Disclaimer: I do not own Static Shock.
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Richie suggested it was best that neither of them speak another word on that subject until they reached Virgil's house. Virgil insisted he was alright and that they did not need to cancel their weekly trip to their favorite store in town. Richie smiled and shook his head, assuring Virgil that he did not need to spend the money on more comic books that would end up sprawled about his already filthy room.
They said a quick farewell to the cashier then left the store. As they headed in the direction for Virgil's house the mentioned took one last glance at the window. Although he was more than certain someone had been there before he absorbed Richie's reasoning that it was only his imagination. Virgil returned his attention to the path ahead of them, not even bothering to look back a second time.
They reached the house half past three. As soon as they stepped inside Virgil wasted no time zapping the door locked then using static electricity to shut the curtains. Meanwhile Richie waltzed into the kitchen and grabbed two sodas from the refrigerator. He plopped down on the couch then tossed the second can to his friend. Virgil zapped open the top while staring at the covered window. Richie watched Virgil choke back half the liquid before resting the aluminum cylinder on the side table.
"I don't understand what's happening," Virgil said breaking the silence. Richie turned towards his friends and took a large gulp from the can. Virgil gave him a brief smile then returned his attention to the window. "It's the only thing I can come up with. It has to be her."
Richie's eyes widened. "V, you can't be serious," he said.
"It's the only thing that makes sense," Virgil explained.
"But…" Richie trailed off. He knew there was something bothering Virgil and perhaps someone seriously stalking him.
Having the secret identity revealed was a fear that came with being a superhero. It was something they always thought it was a possibility, but never prepared themselves for what they should do the moment it happened. Richie shook his head.
"Wait," Richie stated. He looked up to meet his friend's eyes. "I thought you said this was a dude. Now you're claiming it's Talon."
"Ghosts can have many forms, Rich" Virgil retorted. "They're ghosts."
"Virgil, we don't even know if Talon actually died," Richie replied. Virgil opened his mouth to protest when he realized the truth in Richie's words. The blonde continued. "Look, if Talon, you know, one of the most dangerous members of the Meta-Breed—if she was dead there would have been a press explosion by now."
"Unless they never found the body," Virgil argued. Richie narrowed his eyes. Virgil added, "Richie, I'm just trying to think of every possibility here. I mean she hasn't turned up in any hospitals. That would've been on the news too."
"The others could've taken her away," Richie explained. "I mean Ebon's not the most sensible of people. He wouldn't want her in a public hospital where people can question her and stuff."
Virgil leaned his head back against the cushion. There was no point arguing Richie's logic with his own hypotheses that were full of holes and uncertainty.
"Okay, maybe you're right about Talon," Virgil stated. He clenched his hand around the can making the aluminum crunch beneath his grip. "But I would feel much better if I knew for sure."
Richie sighed. He could tell the reason for Virgil's uneasiness. Were it any other circumstance he would have remained quiet on the matter, but seeing the effect it had on Virgil's mind he felt he needed to speak up. "Look, V, I know you feel guilty for what happened, but you need to know it's not your fault."
"I let her fall," Virgil replied in a barely audible voice without raising his eyes from the soda can in his lap.
"That wasn't your fault," Richie stated. Virgil lifted his eyes to meet Richie's. The latter kept an intense stare on his face. "She was trying to hurt people, you had to stop her at all costs. No one will blame you for what happened."
Virgil tore his gaze away. "I know that," Virgil whispered. "I just want to know she's okay. Really, even if she's not I just want to know." Virgil took a deep breath and sat back down holding his face. He picked up his can and drank three gulps without stopping for a breath. He sighed when finished and wiped away the stray liquid from his mouth. "And I want to know why this guy is following me. What he knows."
"Are you positive someone's after you?" Richie asked. He was prepared for the evil look his friend had for him. Richie sighed then said, "I know you wouldn't make up anything like this, but as far as we know you're the only one who's seen him."
Virgil sighed. "He seems to come only when I am…wait." A smile formed on Virgil's face. "Yesterday, when Pops and I were in the Halloween store. This girl saw him—she commented on him watching me."
"Who?" Richie asked raising his voice two octives.
"I don't remember her name," Virgil said bringing his and Richie's face down.
They stood there in silence. Virgil looked down at his shoes remembering the hooded figure watching him from the street.
"Well at least we know you're not crazy," Richie said with nervous laughter.
Virgil's smile was soon replaced by a frown. "But the people in the cars all looked at me while they went by. And I was on the side farthest from them. They looked at me, but not him."
"Virgil that's not…"
"No, they should've looked at him," Virgil interrupted. "Even if just for a second. No one else saw him at the party either. Maybe that girl has psychic abilities."
A chill passed through Richie's body.
Virgil's whole body suddenly went numb. His vision fell hazy and felt as if someone magically lowered the earth's temperature to freezing. He coughed in his hand expelling fog from his mouth. Virgil looked up with glossed eyes at Richie who also shivered. Richie's lips were frosted and his skin lost all its color.
An acute creaking came from outside the living room window. Virgil slowly turned his head in the direction of the noise. The creaking stopped upon being replaced by staccato breathing. Virgil placed his palms over his ears only to hear his own intense heartbeat. The beats resembled taunting laughter. Behind his eyelids he imagined faces draped in clown masks pointing and laughing in synchrony with the heartbeats.
Virgil opened his eyes to find the temperature back to normal. All the noises ceased. He glanced over at Richie who was staring at him with a face of pure horror. Virgil sighed.
"Virgil, what's going on?" Richie asked.
Virgil smiled and opened his mouth to reply. Before the words could form the silhouette of a woman crept up behind the curtained window. She shuffled along the outside of the house, spluttering inaudible words while her head hung down.
Richie turned around and let out a yell, clamping onto Virgil's arm. "What is that?" he cried in a whisper.
Virgil slowly shook his head.
The woman turned towards the window and smacked right into it. She gave a shrieking cry and slammed into the window again. She raised her hand and let her nails pierce into the glass. Her nails fell smoothly torturing the ears of the teens inside. She allowed her other hand to follow the same pattern along the pane. Richie and Virgil crouched down with their hands over their ears.
The woman screeched again. She slammed her fist into the window. They heard the glass crack along with something inside Virgil. Richie let out an agonizing cry. Virgil stood up with his eyes widened as he looked upon his friend with his hand over his cheek. A stream of crimson trickled through Richie's fingers. Richie hissed then removed his hand with Virgil's assistance to reveal several loose shards poking out of his skin.
"That does it," Virgil growled.
"V, where you going?" Richie asked.
"I've had it!" Virgil growled. "If they want me then they're going to get a fight!"
Virgil rushed to the window. His hand gripped the curtain and slung it back with so much force he yanked the iron rod supporting the drapes from its secured location on the wall. The rod clanged as it collided with the coffee table, smashing a few décor items. Taped to the midst of the blooded and broken glass was a sheet of lined paper.
Virgil snatched the paper from the window, slicing the side of his hand in the process. Richie stood up with an inquisitive look upon his face. Virgil unfolded the note while Richie read on behind his shoulder.
How long will you allow this torment?
Confess and you'll be free.
Making me wonder alone in darkness
Will only torture you and me.
"I don't get it," Richie said staring over Virgil's shoulder.
"It's a riddle," Virgil said. "She wants me to confess my identity."
"You're not going to, right?" Richie asked.
"Of course not," Virgil said. He crumpled the note up in his fist then tossed it in the kitchen trashcan. "But I will find out if she's alive." He turned to see the glass still hanging out of Richie's face. His fingers were lined with matching red liquid from futile attempts to pry the shards away. Virgil's blood boiled beneath his skin. "She's gone too far this time. Come on, let's take care of these wounds."
"Don't worry about me, I'll just—"
"Richie," Virgil warned. Richie sighed and complied with Virgil's wishes.
The two dashed up the stairs and into Virgil's bedroom. Virgil announced he would return in a moment's time then crossed into the bathroom to retrieve the first aid kit from under the sink. He returned not a moment too soon with the plastic, white case in his hand. He flipped back the top and pulled out the antiseptic. Virgil lifted his hand to Richie's face. His stomach dropped at the fear of not knowing just how far the glass penetrated.
"It's too dangerous to just pull it out," Virgil stated.
"V, I really don't want to go to the hospital," Richie replied, immediately regretting the decision to talk. He clutched his stinging cheek, forcing more blood onto his palm.
"Maybe you should," said Virgil.
Richie shook his head. "I don't want to have to explain how this happened."
Virgil sighed. Although he would have to tell his father the reason for the damaged window, he understood Richie's not wanting to reveal the origination of the wounds. Richie's father was not the most understanding person and would be too quick to blame Virgil for his son's injuries, not to mention possibly sue Virgil's father.
A sudden idea hit Virgil. He put a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "I have an idea, but I need you to be real still while I do this." Richie nodded. Through the other man's eyes Richie could see the sympathy and apologies for what had to be done. "It's gonna hurt a little."
Richie nodded his approval then shut his eyes tight. Virgil held out his hand to release a gentle wave that seeped through Richie's skin. Richie held back a hiss as the current made its way deep beneath his pores. Virgil clenched his fists when he felt the waves tug on the glass. He slowly pulled his hand back, the electricity following his lead. Richie let out a cry of pain while the bloody shards fell one at a time to the carpet below. Virgil zapped the slivers and tossed them into the trash. Virgil quickly disinfected the wounds then bandaged them. The blood seeped through the first one causing Virgil to put a second large, adhesive bandage in its place.
Richie put his hand over the bandage inhaling deep as a way to minimize the throbbing pain pulsing through his face.
"If it gets any worse, you'll need to go to a hospital," Virgil stated.
Richie nodded in agreement.
Virgil jumped up. "That's it!" He did not wait for Richie to make sense of his outburst. "There are two hospitals in Dakota. If Talon is there we should be able to get to the bottom of this." Richie groaned in protest to which Virgil ignored. "Either way we'll know if she's still alive, and if it's not her then we can throw that possibility out the window."
"Not that it was a possibility to begin with," Richie muttered.
Virgil unbuttoned off his shirt to reveal the static costume underneath. He turned to face his friend. "What, I didn't hear that."
Richie smiled. "Nothing, I'll come with you."
"I don't know if you should," Virgil said pointing to the injury.
Richie waved it off. "V, it's nothing." He stood up. "It'll be better for your story if you had a witness with you."
Virgil nodded. "You got a point there." He picked up the static jacket out from under the desk and threw it over his arms.
The two hurried out of Virgil's bedroom, taking to the sky before anyone had a chance to witness their departure. They arrived at the first hospital in less than five minutes. Static took a deep breath in order to suppress the anxiety building up in his chest. He and Gear passed through the automatic doors and walked up to the receptionist. The woman gaped at them with a wrinkle in her nose. The two usually did not show up at places such as the hospital unless there was trouble.
"Could you tell us if someone by the name of Talon came here within the past three days?" Static asked fidgeting with his jacket.
The receptionist stared at them a few seconds more before turning to the computer.
"Are you here for an interrogation?" she asked typing in the name.
Static and Gear exchanged glances.
"If we are that's our own business," Gear replied in his deepened disguise voice.
"Well visiting hours are almost up," she said not making eye contact.
Static's hands twitched. He turned around with his elbows leaning against the desk. The receptionist made her agitation clear with a grumble. Static ignored the woman and proceeded to watch two people enter and one exit. It seemed to be a slow day with no one appearing to have any serious injuries.
"I'm afraid she's not here," the receptionist said with no enthusiasm in her voice.
"Could you contact the other Dakota hospital?" Static asked upon turning around.
She huffed and picked up the phone. Static turned his back to the desk again. He let out a heavy breath and stared up at the ceiling. Gear turned to him.
"Everything's going to be fine," Gear said.
"I just want to be sure," Static replied.
They stood in silence. Static stared at the door, the sky becoming a gorgeous array of pinks, purples, and oranges as the sun began its descent. The colors swirled matching the wreath hanging on the desk behind them.
The receptionist hung up and the two turned around to face her.
"The bang baby Talon was never admitted there either," she said. She put her hands on her hips and stared at the two superheroes. "What's going on? She escape or something?"
"No, she got hurt a few nights ago we just want to make sure she's okay," Static answered.
She snorted. With a wave of her hand she added, "If that's all you may make your leave."
Static and Gear looked at each other before returning their eyes to the woman. She repeated her sentence and shooed them away once more. Static shrugged then headed for the door with Gear in tow.
"Well, she's welcoming, huh?" Gear asked once they were outside.
"Not one to be working in hospitals," Static replied with a chuckle.
"Well I guess she never turned up at the morgue," Gear said.
Static nodded. "We could check funeral homes."
"Not a good idea," Gear said. "We already have one person suspicious with us." He pointed his thumb in the direction of the hospital. "We don't want this to go public just yet."
Static sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right."
The two took to the sky. They flew in silence for what seemed like hours. The night fell as did the temperature. The scent of spices and herbs filled the city air. People below bustled through the stores making last minute Halloween purchases.
Gear glanced over at his partner who wore a frown. Gear could not see past the mask, but he was certain his friend's eyes were filled with the upmost concern. He crossed his arms also wondering of Talon's whereabouts. His eyes fell back on Static who seemed to be wrapped up in his own world.
"So what are your Halloween plans?" Gear asked.
"What's that got to do with anything?" Static asked back.
"I thought I could lighten the mood," Gear said with a shrug.
Static sighed then said, "I haven't decided yet."
"You only got one more day to decide," Gear reminded.
As soon as Gear finished his sentence Static's phone rang. He fumbled through his pocket until he found the screaming device. The caller ID revealed the call to be originating from his house phone. Static flipped open the top and greeted the person on the other end.
"Virgil, where are you?" Robert asked.
Static suddenly stopped. Gear followed his friend's lead.
"Hey, Pops, me and Richie had some business to take care of," Static answered taking a brief glimpse at Gear.
"Well, if I leave before you get back I left some money on the counter if you and Richie want to order a pizza for dinner."
"Thanks. You going to another party?"
Robert chuckled, "It's more of a get-together than a party."
"Aww, that takes all the fun away," Static said.
"Yes, but when you're done with whatever you're doing come straight home. Be careful, I don't have to warn you about those hooligans who run around at night."
Static assured him he would be okay and start making his way home right away. Gear's face glistened with excitement at the mention of pizza. He described in an ode how much he loved the smell of fresh pizza, steaming with cheese and loaded with pepperoni. Static snickered, also anticipating the delight of hot pizza.
He happened to look down at one of the buildings to find someone sitting on the edge of a building, leaning over his knees. Static looked away then returned his eyes to the figure to find him wearing a black hoodie. The guy stood up as Static came into view. His head stared straight up at the hero with his pale fists clenched.
"Gear, it's him!" Static yelled.
Gear looked down to see the stranger standing firmly on the rooftop.
"Are you sure?" Gear asked.
"Yes, it's him," Static replied.
If Static could see the stranger's face he was certain he'd be smirking. He could almost hear the taunting laughs from beneath the concealed face. He crossed his arms waiting for the hero to make the first move.
Without consulting his colleague, Static made a sudden turn and sped over to the cloaked figure. Gear stared at his friend with gaping eyes, soon following after him. Static reached out his hands, his face in a heavy scowl. He growled as the phantom came closer into view. His only thought centered on why the creature had yet to vanish. He briefly considered it to be a trick, but that notion was soon overpowered by a fiercer urge to end it now.
Static tackled the man to the ground. The jacket's hood concealed his face.
"Are you human?" Static asked as he stood only five feet and at eye-level with the creep.
The stranger said nothing. He lifted to fingers into a peace sign then bolted to the ledge of the building. His feet came to a skidding halt as his toe came in contact with the edge.
"There's nowhere to go, ghostboy," Static said as he slowly approaching his pursuer. His arms were crossed and a smirk covered his face. "You're going to tell me what I want to know right now."
The man gave a quick laugh which made Static's smile fade. The stranger did a back flip off the building and plummeted with great speed. Static yelled and peered over the edge to find out that the man had landed on his feet. He quickly glanced up at Static then took off running.
"Where you going?" Gear asked as Static grabbed the edge of his disk.
"To find him," he answered before flying off.
Static pursued closely, keeping the swift ghost in his vision. He smiled to himself. The ghost can't disappear now. Static felt a presence and looked up a second too late to ram into a cloud of pink.
He fell off his disk and landed hard upon a paved rooftop. The disk smashed into the raised wall above the roof while he skidded a few feet, scraping up his elbow and thigh in the process. He sat up rubbing his head. In front of him She-Bang stood up brushing dust off her costume.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"She-Bang, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking," Static answered.
"I know that," she snapped.
"Hey, look it's She-Bang," Gear said as he approached the group.
"Really?" Static said with a roll of his eyes. "I never would've guessed."
"Where you going in such a hurry?" she asked.
"There's a guy who's been following me, and I finally had him," Static replied.
"You lost him?" Gear asked.
Static picked up his disk and looked over the edge. He cursed himself for letting the target escape.
"Well, I know he's not a ghost," Static said. "If he is then that rules out the theory of ghosts being made of ectoplasm." Static tossed his disk to the sky and zapped it with the electricity required to support his body.
"Wait, while you're here I want to tell you something," She-Bang said grabbing hold of Static's arm. He dropped his transportation device once more. The metal clanging against the cement was enough to make anyone within listening range cringe.
Static turned to her. She stood, her face turning the color of her clothes.
"About last night," she said twiddling her fingers.
"She-Bang, don't…" Static began.
"No, let me finish," she interrupted. "I made a few assumptions and said things I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."
"She-Bang, I…" Static began.
"Yes," she said, her face glimmering.
"I…"
He leaned in close to her.
"You're a loyal friend and a great fighter," he said.
She-Bang nodded touching Static's arm. She closed her eyes as his lips closed in on hers.
"Static, there he is!" shouted Gear.
Static released She-Bang, almost knocking her to the ground. He ran over to the edge and looked where Gear pointed. The man in the hoodie gripped the side of a building. He surveyed the location then took off in the opposite direction. Static wasted no time in leaping on his disk.
Gear and She-Bang exchanged glances. As if having the ability to read each other's mind, the two simultaneously followed after their friend.
Static closed in on his target. The ghost turned the corner, Static almost passing him. They came upon a steel, wired fence where the man quickly climbed. He landed on the other side, his feet digging deep into the puddle. Static flew over the fence. He released waves to lift the fence and tossed it in front of the guy's feet. He tripped giving Static the upper hand. Static hopped on that advantage and twisted the metal around the fugitive's feet. The latter tried to kick and push it away.
"How ironic I'm now the one chasing you," Static said approaching the figure.
The man looked up at him then went back to attempting to pry apart the metal. He cut two of his fingers on the loose edges, releasing a swear. The gash gushed blood soon covering his hand and wrist.
"I thought ghosts couldn't bleed," Static teased.
The blood showed no signs of slowing. Static's stomach turned.
"Alright, I'll free you and let you go, but you must tell me who you are and what you want," Static said wrapping the metal around the man's wrists.
He said nothing.
"Or you can stay here and bleed to death, your choice," Static stated although anyone who knew him knew he had no intentions of letting said action happen.
Gear landed beside Static. A few seconds later She-Bang joined the two.
The stranger shook his head violently, yet not enough to lower the hood. "You know what you did," whispered the phantom. Static had to strain his ears to merely hear the other man's words. He let out a second laugh, a much louder one. "Too bad I wasn't allowed the choice you're giving him."
"What?" Static asked taking a step back. The voice sounded familiar, but not as feminine as he remembered. Unfortunately it was not a voice he wanted to remember.
"You know what you did to me," he replied chuckling.
The three stood speechless.
"How does it feel to know you ended a life?" he asked.
"Enough!" Static yelled. He marched over to the figure and grasped the hood. He ripped it off and gasped. The stranger continued to laugh in the darkness while Static's hands quivered.