The Princess and the Papoose - Part II
Chapter 2
"So how will you take my power?" Rain questioned. Scared as she was, she could not refrain from asking questions.
"I'll cut your head open and look at your brain." Sylar explained. "That's my super power. I see how things work. Of course I could just touch your blood and examine the DNA, but where's the fun in that?"
Rain swallowed back a nervous laugh. "Yep. I ask too many questions. Sorry."
"Oh don't be," he said, "makes things more interesting."
"I'm sure." Rain mumbled.
"So before I kill you," Sylar pulled up a small stool and sat down, less than three inches in front of Rain. "Tell me a little about your ability."
"Well," Rain tried to control the shaking in her voice. "It's about equality, I think. Or really, equal opposites. Strong and weak, brave and cowardly," she scowled. "Good and evil."
"I see." He thought for a moment. "Basically it makes you dependant on someone else?"
"Something like that. You'd need a partner for it to work-something you'll never get if you kill me. Or Bethany."
Sylar narrowed his eyes. "Is that an attempt at a bribe?"
Rain cocked her head to the side. "Is it working?"
He smiled.
"Is that the docking bay?" Bethany asked.
"That's definitely it." Mohinder replied.
"You were right," Matt breathed.
"Wonderful. Now what do we do?" Bethany stared angrily at the empty water before them.
"Now we find the Hope!" Mohinder said.
"Mohinder," Matt said, quietly, "you know we're both thinking the same thing."
"No!" Mohinder exclaimed, his loud tone startling them both. "I will not accept that!" He glanced at Bethany. "I promised myself I would protect her and her sister. I mean to stand by that."
"And I respect that," Matt replied. "But what if this was set up?"
"I can hear you, you know!" Cried Bethany, indignantly.
"I know, I didn't mean you," Matt sighed. "But Sylar doesn't take anyone alive. That's just not his M.O. I know he's up to something. More than just adding to his collection."
"Well I'm sure he's smarter than you think!" Bethany argued. "He probably figured out that Rain and I don't just have regular old abilities."
"You're not entirely convinced of that," he pointed out.
"You're right, I'm not. I just want to believe that my sister is alive and well, then I want to find her. And I know you don't trust me, but I want you to get out of my head and get on track! Please!" Bethany was again on the verge of tears, and 'Officer' Parkman decided to back off.
"Okay," he said, "alright. I'm sorry."
Mohinder cut in before any more harsh words could be thrown about. "Let's go find that boat."
"Agreed." Bethany held her watery glare at Matt as she climbed back into the car.
"Matt," Mohinder growled once Bethany was out of earshot.
"I know," he said, "I'm sorry. I just got carried away. You can't know who to trust."
"Oh, and you can?" Mohinder drew closer. "If you truly trust me, I would appreciate if you trusted my instincts as well."
"I do," Matt said, "I promise."
"Good. Then get in the car and try to control your sudden urges to break the heart of a young girl."
"Okay. I will."
They got back in and drove away in silence. Nobody bickered anymore.
"Where are you going?" Rain asked.
"I'm not going anywhere, however I am going to consider your offer." Sylar replied. It wasn't often he met a woman as charming as Rain, and he had to admit the prospect of killing her saddened him. Whether she was being brave or stupid in her suggestion, he couldn't tell. Perhaps it was even a half-hearted plea for her sister's life. That plea just may turn out to be a successful one. He would need a partner, in such a case she didn't lie. In fact, she hadn't lied to him yet, and he wasn't sure whether that made her more trustworthy or more devious than she appeared. His decision to kill her or let her live rested soley upon that, in fact, so he musn't take it lightly. She seemed very determined not to let herself show either fear or hope, and while it may seem confusing to some, Sylar knew the exact ploy. Of course, being a smart girl and decidedly more devious than she looked Rain would know that he'd used that tecnhique and no doubt refuse to execute it! So was it simply that she was truly unafraid? Sylar lent her a glance; no, she was afraid. Though she was somehow able to mask it, she was very scared. Whether for herself or her precious Bethany he may never know. So what was her purpose? Perhaps she meant to trick him into not taking her gift - or maybe a more long-term plan. Mabe she had no plan at all and was simply playing by ear as she went, stepping lightly and hoping the ice didn't crumble beneath her skates.
Rain looked at him, and for a moment Sylar felt her intense hazel eyes boaring a hole through his soul. No longer was her deviousness decided, it simply was. The stare died down almost instantly, but he could see on her face that she'd learned something new. Had she spotted a weakness that he hadn't known was visible? What did his expression portray only moments ago? Hate? Malice? Sorrow? Fear? For the moment he had to push the thought aside, for she was still staring at him and he was sure that he was beginning to feel scared. He mustn't let that surface for her to see.
Sylar took in his hands a knife, and fear did flash across Rain's face - for herself, no doubt.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"I've made up my mind."