Omega Kid
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the Kick-Ass comic or film written by Mark Miller, or any guest characters from other Kick-Ass fanfic's they are owned by their own writers and creators. However, all rights and characters for Omega Kid belong to me and are owned by me alone. So if anyone wants to ever use any characters or anything else from this story for a special chapter or fic will have to ask first...but don't worry, there's a 99% chance I'll say yes.
Chapter 15: Too Much Pressure?
I finally had the courage to turn around, and even seeing Stella holding the gun to my head was unbelievable. Not because I knew Stella was a kind and non-violent person, but because after I saved her from being Jason's doll I thought she would turn a new leaf and stop hanging around with the wrong crowd. A part of me wanted her to just end it, but there was a bigger part of me that wanted to know...
''Why?''
She was chocking up; tears streaming down her face and her hand were shaking rapidly. I don't think she's ever held a gun before. ''I'm sorry. I have to do this.''
''Really, like you had to be with Jason?''
''Yes!'' She screamed, the mention of his name tore her up and made her skin crawl. ''My dad...got involved with this gang in order to pay for my mother's hospital bills when she was struck down with breast cancer. None of my family would help, even though they have money because they didn't trust my dad, but he just wants to help. When her condition worsened; I thought I could help pay by…Jason paid me, to be with him. It was horrible, the things...he did to me...''
She doesn't need to tell me twice, I only saw a glimpse of what he did to her. ''I'm forever grateful to you for stopping Jason, but I was still behind on the payments so I had to do something else to help. Joining Toxin was my only option. I haven't killed anyone...but the people I've hurt, watching their houses or shops burnt down, watching the other Toxins take everything precious to them...and I couldn't just walk away.''
''I'll tell you what you could have done, not join in the first place. Didn't being with Jason teach you anything.''
She looked at me harshly and kept the gun pointed to my forehead. ''You're telling me you wouldn't have done the same? If your sister...what would you do?''
''I wouldn't join a gang, she wouldn't ever trust me again if I...'' I remembered what Jenna said of Parent's evening. She was scared I had joined a gang, she was trying to help and I just spat in her face. And now it made sense with Stella and her persistent absences lately, and why she didn't stand up for me when Rachael accused me of being a Toxin. She knew if she defended me she would have been suspected to; so she just let me practically rip out Rachael's heart.
Stella pressed the gun deeper to my head; then Hellrider's words echoed in my head. He said people should only have one chance at life, he was right. Stella didn't take hers for granted...it wasn't my fault everything's been falling apart, it was hers.
She hesitated with the gun, so I grabbed her arms forcing the gun out of her hands. I elbow her in the stomach and kick her in the back of the legs, and she goes to ground.
''Please, I'm so sorry...'' She begged.
''Too late for that, you had your chance.'' I brought out my phone and dialed 999. That would be one more Toxin off the street. I waited for someone on the other side to pick up; I looked at Stella lying on the ground sobbing, holding her stomach. She didn't protest, almost as if she knew she was going to be caught...unlike how Lea reacted.
''PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO GO TO JAIL, HELP ME PLEASE!''
Those words haunted me, I didn't help Lea. Even though she was a criminal, she didn't deserve it...but then, what's the difference between her and Stella now? She doesn't want to go to jail either; she just wants to be with her parents, her sick mum she's doing all this for. She doesn't deserve jail. And it was my fault Lea's in jail, so then is it my fault Stella would be in jail?
''999 Emergency...'' The other side finally said, but I didn't say anything. My mind was boggling with too many questions. Stella didn't look up at me, she was certain I was calling for the police. Then I thought about Megan, I told her to stand up for herself more so she can find new friends. Just when she does, I get her friend arrested. Then Rachael, Stella said nothing because she was protecting her identity as a Toxin, I defended my actions because I was defending my identity as Omega Kid, it was a hypocritical view of mine.
My head was hurting so much from all of this, I was literally thinking about everything that has happened in the five months I've been Omega Kid, going right back to the beginning with William Richardson's death.
He died, but was it Thomas's or Omega Kid's fault? It was both...I could have saved him as Omega Kid if I didn't get beaten up by Jason and temporarily quit. And I could have saved him as Thomas if I went home with him. I was so busy fighting with myself I couldn't save him. Every single time I'm in conflict with my two different lives is when I lose. But that's just it, I'm Omega Kid and Thomas, it's too late to retire. Once you start being a superhero, you can never finish. There was no Omega Kid and Thomas, there was just me alone. I didn't realise that until now.
I throw my phone to the ground and it obliterated on impact. Stella looked up at me as I crashed to my knees crying my eyes out. I punched the ground about half a dozen times, I was tearing my life apart, and I blamed Omega Kid for it when I am Omega Kid. ''I'm so sorry Stella, I'm so sorry...''
''Why did you...you could have easily called, why didn't you?''
It took me a moment to answer, and this wasn't just an answer to her question, but every question that I've heard in the past two months concerning how I've been acting. ''Cause that's not who I am!''
Stella and I just went back to our homes, I told her I wouldn't tell on her and she wouldn't tell anyone about me being Omega Kid. She also said she will not be apart of Toxin anymore, but would that last? Whether she still needs money and joins another gang or Toxin would come after her when she doesn't return.
I walked through the front door, and saw that Jenna was in the kitchen drinking a glass of water; she looked like she never got any sleep at all last night. At least she didn't appear drunk or anything, I wanted to apologise but were could I start...
''How was the game?'' She asked out of the blue.
''How did you...''
''I knew you wouldn't listen to me.'' She didn't look at me. I guess I should start by answering her question.
''I was terrible. We lost cause of me.''
''A team can't lose just because of one player.''
''We did. I wasn't ready, I wasn't listening to anybody; this was my first...big thing I've ever done for the school, and I was so determined to win it that I got really carried away.''
She finally looked at me and tried to smile. ''You'll get another chance.''
''I won't...not the way I played. But enough about me. Jenna, I'm really sorry about what I said the other night...''
''Let me stop you there...'' She cuts in as she puts her glass down. ''You shouldn't apologise first, I should. I shouldn't have had a go at you like that, you were just trying to help...''
''And you were just being protective. And you don't need to apologies; I know I'm a pain in the ass. You tell me not to get into trouble and I still do...''
''I wasn't talking about that, I know you're a pain.'' She jokes and we laugh softly, she continues. ''I'm talking about saying I can handle things myself. The reason I said that was because I was trying to act strong for you, but it just backfired horribly. I don't want you out of my life.''
I couldn't help but laugh at the irony. ''Wow, the reason why I wanted to help was to show you how strong I am, but that backfired horribly as well...'' I couldn't bring out the rest of my words because my voice was breaking with every word, so I just show her how I feel by hugging her tightly crying on her shoulder and she does the same. ''I don't want you out of my life'' I sobbed; she held me tighter and kissed me on top of the head.
We remained like that for a few minutes, no more need for words. That night we just spent time together, watching movies, her listening to me ramble on about comics. Deep down, I wanted to tell Jenna about me being a superhero. But I've only just got her back, so probably not best to mention it now. Jenna had forgiven me, but I don't think the others will be as easily convinced as to how sorry I am.
Today was the last day of school before we break up for the summer holiday; this was my last day as a Year 10. I won't see the others for another six weeks; I had to find them and apologise. Once I got in school, everyone let me know how much I let them down. Some were booing me, some barged through me, some even started spreading rumours that I once killed a football team (Well…I probably deserve that, even if it is over the top).
But other than the tense football reception, I got through the lessons easily, because it was last day we didn't really do much work, it was all just say our good-byes to everyone. But I couldn't say mine because I couldn't find Rachael or Megan.
I saw Chloe hanging around with some other girls; I might as well apologies to her for how bad I was. The minute the girls saw me walking to them, they looked at me bitterly. Chloe's expression didn't change, but at least she didn't walk away. ''Hi, Chloe.''
''Hey, so that's another year gone.''
''Yeah went by quick.'' Her friends started walking down the hall leaving Chloe and me alone. ''Chloe, I know you think that you let me down. But really it's the other way around.''
''This was your first game, you had more pressure on you.''
''Trust me, I've had more pressure on me then you'll ever know. But the thing is...that promise you made to Sophie...she...I promised the same thing about you.''
''Really?''
''She knows how much you love football. And now that...she can't play anymore. I wanted to make you feel like you could still play. That you've got what it takes to play better than most people in this school. But I really let you down, and the school down. I wasn't ready for that game whatsoever; and yet, like the idiot I am I wanted to believe I could still play. It wasn't your fault I played bad it was mine.''
She nodded and looked like she understood, and she had the weight taken off her shoulders. ''That took a lot of guts to say.''
''Yeah, well wouldn't have taken much more just to say I wasn't ready.''
She nods again, and extends her hand. ''Take care.''
''You too...'' I shake her hand. ''Have a nice summer.''
''Same.'' She walks down the corridor to catch up with her friends. It felt great to know that someone in the school didn't hate me. I turned to walk to my next class and Gabriel was leaning against the door.
''You heard all that?'' I asked.
''Yep.''
''I know it was irresponsible, stupid, un-sportsman like...''
''And like me when I started.'' He finished. ''You think you're the only player that had a bad debut?''
''Yours couldn't have been worse.'' I said.
He got up and started walking, I followed and listened. ''I was picked for the Year 7 team within a week of just moving here...'' I remember when Gabriel moved from Nigeria to here halfway through Year 7. ''I was so scared. I failed in training, and I found it hard to communicate with my teammates. Then when the game began, I didn't play well at all. I was out of position all the time, I couldn't tell who to pass to and I was too scared to really commit.''
''At least you didn't get sent off.'' I said, but he just ignored me.
''Towards the end I tried to get more involved. I went for a tackle, and came out the worst. Broke my leg...''
''Jesus...'' I gasped.
''I thought that was that, I'm not playing again. But while I was in hospital, someone from the team visited me, William. He told me not to give up, he said I had potential; I just let the nerves get the best of me. But the good thing about nerves in football, you only get them once. So, as I healed during the summer, I trained vigorously. And came back as a new player, and the rest is history.''
''Wow, I've never guessed what it was like for your first game.''
''It was rough, but I came back. And I think you can do the same.''
''I don't...''
He raised his hand to stop me from answering. ''I said the same thing.'' He then turned and walked to his next class. Wasn't expecting that talk to happen, I didn't even know Gabriel that well and he's just told me something really personal of his. Who knows, if he can return from a poor game...why not me?
The day was flying by, teary good-byes everywhere. Warm-hearted speeches from teachers, but no sign whatsoever of Megan or Rachael. In no time it was the end of the day, and I stayed around the school for a bit longer searching the classes; apparently Megan's in, but Rachael didn't come in today. Can't really blame her for what I said.
I can't believe my luck; the moment I give up and leave the school, Megan walks out at the same time as me. ''Megan!'' I called, and she was about to coil up again when she saw me. ''No, don't do that I'm sorry for what I said. I'm sorry that I was a real jackass to you. I didn't mean to be I was just under a lot of pressure, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. And I'm just really, really, really sorry!''
She didn't uncoil because I didn't give her time to coil. She straightens up a bit. ''You really offended Rachael.''
''I know, I've been trying to find her. But she's not in and...''
''She's walking by Al's Kebab shop'' Megan said. ''And about what you said, I should have defended you, I know you're not a Toxin.''
''Yeah but I can easily say that myself, I don't need you to defend me.''
''You defend me all the time. I think it's time for payback.'' She said commandingly. Wow, she really has grown a backbone. It was weird seeing her ordering me around, but in a good weird. ''You better hurry then!'' She snaps me out of my thoughts. And I take off running.
Normally it takes twenty minutes to reach Al's Kebab from school...I got there in five flat. And lady luck was smiling on me again; Rachael had just walked out of the shop finishing her kebab. I don't know how to start; she would probably flip if I came up to her. But the others have understood me, maybe Rachael would? Who am I kidding? She hates my guts, why am I even going to attempt to...
''Thomas?'' Rachael said as she walked up to me. Once she realised it was me she kept her distance. ''You look tired.''
''Yeah, I ran all the way from school.''
''Well, you better hurry. The kebab's going pretty...''
''No Rachael...I...I...was...um...you must really hate me?'' I hate myself for starting an apology like that.
''I don't hate you. I hated what you said and what I said.''
''I don't...I mean I don't hate what you said...I mean...'' God, why is this so hard? Just say it, I can't make it worse than it already is! ''Rachael I really messed up. You've been really supportive of me, you've been a good friend and I treated you really bad.''
She didn't say anything; guess it was a pointless try after all. ''Thomas...I'm going away for the six weeks to Spain.''
''Oh,'' I blurted out in surprise and disappointment. ''W…well hope you enjoy yourself.'' I turned to walk away.
Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder and I look at her. ''You haven't treated me bad...I enjoy being with you, but lately you've been...''
''I know I haven't been handling the pressure well; the game I really messed up.''
''No kidding, you were a different player from the one I saw.''
''I know, I just got frustrated when things were…'' I stopped when I pieced together what she said. ''What? You watched the game? But, I didn't see you...''
''I came late and watched from the opening outside. Didn't feel like spending the money when I could see for free. What were you thinking when you hit that other player?''
''About you…'' I said catching her by surprise; I might as well say what I have to say. ''I thought about what I said to you, what I said was really...I didn't mean to act…you aren't...what I said was...'' Sighing, it's all or nothing. ''To me, you're the funniest, smartest, most loyal friend anyone could ask for. You deserve a friend who will treat you the way you should be treated...''
''And that person is you.'' She cuts me off. ''Thanks to you, I really have someone to talk to. Someone who listens to what I have to say. And I've never thanked you properly for that. I'm sorry for accusing you of being a Toxin, I don't know what came over me.'' She started crying and I wiped the tear from her eye. We stared into each other's eyes again, and moved closer. Its déjà vu, the only difference now, was this time we actually kissed.
My head was buzzing; I can't believe this is happening. I was kissing Rachael and she was kissing back, my whole body felt numb. The kiss deepened a bit more, and my palm rested on her cheek. We pulled back for air, and to get back down to reality. We panted and rested our foreheads on one another for a second before she pulled away and looked at her watch. ''I have to get home now. You won't see me again until the start of the school year.''
''Take care.'' Was all I could say at the moment.
''You too Wonder Boy.'' She kisses me on the cheek and leaves. This would be the last I will see of her for six weeks, it's better than never seeing her again. But, wow, I wasn't expecting her to kiss me let alone forgive me. I'd done it, I've apologies to all of my friends, and they've pretty much forgiving me. I could fall on my knees and thank God right now, I promise to never say another bad thing about a friend again…Alex and Steph I might make a few exceptions for.
I was about to make my way back home, until another friend of mine came running up to me. ''Stella? What's up?''
''Megan told me you'd probably be here. It's the Toxins, they're planning another attack!''
''Where?''
''I'm not sure, but they said it's going to be a populated area where they believe another gang is, and they'll attack soon.''
Before an answer could come from me, there was hesitation. ''Stella, I don't know. Every time I face Toxin I get shot and beaten black and blue. Now they were planning a full-scale attack, can I stop something like that?''
''I can't call the police, all Toxin members have their phones bugged, they'll know it was me. You're the only one I know that can help me! I'm…I'm scared of them Thomas.''
''Do you at least know where the main base is? Where Douglas Carbone goes more than others?''
''I'm not sure where he goes, I've never seen him before, but I know where the main base is. I can show you.''
Previous encounters with them haven't gone my way, but it's been lucky that no one has ever been caught in the mix…except Sophie who lost her future because of them. The least I can do is put the guilty party behind bars. ''Then let's go!''
We waited for night, so we could hide better. I remembered Alex and Steph still had my costume, so I just went in my normal clothes. At least I could blend in better, but if any members see me with Stella they'll suspect a traitor and won't be afraid to fire.
I followed Stella until she stopped outside an old works factory near the construction side of Regent's River. We hide behind a large crate just in front of the main hanger. It was really quiet, but there were people hanging around outside. Stella and I kept our distance and from afar, I could see the Toxin symbol on their shirts. The place looked really well guarded, the doors and hangers were covered. It looked impenetrable.
''There are two ways, one around the back which is more risky.''
''And the other?'' I asked. She looked at the ground. Once I did, I saw we were sitting on top of a manhole cover. ''The sewers?'' I was double-checking.
She nodded. ''It's less guarded and no cameras. It's our best way in!''
From the main hanger, a giant man made of nothing but muscle walked around checking that the guards were on duty. ''Marcus.'' I grunted.
''You know him?''
''Not someone you can easily forget.''
Marcus ordered the others something, and they started moving around. ''Rotation...'' Stella said. ''They do it on the hour every hour.''
Marcus watched from the main hanger in our direction, and I think he might have caught a glimpse of us because he flinched a bit. Stella and I backed up against the crate. ''Shit, I think he saw us.'' Stella said. Out of stupidity and curiosity, I looked back to see if what he was doing now. He was walking right towards us, he wasn't sure that he saw us, but either way...
''He's coming this way!''
To Be Continued...