The Flight of the Blue Beetle 7
"I am not reading that,"
"Fu*k that!"
"Just tell us how to fix these pieces of junk!"
Jaime wondered if he could just hit them with a book and see if they learned that way.
"It's just the basics. It won't take long" he said keeping his tone as even as possible, "also, in this line of work you have to try to stay updated on the latest mo-"
"That's lame!" and once again he was being interrupted.
"I have a few suggestions that could be-"
"Not now," he told Khaji-Da before he stared at the four juvenile delinquents left in his charge. Half an hour ago the bus from the youth center had arrived dropping twenty of them and from then they had been split into groups and assigned to some of the most experienced members of the garage. From the moment he saw this group he knew they would be trouble so he decided to take over them.
"What are you looking at?" one of them sneered at Jaime.
"Do any of you know anything about cars?" He asked before all of them raised their hands; "besides driving or breaking into one." Three lowered their hands. The remaining teen who was standing to the side of the other three tried to drop his hand, "too late for that, what is your name?"
"Miguel" he said in a quiet voice.
"But we like to call him perra."
"If you don't take this seriously, I will call the friendly officer outside to take you back," Jaime said to the offending kid before turning to an embarrassed Miguel. He didn't strike Jaime as the type of guy who would end up in a correctional facility. He tried to continue teaching them how to make an oil change. He was glad Miguel was of some help because the other three were making him lose his patience.
"Mierda," Miguel said when some of the oils splashed him.
"Did you dirty your pretty blouse" one of the guys snickered before Jaime realized why they were picking on Miguel.
He started to open his mouth to tell the guy to back off but then Miguel gave him a look that told him not to. Jaime wasn't sure he was okay leaving it like that so he broke them into two groups. He had two of the guys start trying making changes of oil together and he with Miguel and another guy began on another project.
At the end of the torturing two hours, they had learned how to make an oil change and how to use an engine scanner.
"Time to go!" the officer called. The bus was parking outside the garage. Without wasting a moment the three trouble makers dropped what they were doing and rushed outside. Miguel stayed behind and helped pick some of the tools.
"You can go, this place is usually a mess anyways" it really wasn't but he felt sorry for not defending Miguel even though he didn't want him to.
"I would like to wait here as much as possible," Miguel said looking towards the gathering group, "is that okay?"
"Of course," he said trying to offer a smile.
"If I make you uncomfortable, I can tell you right now you are not my type," Miguel said attempting to laugh but he was still tense.
"Is nothing like that," Jaime said shaking his head, "I am just wondering if anything stuck to those guys. For exception of you, they didn't seem very interested in learning anything."
"They are actually some of the best-behaved guys," Miguel told him with a more relaxed tone. "They are just showing off since they don't want to seem soft in front of their friends. They actually usually leave me alone. After a few more visits, they will calm down."
"I hope so," Jaime sighed.
"Is it true the owner of the garage was shot?" Miguel asked startling Jaime.
"Yeah, but he is fine now," Jaime said a little uneasy. He asked the rest of the staff to not tell the kids from the juvenile center he was the son of the owner.
Miguel seemed relieved to hear this and Jaime wondered why he was so interested in knowing.
"Barragan!" but before he could ask him one of the officers called for him.
"See yah," Miguel said before running off to board the bus.
As he took his time going home, he finished reviewing the recordings of the bugs he had planted at La Dama's home. It seemed people didn't do much talking in that place as he just kept finding small talk here and there. Only a few of those times were Brenda. He hoped she wasn't actually involved, but hoping wouldn't help. He sighed as he arrived home and found his family ready to eat together.
"Is there something you want to tell us son?" his father started.
"Just tell him," his mother said to his father.
"Tell me what?" Jaime asked worried since nothing those days was simple.
"Amparo Cardenas stopped by the house today," his father said, "she came to talk about offering you a job at one of her clubs."
Jaime really hoped his parents said no even though Batman told him that it might help in his investigation.
"She did?"
"Don't act dumb," his mother admonished, "we told her we would think about it so we could talk to you. Is not like you to hide something like that."
"I-" he started but wasn't sure how to continue. He wanted to involve his family as little as possible to keep them away from danger.
"Well?" his mother said as she started serving the desert. Jaime could tell she was trying to remain calm, but the little lines on the forehead told him she would not remain so for long.
"Is part of my investigation" he admitted, "she is involved."
"Of course she is," Bianca, his mother said rolling her eyes.
"Are you sure?" his father asked Jaime more worried about his son's feeling for Amparo's niece.
"Yes," Jaime said picking at his desert, "actually I was advised by… One of the mentors to accept the offer. I might get the inside intel we need."
"But you already got school and are helping at the garage" and that he had taken to making patrols until late at night didn't pass them. "Is too much Jaime" his mother said worried.
"I will be okay," he said, "I won't overdo it."
"But-" whatever his mother was going to say went unsaid when his father placed his hand over hers. She gave her son a tired look before sighing, "alien armor or not, you are not missing dinner, got it?"
He nodded unable to meet his parents' eyes. He hated making them worry, but these were things he needed to do to protect them. He knew they would be more worried if they knew La Dama was Amparo Cardenas since there was nothing they could do to keep him safe. He couldn't also tell them he felt like there weren't enough hours in the day to rest. Even then, he still had to meet with Tim to talk about what they would do to help Bart. He didn't want to imagine what his parents would say if they learned what they were trying to do.
888
A few weeks later at night Jaime found himself washing dishes at one of La Dama's club. El Pinto was a club for youths in their twenties mostly. The music was loud and the drinks were colorful. The moment he stepped in he knew he would not be able to get a syllable out in front of that crowd. He was still a kid compared to them. Surprisingly, La Dama was very understanding and placed him under the care of one of their more popular vocalist.
"Ya done kid? We need to rehearse or the lady will be upset with us and you don't want her upset at us."
Ethan Contreras was a young man in his mid-twenties with the looks of a wannabe rock star. Jaime had heard him sing, and he could sing. But, his wardrobe left much to be desired. Pants were too tight. The man could barely walk. And he wore tight shirts too, though he didn't have the physic to show them off. Still, he took singing seriously. Jaime was learning from him, though he hoped the investigation was over before it reached the point where he would face the crowd outside.
"Done," Jaime said placing the last plate in the rack.
"Alright!" Ethan said rubbing his hands together, "come with me."
Jaime following him to the emergency ladder and climbed up to the roof of the club. Ethan took out a cigarette and started smoking, "we are doing the exercises here."
"Here?" the club was only two stories high and was surrounded by other buildings; building from which people could see them.
"Yes, here boy. You need to get over that stage fright of yours. So, what better way than to sing on the largest stage possible, the world," Ethan sang the last part. It made Jaime wonder what he was smoking.
"I guess," but he could see some sense in what he said. He started the exercises Ethan had been giving him the last two weeks.
As he practiced he realized he liked the fresh air going into his lungs. The air inside was full of tobacco and other types of smoke. It was also too crowded. He didn't like crowded places. For a few minutes, he felt much more relaxed than he had the past two weeks. He had continued helping at the garage. The kids from the youth center were behaving better just like Miguel said, but they were still an unruly bunch. He had also been running errands to help gather some of the materials needed to get the time machine ready. Thankfully Victor Stone, also known as Cyborg was helped him. Actually, the man seemed pleased to help at anything the League didn't agree with. He had continued to keep tabs on La Dama and the bugs he left in her house. There was also school work, the small dates he had been going on with Brenda, more sessions with Batman, and the patrolling. Even with the energy lent by Khaji-Da he still collapsed to bed most nights.
"Now what is going through your mind little man?" Nathan asked as Jaime was finishing the exercises, "I usually need to tell you to speak up, but right now you are raising your voice like you want to devour the world."
"I wouldn't go that far," maybe fly away from everything would be more accurate.
"Still, that's how you need to sing when you in front of those consumer crazy idiots. They might not realize it with their government and propaganda programmed brains, but they still got souls and they can still feel the music." Ethan said throwing his arms into the air, "there is still hope."
Jaime couldn't help himself and threw his arms up too, "you are crazy."
"And don't you forget it!" laughed Ethan before they started on a new set of exercises.
8888
"Earth to Jaime," Jaime blinked before he realized Brenda was waving her hand in front of his face, "are you okay?"
"Just a little tired," he yawned as he leaned back on the benches.
"A little? You look like you stayed all night at the club."
"Until midnight actually" Jaime admitted before Brenda gave him not just a look, the look. "They were pretty busy and I got paid quite well."
"Oh," she said suddenly remembering she was the one living in a mansion, "do you really like working there?"
"At first I wasn't sure, but Ethan is cool. Also, the tips are good," especially when the female customers saw how young he was. They ruffled his hair even though he was taller than them. The more daring ones pinched him, though that wasn't something he would be telling Brenda anytime soon "and I am actually making some improvement."
"Maybe this time we should just watch a movie at my place," she offered putting her hand over his.
"O…okay," he said intertwining his fingers with hers.
"Oh my goodness Asami, they are holding hands. Can you believe it?" Tye said a few bleachers above them.
"The scandal!" Asami joined in for once also finding it incredibly cute.
8888
"So, who is the lucky lady?" Jaime looked from the motor they had been working on to see Miguel giving him a smirk. Over the past few weeks, he had opened up a little more, and just like he had said, the rest had calmed down after a while.
"Huh?" Jaime asked before Miguel's smile widened.
"C'mon Jaime; you don't usually dress like this. You are going on a date after this, right?" Miguel said looking pointedly at the leather apron and gloves he was using to protect his clothing.
"Maybe," Jaime admitted.
"Life is so unfair! The geek gets to go on a date, and we get sent back to the bird cage." Mikey said (his name was Miguel Devante, but he went by Mikey.) One of the kids from the youth center said as he was cleaning some pieces.
"I am sure you dated a few girls before you were sent there," Jaime said. He had grown up listening to the side perks of being in gangs.
"Of-of course!" Mikey said, his tan cheeks reddening.
"He didn't. Neither did I" said Francisco Ramone shaking his head, "not high enough up the ladder."
"Not answering that," said the youngest of their group, a red-headed boy by the name of David Ceballos. The rest of the teens rolled their eyes because they didn't believe for a second the fourteen-year-old had seen more action than them.
"What about you Miguel?" Jamie asked before noticing the rest were shaking their heads for him to stop.
"I have a boyfriend. We have been together a long time" but his tone was sad.
"But?" Jaime couldn't help asking.
"Is a long story," Miguel said looking outside.
"More like the guy got out first and hasn't come to visit him even once," David said before Miguel sighed.
"You don't know Gabe (Gabriel) like I do," Miguel said sitting on a stool.
"Of course we don't!" said Mikey.
"Not like that you idiot," Miguel said face turning red; "we were friends since children. He is not the kind of leave you behind- and if you try to make a joke out of that Mikey I will kick your ass."
"You said it, not me" Mikey laughed before the rest joined in.
"Anyways," Miguel said tiredly, "I know something happened to him. I am sure it had to do with the witch." The last part he whispered just barely.
"Shut up man!" Francisco snapped at them.
"A witch?" Jaime asked. It surely couldn't be a coincidence.
"Don't ask man. It always brings bad luck," Francisco said closing the hood of a car loudly.
"Don't be ridiculous. That's just something her guys spread so people wouldn't talk about her." Mikey said though he too looked slightly shaken.
"You mean La Dama?" Jaime had asked before they all stared at him with wide eyes.
"You know about her?" David asked though a different kind of question wanted to burst from him.
"She is the one who had the owner of this place, right?" Miguel asked. He knew it was no coincidence that the attack happened shortly after the news arrived at the youth center.
"Yeah," Jaime said wondering how much should he let them know.
"See? Is just a story she probably created to keep her name downwind. If she really was a witch why would she send someone to shoot the guy?" Mikey said to Francisco, who was frowning as they kept talking about her.
"Witch or not, she is still very powerful," Miguel said before turning to Jaime, "any idea why she would target the owner?"
"Why do you think?" he gave them a pointed look.
"Oh," Mikey said after a moment of silence, "damn. Then the guy is either very brave or stupid."
"Doesn't he have a family or something. What if she goes after them?" David asked him.
"I…" Jaime was caught off guard. He didn't think they would care for the well being of his family that much, "they- we are with him."
"We?" Miguel asked nothing the hesitation in Jaime's voice.
"The owner is my dad" Jaime finally admitted.
"Oh, sorry man," Francisco said looking embarrassed.
"There is nothing to be sorry for," Jaime said standing straight and with as much confidence as he could muster. "We believe in helping our community and you guys. Besides, is not the first time my family is targeted for wanting to help others. Something similar happened when my grandfather was in charge and we are still here."
"But what is the big deal," Miguel insisted, "we are just a bunch of kids. What is it to her if we go the right or wrong way?"
"I don't think we are just a bunch of kids," David said before they all looked at him.
"Well, what do you mean by that?" Mikey asked.
"I think we are different. Not all of us, but some of us. Miguel," David said to the older teen, "remember that trick Gabe used to do? It was after some of her people noticed that he was suddenly gone. I also think she is the one behind his disappearance."
"It was just a silly trick," Miguel said, but he couldn't meet their eyes.
"You said you guys know each other since kids. Is it really?" David said pushing further.
"She is the one behind the warehouse slaughter," Jaime said as he was finally putting some pieces together.
"What?" they all turned to him with fright and shock.
"She is after something or better say after some people. People that she thinks society won't miss. By bringing you guys here to learn a skill, she sees that as a threat to her plan because you guys do matter."
"We are so touched," Mikey rolled his eyes, "but what does that mean?"
"It means you are meta-humans and she is after you because of that" they all jumped at hearing a female.
"La Bruja," Francisco said eyes wide looking for the source of the voice.
"Khaji-Da," Jaime asked.
"There is a frequency around the room which was what aided in disguising her presence, but is not of non-logical origin."
"Who are you?" Jaime had called before a woman materialized before them.
"Jaime Reyes, right?" a woman with long dark hair appeared before them. She was lean with gothic closing, dark painted lips and a pair of dark glasses.
"Again, who are you?" Jaime asked stepping forwards.
"Probe," she said simply which didn't answer much as how why she was there. But at least it wasn't La Dama.
"What do you know about this?" He said crossing his arms. If she was right and these guys were meta-humans, he could not let her take them.
"Well, aren't you curious? Though I am curious about you too. You are not a meta-human yet you feel different," she tilted her head.
"what is that?" Miguel asked, his eyes wide as if a long unanswered question was finally being answered.
"Is what you four are, which makes you targets to La Dama" Probe said, her smile falling.
"So I take you are not with her" Khaji-da couldn't detect her abilities being a threat to them, but it was better to be safe.
"The complete opposite," she said with her smile returning, "we just wanted to let you and your family know we are behind you."
"And who are you exactly?" it wasn't like a complete stranger appeared literally before them and offered them protection every day.
"The Posee," she said proudly.
"That still doesn't answer my question," Jaime said.
"You don't need to know more than that," she said as if she was talking to young child.
"Yet you expect me to trust the safety of my family and them to you" Jaime stood even close to her making sure she noted he was taller and very likely stronger than her. Then he said in his coldest tone, "and you are right. I am not normal, which means I can take care of you or your Posee if you are trying to trick us."
"Whoever told me you had no backbone was way off." She said with a smile, "but even if you believe us or not we are still going to look after this place" and then she disappeared again.
"Okay, this is way too strange," Mikey said still looking at the place where she stood before.
"Should we call the cop outside?" asked Francisco.
"No, you don't know if they are under La Dama's control," Jaime said with a frown. If she had people inside the youth center, it could also mean some of the guards were on her payroll.
"Okay, you know more about this than you let know. What the heck are meta-humans?" Mikey asked.
"People with special abilities," Jaime said, "which I imagine was what your boyfriend could do." The last part he said to Miguel.
"Yeah," Miguel said leaning on a car, "but not just him." He had extended his hand before him before a small light appeared and then they saw what seemed to be a purplish brick made of light floating on it.
"Me too," David said, "but I need my brother to do it. He is out there somewhere hiding from her."
"She was after you?" Jaime didn't think by looking at the boy that he was carrying so much.
David nodded, "we were actually taken from our town in Guatemala almost a year ago. We were able to escape but while we were trying to find our way back home, I got caught for petty theft. I know my brother is out there but…"
"Damn," Mikey said through greeted teeth, "is there like a law of physics or something makes us find each other?"
"Why? What can you do?" Miguel asked wide eyed. He didn't think there were that many others like him so close.
Mikey took a the largest wrench around and a few seconds later it was bright red and emitted heat so intense they had to step back.
"Holy-" Francisco stood back.
"Francisco?" Mikey asked lowering the wrench.
"I would prefer not to," Francisco said with a frown.
"C'mon. I can turn anything into a melting wax. It can't be that bad" and by the sound of his voice Jaime could tell Mikey was actually afraid of his abilities.
"Just- just hold on to something" they took this serious so they did. A moment later a power wave of energy hit them and threw a few of them back.
"Okay, that's not bad at all. What about you Jaime? I know she said you aren't like us but-" Mikey was asking.
"I can't tell you," Jaime said, "is too dangerous"
"C'mon man, we are trusting you with our own secrets" Mikey insisted.
"I can't" he shook his head. Khaji-Da was telling him to retreat as soon as possible. He started to step back.
"Francisco," Mikey had said before he went to block the entrance.
"C'mon Jaime, we have the right to know," Miguel said, though his voice was a little shaky.
"Stand back," Khaji-Da was fighting to activate something that could defend them, "you are making it upset."
"Jaime, please just tell us," Miguel said as a fist of the purplish bricks surrounded his own.
"Dammit!" that was the last straw for Khaji-Da. His plasma cannon formed and pointed at Miguel.