up – and was blindsided by the stun gun Melissa pulled from her other hand. A powerful jolt went through him and he hit the floor, dropping his sword.
"Creep." She snarled at him. "What do you know about my mother? You think I care what she would want at this point? I said you were going to pay and I meant it!" She stood and looked down on him. He was too incapacitated to move. She smiled smugly. "Modified stun gun. Powerful enough to take out someone with even your constitution." She looked over at his fallen sword. "They told me this is a family heirloom. Guess I should return it." She grabbed the hilt to pick it up – and an explosion of energy caused her to cry out and drop it. She grabbed her hand in pain. She gave him another angry look before zapping him again. The surge sent him into unconsciousness.
…
He stormed into the house in a huff. Heading into his room, he tossed his backpack roughly onto the bed. He flopped onto the bed on his back and covered his face with his hands.
"Problem, bro?" Judith asked leaning against the doorframe.
"Just got back from practice," he said.
"Yeah, I can smell that." Judith remarked. "Did something happen?"
"The instructor sat me down after class."
"Yeah?" Judith said.
"He said I can't advance."
"Why?"
JC snorted at the memory. "I 'lack the spiritual harmony to progress further at this time'."
Judith was silent on that.
"Can you believe it? After all that training that's what I get?"
"How did you react?" Judith asked.
JC hesitated. "I was silent until I left the dojo. Then I may have kicked a trash can."
"You think maybe he had a point?" Judith said, entering the room. She sat next to JC. "What does it matter? Didn't he also say it's impressive you qualified for you brown belt at you age?"
"I know." JC grumbled as he sat up. "I just hate being told I can't accomplish something."
Judith put her arm around him. "Well, don't let it get to you. You think I want to have to tell the others at school that my big brave twin gets upset because someone told him he isn't good enough?"
JC nodded. "Mom and dad back yet?"
"No. Another all-nighter at the lab. We're on our own again."
"Pizza or am I cooking again?"
"Why can't I cook?"
"Because the fire department said so."
…
Gradually JC regained his consciousness. Opening his eyes he took stack of his situation. It wasn't good. He was tied to a chair with his arms wrapped around what he felt was a steel girder support. He was in a small room with a door on the left side. In front of him were a few people.
An angry-looking Asian man, dressed in a martial arts gi top, dark cotton pants, and black tied back in a small ponytail.
A young woman with platinum blonde hair, grey eyes, wearing a purple business blazer and knee-length skirt.
Three men in dark suits and sunglasses, typical goons.
The blonde-haired scientist JC had met when he reclaimed his ancestor's sword. They did their best to not recognize each other.
"Greetings, Mr. Reinhardt." The woman said pleasantly. "I'm Gail Smith, your cousin Marcus's secretary. I've heard a lot about you."
JC snorted. If she worked for his cousin he wanted nothing to do with her.
"This," she said, indicating the Asian man, "is Kai Lung, head of security for our project. And this is Alan Howards, one of our main scientists." She indicated the blonde scientist.
"Spare me the niceties." JC said, struggling to get loose. He couldn't see his restraints but he could tell they weren't handcuffs.
"Watch yourself." warned Kai Lung. He just then noticed that Kai held a pair of solid-looking tonfas, martial arts hand weapons. "You're on thin ice as it is."
"How do you figure?" JC fired back.
"You've been a very naughty boy JC." Gail said in a condescending tone. "You've disrupted some of our operations and caused considerable damage. Not the type of behavior expected from someone like you."
JC had nothing to say. He tried summoning his power to break his bonds or at least lash out at his captors. To his surprise, nothing happened. He tried to focus but couldn't make any of his abilities manifest. What's going on? He wondered.
"Don't bother." said Kai, sneering at him. "We've found a way to counter your abilities."
"A special device developed by Dr. Howards here." Gail said. She shook her head. "You've been given wonderful gifts and yet you use them irresponsibly. Children who don't play nice will have their gifts taken away."
This woman was beginning to irritate JC. He kept his cool, considering his situation. "Where's Melissa? Why isn't she still here?"
"Melissa Reinhardt has been called back to HQ." Kai answered. "She'd done her part in getting you caught." He smiled smugly. "It worked like a charm."
"Yeah, pretty effective that you needed a teenage girl to do what you obviously couldn't."
Wham! Smack! Thunk! JC took three blows from Kai's tonfas to his stomach, face, and back of head. Alan winced slightly at each impact. JC groaned as Kai lifted his face using the tonfas to look him in the eyes. "You forget that you don't regenerate without your powers."
"It's not his fault." Gail said. "Foolish children always overestimate themselves." She checked her watch. "There's a retrieval team on its way here. They'll arrive in about half an hour. They'll be escorting you back home."
"You're new home, that is." Kai said with a sneer. "Maybe there we'll get to play some more." The group headed out the door. Kai addressed one of the goons. "You, stand guard outside. If he causes trouble, deal with him." The group left.
"You play, you pay, you bastard." JC said quietly once they were gone. Now alone, he mentally kicked himself for falling for Melissa's trap. I just had to be the hero, didn't I? There was no time to feel sorry for himself; he had to get free. He tried pulling out of his restraints but couldn't break them. He felt back with his hands best he could and determined they were bound with a zip tie. He needed something sharp to cut it. Then he remembered he was bound to a steel girder. He felt the edge – yes! It had an edge, not very sharp but hopefully enough.
Quickly, he rubbed the bindings against the edge, pressing against it as much as possible. Slowly, he felt some give to bonds. His arms started to get tired. This was taking too long. If he didn't hurry –
Snap! He was free! He rubbed his wrists and saw a metallic band around his right wrist. It was half an inch thick and long and solid looking. A small slot was on one side, most likely for a key. This must be the restraint they were talking about he thought. He pulled on the band but it wouldn't budge. I don't have time for this he thought. If the retrieval team got here with his powers gone, he was in trouble. He needed to either get the band off or get out of the building. He searched his pockets but found nothing, not even his smartphone. His backpack and sword were missing too. I'd better find them. First he needed to get out the room. He could jump the guy standing outside but that might draw too much attention. Getting him inside this room was a better idea. JC put his hands back behind him and called out. "Hey mister, I have to use the bathroom." No response. "If I wet myself you're going to have to clean it up!"
"Shut up punk." The man said angrily. "You're starting to annoy me."
Annoy you, huh? That gave him an idea. Swallowing his pride, he started:
"I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves."
"I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves."
"I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, and this is how –"
The door burst open and the man came at him. "Okay you –"
He never finished. When he got close JC brought his arms up and struck the guy in the throat, staggering him and stopped him from crying out. He stood and quickly punched him in the gut and followed up with a knee to the face. The man fell back and he pinned him, making sure he was out. Quickly patting him down he found a metal baton and another zip tie. Grabbing the guy he secured him to the chair in an awkward position, with one arm through the back of the chair and the other across the bottom and handcuffing his hands together. Get out of that if you can. He flicked open the baton. Without his gear and his powers he'd be in trouble against Kai and the other goons. He'd have to play hide and seek with them. Exiting the room, he found himself in an open area, looking a lot like the warehouse Melissa had lured him to. I should find my gear. If a team is coming they'll be here for that too. Shutting the door behind him he looked around. A set of stairs led up to what would be the foreman's office. Heading up, he thought he heard a sharp cry. He carefully opened the door. The office was small with a desk off to the right and another door on the right past it. Moving closer he could hear voices.
"I'm not touching it. Not after that."
"Fine. Go check with Al below." Footsteps headed toward the door. JC quickly hid behind the desk as one of the goons entered the office and exited out the way he came. He'll be back shortly once he sees what happened. Moving quickly he headed to the other door. Inside was the third man with his back to him. "Ben are you –" he was cut off with a baton to the back if his head, knocking him out. JC noticed the man had a red mark on his right hand. Need to move he remembered. He looked around the room. It was another office with a desk at the center – on which his sword and other gear were sitting on. Quickly retrieving his stuff, he picked up his weapon. He remembered how it had reacted with Melissa's sword. He then looked at the band on his wrist. It broke the weapon. Maybe… It was a risk. Aiming the sword carefully, he struck the band lightly but solidly. The blade sparked against the band and put a noticeable dent in the side. Immediately he felt his injuries fade. Must've broke whatever kept it going he thought.
"Hey, what are you doing?" The third man had come back. He tried to go for a weapon but JC laid him out with an augmented punch. He dropped and stayed down. That's all three. Securing his backpack, he banished his blade and looked for another way out. Another door was opposite the one he'd come in. This lead to another set of stairs leading down to the ground floor. He had to keep his eyes open; the others where likely still here, especially that Kai guy. Quickly crossing the short room led to another door that opened into a storage area. Stacks of boxes stood around the place.
"Your tenacity is very commendable Mr. Reinhardt." came a voice. Gail Smith stepped out from behind one of the stacks a ways away from JC. "However, it is becoming quite bothersome. We ask that you stop now."
"I've no intention of stopping." JC answered. "Now you're going to answer a few questions."
"Really?" Gail answered, casually walking among the stacks. "What would you like to know?"
"I know you've been kidnapping people like me." JC stated, shadowing her movements. "People with abilities you want. I want to know why."
"Kidnapped is a strong word. We only wish to help them understand their gifts."
"Meaning?"
"These people, the Inheritors of the world, can become a force for change. We only want to make sure that change is for the greater good."
"Greater good? You mean for yourselves."
"The Reinhardt family was founded by two of the original Nephilim." Gail said with reverence. "It is only right that we be the guiding force behind their descendants."
"Sounds like you're building a private army." JC said skeptically.
"Hardly. We're merely arranging for them to understand their full potential. With training and careful guidance, they will help us push society towards a brighter future."
JC didn't like the sound of that. "How does my sister fit into this?"
"She is one of the new Nephilim." Gail said with admiration. "A Chosen One. One who will lead the other inheritors. Her skills and powers are amazing. She will help guide the others down the proper path."
JC felt disgusted.
"Now, you would qualify as a Chosen." Gail continued. "You too possess the powers of your ancestor. Your martial skills are unsurpassed for your age." She shook her head in disappointment. "Sadly, your impressive talent is matched only by your poor attitude."
"Drop the act." JC said angrily. "You're not trying to 'help' anyone. You took those people after their powers manifested from that vector you put in the water. Those missing persons' reports were a dead giveaway."
Gail shrugged as she continued to pace the floor. "A necessary course of action. Most wouldn't know what to do with their new gifts. We'll help them understand."
"I bet you will." JC answered, still shadowing her. "You'll train them to be your personal agents so you can control them. Make sure they do what you want and carry out any plans you have. It's a play for power and you know it."
"Power goes to those with the knowledge to use it properly." Gail said as she faced JC. "Something you seem to know little about. As I said, gifts used improperly will be taken away." She took out a small metal pad, pointed it at JC, and pressed a button.
Several seconds passed. Nothing happened. JC casually looked at the band still around his wrist. The one he'd broken earlier. "Let me guess," he addressed Gail. "That was supposed to power me down, right? Leave me helpless before you?"
Gail visibly paled at this. "How? That restraint should be cutting you off."
JC snorted. "Foolish adults always overestimate themselves." A flicker of movement caught his attention. He ducked just as a something swiped at him from behind.
"You should have stayed put, Mr. Reinhardt." Kai said, assuming a fighting stance. In his hands were twin Chinese short swords, shining like Melissa's had. JC summoned his own blade. Kai came at him, both blades bearing down. JC parried the attacks, noticing the blue sparks like before. Kai came at him from the right. JC blocked – and felt the second blade slash his left side. It hurt more than he anticipated. Kai thrust forward. JC dodged – and felt another hit as Kai slashed him from behind. JC may have had powers but this guy was clearly well trained. JC pressed his own attacked. He slashed, Kai dodged, causing JC to slice cleanly through a stack of boxes. JC lost track of Kai. A flicker of movement made him spin around and block Kai's latest attack. Pushing him back, JC swung repeatedly at his opponent, forcing him to block attack after attack. The sparks continued to burst from the contact of the blades. Kai finally locked his blades with JC's and shoved him to the ground. He came at him, bearing both swords down upon him. JC swung his sword in a wide arc at Kai. His sword struck Kai's and shattered them driving through them and across Kai's face. Kai yelled and staggered back, clutching his face. Blood seeped through his fingers. JC got up and punched Kai as hard as he could in the side of his face, knocking him into another stack of boxes. Kai fell forward, unable to fight. It was over.
JC walked up to Kai and pulled his head up from behind. He pressed his sword against Kai's throat. Kai's face was bloody, with a nasty slash starting below his left eye and ending above his right. "Where's my sister?" he demanded.
"Never." Kai hissed.
"Wrong answer." JC pressed the blade harder against Kai's throat.
Kai groaned in pain. "It wouldn't matter if I told you. You'll never get her. She's too important." Kai struggled to catch his breath. "You could look towards the bay if you wanted. But that's as close as you're going to get." He chuckled. "If you went there they'd catch you and you might see her, if you were a good boy…"
"Kai, you've got a bad attitude." JC quipped. He smacked Kai on the back of his head with the sword hilt, knocking him out cold. He looked around. Gail had vanished, probably to avoid getting caught in the fight. JC checked his watch. It was almost 30 minutes. He needed to get out. He saw another door leading out. Banishing his blade he headed through – and found Alan Howards, the scientist he'd met. Alan looked at him with alarm.
"Please, I don't want any trouble!" he begged.
JC pulled out the Beretta he had and aimed it at him. "Tell me where my sister is."
Alan shook his head. "It's too risky. Besides, you need to get out of here." He looked over at another door on the opposite side. "That door leads to a loading dock. You can head out before –" There was a knock on that same door.
"Dr. Howards?" came a male voice. "Is that you? We're here for the package." Alan looked at JC in a panic. "Take me hostage." He said quietly but quickly. JC looked confused. "You don't have a choice." Alan turned his back to JC and put his hands up. JC grabbed him from behind, holding out his gun and positioning the doctor like a human shield. "I hope this works." He said to him softly. Seconds later a man came in through the door. He was dressed like a paramedic – but JC was pretty sure paramedics didn't carry stun batons at their belts. He saw the two and started for his own weapon. "Don't move." JC warned, pointing his weapon at Alan's head. The man hesitated.
"Please don't kill me!" Dr. Howards said overly dramatically. "I don't want to die!" JC forced himself not to roll his eyes. The man backed slowly out the door. JC and Alan carefully followed. Outside were two more people also dressed like paramedics. Parked at the curb was an ambulance with the back open. "Don't try anything!" Alan said to the men. "This kid has an explosive in that pack of his connected to a dead man switch. Anything happens to him we all die!" The men looked at each other, as if considering if he was telling the truth. They all moved clear of the two. JC forced Alan into the back of the ambulance. Someone was already sitting in the driver's seat. "Beat it." JC said, pointing the gun at their face. They complied. He forced Alan into the driver's seat. "Drive." Alan put the vehicle in gear and left the warehouse behind. Once they were a few blocks away they relaxed a bit.
"Sorry about that." He said. "But – why did you help me?"
"I've been speaking to your sister." Alan said, carefully driving the vehicle. "Believe me, I sympathize with your situation."
"You can help even more by telling me where she is." JC stated.
"I would love to." Alan said. "If I could, I'd bust her out myself. But it wouldn't work. You'd get caught if you got close and I'd never get past security."
JC was disheartened at this. "Is she okay?" he asked hopefully.
"She's okay." Alan assured him. "She can take care of herself for the time being."
JC knew asking more would be pointless. He held up his wrist. "What is this thing?"
"A restraint I helped develop." Alan said shamefully. "It blocks inheritor abilities once secured on the wrist."
"How?"
"Inheritors channel energy from the ethereal plane for their powers." Alan said matter-of-factly. "The band generates a field that blocks that energy."
"They use these on inheritors?"
Alan shook his head. "Only on ones they can't control." JC understood that part. Alan took a small keychain out of his pocket. "This will unlock it." JC took the key and inserted it into the slot on the band. It unhooked with a click. He pocketed both. "How did you disable it in the first place?" Alan asked. JC told him about how his sword had broken Melissa's and Kai's weapons, and how he'd 'tested' it on the band. Alan listened with great interest. "Do you know what it means?" JC asked him.
Alan could barely contain his excitement. "Those weapons were magically enhanced. We crafted them that way. It sounds like your sword 'reacted' to the enhancement and destroyed it. There were rumors regarding your ancestor that his blade was powerful but – that's just amazing."
"Wait – 'magical weapons'?"
"Yes." Alan answered. "Magic is just another force in this world. Certain items can be enhanced in ways to make them more effective."
JC remember the pack he wore that Alice had given him. "If those blades were enhanced, that would explain why they cut me more effectively."
"Thankfully not enough." Alan said. "Yours is more than that. It's an ancient artifact."
"Melissa tried to take it." JC said. "It 'zapped' her when she touched it. The same happened to one of those goons."
Alan looked like he was analyzing something silently. His eyes brightened. "Of course! That must be another enchantment! To think that there's so much attached to it –" he realized he was rambling. "Sorry" he said. "It's yours and that's what matters." He looked around. "I think we're far enough. You should get some distance before they come looking for me."
"Why don't you come with me?" JC said. "If you told the police what's going on you could help us end this."
Alan shook his head. "I'm sorry, it's not that simple. Any evidence I gave would still take a while to corroborate. Besides, I'm one of the few people who sympathize with your sister and the others. If I leave they'll have no one."
JC hated to admit it, but he was right. "What about my parents? What've they been doing?"
"Just keeping tabs on the project. I hear they've been meeting with some people off site, but I don't know more than that. They've been looking after your sister mainly."
Acting like they care – whatever. "For what it's worth, thanks Dr. Howards. Oh, and sorry about this next part." Alan turned just in time to see the butt of JC's pistol.
…
Jasper pulled the car up to the Belmont house. JC exited and entered the house. Immediately he was swarmed by Chelsea, Kayslee, Diana and even Andre. Alice had already filled them in.
"JC, we were so worried!" exclaimed Chelsea. "You just disappeared."
"Why didn't you wait?" Diana asked. "That was too risky."
"Are you okay, my friend?" Andre asked.
"I'm fine." JC said nonchalantly. "Never better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." He headed into the next room, to the bewilderment of the others. Alice followed him in. JC was going over the files they'd collected on Genetech's project, like nothing had happened.
"JC what are you doing?" she asked.
"Business as usual." He answered, not looking up.
"You've been through a big ordeal. You were captured and almost taken away. Don't you want to talk about it?"
"What's there to say?" he answered. "Just another operation. Now I need to figure out my next move."
"Next move?"
"They've shown their hand. Stepped up their game. All I need to do is find their next operation and throw a wrench into it."
"JC," Alice said warily. "This was no operation. You got caught in a trap and nearly done in. Jumping back in might not be a good idea."
"I have to!" JC said quickly. "I'm so close! I just need to get close enough and soon –"
SLAP!
JC reeled from Alice's hand. She glared at him. "Do you hear yourself? You got blindsided and were almost taken out. Now you want to run back into the fray?"
"A minor setback." He responded, holding his cheek. "No different than the other jobs I've done."
"That's my point." Alice said. "These 'jobs' are all you've done these last few months. It's beginning to consume you. When was the last time you took time for yourself?"
JC didn't know how to respond. Alice continued. "You're either going over intel, stalking around abandoned buildings or getting into confrontations. That's not what normal teenagers do."
"I'm not normal!" JC said angrily. "Neither is Judith! My family's made that painfully clear. If I don't fight back she'll…she'll…"
"JC, do you know why I saved you that day?"
"Because I'm special."
"There is that," Alice agreed. "But it was more than that. I saved you because I sensed you were in danger. But I also wanted you to have a normal life."
"I don't understand."
"As an inheritor, your life changed dramatically. As one of the Nephilim reborn, you became a target. It wasn't fair to you. While I want to support you, I also want you to at least have a chance at a normal life, however long that may last."
JC was stunned. On some level, he knew Alice was right. His quest had nearly consumed him. "But, I've been trying to save my sister. How can I have a normal life without her?"
"She wouldn't want you getting killed." Diana said. She and the others had entered to room. "You should make sure you're around to share that life with her once this is over."
"You've done so much against them already." Alice said. "Maybe it's time to let the authorities focus on them."
"I can't just stop, Alice." JC said defiantly. "Not while Judith is missing."
Alice nodded. "Very well. You don't need to stop completely. But you've earned an extended break. Summer vacation is starting soon and you should spend that time like a normal person."
JC nodded. It pained him to sit on the sidelines, but he knew the work was taking its toll on him. "So, what happens now?"
"Jasper is contacting Detective Johnson." Alice said. "He'll be over to ask you some questions. Then his team will go over the evidence we've gathered and make copies. Once they're all done, I want you to take a hot shower, eat a good meal, and get some rest. Consider that an order."
But what happens to her in the meantime?" JC asked.
"With the evidence gathered they'll be able to put pressure on the company." Chelsea said. "They'll have to lay low for the time being."
"Okay." JC conceded. "While we're waiting, I need to do something. Diana, if you could assist…"
…
Melissa stood before William in one of the offices. She was feeling very proud of herself, fooling that idiot cousin of hers. It had irritated her that the boss had pulled her from the operation once the others showed up, but she'd had her fun. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the results.
"So, nothing went wrong with the plan?" William asked her.
"No," Melissa answered smugly. "He fell for it just like I thought. Can't help but play the hero."
"And it only cost you the sword we lent you." William remarked.
Melissa tensed. "I had no idea that would happen. And neither did you. Besides, once he's here he won't be interfering anymore. Isn't that worth one measly sword you manufactured?"
William saw her point. His phone ran and he answered it. Must be the team calling in Melissa thought. She smirked as she waited to hear of the plan's success. Several Minutes passed. William did not smile during the call. "I see." He said finally. "Well, regroup and return." He hung up and looked at Melissa. "So, how'd it go?" she asked.
"You tell me." William answered. "It seems there were some hiccups in the retrieval plan."
Melissa raised an eyebrow. She didn't like the sound of that.
"JC somehow managed to get loose and took down our men." William shook his head. "He even managed to disable the restraint we developed. Mr. Kai Lung tried to stop him but was incapacitated."
Melissa grew even more tense.
"JC shattered the blades Mr. Kai was using and slashed him across the face." William continued. "He'll live but he'll need treatment. Thankfully we have more than modern medicine working for us."
Melissa seethed. This was not what she'd wanted to hear. "Did he get away?"
"Yes." William answered. "He took Dr. Howards hostage and escaped in the vehicle. We found him unconscious and JC was long gone."
"I'll do better next time. I'll deliver him myself."
"No, you won't." William said. "JC knows who you are now. He'll never fall for your tricks after this. If anything, he'll be on his guard."
"Then I'll try something else." Melissa insisted. "I can do this, Uncle."
"You had your chance." William stated. "You made this too personal. You despise him too much to make any rational decisions regarding him." He sat back. "Someone will take you home. Take some time to cool off and get your head on straight. Do not attempt anything with him until further notice."
"You can't do this." She said angrily. "I'm a part of this project. I deserve to take part in your plans."
"Keep acting up," William warned, "and you'll be out of the project. I don't think you want to get left behind, do you?"
Melissa swallowed. "Fine. I'll stay out. For now." She fixed him with a glare. "Just remember, I went toe-to-toe with him. I will finish what I started." She turned and walked out. It was unbelievable. She'd wanted so bad to prove herself and it had all gone sideways. Shaking her head, she took out a small box and took out a deep red pill. I'll get him. He's going to pay, she thought, popping the pill into her mouth. She felt a tingle as it went through her system. And that skank sister of his too.
…
Judith entered Alan's lab once more. The good doctor had just returned from an operation and was being debriefed. Before he'd gone in he asked Judith to 'tidy up his office' while he was out, just to help him out. Judith took the hint. It was the only way to access his terminal without anyone noticing. Firing it up, she checked the email account she'd used to send JC messages for the past few months. Has it really been that long? She thought. She shuddered at the realization. Sure enough, there was an email sent to the account. However, it looked like some advertisement spam. She was about to delete it when she read it more carefully.
Greetings to all! Summer weather is here and it's going to get REALLY hot!
Best to stay in during this wave, no time for late night travel.
All info has been sent to proper Authorities to make sure you're kept up to date.
Keep tabs on weather Authorities for news when it's back to normal activity.
Best wishes to all from friends and family!
Judith realized what was going on. The operation Alan had been on. It must've been against her brother. Obviously he'd survived but now he had to back off, the focus on him was too great. It was time to take chances with the authorities. It was a little disheartening; the proper authorities would investigate but it could take a while for anyone to come and clear this place out. But she trusted her brother. I've just have to hang in there she vowed. Maybe I won't have to enact my own plan.
…
Marcus watched the proceeding below from the observation window. Three of the inheritors, a boy and two girls, stood in the lab and were concentrating their power on several items the company had acquired. The tests were to expose them to inheritor power to determine their origins and capabilities.
"These three have developed their powers quite well." Gail said. "Their training is going nicely."
"Did you have any problems getting their cooperation?" Marcus asked her.
"Not at all." Gail replied. "They took to their new arrangements without complaint. No need to 'nudge' them in the right direction."
Marcus nodded in approval. "By the way, I'm glad you made it back. Sounds like you had quite the scare."
"I did not expect JC to disable the restraint." Gail said. "It was quite the surprise."
"Well, what's important is that you're back." Marcus said. "The same goes for you, Alan."
"Thank you, sir." Alan said. JC's hit had been unexpected but effective. He checked his monitor. "The tests are proceeding." He said.
The three inheritors concentrated as best they could on the items before them. "These fragments of materials were salvaged from dig sites. They're very similar to the material JC's sword is made of." Alan said enthusiastically.
"So they could make the same weapon?" Marcus asked.
Alan shook his head. "No, it's similar, but still different. I would guess it came from a different world, maybe even from wherever the Progenitors originated. Seems to come from some kind of meteorite."
The fragments glowed and warped slightly from exposure to the energy. However, the subjects became tired and had to stop. Alan pressed some keys. "That seems to be their limit."
Marcus concurred. He pressed the intercom button. "How are you all doing? Do you need a rest?"
"No." one of the girls said. "We can keep going."
"Yes, we want to show off the skills you taught us." said the boy.
"Alright then, take a short breather and then we'll resume. Best of luck." He turned off the comm. "You've done good work with them." He told Gail.
"Thank you, sir." She replied. "But I think we'll need subjects with more raw power for these tests."
"You're correct." answered Marcus with a smile. "And I believe I know where to get one."
~To be continued