Dark Inheritance

Epilogue

Warning: Mature themes discussed

The next few months were a flurry of activity. The police, Interpol, and several other law enforcement agencies were on the case, piecing together what had been going on. Evidence was scanned, witnesses interrogated, arrests were made. The 'official' story was that the company had been kidnapping people to perform illegal genetic and pharmaceutical experiments. If they knew more of the finer details about the incidents they didn't reveal it.

Marcus and William Reinhardt, along with their secretary Gail Smith, were charged with multiple counts of kidnapping, assault, murder, human trafficking, and criminal conspiracy, just to name a few. Other more specific charges would likely emerge as the investigations continued.

Alan Howard and Dr. Clay surrendered without incident to authorities. They agreed to testify on their involvement with the project in exchange for reduced charges. Both expressed remorse over how far things had gone and their lack of action to stop it.

Kai Lung was charged with his employers, with multiple assault and murder charges from his work in the field. He confessed in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence.

Hasan Pagan was found severely injured from his fight with JC. Upon his arrest it was found he had multiple charges overseas from various mercenary works. He chose to cooperate with authorities rather than face extradition.

James and Sarah Reinhardt were nowhere to be found in the facility. It became apparent they managed to slip out in the confusion. Judith believed they realized they'd failed as parents; JC felt they'd run away to avoid facing the consequences of their actions.

Other people involved, such as the overseas investors, were charged through international agencies. Considering the web of involvement, a full investigation would take time. The info Marcus had provided would make sure most of it stuck.

The other victims being held at the facility were taken into custody to give their statements. Most were local; others had been brought in from out of state, a few from out of the country. Authorities worked with other agencies to determine what was to be done with them.

Alice Belmont welcomed Judith with open arms. She and the twins worked it out so their family was given custody of them, no questions asked. Alice was happy to have another sister.

Later on, authorities received documents from an anonymous source. The documents arranged for JC and Judith's old home to be separate from the rest of the family and placed under their names. The twins now had two homes.

Everyone who'd been involved in the incident did their best to move forward with what had happened. There were tough times ahead, but the future held new possibilities.

…

"Authorities investigating Genetech's corporate headquarters found more disturbing evidence of…" Frank Belmont turned the volume down. "So ends a long, prominent bloodline." He said.

"Don't forget about JC and Judith." Alice said, smiling. "Those two have done well. They fought against – and triumphed – over a tragic fate."

Frank smiled. "Where are they now?"

"At their old home. And I think they're about to receive a new visitor."

…

JC answered the knock on their door. On the other side was Detective Johnson, the one who helped lead the investigation. With him was a well-dressed man in his mid-thirties. He looked serious, but had a warm smile upon seeing the young man.

"JC, this is Mr. Thompson, an associate of mine." Johnson said. "He'd like to speak with you."

"If it's not a bad time." Thompson said, his concern genuine.

JC hesitate for a second. He looked at Judith behind him, who nodded in approval. "Come on in." he said.

The group headed to the living room, the twins on the couch and Thompson on one of the easy chairs.

"First off, let me say it's an honor to meet you both." Thompson started. "It's not every day one gets to meet inheritors of your caliber."

JC looked at the detective. "Your 'associate'?"

"First and foremost I'm a cop." Johnson replied. "I act as a contact with Mr. Thompson regarding people like you and your sister."

"So you knew?" Judith asked.

Johnson nodded. "That's why I was assigned to your case."

"Let me explain fully." Thompson said. "I represent a group whose mandate is to monitor inheritors. Usually we just keep tabs on them for records sake. However, under certain circumstances we can provide aid if appropriate."

"Are you part of our family's group?" JC asked, looking a little concerned.

Thompson shook his head. "Our groups started out as one, ages ago. However, we split when our priorities diverged. They wanted to control inheritors and keep the lines going; our group felt research and data collecting was enough."

"Did you know about the project?" Judith asked.

"Yes. My deepest apologies for what the two of you went through. Given the size of their organization, we couldn't do anything to stop them."

"Well, we stopped them." JC said. "Looks like they're finally done for."

Thompson shook his head. "Mr. Reinhardt, your family was just a small part of a larger organization. They've been around since the time the inheritors came to be. They aren't going away anytime soon."

JC and Judith looked worried. "So this could happen again?" Judith asked.

"Hardly." Thompson assured. "There are several factions with the organization, some with very different beliefs than the original group. One of which feels that inheritors should be monitored and assisted, but not controlled. Your actions have helped prove their point to the others and given them control over the main branch. They shouldn't bother you anymore."

"How do you know all this?" JC asked incredulously.

"We still have contacts within the group." Thompson said with a smile. "Things should be quiet now thanks to you."

"Is that why you came here?" Judith asked. "Just to tell us we're safe?"

"Actually, I came to ask for your help." Thompson said. "My group monitors all kinds of strange activity, especially regarding inheritors. Lately, we've come across some disturbing information. You're aware of the Host, correct?"

"The enemies of the Progenitors? Yeah, we're read about them." JC said. "They're history."

"Not really." Thompson said ominously. "The Host were defeated but not dead. The Progenitors just sealed them away. Our scholars fear that they may try to escape."

JC and Judith were silent for a moment. "You're not asking us to fight them, are you?" JC asked.

"We hope it won't come to that. In any case, there are other potential threats out there, ones that people like you could help with, whether for research or more direct action."

"You're trying to recruit us?" Judith asked.

"My only purpose is to let you know we're here to help." Thompson assured them. "We only wish investigate certain events that others can't, as well as help people like you understand their abilities. However, we can all agree that's not quite necessary in your case." Thompson took out a card with a symbol of fire along with a phone number, handing it to the twins. "Should you ever have any problems or seek opportunities open to those with your skills, don't hesitate to contact us. We're willing to discuss any help you feel is appropriate." He stood. "I have to go. Once again, it's been a pleasure." With a smile, he exited along with the detective and the two were off.

…

A few days later the twins were on the couch discussing what had happened.

"You think he's sincere?" JC asked his sister.

Judith nodded. "Despite what we've been through, I didn't feel anything suspicious from him. It definitely sounds like a good opportunity."

"It does." Kayslee said, leaning over them. "Though I'd let my agent do the talking."

"Feeling better, I hope?" JC asked.

Kayslee nodded. "Using that much power put me out for a while. I've never did anything on that scale before. With practice, I shouldn't have any more issues."

"I'm glad you're okay." Judith said. "You helped my brother get free and stop them."

JC smiled at that. He looked over to his side. "So, back from the dead, finally?"

"I'm fine." Chelsea said as she leaned back on the couch. "I just wish I could've helped more."

"It was better for you that you didn't." Diana said, entering the room. "With everything that went down, it was best you didn't get involved."

"So, is everything squared away?" Judith asked her new friend.

Chelsea sighed. "Alice helped smooth things over with the authorities about what happened to my folks." She said dejectedly. "Shaun and I will keep the house, and the Belmonts can help look after us."

"Chelsea, I'm sorry I wasn't there."

"Stop apologizing." Chelsea insisted. "You've done more for me – for us – than anyone could have asked."

"And did you hear?" Diana said brightly. "Ayla Perkins woke up from her coma. Doctors say she'll be okay. You saved her."

JC nodded slightly. He was glad to hear some good news after all that had happened. Diana sat on his lap. "So, are you going to take Thompson up on his offer?"

"I'm not leaving you guys behind." JC said.

"Hey, if you join up, we're going with you." Kayslee said.

"Yeah, I'm not sitting this one out." Chelsea stated.

"We're not getting separated again, bro." Judith said.

"And I'm not letting my boyfriend risk himself without backup." Diana said. JC looked shocked at that statement but then smiled and laughed. Judith nudged him playfully. "My brother's got a girlfriend? I really missed a lot as a captive."

JC made a face at her. Turning to Diana he asked. "So, did you bring it?"

Diana smiled and stood up, went over to a table and picked up a long, plastic case. "Alice said it was okay for us to use. She already figured what we wanted it for."

JC nodded and looked around. "Where's our last friend? Is he still in the back yard?"

"Yeah, we should go get him." Judith said.

…

Andre sat over the small fire he'd set in the yard. Throwing some powder into it, he watched as the smoke billowed to the heavens. Somehow, he knew the spirits were pleased with the way things had turned out. Despite everything, they'd come out on top.

But that was not all he felt. Deep in his meditations, he'd felt a dark foreboding, a premonition that existed just on the edge of what he could see. There was no certainty, only possibility. One that he knew his friends would be ready for eventually.

"Andre, are you done yet?" Chelsea called out to him. Andre smiled and headed back to the house. The group gathered in the open living room. Diana opened the case. Inside were various face paints and make up; Alice had lent them her stage makeup.

The group got to work. Chelsea painted wild streaks of black and red around her face and eyes. Primal green symbols adorned Andre's face. Kayslee put intricate symbols in deep crimson upon hers. Judith's face had bright yellow sunbursts and back symbols. JC used bright blue and silver to paint runes upon his face. Diana's face had colors from all of them, symbolizing her connection to them all.

Once they were finished, JC summoned his sword – that of his ancestor – and held it pointed down in their midst. One by one, the others placed their hands upon the hilt.

"May we face any future problems together." JC said.

"As we once did." Judith contributed.

"Yes." The others agreed.

And the world became a bit brighter, as five legendary heroes and their allies were reunited.

~The First Story's End