(The Daniels Family Château- France)
"Where's Vally?" Carter asked, not bothering to look up as he cut up bits of spiced ham. He'd convinced the chef to take the morning off…and there was something he would never get use to, having a chef…so that he could indulge in one of the few simple pleasures he had remaining from his old life: cooking. On the menu this morning: his meat lover's omelets.
"She is with Ashleigh." Madrid said from the door way. "Don't know about the rest of the family…haven't heard a peep."
Carter nodded. "Then I guess there will be plenty of breakfast for us." He poured some milk into a bowl and began to crack some eggs in.
"That's not what I had in mind."
Her tone made it clear Carter needed to turn around. And he wasn't disappointed: Madrid was standing in only a sheer bathrobe, which she was ever so slowly letting slide open.
"I never did get to give you your welcome home present."
Carter raised an eyebrow. "And what I shame that would be." Breakfast forgotten, he closed the gap between them quickly, grasping his wife's hips and drawing her into a fiery kiss. "Maybe I should just forget about breakfast…brunch?" Madrid ran her fingers down his bare back. "Lunch?" he whispered.
Madrid slipped her hands past the waist band of his pajamas.
"Who needs to eat?" Carter asked, returning to the kiss.
"Hey dad, can we…" Valencia froze, eyes widening as the younger versions of her parents paused mid-grope. "Well, I'd say I was scarred for life if I hadn't walked in on this before."
"Says you!" Sarah screamed, turning away. "My eyes, my beautiful eyes."
Gabriel held up his hand. "Dude…not cool dad."
Derek groaned. "At least it ain't my parents."
Helena and Vic, who were standing behind the future versions of Carter's family, both adverted their eyes. "Son…in the kitchen?" Helena asked, slapping Vic when he flashed Carter a thumbs up.
Madrid quickly snapped her robe shut. "What can we do for you?"
Carter nodded. "Yeah, what hole do I need to bury you people in so I can get some privacy."
"No time for love, Doctor Jones." Gabriel said, looking back once he was sure his mother and father were decent. "We have to rescue the Lord of Bloody Chaos."
"…who?"
^&^&^&^
(Outside Russville, Arkansas)
"Oh, bloody hell."
Malcolm Grant groaned as he looked around the forest, gathering his bearings. Already he could hear the sirens of the government vehicles investigating the downed plane…Malcolm was in no mood to deal with the local police or Nathan Petrelli's guerilla forces.
The fact that Malcolm had leapt out before the crash had worked well in his favor; he was at least a mile or two away, and if he kept going, he could gain another half minimum before the agents were at the site. By then, he would be too far gone, meaning that, to Nathan, Malcolm would be dead.
"Stupid Yankee git…" He muttered, focusing on the line he had been following since the moment Nathan had confronted him and had him taken away. "Damn it Petrelli, all I did was kill your da…no reason to do this to me." Sure, Malcolm had, when captured by Pinehearst, been the one to tell Arthur Petrelli to believe in Sylar, knowing it would lead to the man's death…but what did one suspect? He'd been kidnapped!!
One of the lines flared.
"I bloody know I was destined to do this." He muttered to himself and the lines as he approached a tree. One of the glowing lines flared. "Oh, you've got to be kidding." Another line glowed, and when Malcolm stared at it, he watched himself being shot over and over. Behind him, the forest was shaken by the plane exploding. "Ok, ok, I get your point!" He began to pull off the prison jumpsuit. "Gonna freeze my two bits and piece out here." He mumbled as he stripped to his birthday suit.
^&^&^&^
Carter rubbed his head. "Let me see if I have this straight…" His adult children, grandchild, son-in-law and parents were standing before him, Madrid to his right trying vainly not to look to embarrassed having a meeting in nothing but a robe. "There is this man, Malcolm Grant. He can see different outcomes from different actions. In the future, he is my lead adviser. He also might be the man that can help us find Biddy. But you have no idea where he is…and that is why I can't have sex with my wife."
"Carter!" Helena snapped.
Carter rolled his eyes. "This sounds very entertaining, but I have a lot of plans for my one day off, and searching for a needle in a hay stack…"
Madrid smiled wickedly. "So, once you know where Malcolm is…"
"Hey guys!" Lee called out, rounding the corner, only to do a double take. "Did…I miss something fun?" he asked, looking Madrid up and down.
Carter's right hand ignited. "Lee…"
"Sorry, sorry." The artist said, holding out Isaac Mendez' ELSEWHERE sketchbook. "I was going through the book, and I found something."
This got everyone's attention. Isaac's book had ended with Carter and Madrid going red-eyed, killing people. It was all Isaac had, apparently, seen.
"What is it?" Derek asked.
Lee grinned. "I found this drawing folded up and hidden in a pocket in the back cover." He unfolded the parchment, laying it out on a table for all to see.
It was Nathan Petrelli, interrogating a young man.
"That's Malcolm!" Sarah squealed.
Carter and Madrid sighed. "Raincheck?" They both muttered, heading upstairs to get dressed.
"And don't even think of doing anything!" Valencia called out. "We need to leave for Washington in an hour."
The couple's curses could be heard throughout the chateau.
^&^&^&^
POUND POUND POUND
Sister Gladys looked up from the little pile of dust she was sweeping to the back of the church, the sound of fists colliding with the heavy wooden door breaking the silence within the church. Setting her broom to one side, she made her way past the pews, up several stairs and grasped the golden handle of the door, pulling it open.
She took several steps back in shock as the nude man tumbled to the floor.
"What's that bloody word the hunchback said?" Malcolm muttered. "Sanctuary?"
^&^&^&^
"So…which one is that one?"
"That's Starfire." Vally said, snuggled firmly in her father's lap, a picture book laid out on her knees. They plane was flying smoothly, so Carter had been trying to get his little girl to take a nap. She, however, was interested in other things. "She fires energy."
Carter nodded, flipping the page. "And that's Robin, right?"
Vally nodded. "Yup, he's leads of the group." She gave her father a secretive smile. "Or, he likes to think so."
Madrid leaned over to Vic. "Who gave Vally the Tin Titans picture book?"
"Who do you think?" Vic muttered, Vally happily telling her father all about Beast Boy. "Tina is corrupting her."
"And that's Blue Beetle."
Carter frowned. "No, that isn't the Blue Beetle."
Vally shook her head. "Uh huh!"
"Nu uh."
"Uh huh!"
"Nu uh." Carter said firmly. "The Blue Beetle is Ted Kord…daddy knows this, because daddy's company made the Booster Gold Video Game, and Ted is in it."
"This is the Blue Beetle. Jamie." Vally grinned happily. "He's Hi…Hi…Hispaniel?"
"Hispanic, Vally." Madrid said gently from where she sat.
Carter shook is head. "Ted Kord is the Blue Beetle, and he is white. Why do they keep replacing heroes with Mino…i…ties." Carter mumbled the last part at the death glares he received from Vally, Madrid, Valencia, Gabriel and Sarah. "So…Jamie is really cool, huh?" he said quickly.
Vic and Helena snickered.
^&^&^&^
"You poor man…" Sister Gladys said, handing Malcolm a warm cup of cider. "And you walked how far?"
"Only a mile or so." Malcolm said, shivering. He took a long draught from the cup, letting it warm his stomach and his hands. "They don't tell ya about this in those bloody vacation brochures."
It had been a simple lie. He'd arrived at the church, naked and cold, claiming that he had been assaulted by thieves. They'd made him strip, stole his possessions, then left him huddling behind a bush as they made their escape.
A far fetched story, but more plausible than him gaining a superpower, being kidnapped by Pinehearst, then being loaded onto a plane by a Senator from New York only for said plane to crash.
Sometimes he wondered if God was mocking him.
"I will get the pastor right away, and then we will see about getting you some warm clothing."
"Bless ya, sister." Malcolm said, taking another drink and wondering what the glowing chaos lines would demand of him next.
^&^&^&^
Nathan Petrelli rubbed his forehead. People talked about disasters all the time. You burned a roast, that was a disaster. You went to work with your slip showing…that was a disaster…though, Nathan didn't know what a 'slip' was…it was still a disaster, apparently. You bought the wrong ink cartridge….disaster.
Then there were things that actually might be considered disasters. The economy in the tank. Hurricanes. The Mets.
None of that measured up to what Nathan was dealing with.
A plane, filled with some of the most powerful, and in Nathan's, dangerous people on the planet, had just crashed. On it were his brother, his illegitimate daughter, a former lover, and the man that had led Nathan's father to employ Sylar.
This…this was a disaster.
"Mr. Petrelli?"
Nathan looked up, noticing for the first time the utterly gorgous woman standing in his office doorway. Long black hair, tanned skin, legs that went on for ever and breasts that surely were the reason God had taken that 7th day off, because even He would want some time to admire them. A goddess dressed in a black and pink pantsuit.
"My name is Ana Maria…I hope I am not interrupting…"
Nathan shook his head, trying to force the blood back into his brain and away from…other parts. "Somewhat…" The woman gave him a pout, and Nathan pulled the groan back into his body. "But…I can spare a minute."
Ana smiled "Good…my father has taken an interest in you."
Nathan nodded. "That is…good…I am working hard to keep this country safe…"
"From whose with powers?" Ana said. She smiled gently. "My father is a powerful man…and has the ear of many politicians. He has learned of your plan and wishes to speak with you…it is of a great interest…"
Nathan shook his head. "I don't think…"
"I believe we can offer help, Mr. Petrelli…" The woman leaned over the desk, her breasts almost pressing into Nathan's nose. "Please?" She whispered.
Nathan gulped. "I…could spare a few moments."
^&^&^&^
(Daniels Chateau)
"Have you tried Asia yet?"
"Yes."
"Brazil?"
"Yes."
"Mars?"
"…no Hank."
Hank Delpine paced back and forth, watching as Kelly Raegan went about what had become a daily ritual: Searching in vain for Biddy.
"I don't get it…why can't you find her?"
Kelly glared at her friend. "I don't know, I just can't. I know she is on the planet, that she is still alive. But when I try and get a clearer picture…everything goes fuzzy. Nothing else does that to me, just here."
"What if you pressed harder…"
Tina grabbed Hank by the shoulder and slapped him.
"Back off." She snapped. "She is killing herself trying to find her."
Hank rubbed his cheek. "…sorry Kel."
Kelly nodded, flopping down on her bed. The room was undecidedly divided: One half covered in light pastels and clippings from newspapers, the other side a splash of color, with a bookcase filled with comic books and action figures and a poster with Carter's head put on top of Sinestro's body, the words, "The Real Lord of Fear" written in black marker.
"We know you are worried…we're working on it." Tina flopped down next to Kelly, running her fingers through her girlfriend's hair. "But we will find her…and if we don't, the bossman will."
Hank nodded. "I know…I just…"
Kelly nodded. "You miss her." She smiled weakly. "We will get her back, Hank…we will."
Tina nodded. "Until then though, I suggest we do something more productive."
"Oh?" Hank asked.
Tina grinned. "Go round up who ever stayed…I feel like going to a club…busting some of your mom's goons down."
^&^&^&^
"Why does your father want to meet here?" Nathan asked as the goddess in mortal form led him through the parking garage.
"My father wishes to keep this meeting private. For…certain reasons…he can not be seen offering you what he has."
"And what does he have to offer me?" Nathan asked.
"Pain." Ana said simply, eyes glowing pink as she whipped around, grabbing Nathan by the throat. She leaned in close, teeth clenched. "As if I would ever let you touch me, you slimy piece of trash."
"Valencia Ana Maria Daniels…" A voice called out from the shadows. Nathan's eyes widened as Carter Daniels stepped forward, dressed in a dark suit. "There is no need for name calling." He smiled at Nathan, like a wolf would to a wounded bunny. "Mr. Petrelli? My name is Carter…we need to talk."
^&^&^&^
"How is the food? I'll have you know that it is the finest that one can get in these parts, made especially for pregnant women to help strengthen them up, as well as protect their child."
Biddy looked up, glaring at Marie Delpine. "Fine." She snapped. And it was true…despite what she might think of Marie, and the way the woman talked about her being unworthy of her son, Marie had showered Biddy with gifts and supplies, everything she could need to stay comfy.
But Biddy wasn't crazy…she knew the only reason she was treated so kindly was the small life she now carried in her womb. Her child. Hank's child.
The last child of the House of Delpine.
Marie watched as Biddy ate. They were in Biddy's cell, which looked more like a small apartment, complete with a nursery. A nursery that, if Marie had her way, would never see Biddy place her child in.
Biddy would be long dead before that happened.
"Your child is going to get the best I can offer. I have quite a bit of wealth, but also know how to give it without making one jaded. Just look at my Hank…a perfect example of the Delpine family…as will your child…"
"Never." Biddy said coldly. "My child will never be one of you."
Marie took several steps forward. "You act like I'm the villain of this little story, m dear foolish Biddy. You act like I am the big bad wolf, here to gobble up your child. But allow me to correct you: I am the hero of this little tale. And do you know why? Because there is a man within this building, a man I am forced to align myself with at the moment, who would like nothing more than to kill you and your child right now. His name is Joseph, and you have never faced the likes of him. So, might I suggest that you work with me…because otherwise…we all die."
Biddy took this in, watching as Marie left. Setting her food aside, she placed a hand on her slightly extended tummy.
"For now…but know this, baby…you will never be a Delpine, or a Bargo. You are going to have a better name, the name of a hero…you will belong to his house…you will have his last name…" She smiled. "Behold the House of Daniels."
^&^&^&^
"I thought Valencia was a child…" Nathan took a step back, only to feel Valencia's iron grip on his throat once more.
"I wouldn't." Carter warned. "I can rip a car in two, and my girl is A LOT stronger than that."
Valencia ran her tongue over her teeth. "Give me a reason, please."
"And to answer your question, time travel is a bitch."
"And so am I." Valencia whispered.
"What…what do you want?" Nathan croaked.
Carter shrugged. "I want someone…someone you hold captive. And I am not leaving until I know where you took them."
Nathan took a deep breath. "I don't know…"
Carter's hand ignited in silver flames. "Don't lie to me, Petrelli. I can feel the deceit in your mind. The truth…now."
Nathan looked up at him, trying to hide his fear. "I am doing what is right, protecting the innocent from people like you."
Valencia raised an eyebrow. "This is the same Nathan Petrelli that almost nuked New York, right?" She chuckled. "You died saving Philly, he almost destroyed New York. Classic."
"Very much so." Carter said, taking a step forward "I'm losing my patience." The flames grew more wild. "Talk, Petrelli…or I will drag every little fear out of you until you tell me every dark secret you have looked away in that over gelled head of yours." Nathan held firm. "So be it." Carter allowed a bit of energy to touch Nathan, the Senator screaming as he clutched his head, horrible visions swarming his line of sight. It lasted only moments, but when Carter removed the whammy, Nathan was ready to spill. "You have a weak mind…what a surprise."
"A plane…I loaded them onto a plane…was taking them someplace where…where they could never hurt anyone."
"The place, Petrelli."
"Doesn't matter." Carter held up a hand. "Wait! The…The plane crashed! Most are still alive…we are looking for them."
Valencia and Carter shared a look. "Where is the plane?" Valencia asked.
"My Blackberry…"
Valencia fished around for it. "Yoink." She muttered. Lifting Nathan up, she threw him like a rag doll across the garage, sending him skidding against a wall.
"Carter…" Nathan moaned. "I…I didn't want Claire on that plane…she snuck on…but she's ok…" Carter slowly turned, eyes glowing a dark silver and Nathan's heart sunk. "…you weren't looking for Claire, were you?" Carter began to walk back towards him. "Listen…she's safe…she's back home…I haven't hurt her! I'm not going to hurt the innocent…not Claire." He continued to plead his case. "Look at yourself…you want to kill me…and you have the power to do it. And there are hundreds of people like you out there…not just acting on their desires, but teaching their children…like you're teaching your daughter…"
Nathan released a second to late that calling a man's daughter a potential killer…was the wrong thing to say.
In an instant, the young man was on Nathan, punching him several times. Carter made sure to check his punches, so not to blow a hole through Nathan's stomach. He wanted the man in pain, not dead. Death was the easy way out. He rained blows upon him, snarling and snapping as he did so.
"Look at you, you pathetic little slug!" Carter's leg slammed into Nathan's hand, his heel grinding down on the bone, crushing it. "You stand there and preach safety and justice…you hide behind noble goal!" Nathan's nose shattered. "You betray everyone that loved you!" A pop filled the air as one knee cap was broken. "And you hurt the innocent for your own selfish gain!" another one broke. "You disgusting bug!" Several ribs cracked as Carter continued his assault. "And you do this in the name of God and Country?!?!" He grabbed Nathan by the privates and twisted hard.
Finally, his rage spent, Carter looked down at the shaking form of the man that had endangered everything. Nathan was quivering, whimpering like the weak spoiled child he was. Blood covered the cement, the putrid stench of urine drifted from Nathan's pants, the pretty boy face that fooled so many lay destroyed before him.
"Tell your dogs, they come after my sister, my daughter, my wife, my friends, my parents…" His entire body erupted into whammy flames, and he grabbed Nathan's skull, the Senator screaming. "And I'll never remove what I just put in there." The flames receded, Carter turning and spitting on Nathan's broken body. "Heal him…I don't want him to have anything physical to use against me."
Valencia nodded, using her powers to amp up Nathan's healing, only to remove them moments later.
Nathan slowly stood up. "What…what did you do to me? What did you put in my head?"
Carter grinned darkly. "You'll see soon enough."
^&^&^&^
"Thank you, Father." Malcolm Grant said, pulling on the black stocking cap. The church had, surprisingly, had a lot to offer in free clothing, and Malcolm was all to ready to claim what he could.
Thus, he was now garbed in a rather nice set of clothing, things that he once would never have worn, but found now fit the rougher edge he'd gained since that day his ability had activated.
His hair was still just stubble, growing back slowly, so he donned a black stocking hair, a small one that made him look aggressive rather than dorky. A simple orange long sleeve shirt was covered by a long wool coat, which hung down to his ankles and whished brilliantly as he walked. The pants must have been donated by some punk kid's mom, they were covered in bits of chain and metal studs. All in all, a good look, and proper for a British boy looking for a rumble.
"Will you be staying long?" The priest asked.
"Not long." Malcolm said, noticing a line flair. "I got friends comin'."
^&^&^&^
Nathan rubbed his head. He was healed…his wounds gone…but he could still feel…something. Something crawling around in his head…
"He has my Blackberry." Nathan told the Hunter's men. "You can track it. I want him brought in, alive. Other than that, I could care less. Chop off his limbs, gouge out his eyes, it doesn't matter. I want him alive and able to use his powers." He sighed, something flashing in his brain. "But don't mess this up…we lose Carter Daniels here …we're all dead."