Jared

I left Mike in Sterling's care while I took a break and walked the building. I found Kindra and played with her for about an hour when she told me I had to leave. I bid my little girl farewell as I tucked her in bed and left the building, alone. I got in my car and took a ride downtown to the office building that housed our enemies.

I looked different than I had before, my more advanced powers gave me the ability to change my genetic makeup, it was a more complete shape shifting than Edmund could do. I wanted to be subtle. I walked into the building and people were saluted me as I negotiated the passageways.

"Alex," Someone said as they came closer. "Shouldn't you be at that meeting?"

I shrugged, "Probably."

I ignored any further comments and kept walking. I finally found the door and stepped inside. The girl was curled up in a corner of the room and looked in my general direction when I stepped inside.

"I don't have much time," I said.

"What do you want this time," She said defiantly, I'll never help you with what you want."

I returned to my natural form, "I'm not who you thought I was."

"How could your magic block me from seeing the real you?" She was astonished. "I've never seen you before."

I nodded, "I've been keeping you from seeing me, because I didn't want you to tell them what you would see. If you desire to come with me, I can get you out of here. Otherwise they will torment you until the end of this base and you will die in the destruction of it."

I lowered the force field that surrounded my body and let her see all the things surrounding my life.

She gasped, "Oh my, you are..." She couldn't seem to manage finding the right word. "You are the destroying angel."

I grinned, "But at least I'm still an angel. Come on," I offered my hand, "After I sensed what was happening here I couldn't leave you."

"What about the others?" She asked, as if she could not see them.

"The time will soon be upon them to be made free like their brothers and sisters," I said. "Are you coming or not?"

She hesitated, but after a short pause she nodded and said, "I'll come."

I took her by the hand and led her out the door of the room we were being kept in. There were some guards in the hall. They saw me and yelled for backup.

I turned to the girl, "Time for plan B."

The walls were made out of metal, anything less and the prisoners could simply smash through it and easily avoid capture while escaping. I let go of Samantha's hand while I formed a large chuck of metal into a large rifle attached to my right hand.

One of the guards swore, "He's ascended. He's ascended!"

They raised their weapons to fire but I fired first, the kick knocked me back a few feet and the energy slammed into one of them and exploded, leaving a large hole in the floor beneath them and severely damaging the walls and ceiling. The air would be too charged for the others to escape yet but that was alright, I doubted I could get them all out safely anyways.

More guards came around the corner and started firing at us. I grabbed her and dove back into the room. I slammed the door shut with my magic and replaced the missing metal in the wall with the metal in the opposite wall. We traveled from room to room this way for some time before we reached the outside.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I helped her into my car.

She was about to reply but instead she screamed, "Look out!"

I ducked and barely dodged a large chuck of concrete that had been thrown at me by my unseen enemy, even though I knew who it was.

"Alex?" I asked. "Come out here, unless you are scared of my little toy."

He stepped out from behind the corner of the building, "I'm not scared of that little thing."

"Why are you trying to kill me?" I smirked. I laughed outright as I sensed something inside him, "Oh my. You're my..." I laughed some more.

"You're what?" He was angry as I didn't answer.

"We really should be working together Alex," I said as I put the gun down in the back seat and got in.

"You think I'm just going to let you walk away again?" He challenged.

"Family feuds are oh so destruction, brother," I grinned. "I'll be sure to let your niece know Uncle Alex is safe and sound, daddy left him alive."

Alex stared blankly at me as I drove away.

"My name is Jared by the way," I told her.

"Samantha," She said. "Why did you tell him you have a child?"

I laughed, "They have a lower chance of catching her than they do me. She can sense anyone, anywhere and what powers they have. That's how I knew to come find you, she told me you were in trouble."

She didn't speak the rest of the trip back.

Samantha

"so you decided to come back after all. How is it going for you, taking over the world and all?"

"Don't toy with me, missy. I've got more important things to do than play your mind games."

"Fine, what do you want to know."

"First off, how blind are you?" he threw a ball at my face and I caught it. "Just as I thought, you aren't blind at all."

"No, I am. I heard it coming, plus I knew that you were going to try that. Everyone does."

"sure whatever you say. let's try something else."

"anything you want, but I thought you didn't have time for games."

Alex ignored my comment and placed two blocks in front of my. "Now, I want you to pick the green one."

"What will that prove? If I pick the wrong one you will just say I am lying and if I pick the right one then you will say I cheated. Why don't you just ask me what you came to ask me and forget trying to prove I'm not blind. What is your question? Whether you come out winning in the end? Whether Jared dies? Hmm? You know what, I won't wait for you to ask I will just tell you. A lot of people will die. No, it won't all be your fault. You think the government is working for you, but they will turn on you one day and use you as one of their lab rats. And the clincher, you will feel like you died every time one of our brothers is killed. But you already knew that, but that's just the start. It gets worse with every person. You will feel their pain, you will scream out but no one will hear you. Sounds like a great future, eh? Is that really what you want? Continue doing what you're doing and it will be that way."

"You wretched girl!" Alex slapped me across the face, "if I didn't think you would be valuable to me I would kill you now. Since you won't tell me what I want to hear, I am feeding you to the dogs." he snapped his fingers and two thugs grabbed my arms.

As they dragged me out of the room I just laughed, "What are you trying to prove? You can be such a coward sometimes!"

With that, one of the thugs knocked me out and dragged me to a dark room to have their way with me.

Mike

As I laid on the table I tried to keep calm. I'd never done anything this daring in my life. I was a pretty gutsy kid, but as I got older I started avoiding any kind of risk.

"so how long do you think is it going to take?"

"depends. are you asking how long it would take to die from this, or how long it would take to recover?"

"either." I said truthfully.

"I'm really not sure. It all depends on if you're really magic or not. If you are magic it could be instantaneous, if you're human it could take hours."

"Right." I laid my head back and stared at the ceiling as I took a deep breath, "let's just do it. I can't wait any longer."

Kim was assisting Jared with the experiment because she hadn't yet decided what fate she chose for herself. I guess she just wanted to see what happened to me before she decided.

I couldn't help but think how beautiful she was, even though she was nearly half my age. I'd never had any serious girlfriends in my life, but when I met her I was finally ready to take that risk. Too bad both of us were on the brink of dying now. Should have jumped at the chance months ago.

I came back to reality when she grabbed my hand. I looked over at her, even with a bulky gas mask on she was beautiful. "how are you feeling, Mike?"

I took another deep breath, I loved the way she said my name, "I'm feeling fine. how are you?"

She gave me a sideways grin, "I'm fine, thanks."

"So, Jar, when are you going to pump the air with cyanide?"

He gave me an odd look and then said, "it's been going for a few minutes now. Your vitals seems stable, nothing out of the. . .oh geez!"

The machine started going crazy as the cyanide started taking over my body. I started convulsing and Jared began to panic, "this was a bad idea! why did I let you talk me into this?"

He shut everything off, and quickly grabbed Daila from the other side of the room.

She raised her hands to blow wind at me but hesitated, I had stopped convulsing and was laying peacefully on the table.

"What's going on?" Kim asked.

"He's dead." Daila replied.

"No," Jared's voice suddenly got high as his pulse raced, "he's not dead! It worked!"

"then why is he just laying there?" the girls asked

"his body has to rest now, to take in all that just went on. Give him a few more hours and I bet he'll be back to normal. no, better than normal!"

"I wonder what he'll do when he wakes up." Kimberly inquired curiously.

"We're not out of the clear yet," Sterling seemed to have come out of no where, "he may not wake up. keep a close eye on him to make sure his vitals remain stable."

MB

"This is ridiculous. If we keep doing this. . "

"I know, I know. I wonder if there is a way to minimize the power on these things so the shot is only half as powerful. Then when we both hit the target we won't kill them." Victor responded.

"It's a good idea in theory, any idea how we'd do that?"

"No, but I am sure we won't have too much trouble finding someone who will be able to do it for us."

"I really hate this job."

"You and me both, but we've got our kids to think about."

"Right, except they can't seem to find them."

"That's just what they're telling us, they know exactly where they are."

(sorry so short, hard to think with a baby hanging on my leg)

Jared

I was working on solving that problem when Mike walked into the lab.

"How's it going Jared?" Mike asked.

I glanced over and then continued staring at the monitor, "I'll need a sample of your blood to be on the safe side but it looks like you'll need a lethal dose of cyanide." I quickly added, "Lethal for most people, you should be fine but that's what I was going to test."

He rolled up his sleeve and walked over as I prepped a syringe, "Anything else I can do to help?"

"Just make sure you are ready," I answered. "It will be inhaled, that's the safest way I could come across."

I got the sample and he asked me another question as I was leaving, "That little girl. Where did her mother go?"

"She went back to her world as she felt she no longer had any part in ours," I answered, unusually emotionless. "Why?"

"Doesn't seem like a good mother to..." He paused. "Her world? She was a normal human?"

I nodded, "You are going to ask the next obvious question. The answer is she is my daughter. She's a little over a year old."

He scoffed, "No way. She's at least three."

"I assure you that would be impossible," I glanced over at him.

"Then how does she know so much about everything?" He demanded.

I smiled slightly, "My, our, species has a somewhat unique trait, genetic memory. Generally it is very mild, not remembering very much at all, but if, like me, the parents or parent of the child, the ones with magic, desire to give them knowledge it really isn't hard."

"So you unconsciously passed on genetic memory?" Mike asked. "Wow, how much of your life does she remember?"

"Not much, she mostly just knows how to act and behave based on me, or rather the side of me that was acting at the moment she was..." I was cut off by Mike.

"Yeah yeah I get it," Mike looked like he'd had a brain overload.

"You should go rest Mike," I turned back to my work. "I'll be down in a few hours."

Kimberly

I was packing, getting ready to leave this place when he knocked on the door. I didn't say anything at first but after a few minutes Jared walked in anyways.

"Going somewhere?" He asked.

I nodded, "I can't take it anymore Jared. I'm not built to do nothing. I can't even do minimal exercises without straining myself, how long is this going to last?"

"If I do nothing? At least a year," He shrugged.

"You could help?"

He nodded, "It may still take a week, but I ask you now because I need to know. Do you want to become one of us or remain human?"

"Which one is faster?" I wasn't sure I wanted the answer.

"The transformation to being one of us is what is going to take a year, remaining human I could do in a single sitting." He turned back to the door, "Think about it for a day, let me know tomorrow." He walked out and closed my door.

MB and Victor

They were hunting a target given to them by Alex, his powers were still unknown but somehow he'd discovered our purpose before we even met with him and he started running. They were chasing him through the alleys, in a different country where it was night.

"You go that way I'll try and flush him out," Victor said as he pulled out his gun. "Only land a single shot."

MB disappeared around the corner and Victor kept chasing the man down the alley. He stopped diving behind objects. Victor aimed and squeezed the trigger. The blast of energy slammed into his body at the exact moment one came from the other direction. A feeling of pain and nausea overcame Victor and MB and the man's face flashed in their minds.

Victor ran over and checked his pulse, "He's dead."

MB's face paled, "Let's get out of here."

Samantha

(I just came up with this great idea, let me know if it works for you)

Alex walked into the room, and I grinned widely at him. "I know why I'm here, but why are you here?"

He didn't seem to understand my question and dismissed it. "So, I hear you can see that future. That's funny, because you can't see the present."

"I know, ironic isn't it? I could see perfectly when I was born, but then something happened while I was staying at the hospital and I went blind. They say it was because I was born early, but I know why. I think you do too."

Alex was avoiding my questions, "So, tell me then, why do you think we're in grave danger? I hardly believe you can see the future."

"I can't just see the future, I can hear it."

Alex was getting really annoyed with me by this point, "She knows nothing. You're wasting my time."

"You'd like to believe that, wouldn't you? You know I'm right."

"Fine then, what do you hear?"

"Screaming. Lots of screaming. Particularly you screaming."

"that's preposterous, how can you discern people by their screams?"

"You've never been blind before, have you?" I joked, "I can tell people apart by the way they smell, or the way they walk, even the way they breathe. To me, screaming is just another way of talking."

"Fine then, I'll believe that. But how is it that you knew it was me when this was our first time meeting?"

"Foolish boy, this is not our first time meeting. You truly don't remember do you?"

That was the last straw, Alex couldn't take anymore, "of course I don't remember being a baby in the same hospital as you! this is ludicrous! Let me know when she starts making sense." Alex stormed out of the room.

I just grinned, "he'll be back."

The guard snorted in disgust, "if you weren't blind I'd smack you."

In another undisclosed location

"They all died?" One doctor said to another.

"Yes, we didn't see the virus in action until it was too late to stop it," The other sighed. "A month of work wasted."

A third man stepped into the room, "At least they were just death row inmates."

"Sir," They both replied at the same time.

"Continue your research," He said. "If you need more subjects for testing let me know."

"Yes sir."

*In the facility run by Alex*

A man, Samuel, was placing a report on Alex's desk. Alex starts reading.

"So you want to be promoted to the field?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you have what it takes?"

"Yes sir," He said. "I can do whatever it takes to ensure these beasts don't live on. Remember what that last one said before it got captured?"

"Please," Alex frowned. "Don't refer to my brothers as things, but yes she said a reckoning was coming. She could see the future..." Alex was deep in thought. He seemed to forget Samuel was even there and Samuel walked out to leave him alone.

Rain

I was a lost soul, wandering the halls looking for my purpose in this whole thing. Sure, I missed my parents, but I almost missed the taste of leadership more. Rachel and Kindra walked past me, they almost didn't stop, but then Kindra turned to face me.

"you miss your mommy too?"

I just smiled at her innocence, "yes, of course. But her spirit will always be with me."

"I know." she said, "you've been glowing ever since you got back."

I never noticed it before, but Rachel agreed that I somehow looked different. "Where are you two headed anyway?" I inquired, changing the subject.

"We're going to go cheer up Ivar, I think he could use a little sunshine." Kindra almost winked.

It took me a minute to realize what she had said, then it hit me like a ton of bricks. My mom had given me her powers, and Kindra knew it.

"Yes, I think he does." I agreed and took her other hand. I think I found my new purpose.

Jared

*Rachel is in the room at this point, the conversation had just started*

I was seated on my bed with Cali a few feet away also on the bed. Kindra was not in the room.

"Yes Cali I know," I said. "I promised to be a father for Kindra. I'm sorry I've just been busy lately."

"Like you were going to be busy with that girl?" She seemed jealous, but not for herself. "Kindra needs a father now Jared, not later."

"You should be thanking Rachel," I started to glare at her but stopped. "If it weren't for her sacrifice I'd still be imprisoned."

"What sacrifice?" Cali demanded.

Everything came into perspective for me, "Right, you couldn't have known that you were asleep last night. Raymond is dead, all because I asked for her to help me. She tried to go alone but they wouldn't let her."

"Why didn't she tell anyone before she left you told her to go?" Cali asked.

I shrugged, "I suppose she probably didn't even realize I had called her. Rain barely recognized it and we were a lot closer in proximity."

"I'm sorry to do this to you, I know you barely got back from that place," Cali completely changed the subject. "But I need you to choose, me or her."

I raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"You heard me Jared," Cali repeated. "Don't make me choose for you. I don't have time for games anymore."

I frowned but then revelation came, "You want to know if you can go have a normal life or if it's worth it to you to stay here."

She nodded, "I don't know what I'd do but I'm turning eighteen soon and so I can start my own life, free of all this."

I stood and paced the room, "First of all I don't know for certain that Rachel is even interested." Cali rolled her eyes. "But, whenever I'm around her I want to be the man she sees inside of me. The power that I have to change the world for good. I'm not who she thinks I am but when I'm near her I want to be. When I'm near you..." I paused.

"You feel nothing like that," Cali gulped and looked down. "I get it."

"That alone wouldn't make the choice for me Cali," I put a hand on her cheek and watched her press into it. "I want to be the boy you knew. The one who took no responsibility for anything, the one who hated the world and wished he could destroy it. You know what I'm talking about better than anyone else. I want to be the boy you fell in love with."

Cali was panicking, "But I'll change what I want of you. I'll change."

"But I won't," I sighed. "I'm sorry Cali, but my choice is not you. What are you going to do with Kindra?"

Cali had tears forming in her eyes, "She still needs her father."

The reality of her statement hit me like a high-powered machine gun, and I knew what that felt like. I didn't quite believe she was serious until I felt a little presence climb into my lap. Evidently Kindra had been there the entire time, invisible. She became visible and looked up into my eyes. I could see the intelligence in her eyes, understanding far beyond her age. She was only a little over a year yet she looked and acted like a three to four year old.

"Daddy, mommy's not coming back, is she?" She asked.

I shook my head, "I don't think she is."

"What did she mean when she said I was getting a new mommy?" Kindra asked. "Did she mean Rachel? She has been standing in the corner over there."

I gulped and flipped the lights on with my magic. Rachel appeared in the corner.

"How long have you been there?" I questioned her.

"Longer than I ever should have," She looked very guilty. "I should be going now."

"Are you leaving too?" Kindra asked innocently. She looked up at me and her eyes filled with tears. "I lost two mommies in one day."

Rachel's countenance fell, "I was just going to have some time alone to think about what I heard here. I wasn't leaving forever."

"Take your time Rachel," I looked away. "But can you take Kindra to spend some time with Ivar and cheer him up."

Kindra looked up at me again, "What happened to Ivar? Did he lose his mommy too?"

I shook my head, "He lost his brother. He'll never see his brother again."

Her little face was sad, "William's gone forever?"

I nodded, "Bad men..." I hesitated but I felt she needed to know the truth, "Bad men killed him."

She seemed to understand what that meant and got very sad, "He needs his mommy."

She got down off my lap and left with Rachel, hand in hand. Now to find out what Mike's big breakthrough was.

Rachel

It had been several hours since my revelation concerning Kindra's father and I don't know why it bothered me so much. Probably because I wanted to believe Jared was a good kid and that I was bothered because they were obviously close and I think I was more worried that they hadn't been close and I was just going to be another target down on Jared's list, assuming he had one.

I finally resolved to talk to him myself but I ran into Ivar on the way. He had obviously been crying. I suppose I might have looked that way too, but for much different reasons.

"Good to see you not holding your feelings in like you were last night," He said softly. "Never does any good to hold it in."

I gave him a look like he was clueless, "I don't think you know what you're talking about. I'm not mourning."

"Then what were you crying about," He said. "It's fairly obvious that you were."

Jessica was with him and she got his attention and whispered something in his ear and then turned to me, "Go ahead dear. Just remember we're here for you when you're ready."

I nodded slightly, "Thank you."

I walked swiftly from the room and made my way to Jared's quarters. He wasn't sleeping, he was talking with someone, the lights were out. I decided to sneak in and listen.

Mike

Sterling wouldn't give me anymore answers, so I decided to go to work on my lap top in my room. I did a search on "all the things you can do with Lima Beans."

"dried, canned, baked, fresh, frozen, desserts and bean paste. I think I'm gonna be sick! Wait, what's this?"

I found a website that was full of fun facts. "Lima beans contain cyanide?" I then did a quick search on cyanide.

"highly toxic. . .inhibits mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and hence blocks electron transport, resulting in decreased oxidative metabolism and oxygen utilization. . .he oxygen metabolism at the cell level is grossly hampered. . ."

Then it hit me, I ran out of the room shouting, "Jared! Jared I figured it out!"

Jared came out into the hall rather perturbed that I had awakened him, "what are you shouting about? I haven't slept in over 24 hours."

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry, but I think I have great news. You know that chemical the enemies made up that blocks your powers? I may be immune to it."

Jared was intrigued, "let me sleep on it, then we'll see what we can do."

Sterling came up behind me suddenly, "You're on the right track."

Everyone else had gathered around me to see what was going on, then Marty said rather distraught, "you're going to give yourself cyanide poisoning?"

"that's the idea, I'll leave it up to Jared. look, either I die trying or I will live out the rest of my days as a powerless coward."

With that, I returned to my room to do some more research. Just in case it didn't work, I wanted to know how to treat it.

I was glad that we had Daila, because the first step to treatment is a high dose of oxygen, I was sure she could provide me with that.

*http://www.manbir-online.com/diseases/cyanide.htm

Alex

"I want to see my daughter," MB demanded as he was leaning threateningly over my desk. "You said I could see her once a week."

"Look," I shrugged. "You can, but I just don't know where she is. Remember the contract said you got one hour of your time to visit her. It's not my fault if you couldn't find her in the one hour. The alternative is breaking your contract of course. Then I'd have a team sweep in and take all of them and your daughter again. This time I wouldn't tell them to be nice to her and you know what that means. You've seen first hand what they do if you anger them and trust me, they hate her."

MB sat back down, defeated, "I'll do whatever it takes Alex. Just don't hurt my little girl."

"That's more like the MB I was getting used to," I grinned. "I have a job for you and Victor. This one is more, difficult than the others."

"How so?"

I widened my grin, "He already killed a full team we sent after him. You and Victor are the next best thing, only at night of course. Your mission is set to begin when the sunsets. Dismissed."

Jared

(I know right Jared again? Oh well, anyways I made up his mind on who it's gonna be haha.)

I was in the lab for hours working on a more effective way to combat that gas they had developed. I hadn't even noticed morning come until Rachel stepped into the lab and frowned at me.

"You didn't go to sleep," She sounded disappointed. "Why am I not entirely surprised."

I shrugged and kept working. She looked over my shoulder and asked, "So what are you working on?"

"I'm trying to figure out how that chemical suppresses powers," I answered. "When I do I'll be able to combat it in the future."

I heard her clear her throat and begin to walk out. I took a deep breath, "Wait Rachel. You don't want to be alone right now. I get it."

We walked into the next room and Cali was playing with Kindra on the floor. Cali looked expectantly at me, "Can we talk Jared?"

"Not right now," I told her.

I think I sparked her angry side because she replied, "Hey Rachel? Want to know how my baby how powers?"

I froze, I hadn't told anyone about that yet and I really didn't want them to know.

Rachel looked confused, "Because you have powers?"

Cali smirked, "I guess if I had powers that would make sense."

"But that would mean the father has to have powers," Rachel started thinking.

"Me and the father go way back," Cali said. "Don't we Jared, we had some pretty good times together."

Rachel's face turned red and she ran out of the room. I only glared at Cali as I ran after her. She had gone to her room and I could tell she was still inside.

"Rachel," I called. "Please let me in Rachel." She didn't reply and I was too tired to stay there. I left a note under the door and went to bed.

Mike

I was confused why Sterling would want to talk to me, especially since they had just escaped and Jared was in poor condition. We went to my quarters and closed the door.

"I remember you saying something about your ancestors inter-species marrying with the aliens."

"but you weren't . . ." I then remembered him saying something about studying us from space, "go on."

"Well, you said that your ancestry taught generation after generation that the 'gene' was missing. That simply isn't true. Your ancestors were trying to protect their posterity from the government, essentially. It isn't really a gene at all. But for the sake of keeping things simplified let's pretend it is. They simply made the trait go dormant, if you will. All you need to do is make it manifest itself in you and you will have the magic as well. Not only that, you are more purebred than any of the children here (with the exception of Jared and Kindra). Unfortunately, your family line does not just include you. Once others discover what I am about to tell you, then there will be a sudden outburst of magic users. More than anyone can comprehend, but hey it will make genealogy a breeze for you." he joked.

"So, what is it?" I persuaded, "what is the secret to unlock my powers?"

"Lima Beans."

"what?"

"you heard what I said, Lima Beans."

"But I hate Lima beans."

"So do a lot of other people, that is why the powers have remained dormant for so long."

"But I've eaten them before, that's how I know I hate them."

"You can't simply eat them."

"I don't understand."

"You will."

With that he left the room. I was dumbfounded, I didn't know what else to do but run after him and demand he tell me.

Jared

Sterling began wandering off with Mike and Rain left somewhere else. As happy as everyone was to see me it was as if everyone forgot I could barely stand on my own. I needed to sleep anyways, I guess I might have to crawl to my room. I took a step forward and nearly fell on my face. I regained my balance and took another step, this time the only thing that kept me from falling was someone grabbing my shoulders.

I glanced over and saw Rachel as she pulled my back upright. She put one of my arms around her shoulder and urged me to move.

"You should be mourning Rachel," I said. "You just lost your brother."

"If the only way to make sure this never happens to anyone else is for me to forget my own needs and ensure our best hope for victory recovers quickly," She replied. "I'd gladly make sure no one else has to feel the pain I do."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you Rachel," I felt myself saying as we continued down toward my room. "But things are going to get harder before they get better, people will die, families torn apart and many will feel the pain you feel." I turned and looked her in the eyes, "Much of it a direct result of my actions."

She then taught me a valuable lesson, "But you aren't doing it to oppress people, you are doing it to be free."

I smiled for a moment as she opened the door to my room, "Thank you Rachel. I can manage from here."

I walked inside and groaned as I shut the door. I was more than exhausted, but I couldn't rest yet. I walked over to my dresser and pushed a hidden button hidden inside. The floor rotated and I was in my lab. The place was abandoned as I hoped. I stepped off the pad and it rotated back. I'd sleep in the morning.

Sterling

I had studied the "Earth Experiment" my whole life, but there were a few things Jared had taught me that I never expected. There were theories that our species would evolve and one day take on certain aspects of Earth life, such as ecdysis (normally occurring in reptiles), but I never thought it was possible until Jared mentioned shedding his old armor.

"Well, come on then, what are we waiting for?" I jumped up from the bed, a little too quickly. "Uh, whoa, what was that?"

"I am guessing they injected you with an 'antidote' to 'cure' you of your powers." Jared said straightforward.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Right, like my birth rite is a disease. Earthlings! What will they think of next?" I chuckled.

"This is no time for jokes and speculation." Rain glared, "can you get us out?"

"Easy. You know, I just let them capture me because I figured it would be easier to rescue him this way." They both looked skeptical. "Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated them being able to stunt my powers. Though, I see you have yours back, Rain." I grabbed them both, one in each arm. "It's worth a try." I said, "Hold on!"

I sprouted metal wings and my head looked a bit like the head of a missile. I then jet propelled us up through the ceiling like it was made of glass. Once outside, and still flying I shouted, "everyone make it out ok?"

--back at base--

"This is unbelievable!" Mike shouted, "I gave you all strict orders to stay put until we figured out a plan, TOGETHER! Now, not only have 4 of our best men been captured, but 3 more have come up missing. If anyone else pulls a stunt like this we may as well give up now. Heck, why don't we all just turn ourselves over to Alex right now?" He was very mad, the kids didn't know what to do.

Just as he was about to yell some more, I came crashing through the door with Rain and Jared. "What's all the commotion?" I said nonchalantly. Rachel came in behind us, quietly.

"Glad you found Jared, but now we've lost 3 more..."

"Two." Rachel said softly, stepping from behind Jared.

Everyone was stunned to silence. Their feelings had been confirmed. "The others are dead, aren't they?" Mike said solemnly. "Well, we can't lose anyone else. We must honor them by not getting ourselves killed!"

"I agree. They are much more powerful than any of us had anticipated. They have developed a weapon from Jared's gun that stuns us, and another one that deactivates our power. Well, actually, only most powers. Being that I am an alien, it only worked partially. Apparently it only effects the mental powers, not the physical. I suspect it has something to do with the mimicker. I'm starving, what do you have to eat around here?"

"Pasta?" Allison offered, "it's all we've got for now, unless you meet someone who can make vegetation."

"Oh, I think I know just the person." I said slyly. "Mike, can I have a word? Alone."

Jared

The metal armor cracked as I sat up and I brushed it off. I was still very weak, physically and I was exhausted from using my powers like that. I should have been dead, never to return but I refused to move on. I had too much I'd left undone and that's why I called Rain, she could conceal our escape.

"Rain," I repeated. "Let's get Sterling and can you hide our movements? No doubt the security will be back online soon."

She nodded and we made our way to the stairs under cover of her mist. People were barking orders and screaming about getting the water turned off. They hadn't yet noticed anyone had escaped.

We made the very slow and painstaking task of getting up to near the top level. The power had come back on and they knew we had escaped but due to Rain's ability she had made it look like we had gotten off at a different level. Evidently whatever device they used to suppress out powers was inoperable. Everything was still wet as we entered the room that held Sterling, he was unconscious. Probably as a precaution they'd come through and stunned everyone.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, "Wake up brother. It's time."

His eyes flashed open as my magic surged through him. He nearly screamed, "Jared! You're still alive."

I nodded, "But too weak to fight right now. Plus I shed my old armor."

It seemed to mean something to Sterling as his eyes got big when I said that. I heard someone coming and I motioned for us to go. Sterling decided he'd be point and we wandered about a bit more. I wanted to save more but knew it'd be impossible right now. I was lucky they could escape with me.

We had nearly made it to the exit when the pain echoed through our bodies and I saw their faces pass before my eyes. Raymond and William were both dead. The other two were gasping for breath a few feet to either side of me as I stood, suddenly renewed.

"Let's go," I declared. "We must return to the base so I can begin what I was created for."

Rain

The dream was refreshing, but when I woke I knew what I had to do. I took two pieces of metal from the bag and hit them against one another causing small sparks. I did this several times until my bedding caught fire. Then I lifted it towards the ceiling until the sprinkler systems activated.

I then used the metal pieces to slice through the door. I was surprised at how easily it cut. Using the water vapor I was able to make my way to his room as if I was invisible.

When I got there I used the metal again to cut the door and then rushed to his side. I knew the guards would be coming for us soon. I wasn't sure if it mattered how the pieces went in, so I just put them anywhere hoping not to cause Jared more injury.

After a very short time, Jared came to and said weakly, "get Sterling."

The Dream

It was a peaceful summer day, well dream anyway. It was quite vivid, more so than any dream Rain had previously had.

"But it's still just a dream," She said to herself. "Oh what a great dream, with Jared in it."

Jared had appeared nearby and was walking over to her.

He smiled and waved, "Hey Rain how's it going?"

She decided to humor her subconscious, "I'm doing good."

"Sorry I've been gone for so long," He apologized. "I've been busy these last few weeks. We don't have much time before you awaken."

"Why does that matter?" She asked. "This is just a dream."

Jared blinked, "No it's not just a dream. I'm entering your mind through your dream and talking to you."

"Right," Rain still didn't believe him. "Well continue I guess, I can't stop you."

"When you wake up there will be a bad full of parts near the foot of your bed. I need you to bring them to me and put them inside," He told her. "I can't rebuild my body without the missing parts."

"How do I get to you? I can't use my powers," Rain said logically. "Haven't been able to for weeks."

"I'll use my force fields to create a bubble around you and protect you until you can use your powers," He explained. "You just need to get the fire alarm to go off and get the water on, your power should work after that."

The dream began to fade and his voice echoed through her mind, "I'm counting on you, Rain."

Updates

Victor was contemplating his new orders, “we have to be more affective, neutralizing isn‘t enough. We need something more effective.” the large man sighed “from now on Victor you’ll be reporting to a savant magic user, he’ll be able to get this company rolling in the right direction.” the large CDC man sighed once again obviously disgust.

Victor knew that he had always distrusted people with powers. Even so Victor had grown accustom to his predictable motivations and was a little apprehensive. “Sir, what’s going on. Why all this change?”

The chubby man smiled, he too had grown to accept Victor's presence and loved the tight leash, the honor of Victor, though he hesitated he didn’t want to tell Victor what he had done to make him have to keep his word. The absence of Victor's heart made it so that if he ever did break his word he would be gone in a matter of minutes.

“Victor, The president he knows. There’s been a reorganization to up the anti. The resistance has, well been getting more violent. Your mission is to get them to work for us or capture them.”

There was a knock on the door, it swung open gently. “Movers, tell us when you're ready.”

The chubby man relinquished his power and took all that had belonged to him.

Walking up behind a group of researchers Victor asked. “what do you think of the reorganization.” turning around with a box of papers’ in his hand MB's eyes were aflame. MB realized just who Victor was working for this whole time.

Taken aback, Victor smiled weakly. “hey, how’s it going Landon.” then skedaddled out of the room before it came to blows. At one time Victor tried to neutralize his powers. hopefully that wouldn’t affect thier working relationship. Victor sighed to himself as he was getting a glass from the water cooler.

“Well, well we meet again Victor.” Victor's spine chilled as he recognized his voice. It was Alex, he had been his old partner once, but do to some miscommunication. Victor didn’t like working with a minor, too dangerous line of work, even if the kid had magic. No matter how good Victor's intentions, Alex mistook it and evidently made him his rival, or of sorts and was latter transferred.

“Hey Alex how are things going.” Victor trying to start on a good note. “I don’t think that’s any way to address your boss” Alex grinned as the realization that the savant that Victor's old boss was talking about was standing before him.”

Victor took a sip out of his glass not wanting to glorify Alex's ego, “thank goodness he’s not doing field work anymore.” Victor thought to himself. “Pleasure to be in your service.” Victor said after a few moments of silence.

Miffed at Victor's apparent disregard at his superiority he shoved a paper into Victors hands “I have a mission for you.”

--later---

In a field car, Victor dialed his son. “Hey how’s school buddy.”
“Not too bad dad” Johnson was living a pretty uneventful life being that his dad had taken his powers for his field operations/himself, this measure saved his son from many experimentations. And his relationship with his son was strengthening as if there wasn’t a mission Victor was there post hast having dinner and going to the movies once a month. His cousin was recovering and they were able to work out most of everything, being that victor was able to be home more often, even if he didn’t sleep at the house anymore do to his job.

“Dad what’s happening to the other magic users?”

“Johny, you know, just neutralizing.” Johny's question was actually brought on because of something he saw in the paper. It was about Jessica.
---back at the base ----

“Will we have a problem Mr. Landon?”

Suppressing anger MB mustered a “No sir”

“Good, you’ll be my secretary and main operator of operations. Your first mission will be to debrief and guide agent 23 to execute his orders.”

MB grunted and turned to go away, “And I want Victor back alive the last thing I need is a blemish on my record.” Landon's eyes went wide as he realized he would be working with agent 23 a lot more then he had anticipated.

Failed Rescue or was it?

William, Raymond and Rachel broke the rules and were headed to rescue Jared and Rain. They weren't supposed to have left the base, but now that they had they had to do something useful. They easily found the building and found an unguarded entrance.

"This feels too easy," Raymond said.

William seemed to agree, "Feels like a trap. I can't feel those inside."

"Doesn't matter," Rachel shook her head. "He'd come for us."

They didn't argue as Raymond kicked the door in. Everything inside was quiet. They made their way down the hall and into a security office. Rachel jumped forward and kicked the side of his head, he was knocked into the wall and didn't get up. Raymond started typing quickly on the keyboard.

He pointed at the monitor, "There, Rain on the bottom floor. The others are only a few floors down from here."

"Anyway we can take out the power?" Rachel asked.

"Looks like every level has it's own generator, with redundant systems backing them up in case of failure," Raymond told her.

Rachel picked up the guards gun, "This looks like Jared's stun gun. I wonder if it could overload the system." She shot it into the control console and the lights flickered a few times and died. Emergency lights turned on, but they were fairly weak and made many shadows.

"I'll be back," Rachel assured them. She disappeared and began stepping down the hall and found the stairs. She looked to the bottom and was there in an instant. She found Rain's door but it was securely looked.

She started exploring the level and found Jared's metal husk. She gasped in horror but quickly composed herself and continued exploring. In the process of doing this she found herself a few floors up, as if guided by an unseen hand. She found pieces of metal that looked like they belonged in...

"Jared," She exclaimed. "I have to get these back down there." The power flickered back on and she gulped and started to run.

* Back upstairs to the others *

Raymond and William were tied in chairs with Victor's old partner standing above them. Alex was off to the side.

"So Samuel," Alex said. "Do you want me to do it or do you have your nerve back?"

He growled at Alex and turned to Raymond, "Where is the girl? Your sister right?"

"I'll never tell you anything," Raymond growled.

Samuel punched Raymond in the side of the head, "If you don't tell me I will kill you and the boy."

"So be it," Raymond said defiantly.

Alex stepped in, "You may be so resolved, but what about little William there?" Alex moved next to William, "Are you willing to die a painful death because of his sister? I might even let you leave if you tell me?"

"You promise?" William begged.

"Don't listen to him William," Raymond shouted quickly. "Just because he promises doesn't mean the others have to let..." Alex had punched Raymond in the mouth.

"I guess you ruined that didn't you Raymond," Alex shrugged. "Have fun Samuel, make it painful, I'll go search for her myself."

* Downstairs *

Rachel made it back to Rain's room and looks through a crack and puts the parts in her room, using her own shadow. Rachel still had the gun and she shot it a few times into random devices and gets a lucky shot, the power fails again. She makes her way to the stairs and teleports to the top level. She walked through the door and saw Alex facing her.

"Hello Rachel," Alex grinned. "How's it going?"

He had a flashlight pointed right at her. She gulped and moved back into the stairwell. Alex followed keeping the light on her.

"Think you can keep the light on me for fifty levels?" Rachel challenged. "I doubt it and it looks like your power must not be working."

Alex shrugged, "You win." He moved the light off her, "You'd get away anyways, I'd just have to waste my time chasing you. Oh and don't waste your time looking for your brother, he's in a room with lights and someone far more dangerous than me."

She disappeared and went down the hallway. A few moments later she stepped outside, exhausted. She would head back on foot.

Mike

With MB, Sterling, Rain and Jared gone, presumed dead, I decided to take over. Jessica was second in command. I put everyone under house arrest after stocking up on instant/frozen meals and bottled water.

Kimberly and Daila both healed quickly and were actively trying to figure out what Jared had been working on. The others continued training and improving their powers.

The month went by quickly. Kindra seemed to be growing up really quickly. A lot quicker than any normal baby. Talking in short sentences and very intelligent.

A series of unfortunate events were spiraling in the outside world before our eyes. The media had come out with an astonishing video of Jessica blowing up Mathis with a flame thrower and became one of America's Most wanted.

Marty had rigged a computer to hack into a television satellite so they could have free cable without being tracked.

Samuel

Samuel walked into the room and saw Sterling and Rain embracing, "Sorry to break up the tender moment but you have separate quarters."

"What? Why?" Rain asked.

"Separating men and women, or boys and girls as the case may be," He shrugged. "They don't want you breeding in captivity. Don't try your powers by the way, they already turned on the dampener they won't work."

The two were somewhat horrified by his casual tone about it. Sterling didn't like the idea and rushed him, hoping his superior strength would get him close enough. A moment before Sterling got to him he fell to the ground, unmoving.

"Come on Rain," The man demanded. "Don't make me get mean."

"Is he dead?" She was about to cry.

"Nah, just unconscious," Samuel led her down the hall and into a room on the other side of the base. "Inside."

"Hold up just a minute Samuel," It was another man. "She gets better quarters. Take her to one of the VIP rooms on the bottom level."

The base was underground, the bottom level was about fifty stories down. It's where they do all their top level research and development and, ironically, where they are now keeping Jared.

The Deal with the Devil, or maybe just Alex

MB did not like the situation one bit, "I'll never work for you."

"Then I guess your daughter doesn't have long to live," Alex shrugged. "Or maybe I could leave her alive just..." He paused, "No I really shouldn't, but it'd be so much fun."

"What are you babbling about?" MB demanded.

Alex turned back to face him, "Well in the old times they, when they had captured these people. They used to rape the daughters and wives in front of the men and then kill them all. Your wife is already did, but I bet I'd have lots of volunteers for your beautiful daughter."

Victor snorted in disgust, "How can they possibly have agreed to let you work with them? You're are monster Alex."

Alex grinned evilly, "I think that's something all three of us agree on. Now then don't make me bring your son up Victor, I still can find him. How is none of your concern." Victor was silenced, "Now then MB, I know you won't do it for simply letting your daughter live unharmed, let me hear it."

"First is as you said. She remains hands off for your thugs."

Alex nodded, "Next?"

"She is given good food and shelter and clothing."

Alex sighed as if it was a big concession, "Okay."

"Finally," MB continued. "I want to be able to see her at least once a week."

"Don't press your luck MB," Alex considered for a moment. "Done. Now swear it."

MB swore it. Alex grinned and handed them a folder, "Your way isn't working Victor. Time for them all to die or be brought in. Advances in science have allowed them to neutralize none ascended powers in a radius around a device." He handed them each a gun and some things that resembled clips. "Your new guns emit electric charges that should knock out anything and I mean anything. Shooting it more than once could be fatal, but don't hesitate to do it if the first doesn't stop it. This," He said holding the clips. "Is a power cell. Each one should allow for at least six shots and they have adapters that you can charge in any electric outlet. That's why you only get two each. One for the gun and one to charge, charging takes only a few minutes."

"Where did this gun come from?" Victor asked. "It looks familiar."

"Thank Jared for that," Alex smirked. "They found the prototype on him, it had to be modified of course he didn't use a power pack. The folder contains a list of people to bring in." They both stood there for a minute, "Go on then."

Sterling

Rain was mad, really mad. "why did you just stand there and let them take us all hostage?"

"In the end, it really won't matter. I know things you could never know. I have seen the future of this world. Whether you remain imprisoned for a hundred years or two days, all that matters is that you make it out alive."

"Thanks for the encouragement." she mumbled, unimpressed.

"look, as I told you before, I wasn't sent to save this world or even anyone in it. I was simply sent here to see what was going on. at first I thought my mission was really important, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that they were just trying to get rid of me. You see, I was the last remaining heir to the throne. Without me to stand in their way they could wage war once again. I was only a kid then so I didn't know any better. After I had been sent away, none of my father's wishes mattered anymore, my adviser could do whatever he wanted, and I am sure he did. He stopped communicating with me only a few months after I left. I was 6 years old then. Could you imagine?! My last communication with him, I remember him telling me that I needed to go into to stasis for a few years and that he would awaken me with new instructions. When I woke up, he was gone. I hailed my planet for years but never got a response in return. Eventually I just gave up. I was starting to run out of provisions, that's why I landed here, otherwise I would have just stayed up in space for the rest of my life."

"I'm sorry. Gosh, you don't look so well. What did they give you?"

"I suspect, the same thing they gave Jared. What they don't realize is that I am a purebred and he is not, it won't effect me the same. I am sorry you have to be here, without Jared I have nothing else to live for."

"Don't talk like that." she was fighting back tears, "we need you."

"no one needs me."

She just put her arm around him as he tried to fight back his tears as well. "Jared needs you." she whispered in his ear.

He looked up at the table where Jared had been laying before and shook his head, "how can any species survive such a hostile planet?"

More troubling still

The two MBs argued back and forth for several minutes, "no, I'm the real MB!"

"Prove it, what's Rain's favorite color?"

Seeing as Edmund had already pretended to be Rain, MB, and Sun he knew everything about them.

"Enough!" Alex couldn't take it anymore, "there is an easy way to figure this thing out." he grabbed Rain and put her in a head lock, "it's simple really, MB. You or your daughter? your choice."

They both stood there stunned for a moment, trying to talk Alex out of it.

"No more games!" he pulled out a piece of sharp metal Rain had collected and held it on her throat. "Tell me or she dies!"

Edmund tried pretending to care, but the real MB fell to his knees and cried out, "no! take me! spare my daughter's life!"

"I thought you'd see it my way." he tossed Rain back to Sterling "you're much more valuable to me than she is, but would be useless if I killed her."

Edmund was then ordered to take Rain and Sterling to a confinement and then Sterling was given the same treatment as Jared. MB was taken to Victor.

"I bet you'll never guess who I found, old pal." Alex grinned as he dragged MB into the room.

"You again!? I'll kill you!" the men said in unison.

"Victor, meet your new partner."

A Troubling Situation

The base echoed with a haunting feeling of yearning to be free. It was as if a ghost had been trapped inside and not allowed to escape, that wasn't the case, everyone on the base knew it was Jared calling to help. Somehow Alex had managed to keep his calls from escaping the base, but not before he reached out to someone.

"Who would he call?" A sinister-looking man asked Alex.

"Why are you asking me?" Alex shot back. "I'm fairly busy keeping him contained to the subconscious realm anyways. It's not like talking is exactly...easy right now." The pause was from a sudden strain. Suddenly he stopped being fought to escape the base, "Whoever it is is here." Alex pushed a few buttons on the control console and the monitor popped up for a split second before going blank. "Rewind the tape."

It showed a suit of armor and Rain walk in. Alex and the other man grinned at the same time, "The armor is easy, just use the same weapon on him that disabled Jared, in these halls he won't be able to dodge. Rain? Let her father take her down." Alex pressed his com, "You're on Edmund." Hm, it's like they know exactly where he is.

* The good guys perspective *
(Sorry I''m doing a little hostile takeover, you can input what I leave out if you wish.)

Sterling looked at Rain, "This way."

He started down a hallway. A few minutes later they opened the door and saw the metal armor lying there. Rain gasped in horror as she saw the pieces from inside him lying all over the place. Rain quickly found a bag in the corner and placed the pieces in it.

"Can you carry him Sterling?" She pleaded.

He nodded but didn't want to tell her Jared was probably dead. The powerful aura had calmed down, the two of them couldn't feel it at all. They walked out into the hallway. They were confronted by MB.

"Honey, hurry this way," He said.

A few moments later another MB appeared from the other direction, "Hey he's an impostor it's this way."

They happened to stop at a room that acted as a T junction, Alex came walking down the third direction. Both turned and growled at him at the same moment.

"Wow," Alex laughed. "I mean wow, I sent one of them down here but I can honestly say I have no idea which one is which and that's with the slight telepathy I have. I hope you can do better. Every minute you wait is one more minute we rally our forces."

(You can come up with a way to escape, just Jared waking up isn't it.
Side note, the weapon won't have the same effect on Sterling, it will just cause his armor to malfunction and dissipate.)

MB

The death of a loved one changes a person, especially when it's murder. In a moment I went from feeling remorse to feeling angry. I wanted to avenge her death. I knew that's not what she would have wanted, but she was still young and still had a lot of life to life.

I kissed her cheek then covered her with a sheet. I then went out into the main room where the others were. "Jessica, can you do a favor for me?"

She agreed to incinerate the body for me because it was the most logical thing to do because we had no where to bury her. Then I looked around and noticed Rain was gone. The anger returned. I grabbed Ivar (since he was the closest person to me) and lifted him up by the collar, "tell me where my daughter is!"

"Moon, calm down. Your fight is not with Ivar." Mike said calmly. "Rain has gone out with Sterling to rescue Jared."

That was the last straw, I dropped Ivar and immediately grabbed Mike by the neck, "What did you say?"

He stammered, "she went to save Jared."

"You fool! If they can get Jared how easy would it be for them to get Rain?! I can't believe you let her go! I could kill you!" Seeing the fear in his eyes, and everyone elses, I stopped to breathe, "Fine, I'll just have to save them both."

I grabbed my coat and stormed out the door.

Rain

It was hard seeing my mother this way, but I had to be strong because it was tearing my father apart. Sterling had taken over for me while I watched with my father. My mother was unusually calm and passed quickly. Before she left, she endowed me with her powers and once again made me promise I would only use them for good.

I left my dad to grieve by her side in peace. That's when I heard him. It was faint, but I knew Jared needed me. I grabbed Sterling and told him we needed to save him. We put Mike in charge and went as soon as we could.

Jared

"Rain," I called out through the distortions and odd feelings and throws of consciousness. "I hope you can hear me, but the tracking device I gave you works in reverse as well. Sterling will know how to make it work given a little time. Losing consciousness again, goodbye."

*Same room but looking down on his body*

"He's calling out for help," Alex said. "You need to hurry if you are going to figure out how he works."

The other man looked down next to the table, "I've had no luck cutting it open yet, even the diamond shaving on the toughest blade I've ever seen and it still shattered the blade."

"Don't we have laser cutting tools?" Alex inquired.

"Well yes," The man said. "But the type we'll need are still experimental."

Alex grinned, "What better chance to test the effectiveness of it. I'll send for it right away."

Alex walked out of the room and past the observation unit. Victor was watching, "I don't like it."

"What they are doing to him?" Alex asked.

Victor snorted, "Being partnered with you."

"Don't get used to it Victor," Alex smirked. "I plan on outranking you soon enough, you are just a lowly peasant and you don't deserve to be here." He walked off and let Victor fume.

Loose Ends

Jessica and Ivar arrived back at base a few minutes before the others. Everything was so hectic that they scarcely noticed Jared was still missing... but that was bound to end

(I didn't know what else to put there..., shortest post ever!)

Backtracking

*Jessica entering a warehouse*

I wandered around for a while until I found Mathis in a control room, overlooking the warehouse. I smirked at him, "Hey there."

He looked surprised to see me, "Alex said you had joined the enemy."

"Alex was wrong," I said easily. "I just needed a short break before coming back."

He nodded and seemed to take it so I continued, "So I heard you were setting a trap for Jared?"

He smirked, "Yeah, I hope Ivar shows up. I'll love to give him a good beating."

I decided to play this up, even though Ivar would likely get mad, "I love it when you talk about hurting that no good player." I had moved closer to him and was smiling devilishly at him.

His expression showed that he had been waiting for me to wake up to his 'coolness' and become his girlfriend.

"So why would Jared come here anyways?" I asked curiously.

He leaned closer, "He thinks some woman is being held here, but she's not. She's way across town."

"Oh?" I said like I didn't understand.

"You remember the old Acrust warehouse?" He asked.

"The pizza place?" I nodded.

"Yeah that old pizza place is our hideout, she's there," He grinned. He spoke as he moved in to kiss me, "You gonna let your talking ruin this moment or what?"

I pushed him to the side, "You're disgusting Mathis. I got what I came for."

He looked confused, "What?"

"I just wanted to know where Rain's mother was," I shrugged. "And to think if you'd been more tight lipped I was willing to go a lot farther than I did for that information. Might even have kissed you."

He was getting angry and I said into my com, "Time to go Ivar."

I felt the energy building up in Mathis and so I ran and found my way to where Ivar was fighting the guards outside. A few norms and some specs. Ivar was just finishing them off when I got outside.

"Let's go before Mathis gets out here," I said. "He's a little upset that I deceived him."

Ivar looked as confident as ever, "I can take him."

The side of the warehouse was blown off and we could see Mathis walking out.

"Maybe not," But Ivar didn't waver. "Get going I'll catch up."

"I'm not leaving you," I screamed above the roar the electricity was making. "Not again."

Ivar tried to block the first bolt with the earth as he had before but Mathis' attack went straight through it shattering the rock. Ivar was out cold.

"Bet you thought I was weak," Mathis cried out. "Well I'm not weak anymore."

The anger inside of me began boiling up, "You don't know what strength is Mathis. Your entire life has been fighting to oppress people and to rob and steal and murder. You will never know."

He was still trying to reason with me, "Come with me and I won't kill him Jessica. I'll leave him alive. Just promise to be mine and I'll promise."

I had to seriously think about that question for a few minutes, backup would be on the other side of town by now even Jared would be too far to stop him. That gave me only one choice, give in to the anger.

My hair that had always been blonde turned white near the base, blue in the middle and orange, red and yellow at the tips, just like a flaming fire. Fire was at my command, but more than that I could feel Mathis' anger and it strengthened me.

My voice resounded when I spoke, "There is no place for you in my life Mathis. If you do not choose to leave I will have no choice but to kill you." I wasn't in complete control of myself, well I suppose I was but I didn't care about things the way I did before. It was like being on an adrenaline high, things don't seem the same.

Mathis looked slightly afraid of me but then he steeled his face and tried to kill Ivar. This power gave me strength and speed, not enough to outrun the lightning but I moved but it actually formed. Instead of going to Ivar I went to Mathis. I held his arms down at his sides and held one hand on his throat, as if it were a deadly weapon.

"Surrender," I commanded him.

He hesitated but then he fell slack, "How?"

"My love for him and my hatred of you," I answered honestly.

His head came up, "That's all I wanted to know."

His body pulsed with electricity and it threw me back into a pile of crates. I guess what I said made me the main target cause he started tried to hit me with lightning. The anger in me was begging to kill him but I had to try and keep him alive. After a few minutes of dodging lightning and not getting a chance to get close, I let my baser self take over.

I stepped out into the open and he stared at me for a moment. I taunted him, "Are you going to take the shot? It's wide open. No where to dodge."

He didn't move, just stood there in disbelief.

"Well if you won't take the shot I will," I felt like I was draining all the energy I had left to make one attack.

He didn't move faster enough, the attack didn't even hit him but the heat seriously injured him, maybe even killed him. I ran over and woke up Ivar before I lost consciousness.

The Trap

Everything had run smoothly and as I had predicted. Now just to escape myself and... My thoughts were interrupted by a scream for help. I looked back and saw Rain fighting off some of the guards with her powers. I flew back over and blasted the rest from the sky before landing beside her.

"Are you alright?" I asked her.

She nodded, "Did you find my mother?"

"Yes, they took her and left already," I frowned. "Come on let's go."

"Just a minute I'm tired you know," She said.

I insisted, "We can't rest here they'll be more. I think Alex has teamed up with..."

"Indeed I have Jared," Alex was smirking at me from down the alley. "Your time is up."

A surge of energy pulsed through me and I lost control and couldn't even see or have any connection to the outside world. I decided to meditate.

* * * *
Outside the hidden base
* * * *

"Alright," Alex announced. "Here's your proof I want to work with you." Alex tossed, with his powers, the metal suit that was Jared at them. "Now do you trust me?"

"Not quite," The man said. "Swear to give up your powers once each and every one has been tracked down."

"I swear to give up my powers once there are no more magic users roaming unabated," Alex said, straightforwardly. "The rest of you do the same."

His followers did the same for him.

MB

My mind was swimming with thoughts. What if Sun was already dead? What if I died too? What would Rain do if she was suddenly an orphan? My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I found myself being pushed out of the car. I hadn't expected Mike to be so cold. After a few moments of arguing with him, I knew he was right. If I didn't go in there I would wish I was dead later if anything happened to my wife or those kids.

I quietly made my way to the door and went inside. Ray had given me a tracking devise he had so I could find the others. It wasn't very difficult, all I had to do was follow the screams.

I walked into what appeared to be a brawl between Jared and a few others. Rachel was no where in sight, probably a wise move on her part.

Then I saw her, my beloved, laying on the ground barely conscious. I rushed over to her and lifted her head. "What have they done to you?"

She just smiled, glad to see me. "Don't worry about me, my time is almost up. They can't do anything to me, I have given up my powers."

"What are you talking about? You'll be fine, come on lets get out of here."

"You have to save the children."

She tried to fight me as I picked her up, but she was too weak. I looked around frantically for William and Rachel. They were standing in front of me but the others had fled with Jared. I had to think quickly before they came back for the rest of us. Seeing how exhausted Rachel was, I decided I would borrow her power and shadow step back outside. In an instant we were back in Mike's car. "Go now!" I yelled "Hit the lights Ray."

Everything was suddenly bright again. We were glad Jared had equipped us with special goggles that doubled as night vision and super sun glasses so that the change didn't effect us.

"We're just going to leave Jared?" Rachel cried as she looked out the back window at the building that was rapidly getting smaller in the distance.

"We have no choice." I said sadly. "Don't worry, we'll arrange another rescue party. But this time we can't wait so long."

Mike

Everything seemed to be running smoothly at the beginning. Ivar and Jessica made it in and out without too much trouble, and we made it to the rescue site in good time. But as we pulled up things got a little sketchy. Rachel was getting nervous and was almost refusing to go, not to mention my colleague MB was so nervous I thought he'd wet himself.

"Get a hold of your self!" I commanded, "you've got to be strong for the kids." It was pointless trying to reason with him, so I just tried to ignore him.

"You're on, Ray." Jared commanded.

Ray nodded and everything went black as planned. Luckily Jared had given us some night vision goggles so we could watch the action. Sterling had built in night vision. A couple of kids approached Jared and Rachel, but were easily overcome. Once they were inside Raymond was doing a play by play of the action.

As expected, they were intercepted by a few of Alex's lackeys. After a moment Jared came over the intercom, "send back up. MB you should be in here!" Even though it wasn't actually night, the illusion was all he needed to activate his power.

He didn't respond, so I just pushed open the door and shoved him out. "If you're too cowardly to save your own wife, you don't deserve to ride in my car." hopefully that would motivate him.

He looked a little hurt, and shocked, and even tried to get back in the car. I shook my head and pointed to the building. Like a dog with his tail between his legs, MB made his way to the building to join the combat.

Rain

I considered Jared's offer, but I couldn't go against my father's wishes. My dad had decided to go but insisted I stay here with the others. Cali, Allison, Marty and I were in charge of making sure Daila and Kim stayed conscious. Not to mention keep little Kindra safe.

Marty was pacing the room angrily, "What am I, chopped liver? I know I could be more helpful than Ray and Rachel combined!"

"Perhaps he has a bigger job for you in the future. You know, I am just as valuable, but I have to take care of my baby." Cali reasoned.

"Whatever happens, we have to stick together. If we never see Jared or the others again we have to continue his work." I suddenly became their leader. The feeling was a little exhilarating. "First things first, if you need any of us to take your baby just let us know, we're family now." I smiled warmly at Cali, she was like the sister I never had. "Allison, you will be in charge of looking after Kim. Let me know if anything changes. Marty same goes for you, keep an eye on Daila." his countenance softened.

"Of course." he said humbly.

"I going to look over Jared's notes and see if I can make any sense of them, you guys may be able to help later. Cali, do you mind being the lookout? I'll keep an eye on the baby just tell me everything I need to know about her."

I could feel the power of leadership surging through my veins, it felt good. Really good. The others seemed to have calmed down substantially.

Alex

"You did what!" I screamed at them unable to comprehend what they had done. "I can't believe you animals. You're worse than Mathis and he's terrible." I had some new recruits I'd found and they were bad. They'd done atrocious things to Sunshine, things even I would hardly wish to consider. Suffice it to say she was barely alive.

"Sorry sir she was mouthing off," One of them tried to excuse himself. She had bruises and cuts all over.

"Yeah and she tried to escape last time she used the bathroom," The other objected.

"And so you tortured her?" I rubbed my forehead. "Fine you two get out of here. Edmund?"

I appeared in the doorway a moment later, "Yes?"

"First, how many times have I told you not to be me? Second I need you to do something, it's dangerous but have you been watching her enough?" He only nodded and I smirked.

Jared

I called a meeting together, everyone was there. It was in the main room, chairs for everyone but I was standing in front of them. Rain had been coaxed into attending even.

"Alright listen up," I announced. "Many of you know why we're here. This is a briefing of sorts on what we are going to do." I let that settle in for a minute, "Jessica is going to go in under the guise she's had second thoughts and wants to help Alex and his crew. She has volunteered for this position and I wouldn't have asked her to do it but I think she'd go do it even if I didn't want her to. Her goal is to find out where they are really hiding Rain's mother, Sunshine. Ivar," I turned and looked at him. "Your objective is getting Jessica out of there as soon as she gets the information. I don't care what the building looks like as long as the two of you get out safely." I turned to Raymond and Rachel, "You two will be working together with some of the spy gear so Raymond can see everything you see Rachel. His job is to make it dark enough for you to hide and your job is to find the target and escape with her."

William raised his hand, "What about me?"

I smirked slightly, "I was getting there. You are going to ensure she is who she looks like she is." I turned to Mike and MB, "MB if you want to stay here you can but Mike, I need you. You're going to be coordinating if things go badly. Raymond will be in the car with you and if Rain desires to attend she'll be backup with Sterling and MB if he comes. It's going to be sunset so his powers should work. I'm going to be point and the distraction."

"No questions? Good, get your gear and meet at the cars in ten minutes," I said. "Rain can I talk to you for a minute."

The room cleared out Rain was here and Cali. Cali approached me, "I guess I'm staying here?"

I pointed at Kindra, "What do you think?"

She shrugged, "We need babysitters or something."

I put a hand on her shoulder, "Besides I need you to watch Kimberly. Sure she'll be fine but she'll be bedridden for a few more days and while we're gone she might need help. Please do this for me Cali. Besides you'll be here with Allison."

She sighed and said as she was walking away, "Fine."

That left me and Rain in the room. When I was a bad boy like Cali remembers I would have had no problem dealing with this situation, but I wasn't sure I wanted to now. I wanted to fix her problem and it just occurred to me that I could be causing more pain than good by giving her what could be false hope. I sat down beside her and put an arm around her shoulders. Her face was in her hands and I heard her crying. I slowly pulled her to cry on my shoulder.

I whispered softly, "You can come with us if you want Rain, but I need you to be strong for just a short while." I just held her for a few minutes until I realized what time it was, I stroked her hair, "I have to go now. I'll wait a minute for you but no longer alright?"

I didn't wait for a response but I felt like I wouldn't see her again for a long time.

Ivar

I'd been listening in on their conversation, almost all of us were. I stepped into the room when one of them asked what else they could do.

"I'll go," I volunteered. "Mathis is bound to be there waiting for the trap and I highly doubt your mother is in that building. Jared can put a force field around the building to prevent Jeff from teleporting out. I can get Mathis to talk, he'll easily brag about where they are hiding her."

Jessica put her hand on my shoulder, "I think I'd have better luck there Ivar." She smiled slyly, "They used me for their goals and I'd like to give some of it back."

Jared looked over at us, "This isn't about revenge."

Jessica nodded, seeming to agree, "Revenge would be me killing all of them, this is business. I'll go alone and seduce Mathis into telling me if I have to."

I didn't like the idea but I stroked her face. She looked into my eyes, "It's our best chance of finding her mother."

Jared handed her a small device, "I'll be able to hear everything on this. Once you get the information we need..." He paused, "You know, if I was Alex, I'd do this on purpose, letting Mathis know where the real trap is set but make him think it's just where she is being kept."

Jessica looked at him, "Do we have a choice?"

"No," Jared looked back at Rain. "We'll all move in on the second site once the location is decerned, except you Ivar."

I frowned, "Is this still about earlier?"

Jared shook his head, "I need my best man to get my key girl out of there if she runs into trouble. If this really is a trap they'll move in to take her after she gets the info they want us to have."

"Let's move," Jared walked out the door. "Raymond, Rachel, you're with me. I'll need cover and Rachel needs darkness. Rachel your objective is to secure Rain's mother. William, you're coming to ensure it is Rain's mother, your power is invaluable in this operation. Raymond, once your sister is out with the target I need them blinded, can you do that, all of you?"

They all nodded, "I hope you've all been practicing."

Johnson

Man, I thought it was bad before, but things had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. One minute I am standing there yelling at the Landons, the next I am in some dungeon lair thing tied to a pole.

"who are you guys and what do you want with me?" I yelled at the kids who were playing poker on the other side of the room. One of them just laughed and then turned into my father, "come on son, aren't you having fun?" That was freaky.

Before I could answer, some red headed nerd boy came into the room, "I've got a new job for you. Jared is trying to take our hostage (MB) to his base. We need to follow them and see where they're going."

"Can I go too?" I asked, it sounded like fun, anything sounded better than being tied to a pole.

"Well, just this once. But you have to promise you won't run away." he smirked.

"yeah sure, I promise." I said slyly. He apparently had forgotten my dad had already taken my power.

We all gathered in a circle and held one another's hands as some punk kid teleported us to where MB and Mike were. They saw us right away and started running. Suddenly they were swept up in a gust of wind and carried to a nearby building.

"follow them!" Alex shrieked.

In a second we were on top of the building next to them. "Go on!" he commanded.

"I--I can't. Alex, I'm too weak."

"Yes you are! Why do I even put up with you?" he barked. "I guess I'll just have to make a bridge with all this scrap wood here."

As he started whirling things about with his mind, I noticed something approaching from the sky, rather quickly. "What is that?"

"What?" he grumbled, then looking up, "what the he--?"

He stopped, and all the wood fell to the alley below. "Curses!" We all stared in awe as the strange ship landed on the building. "I come in peace." it bellowed, "where is Jared?"

"Jared?" Alex said curiously "a relative of yours? Come on, we've no time to waste!" he grabbed the one remaining plank and straddled it across the two buildings. We all reluctantly followed him on the shaking bridge trying not to look down at our imminent death below. Just as we had made it to the other side, the Jared climbed in the robot's shin and they flew off into the sky.

"CURSE YOU JARED!" Alex shouted into the sky.

We decided to take the stairs and return to base. It took a long time to walk back, I was very tempted to desert them, but I wanted to wait for the right opportunity. Before going back to base, they decided to stop for some pizza. As we were waiting, someone called in a large order
"7 large pizzas?" Alex grinned evilly, "let's just wait and see who it is."

So we waited outside the pizza parlor (for what seemed like a couple of hours) behind some bushes so the buyer wouldn't see us.

"Mike?" the punk kid said when he saw who was buying all those pizzas.

"Of course!" Alex said, "get over there and give our little Rainbow a message."

That was it, I couldn't stand here and let him do anything to her! I took the opportunity to get away. I crept into the trunk of the car unnoticed.

We drove for a very long time before stopping where I started, the warehouse. "interesting." I thought to myself. I followed close behind as they all went into a tunnel and then to my surprise, they walked through a wall. "great, now what can I do?" I tried to find the secret opening for a while, but eventually just sat down and waited until someone came back out. I just hoped it wouldn't be too long, I was sure hungry and that pizza smelled great.

Rain

I silently paced the floor a lot that evening. Only my dad and Jared seemed to notice. Finally, Jared pulled me aside, "we need to talk. get your father and meet me in my room." I hesitated but nodded.

When we got to his room, Jared closed the door and my dad blurted, "what's going on here?"

I explained the situation to them, and they both sat there staring blankly at me saying nothing.
"Look, I know what you're thinking. But it's too dangerous. I know she's my mom," I nearly choked on my emotions, "but we need Jared. For all we know, she's already dead. We can't give in to Alex's threats, we can't let him win."

My dad got teary eyed and put his arm around me, "honey, you're growing up too fast. I don't know what else to say."

"I do." Jared said plainly. "I have to go. There's no other choice."

"Yes there is!" I screamed, "We need you! As much as I love my mom, she is not as important to this cause. Stop trying to change my mind, it's hard enough as it is." I nearly slapped him.

"You're willing to risk your own mother's life for me?" I couldn't tell if he was shocked or annoyed. "And you're going to stand by and let it happen?" he fumed at my dad.

"I don't know." my dad was completely overwhelmed, "I couldn't live with myself if I let Rain go rescue her, I couldn't stand losing them both."

"What about Sterling?" I inquired.

"Someone call me?" The boy was suddenly standing in the doorway.

"no, this doesn't concern you." Jared glared and nearly shut the door on his head.

"You can shape shift, right?" I asked him.

"To a degree, what did you have in mind?"

"Could you make yourself look like me?"

He made a weird face as if wrestling the idea in his mind. "No, they would notice, I could only make a robot that looks like you."

"Well, what do you suggest we do then, space boy?" my dad grumbled at the grim situation.

"Nothing. I say we do nothing. Like Rain said, it's frivolous thinking to believe Sun is still alive. I'm sorry, sir, but we have to protect the others."

"I am sick of you and your attitude!" Jared jumped up again and pushed Sterling out the door slamming it in his face. "So that's it? We just sit here and do nothing while your innocent mother dies?"

I couldn't take anymore, I just sat on his bed and sobbed uncontrollably.

"What else can we do?" my father said hopelessly as he put his arm around me again.

A Moral Dilemma

Rain and the others, Mike and MB, arrived at the pizza place.

"That'll be one hundred and ten dollar and fifty five cents," The person at the register told him.

Mike scratched his head, "I guess I'll use my credit card." Who knew getting pizza for a bunch of teens was so costly. They got the pizza and started to leave.

Rain was lagging behind. A figure appeared next to her and she nearly screamed.

"Hey," It was Jeff. "I'm not here to fight. I bring you a message from Alex. If you ever want to see your mother, alive that is, bring Jared to this address. Just the two of you." He handed her a paper.

"What are you going to do with him?" Rain asked.

"That really isn't any of your concern," Jeff shrugged. "Your mother or Jared, your choice." He teleported away.

Rain walked sullenly to the car, must have tracked the credit card.

Jared

I brushed past his comment on pizza. "If the people my ancestors came from would annihilate an entire species as well as all the other life on this planet based on the actions of a small group among them, " I stood and faced Sterling. "Then I'm not a member on that people."

"Orders are orders," Sterling backed up slightly. "The other choice is you come back with me."

"Damn your orders," I slammed my fist into the wall next to my computer. "You never have to obey an order that is unlawful or that is not good. Those are both."

"Then what are you going to do to fix this?" He asked.

"I'm going to master my powers, that's what." I knew he would have no idea what that meant. "Once that's done, this will not be such a slaughter once the war starts."

"What do you mean?" Sterling seemed confused. "War has started, they are after you everywhere."

I laughed, "They are after our powers. Once they realize that is futile they will resort to more extreme measures and that is when war begins. Every death, every voice silenced, we'll all feel it. Leave me Sterling I have to fix this before Kimberly dies, I only have a few more hours."

I was staring at the screen when I saw the connection, the solution was so simple, so profound. The blood she'd been given from Ivar was incomplete, she needed my blood to correct the error, at least my blood that had been slightly modified.

I called her back in and gave her the shot, "Rest now. You'll be fine in the morning." I crossed the room and prepared to leave.

"Thank you."

I nodded at her and walked out.

Back at base

MB's head hurt. I guess from trying to take in all the information he had recently acquired.

"You don't look so good, do you want a drink or anything?" Mike offered his half drank diet cola.

"Meh, I'll be ok. How come you're so chipper? Doesn't any of this boggle your mind?"

"Not really, I've always had a hunch there was something more to life. And here's your proof."

MB looked around the room at all the teenagers and moaned. "Get me something for my head."

Mike shook his head and wandered over to Rain, "what have you got for a headache? and what do you guys eat around here?"

"Ask Jared, he's the one in charge right now. I think there are some chips or something in the kitchen." she pointed to a door behind him. "Oh, and when you see Jared ask him how Daila is doing."

Daila, the girl who had apparently rescued us, was now being held in one of Jared's hospital beds recovering from her power surge earlier.

"How come you don't get tired, Sterling?" one of the kids asked, they were all gathered around him listening to storied of his home planet and his adventures in space.

"Well, I've been magic my whole life. It's like, walking I guess. You just do it automatically and it isn't that strenuous anymore. Especially after spending so long in stasis, I had a lot of time to practice my magic without anyone to interfere."

"Gosh you must have been lonely." Allison said sympathetically as she slyly inched her way closer.

"Yeah, it was boring, but I did spend a lot of time sleeping. Anyway, that's enough of that, where's Jared? I'd hate to waste time when our species on this planet is pending extinction."

He got up and wandered down the hall just behind Mike. They passed Cali on their way. Mike tapped softly on the door, "hey, do you want me to order a couple of pizzas or something?"

Jared mumbled something and barely looked up to reply, "take Rain with you to pick them up, we can't have them deliver here, she knows how to get back in."

"Alright, any requests?"

"no." Jared said quietly, his mind preoccupied by everything that was going on.

"Hey, is this a bad time, brother?"

"brother?"

"Well, no we're not related. But at home that's how we refer to others with the same power. At least, that's how things were done when I was there last, it could be very different now. I haven't received a transmission in a very long time. I don't even really know how long I've been gone. I am not even sure that returning is an option anymore. But anyway, that's not why I am here."

"go on."

Sterling closed the door, "This planet is a hostile environment for our kind. We have very few options if we are going to succeed. Otherwise our kind will become extinct here. Well actually, with the exception of you and the baby they already have. The others are a new breed, you know? Anyway, I was sent here to either convince you to vacate this planet and return home, or to destroy it and create a new planet. Those aren't the only options, of course, those were just my orders. I'll let you think about it, and you get back to me. Oh, and of course we'll have to dispose of any traitors like Alex. I had been doing a lot of research on all of you before I came down. I know pretty much everything, don't worry I won't tell the others she's your baby. But we must find the others before Alex corrupts them. Are you sure it was wise to send the man out for pizza?"

Jared

*Back at the base*

I walked into the lab and waved at Kimberly, who was sitting on one of the beds.

"What's wrong with me Jared?" She asked, obviously scared.

I was about to answer when Caliente, her parents had quite a sense of humor, the girl we had just rescued, walked in with her baby.

"Can we talk?" She said to me.

"Sure," I continued reading the machine.

"Privately?" She pleaded.

I took a deep breath and scratched my forehead, "Look I don't want to talk about that. Where we were, or where we've been. You made that very clear."

Kimberly stood up and said awkwardly, "I think I'll go wait outside."

"There's no need," I said.

At the same time she said, "Please do that."

Kimberly left the room and closed the door, "Can't you see I'm busy?"

"What could you possibly be doing that is that important?" Cali was a little agitated, quite unlike her normal self.

"That woman," I pointed out the door. "Was given a sample of blood from one of us. That blood has taken over her system and if I don't figure out how to either reverse it and make her back to normal or finish it and make her like us, she's dead. So yeah, kind of important, at least to her."

Cali looked confused, "When did you become the good kid who helps those around him?"

"Probably the same day I learned being the bad boy isn't all it's cracked up to be," I said sarcastically. "You know the day, you're the one that awakened me to it."

"I broke it off because we were moving," She declared. "My parents are somewhat insane, they locked me and my baby girl up in that cabin. Only this last week could we do anything about it."

"I'm sorry," I turned to face her. Her baby had started to whimper in her sleep. Cali shushed her and rocked her back down. "How old is she?"

"Twelve months," She whispered.

"So that would have put you back..." I stopped for a minute. I couldn't believe what she was saying. "No no no, you've got to be joking."

"Sorry Jared," She frowned. "I wasn't planning on this happening. I'm just lucky my parents let me keep her."

"Why didn't you contact me earlier?" I asked.

"What would you have done?" She shook her head. "You'd have just ended up in jail. My parents have too much influence."

"True," I smirked. "I guess that was part of the fun. You were the wealthy, only child of a well-respected businessman and I was the nobody who had no past that anyone would believe and no future that anyone could see."

She smirked, "Yeah, it was fun."

"I guess we have evidence to prove it was fun but," I turned back to the machine. "I really need to work on this, alright? Come bug me around dinner time if I haven't finished by then."

She started walking for the door and I added, "Just because of our past, don't expect things to be the same between us."

"I was just hoping for a father for our little girl, that's all," She said honestly.

"I can promise you that much. I'll do my best."

"Kindra," She said as she walked out and left me to my work.

I'm surprised she remembered my mother's name.