Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
"Parental Guidance Required"
Earth B
Duffy took a spot on the comfortable couch. "So I've met this guy, who I'm liking a lot."
The Phantom responded with the tiniest nod. She knew she wouldn't get much emotion from him. He was rather different from the Kit of Earth Y.
"The thing is, though..." She sighed and turned.
"What troubles you?" the Phantom asked.
"Whenever I begin to enjoy myself, I kind of feel like I'm betraying my dad. I left him alone. He's miserable."
"You can't be certain. He could be well. He may have met someone rather special himself. Not a replacement for you, of course, but somebody else with a place in his heart."
Duffy had occasionally thought on that.
"Even if you hadn't come to this dimension, it was nearly time for you to leave the nest. He likely expected you to move on soon."
Her spirits started rising as his words sank in.
"All children must...including my daughter."
She turned to him.
He looked a bit glum.
Duffy sat up, clearing her throat. "Jedda's been doing some wonderful things."
He smiled a tad, but just for a second.
"That wouldn't be the case if it wasn't for you. She must have had a very good influence."
He glanced at her, then cupped his hands. "I've never met your father, but I'm certain of this: he would not want you to feel depressed. He'd want you to begin going on with your life. Let's hope the day comes when you'll see him again."
Duffy took a moment to appreciate that. Then she rose. Time to work out. "Thank you, Kit."
He made another nod. "Thank you too."
"The word is out," April muttered, eyeing the computer at Sheila's side. They'd found a list of victims on the deep-dark web. It had a simple title — Recent Hits:
May 13
Target name: Princess Astra
Client name: Unknown Party
Shooter name: April Gordon
June 21
Target name: Sky Band Team
Client name: Unit 3
Shooter name: April Gordon
June 25
Target name: Papa Duke
Client name: Shadow 7
Shooter name: Ethan Grant
June 29
Target name: Brutan
Client name: IPD
Shooter name: April Gordon
"Clare wasn't kidding," April said. "People know all about what I've done — people who were never supposed to know."
Sheila ran her palm along April's back.
"LJ invited me to move in there." She heaved a sigh. "I'm not really sure if I should now, though."
She made a slow nod. "You think someone will come after you. You're more afraid for him than you are for yourself."
April watched her, then looked away. Sheila's empathy was a thing to behold. The woman was incredibly sensitive. That had touched April ever since they'd met — back when she hadn't really wanted it to.
"I faced the same issue when I married your dad."
She eyed her again. "What do you mean?"
"The members of my court always wanted his head. They hated him more as we started to bond." She lifted her chin, watching the wall. "Eventually, I asked myself, 'Can you endanger the person you love?' "
April stared. "You answered yes?"
"No," she said. "I tried to leave. I told your father that it had to end. He simply wasn't willing to let me go. He said we'd found something worth fighting for." She lowered her gaze. "And I agreed."
"Then what are you saying?" April paused. "I should move back into LJ's place?"
"Maybe not yet," Sheila said. "I think you should stay at the mansion now. The two of you can spend time together there."
The mansion had the strongest security. Staying there seemed like the wisest plan. "Okay..." she uttered. "Thanks for that."
Sheila grinned, holding quiet. She always looked charmed when she smiled at April. April didn't understand why that was. Or maybe she did, and she couldn't admit it.
April stood. "You want to take a swim?"
Sheila's face brightened. "I think I'd love that."
April's phone rang. Sheila's did too. A dual ring usually meant one thing.
She answered the device, and then froze stiff. She could see Kshin on her video screen. His gaze was panicked, brimming with fright.
"We're under attack! LJ's down!"
April felt a quiver as she studied the scene. LJ was laying with blood by his head.
Sheila looked absolutely horrified.
April clutched her weapon, then turned to the woman. "Stay here!" she shouted, rushing from the home.