Dark Inheritance
Chapter 18
Warning: Mature themes discussed
The train traveled along the tracks back towards the city of Los Angeles. The six kids riding in first class were lamenting about the relaxing trip they had taken. Alice had made it clear she wanted them the act like 'normal' teenagers for a while. Even Shaun and Diana had been told to kick back on this excursion.
And what an excursion it had been. Two weeks along the beaches of sunny Malibu, without a care in the world. They'd spent the days playing sports along the beach, laying back in the sun, and otherwise taking it easy. No missions, no research, no worries. JC almost felt like his old self again. The only downside for him was that Judith couldn't enjoy it with them.
That part still ate at him. Alice had assured him that Detective Johnson and the authorities would apply pressure to the company to keep them at bay, hopefully cracking the case soon. He hoped Judith would understand.
"Something on your mind?" Diana asked from her seat next to him.
"Just think about my sister." JC said. "I hope she's okay."
"If she's anything like you, she'll be fine." Chelsea said, looking over her seat in front of them. "And next time, she can join us. She'll probably need a break too."
"Yes." Kayslee said from across the aisle. "We'll welcome her with open arms."
"Remember, she is one of us too." Andre said, his big frame looking past Kayslee. "I feel we are destined to meet her, just like we all were. We will be complete."
"Thanks everyone." JC said, feeling his anxiety fade. "You've all done so much. I can never repay you."
"We owe you." Diana said, holding his hand. "Those guys would've come after us eventually. You helped us, so we'll always be there for you."
"You're right." JC said smiling. "And thank you all, for helping me find what's important in life. Especially you." He took Diana's lips in a passionate kiss.
"Seriously?" Chelsea said. "You guys did that almost every day."
"Did what?" Shaun said, peering up from his own seat next to Chelsea. He saw JC and Diana's little 'display'. "Eww." he said in disgust. The others laughed.
…
Judith headed towards the annex nervously. Approaching the door, she scanned her tag to access the other building, the one with all the medical facilities. That's what made her nervous; she, along with several other girls, was scheduled for a series of medical checkups that day. A different day was put aside for the boys. Judith arrived at the location and saw the other girls gathered. Many were close to her age, some a bit younger. They all stopped and greeted her respectfully as she approached. Being a member of the family that ran the facility afforded her respect from some of them, but fear from others. She understood why; some were reluctant to be here and saw her as a 'spy' for her family. She'd done her best to warm up to them, with some success. Now, they all waited in anticipation of their appointments. As they waited, one of the older girls walked by. She was around 20, and dressed in a long flowing white gown, the front of which had a buttoned up seam that crossed over her front and extended down to the bottom. She smiled warmly in greeting to the other girls as she passed them. Judith noticed that her tag was molded in gold, instead of silver like hers and the others.
"Isn't that Megan?" one of the girls asked.
"Yes. I heard she progressed to the 'next step'." answered one of the others.
"What's the next step?"
"I don't know. She seems happy about it."
Judith wondered herself. Something told her she didn't want to find out anytime soon. Shortly Dr. Clay, her old pediatrician and member of the facility's staff, came out with a clipboard. "Okay everyone, head inside the changing area. Get prepped and then come when your name is called." She saw Judith and winked at her. Judith no longer found her presence comforting.
The changing room consisted of a series of lockers and benches along the walls. Inside the lockers were hospital gowns. The girls were required to change completely out of their regular attire and don the gowns, then await their turn. Some had no problem changing in the presence of others. Ones like Judith, however, were a little shy. She found herself between two of them: a short, shy one to her right and a tall, rather confident one on her left. The shy one looked rather nervous. Judith could relate.
"You okay?" she asked her, showing concern. The girl's tag indicated she was a Hidden Sun, like her.
The short girl nodded. "Yeah. It's just…this feels weird."
"I know, right?" Judith said. "I wonder what this is all for."
"Stop worrying." Said the tall one, sounding annoyed. Her tag said Crimson Lord. Judith had heard she had been the heiress of some prominent family before coming here.
"Aren't you concerned about what they have planned for us?" Judith insisted. "They're keeping us in the dark."
"They've been taking care of us, that's all that matters." said the girl.
"I just want to go home." the shy girl said. "I want to see my family."
"Family?" the proud girl said. "My family was so freaked out when my powers came out they disowned me." A hurt look came over her face. "These people, they took me in and helped me understand who I am. I owe them everything."
"But they won't let us leave." Judith pointed out. "Isn't that a little suspicious?"
The proud girl snorted. "So what? We have everything we need here. Food, education, shelter, respect…what's to complain about?" She pulled her gown down over herself and looked at Judith. "Say, aren't you related to him?"
"Who?" Judith asked innocently.
"That guy who's been causing problems out there." She stated.
The shy girl looked at her as well. "That inheritor they've been talking about?"
"Yeah." said the proud one. "Word is he's gathered a group of us and turned them against our benefactors. Practically running his own gang."
The shy girl looked her over. "Is that true? You're related to him?"
Judith nodded. "Yes. He's my brother." The shy girl looked at her with a sense of awe.
"Wow." Said the proud one. "That's unfortunate."
Judith glared at her. "Excuse me?"
"These people only want to help us and your own brother's trying to ruin that? I can't imagine how you must feel."
"My brother's doing what he feels is right." Judith said sternly.
"Right?" the girl said. "He's a monster. Why would you defend that psycho—"
Judith grabbed the proud girl and shoved her roughly against the lockers. "Bitch, don't you ever disrespect my brother like that, got it?" The girl looked stunned. A silence fell upon the room. Judith looked around and saw the other girls were looking at them. She let go of the girl and went back to her locker. Some of the girls went back to their business; others looked at her with understanding. Judith finished at her locker and sat down on the benches with everyone else. She noticed the proud girl avoided her. The shy one sat next to her.
"Sorry about that." Judith said. The stress was really getting to her.
"It's okay." The girl said. "Is he really your brother?"
"Yes." Judith answered. "What about your family? You mentioned them earlier."
The girls looked away nervously. "I was told they were in an accident. These people, they showed up while I was at school and showed me some photos. They said they could look after me while they recovered. I was scared, so…" she trailed off.
"Have you heard from them?" Judith asked, fearing the worst.
The girl shook her head. "I keep asking to see them, or at least to contact them, but they keep telling me they're still recovering. I believed them at first, but…"
Judith felt sorry for her. There was no telling what really happened to her family.
The girls sat and chatted amongst themselves as they waited. Every so often a doctor would come out and call a name, taking that one into a room. There were multiple rooms so there was little waiting. When Judith was called it was Dr. Clay. She followed her into the examination room. The usual tests were performed: blood pressure, heart rate, balance. Near the end, another female doctor came in. "This is Dr. Mills." Dr. Clay told her. "She'll be performing the next exam."
"What's that?" asked Judith.
"A gynecology exam." Dr. Mills answered.
Judith hesitated. "Why? I haven't had one of those since I was thirteen."
"It's part of the process Judith." Dr. Clay assured her. "We need to have a complete picture of your physical health. It won't take long."
Judith reluctantly agreed. As she lay on the exam table with Mills working down there, she thought of the woman, Megan, who was at the 'next step'. She wondered if this had anything to do with it. A full exam was done, including a pap smear. When it was over she pulled down her gown and got off the table. Dr. Clay and Mills looked over the results and looked impressed.
"Judith, your stats are incredible." Clay said excitedly. "Those godgenes you have…they're amazing."
"Thanks." Judith said, unsure of how to take that info.
"Just imagine what your brother might have." Clay continued. "Both of you are literally godsends to our work. The next step would be a sinch."
Judith swallowed hard as she left the room. None of this was comforting.
…
Jasper was waiting at the train stop when the kids disembarked. He took them to Chelsea's house first to drop her off. Her grandparents greeted the group warmly.
"Did you have a nice trip, you guys?" asked the grandfather.
"We sure did!" Shaun said excitedly.
"Two weeks of fun in the sun!" Kayslee said, flipping her blonde hair back.
"It was most enjoyable." Andre agreed.
Both grandparents laughed. "It's good you got to relax." Said the grandmother. "We know how stressful things have been so far."
"Oh, it's nothing." Chelsea said. "Just some long days at the office."
Diana came into the room. "I just called Alice and told them we'll be home shortly. Are you sure you're all set?" she asked Chelsea.
"Yeah, Shaun and I are good." Chelsea answered. "We'll let you know if we're up to anything."
The group hugged each other in goodbye and parted ways. The remaining group loaded into Jasper's car and drove off. As they left, a black car with tinted windows sat down the road, watching them leave.
"Target has returned. Proceeding with operation."
…
Kayslee was dropped off at her home on the way. Andre took off on his own, as he was known to do. He'd be in touch, he said. JC and Diana smiled; they knew he could take care of himself. As Jasper drove back to the Belmont household, Diana took JC's hand again.
"JC, thank you."
"For what?" he asked.
"For coming into our lives, as you did." She said.
"Really?" JC asked. "Your sister was almost kidnapped because of me. I still think I've caused you unnecessary problems."
"Not at all." Diana insisted. "Even if you hadn't, they would still be doing their project. They'd have come for her eventually." She scooted closer to him. "I'm glad we met."
JC smiled. "Me too." He leaned in for another kiss –
The black tendrils pulled him to his knees. He yelled in surprise but no one heard him. Nearby, a dark-haired figure stood, their hand outstretched –
JC snapped back to reality. A small bit of cold sweat appeared on his brow. Diana saw this. "Are you okay?"
"It's that vision again." He told her. "It's still coming to me. Even after getting away."
"What do you think it means?" Diana asked.
"I think somethings going to happen." He said with trepidation. "Something not good."
The two were silent for a while. Finally Diana spoke up. "Don't worry. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. We always do."
JC nodded. Worry about it wouldn't do anything. He just wished the vision was clearer.
…
The car arrived at the Belmont house after a short bit. Diana and JC got their luggage and headed into the house. Alice hugged them both upon seeing them. "How was Malibu?" she asked.
"It was great." Diana said. "Really relaxing."
"Good to hear." Alice said. She looked at JC. "Same for you as well?"
"Absolutely. Really got my mind off things." JC answered.
The two unpacked their stuff. JC put his stuff away while Diana sat with Alice in the living room.
"So, things went well then." She said.
"Yes. I really think it did him some good. It did good for all of us." She said dreamily.
Alice smiled. "Really? For the two of you especially?"
Diana blushed. "What? No! Well, I mean…"
"It's okay." Alice said. "I'm just saying the two of you should be careful." She paused for a bit. "Wait, you didn't…"
"No!" Diana denied. "Well, we talked about it but…" she trailed off. "We're not ready yet, okay? Happy?"
"Completely." Alice said with a smirk.
JC walked in. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing!" Diana said quickly. Alice smiled. "Um…I have some unpacking to do." She said, quickly leaving the room. JC shrugged and sat down.
"So," Alice said. "Feeling better?"
"Completely." JC answered. "I feel like my life is back under control. Thanks for the trip." He lowered his eyes. "And, I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. You've been through a lot. What's important is that you're doing better."
JC nodded. "So, what's new on your end?"
Alice got up and pulled some thick binders off a nearby shelf. "I know I wanted you to pull back from this," she said, "but we've found some new information that you might want to see."
"Okay, looking and info shouldn't be a problem." JC assured her.
Alice opened the binder and turned to a page. There was a list of numbers and codes JC didn't recognize. "We don't have all the details," Alice started, "but we know foreign investors are involved with your family's project." She turned to a page with pictures of the bay area. "They've been buying up property along the coast and doing some major construction work." Another page showed diagrams of high-tech devices, only one of which JC recognized: Space vehicles. He looked at Alice quizzically. "What does this mean?"
"It looks like they're doing research into traveling to different worlds. Different planets…or dimensions."
"Dimensions?" JC asked.
"Remember the old stories." Alice said. "The Progenitors came from somewhere. Nobody really knows where that is. The Reinhardts and their associates may be looking to exploring possible destinations for determining that. "
JC remembered reading about how the Progenitor's enemies, the Host, had traveled to distant worlds. "Sounds pretty daring – and silly at the same time."
Alice shrugged. "It may be a wild goose chase, but if they can figure it out, it would give them a massive advantage."
A servant entered, interrupting their discussion. "Excuse me. A representative from the Reinhardts just dropped this off." In her hands was a DVD in a case.
Alice took it and the servant departed. "From my family, huh?" JC said, rather annoyed. "It seems like they've been keeping tabs on us." Alice put the DVD into the player and turned on the TV. A man in his thirties, wearing glasses and an expensive business suit, appeared on the screen. He smiled, as if he knew who'd be watching.
"Hello, JC." Marcus said warmly. "It's been a while. How have you been? Did you have fun in Malibu? I hear you had quite a good time."
Marcus, what do you want? JC thought, his mood already ruined.
"We've decided to have a little get together ourselves." Marcus continued. "We've invited some people over. You may recognize some of them." The scene changed to a group of Marcus's goons holding a young girl and boy hostage. Chelsea and Shaun. JC's heart stopped.
"As you can see, they don't seem to be enjoying our company." Marcus said. "It's understandable. Why should they go through this when it's you that should really be here?"
"My god…" Alice said, paling at the images. JC's mind was going frantic.
"Listen JC," Marcus patronized, "you've had your fun, but playtime is over. Time for you to come home." The video came back to Marcus. "I know you don't like what we do to our 'guests'. They're at the clinic on the edge of town. Just introduce yourself to the receptionist and we can make the proper arrangements. Hope to see you soon!" The video ended.
JC had to catch his breath. Quickly he pulled out his phone and started dialing Chelsea's home number.
"The number you have dialed is no longer in service. Please hang up and try again."
The message hit him like a ton of bricks. He tried again and got the same message. Alice watched him with worry. "Don't bother." She said finally. "If they've taken her, they wouldn't leave any trace." The realization made his heart sink. How could this happen? I just left them. I can't…I can't… He quickly left the room and pulled out a case from under his bed. Opening the case, he found what he needed: His pack, his 'outfit' and his mask. I thought I wouldn't have to use these again he thought to himself. He changed into his outfit and geared up. I'll get them for this he seethed. He headed outside to leave and saw Alice standing in the driveway waiting.
"Going somewhere?" she asked.
"Alice, not now." JC said. "I have to help them."
"It's a trap, you know." Alice said. "They won't release them even if you do show up."
"I know that." JC retorted. "That's why I'm going to make them let them go."
"All by yourself?"
"Yes. I won't risk the others. Not even Diana."
"I understand." Alice said. "But you'll still need help. That's why I had my brother Tom send over some of his men." A car pulled up into the driveway. Five fit-looking men wearing hunting caps and jackets got out. JC could see protective vests and shoulder holsters under their jackets. "They're ex-military and police that work for him." Alice explained. "You'll need the back-up."
JC nodded. "Okay. Let's get to it."
…
The two doctors escorted the young woman into the testing room. Her hands were bound in front of her with magnetic restraints. She had a sad, dejected look on her face.
The memories of the day still haunted her. All was quiet at the house – then she heard gunshots. She ran into the room and saw her grandparents lying on the floor, blood pooling around them, dark suited men standing above them. In a rage she summoned her power to destroy them – and had to stop when one of them – a young Asian man with a smirk on his face – put a knife to her brother's neck. The implication was clear. Shortly, she was cuffed and put into a car. A bracelet they gave her suppressed her abilities. The bodies were hauled away separately. Upon arrival, they forced her to change into the strange white gown she now wore. She felt angry, sad and humiliated all at the same time.
"Chelsea Harmon." came a voice. Chelsea looked up and saw a view screen with JC's cousin, Marcus, smiling at her. "So good of you to join our project."
Chelsea's eyes welled up in tears. "Marcus Reinhardt, how dare you!" she yelled. "You invaded our home and you killed our grandparents!"
"But you still have Shaun, do you not?" Marcus answered. Chelsea remained quiet. "We just need you to do a small task. See those items before you?" Chelsea saw some strange fragments sitting on a pedestal in front of her. "Just focus your power on those fragments. We'll deactivate your restraint briefly to do so. Please proceed." Chelsea felt her power return. She wanted to destroy everyone in the room with her, but there was no point. They'd reactivate the band and possible hurt Shaun. With resignation, she concentrated her power on the fragments. Immediately they started to glow and warp. The scientists watching made notes and monitored the readings. Eventually Chelsea reached her limit and fell to her knees. The pieces were now larger and more radiant looking.
"She seems to have powered them up." One of the scientists said. "The material quality has increased dramatically."
Marcus heard the results over the video comm. "It seems she's ready." He said, satisfied. He turned to Gail standing next to him. "Have them take her to the operating bay."
"Shaun." Chelsea said, exhausted. The two doctors with her took her arms and pulled her up. They started to take her away. "Wait, what are you doing?" she said with alarm. "I did as you asked!"
"You need to undergo a surgical procedure." One of the doctors said. Chelsea panicked and began to struggle.
"What? Surgery? No!"
…
Jasper drove the group towards the building. Evening was falling. They went over the plan using a set of blueprints they'd gathered. The building's first floor had a loading dock that looked like it could be used to get in and out. Unfortunately, it looked like that was secured against the main lobby, and the main lobby had access to the other floors. JC was sure Chelsea was up there.
"How are we going to do this?" one of the men asked.
"I'll go in the front lobby." JC answered. The others looked at him. "They're expecting me to come in, right? So I'll give them that. Then I'll turn the tables."
"Are you sure master?" Jasper interjected. "They may be expecting that."
"Believe me, they won't expect what I have in store." JC said with determination. The others nodded in understanding.
The clinic was a four-story building. The car dropped JC off at the front and circled around toward the back by the loading dock. JC would contact them once he gained access. He looked at the front door with a mix of fear and cold determination. I'm coming Chelsea he thought. Hold tight. He walked in.
No one was in the waiting room. The only presence was the receptionist that Marcus referred to in the video. She sat at the main desk, dressed in a pink nurse's outfit, reading a book, not even looking up as he entered. A card hung around her neck. JC walked up casually and cleared his throat. "I have an appointment." he said.
"And what is your name?" the receptionist said in a bored tone. She looked up from her book and noticed him. After a few seconds a smile of recognition came across her face. "Hello Mr. Reinhardt. We've been expecting you." She reached down beneath the desk. "Before you go up, the boss asks that you put these –" she pulled up a set of heavy-duty-looking handcuffs and stopped when she looked back at JC; mainly the 9mm Beretta pistol he set on the desk, aimed right at her.
"Where is she?" he asked.
The girl hesitated. JC pulled the hammer back on the gun. "Third floor. I don't know which room." She said finally.
JC held out his hand. "Key card." He said. She took it off her neck and handed to him. "Restraints." He continued. She carefully placed them on the desk. "Now get out." He finished. The girl got up and quickly left out the front door. JC put the key card in his pocket and stashed the restraints in his pack. Heading towards the back he found a door labeled Loading Dock. Perfect he thought. A card scanner kept the door sealed; a quick scan from the one he'd taken opened it right up. The men waiting in the car outside came in and took up positions. "Two of you come with me." JC said. "The three others, secure this place and the lobby as our escape route. Jasper, keep the car running." He put on his mask. "Let's get going."
He and the two men took the elevator to the third floor. The hallways were quiet but not completely deserted. Some men in suits were patrolling the area; JC took care of them quietly so as not raise any alarms. The other two kept their guns out just in case things went south. Where could she be? JC thought. The floor was fairly big; Chelsea could be anywhere. Coming across a double-doorway he heard something.
"Just stay calm." A male voice said.
"Leave me alone!" It was Shaun! JC kicked the doors in and aimed his gun inside. A man with wavy brown hair and a lab coat held Shaun by the arm. Both of them turned and saw JC. The man panicked and pulled Shaun between him and JC, though the boy barely reached the bottom of his chest.
"Wait, please wait!" the man pleaded.
"Let the kid go." JC demanded.
"Just hear me out—" the man tried to say. A bullet grazed the man's arm and made him fall backwards. Shaun pulled away and ran towards JC. JC put his arms around him. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes." Shaun said, tears in his eyes. "But they took my sister…" JC glared at the man lying on the floor, clutching his arm. He gave Shaun to the two other men as he went over to him. He had a name tag on his coat: Chekov. Sounded Russian. He pointed his gun at the man's face. "Get up." He said coldly. The man hesitated. JC pulled him up by his tie and brought him face to face. "What…what are you going to do?" Chekov asked fearfully. JC looked around the room. It was a fairly large office, complete with PC, fax machine – and a paper shredder sitting on a desk. JC got an idea.
"I'm going to hold an audition." He said, pulling the man towards the desk. "Where you're going to sing like a canary. And if I don't like your performance…" he pulled his tie towards the shredder. "I'm going to cut your act."
"Wait, please!" the man begged. "I didn't hurt him or the girl! I'm a scientist, not a murderer!"
"Everyone needs a hobby!" JC snarled, shoving the tie into the shredder. He pressed to button and the device whirred to life, pulling the tie – and the man – into it. The man freaked out. JC stopped after a couple seconds. "Where is she?" he demanded.
"They brought me the girl." Chekov stammered. "They had me check out her genetic profile. They wanted to see if she was compatible. She was. So I signed off to send her to the next step."
"What's the next step?" JC asked, not liking what he heard. The man hesitated. JC hit the button again.
"Okay, okay!" the man pleaded. JC stopped the machine. "It's over in the Surgical Ward!" "Where is that?" JC demanded. "Down the hall, just follow the signs." The man gasped for breath. "But you're too late. I sent her over a while ago. They're probably already done."
"You better hope it's not too late." JC threatened. "Or I'm going to take it out on your hide." He reached down and whipped off the man's belt. The man's pants dropped, making him scramble for them. JC folded the belt and smacked the man over and over, on his behind, across his back, and on his head. The man cried out each time, eventually falling to his knees. JC took the belt and wrenched the man's hands behind him, tying them together. The man fell to his knees, his pants down, boxers showing and hands tied behind him with his own belt. JC took out his phone and snapped a picture. "Smile and say I'm ruined." He said cheerfully. He rejoined Shaun and the others. "Get him down to the car. I'll get Chelsea." He said. He took off, hoping he wasn't too late.
The surgical ward was down a few hallways. JC came to the corner and looked around. A desk with another receptionist sat in a lobby-like area. A few rooms lined the halls down the nearby corridor, each one with an 'In progress' sign above it. One was lit. Oh no…
The light came off. Shortly a pair of doctors wheeled a gurney out of the room and into the hall. On the gurney was a female figure in a long white gown, black hair with blue streaks on her head. Chelsea! My God… He came out from around the corner and pointed his gun at the doctors. "Get away from her!" he shouted. The doctors put up their hands as the receptionist gasped in fear. "Beat it!" he said to her. The woman ran out. "What did you do to her?!" JC demanded at the doctors.
"That's doctor-patient privil-" a near-miss shot shut the doctor up. "Answer the question!" JC said, moving closer. Suddenly a chain wrapped itself around his left arm, pulling it back. JC looked behind him and saw a familiar face: Kai Lung, the jerk he fought at the warehouse, stood there, chain in hand, distinct scar across his face. With him were two goons with guns aimed at him. "She's not going anywhere." Kai stated. "And neither are you."
"Nice scar." JC quipped. "It's an improvement."
"Shut up, punk!" Kai said angrily. "It's over."
"It's over for you." JC said menacingly. Taking a breath, he let out an angry cry that reverberated through the room. The two goons with Kai started to panic, dropped their guns and ran away, screaming in terror. Kai and the doctors simply shuddered in fear. Now was his chance. JC charged his left hand with lightning and grabbed the chain Kai was restraining him with. The charge conducted across the metal and into Kai, blasting him into unconsciousness. "You really need to find a new line of work." JC said. A sound behind him caught his attention. The doctors started wheeling Chelsea away. "Stop!" JC commanded, firing a shot at the doctors. One of them took the shot in the arm and fell down screaming. His colleague came to his aid as JC pulled the gurney away from them. Stashing his gun, he brought out his sword and pointed it at the two. "Touch her again, and you'll know what a popsicle feels." He leaned over Chelsea. "Chelsea, are you okay? Please, answer!" he pleaded. Chelsea stirred. Slowly, she opened her eyes. "JC, is that you?" she said sleepily.
"Yes, it's me." JC said with relief. He carefully pulled her up. "Come on, we're leaving."
"Hey wait!" the doctors called out. "She's our patient! You can't just – " JC shoved the gurney back towards them, knocking them to the floor. He and Chelsea headed back down the halls.
"Stop them!" he heard someone say behind them. JC pulled Chelsea through the corridors. Avoiding the elevators, they found the stairs and headed down. They used the back corridors of the lower floors to avoid the patrols. Finally, after it seemed they gave them the slip, the two slumped against the wall, trying to catch their breath.
"Thanks JC, I knew you would come." Chelsea said gratefully, leaning against his
shoulder.
"Chelsea, I'm so sorry." JC said with great shame. "I should have been there."
"It's not your fault." Chelsea assured him.
JC looked at her and saw she had the same restrain he had when he was caught. "What did they do to you?"
"I don't know." Chelsea said. "I think I was drugged." She looked at him. "What about Shaun?"
"He's fine. He's waiting in the car outside. We'll be there shortly." The two got up to leave. As they did, Chelsea looked behind him and her eyes went wide. Acting quickly, she shoved JC out of the way – just as a shot rang out. A streak of energy blasted though her. She fell back as a dark stain started to spread over her chest. "Chelsea!" JC cried out. There was a snort from behind him.
"Stupid girl, shot was meant for you." The young man that attacked JC that day in the park came out of the shadows. A smoking gun was in his hand. "But was her own fault, for trying run." JC check Chelsea. She had gone pale and her breathing was ragged. "Give and we make her better; you getting in way!" the guy demanded. JC responded – with several shots from the Purifier hand cannon. The shots connected and the man cried out, disappearing back down the corridor.
JC turned back to Chelsea in a panic. The wound was bad, just two inches above her heart. That wasn't a normal shot either, definitely powered up. He applied pressure to stop the bleeding. No good. She needs her powers… He looked at the restraint. Desperately he pulled at it, trying to break the seal. Chelsea remained silent, but looked at him with a knowing smile as she closed her eyes.
…
The group sat in the living room after returning from the service. The atmosphere was somber and no one said a word. Even Andre was not his usual jovial self; he sat by the window, looking out, as if waiting for an answer that may never come.
"It was a beautiful service." Kayslee said.
"Yes." Alice said. "A fitting one for them."
"How's JC?" Diana asked.
"He's been in his room since we got back." Jasper said. "I think he's still having trouble dealing with this."
"I hope he isn't blaming himself still." Alice said. "There wasn't any choice."
Silence came over the room again. A servant came in and indicated the dinner was ready. "I'll get JC." Diana said, leaving the room.
JC sat in his room. The lights were out and his back was against the door. So many emotions wracked his mind: guilt, shame, anger. Chelsea, I'm so sorry this happened. He said to himself for the millionth time. He played it over and over, trying to understand where he went wrong. It didn't matter. He'd failed. And Chelsea's grandparents paid the price. A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"JC, dinner is ready." It was Diana. "Please come out. I know it hurts, but Chelsea wouldn't want you doing this. Please." After a moment he heard her walk away. She was right; wallowing in self-pity wouldn't do anything. He got up and headed over to the dining area.
The meal was simple, cooked steak and potatoes. Kayslee had even used her power to turn a few jugs of water into wine. Alice didn't approve of the teens drinking but allowed them this one concession. It didn't matter with JC; it was proven that chemicals, including alcohol, didn't affect him. Sadly, this meant no euphoria either. As he ate, he looked around at the others: Andre, Alice, Diana, Kayslee, Jasper…and an empty chair Chelsea would be using if she could join them right now.
It's not fair he thought. First Judith is taken away, now Chelsea. The company was definitely not backing down; it was only a matter of time before they came for the others. JC wouldn't have it. He knew he had to do something.
"Everyone." He addressed the group. "I need to say something: Thank you." Everyone stayed silent, wanting to hear what he had to say.
"Since this whole thing happened, you've gone out of your way to help me out. Alice, you barely knew who I was yet you took me in to protect me. Kayslee," he looked at her. "You've taken time out of your career lend your aid. Andre, despite being separated from you home, you've encouraged us to keep going." He looked down. "You've done so much and I keep asking for more. I'm sorry."
"Stop it." Alice said sternly. "There's no need for you to keep apologizing. We've made it clear this is our struggle as well."
"That's right." Andre chimed in. "I told you these things happen for a reason. This is all our calling. I would not choose any other path."
"So please stop being so down." Diana said. "We're not done yet." The others voiced their affirmatives. JC smiled finally. He raised his glass. "A toast then." He said more cheerfully. "To all of us, especially those not here this evening. May we keep pushing forward." The others saluted and clinked their drinks. I feel better already he thought. Time to move forward.
After helping clean up, he went to his room, saying he was going to lie down for a while.
He did so for only a moment, gathering up his nerve. Then, finally, it was time. Gathering up his gear,
he suited up and carefully climbed out the window into the evening air. His mask stayed hidden; no
need for it at the moment. He looked back at the house. Everyone, if I don't come back from this, I'm
sorry. And thank you.
He walked a ways over to an open park and sat down, feeling the cooling air. Quietly he
sat, letting his resolve build. Eventually, the time for waiting was over. He took out his smartphone and began to dial a number he hadn't called in what felt like a lifetime. Each button pressed made a beeping sound, like the tenuous, cautious footsteps heading closer and closer to the point of no return. The phone rang. "Hello?" said a familiar voice.
"Hello, uncle." JC said.
A brief silence. "JC! Good to hear from you!" William said.
"Skip the niceties." JC said flatly. "We need to talk. This little conflict between us has gone on long enough. I'd rather no one else got hurt. I want to meet to discuss an arrangement."
William paused again. "You want to meet? That's very gracious of you. Any particular time?"
"As soon as possible." JC answered. "Right now if that's alright."
"You know Angelo's?"
"The restaurant you took Judith and I to when we were fourteen? Yeah, I know it."
"One hour." William hung up. JC smiled and brought out his sword. He stared at his reflection in the two-inch wide. Gray-colored blade.
Yes, we'll talk alright JC thought. I should have done this in the beginning. This ends tonight.
~To be continued