{"id":50,"date":"2024-03-08T19:52:26","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T19:52:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/?page_id=50"},"modified":"2024-08-17T11:35:46","modified_gmt":"2024-08-17T10:35:46","slug":"johnathan-pearce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/johnathan-pearce\/","title":{"rendered":"Johnathan Pearce"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"50\" class=\"elementor elementor-50\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d95816 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d95816\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-148be58 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"148be58\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Johnathan Pearce is the main story and follows the eponymous main character as he goes from first discovering his powers to becoming a hero. It&#8217;s a bildungsroman drawing on tropes from fantasy, science fiction, alternate history, supernatural and superhero fiction to create a unique take, if I may say so myself, on the hero&#8217;s journey.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76fd12f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"76fd12f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3abbe43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3abbe43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Volume 1 - Bed of Roses<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e246caf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e246caf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f187e1d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f187e1d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5197fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"d5197fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-54\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BORFinal-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Artwork by Charlotte Marshall. Find links on my link page<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95bae65 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"95bae65\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff1a2ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ff1a2ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Johnathan Pearce thought he was a completely normal boy with completely normal problems. That was until a monstrous lion bird attacked him and his family. John must now learn to use his powers under the tutelage of a mentor while dealing with his new family and the supernatural world that has opened up around him.<\/p><p>Read on-site (below)<\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/jlborch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Johnathan-Pearce-1-Bed-of-Roses.pdf\">PDF<\/a> (free download)<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CWSNDGBL\">Paperback\u00a0<\/a>(7 USD)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a3be80 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7a3be80\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f24854 elementor-widget elementor-widget-toggle\" data-id=\"0f24854\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"toggle.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-toggle{text-align:left}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title{font-weight:700;line-height:1;margin:0;padding:15px;border-bottom:1px solid #d5d8dc;cursor:pointer;outline:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon{display:inline-block;width:1em}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon svg{margin-inline-start:-5px;width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon.elementor-toggle-icon-right{float:right;text-align:right}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon.elementor-toggle-icon-left{float:left;text-align:left}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon .elementor-toggle-icon-closed{display:block}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon .elementor-toggle-icon-opened{display:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active{border-bottom:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-toggle-icon-closed{display:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-toggle-icon-opened{display:block}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-content{padding:15px;border-bottom:1px solid #d5d8dc;display:none}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title{padding:12px}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-content{padding:12px 10px}}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-toggle,.e-con>.elementor-widget-toggle{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1581\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1581\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Intro<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1581\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1581\"><h2>Prologue &#8211; 11 November 2023<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cGifted Enterprise has waited a long time for this opportunity,\u201d Biggs said into the microphone. \u201cI have just a few questions for you, and your treatment thereafter entirely depends on your cooperation.\u201d<\/p><p>Biggs stared first at the heavy steel shutters, then up at the monitor above them. A silhouette of a man was shackled down inside.<\/p><p>A tired voice rattled through loudspeakers. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s start with your name. Your real name.\u201d Biggs was ready with his electronic tablet and stylus; the transcription department always took their sweet time.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can\u2019t do this to a US citizen. I have rights!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYour name!\u201d<\/p><p>A moment passed, and then another one. \u201cThe Hammer.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe are already aware of what you call yourself. Now, your birth name, please,\u201d he stressed,<\/p><p>Another couple of moments passed in silence. Biggs turned to one of the cameras and rolled his hand. With a groan, the steel shutters split apart just a sliver. A ray of light crept through several layers of transparent plastic and hit the prisoner in the face. Instantly the loudspeakers filled the room with a piercing scream. Only when Biggs made the motion in reverse and the shutters joined again did the loudspeakers fall silent, except for a bit of gasping.<\/p><p>\u201cYou see, we know your weaknesses, so we can do this the hard way or the easy way.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d<\/p><p>Bigg drew his eyes up to the monitor. The prisoner had withdrawn to a corner.<\/p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s leave it at that. I know that true identities can be a touchy subject, and we can always extract it later. Would you prefer to tell me more about your powers?\u201d<\/p><p>Silence.<\/p><p>\u201cFeigning ignorance isn\u2019t going to work. There were witnesses to your little fight downtown, and most of them swear to have seen light coming from your hands.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would like my sunglasses back.\u201d<\/p><p>Biggs slammed his fist on the table. \u201cHow this works is that you cooperate; then you may make requests.\u201d He smoothed his hair back and took a deep breath. \u201cFine, your sunglasses then, let\u2019s talk about them. Do they help you with your light sensitivity? How do you even see through them? Or do you just use them to hide your scars?\u201d<\/p><p>Again, silence.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, we wouldn\u2019t have to be enemies if you would just cooperate. It would certainly make things more pleasant for you in the days to come.\u201d Biggs sighed and got up. He was about to halt the interview when a thought struck him. \u201cBefore I go, would you indulge a personal question? You seem reasonably strong; I mean, I read the damage report, so why haven\u2019t you escaped yet? Is it only because of the restraints and security measures, or do your powers really take that much out of you?\u201d<\/p><p>More silence.<\/p><p>Biggs got up and approached the barrier. \u201cTell me something, do you think yourself special? That I have never seen anything like you before, so you deserve the royal treatment?\u201d Bigg\u2019s face contorted into a sneer. \u201cLet me tell you, you piece of shit, I\u2019ve been doing this for twenty years and I\u2019ve seen all manners of freaks. One guy could consume people and take their shape, another was the avatar of a god. Tell me, how do you compare?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened to them?\u201d<\/p><p>Biggs brushed his hand against the cold steel. \u201cThat depended entirely on how well they cooperated.\u201d<\/p><p>Chains dragged across the floor. Did the prisoner somehow know that Biggs was close and had decided to meet by the divide? Impossible. The barrier was solid, and their conversation happened through microphones and speakers.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, I think you make a good point. I <em>should<\/em> try to escape.\u201d<\/p><p>Biggs felt the blood freeze in his veins and checked the monitor. The prisoner had to be right in front of him.<\/p><p>\u201cShould we terminate the interview here?\u201d a voice asked over his earpiece.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, no, let him try. After all, a demonstration would go a long way to improve our relationship,\u201d Biggs said. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s not like anyone has succeeded in escaping yet.\u201d<\/p><p>A small light appeared in the prison cell. It was hard to tell from the angle of the camera, but it appeared to originate from the prisoner\u2019s hand. Biggs forgot to breathe. Impossible. The prisoner had nothing on him that could produce this light, not torches or matches or anything like that.<\/p><p>He held it up so that there could be no mistake: the light wasn\u2019t in his hand; the prisoner\u2019s hand itself was glowing!<\/p><p>The entire cell filled with the light so that Biggs could see nothing on the monitor. It took a split second and the feed cut out, an error message dancing across the screen.<\/p><p>Biggs stared confused for only a moment.<\/p><p>The room shook and sirens began blaring, but the shutters seemed intact.<\/p><p>\u201cOpen it up. Open the goddamn shutters,\u201d Biggs screamed. \u201cI want to see what happened.\u201d<\/p><p>The steel barrier split apart and revealed the plastic divide again. It was several layers thick and could withstand even high-calibre rifle fire and hand grenades, but\u2026 a spiderweb of cracks reached almost from corner to corner!<\/p><p>Biggs could not stop shaking. \u201cPlease tell me we caught that!\u201d he said as gas filled the prisoner\u2019s cell.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1582\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1582\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Part 1 \u2013 The Mysterious Lion Bird<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1582\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1582\"><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322840\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 21 June 2010, thirteen years earlier<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>At the end of long rows of neat suburban homes, right up against the woods, stood a curious house. The ground floor was small with long, square windows, the first floor was big with small, round windows, and the whole thing was supported by pillars. It was here that Johnathan Pearce lived with his parents, though he preferred to go by John.<\/p><p>John sluggishly moved into the kitchen where his mother was munching on toast. Marilyn Pearce was scraggly looking despite nursing a bulge on her stomach.<\/p><p>\u201cGood morning,\u201d she said as John dragged himself up to the table.<\/p><p>John mumbled something and fumbled around the table with his hand. Marilyn nudged a carton of juice and a glass towards him.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, honey? Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019re getting bored of summer break already.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course not. It\u2019s just that Ragan\u2019s busy preparing for his father\u2019s business trip, and Phil\u2019s having family over, so it\u2019s just me here.\u201d He cautiously grabbed the juice and started pouring.<\/p><p>\u201cWe promised you we\u2019d go somewhere as a family\u2026 we just need to get the little one out first.\u201d Marilyn drummed her fingers on her belly.<\/p><p>He buttered a piece of toast for himself, stealing a few glances at his mother\u2019s belly. \u201cMom, I\u2019m almost eleven, why am I getting a little brother now?\u201d<\/p><p>Marilyn smiled and finished her toast. \u201cWell, it\u2019s not like we planned Ronald, but things happen sometimes. What about your homework then, have you started it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBreak\u2019s just begun, I have plenty of time,\u201d John said and stuffed his toast into mouth.<\/p><p>\u201cYou say that now, but things are bound to get hectic soon. You better get started soon or you\u2019ll end up regretting it.\u201d His mother slathered a piece of toast with first chocolate and then jam. \u201cWhat was the subject again?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy future career. Not like I know what I want to be, anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, you\u2019re not going to become a lawyer like your dad or a doctor like me with your grades.\u201d<\/p><p>John made a noncommittal noise.<\/p><p>Marilyn sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s not that you\u2019re not smart, Johnathan, you just need to apply yourself more.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, I know,\u201d he said and left the table before she could begin on a tirade again.<\/p><p>Back in his room, he sat down at his desk and put his pen to the paper. Whatever he had in mind was always better than what he drew.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, you won\u2019t ever get any better if you don\u2019t keep at it,\u201d a friend had once told him, so that\u2019s what John did. The only problem was inspiration. At first, he had drawn animals, but had slowly drifted to mechanical models. When his dad saw his drawings of weapons, he bought him an air gun which was now displayed on the shelf above his desk. If he got the time in the holidays, he would show John how to use it.<\/p><p>John sighed and flipped open his library book about cars. The Chevy Impala 1967 had drawn his interest several times, but he had never dared actually depicting it. What if it didn\u2019t turn out all right? He had to hand in the book soon, though, so he threw himself into the task.<\/p><p>After a while, he had a mildly decent copy on his paper. He sighed deeply and sank back in his chair. He had a PlayStation 3, but he had already burnt through his library. He drummed his fingers on the armrest and got up.<\/p><p>John went out the kitchen entrance to the warm summer day and the backyard. The neighbourhood rules didn\u2019t permit big trees, so his dad had bought a big parasol to shelter the terrace. He looked around for inspiration and his eyes fell on the house. John sat down on a bench by his mom\u2019s rose garden and put the pad in his lap.<\/p><p>The pen reluctantly traced the contours of his home. With its simple geometric shapes, he only had to worry about perspective.<\/p><p>\u201cYou sure anybody lives here?\u201d a quiet voice asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI told you, this is where the freaks live. Now hurry up,\u201d a loud voice replied.<\/p><p>John looked up. With pad in hand, he raced around the front and peeked around the hedge and saw two kids on the footpath outside his home.<\/p><p>\u201cWhy do you call them freaks?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBecause,\u201d the second kid said and grabbed a stone from the arms of the first one, \u201canyone who\u2019d want to live in that freakish house must be a freak themselves.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s it?\u201d the first kid asked. \u201cThe house isn\u2019t that bad.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnyone who has lived in Ferman long enough knows this house. I hear the original architect hanged himself in the bedroom and you can still see his ghost wandering around. They were going to tear it down twenty years ago when these people moved in,\u201d the second kid continued. \u201cAnd, besides, they never come to any parties and they never do anything in town. It\u2019s like they\u2019re not real; like they\u2019re trying to hide something.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThis is just silly.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOkay, how about this. Their oldest kid was removed from the home. If that isn\u2019t freaky, I don\u2019t know\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d John asked nervously.<\/p><p>The two kids shared a glance. \u201cNothing. We were just leaving,\u201d the first one said.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, once we\u2019ve done this.\u201d The other one threw a stone and John shielded himself, but it flew over his head and hit the wall next to a window. \u201cWhat are you going to do about that?\u201d he asked and hurled another one. \u201cYou and your freak family don\u2019t belong here.\u201d<\/p><p>John felt his cheeks heat. \u201cI\u2019m not a freak.\u201d He clenched his fists and the other boy pushed him to the ground.<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, that\u2019s enough,\u201d the first kid said.<\/p><p>The second one grabbed John by his shirt and lifted him.<\/p><p>\u201cYou don\u2019t want to be here, and no one wants you to stay either,\u201d he whispered.<\/p><p>Suddenly the other kid was sprawled on the ground. John looked up and a shopping trolley had taken his place. An old lady stood behind it.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat the Hell is your problem?\u201d the boy asked as he got up.<\/p><p>The old lady glanced his way, but her eyes were far away. \u201cI was born to murder the world,\u201d she whispered.<\/p><p>\u201cWhoa, what\u2019s with her?\u201d the first boy asked.<\/p><p>All the fighting energy, and the arsenal of pebbles, had left the second boy. \u201cNever mind her, that\u2019s just Old Lady Taker. Another freak.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cShould we help her?\u201d<\/p><p>The other boy shook his head. \u201cWhy bother? She doesn\u2019t belong anywhere. Come on.\u201d<\/p><p>He started to leave while the other boy looked at her a moment longer. Only once they were completely gone did John approach her.<\/p><p>\u201cHey, um\u2026 thanks, I guess,\u201d John said and smiled. \u201cI mean, you probably didn\u2019t do that on purpose or anything, but I still appreciate it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cKill\u2026\u201d Old Lady Taker said. \u201cKilburne. Willesden Green. West Hampstead.\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cDo you need any help getting home?\u201d<\/p><p>Her head slumped down, her chin resting on her chest.<\/p><p>\u201cHey, you all right?\u201d<\/p><p>He reached out and touched her shoulder. Her hand jerked out and grabbed his neck in a vice-like grip. The white in her eyes turned black, like someone was injecting ink directly into her sclera. \u201c<em>Not everyone is born into their powers, Johnathan Pearce. Even those who are, seldom knows.<\/em>\u201d A deep, echoing voice not belonging to a woman or a human at all gurgled from her throat.<\/p><p>\u201cW-w-what?\u201d<\/p><p>He tried to break free, but her bony hand had the strength of ten men and the icy cold of the grave.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>The time will come, and it will come soon. <\/em><em>When you awaken to your powers, I trust you will use them with due consideration.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The old lady became limp, and her hand dropped.<\/p><p>John backed away and froze in fear. He was nailed to the spot as the old lady, mumbling to herself, shambled off with her shopping trolley. Once she was gone completely from sight, John realised he had forgotten to breathe and took a deep gulp of air and collapsed on his behind in his driveway.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat was that?\u201d he asked, trying to will his hammering heart into submission.<\/p><p>He stretched his legs, and pebbles clattered away. He stared at them for a second and remembered why he had come out front. He kicked the rest of the small stones away before picking up his notepad. He put the pen back on the paper, but his blood was boiling and his hands shaking. Rather than finishing his house, he furiously slashed the paper and finally tore out the page. An elderly couple walked by and whispered to each other, but John ignored them. The pencil tapped the blank, dented canvas on his knees.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat I want to be when I grow up,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cNot a doctor or a lawyer like my parents, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSweetie, are you outside?\u201d his mother called to him from the house. John\u2019s ears perked at the alarm in her voice. \u201cCome inside and put some clothes on, we need to go to the hospital now. It\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322841\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 22 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cSon? Son?\u201d<\/p><p>John blinked awake and looked around the waiting room. His father was looking at him. Henry was quite a bit shorter than his wife and a lot portlier, with a moustache and greying hair.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? What is it?\u201d John asked and rubbed his eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re a big brother now,\u201d Henry said and chuckled.<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean..?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right. You want to see your little brother?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p><p>His father turned towards one of the doors and held it open.<\/p><p>His mother was propped up in bed, her hair a sweaty mess, holding in her arms a blue blanket with toy trains. The bundle shifted, and John saw his little brother for the first time.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can come a little closer,\u201d Marilyn said.<\/p><p>John approached the bed. All he could see was the face. It split apart in a toothless yawn.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, what do you think?\u201d Henry asked, beaming with pride.<\/p><p>\u201cCan I\u2026 can I hold him?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p><p>Marilyn carefully shifted the bundle and John grabbed it slowly. His father adjusted his grip and John stared into down into the eyes of Ronald, his baby brother.<\/p><p>\u201cStill upset about getting a brother?\u201d Henry asked.<\/p><p>John furrowed his brow. \u201cI will protect him,\u201d he said solemnly. \u201cRonald, as your big brother, I swear nothing bad will happen.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322842\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 23 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Ragan paced around his room. It was a large one, for sure, but there weren\u2019t many more things here than in a normal boy\u2019s bedroom. Round and round he went, biting his thumb all the while. Finally, he paused by a glass cabinet opposite his door. His reflection stared back at him from the many trophies. Science fairs, speech competition, a few sports trophies.<\/p><p>\u201cThey won\u2019t be home today, right?\u201d he asked. \u201cThe deal is that no one gets hurt.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Relax, would you?<\/em>\u201d a voice boomed as his reflection grew hazy. \u201c<em>I\u2019ve told you a million times that John won\u2019t be hurt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood. Good.\u201d He lifted his hand, then lowered it again and looked back at the cabinet. \u201cAll right, listen, John means a lot to me. He\u2019s a bit of a goofball, but he\u2019s also my best friend, and the deal is over if he\u2019s hurt in any way. You hear me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Enough already, you have my fucking word. Now do you want to do this or not?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan breathed deeply and raised his hand again. \u201cAnzu! Anzu, heed my call and come to me!\u201d he yelled and pointed at his window.<\/p><p>A line began to shimmer outside, sparkling in all the colours of the rainbow. The line split down the middle and widened, further and further, until a pair of paws grabbed the sides. A mighty roar shook the windows. Ragan barely caught a glimpse of the beast before it spread its wings and was off.<\/p><p>\u201cStay on it,\u201d he said and glanced over his shoulder at the cabinet. He could once more see himself in the shine of his trophies.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322843\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, son. We\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p><p>The door opened, and John looked up from his Nintendo DS. To celebrate the birth of his little brother, his dad had given him a new game. It was a good distraction, but he was almost through this one as well.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m telling you, we were not home again this soon last time.\u201d His father\u2019s moustache quivered as he went around the car. \u201cOr the one before that,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p><p>John swung out and planted his feet in the gravel driveway, nose buried in his handheld. His mother put an arm around him.<\/p><p>\u201cGetting discharged early just means we\u2019re home sooner,\u201d she said and hugged him. \u201cAnd you have a brother to play with now.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded.<\/p><p>His father came from the other side with a baby seat in hand. \u201cAnd we\u2019ve had that room empty for a few years now. It\u2019s good to\u2026\u201d He stopped midsentence from the wilting glare of his wife. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI could use a shower,\u201d John\u2019s mother said. \u201cAnd my own bed.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry, sweetie.\u201d His father fished out his keys from his pocket and put a hand on John\u2019s shoulder. He briefly glanced up from his game. \u201cJohnathan and I can take care of Ronald.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThank you.\u201d His mother reached over and pecked his father on the lips. \u201cIt\u2019s good to know I can rely on my two boys.\u201d<\/p><p>A shadow fell on the house. They turned to the sky as a shape passed across the sun.<\/p><p>\u201cIs that a plane?\u201d his father asked. \u201cI swear, ever since\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>A gust of wind assailed them, spraying pebbles everywhere.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Donnerwetter<\/em>!\u201d Henry pushed down his hat, and Marilyn shielded John. \u201cIf it\u2019s going to storm, we better hurry inside.\u201d<\/p><p>As John\u2019s father grabbed the handle of the baby seat, John\u2019s mother put her hand over his. \u201cIt\u2019s just a little wind. Why don\u2019t you go for a little drive while I freshen up?\u201d<\/p><p>Henry opened his mouth, but his wife looked at him sternly. He nodded and put a hand behind John.<\/p><p>\u201cReally? Come on, I just want to go home,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>\u201cNo complaining.\u201d His mother kissed the top of his head.<\/p><p>\u00a0\u201cYeah, there\u2019s a really neat place I\u2019ve been wanting to show you. We\u2019ll be back in an hour, what do you say?\u201d his father asked him.<\/p><p>\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p><p>\u00a0John dragged himself inside and slowly put on the seatbelt. Henry lingered with Marilyn.<\/p><p>\u201cYou don\u2019t think it\u2019s\u2026\u201d he said in a low voice, but Marilyn turned him around.<\/p><p>\u201cGo. I\u2019ll handle it.\u201d<\/p><p>With the baby seat next to John again, his father grabbed the wheel and backed them out. He fiddled with the radio and a few notes faded into a hardware store commercial.<\/p><p>\u201cIs everything all right, dad?\u201d John asked<\/p><p>\u201cEverything is fine. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026 what was that thing in the sky?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEh, probably just a new plane from the Local Home Defense. Remember how the LHD took over the old military base last year?\u201d<\/p><p>John raised an eyebrow. \u201cBut, dad, I think that thing had wings.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPlanes tend to have those, son.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, like\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>Another burst of wind howled around them and John yelped. People fell into hedges or to the pavement. Grocery bags flew off and their contents spilled. Dogs escaped their owners\u2019 grasp. Rather than enjoying their freedom, they barked.<\/p><p>\u201cDad, can\u2019t you show me that place some other time? I don\u2019t think we should be outside right now.\u201d<\/p><p>John pressed his face against the glass, trying to find the shape in the sky again.<\/p><p>\u201cNonsense, it\u2019ll be fine as long as we\u2019re in the car. Hey, how\u2019s your brother doing?\u201d<\/p><p>Ronald was fidgeting, but still sleeping in his blue blanket, adorned with little toy trains.<\/p><p>\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p><p>His dad chuckled. \u201cGood, good. Ronald is going to need his big brother for a long time, until he gets strong enough on his own.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, dad\u2026 is everything all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course it is, why wouldn\u2019t it be?\u201d<\/p><p>His father\u2019s laughter sounded a little hollow, and John couldn\u2019t shake a feeling churning in the pit of his stomach.<\/p><p>The winds came in jerks, pushing people around and ripping things out of their hands. Darks cloud gathered in the sky, making finding the odd shape was difficult. They passed a park eerily devoid of people. The fountains sprayed their water horizontally, and the trees swayed back and forth like they wanted to escape the ground. Cars were abandoned across the road, forcing John\u2019s father to weave slowly between them.<\/p><p>A garbage can banged into the bonnet and his father slammed the brakes.<\/p><p>\u201cDad, can we please go back?\u201d John pleaded and grabbed the seat in front of him.<\/p><p>His father took a few deep breaths and started the car again.<\/p><p>\u201cCould you\u2026 could you play with your brother or something?\u201d<\/p><p>John glanced sideways and found Ronald squirming in his seat.<\/p><p>\u201cStop ignoring me, please! What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know a place where we can be safe. From the storm, I mean.\u201d<\/p><p>They left the park behind them as the sky turned a livid shade of blue.<\/p><p>\u201cA storm warning has been issued through the greater Ferman area.\u201d A voice interrupted the song that John hadn\u2019t even noticed had come on. \u201cAll citizens are advised to stay indoors or seek shelter immediately.\u201d<\/p><p>His father quickly turned it off.<\/p><p>\u201cAre we being invaded? This isn\u2019t like all the fighting in Europe, is it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t be silly, son, those civil wars would never happen here. Not again, I mean.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut the news is always talking about nationalist groups who want to hurt us. Maybe that shape from before is a fighter plane\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Johnathan, but could you just go along with me and not ask any questions?\u201d<\/p><p>John glared at his father but was interrupted by the babbling of his brother. Ronald fidgeted, so John grabbed a toy and dangled it above him. \u201cIt\u2019s so easy for you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d John said, making no effort to lower his voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t care when no one tells you anything. Like why we have to live in a big ugly house, where my big brother went, why we\u2019re going out into this stupid storm.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d Henry said.<\/p><p>John fell back into his seat and crossed his arms.<\/p><p>Outside the windows, the hospital came and went, quickly replaced by both a high school and a mall before factories popped into view. All the while, the winds buffeted them so that John had to grab on to something several times. The time passed in silence before the car came to a halt.<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, gang, here we are.\u201d<\/p><p>John jumped out and shielded himself from the wind and the dust in it. \u201cWhere are we?\u201d he asked and looked around the industrial area.<\/p><p>His father came around from the other side with Ronald in his baby seat. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t think it now, but your mother and I used to come here all the times. I\u2019ve wanted to show you for quite a while.\u201d<\/p><p>His father clapped his back, and John started walking, looking behind him for the shape but the sky had become totally dark. It could be flying around up there, and he would not even notice.<\/p><p>\u201cSure, but why now? Why in the middle of a storm?\u201d<\/p><p>They dodged discarded fridges and shopping carts. Beer bottles and cans clanged away from their feet. They trampled through someone\u2019s small garden as they aimed for an abandoned warehouse at the other end.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, we\u2019ve been cooped up in that hospital for a few days, and you were complaining about not having anything to do,\u201d his father replied.<\/p><p>A faded sign indicated the warehouse had once been turned into a roller derby before being abandoned again. The doors had been closed, but age and vandalism had pried open a small hole. John was pressed through the opening before his father ducked in after.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, what do you think?\u201d Henry asked.<\/p><p>\u201cDad, really, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p><p>Henry\u2019s smile twitched. \u201cCan\u2019t I show my sons a cool place without ulterior motives?\u201d<\/p><p>They went around the rink and came to a small shopping area.<\/p><p>Everything not nailed down had long since been plundered, but John could still see gum and stains from sodas and beers littering the floor.<\/p><p>\u201cAh, I remember when we first moved here, this place had just opened up.\u201d Henry chuckled and went around the area. \u201cYour mother would take us here all the time and I hated every moment of it. I\u2019d always fall on my ass, the food was cheap and disgusting, and the music kept playing the same outdated pop songs.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen why\u2019d you go?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cBecause your mother loved it. It was worth all those things just to see her smile and hear her laugh. That\u2019s why I was genuinely sad when they closed the place. I knew how much it meant to her. Now she has Zumba, of course, but this was something we\u2019d do together.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCan\u2019t you just do something else together?\u201d<\/p><p>His father passed his hand across one of the tables. \u201cEh, I was never any good at rhythm or balance, and that\u2019s all your mom wants to do in her spare time. We tried line dancing, once\u2026 man, what a disaster.\u201d Henry leant his head back and laughed. \u201cListen, Johnathan, do you mind if we stayed here for a bit?\u201d<\/p><p>John looked at his little brother, oblivious to everything around him. \u201cI wish I could have seen this place before it closed.\u201d<\/p><p>His father chuckled. \u201cI don\u2019t know, John, I think you take a little too much after me. But they also had these things called arcade machines. Used to take all my quarters.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know what an arcade is,\u201d John said and hit his father in the shoulder.<\/p><p>\u201cYou would definitely have liked their nachos. Just like your mom makes them.\u201d Henry stuck out his tongue.<\/p><p>A blast of wind assaulted the warehouse and rattled the few remaining panes of glass. The roof creaked. A wire snapped and a lamp crashed down.<\/p><p>\u201cNothing to worry about,\u201d his father said, directed at the crying Ronald.<\/p><p>John couldn\u2019t help but feel cold in here. Also, he had left his handheld gaming console in the car, so all he could do was try to imagine his parents here. Out on the tracks wearing skates or eating nachos on one of the benches.<\/p><p>\u201cDad, how much lo\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>Something passed by one of the windows. His father was there instantly and held him tight.<\/p><p>\u201cNo matter what happens, don\u2019t be scared and do exactly as I tell you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>A chunk of the roof smashed into the track. A gigantic paw poked through the hole and grabbed the edge of the hole. With no seeming effort, it peeled back the roof like a can of tomatoes. It all came crashing down in a cloud of dust. John screamed then coughed, trying to see through his stinging eyes. There was a snarl and a clacking as something heavy advanced across the vinyl floor.<\/p><p>His father put a finger across his lips as he ducked everyone behind an old counter. Ronald cried so he grabbed him from his seat and rocked him against his shoulder. John peeked over the top.<\/p><p>A lion\u2019s head poked through the dust. Wings spread almost from one side of the warehouse to the other. They flapped, and the air cleared. Arms with clawed paws carried it forward. Its plumage was deep purple and black. Intelligent eyes scanned the area.<\/p><p>\u201cDad, w\u2026 what is that?\u201d John whispered and jerked back down.<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, son.\u201d<\/p><p>His father dragged him into a hug.<\/p><p>The beast kept stalking the warehouse. It roared and flapped its wings and things tore off with loud groans and loudly crashed around them. Bits of railing lodged into the wall above them and plaster drizzled down on John. He felt like crying, like Ronald, but his older brother wouldn\u2019t have approved if he had been here.<\/p><p>\u201cEverything\u2019s going to be all right, just as soon as your mother gets here.\u201d His father closed his eyes and hugged them tighter.<\/p><p>The beast finally noticed the noises and advanced upon the hideout. Its paw hovered dangerously above them.<\/p><p>The clouds parted and light filled the warehouse. John blinked several times, just barely able to make out a glowing orb descending through the roof. A beam flew from the light and seared into the paw. The beast reeled and turned towards the source.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat took you so long?\u201d Henry sighed and pulled John up. \u201cThis is where we leave.\u201d<\/p><p>As John was frozen in fear, his father had to yank at him. The beast turned towards them again, but another beam raked across its back. Its howls shook the warehouse.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d John pleaded.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll explain later, just run!\u201d Henry yelled; his hair matted with sweat.<\/p><p>Beams flew like machinegun fire from the sphere. The beast jumped from side to side and banged into the walls. Steel girders snapped like twigs and smashed into the ground. Lamps crashed down. The roof collapsed entirely, and the walls cracked. John screamed, his father yelled, and his brother wailed. They squeezed through the opening again just as debris fell behind them and blocked the hole.<\/p><p>\u201cDammit, this place was supposed to be safe,\u201d Henry wheezed, his face beet red. \u201cI was supposed to wait here if anything ever happened while you took care of things.\u201d<\/p><p>He paused halfway through the empty lot, out of breath.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re hurting me,\u201d John said and pounded at his arm.<\/p><p>\u201cI never imagined it would come to this.\u201d His father released him and used the hand to wipe his own face. \u201cNow listen to me, son, we don\u2019t have much time and there\u2019s something I must tell you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat?\u201d John rubbed his arm and looked up at his father.<\/p><p>His father shifted Ronald to the other arm, the baby seat lost, and turned back towards the warehouse. Light flashed out of all the holes as if a rave party was going on inside.<\/p><p>\u201cWhere do I even begin? Okay, so, you remember when your older brother\u2026\u201d His father fell quiet. He cleared his throat before continuing. \u201cYou remember when Lawrence broke his arm?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. His brother had always gotten into trouble. \u201cMom got so angry when she found out you had taken him to the hospital.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I freaked out a little bit, but the hospital seemed like the best option at the time,\u201d his father said, bouncing Ronald up and down. \u201cYour brother\u2019s arm was fine the next day, Johnathan.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHuh? But you made him wear the cast for three weeks.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s because breaking your arm is not like scraping your knee.\u201d His father sighed and kicked a discarded can. \u201cYou and Lawrence and Ronnie too, you are\u2026 well, you guys are special. And I don\u2019t mean like how I tell you every day that you\u2019re special; I mean that you have powers.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m\u2026 special?\u201d John looked at his hands. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to be special. Everyone already picks on me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, son, I know.\u201d His father heaved a sigh. \u201cListen, you don\u2019t even have to worry about it. Your mom is going to take care of business, so we just have to let her do her thing.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat light you saw, that was your mother.\u201d Henry smiled and looked at John. \u201cI don\u2019t know what that bird monster is, but your mother\u2019s strong. This is nothing she can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDoes this mean I can do that too?\u201d John stared at the warehouse. It shook, threatening to collapse any moment.<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, son. You\u2019ll have to ask your mom when she\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p><p>The light faded and the noises died down. His father moved back towards the warehouse when a paw reached out through the hole in the roof.<\/p><p>\u201cBack to the car. Now!\u201d<\/p><p>John once again found himself dragged along, this time across the empty lot. Their car, however, was now upside down. A loud crash made him turn around. The monster, a few oozing streaks across its plumage, had crashed through the wall.<\/p><p>\u201cDad\u2026 mom\u2026\u201d John cried.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, son, it\u2019ll be all right. Everything\u2019s going to be fine. We just need to\u2026 to hide somewhere while your mother catches her breath.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p><p>His father looked around as the massive beast strolled closer. One eye was closed, and blood dripped down its feathers.<\/p><p>\u201cThe recycling plant,\u201d his father said.<\/p><p>They raced across the street. The monstrous bird but flapped of its wings. John was lifted off his feet. His father hugged a lamppost with one arm and grabbed his hand with the other, but they were both too sweaty. John glided out of his father\u2019s grasp and flew through the open gates and into the recycling plant.<\/p><p>\u201cJohnathan!\u201d<\/p><p>The car scraped along the ground with an ear-piercing noise and slammed into the gates, blocking the way. John rolled down the road between containers. He got up slowly, his body aching. All he could do was watch the beast bearing down on his father.<\/p><p>\u201cFind a place to hide; I\u2019ll try and loop around to you.\u201d His father disappeared from sight and the beast went with him.<\/p><p>John scrambled between the nearest row of containers and squatted down. He couldn\u2019t stop himself from shivering and snivelling. He tried to think of his big brother, but he was too scared. It didn\u2019t work. He hurt all over, and he could see his own blood. He closed his eyes and put his hands over his head.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Johnathan, calm down.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John peeked out and looked for the source of the voice.<\/p><p>The sphere of light hovered above the ruins of the warehouse. It flickered weakly and he could now see a woman within it. \u201cMom!\u201d John shouted.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Whatever happens, you must keep calm.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The voice echoed in his mind as his mother mustered a weak beam. The beast growled and swatted her out of the sky.<\/p><p>John could see the beast over the top of the walls: it was making its way towards his mother. Rage bubbled up inside him. John clenched his fists and stepped out of his hiding place.<\/p><p>\u201cStop hurting my family!\u201d he shrieked.<\/p><p>The beast paused. It leapt and in a single bound landed inside the recycling plant. John yipped and stepped back again. It propped its lion head close to him, observing him. John tightened his hands into fists and backed away. His rage was making him dizzy.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you want from us?\u201d John cried, snot bubbling out of his nose. He felt hot, like his blood was boiling. His skin was itchy, and he could not stop scratching.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No! You have to stay calm, do you hear me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The beast lifted a paw. John ran back behind the container. The paw smacked down, and the container burst open, spraying plastic bottles everywhere. The ground shook. John stumbled and fell on his face.<\/p><p>\u201cGet\u2026 get away from me!\u201d He felt sick. His head burned, and his blood was fire.<\/p><p>The beast swept the containers out of the way like toy blocks. John fell to the ground. Cans, TVs, bicycles, and toilets rained down around him, some shattering into pieces.<\/p><p>He looked up as the bird crept closer. The fire felt like it was dripping from his eyes and mouth. His arm was living flame. \u00a0Everything was fire and pain. Through the scarlet he noticed that his arm glowed. Distantly, he heard himself scream. He could only see the light. The bird roared and squawked at the same time.<\/p><p>Then things went dark.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322844\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 24 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you think happened here?\u201d Phil asked, leaning across the police tape.<\/p><p>Ragan stared at the crater. \u201cHmm.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDo you think John was here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean right in the middle of the explosion?\u201d Ragan shook his head. \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous, he must have been at the hospital.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, because of his mom.\u201d<\/p><p>The two stared at the former recycling plant. It was like God himself had reached down and scooped it out of the ground.<\/p><p>\u201cYou don\u2019t think he was at home when his house was flattened in that storm yesterday?\u201d Phil asked.<\/p><p>\u201cLike I said, he had to have been at the hospital. Why would they have gone home early?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut we can\u2019t reach him or his parents.\u201d Phil sighed. \u201cI wish someone would tell us how John is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo news is good news,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>Phil nodded and withdrew from the crater. \u201cYour dad must be able to figure something out. Can\u2019t he talk with the police or something?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll ask him.\u201d Ragan bit into his thumb.<\/p><p>Their thoughts were interrupted by a rhythmic clacking. They turned around and saw a woman squeezing past the barricades. The thuds came from a walking stick taller than herself, with a birdhouse on top. She wore fishnet stockings, the right one tied together where she was missing her foot, and a studded leather jacket. Her gaunt face was full of piercings, and her hair was dyed deep red.<\/p><p>\u201cJesus, what the fuck could have done this?\u201d she whispered and pushed her way past the boys. They made a hasty retreat as the lady closed her eyes and took a deep breath.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322845\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cStill no deaths have been confirmed following yesterday\u2019s explosion at the recycling plant, though several were injured. While the cause remains unidentified, the Local Home Defense have gone on record that they are not involved. Numerous protesters have flooded inner Ferman demanding answers and the LHD has responded by deploying soldiers on the streets. No link has been established to yesterday\u2019s storm that demolished a house in the suburbs.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose turned off the radio. She was short and brawny, with her blonde hair tied back to reveal a time-worn face. Her small pawnshop was crowded with customers and had been that way almost constantly since morning. That\u2019s not what drew a sigh from her, however. \u201cI guess it really must be a nationalist attack,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>\u201cOf course they would deny any involvement,\u201d answered an old man. He tapped the glass of the counter. \u201cHow much for that gun?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou got a permit?\u201d<\/p><p>The old man grumbled and fished out his wallet. \u201cIt just ain\u2019t natural. The LHD is supposed to replace the world\u2019s armies? What exactly makes the Local Home Defense any different to an army, just because you call it a peace-keeping force?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOld man, your permit expired in the seventies,\u201d Rose said and held up his card. \u201cI can\u2019t legally sell you any firearms unless you get this renewed.\u201d<\/p><p>The old man yanked back his licence. \u201cIt\u2019s the end of the world and you won\u2019t let me defend myself? What if that explosion was a nationalist attack? What if European cells have infiltrated America to retaliate against us?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI doubt anyone is coming for you specifically,\u201d Rose said. \u201cYou\u2019re more than welcome to purchase anything else in here, though.\u201d<\/p><p>The next one in line put a sack on the counter and started dragging out jewellery like a magician with a never-ending handkerchief.<\/p><p>The bell above the door jingled. A woman in a dark suit and dark sunglasses entered, stuffing a dark hat under her arm. Even her hair was black.<\/p><p>The customers looked up from the many display cases and remembered they had other places to be. The man at the counter stuffed his sack again and followed everyone else out.<\/p><p>The woman approached the counter, and all the sounds died. Perhaps it was just the door outside closing, but the clocks seemed to have stopped ticking, the TV in the backroom muted, and even Rose\u2019s own breath ceased.<\/p><p>\u201c\u0623\u0646\u062a \u0631\u0648\u0632 \u0628\u064a\u062a\u0631\u0633\u0646\u061f,\u201d the woman asked.<\/p><p>Rose stared at her confused, again remembering to breathe. \u201cPardon?\u201d<\/p><p>The newcomer pulled out a notepad, her eyes slowly gliding down. \u201cVous \u00eates Rose Petersen?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNow listen here, if you\u2019re just going to make fun of me, then this is a bad day for it,\u201d Rose yelled. \u201cI\u2019m very busy\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The other woman held up a finger and studied her notepad again. \u201cYou are Rose Petersen?\u201d she tried, her inflections all over the place.<\/p><p>Rose crossed her arms and nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cI am Detective Ebadicael of the FBI.\u201d She put away the notepad and produced instead a badge, and Rose held out a hand.<\/p><p>\u201cEverything in here is above board, detective, so I really don\u2019t know how I may be of help to you. We follow the law in here.\u201d Rose scrutinised the badge and pushed it back.<\/p><p>The detective stared at Rose. Though Ebadicael had a charming face, Rose couldn\u2019t help but feel a chill running down her spine.<\/p><p>\u201cUh, so, what can I do for you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWould you and your husband be interested in taking in a ward of the state?\u201d the detective asked and picked up her badge.<\/p><p>Rose blinked a few times, letting the sentence sink in. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, for a moment there I thought you asked me\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf you would take in a ward, yes. I am afraid I cannot divulge any details during this preliminary meeting, but I will still need to hear if you are at least interested.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWait, hold on,\u201d Rose said and waved her arms around. \u201cWhy would you want us to do it; there must be hundreds of people wanting a kid in this area. Did\u2026 did my husband enter us into the system? Because this is the first I\u2019ve heard of it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA social worker will come to your home later today and explain the situation further.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLook, I haven\u2019t said yes yet,\u201d Rose said and slammed her hand into the counter. \u201cAnd you still haven\u2019t told me why you chose my husband and me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy apologies, but time is of the essence here. Law necessitates that the ward be in the presence of legal guardians during all interviews and we would like to conclude the formalities ere he wakes up.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEre?\u201d<\/p><p>The detective flushed and consulted her notepad again. \u201cBefore. Before he wakes up. Now, what say you?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose shrugged, still unable to wrap her head around the absurdity of the situation. \u201cFine, send the social worker around. Not like she\u2019s going to allow a former prostitute and her con artist husband to have anything to do with a kid.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI am aware of your history.\u201d Detective Ebadicael picked her up hat again and strode towards the door. \u201cI will await the positive reply once you have talked with the social worker.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWait, this wouldn\u2019t have anything to do with that explosion at the recycling plant?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose sprinted out after the detective, but the streets outside were empty. No cars were leaving, either. Rose scratched the back of her head.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322846\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The hospital in Ferman was designed by the same architect that built John\u2019s home. In fact, the hospital resembled nothing so much as a larger version of his house with several more stories. In the observation wing, John was coming around. He stared blankly up at the ceiling.<\/p><p>\u201cMom?\u201d he called out and turned his head. Wires connected his arm and chest to machines. He could see his heartbeat as a squiggly line getting squigglier as the fog cleared from his mind. \u201cDad?\u201d<\/p><p>He was in a room full of beds and people. Some had curtains drawn. John could hear voices from behind them. The other patients were children, too. They had casts on their arms or legs, or a bandage across their foreheads, or their parents shielding them from view.<\/p><p>\u201cCalm down, it\u2019s all right, you\u2019re in the hospital,\u201d one of the nurses cooed from the foot of his bed.<\/p><p>\u201cW-what happened?\u201d John asked and coughed. \u201cI-I was just at the recycling plant. W-what am I doing here? I need to find my mom and dad and tell them that I\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p><p>The nurse came around to his bedside table and poured him a cup of water from a pitcher. \u201cYou\u2019ve been unconscious for three days,\u201d she explained gently. \u201cI\u2019m the one who\u2019s been taking care of you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut why?\u201d John tossed his head around. \u201cWhy am I here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou were in an accident.\u201d The nurse held out the cup, but John jerked his hand away. The plastic cup clattered to the floor and splashed the water up against the wall. Everyone looked up, but John ignored them and tugged at his IV.<\/p><p>\u201cEasy, easy, you\u2019re going to hurt yourself.\u201d She tried restraining him, but this only made John thrash more wildly.<\/p><p>\u201cI want my mom! I want my dad!\u201d he screamed.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Displaying more strength, the nurse held him tighter.<\/p><p>\u201cMommy! Daddy! Lawrence!\u201d<\/p><p>Two older nurses burst in and pushed the younger one away.<\/p><p>\u201cRemember your training,\u201d the first of them hissed.<\/p><p>The young nurse nodded and drew the curtains while one of them put a needle to his IV. Slowly John calmed down and fell asleep.<\/p><p>\u201cGo tell that detective she can interview the boy tomorrow morning,\u201d one of the older nurses said to the younger one. \u201cGoodness knows she\u2019s been calling here enough times asking about it.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322847\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 25 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The woman with the birdhouse cane hobbled through the middleclass suburbs in the east part of town, pausing a hundred metres from a ruin near the forest\u2019s edge. \u201cThis is its nest,\u201d she proclaimed. \u201cLooks like it got destroyed in the fighting.\u201d Only the foundation was left. The walls and even the surrounding trees had been pulled up by their roots and tossed aside. Isolated as it was, the damage was limited.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Look<\/em>,\u201d a voice replied in her head.<\/p><p>A large truck was parked on the road in front of the lot. Workers sat by a folding table on its gravel driveway. Soldiers walked around in blue uniforms. The red letters \u2018LHD\u2019 was printed inside a large circle on their back and stitched on their chest.<\/p><p>Her shuttered eyes took them in one by one. \u201cIt\u2019s not any of them.\u201d<\/p><p>A uniformed young man approached her. \u201cExcuse me, ma\u2019am, this is a restricted area. Please turn away now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWho lived in that house?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMa\u2019am, this place is not open to the public. Leave, now.\u201d<\/p><p>Salvage had begun on the ruin. The truck was loaded with broken debris, but there were many boxes on the ground, some open where she could spot personal effects. The letterbox still stood by the road; the black box was only mildly crooked.<\/p><p>\u201cThe Pearces, what happened to them?\u201d the lady asked.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you deaf?\u201d The soldier took a step towards her.<\/p><p>\u201cAre they dead?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m warning you; this is your last chance!\u201d<\/p><p>She turned on her heel and began walking away. \u201cA family \u2026 what the Hell is going on here?\u201d She grabbed her head between her hands.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>One of them survived. You must kill it,<\/em>\u201d the voice said.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, thanks, I\u2019m aware,\u201d she muttered.<\/p><p>An older soldier approached the first one and whispered something to him. He nodded and rushed after the woman.<\/p><p>\u201cWait, hold on, ma\u2019am. What\u2019s your interest in this?\u201d he asked and grabbed her arm.<\/p><p>She swept her cane under his feet and continued on.<\/p><p>The older soldier helped up his colleague and they both aimed their rifles. Staring ahead confused for a moment, they lowered them again.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry, what were we doing again?\u201d the older soldier asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI-I\u2019m not sure. I feel like I was talking to someone just now\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhatever. Get back to your post, now.\u201d<\/p><p>The two soldiers went back to the ruins as the woman hobbled away, back towards town.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What\u2019s the plan?<\/em>\u201d the voice asked.<\/p><p>\u201cThe family angle could potentially mean more targets, but I got a good whiff of their scent. They won\u2019t be able to hide from me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And when the time comes, will you be able to do it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The woman instinctively looked up despite knowing the voice was inside her head. \u201cI\u2019ll do what needs to be done.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322848\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The world was dark and quiet. John tried to recall how he had gotten here, but he drew a blank.<\/p><p>His attention was caught by a window hovering in the air. He reached up to the sill and pulled himself up. John peered into a kitchen where a group of people sat around a table, one of them cradling a baby wrapped in a blue blanket adorned with toy trains.<\/p><p>He slipped down and looked behind the window. The kitchen wasn\u2019t there, only more darkness and windows everywhere. They led to places he did not recognise, and many just showed bathrooms or stared right up at the sky or were completely dark.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you like it?\u201d A figure swaggered out of the darkness; his arms spread out. \u201cWelcome to the mirror realm, my own personal domain.\u201d<\/p><p>John started back and bumped into a window. He gasped, expecting to plunge backwards into a ballroom, but the surface was solid. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m Azer, and you\u2026 you must be Johnathan Pearce. Such a pleasure to finally meet you.\u201d The man was tall with a head full of dark hair. His shirt was open to reveal a scar running diagonally down his chest.<\/p><p>\u201cH-how do you know my name?\u201d John said and withdrew behind the window.<\/p><p>Azer checked himself. \u201cI beg your forgiveness. I have not had anyone to talk with for so, <em>so<\/em> very long,\u201d he said and cleared his throat. \u201cFrom this prison I can see almost the entire world. Well, I say see, but it\u2019s more like I felt you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPrison? What do you mean, prison?\u201d<\/p><p>Azer pulled his head back and roared with laughter. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, kiddo, this is just <em>my<\/em> prison. You are a guest. Kind of like in Monopoly.\u201d<\/p><p>John pinched himself and winced. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a dream?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, could be, who knows? How do I know I\u2019m not just dreaming you up right now?\u201d Azer laughed again.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, what am I doing here?\u201d John asked, peeking out from behind the window. The man remained motionless.<\/p><p>\u201cI just summoned you for a little chat, you know, while you\u2019re dreaming anyway. I figured we could breach the topic of, \u2018I really frigging don\u2019t like being trapped here.\u2019\u201d Azer turned around with his hands in the air. \u201cI mean, sure, it\u2019s fun to have portals linked to every mirror on Earth, but it gets stale after a few dozen millennia. Just trapped in here, nothing to do but watch and no way to interact.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s terrible and all, but I don\u2019t see what I can do.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt certainly is terrible!\u201d Azer sighed dramatically and put a hand to his forehead. \u201cBut you, you have some power. With your help, I could get out of here.\u201d<\/p><p>A young woman jumped into frame of John\u2019s window, making him leap back. She was just dancing in and out of view, though.<\/p><p>\u201cDid it really happen?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cDid what really happen?\u201d Azer didn\u2019t even blink at the events of the mirror.<\/p><p>\u201cI mean\u2026\u201d John frowned, unsure how to word it. \u201cI remember the light. I made it, and it blew up. Was that real?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI-I don\u2019t\u2026 I don\u2019t know.\u201d John stared down at his feet. \u201cI guess I\u2019ve always felt there was something off about my family. I just didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, no need to go into overdrive for my sake; you\u2019re still recovering, after all.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked up and followed Azer\u2019s finger to the window showing a small hospital room. There was a single bed in there, and John was resting in it.<\/p><p>\u201cListen, I shouldn\u2019t have disturbed your dreams by bringing you here. My apologies,\u201d Azer said. \u201cYou go back to your dreams, and I\u2019ll contact you later through a mirror, all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-sure, but, how do I get back?\u201d<\/p><p>As he said it, the world faded away around him. Azer waved. \u201cAnd keep this between us. No one would believe you anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>John waved back until he was floating in the vacuum of space again. He was not drifting aimlessly. Something pulled at him.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322849\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cWhere am I now?\u201d John asked, rubbing his eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re in a private room, at my behest.\u201d A dark-clad woman sat on a stool next to his bed. John nearly fell out of his bed. \u201cDo you recognise me?\u201d Ebadicael asked.<\/p><p>John stared at her, willing his heart to calm down. \u201cYou\u2019re the FBI agent who took my brother away,\u201d he said meekly. \u201cAre you here to take me away as well?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, Johnathan, I\u2019m here to ask you about what happened three days ago. Do you remember?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot really,\u201d he said. \u201cMy dad and I were going for a drive and then\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter,\u201d the detective said, twirling a pen between her fingers. \u201cYour social worker will join us soon with your foster family so we can begin the formal interview. Before that, you must promise me that you will not tell the truth of what you saw.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat?\u201d he asked, sitting up straight.<\/p><p>\u201cI know what you saw and what you did and what you are, and I\u2019m telling you right now, you must never reveal it to anyone else. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot\u2026 really, I don\u2019t remember what happened.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat is irrelevant,\u201d she said and tapped her notepad. \u201cWhen the interview starts, your explanation is that you saw a blimp, and that\u2019s all you saw.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPlease, if you know what happened, tell me!\u201d John shouted. \u201cAre my parents still alive?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael grunted. \u201cVery well,\u201d she said and put the notepad away. \u201cYour parents are missing but presumed alive. Thus, we are doing everything in our power to track them down and get their side of the story.\u201d<\/p><p>John felt the world spin around him. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.<\/p><p>\u201cI have arranged for a new family for you in the meantime,\u201d the detective continued. \u201cYou will live a normal life with them, you will not discuss the truth with them, and they must not know what you can do.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut I don\u2019t want a new family,\u201d John croaked and continued a little louder. \u201cI want my mom and dad and my little brother!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe are working on that. Believe me, we wish to get a hold of them just as much as you do, but until then, it is paramount that you cooperate with us. For your own sake.\u201d<\/p><p>John thrashed around in his bed but Ebadicael pinned him down with one arm. Her eyes glowed bright yellow and her voice echoed. \u201cListen to me, Johnathan Pierce,\u201d she said, and he did, all at once forgetting everything else. Her hand displayed unusual strength for her size, and there was a warmth to her.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2026 what are you? What am I?\u201d John asked and wept.<\/p><p>\u201cThat is irrelevant right now. You will forget everything concerning your powers, and you will never call on them again. I entreat you, live a normal life, or it will be my duty to remove you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cR-remove?\u201d John gulped deep.<\/p><p>Footsteps stopped outside the door. John could hear them speaking muffled. The detective was still fixed on him, however.<\/p><p>\u201cDo I have your word?\u201d Ebadicael pressed.<\/p><p>With cold sweat beading on his brow, John nodded, and she let him go. The door opened and the glow was gone from her eyes.<\/p><p>A dark-skinned lady with hair cropped short entered.<\/p><p>\u201cHello, Johnathan, my name is Idowu. It\u2019s been a few years, but do you still remember me?\u201d she asked, parroting Ebadicael from earlier.<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re the social worker who handled my brother\u2019s case.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI did. Are you still angry with me that he was removed?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI miss him sometimes,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2026 see,\u201d Idowu said, sounding a little disappointed. \u201cYou know why\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael cleared her throat. \u201cExcuse me, but where are the foster parents? Did I not instruct you to let them pass?\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu hugged an electronic tablet close to her. \u201cYou did, and I did. The Petersens seem like good people and I agree that John\u2019s best interests will be served well with them. For that reason, I do not hold past mistakes against them. However, I merely wished to check up on my client first.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat will not be necessary, Johnathan Pearce is fine.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ll have to forgive me if I wish to make sure of that myself,\u201d Idowu said and looked back at John. \u201cHas anyone explained the situation to you?\u201d she asked him.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can\u2019t find my parents. Right?\u201d John said, a little hopeful that maybe she would contradict Ebadicael, but\u2026<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d she said, her face and tone of voice softening. \u201cA few days ago, you were involved in an explosion at the recycling plant here in town. You seem to have escaped unscathed, but your parents and your little brother are all missing.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs I said, I\u2019ve been over this.\u201d Ebadicael grabbed her notepad and crossed her legs. \u201cNow, I really wish to start the interview, and I can\u2019t do that without legal guardians present.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJust a moment,\u201d Idowu said calmly. \u201cAs we can\u2019t find your parents, and you don\u2019t have any other family, you are being placed with a foster family.\u201d<\/p><p>It felt like a gut punch. That the agent had explained it before didn\u2019t do much to soften to blow. All of it started to spin around his head and a veil of drowsiness was falling over him. Sluggishly, he nodded.<\/p><p>Idowu smiled. \u201cYou could have it much worse as a ward of the state. A lot of the kids that I\u2019ve dealt with had to go through the system for years or ended up in crowded foster homes. I don\u2019t know what kind of magic the FBI used, but they managed to find a family that was willing to take you in. I\u2019ve talked with them, and the Petersens are a wonderful couple with a lovely home.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDone?\u201d Ebadicael asked.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you really need John to receive foster parents to interview him?\u201d Idowu furrowed her brow and turned from the bed towards the FBI agent. \u201cI don\u2019t recall this being the procedure.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThose are my orders,\u201d Ebadicael stated firmly.<\/p><p>The two women stared at each until Idowu returned her attention to John.<\/p><p>\u201cWell then, John, do you feel up for meeting the people who\u2019ll be taking care of you?\u201d<\/p><p>He felt more like plopping back on to his pillow, yet somehow managed another nod.<\/p><p>Idowu went back to the door and Ebadicael leant in towards John. \u201cRemember what we talked about. Stick to the script.\u201d<\/p><p>Following behind Idowu was a short and brawny woman and a well-built Asian-looking man. The woman put her stetson and handbag on a chair in the corner and clacked across the floor in her high-heeled boots.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, you\u2019re not looking too terrible after what I heard you have been through. A little pale, maybe.\u201d She planted a big hand on John\u2019s forehead, and he snapped back.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ve always been pale,\u201d he said.<\/p><p>She stared down at him and withdrew her hand. \u201cMy name\u2019s Rose. Rose Petersen, and this is my husband, Minik.\u201d<\/p><p>She threw out her hand and Minik, in a loose shirt and sandals, drew a little closer. \u201cHey,\u201d he said and scratched his arm.<\/p><p>\u201cI know you\u2019ve just woken up and everything, but I just thought you should know that there isn\u2019t an orphanage or anything waiting for you. Until they find your parents, Minik and I have agreed to take you in.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-so I\u2019ve heard,\u201d John said. \u201cBut it\u2019s temporary, right? Just until they find my parents, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019re out there somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUntil then, I hope you won\u2019t mind staying with us,\u201d Rose interjected and smiled.<\/p><p>Ebadicael clapped her hands. \u201cAll right, everyone, I know that nothing has been made formal yet, but I\u2019d appreciate it if we could get on with it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight you are,\u201d Rose said and stood back.<\/p><p>\u201cStarting the interview,\u201d Ebadicael said, \u201ctell me what happened three days ago.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked up at Rose and Minik. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I saw a blimp, and that\u2019s all I remember.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood, good, and what were you doing out in the industrial sector in the first place?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe were just going for a walk while my mom was preparing the house.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael jotted all of his answers down on her notepad as she asked the questions. After a while, she finished, picked up her hat from John\u2019s bedside table, nodded to him, and left.<\/p><p>\u201cJohnathan hasn\u2019t been cleared for release yet, so he will have to stay here for now,\u201d Idowu said and got up as well. \u201cI figure it will just be for observation overnight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, but, just one last thing?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p><p>\u201cRose, please, I thought we agreed he wouldn\u2019t be interested in something like that,\u201d Minik said and put his hand on her arm.<\/p><p>\u201cThis is important,\u201d she replied and glared at him. Minik backed off with a shrug. \u201cListen there, Johnathan, I don\u2019t know if you\u2019re a spiritual kind of fellow, but I want you to have this.\u201d She yanked out a crucifix from her pocket and put it down on the table next to John. \u201cI know things must seem kind of overwhelming right now, but that\u2019s why it\u2019s good to have faith in the big man in the sky.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cT-thanks,\u201d John said from the safety of his covers.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd he has manners too,\u201d Rose said and laughed. She bent over and kissed his forehead and he felt her warmth. It was familiar and not at all unwelcome. \u201cI hope you won\u2019t mind coming back with us?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs this really necessary?\u201d John asked, barely able to keep his eyes open anymore. \u201cI\u2019m sure my parents are going to come for me soon.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt won\u2019t have to be long, but I spent all day clearing a room for you,\u201d Minik said. \u201cMight as well spend a day or two.\u201d<\/p><p>John opened his mouth to protest more, but he had finally reached his limit and plopped back on his pillow.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322850\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>There was only light. John was floating in a vacuum of warm, bright nothingness. All he had to do was give himself completely and all the pain and weariness and troubles would melt away. Getting a little brother, not getting to go on vacation, being bullied, it all seemed so insignificant.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Johnathan\u2026 Johnathan\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>A quiet voice echoed behind him. He tried to turn towards it, but his will drained out of him as the light began to absorb him. What did it all matter now anyway?<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Come back\u2026 Don\u2019t do it\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John drifted upwards, carried by the light. No longer could he even remember what it was that bothered him. Something about school? Or family? What were those things anyway? Who was he? He sighed calmly as the light swallowed him.<\/p><p>Something yanked at his arm.<\/p><p>The peaceful light shattered and cold, painful darkness surrounded him. He was tumbling backwards into a deep pit. He tried to scream but his voice was muted. He flailed his arms and finally hit the bottom.<\/p><p>John opened his eyes and found himself on the floor of his hospital room. A clock high up on the wall proclaimed it was four in the morning in glowing numbers. He grabbed hold of his head with both hands.<\/p><p>\u201cI remember now,\u201d he said, and the tears came easy to him. \u201cI\u2026 I exploded.\u201d<\/p><p>He ran into the bathroom and hiked up the sleeves of his gown to examine his arms and even checked his stomach and legs too. Not a bruise, not a wound, not a single scratch anywhere.<\/p><p>He looked at his palm, trying to feel the power he felt back then. A flash went through his mind. He saw the destruction again, felt the fire boil his blood and burn his organs. He stumbled back and banged against the wall, cold sweat covering his body. Just like the detective said, he must never call on that power, ever again. He had been lucky last time.<\/p><p>The hospital room was still quiet when he returned. The moon peeked out from behind clouds and cast a ghostly sheen through the windows. John looked at his bed, but he felt rested, for the first time in days. His mind raced around even more than before, making it hard to focus on any one thing. He grabbed his head and screwed up his face, willing his mind to calm down. And then a thought occurred to him: he needed to see the crater. That was where this had all culminated, and it would put things into perspective.<\/p><p>The corridor outside the room was empty and dark. John slinked along like he had seen people do on the television. He made it as far as the receptionist\u2019s desk where a security guard sat.<\/p><p>\u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d the guard asked.<\/p><p>John froze. He retreated while heavy feet pounded on the tiled floor. A cone of light wandered up the reception area, closer and closer, stopping just short of where John was rooted to the ground. He could hear static and a clicking.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, what is it?\u201d the guard asked into the darkness. \u201cWhat? Aw, hell, I\u2019ll be right over.\u201d<\/p><p>John pressed himself against the wall, but the cone of light retreated. He held his chest for a few seconds, trying to still his hammering heart as the footsteps moved away.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>How do you like that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John clasped a hand over his mouth as he was about to cry out. In the pale light of the moon, he could see his reflection in the glass door he had just come through. Behind him stood a bare-chested figure.<\/p><p>\u201cAzer?\u201d John asked and peeked behind him. No, he was alone in real life.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner<\/em>,\u201d Azer said and laughed. \u201c<em>Being locked in here does afford me some comforts. For one, I can manipulate coincidences.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John dared closer, his gaze skirting around.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>It\u2019s all right, kid, I got your back. Didn\u2019t mean to make you jump out of your slippers, but I couldn\u2019t help noticing you were planning a little excursion. You, uh\u2026 you\u2019re taking a walk in your hospital gown?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John looked down at himself. \u201cYeah. Thank you,\u201d he said and ran.<\/p><p>Guards finished their patrols just seconds before John arrived. Electronic locks were being replaced. The backdoor had not been shut properly. The unmown lawn diffused the noise he made. There was a small hole in the garden fence.<\/p><p>John looked up at the moon and couldn\u2019t help but laugh. Then he remembered why he had run. With a nod of conviction to himself, he hurried ahead.<\/p><p>The hospital was just on the edge of the industrial part of the city. Somewhere ahead was a crater he had made, only he didn\u2019t know the way. He almost stopped when he thought of Azer. With his help, it would be a cinch to find. John rushed ahead and turned a corner.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322851\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cHere it comes.\u201d The woman with the birdhouse cane lifted her head to the wind, her nostrils flaring. \u201cI told you it would come here.\u201d<\/p><p>She threw a tarpaulin over herself and lay down on her back in the rubble heap. Her cane went on her stomach. It turned into a halberd, the birdhouse becoming a blade sinking into the rubble between her feet. She closed her eyes. Her hands danced across the shaft, and it filled with light.<\/p><p>It was close now, she could feel it, disguised as a boy; as a human child. As it neared, so did her feel for it. Every aspect of it was available to her. It stopped by the edge of the crater. She could hear it sniffle\u2026 mourn?<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s so warm.\u201d Her breathing became laboured as she clutched her chest. \u201cHoffman, it burns.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What was the first thing I ever taught you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat evil has many disguises.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And it has many forms. So, kill it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut what if it isn\u2019t evil? Hoffman, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a demon.\u201d She moaned and writhed. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like a child; It <em>is<\/em> a child,\u201d she gasped and wept.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>It\u2019s not human, you fool, it\u2019s an aberration. Kill it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t, Hoffman. Please, I\u2019m begging you, don\u2019t make me kill him!\u201d<\/p><p><em>\u201cKill it!<\/em>\u201d the voice in her head screamed.<\/p><p>The halberd soaked up her light as fast as she could produce it. Already it was filled to the brim. Now the trouble was containing it. She had to release it. But the boy, he was just a child, not a demon or a monster. She bit her lip to keep herself from screaming. The other end of the halberd glowed faintly. Soon it would fire on its own.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Kill it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>She couldn\u2019t hold back anymore and released. It didn\u2019t feel good this time. Rather than vibrating as the energy exploded, it fizzled out. She stared. The halberd was a birdhouse again. She threw away the tarpaulin and a dark shape towered over her.<\/p><p>\u201cMaster?\u201d she gasped.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Unorthodox,<\/em>\u201d the voice chided.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322852\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The hole was bigger than he had imagined. Not just the recycling plant, but a chunk of the road and the land around it was just gone. Weirder, the crater formed a perfect semicircle. John sat down at the edge.<\/p><p>He thought he had no more tears. He had been wrong. He held up his arm, rubbing them away. Lawrence always scolded him for being too girlish. One time he had caught John playing with their mother\u2019s makeup. John could sometimes still feel the sting of Lawrence\u2019s fists. John tried not to cry but he never could help himself. Then Lawrence would just beat him more and call him names. There was no one here to stop him now.<\/p><p>The clacking of a cane made him jump up and turn around. He had been alone; he was sure of it. From the ruins of the old roller derby came a thin, short woman leaning up against an oversized pole\u2026 with a birdhouse on top? John rubbed his eyes. The figure had only one shoe; the right leg had no foot to put one on.<\/p><p>There was only the crater behind John, and he had no intention of falling down there.<\/p><p>\u201cI know what you are,\u201d the woman said.<\/p><p>\u201cD-Azer?\u201d John whispered hoarsely.<\/p><p>She held on to her walking cane with her right hand and seized his shoulder with her left. It had surprising strength despite its bony appearance. \u201cBut I don\u2019t understand how a human could\u2026 no\u2026 one of your parents perhaps? But such a thing\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>John wriggled and struggled but she effortlessly held him in place. \u201cLet go of me!\u201d<\/p><p>Her shuttered eyes gave her a sleepy expression, but John could feel an intense fire within the scraggy woman.<\/p><p>\u201cYou must learn how to control your powers.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cW-what?\u201d John was so surprised that he forgot to fight back.<\/p><p>\u201cMy job is usually to exterminate your kind, but my master has made an exception for you. I will teach you.\u201d\u2019<\/p><p>\u201cW-what do you mean? Who are you?\u201d John remained on guard. This was the type of person his mother had always warned him about.<\/p><p>\u201cI am someone you do not want to mess with.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere\u2019s a whole \u2018nother world out there with its own rules. What if this happens again, huh?\u201d She pointed to the crater without taking her eyes off John. \u201cYou\u2019re an irregularity, a mistake, but you have been given a chance.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d John clenched his eyes and turned away. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I did, but I never want to do it again!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s too goddamn late for that right now.\u201d She released him with a push so that he sat on the ground. \u201cTomorrow, we\u2019ll meet back here. If I\u2019m not here, you wait. If you don\u2019t show up, I will hunt you down. Don\u2019t think I won\u2019t. I have your scent now.\u201d<\/p><p>The woman turned on her one heel and clacked off.<\/p><p>Once she was sufficiently far away, John retreated back the way he had come. Though growing short of breath, he could not stop running. All he could think of was getting back to his hospital room. The crucifix hopped out of his gown and dangled from his neck. He fingered the metal, warm from his bare skin. It reminded him of the Petersens. Nothing made sense anymore. Perhaps he would wake up in a different world tomorrow.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1583\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1583\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Part 2 \u2013 The Terrifying Flaming Horse<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1583\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1583\"><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322854\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 26 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I can\u2019t see anything wrong with you.\u201d The doctor sat down on the stool by John\u2019s bed. He consulted the chart on his tablet. \u201cBlood tests are back, and everything looks good,\u201d he said and smiled. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t think you had been through anything bad with these results.\u201d<\/p><p>John\u2019s eyes were focused the wall clock. He had not slept a wink all night, but he was not tired in the least. It was a little weird, but far from the weirdest thing that had happened lately, so he did not give it much thought.<\/p><p>\u201cThen, I can leave now?\u201d he asked, dangling his feet over the edge of his bed.<\/p><p>\u201cI should think so. You\u2019ve gotten plenty of rest, and it\u2019s unlikely we\u2019ll see any retarded effects.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked up puzzled at the guy. \u201cI\u2019m not a retard.\u201d<\/p><p>The doctor chuckled. \u201cNo, it means delayed, as in, after-effects. You\u2019re a perfectly healthy young man,\u201d he said and got up from the stool. \u201cI\u2019ll go call your social worker.\u201d<\/p><p>John watched the doctor leave while drumming his hands on the bed. Waiting for another few moments after he had been left alone, John jumped down and rushed to the door as well. The corridor was filled with people. John found the doctor walked one way, so he hurried through the throng in the other. The nurses were too preoccupied with their jobs, and the patients were only interested in themselves. In his civilian clothes, John passed for a visitor and no one stopped him.<\/p><p>He had not, in fact, woken up in a yet another different world. It was the same one where he had blown a hole in a recycling plant and lost his parents. That also meant he still had an agreement with a frightening lady who, upon reflection, he did not know the name of. Further reflection also revealed that this lady might have some answers.<\/p><p>The world outside the hospital was brightly bathed in sunlight and bustling with activity. It was also a wide-open place, quite dissimilar to the world he had snuck out into yesterday. John stared at the parking lot, unsure where to go. Once he reached the street, however, he found some familiar-looking trees. Picking up speed, he also passed some familiar high rises. Grassy fields and urban development took turns. When he reached the technical school, he paused. This wasn\u2019t the way to the crater, or the industrial sector for matter. There was another destination in his heart. He was heading home.<\/p><p>Conflicted, he was rooted to the ground. When it had been the choice between the weird lady and his new family, his desire had seemed so clear. Now, with a third option, he didn\u2019t know what to do at all.<\/p><p>A car banged up on the sidewalk behind him, and John nearly toppled down the incline next to him. Several cars honked as they narrowly swerved out of the way. John backed away, considering taking the topple anyway. This seemed very much like a stranger danger situation he had been warned about once. Granted, it wasn\u2019t a van, but the car was a rusty, mismatched wreck that surely couldn\u2019t belong to anyone good. John almost ran when Minik jumped out.<\/p><p>\u201cWasn\u2019t as hard to find you as I feared,\u201d he said calmly, and he casually strolled around his old junker towards John. \u201cYou were on your way home, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cY-yeah,\u201d John replied, relaxing.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry to scare you like that, but everyone kind of panicked when you were gone.\u201d Minik nodded to his car. \u201cCome on, jump in.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUm\u2026 Minik, I\u2019m sorry, but\u2026\u201d John started, dragging his feet.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, yeah, I know. Let me just send Rose a text, then I can take you home.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cR-really?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI mean, it\u2019s still a long way away, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded vigorously and flung himself into the back, clearing away a mountain of trash to find the seat and the buckle.<\/p><p>\u201cListen, I know it sucks,\u201d Minik said, entering the traffic to another choir of honking. \u201cThe only person I\u2019ve ever had close to me was Rose. When it comes to making friends, I keep making the wrong ones.\u201d The technical school came and went on the right. Some other buildings appeared on the left. \u201cRose is the only good thing that has happened to me, and if she were ever to get hurt\u2026 I don\u2019t know what I would do.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik turned on the radio. A rock channel, blasting out some indecipherable lyrics.<\/p><p>John grabbed his knees. \u201cSorry I ran away.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI understand, John, just talk to one of us first; it\u2019s not like we wouldn\u2019t let you. Tell me, what are you hoping to find there?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI-I don\u2019t know. Some answers, maybe.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI hope you will, with what\u2019s left.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean you don\u2019t know?\u201d Minik adjusted the mirror and looked back at John who stared back at him with big eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but there was a storm the day of the explosion. Seems your house was damaged. You\u2019re damn lucky not to have been at home at the time.\u201d<\/p><p>John squeezed his eyes shut. Again, he could see the bird, gales sweeping from its wings.<\/p><p>\u201cListen, I hope you\u2019ll come to like staying with us,\u201d Minik said, his voice soft. \u201cYou know, Rose and I almost had a kid of our own. Could have been eleven this year.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll be eleven next month.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik laughed. \u201cReally? Damn, what are the odds of that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAh, well, I\u2019ll tell you that story another time.\u201d<\/p><p>Neat rows of houses leapt into existence on both sides, so John grabbed the seat in front and pulled himself up. Soon his home would pop into existence, looking over all the others. Yet no matter how close they got, all he could see were large trucks. Soldiers standing guard. Workers in orange vests milling about. And lastly, heaps of debris. There was a familiar letterbox half-buried right by the footpath. It was dinged and covered in dirt. He could just make out his own name.<\/p><p>\u201cWhen I said your house was damaged, I meant more like\u2026 flattened. Hey!\u201d<\/p><p>John had unbuckled himself and was out of the door even before the car had come to a complete stop. Minik skidded to a halt and jumped out after him.<\/p><p>A soldier approached them. \u201cExcuse me, sir, this place is off-limits.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCan\u2019t you make an exception for the kid who lived here?\u201d Minik asked and grabbed John.<\/p><p>The soldier grabbed a folder dangling from his hip and leafed through it. \u201cSure, but just a moment. This is no place for a child.\u201d<\/p><p>John clenched his eyes and let the tears flow again. \u201cWhy does this keep happening to me?\u201d<\/p><p>Before John could get an answer, he heard the rapping of a cane.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not all bad. They managed to salvage a few things.\u201d John looked up at the sound of the familiar voice. Of all the people to show up here, the weird lady from yesterday was the one he had least expected. Still clinging to her birdhouse cane, she seemed to guard three cardboard boxes. \u201cYour wardrobe was surprisingly sturdy. Most of what\u2019s in here came from that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd you are?\u201d Minik was suddenly in front of John, coming between the two.<\/p><p>\u201cHis aunt,\u201d she replied without batting an eye. \u201cI came as soon as I heard what happened to my sister. What\u2019s your business with my nephew?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s funny, no one mentioned anything about an aunt when I was appointed his guardian.\u201d Minik slowly blew up and John realised how muscular he was as his loose shirt began to frame his broad shoulders.<\/p><p>She glanced past him and gave a slight jerk of the head at John.<\/p><p>\u201cA-auntie. Long time, no see,\u201d John said and rushed up to hug her. As she bent down to reciprocate, he whispered: \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy orders,\u201d she whispered back. \u201cAs much as I would love to take the path of least resistance, my master insists I actually make an effort, so here we are.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik looked her up and down and raised an eyebrow, perhaps at her piercings or her hair dyed a deep red. He let out air, however, and returned to normal size again. \u201cI\u2019m Minik,\u201d he said and extended a hand.<\/p><p>The woman cast a quick glance to the cardboard boxes, one of them filled with magazines. \u201cJazlynn,\u201d she said and straightened up before shaking his hand, though her short stature did little to improve her height. Her sleepy appearance and scraggy frame didn\u2019t help either.<\/p><p>Minik raised an eyebrow. \u201cJ-Jazlynn?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs there a problem?\u201d she asked, not giving an inch.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, no, it\u2019s just a name I would normally associate with\u2026 look, are you here to take away John?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shook her head. \u201cI only came to check up on my nephew. Looks like I needn\u2019t have worried.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, uh, since you\u2019re here, why don\u2019t you come back with us?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would love to. Been a while since I had a proper meal.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik grabbed one of the boxes, looked to see if any of the soldiers were stopping him, then started back towards the car.<\/p><p>John sat down by his old letterbox and took in the wreckage. The last thing from his past\u2026 gone. All that was left was a few boxes of clothes.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t feel sad or angry, just empty and adrift. Distantly he heard people talking. Someone grabbed his arm and nudged him away. His eyes fell on a piece of paper caught in the hedge. A London metro rail map. He grabbed it instinctively as he was led to the car. He had a vague notion of Jazlynn being with him as he stared out into nothing.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322855\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re his aunt?\u201d<\/p><p>John had been listless, probably still tired from his ordeal, so Minik had dragged him upstairs. Idowu and Rose were then left to greet Jazlynn and take her to the living room. Idowu in particular sounded sceptical as she frantically swiped at her tablet.<\/p><p>\u201cMy records do not show any extra family, not even grandparents.\u201d<\/p><p>Still clinging to her cane, Jazlynn followed them down the corridor. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be surprised, our parents disowned me a long time ago. I\u2019ve been living on the streets ever since.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAre you making a claim on John?\u201d Rose asked, walking with her.<\/p><p>\u201cHow? I don\u2019t have an address, or the mobility I used to. I\u2019m more than happy to let him stay here.\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu scratched her nearly bald head. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to make some enquiries about this. This is highly irregular.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, but John recognised me, so I don\u2019t see what the problem is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cTrue. And having a familiar element in his life could have a stabilising effect on him,\u201d Idowu said.<\/p><p>Before she could continue, however, Jazlynn had already slung herself down into the couch. \u201cI plan on sticking around for a bit. Is that all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Minik said, coming through the doorway.<\/p><p>\u201cNow hold on a minute,\u201d Rose said and clapped him on the shoulder. \u201cIf you really are John\u2019s aunt, I would love to hear more about him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBoth of you, back off! No one\u2019s agreeing to anything yet,\u201d Idowu said and sat down in the chair in front of Jazlynn. \u201cJohnathan has already confirmed your identity, but that does not mean you should get to see him. How well are you even acquainted with him?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shrugged. \u201cI didn\u2019t see much of my sister or her family after I was kicked out.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd why were you kicked out?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shifted uncomfortably in the couch and avoided Idowu\u2019s stare. \u201cI don\u2019t like to talk about that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s not an option,\u201d Idowu said, keeping her gaze trained on Jazlynn. \u201cUnless you answer my questions, I\u2019ll have you removed from the premises.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFine. I was kicked out because I was an underachiever, all right?\u201d Jazlynn made a dismissive noise and finally met Idowu\u2019s stare. \u201cMom always liked my sister the best. She was always the one with the good grades, and I was the one constantly in trouble. So when I flunked, I was kicked out.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat did you do after that?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn tapped her fingers against her cane. \u201cI started a band.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe did all right. Until we got caught in a bar fight and I lost my foot and all my band members.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose whistled. \u201cHot damn.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn relaxed her shoulders and looked away again. \u201cSo there, that\u2019s what I\u2019ve been doing.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen what have you been doing since?\u201d Idowu continued, seemingly not fazed by Jazlynn\u2019s story.<\/p><p>\u201cDrifting, mostly. My sister was good to me, but she was married and had her first kid, so I was just a burden to them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDrifting? On one foot?\u201d Minik asked.<\/p><p>Idowu glared at him before continuing. \u201cWhat he said.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMostly thumbing my way around, taking jobs wherever I could.\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu started noting it all down. \u201cAny problems with alcohol or drugs?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy only problem is with authority. And stairs.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDid any of your jobs involve solicitation?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWas I a hooker? No, never,\u201d Jazlynn emphasised.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat kind of company do you keep?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMyself, mostly. People tend to call me an ugly bitch,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cLike, I apply for a waitress job, and they stick me in the kitchen where customers can\u2019t see me.\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu scribbled furiously on her tablet. \u201cAre you planning on staying long in town?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cI came to see how my nephew is doing. I haven\u2019t done a lot of that yet.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah I am, is that going to be a problem?\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu looked to Rose and Minik who had been reduced to stage props. \u201cI hope not.\u201d She put her tablet and pen down on the table. \u201cI don\u2019t see a reason to prevent you from seeing your nephew, but I will be making regular check-ups.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOne thing,\u201d Minik said. \u201cCan\u2019t you easily check if this person really is Johnathan\u2019s aunt? I mean, there must be records somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course, but those files are sealed by the FBI. When I headed their other son\u2019s case two years ago, it was the same tug of war. All I know of Johnathan\u2019s family is his parents and siblings.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLands and stars,\u201d Rose exclaimed and scratched her head. \u201cNot to act like you\u2019re not here, Jazlynn, but what do you suggest, Idowu?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUntil I verify with the FBI that Johnathan has an aunt, I would limit their time together.\u201d Idowu sighed and picked up her tablet and pen and rose to her feet. \u201cAt the same time, Johnathan himself has confirmed her identity. Spending time with a familiar face could be conducive to his recovery.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Rose said and flexed her hand. \u201cIf there\u2019s any trouble with Jazlynn, I will take care of it myself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s only fair,\u201d Jazlynn said and got up as well. \u201cI think John has had enough excitement for one day, so would it be all right if I came back tomorrow?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose smiled. \u201cOnly if you tell me more about him then.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know how helpful I can be, I mean, I barely\u2013.\u201d Jazlynn jerked her head towards the first storey. \u201cYou know, I think I want to say goodbye to my nephew before I leave. Do you mind?\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322856\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>John opened his eyes sluggishly and stared at his surroundings with bland indifference. He was too tired to care that he had never been here before. There were boxes with his name on it, so he could guess this was to be his room, and he had a desk and a bed and a wardrobe. He closed his eyes again, inhaling the smells of detergent and wind from his linens.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Swanky place you got here. I think you\u2019ll feel right at home.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John craned his neck and stared at the wardrobe. The voice sounded familiar, but too many weird things had happened. He jumped down, crossed his room and opened the door. The wardrobe was empty. John stuck his head in, making the coat hangers above him rattle.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Over here, kid.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>A mirror was set into the door. Rather than reflecting John, he saw Azer smiling back at him.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Yo!<\/em>\u201d Azer said and saluted John. \u201c<em>If you\u2019re just going to stand there like a guppy, listen. Be careful of Jazlynn.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John blinked several times. \u201cRight, yeah, I know.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No, John, you don\u2019t know. We\u2019ve met only once before, but that was yesterday. Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019ve already forgotten what I can do even though you\u2019re staring at it right now.<\/em>\u201d Azer laughed and John smiled back. \u201c<em>She\u2019s not kidding when she says she\u2019ll kill you. She\u2019s already come close once.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo what do I do?\u201d John opened the closet further so he could see the mirror from his bed.<\/p><p>Azer jabbed a thumb at his chest. \u201c<em>I told you already, didn\u2019t I? I\u2019m watching over you. If she tries any funny business at all, I\u2019ll stop her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow? You also told me you\u2019re locked in there.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I\u2019m the effing god of coincidences. She can just try me!<\/em>\u201d Azer threw up his arms. A gust of wind rustled through a window and its curtains, and the wardrobe door closed just as the room door opened.<\/p><p>Jazlynn hobbled inside and threw around her head.<\/p><p>\u201cW-what\u2019s wrong?\u201d John asked, watching her inspect every corner of his room.<\/p><p>\u201cI had a feeling,\u201d she replied and lifted an empty waste basket by the desk. \u201cA bad one. My skin was crawling and everything.\u201d She replaced it and bolted to the wardrobe and flung open the doors. \u201cYou\u2019re not negotiating with demons, are you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUh, no.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cConsorting with ghosts?\u201d she pressed and slammed the wardrobe shut. \u201cSummoning monsters? Dealing with angels?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAlso no.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEver since the incident, perhaps before, have you seen anything unnatural? Heard voices?\u201d Jazlynn jumped up on the bed and peeked at a shelf above it, taking down books at random.<\/p><p>\u201cNo!\u201d John said and slammed the closet door shut. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHmm. Perhaps nothing. Might just be residual energy,\u201d she mumbled and sat down in the chair by the desk, her birdhouse pole clanging against the wall. \u201cYou seem to be feeling better, so I want you to tell me what happened on that night.\u201d<\/p><p>For a brief moment, John considered telling her of Azer. For some reason he couldn\u2019t explain, he stopped himself, and recounted his story. The real one this time.<\/p><p>\u201cI see. That explains the energy surge I felt here. Too bad I was so far away at the time.\u201d She folded her hands and rested her head in them. \u201cBut why would that bird monster appear in this podunk town? And why would it attack you? Was it summoned? Then by who?\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cI-I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn slammed her fist against the desk. A cylinder toppled and spilled its contents of pencils. \u201cThen tell me what you do know! What are you? What is your mother?\u201d<\/p><p>Not knowing what to answer, John opened and closed his mouth several times before hanging his head.<\/p><p>\u201cForget it. We\u2019re starting totally from scratch here, I can tell.\u201d Jazlynn sighed deeply and put a hand through her hair. \u201cI haven\u2019t trained anyone before, so we\u2019ll approach this slowly. Wouldn\u2019t want to kill you, after all,\u201d she said and grabbed her pole and heaved herself up.<\/p><p>She hobbled towards the door, her right leg dangling just above ground. \u201cI\u2019ll drop by as often as I can, you got that? You already know the only alternative to my training.\u201d<\/p><p>When the door shut behind her, John felt even more tired than before. He flopped back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. This was his new reality. About a week ago, he had worried how being a big brother would change his life. Now those worries seemed so miniscule.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322857\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 27 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Sunlight filtered through curtains to land in his face. John blinked and for one moment it seemed like everything was back to normal. The sound of feet on the steps was his mom coming up to wake him. But the bare walls of the room came into focus before the door opened.<\/p><p>\u201cJohnathan? Are you all right?\u201d<\/p><p>John swung his legs to the floor and for a moment he sat there. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said and looked up at Rose. \u201cActually, I do. I feel really good.\u201d His hands felt more powerful. His skin tingled and the tiredness from the last few days was gone.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear that. You were asleep all morning.\u201d Rose wore an apron stained with batter and her sleeves were slightly singed. \u201cNow come on down. I tried making some food, but I don\u2019t think it went all that well.\u201d<\/p><p>John got up on his feet. His whole body was so light it felt like he would fly off if he jumped. He made sure to grip the railing tightly as he got his first proper look at the house. It was narrow, probably half the size of his old home, if not more. Everything sparkled but was also frayed and worn, from the steps to the rugs and the tapestry. John couldn\u2019t help but wonder if the house had been unkempt until a hasty clean-up for his arrival.<\/p><p>A corridor squeezed itself past the bottom of the stairs. The first door on the right had the washroom, the next one the kitchen, and the one at the end led to the living room. On the left side Minik sat watching TV, the right side had a large table where Jazlynn sat with a cup of coffee. The breadbasket was still mostly full, and she was enjoying a bowl of cereal.<\/p><p>\u201cGood morning,\u201d she acknowledged as John took a seat opposite her. \u201cWe barely got a chance to talk yesterday, so I came here early. I wouldn\u2019t have bothered if I had known you were going to sleep in.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI was hoping she could tell me more about you, but it really doesn\u2019t sound like you\u2019ve spent much time together,\u201d Rose said and took the seat at the end and flung her apron off. It landed across an armchair next to Minik. \u201cListen, I don\u2019t mind at all, but if you don\u2019t want her hanging around, you just tell us.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn raised her gaze for a moment. \u201cNo, it\u2019s no problem,\u201d John replied.<\/p><p>Rose scratched her neck and looked away. \u201cI\u2019ll be straight with you, Johnathan, I\u2019m on the wrong side of thirty and I\u2019ve never done this before. When that FBI agent approached me about this, I was scared. I\u2019m still scared.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can just call me John,\u201d he replied and pulled the breadbasket closer. Most of the content was burned beyond redemption. The box of cereal and milk caught his eye instead.<\/p><p>\u201cRight. John.\u201d Rose moved her mouth as if she was tasting the word. She made an approving noise and sat down by the table. \u201cSince your aunt couldn\u2019t be any help, I need to hear it all from you. What foods do you like? What\u2019s your favourite colour? Do you have a girlfriend?\u201d<\/p><p>John eyed the breadbasket again. For a moment he thought of all the food he would never taste again. His mother\u2019s mac \u2018n\u2019 cheese. Her pasta and meat sauce. Her chocolate cakes. \u201cNo. I don\u2019t really get along with anyone at school.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNow that can\u2019t be right.\u201d Rose laughed and clapped John on the shoulder. \u201cYou already look so different from when I first visited you. A little more grown up, I should think.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and took a sip of his cereal. The milk was warm.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, you seem very confident,\u201d Jazlynn chipped in and looked up from her newspaper. \u201cFeel any different?\u201d<\/p><p>Coming from her specifically, it sounded like a medical question posed by a doctor. John swallowed his cereal and took a deep breath. \u201cYeah, it\u2019s weird. It\u2019s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI see,\u201d she said with a pensive look. \u201cJohn, I think we should train in the backyard when you\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cTrain?\u201d Rose exclaimed. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn spent a quiet moment slurping the last of her coffee. \u201cTo protect himself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf you mean martial arts, then I can do that.\u201d Rose flexed her arm, revealing the muscles she kept hidden under her sweatshirt. \u201cI\u2019ve attended self-defence classes, I\u2019ll have you know. I\u2019m also one of those few people who use their gym membership often.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s very impressive and all,\u201d Jazlynn said and poured herself more coffee, \u201cbut I\u2019m not talking about the Krav Maga offered by the local youth centre.\u201d She looked over the edge of the newspaper and John once more became acutely aware of being spoken to directly. \u201cWe\u2019re starting off with some visualisation exercises. Things could get intense.\u201d<\/p><p>John felt like questioning that statement but concentrated on his cereal instead.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, all right.\u201d Rose drummed her fingers on the table. \u201cMaybe I could learn something too?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can go to the shop, if you want,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on things here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat shop?\u201d Jazlynn asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI run a pawnshop out in the industrial quarter,\u201d Rose explained proudly. \u201cI\u2019m usually open every day, but I\u2019m making an exception now that we have John.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik looked up from the TV. \u201cI told you, I got this. I had a few ideas for John\u2019s room anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut\u2026\u201d she started protesting but Minik got up and pecked her on the cheek. \u201cOh, what the heck, I\u2019m only open for a few more hours anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>When they finally heard the door slam, Minik turned to Jazlynn. \u201cShe loves that place. Never been able to figure out why.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI see,\u201d Jazlynn replied.<\/p><p>\u201cAnother thing,\u201d Minik continued. \u201cI don\u2019t mind having you over, but I don\u2019t want you alone in this house. If both of us need to leave, one of us will take John with us. I hope you can respect that.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cNot a problem. You\u2019re worried that I\u2019m a kidnapper.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik groaned. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t go that far. John did vouch for you, I just don\u2019t think he knows you that well either.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cTrue,\u201d Jazlynn said and Minik went back to the TV. \u201cNice people,\u201d she said as she leant in over the table.<\/p><p>\u201cI suppose.\u201d John grabbed a slice of bread from the basket now that the maker was gone. How anyone had managed to slice them in the first place was a mystery; the crust was black and hard. John quickly put it back.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I\u2019m sure they are,\u201d Jazlynn said and put her head in her hand.<\/p><p>\u201cIs this all right, though?\u201d John asked and poured himself some more cereal. \u201cThey\u2019re going to quickly figure out that my mother never had a sister.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, I wouldn\u2019t worry about.\u201d Jazlynn swirled the last of her coffee around in her cup and swigged it down. \u201cNow, I wasn\u2019t lying when I said we were going to do visualisation exercises,\u201d she said and got up.<\/p><p>\u201cCan\u2019t it wait one second? I\u2019m really hungry for some reason,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>\u201cNaturally. You have just awakened to your power; everything you\u2019re feeling right now is from that.\u201d<\/p><p>John scarfed down the last of the cereal and joined Jazlynn on the floor. \u201cBut haven\u2019t I always had this power?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course, but it has been dormant for all this time. Likely you would have eased into the awareness, rather than jumping the gun like this.\u201d Jazlynn went for the garden entrance. \u201cI\u2019m still not sure what creature your mother was, even after our talk yesterday.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs!\u201d John corrected and followed her.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, yes, now come on.\u201d<\/p><p>It was another hot day with little wind. John rustled his shirt and wished for the shade inside.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m going to expand on what we discussed yesterday.\u201d Jazlynn rested in a white plastic chair while John sought shelter under a pear tree reaching into the neighbouring garden. \u201cBasically, you transform your life energy into a physical force that you can eject as a weapon. Being a human in a mortal body presents a problem, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cProblem?\u201d John asked and sat down in the grass. It smelled freshly mowed.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve already experienced it. Um, let\u2019s see if I can explain it,\u201d Jazlynn said and scratched her cheek. \u201cSupernatural beings like your mother can tap into the energy of the world beyond ours to feed their powers. Something like that. Your problem is that you can\u2019t. Instead your power boils your blood and burns your organs for fuel.\u201d<\/p><p>John suddenly felt cold, his sweaty back freezing. \u201cHow\u2026 how did I survive that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs long as you don\u2019t kill yourself, you can regenerate,\u201d she dismissed with a shake of her hand.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd how does that work?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThink of your power as a core of energy inside your body. You can take that energy and use it as a weapon, and as long as you leave just a fraction of it within you, it can regenerate itself and heal you. Anyway,\u201d Jazlynn said and clapped her thighs, \u201cyour problem last time was a lack of restriction. Just letting lose like that nearly consumed you entirely.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked at the lawn. He grabbed some of the loose straws and played them through his fingers. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t it, then? How am I still alive?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shrugged. \u201cAll I can think of is that your mother must have intervened somehow.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen\u2026 I killed her?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe, but don\u2019t flatter yourself; your power is bound to be nothing compared to hers.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMm.\u201d John closed his eyes, trying to process it all. \u201cAll right, I think I\u2019m with you so far. How do I control it then?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cVisualisation, how many times do I need to repeat myself?\u201d Jazlynn said, fanning herself with her hand. \u201cYour power is like an iceberg. Most of it is still hidden deep inside you, and even what you can see is still too immense to grasp.\u201d<\/p><p>John thought about that and saw himself adrift in a rowboat on the Arctic sea.<\/p><p>\u201cForget about commanding that entire thing,\u201d Jazlynn continued. \u201cChip off just a tiny bit. That will be plenty.\u201d<\/p><p>Now he saw himself armed with a comically small pickaxe, stretching out of the boat to scrape off flakes. \u201cI can see the connection, but how does this help me?\u201d he asked.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t just see it, visualise it. That iceberg <em>is<\/em> your power,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cBut I don\u2019t know how to do that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFind your power inside. Make the abstract tangible. And whatever you do, don\u2019t throw yourself at it. I have no way of stopping you if you hit critical mass\u2026 short of killing you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOkay, here goes.\u201d John took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Somewhere inside himself his power hid.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322858\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>It was dark. With no place to stand, John floated, though he could also have been falling. He looked around with a dull glare, wondering where he was now. What was it that he needed to do? He couldn\u2019t seem to remember, for some reason. But wait, how had he gotten here? What was the reason?<\/p><p>John dispelled the apathy miring his mind but could not get rid of the clouds filling his head. Why was it that he couldn\u2019t go home? Right, the explosion. Now he thought of his parents, and the world started taking form. His feet touched solid ground. Walls grew around him. A table sprang into life. Two people were seated around it.<\/p><p>\u201cMom. Dad,\u201d John said and walked through his living room, like he had on so many other days. They ignored him. \u201cC-come on, why aren\u2019t you\u2026\u201d John reached out a hand that passed through them.<\/p><p>His heart sank as he took his usual seat between them. Yet something about the scene soothed him. It was breakfast. A regular breakfast. His mother wasn\u2019t pregnant, and neither of his parents were missing. They were here where they should be. John smiled and just enjoyed their presence.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you sure that this is what you should be doing?\u201d His mother turned towards him, making John yelp and fall out of his chair. \u201cThere was something else you were supposed to do.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cI think so, but\u2026 I couldn\u2019t help thinking of you.\u201d<\/p><p>His mother smiled and stroked his cheek. \u201cMy sweet, dear Johnathan, I am truly sorry for everything that has happened. If I could do anything over again to keep us together, I would. But we can\u2019t be together anymore.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy not?\u201d John asked and firmly grabbed the hand on his cheek. \u201cWhy can\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBecause I\u2019m not supposed to be in this world. People will attack you because of me like they did the other day, so this is for your own safety. It\u2019s a miracle that we even got all these years together in the first place.\u201d<\/p><p>John lowered his gaze.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019re you doing?\u201d His father voice echoed through the room.<\/p><p>\u201cOur son is dreaming about us. Do you want to see him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course! How does this work?\u201d<\/p><p>Marilyn grabbed Henry\u2019s hand, and the dream version of him snapped into life.<\/p><p>\u201cJohnathan,\u201d his father said, beaming. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry for never telling you anything. Well, until right before everything happened. We thought we could keep the fa\u00e7ade going forever, so there was always more time. We were wrong.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s all right; I have someone to teach me now,\u201d John said. \u201cWhere did you go?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFar away,\u201d his mother said and took a deep breath. \u201cYou will never see us again, but that doesn\u2019t mean we\u2019ve stopped loving you, or that we ever will. This is just how things need to be.\u201d<\/p><p>The tears came unbidden and rolled down John\u2019s cheek. \u201cIt\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, it\u2019s not,\u201d his father said, \u201cbut we\u2019re all right. And you will be too. You\u2019re a big boy now.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cCan we meet again like this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cProbably not, sweetie. I shouldn\u2019t even have done this, but I couldn\u2019t leave things as they were. I had to say goodbye properly. If you ever, ever need us though, you can always call for me here, but it has to be serious. The enemies we fear can use this place to track us both, after all.\u201d<\/p><p>John wiped his eyes with his arm. \u201cBut\u2026 I don\u2019t understand anything. What\u2019s going on? What am I?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI wish there had been time to tell you everything. I wish you hadn\u2019t awakened your powers. And most of all, I wish we could meet again.\u201d Both of his parents embraced him. \u201cListen to me carefully, Johnathan: learn how to use your powers so that they don\u2019t kill you, but only use them if you absolutely must.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe still love you,\u201d his father said.<\/p><p>\u201cNow go, find what you came here for.\u201d<\/p><p>The world faded back into darkness, and he could no longer feel the warmth of his parents. Wind howled in his ears. The ground below him rocked rhythmically. He looked up and saw the blue sky stretching forever. He was adrift in a dinghy without oars or sail. John shuddered, huddled in the bottom, trying desperately to get warm. If only he could find land somewhere, anything to make the waves stop thrashing him around.<\/p><p>A shadow fell over him. He lifted his head and saw an iceberg. The immensity of it filled his entire vision, and no matter how he turned his head it was still there. It was more like a landmass, a continent made entirely of ice. The sides of it were steep and slanting up to mountains like spearheads piercing heaven. Yet at its bottom was a flat plateau. His boat was drawn towards it.<\/p><p>The prow screeched along the ice. A wave from behind pushed him further in. He jumped out. The ice was secure and it\u2026 hummed, pulsating like it was alive. Dark clouds gathered across the sky and a chill wind howled through his marrow. He would find no shelter here, but another wave had already claimed his boat. He could only watch as it floated further and further away.<\/p><p>Shivering, John turned to the wall of ice. As with the boat before, it now called to him, and he obeyed. He reached out, feeling the rough, cold shape beneath his palm.<\/p><p>The iceberg shook. John staggered back, teetering at the water\u2019s edge. The mountain of ice tipped, as if wanting to push him into the drink.<\/p><p>\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p><p>He thought for a moment it was himself that had said it; it\u2019s what he was thinking and there were no one else with him. But just as he soaked his heels a powerful force yanked at him.<\/p><p>The arctic world faded and for a moment he stared only at black. Then he felt the warmth of summer and the clamminess of his shirt. Jazlynn knelt in front of him, her small hands surprisingly strong in their grip around his shoulder.<\/p><p>\u201cFor fuck\u2019s sake, you idiot, I told you not to throw yourself at it,\u201d she screamed at him. A man passing by the hedge paused. Jazlynn sighed and continued in a lower voice. \u201cWell, at least the visualisation part of it went well. You saw the representation of your power.\u201d<\/p><p>John realised he was out of breath and his heart was running wild. He took a moment to calm himself before replying. \u201cYeah, I saw it all right,\u201d he said and swallowed hard. \u201cJazlynn, it was huge. Just how much power do I have?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re not going to blow up the planet anytime soon, but the crater you left at the recycling plant is probably not even half of what you can do.\u201d Jazlynn fell away from John and sat down. \u201cYour approach was too feeble. If you\u2019re not going to take this seriously, then your power will consume you. Literally.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t doubt that,\u201d John said and nodded. \u201cI want to try again.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d Jazlynn replied quickly. \u201cNo, not right now. I don\u2019t think you understand how long you were gone.\u201d<\/p><p>He looked up at the sky. The Sun had moved, and his shadow had turned away from him. \u201cHow long <em>was<\/em> I gone?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHours, but I\u2019m guessing it didn\u2019t feel that way.\u201d Jazlynn scooted over to the table and helped herself up. \u201cTrying to find your power, especially the first time, is a long journey through the darkest depths of your mind where time and space are irrelevant. I\u2019m surprised you managed to find it on your first try.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI almost didn\u2019t. I really was lost, but then I saw my parents.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn tensed up. \u201cYou\u2026 you saw your parents? You mean like a dream?\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cNo, I really talked with them. I thought I was dreaming at first, but my mom turned to me and spoke to me directly. My dad came too. They were saying\u2026\u201d John swallowed the lump in his throat. \u201cThey were saying goodbye.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHoly shit,\u201d Jazlynn said and grabbed her head. \u201cIf you inherited even a fraction of her power, then you\u2019ll still be able to do some insane things.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, but my first attempt was too feeble.\u201d He thought back to the iceberg. What could he possibly do different?<\/p><p>\u201cYou can worry about that later. It\u2019s almost dinnertime, and I\u2019d prefer to do the cooking before Rose can,\u201d Jazlynn said, hobbling along on her birdhouse cane.<\/p><p>John sighed and got up as well. God, he felt stiff. Everything cracked as he unfurled himself. \u201cSo many things have happened, but it\u2019s really only been about a week. I think\u2026 I think I\u2019m going to be all right.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat would be another side effect,\u201d Jazlynn replied. \u201cNow that you\u2019ve awakened to your powers, you\u2019re going to experience a higher threshold than usual, as long as you don\u2019t overextend yourself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to be mean?\u201d John said, shuffling after her.<\/p><p>\u201cKeeping your core healthy is going to keep you healthy of mind and body. You\u2019ll see what I mean eventually.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322859\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Minik waited for them by the dining table, a plastic bag on the chair next to him. \u201cHad fun with your aunt? You guys were quiet for a long time. Apart from that screaming just now, what was that about?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJust visualisation exercises,\u201d Jazlynn said and took a seat opposite him.<\/p><p>\u201cThat something you learnt from playing in a band?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, you just meet a lot of interesting people on the streets. What\u2019s in the bag?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik hoisted the bag up on the table and looked at John. \u201cIdowu told me you were good at drawing, and I thought it might be good for you with an unplugged hobby.\u201d He showed a notepad and pencils before stuffing them back inside. \u201cI was scrounging for stuff we had around the house and it made me realise, you\u2019re missing a lot of things, aren\u2019t you? Like, do you even have a phone anymore?\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cIt was in my jacket, but that\u2019s gone too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe should get you one. And some more stuff for your room. You\u2019re off school, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah,\u201d John said. \u201cWe had last class this week.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAny homework to be done over the summer?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, but I think I have plenty to write about now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about friends?\u201d Minik asked, folding his hands. \u201cDo they know you\u2019re all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2026 I\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik shook his head. \u201cYou do have friends, right?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded almost imperceptibly.<\/p><p>\u201cAny of them play soccer? I coach Mondays and Wednesdays after school, maybe I\u2019ll know them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI doubt it,\u201d John said. He smiled. \u201cWould it be all right to have them over?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course,\u201d Minik said and put an arm around John. \u201cWe\u2019re a family now. It might feel awkward for you, but it\u2019s the same for me and Rose too. If there\u2019s ever something you\u2019re not satisfied with or if there\u2019s something you want, don\u2019t hesitate to tell us. The worst that can happen is that we say no.\u201d<\/p><p>John fidgeted with his hands.<\/p><p>\u201cI bet you play video games,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI can\u2019t get your old savefiles back, but we have some consoles. Rose keeps kicking my butt in Wii Sports.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGot any Tekken?\u201d John asked hopefully.<\/p><p>Minik carefully scrutinised John for a long moment. \u201cFighting games, huh? All right. I\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d<\/p><p>A chair scraped across the floor from Jazlynn getting up. \u201cHow about you guys keep talking and I make some dinner?\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322860\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 28 June 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>When the doorbell rang, John was down the stairs and flung the door open before anyone else.<\/p><p>\u201cHi, am I the first one?\u201d Phil asked and stepped inside. Despite being only a few years older than John, he was taller by almost two heads. He was muscular and well-tanned with deep, green eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I talked with Ragan too, but it seems he couldn\u2019t make it,\u201d John said and stepped aside.<\/p><p>Phil threw his jacket on a hook. \u201cReally? When I spoke with him, he was even more worried about you than I was. You couldn\u2019t have picked up a phone or something?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I\u2019ve kind of\u2026 lost everything,\u201d John mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cRight, shit,\u201d Phil said and lifted him up in a bear hug. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry, it\u2019s just\u2026 we had no idea where you went or what happened to you. Then we learnt you were in the hospital, but we couldn\u2019t see you because they would only allow family in.\u201d Phil\u2019s voice broke off into sobs. John patted him gently on the back.<\/p><p>\u201cGlad to see one of John\u2019s friends could make it.\u201d Rose peeked out of the kitchen, a packet of store-bought cookies in hand. \u201cYou\u2026 look a little old.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFifteen, ma\u2019am, as of a few months ago!\u201d Phil released John and marched over with heavy steps that made the house shake.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, pleased to meet you, Phil.\u201d Rose wiped her hand on her trousers before shaking his.<\/p><p>\u201cWow, firm grip you have there, Myth!\u201d Phil said, pushing back.<\/p><p>Rose held his grip and starred at him. \u201cWhere did you learn that name?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s what my pops calls you,\u201d he said, looking at her suddenly nervously but unable to wrench himself free. \u201cI-is that wrong?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I just didn\u2019t think there\u2019d still be people remembering that name.\u201d Rose sighed and released him. \u201cWell, you can tell him my name is Rose. And only Rose.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUh, sure, ah, Ms Rose,\u201d Phil said, his face completely red.<\/p><p>John grabbed Phil\u2019s arm and dragged him towards the stairs. \u201cCome on, Phil, let me show you my room.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, sure.\u201d He turned around to Rose before following. \u201cBye, bye, Ms Rose.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI have something to tell you,\u201d John said as they rushed upstairs. \u201cBut you\u2019re probably not going to believe me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p><p>He took a seat on the bed while John sat down in the worn office chair. \u201cYou know that explosion at the recycling plant? I think I did it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? Get out of here!\u201d Phil said and laughed.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I\u2019m serious,\u201d John said and drew closer, so he could lower his voice even further. He told the whole story with an excited voice. Phil nodded from time to time. When John was done, he leant back against the wall.<\/p><p>\u201cJohn, sometimes I like to imagine things too,\u201d Phil said. \u201cWhen my parents start yelling, I just pretend to be somewhere else. I\u2019m a knight and I fight dragons!\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m serious. My mom was glowing. And so was I. I took out that monster bird.\u201d He went over to his wardrobe and pulled open the door. The mirror was empty. Instead of getting into Azer as well, he closed the door and sat down again. \u201cI\u2019ve spent every day after the incident asleep. Only yesterday I woke up feeling refreshed. Last night I could not fall asleep. I was just sitting here watching old reruns till four in the morning. Yet when Rose woke me up four hours later, so we could go to church, I wasn\u2019t tired.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe you dreamt you couldn\u2019t fall asleep?\u201d Phil suggested. \u201cBoy, if you think your fantasy is weird, you should see my dreams.\u201d He chuckled but then cleared his throat. \u201cWell, actually, maybe it\u2019s a good idea you can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, I\u2019ve just been so full of energy,\u201d John said and collapsed into his chair. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDude, you should come lift weights with me.\u201d Phil bounced on the bed. John observed nervously, wondering if it would break.<\/p><p>An image of Lawrence floated into John\u2019s mind. \u201cThank you, but like every time you ask, no,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, how was Ragan?\u201d he asked, hoping to banish his older brother again.<\/p><p>Phil made a noise like a deflating volleyball. \u201cMan, that dude\u2019s acting all kinds of squirrelly,\u201d he said. \u201cI called him to see if he wanted to go to the crater with me, right, and he gets super defensive for some reason. We finally agree to go, and he barely says two words before taking off.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI mean, it\u2019s not unusual for him to be busy, but you\u2019d think he\u2019d be more concerned about me,\u201d John mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cIn a way, I think that goober is. You should have heard him on the phone,\u201d Phil said and grinned.<\/p><p>John nodded. Before he could say anything, his door opened, and Rose entered backwards. She was carrying a tray with cookies and orange juice.<\/p><p>\u201cHey boys, I didn\u2019t know what you liked, but I hope this will be good enough.\u201d She put it down on the desk and was halfway out again when she paused. \u201cYou know, it feels weird to be John\u2019s mother when his best friend has known him for longer than me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAw, dude, Ms Rose, I have the best stories about John!\u201d Phil said and grabbed a handful of the cookies from their bowl.<\/p><p>\u201cPhil, no, please, she doesn\u2019t want to hear about any of those,\u201d John protested.<\/p><p>\u201cNonsense, I would love to hear more.\u201d She sat down on the bed and smiled despite John\u2019s blushing. \u201cIt all still feels so unreal to me. Not a week ago, it was just me and my husband here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you want to know?\u201d Phil asked.<\/p><p>\u201cHow did you guys meet?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s grin became almost bigger than his face. \u201cJohn\u2019s never really been the social type,\u201d he explained. \u201cFor some reason though, he would talk to me, even though I\u2019m a few classes ahead of him and Ragan.<\/p><p>\u201cI-I just know what it\u2019s like when no one wants to talk with you,\u201d John said and grinned sheepishly.<\/p><p>\u201cWell now I have to know,\u201d Rose said, looking at John. \u201cWhat\u2019s up with that?\u201d<\/p><p>John shrugged.<\/p><p>\u201cPeople think I\u2019m too loud,\u201d Phil said.<\/p><p>Rose smiled. \u201cKids can be cruel. And what about that other guy, uh, Ragan? What\u2019s he like?\u201d<\/p><p>John and Phil looked at each other before bursting into laughter. \u201cRagan, he\u2019s, well\u2026 he\u2019s Ragan,\u201d John explained. \u201cAlways thinks he knows the answer, always goes really quiet if he\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I used to think he was just a prick,\u201d Phil said, clapping his thighs. \u201cTurns out he\u2019s not so bad after all.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd yet he\u2019s not here,\u201d Rose pointed out. \u201cMaybe you should go visit him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, that\u2019s a great idea!\u201d Phil said. \u201cCome to think of it, I don\u2019t think we ever have.\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cNo, and I\u2019ve known him for a few years longer,\u201d he said, then looked at Rose. \u201cRagan lives both here and in Los Angeles, but even when he\u2019s here, it\u2019s a pain getting him to meet with us after school.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe likes to be alone,\u201d Phil added.<\/p><p>\u201cAll the more reason. We should pay him a surprise visit,\u201d Rose teased.<\/p><p>\u201cOh man, Ragan does not like surprises!\u201d Phil said and snorted a laugh. \u201cDude has to have everything calculated and planned months in advance.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOnce, our photo day was moved up a few days,\u201d John mused. \u201cRagan looked like they had cancelled Tuesdays.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s what makes it perfect,\u201d Rose said. \u201cWe just have to make sure he\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMight be tricky.\u201d John scratched his chin and tried to recall every bit of info he had accumulated over the years. \u201cI think his dad runs some kind of construction company. He\u2019s always using dinner parties and opening ceremonies to skip out on meeting us.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cShit!\u201d Rose said, snapping John out of his thoughts. Adults rarely swore near him. \u201cNow I recognise the name. He\u2019s Ragan Cloudbough, isn\u2019t he?\u201d she eagerly asked. \u201cYou guys are friends with the family who built half this town!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDamn, I never thought of it like that!\u201d Phil said. \u201cI wonder if I can get him to buy me a new computer.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy do you think he\u2019s never reminded us? Or invited us home? He doesn\u2019t want us to treat him any differently,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>Phil grinned sheepishly. \u201cO-oh yeah, of course. I was just joking,\u201d he said, though his chuckled began to sound rueful.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I\u2019ll talk with his mother about arranging a date. That way it can still be a surprise to him.\u201d Rose hurried out of the room while rubbing her hands.<\/p><p>\u201cI do wonder why he didn\u2019t come today,\u201d Phil said. \u201cHe has been really worried about you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019ll find out soon enough. He\u2019s probably just busy.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322861\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You about ready for the next mission?<\/em>\u201d his trophy asked. The man inside the reflection lounged on the bottom, picking his nose.<\/p><p>Ragan looked up from his bed where he was huddled up with a large pillow. \u201cI don\u2019t feel like it today.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>That was your excuse yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that. Summer vacation is going to end at this rate with nothing to show for it. The Pearce residence was only the first of our many planned targets.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe plan\u2019s cancelled.\u201d<\/p><p>The man jolted up on his feet. \u201c<em>What? I knock down your friend\u2019s house without killing him, and this is how you repay me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou said they weren\u2019t going to be there!\u201d Ragan yelled. \u201cI looked you in the eyes and asked you, and you told me you would make sure of it. Why the Hell didn\u2019t you demolish their house the instant they left?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Because, you idiot, they would have just gone back and tried to rebuild. This way the house stays knocked down and your father can get the property. That was what you wanted, right?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, but\u2026 dammit, not like this.\u201d Ragan screwed his eyes shut. This didn\u2019t keep the tears from squeezing out. \u201cFor fuck\u2019s sake, making him homeless was a big enough pill for me to swallow. If you had told me you\u2019d make him an orphan too\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>If I had told you, then you would never have agreed to it, and your father wouldn\u2019t have been able to buy up the property for cheap.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan threw down his pillow and leapt to his feet. \u201cBut we could have offered to rehouse them and bought the property from them directly. There was no need for this!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And what would the chance have been of them agreeing to it? Certainly not a hundred per cent, like my plan. I am the one getting things done, me. Not you. You have things you want to do but no idea how to carry them out. That\u2019s why you came to me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan pounded his fist into the wall. \u201cYeah, I know, and I\u2019m seriously starting to regret it too.\u201d<\/p><p>The man inside the trophy smirked. \u201c<em>Hm-hm, well, too late to back out now. We have an agreement, after all.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>So, the next mission, come on.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWon\u2019t be for a while anyway,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Oh? And, pray tell, why is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan looked up from the wall. \u201cBecause I don\u2019t have any other orders right now. And besides, we\u2019ll be gone for a while.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Back to Los Angeles?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cOverseas.\u201d<\/p><p>The man sat down again. \u201c<em>I getcha, preparing for the next stage,<\/em>\u201d he said and chuckled. \u201c<em>Better be quick about it; I\u2019m starting to feel<\/em><em> restless.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The fog faded from the trophy until Ragan again could see his own reflection in it. He fell back on the bed and buried his head in his hands. \u201cDammit. Dammit, dammit, dammit!\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322862\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Why such a heavy sigh?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John glanced up from his bed and saw the wardrobe door creaking open. \u201cIt\u2019s always exhausting having Phil over. He has a million ideas of what we could do, and most of them are terrible. I spent a good hour shooting down suggestions for punishments we should do to Ragan. Oh, sorry, I guess you don\u2019t know who either of those are.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Well, I\u2019m guessing they\u2019re your friends,<\/em>\u201d Azer said. \u201c<em>I do keep an eye on you from time to time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can see anything, anywhere, huh?\u201d John asked, thinking back to all the mirrors he had seen inside Azer\u2019s realm. \u201cCan you see my parents? Do you know where they are?\u201d<\/p><p>Azer brushed his hand through his messy black hair. \u201c<em>Listen, John, I can see out of every single reflection on this planet. This means that, yes, I can see pretty much \u2018anything, anywhere,\u2019 but it also means I have like\u2026 a bazillion windows in here,<\/em>\u201d he said. \u201c<em>I\u2019m sorry. I wouldn\u2019t know where to even start.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut will you try?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Of course. Not like I got anything else to do in here<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat <em>are<\/em> you doing in there?\u201d<\/p><p>Azer chuckled. \u201c<em>Oh, it\u2019s a long, boring story about family and betrayal that happened thousands of years ago. I wouldn\u2019t bore you with the detail, John, but tell me, do you trust me?\u201d<\/em><\/p><p>\u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You really shouldn\u2019t, you know; what do you actually know about me? <\/em><em>I could be a bad guy.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John raised an eyebrow. \u201cAre you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What do you think?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou helped me out, and I can\u2019t really think of a reason why you would, so that makes you okay in my book.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019re entering a whole new side of the world,<\/em>\u201d Azer said. \u201c<em>It is only natural you should find some guidance.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI also have Jazlynn.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer smiled. \u201c<em>And what is she doing, besides training you? I\u2019m here if there\u2019s anything else you need.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThanks,\u201d John said and sprawled out on the bed again. \u201cYou know, I still don\u2019t get you. How exactly can I help you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You already are. By growing stronger, you\u2019ll be help to help me one day. It\u2019s my goal to prove myself to you by that point.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s easier said than done, you know. I can\u2019t even do the visualisation tests properly.\u201d John looked up to see if the man inside his mirror was still there. \u201cIf anything happens, would you tell me? Like if you can find my parents?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Of course.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322863\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 7 July 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>John fell into the grass and stared up at the sky.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re still doing it wrong,\u201d Jazlynn said, sipping her glass of cold orange juice.<\/p><p>\u201cHow am I supposed to do it differently?\u201d John huffed and got up on his feet. He felt sticky and clammy in the afternoon heat. \u201cEvery time I get near that iceberg, the same thing happens.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf the iceberg doesn\u2019t change, then your approach should.\u201d<\/p><p>John craned his neck. \u201cMy approach?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes,\u201d Jazlynn said, relaxing. \u201cYou\u2019re making decent progress. It\u2019s only been little over a week and you can already bring yourself back.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p><p>He closed his eyes and felt himself falling. Instead of giving himself to the darkness, he struggled. He could see the Arctic Ocean below him. The rowboat rocked in the waves, with another him huddled in the bottom. He would join that other John in a moment, but first he needed to make some adjustments. Change his approach, was it?<\/p><p>The rowboat shimmered. He tried re-imagining it, but his mind was conflicted between Jaws and a drug smuggling boat he had seen on the news. The light faded, and the result was something like an elongated, sleek fishing boat armed with twin harpoon launchers on the side.<\/p><p>The John floating above popped out of existence and the John on the boat awakened. He jumped away from the helm and looked out of the cabin and smiled. This would do. He pushed the speeder and the boat slowly gained speed, chugging through the waves. Smaller ice floes tried to stop him, but they didn\u2019t even register anymore. His boat smashed through them, headed directly for the mother of them all straight ahead.<\/p><p>He pushed a button on the instrument panel and one harpoon launched, trailing a rope behind it. The barbed end sank into the ice. The rope pulled it back and the harpoon tore out a chunk of the frozen mountain. Ice sprayed over the boat and the water. Lumps hailed down and thudded down on the deck below his cabin.<\/p><p>John raced down the stairs and knelt by a piece. He cupped it with his hands. It was warm and pulsed. Without being pulled, John blinked and found himself back in his parents\u2019 backyard. Rather than ice, his hands were engulfing a small orb of light. For the first time in a week, John cried. It was so familiar, so nostalgic. He closed his eyes and he could smell laundry hanging from a rack, he could see faraway trips from many years ago, and the house was there. But most of all, it felt like mother\u2019s warmth.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, congrats, kid, you did it,\u201d Jazlynn said and clapped her hands. John started, and the light snuffed out. \u201cMaybe I really won\u2019t have to kill you after all.\u201d<\/p><p>His hands ached, like holding on to stuffed grocery bags for too long. \u201cWhat happens now?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNow? Now you have to be able to do that with eyes open.\u201d Jazlynn sipped her drink loudly. \u201cYou\u2019re no good in a fight if you have to disappear into yourself for a few hours.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight. So, what do I do?\u201d John flexed his fingers, but the light would not return.<\/p><p>\u201cKeep the iceberg in mind but don\u2019t close your eyes.\u201d<\/p><p>John stared down at his hands.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ll be disappointed if you think you can be rid of me that easily,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cOnce you can call your energy, what do you want to do with it? Tell me, how are you going to use it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI-I don\u2019t know. I\u2019m still not really sure what this energy is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI told you, it\u2019s life energy, it\u2019s\u2026 well, it explodes on contact.\u201d Jazlynn scooted a little closer to him. \u201cAnyway, you can worry about that for when you can actually produce a stable result.\u201d<\/p><p>John frowned and concentrated on his hands. Again he conjured forth the image of the iceberg. He saw himself in his new boat going out to pluck a piece from it.<\/p><p>A sharp pain over his head brought him back to reality. Jazlynn was removing her hand when John opened his eyes. \u201cI told you, eyes open. Your enemy won\u2019t give you time for that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat enemy?\u201d John exclaimed. \u201cThat bird is gone, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, the bird is.\u201d Jazlynn\u2019s relaxed face tightened just enough to appear serious. \u201cListen to me, John, you\u2019re going to be living a long life. It\u2019s improbable that you won\u2019t meet another demon at some point, and you need to be ready for it.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cSure. Right, I can see that\u2026 wait, how long am I going to live?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cProduce a stable result for me, then I\u2019ll tell you more. Otherwise the information would just be wasted on you.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322864\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 9 July 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The two FBI officers came in a single file through the corridor and sat around the table in Rose\u2019s living room. One was Ebadicael, the other had a rough, uninviting face and short, platinum blonde hair.<\/p><p>\u201cThis is my partner, Detective Gagesham,\u201d Ebadicael said. Both of them put their hats down in front of them. \u201cThere has been a development in the case, and we had some more questions.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat development?\u201d Minik asked, leaning an arm across the table.<\/p><p>Ebadicael opened her suitcase and produced a photograph. \u201cWe have located the car belonging to Johnathan\u2019s parents.\u201d Underneath weird doodles, the image displayed a familiar car.<\/p><p>\u201cThen my parents really are alive?\u201d John asked, too afraid to raise his own hopes were they to be dashed again.<\/p><p>\u201cThe car was found at the JFK. Technicians are combing through security footage as we speak, but our theory is that they have fled the country under assumed names.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRonnie. What about my brother?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>Gagesham focused on him and John felt a chill down his spine. \u201cRonald Pearce has not been located,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>\u201cRight. No babies have been found matching Ronald\u2019s hospital record.\u201d Ebadicael put the photo back and tapped her pen against her notepad. \u201cYou can understand how these actions arouse our suspicions.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo, they are suspects,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>\u201cTo be honest, I have my doubts they even survived the explosion,\u201d Ebadicael said and made a few scribbles. \u201cWe are more worried that the car was stolen by the culprits.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohnathan Pearce is secure here. Johnathan Pearce is a witness. Johnathan Pearce will not leave Ferman.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe reason we came here is to find out if Johnathan has remembered anything else from that night,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cDo you have any amends or new details for us?\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cN-no, sorry.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael nodded. \u201cAnd you are certain? It is imperative that we get into contact with your parents ASAP. Do you remember seeing them after the explosion, or have you ever heard them talking about a safehouse?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI really don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cContact us immediately if you remember something, or if you find out anything,\u201d Ebadicael said and produced a business card from her suit. She got up from the table and Minik did the same.<\/p><p>\u201cWait,\u201d he said.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about Jazlynn? Do you have any confirmation on her?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, the aunt,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cYes, she checks out. Furthermore, her criminal record has been clean for as long as yours have.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose sighed and put a hand on her chest. \u201cWell, that\u2019s a relief.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHave a good evening,\u201d Ebadicael said and grabbed her hat and tablet.<\/p><p>Gagesham lingered by her seat a moment and stared at John. \u201cJohnathan did not see a monster bird. Johnathan will not tell anyone he saw a monster bird.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p><p>\u201cCome along,\u201d Ebadicael said, an edge to her voice as she yanked at the arm of her partner.<\/p><p>\u201cThe Hell was that about?\u201d Minik asked, scratching his neck.<\/p><p>Rose remained sitting and rubbed her arms. \u201cI know, that other detective gave me the creeps.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd what\u2019s with their names? They don\u2019t look foreign.\u201d<\/p><p>John got up as well and wandered out of the living room.<\/p><p>\u201cYou all right, bud?\u201d Minik asked but Rose put a hand over his.<\/p><p>\u201cLet him have some space,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI think he needs it.\u201d<\/p><p>John went back to his room and threw himself at his bed. He held up his hand before him and concentrated. \u201cI knew that wasn\u2019t a dream. You really are alive,\u201d he said as light gathered in his palm. He winced but endured it, and the light became brighter. \u201cIf I become stronger, maybe we can be together again. No matter how much it hurts, I\u2019ll do it. I\u2019ll be able to protect myself and you can come back.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322865\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The two detectives emerged into the darkness outside of the Petersens\u2019 home. Ebadicael glanced around her and held up a hand to pause her colleague. \u201cJust the person we were looking for,\u201d she said. \u201cYour interference is unwelcome, Knight. Whatever your business is here, we ask that you suspend it immediately.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn crossed the street and stepped into the light of a lamppost. \u201cWhat\u2019s your interest in John?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe Nephilim has grown stronger,\u201d Detective Gagesham said. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat would be because I\u2019ve been training him.\u201d<\/p><p>The detective\u2019s face flushed beet red, but Ebadicael put a hand on her shoulder. \u201cThe Nephilim is no concern of yours.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIsn\u2019t he?\u201d Jazlynn challenged, not taking her eyes off the Petersens\u2019 residence. \u201cLast I checked, my concern involves intrusions. That was the deal our agencies struck, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen why have you not killed him?\u201d Ebadicael asked calmly.<\/p><p>\u201cOfficial orders from my master.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHumans cannot know about the other world!\u201d Gagesham blustered, a vein almost bursting on her brow. \u201cThe Nephilim must not become stronger!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd then what? The cat\u2019s out of the bag here, and you can\u2019t stuff it back inside no matter hard you try. Whether you like it or not, John has awoken to his heritage, and that cannot be ignored, not by him, not by you, and certainly not by Order,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cYou\u2019re already treading a thin line here. What the Hell was his mother doing here in the first place? With a human mate, no less?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael looked away. \u201cMarilyn Pearce was a special case.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean she was out of your control.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham advanced but Detective Ebadicael dug her hand into her wrist. \u201cWe are willing to fight you over the issue of the Nephilim, so just. Back. Off.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy does he mean so much to you people anyway?\u201d Jazlynn asked unperturbed, looking from one to the other. \u201cMarilyn was a rogue agent, right, so why shield her? From what I heard, her eldest spawn nearly killed someone, and this one destroyed a recycling plant. If anyone should have killed them, it should have been you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re still one of us.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn approached them. \u201cYou\u2019re hopeless and, more to the point, arrogant. We Knights have bad apples too, and you know what we do with them? We hunt them down.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe need everyone we can get,\u201d Ebadicael said and snapped her fingers. The two detectives began fading away. \u201cTell your master that he\u2019s overstepping his bounds, and that this will have consequences.\u201d They were gone, but Ebadicael\u2019s voice lingered. \u201cOh, and we confirmed your identity for now.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn snorted. \u201cThere\u2019s even fewer of us,\u201d Jazlynn grumbled and approached the door. \u201cBloody Watchers. Maybe if they\u2019d spent a day down here in the real world, they\u2019d see how things are.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322866\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cJazlynn?\u201d Minik asked when he opened the door. \u201cWhat are you doing here at this hour?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAn FBI agent just told me that my identity had been confirmed, so I wanted to see if you had heard. Am I interrupting anything?\u201d<\/p><p>Whatever Minik had been about to say, Rose joined them and dragged Jazlynn inside by her hand.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m real sorry for doubting you,\u201d Rose said and put an arm around Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201cI mean, that\u2019s only to be expected,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cIt is not,\u201d Rose said. \u201cYou\u2019re probably used to people distrusting you, but that doesn\u2019t make it right. It was the same for us as well. Now come on inside, you can\u2019t just stand out there.\u201d<\/p><p>By the time Jazlynn flopped into the couch, Rose had already told her all about the evening.<\/p><p>\u201cI just can\u2019t believe it, you know?\u201d Rose said and joined her. \u201cIf John\u2019s parents really are alive, what have they have been they doing this whole time? What\u2019s up with your sister?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s not jump to conclusions here, they may not have been the ones to drive that car,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cBut what if they did?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, let\u2019s assume that the explosion was indeed an attack by European nationalists; I know my sister\u2019s husband is from Germany. Maybe he got spooked.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy would European nationalists attack a waste recycling station?\u201d Minik asked from the armchair closest to the TV. \u201cMore to the point, why would they target our town?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe do have a lot of European immigrants living here,\u201d Rose countered and smiled to her husband. \u201cNot to mention how close we are to an LHD base.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik raised his eyebrows. \u201cOkay, but then what about John\u2019s house? It seems a bit of a stretch that it would get flattened in a storm on the same day as the attack.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d Rose gasped. \u201cThey can just try and come here to finish the job.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEasy there, Rambo, I think if anyone wanted to do anything, they\u2019d have done so by now,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>Rose sighed and melted into the couch. \u201cAh, things seemed so much simpler a few days ago when we agreed to this. I thought we would be taking in an orphaned kid, but we got mysterious parents and missing brothers, and I don\u2019t know how to cook or what being a parent is about at all.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou love him, don\u2019t you?\u201d Jazlynn asked. Rose nodded weakly. \u201cThat\u2019s all he needs right now. Someone to take care of him and love him and give him a stable life.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere\u2019d you get this smart? No offence, but you always run around with a vacant stare,\u201d she said and elbowed Jazlynn in the side.<\/p><p>Her cane slid down and clattered to the floor.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, I\u2019ve been meaning to ask you,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI can see why you would need a cane, but what\u2019s with the birdhouse?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn bent down and picked it up. \u201cIt\u2019s a stage prop, from my band days. This hole is where a mic would be sitting,\u201d she said and pointed to where birds would enter from on normal bird houses. \u201cNever could get rid of it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou never considered getting a prosthesis?\u201d Rose asked and helped balance the cane up against the wall.<\/p><p>\u201cNot really something you can do in my situation, being homeless and living hand-to-mouth.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose stared at Jazlynn\u2019s stump. \u201cYou remind me a lot of myself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow do you figure?\u201d Jazlynn asked and raised an eyebrow.<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019ve both lived hard lives and have the scars to prove it.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn snorted. \u201cYou can\u2019t honestly sit there and expect me to believe that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt may be hard to imagine now, with a nice husband and a nice home,\u201d Rose said, Minik grunting something nearby, \u201cbut when I was a teenager, I was like you. Adrift. Somehow, I washed up here, hooking for this pimp called Gold Rock.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s how I found her,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI had come to Ferman to play a soccer match and I was looking for something to take the edge off before the big night.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMore like his teammates wanted me to take his cherry.\u201d Rose laughed and clapped her thigh.<\/p><p>Minik coughed. \u201cYes, well, I ended up falling head over heels for her. I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe kept coming back to me and I couldn\u2019t help but find his na\u00efvet\u00e9 charming. Kept talking about making an honest woman out of me once he made it to the big leagues. I don\u2019t know, I guess I started believing him, because eventually I found out I was pregnant.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI knew it was mine,\u201d Minik said. \u201cI could feel it. So I asked her to marry me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd that\u2019s where the scars come in.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose hiked up her shirt. Jazlynn only saw a blue wolf tattooed on her abdomen, like something out of a coat of arms. Slowly, though, she saw beneath it, finding several scars almost hidden by the ink.<\/p><p>\u201cHoly shit,\u201d Jazlynn said and sat up straight. \u201cWhat the fuck happened?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhen I told my pimp that I was pregnant and quitting the life, he took it pretty calmly. I guess that should have been my warning bell, but I was blind with love. The next day, one of his goons broke into my apartment with a knife.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe was busted on unrelated charges,\u201d Minik said and stared at his hands. \u201cI\u2026 I couldn\u2019t do a thing. I was too much of a coward to go after him. I thought when he was arrested anyway it would be all right, but he was charged with racketeering and pimping and other things. Not one word of Rose\u2019s assault.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou were there for me,\u201d Rose said and smiled. \u201cWhen I was healing, you were there, and you couldn\u2019t have been if you had wasted your fool life going after him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s what I told myself as well, but it\u2019s simply not true.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMinik Petersen, I will not have you sit there and demean yourself, I simply will not,\u201d Rose stated and walked over. \u201cYou are the sweetest and kindest man I have ever met, and not even you yourself are allowed to talk badly about you.\u201d<\/p><p>She put him in a chokehold and Minik clapped her arms in defence. \u201cAll right, sweetie, I give, I give.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose stared at him for a moment and slowly sat down. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik coughed and adjusted his shirt. \u201cWhen I heard that Rose had been hurt, I rushed out of a pretty important game to be with her and got a suspension. Then came the scandal with me being involved with a prostitute, and I could see where my career was headed, and I decided to call it quits.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI always told him it was nonsense, but you can see how he gets,\u201d Rose said and sighed. Minik grunted and looked away.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m happy coaching soccer to kids. Took me a while to get there, but I did.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere\u2019s just one thing I need to know,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cWhy the hell was your pimp called Gold Rock?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose laughed. \u201cBecause he had only one nut left, the other was a fake made of gold.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn chortled. \u201cVery well, Rose, I apologise.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou what now?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou remind me a lot of myself too. I can\u2019t say I was ever a hooker but, while I was in my band, I made enough bad decisions that I might as well have been.\u201d She sighed and stroked the cane next to her. \u201cAnd I apologise for dragging up the past. You\u2019ve told me things you would never ordinarily tell a stranger.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, Jazlynn, we\u2019re family now, aren\u2019t we?\u201d Rose said and clapped Jazlynn\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHonestly, I\u2019ve always wanted a sister, but the only family we have left is Minik\u2019s brother.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik rolled his eyes.<\/p><p>Jazlynn hoisted herself up. \u201cI should get going. It\u2019s late.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDo you have arrangements? You can stay over, if you like,\u201d Rose said and got up as well.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not like we need the couch at the night,\u201d Minik chimed in and shrugged.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s fine, I don\u2019t like imposing.\u201d Jazlynn clacked out of the living room with the Petersens following her. \u201cI\u2019ll come over soon to be with my nephew, anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>She hoppled out of the front door and let the darkness swallow her. After a while, she had to stop to catch her breath.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Establishing a base closer to the Nephilim is not a bad idea.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t, Hoffman. One thing is deceiving those people, another is taking advantage of them. They really\u2026 oh god, they really believe I\u2019m his aunt!\u201d she cried out and fell against a wall.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Is that all there is to it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shook her head. \u201cI like it better when you\u2019re quiet.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Y<\/em><em>our first undercover mission is going smoothly so far,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman said as Jazlynn picked herself up and staggered on. \u201c<em>Besides, they\u2019ll forget all about you once you leave.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut I will remember. I will know.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322867\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 28 July 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cWhat did you say your friend\u2019s dad did again?\u201d Minik said as they turned the corner.<\/p><p>They had made their way out of the city into a forested area where a white wall now barred their way.<\/p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a Cloudbough,\u201d Phil said from the backseat.<\/p><p>Minik swallowed, his hands growing clammy. \u201cOh. Right. Cloudbough, as in, the richest family in town and one of the richest in the States.\u201d He looked down at himself and instantly wished himself anywhere but here in his coaching uniform.<\/p><p>They pulled up to a pair of wrought iron gates, and a security guard stepped out from his booth. \u201cYeah?\u201d he asked, gazing at the party lazily.<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re here to see Ragan,\u201d John said and pushed himself towards the window Minik was opening.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you want with the young master?\u201d the security guard asked, slapping a truncheon against his leg.<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re expected,\u201d Minik said in a cowed voice. \u201cThe Petersens?\u201d<\/p><p>The security guard held up an electronic tablet in his other hand. \u201cRight, you have a ten o\u2019clock, I see. Come on in.\u201d He stepped back to his booth, and the gates swung inside.<\/p><p>\u201cAre they as eccentric as I hear?\u201d Minik whispered to his passengers as he drove inside. He did not know where to rest his gaze. There were the massive grounds filled with a huge garden and a hedge maze and a tennis court, and the mansion itself which would put minor royalty to shame.<\/p><p>Spending several moments enraptured by the architecture and statues and fountains, John finally regained enough control of himself to reply. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI just hear that they are big on alternative solutions and the environment and such.\u201d Saying it out loud, Minik eyed the solar panels on the roof, the vegetable patches off to the side, and the garage with a charger for electric cars.<\/p><p>\u201cI did notice Ragan bringing an awful lot of kale in his lunchboxes,\u201d Phil said, his face glued to the window, trying to take in everything at once.<\/p><p>\u201cYou guys have never visited your friend at his home, right?\u201d Minik asked.<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cHe likes hanging out with us, but he always has an excuse if we want to go to his place. I\u2019m actually surprised he agreed to this.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik chuckled. \u201cWell, he didn\u2019t, technically. His mother did.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean he doesn\u2019t even know we\u2019re coming?\u201d John asked, this finally wresting him free from the view.<\/p><p>\u201cNope. All arranged by Rose.\u201d<\/p><p>They finally reached the front side of the mansion where a courtyard allowed them to park comfortably. The double doors swung open and an Asian woman burst out, accompanied by a butler and a handful of maids.<\/p><p>\u201cYou came!\u201d the woman exclaimed. She was stout with a chubby face, jewellery dangling from her ears and neck.<\/p><p>\u201cAs promised.\u201d Minik chuckled nervously out the window as his passengers escaped the car.<\/p><p>\u201cCome in, come in. I\u2019m Ragan\u2019s mother, Kizashi,\u201d she said, waving everyone close. \u201cYou too!\u201d<\/p><p>Minik pointed at himself. \u201cMe? Oh no, I have to get to work.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNonsense, you can have a single drink, right?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. \u201cWell, I\u2019m not actually coaching today, just swinging by the office\u2026 sure, but just the one.\u201d<\/p><p>Kizashi bubbled with mirth as she directed everyone inside and Minik nearly lost his jaw to the floor. Two grand staircases led up to the first-floor balcony while doors and paintings covered the wood panel and yellow tapestry walls. Tables held vases and busts, and there were couches and chairs in the corners too.<\/p><p>\u201cHoly, uh\u2026 smokes,\u201d Minik said and scratched his neck. \u201cI think you could fit our entire house just in the lobby.\u201d<\/p><p>Kizashi laughed. \u201cWe get that a lot. Now please, sit down,\u201d she said and guided everyone to one corner. \u201cI already texted my son, he\u2019ll be down soon enough.\u201d<\/p><p>Everyone took a seat and immediately sank into the couches and chairs. Staff appeared with trays with refreshments, a bottle of amber liquid, glasses, and a bowl with sweets. The butler grabbed the bottle and held it up to Minik for his perusal.<\/p><p>\u201cA glass of gin, sir?\u201d he asked. \u201cBrewed from environmentally friendly stock and tapped on recycled glass.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik sweated and swallowed hard. \u201cUh, no, a soda will be fine.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs you wish, sir.\u201d The butler went to the other side of the table and poured a glass for his mistress while the maids arranged the other drinks.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m telling you, my little Ragan is so busy all the time,\u201d Kizashi said and flicked her wrist. \u201cWhen he doesn\u2019t accompany his father back to the main office in Los Angeles, we\u2019re on business trips around the world, and then there are piano recitals and school and extra tutoring too.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik nodded and sipped his soda. \u201cOh, well, we keep busy too; my team sometimes play friendly matches all over the country. What exactly is it you\u2019re doing?\u201d he asked and added in a lower voice: \u201cWhatever it is, I want to try it too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, we oversee the interests of Gifted Enterprises here in town.\u201d Kizashi knocked back her thimble of gin and made a wry face. \u201cPhew, that\u2019s the good stuff.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou build things, right?\u201d Phil asked, his entire hand digging through the bowl of sweets.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, darling, we mediate. Gifted finds promising companies, and then my husband and I arrange with the town to have them set up branches here,\u201d she explained proudly. \u201cThis town would be in such a worse shape if we hadn\u2019t softened the blow from all those heavy industries packing up and leaving.\u201d She laughed shrilly and waved her hand, and the butler poured her another thimbleful.<\/p><p>Minik scratched his neck. \u201cI\u2026 guess that makes sense. And this pays well?\u201d<\/p><p>Kizashi nodded. \u201cOf course, but only because my husband is so good at what he does. Otherwise Gifted wouldn\u2019t pay so well for him to do what he does best.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Minik continued, \u201cwhat exactly does Gifted want with that sort of business? What do they get out of it? Aren\u2019t they a tech company?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, you mustn\u2019t ask me such heavy questions,\u201d Kizashi said and giggled. \u201cI just help arrange the deals. Everything to do with Gifted is between them and my husband.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik wrinkled his brow, trying to wrap his mind around it, when John cried out. Looking up, the resident son was hurrying down the stairs. He had a slimmer version of his mother\u2019s face, but his skin was dark brown, his hair was long, curly, and brown, and he wore small, square glasses. He reached the ground floor and made his way over to John.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, uh\u2026\u201d Ragan said. \u201cH-how are you doing then?\u201d<\/p><p>John smiled. \u201cI\u2019m good. You\u2019re just really hard to get a hold of.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSorry. Been busy,\u201d Ragan mumbled back.<\/p><p>\u201cToo busy for John\u2019s b-day?\u201d Phil said, his voice, as usual, loud. He got up as well and put a hand on Ragan\u2019s shoulder, nearly making his knees buckle.<\/p><p>\u201cAgain, sorry, I know. It was a few days ago, right?\u201d He looked over at Minik. \u201cYou must be John\u2019s stepfather, yes?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right. You can just call me Minik,\u201d he replied and got up to shake Ragan\u2019s hand.<\/p><p>\u201cThank you for taking care of my friend. I don\u2019t know what I would do without him.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik chuckled. \u201cWell, it\u2019s also good to see John\u2019s friends. Imagine my surprise when I realised one of them was a Cloudbough.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, that\u2019s the power of public education. It brings people together.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI told him so many times we could easily afford private tutors,\u201d Kizashi said and laughed. \u201cHe kept insisting he wanted to go to school and make friends. And it\u2019s not like it hurt his father either.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow about we take this somewhere more private?\u201d Ragan suggested, eyeing both the staff and his mother.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, that\u2019s a wonderful idea,\u201d Kizashi said. \u201cTime to catch up with your friends after all this time.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan nodded. \u201cI hope we get the chance to talk more sometime,\u201d he said to Minik. \u201cI would also like to meet your wife.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can always come over for dinner sometime,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>Ragan smiled. \u201cI would like that very much.\u201d<\/p><p>He began walking, and John and Phil followed after him. They swallowed the elaborate corridors whole, swivelling their heads to take everything in.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry for not inviting you over before; I didn\u2019t want you to think I was some rich kid,\u201d Ragan said. \u201cTruth be told, my family suffered just as much as everyone else with the industries leaving. All of this is on loan from Gifted.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut your dad earns a lot, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d Phil asked.<\/p><p>Ragan blushed. \u201cAll our expenses are taken care of, but\u2026 but that\u2019s not what you came here for.\u201d<\/p><p>He opened the doors to a room headed by a large TV and a shelf full of consoles hooked up to it on one wall, and the rest of the room dedicated to a pool table, a dart board, several pinball tables, and multiple other gaming possibilities.<\/p><p>John picked his mouth up from the floor. \u201cWhat in the world?\u201d<\/p><p>Maids came out of a side door and arranged the table with refreshments here as well. The butler strode past the maids and presented a tray to Ragan. \u201cDon\u2019t forget this, young master,\u201d he said, and Ragan took a wrapped gift from the tray.<\/p><p>\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p><p>With that, the butler bowed out, and the maids followed him, as quickly as they had come.<\/p><p>As Phil jumped into the couch, Ragan turned to John and handed over the gift. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I forgot, I actually got something for you in Bangkok,\u201d he said and blushed furiously. \u201cH-happy birthday, John.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan took one of the chairs while John also sat down in the couch.<\/p><p>\u201cRagan\u2019s gifts are always special, you never know what he brings,\u201d Phil said and laughed. \u201cHey, where\u2019s mine?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYour birthday isn\u2019t until October. And it\u2019s nothing special, really,\u201d Ragan said, tapping the armrest of his chair nervously.<\/p><p>John commenced ravaging the wrapping and a blue shirt emerged from within. John held it up and looked it over. Ragan leant closer, the palms of his hand getting sweaty. \u201cIt\u2019s proper Thai silk,\u201d he explained, keeping his face calm. \u201cI know dark blue is your favourite colour.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI like it,\u201d John said. His smile appeared genuine. Ragan breathed a little easier and blushed.<\/p><p>\u201cW-well, we weren\u2019t exactly on vacation, so we didn\u2019t have a lot of time at each destination. We started in Dubai before going to India and across Asia and ending in Japan before we flew home.\u201d<\/p><p>John hugged the shirt close. \u201cThank you, Ragan.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, it\u2019s so soft!\u201d Phil said, rubbing his big sausage fingers all over the sleeve.<\/p><p>Ragan dragged the pitcher close and poured himself some cranberry juice. \u201cAgain, I\u2019m deeply sorry for being so busy this last month. With school out, I\u2019ve been helping my father with his business instead. He expects me to take over someday.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and folder the wrapping around the shirt again. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I understand.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut enough about me,\u201d Ragan said, relaxing in his chair. \u201cI want to know everything that has happened with you since last, you\u2019re the one who has actually experienced something. And, yes, Phil, you may begin playing if you want.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil grinned sheepishly and stepped away from the TV. \u201cNo, no, I was just checking out your library, man.\u201d<\/p><p>John\u2019s story was woefully mundane and contained no mention of the lion bird monster. \u00a0Ragan listened quietly and simply nodded in places, trying to suss out the truth. Obviously, John had been hurt in some way because of him, but he was talking about storms and blimps instead of the explosion. Ragan sighed to himself. As far as John knew, he had no reason to suspect a different truth, so Ragan kept quiet.<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re really nice,\u201d John said and moved on to his foster family.<\/p><p>\u201cJust seems weird that the FBI would help you find a family,\u201d Phil said and scratched his neck.<\/p><p>\u201cSeems like they just wanted a safe place for their witness,\u201d Ragan said. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re all right, John. I was really worried when I heard you were hospitalised after the attack. What exactly happened with you, though, you just said you were attacked.\u201d<\/p><p>John giggled nervously. \u201cAh, well, I don\u2019t exactly remember. Some witness I am, huh?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI see,\u201d Ragan said and got up from the chair. No, no bites. \u201cThe important thing is you\u2019re all right, though, so don\u2019t worry too much about it. You guys want to play a fighting game or a party game? Or just take turns in a different game?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThis is in honour of John\u2019s birthday, right?\u201d Phil said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you pick, John?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, a fighting game, then. But then Ragan gets to pick which one.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shrugged and went to the shelves. There was no particular order to the games, so Ragan traced a path across the spines with his finger, glancing at the titles. Most were still in their plastic, though a few brought back fun memories. His finger paused by one that he fondly remembered playing with his father, over and over again.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re probably familiar with this one already, but I quite like it,\u201d he said, slipping the case out and putting it on the table.<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil picked up the case and scratched his neck. \u201cNot exactly a shooter. Uh, can you play three people on this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe can just take turns against each other,\u201d Ragan said and sat down in the couch, between John and Phil.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, let\u2019s make a tournament of it,\u201d John said. \u201cI\u2019ll go first against Phil.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan closed his eyes and let the familiar sounds of fighting wash over him, all the hit noises and character screams, and used it as his anchor. He knew how many rounds the game had been set to, so he knew exactly when the game would be over. Until then, he just enjoyed the moment as a normal boy.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>In the end, you\u2019re doing it for him too, right? So that the city can improve, be a better place to live.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan opened his eyes. The sun was shining through the curtains, and he could see his reflection in the TV. Except the image distorted and grew dark.<\/p><p>\u201cCan you promise me this time that John won\u2019t get involved?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Of course.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil made a dramatic sigh and lobbed the controller on the table.<\/p><p>\u201cHow can you beat me with a little girl? My guy was big and muscular,\u201d he said.<\/p><p>\u201cYou just need to know how to play the game,\u201d John said and chuckled.<\/p><p>Ragan twitched his fingers and picked up the controller. \u201cAll right, let\u2019s play a game we can all enjoy. After I beat John, of course.\u201d Adding under his breath, he said. \u201cI have a target. It goes down in exactly one month.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>One month? Why not do it now?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe timing and placement have to be just right. Surely you can wait that long.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322868\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 28 August 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The doorbell rang. Minik opened the door and found Jazlynn outside. \u201cYou\u2019re just in time for lunch,\u201d he said and walked back.<\/p><p>\u201cYou told me over a month ago that you would not leave John unsupervised with me,\u201d Jazlynn said and followed him into the hallway. \u201cI was wondering if you have changed your mind.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would like to go for a ride with him. To go train in the park for a bit.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re out in the backyard every other day training him, what do you need to go to the park for?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThose are just exercises. I was thinking of seeing what he is capable of, and for that, I need more space.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik put a hand on her shoulder and they came to a dead stop. \u201cTo be honest, there\u2019s still a lot about you that we don\u2019t know, and somewhere in the back of my mind, there\u2019s still some niggling doubt.\u201d He sighed and stepped back. \u201cI guess what I\u2019m trying to say is, don\u2019t betray the trust we put in you.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn observed him coolly. \u201cDoes that mean..?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHave him back in a few hours.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, you\u2019re going to the movies. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll have him back in time for dinner.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood,\u201d Minik said. \u201cGood. I\u2019d offer to drive you, but Rose is at the shop right now, and we only have the one car.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohn can drive us on his bike. I\u2019m light.\u201d<\/p><p>She rushed into the living room and stood by the dinner table.<\/p><p>\u201cHey Jazlynn,\u201d John said and slurped his soup. \u201cI\u2019m almost done.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThings will be a little different today, John. This will be the real deal.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCool. I can\u2019t wait to show you how much I\u2019ve improved.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would have a few things to say if you did not.\u201d She glanced over at Minik. \u201cBut we should get going.\u201d<\/p><p>John put the spoon down and got up. \u201cRight,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in time for dinner.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t forget we\u2019re eating early,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>John nodded and waved at him as he hurried after Jazlynn, grabbing his bike from the hallway. \u201cSo, what\u2019s the haps?\u201d John asked, getting on top of his bike.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll tell you when we get there, if you promise me to never use that expression again,\u201d Jazlynn said, climbing on behind him. \u201cI swear, those late-night reruns are ruining you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSorry,\u201d John said and grinned. \u201cWhere are we going?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe park, eventually, but first we\u2019re going back to where all this started; I want to see how good you have become at materialising.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaterialising\u2019s the easy part.\u201d They rushed down the busy city streets, people enjoying their Saturday outside the cafes and restaurants. \u201cHolding back I can do too. It\u2019s the releasing it that\u2019s difficult. If I release too much, then I can\u2019t hold back at all, and if I hold back too much it just fizzles out.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve had over a month. I trust you have a good grasp of it by now,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201c\u2019Course. It still smarts, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, it\u2019s always going to do that, I\u2019m afraid. Though\u2026\u201d Jazlynn fell quiet as they escaped the inner city and forest became more abundant. \u201cI think if you had some sort of medium you could lessen the strain on yourself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cReally?\u201d John asked and looked over his shoulder. Jazlynn nodded. \u201cWhat do you mean by medium, though?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOne thing at a time.\u201d Jazlynn tapped her fingers against her cane. \u201cAre you settling down well enough? Keeping yourself mentally fit is vital.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s\u2026 starting to feel normal,\u201d John said, as if it was a concession. \u201cThey\u2019re just taking care of me for the moment, after all.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohn\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, I know, I\u2019ll probably never see my real parents again, but they\u2019re alive out there, somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cForget I said anything.\u201d<\/p><p>Reconstruction had begun on the old recycling plant. The crater had been filled out and machinery stood at the ready along with several mobile homes and portable generators. The old police tape had been replaced with a tall fence. While people waited for a new plant to be constructed, the ruined roller derby had been cleared and containers set up with a small staff running around.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm, I was hoping to find somewhere isolated for you to show off.\u201d Jazlynn peered from the temporary plant to the old one. \u201cDoesn\u2019t look like anyone\u2019s inside the construction site right now, though.\u201d<\/p><p>They put the bike up against the fence and went to the gate. No actual work had been started yet. \u201cSweet,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cThey\u2019ve probably been so busy filling this thing that they haven\u2019t had time to start construction.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOr maybe they can\u2019t agree on a design,\u201d John suggested.<\/p><p>\u201cEither way, this is perfect. Just be ready to leg it if anyone realises we\u2019re here.\u201d She tested the meshed wire door, and it swung open. She hobbled inside as fast as she could with her birdhouse cane.<\/p><p>\u201cNow, John, it\u2019s time we take the next step in your training.\u201d She planted herself in the middle of the empty lot, a good distance away from any equipment. \u201cNow that you can produce the energy, it\u2019s time for you to release it.\u201d<\/p><p>John thought back to what had caused the crater in the first place. Had it really been two months at this point? \u201cWon\u2019t we be discovered if I do?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019ll be absorbing it.\u201d The birdhouse cane flickered. John blinked, and Jazlynn was instead leaning up against a halberd. The shaft was orange, and the blade pure white with a yellow band on each side.<\/p><p>\u201cW-w-what?\u201d John exclaimed and took a step back with each syllable he uttered.<\/p><p>\u201cI am a Knight protecting the border between this world and the next,\u201d Jazlynn proclaimed. \u201cMy job is to eradicate whatever crosses over and decides to disturb the peace. This is my weapon.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2026 I see.\u201d John came closer again, looking the halberd up and down.<\/p><p>\u201cNow summon your energy attack. The only way I can be sure you\u2019re ready is to see what you can do.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and held up his hands. By now, it required almost no effort to call on the light. Sure, it still stung, but he barely registered it anymore.<\/p><p>\u201cGood. Now shape it to an orb.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUm\u2026\u201d John wrinkled his brow. \u201cI\u2019ve never done that before.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell you need to give it a shape. Won\u2019t do you any good all intangible like that. Chop-chop,\u201d Jazlynn commanded and rapped her halberd against the stamped earth.<\/p><p>He took a deep breath. If there was one thing he was good at by now, it was visualisation. He stared intently at the light and imagined it as a ball. The light fluctuated. A jab of pain went through his hand. He cried out and went down on his knees, and the light extinguished.<\/p><p>Jazlynn smiled. \u201cSo far, so good.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow\u2026 how was that good?\u201d John groaned, clutching his wrist, trying to strangle the throbbing.<\/p><p>\u201cSo far it\u2019s been easy; all you\u2019ve had to do is call on your power. Now your job is to refine that power into something tangible.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt hurts,\u201d he said and got up again.<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s why you must not hold it too long,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cMeasure how much power you need, summon it, refine it, and throw it, all in one fluid motion. Now come on, we don\u2019t have all the time in the world.\u201d<\/p><p>He called the light again. It was like having a gash in the middle of his hand and accidentally brushing it against something. He took several deep breaths and then shaped it. He felt the pain and tossed the light.<\/p><p>The ball whizzed through the air faster than a bullet. Still Jazlynn blocked it with her weapon. No explosion, no noise, no light. The halberd rippled, and Jazlynn jumped back once, then twice.<\/p><p>\u201cGood. That was really good,\u201d she said and nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re a fast learner.\u201d<\/p><p>John held his hands under his armpits, trying to stop them from pounding with such intense pain. \u201cIs it always going hurt like this?\u201d he asked, blinking tears away from the corners of his eyes.<\/p><p>She nodded. \u201cYou\u2019ll get used to it. Besides, we might be able to find you a medium.\u201d<\/p><p>Slowly he held his hands out. His palms were covered in a thin layer of blood. \u201cSo what\u2019s the deal with this test?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA monster is coming,\u201d Jazlynn said and sat down on the ground. \u201cLike I told you, I guard the border. Emphasis on border.\u201d She put her halberd now a cane again down next to her. \u201cWhen a monster crosses into this plane of existence, it sends ripples back and forth through time. We Knights can detect those ripples. Given the warning time of a few hours, this monster shouldn\u2019t be too terribly difficult.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said slowly.<\/p><p>\u201cWe still have a little time, so let\u2019s go over the strategy.\u201d She gestured to the ground in front of her. John sat down, trying to tangle his legs into a comfortable position. \u201cBecause of my disability, I have had to adapt my fighting style accordingly. I can\u2019t get up close and personal, so I take out my enemies from afar. I know it must sound dirty and not very noble, but you try swinging a halberd your own size on only one foot.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m not saying anything,\u201d John said and smiled. \u201cI\u2019m more impressed that you still fight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI almost didn\u2019t. Fortunately, our weapons are flexible, and I was able to transform my halberd into a rifle. At any rate, you will have to go in alone, but that also means we can\u2019t communicate directly. This brings me to my next point. I would like you to meet my partner, Hoffman.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked around the abandoned construction site. When his gaze passed Jazlynn for the second time, an old lady stood by her side. John jumped backwards.<\/p><p>\u201cW-what the Hell?\u201d he asked.<\/p><p>\u201cThis is my partner, Hoffman,\u201d Jazlynn said. Hoffman was tall and built like a tank, age serving more to grey and wrinkle her than diminish her in any way. Her jacket was unevenly buttoned, and her long wisps of hair were dishevelled. A large birthmark blemished the left side of her face. \u201cShe\u2019ll be by your side and give you all the guidance you\u2019ll need. Only you will be able to see her, and no one will be able to hear you speak to her.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat does that mean, your partner? Where did she come from? What is she?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn opened her mouth, but Hoffman put a hand on her shoulder and shook her head. \u201cWe need to get downtown.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot until you tell me\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn got up and gimped towards the entrance as fast as she could. Hoffman simply blinked out of existence.<\/p><p>\u201cWait, hold up.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322869\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cThere. Right over there,\u201d Jazlynn said and tapped John on the shoulder.<\/p><p>The park came up on their left. A month ago, his father had taken him here, trying to escape a monstrous bird. He pushed that thought aside.<\/p><p>\u201cS-sure are a lot of people here,\u201d he said, flushing at his voice breaking.<\/p><p>A big crowd had gathered around a stage, but that was all he could see from here.<\/p><p>Jazlynn jumped off the bike and took in the greenery. \u201cI need to find someplace to set up shop; somewhere that will be easy to escape from. After all, we have no idea what we\u2019re dealing with,\u201d she said and clapped John\u2019s back. \u201cYou go mingle. We still have a little bit of time.\u201d<\/p><p>John leapt off as well and dragged his bike into the park. Getting closer, he now noticed a banner proclaiming the mayor to be speaking at two. John checked his watch. Two o\u2019clock.<\/p><p>He leant the bike up against a tree and sat down on a bench. He clapped his hands against his thighs, looking around. What kind of monster would appear? He couldn\u2019t spot anything out of the ordinary.<\/p><p>Hoffman sat next to him. John jerked out of his vigilance.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s coming,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>A young man in a snappy blazer appeared on stage and the crowd pressed itself even closer.<\/p><p>\u201cHim?\u201d John whispered.<\/p><p>Hoffman shook her head.<\/p><p>\u201cBeloved residents of Ferman,\u201d the mayor said and grabbed the podium. \u201cWe of course have a lot to thank the Cloudbough family for. Many of its sons and daughters have become architects, entrepreneurs, managers, and builders. We owe them over half our city. That is why it saddens me so much that they themselves want to clear away our oldest districts to make way for new. Surely they of all people should appreciate the legacy that they helped create.\u201d<\/p><p>John bit his lip.<\/p><p>\u201cIs it really okay for me to be here?\u201d he asked and glanced over at Hoffman. \u201cI don\u2019t really have any control over my powers yet.\u201d<\/p><p>She tossed her head towards the right side of the park. A horse was making its way up the path.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s a brown horse,\u201d he said. \u201cWith white spots.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s it doing here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s not forget Ferman\u2019s history. Many of you here today, or your family, helped shape our city, along with our large immigrant population from inside and outside the country.\u201d The mayor paced around on the stage, the people below him clamouring in agreement. \u201cYou know, when the Russians helped America win the World War in 1953, this place was nothing but marsh. When the veterans came home from the front, they needed a place to live, somewhere to work. With the economy booming, they founded cities like Ferman all over the country, all of them dedicated to industry and technology. Their hard work\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>John looked once more. There was a glow about it. No, behind it. It came closer, and John noticed it was pulling a cart. With a sphere inside it. Made of fire.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d he exclaimed and jumped on his feet.<\/p><p>\u201cTheir apartments should be made a museum! I promise you I will\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The mayor paused at the crackling of flames. Everyone turned towards the horse pulling a small fireball towards them.<\/p><p>\u201cRun!\u201d John yelled but people stared transfixed.<\/p><p>Fire burst from the sphere. John could feel the heat even from a hundred metres away. People backed off. The horse ignored them and clip-clopped towards the stage. Two security guards rushed up and grabbed the mayor. The sphere spewed some of its mass, consuming the wood of the stage.<\/p><p>\u201cKill it,\u201d Hoffman said. \u201cKill it now.\u201d It was bizarre, hearing such an old voice speak with such malice and intent.<\/p><p>John summoned his light, manifested it, and threw it. The burst rammed into the cart and was swallowed by the sphere.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t hit the cart. Hit the horse,\u201d Hoffman admonished.<\/p><p>\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The horse looked normal. Of course, a normal horse would probably not be able to pull a small sun behind it. John threw another ball of light, hitting the horse in the side. It snorted and another mass burst from its sphere. John threw himself to the ground. It passed right over him, but he could feel the back of his clothes burn away and singe his back. He bit back the pain and got up again.<\/p><p>The mayor ran for his life, the horse galloping right after him. John threw another ball of light. His palm erupted in pain and blood dripped between his fingers. The horse staggered as the attack hit its flank. It flicked its head between the mayor and John.<\/p><p>\u201cMore,\u201d Hoffman said. \u201cMore power.\u201d<\/p><p>The horse went for the mayor but the ground underneath it exploded. The horse reared up and the sun behind it burst, setting the trees and bushes and benches ablaze.<\/p><p>Hoffman grabbed his shoulder. \u201cMore power,\u201d she demanded and pointed at the horse.<\/p><p>John took a deep breath as the flames roared up around him. The old John would have been terrified. He would have huddled up and cried. But he had survived, and now he fought against his hammering heart and pushed the through the flames. He ignored the heat and called on his light, allowing the pain to guide him. This last attack needed to be powerful, but too much and it would grow out of control. John eased himself past his previous threshold.<\/p><p>His hand felt like it had been transformed into fire, his blood like filled with red-hot needles. Not enough, it was still too weak. Branches broke off and spewed embers all around him. The horse was the fire, galloping around and igniting everything. The skin of his arm felt like it was being ripped off and cured in salt. As his consciousness slipped away to escape the agony, something pushed him from behind. The light slipped from his hand and whined through the air. The horse was engulfed in the light. His ears filled with the loudest bang he could ever recall hearing.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322870\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>He must have blacked out for a moment, because now he was on his back. Jazlynn was off to his side, faintly arguing with Hoffman. He couldn\u2019t hear them clearly, his ears ringing, but he had never seen Jazlynn so animated before. She looked livid but her face softened noticing John coming around.<\/p><p>\u201cHey, sorry about that,\u201d she said, rushing over and kneeling next to him. \u201cI should have mentioned that Hoffman can get a little intense. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p><p>John stared at his arm. It was still there, the skin fine, though several long gashes were still in the process of healing. \u201cI\u2019m good,\u201d he said and sat up.<\/p><p>She stared at him as if not convinced, gliding her gaze over his wounds and looking for more. \u201cYou spent a lot of energy today, so you\u2019re going to feel exhausted for a few days.\u201d She smiled. John tried to remember the last time he had seen her do that and failed. \u201cBut hey, you did it; you blew that thing away. Just be careful next time, all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere\u2019s going to be a next time?\u201d<\/p><p>She nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s always going to be a next time. Don\u2019t worry, though, and don\u2019t overdo it. If there is a monster you can\u2019t take, just remember I\u2019m there too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean you\u2019re going to stick around?\u201d he asked and smiled back at her.<\/p><p>\u201cThe chance of two monsters naturally appearing in the same area within such a short time frame is astronomically low.\u201d She reached down and helped him get up. \u201cSomeone is orchestrating this, and I\u2019m not leaving until we have dealt with whoever\u2019s behind this.\u201d<\/p><p>The noise of sirens blared through the air and John noticed he was on the road outside of the park. Fire engines and fire fighters were busy combatting the flames.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about the mayor?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s fine, his security staff got him out. Incredibly, not a single person was hurt.\u201d She dusted him off and adjusted his jacket. \u201cBut we better get home. Your dad\u2019s going to be worried sick about you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy dad,\u201d John mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cOh. Sorry, I just meant\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head and got up. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, it just feels a little weird still.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA moment of your time.\u201d<\/p><p>Both turned their head to find a woman in a black suit right behind them. Detective Ebadicael\u2019s partner appeared behind them, an intense glare in her eyes.<\/p><p>Jazlynn clapped John\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll just be a minute,\u201d she whispered.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael glared down her nose at John. \u201cThis does not concern you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re not here to arrest Jazlynn, are you?\u201d John protested.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s all right. Just stay right here,\u201d Jazlynn said and went with the two detectives a few paces away. No further was needed with the blaring of sirens and shouting.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you out of your mind?\u201d Ebadicael hissed as a group of firefighters rushed past them. \u201cI would never have left the Nephilim in your care if I knew you would train him to fight.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham remained behind Jazlynn, her eyes glaring.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat did you think I was going to do?\u201d Jazlynn retorted calmly. \u201cTrain him not to fight?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes! No. Forget it. We\u2019re done here. I\u2019m having you extricated from the Nephilim\u2019s care immediately, and we will fight you if you try to stop us.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn tightened her grip around her cane, though her voice was undaunted. \u201cThat would be a mistake. Whether you like it not, Johnathan is a part of this. He needs to finish his training.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael exchanged a quick glance with Gagesham. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you handle today\u2019s case on your own? The Nephilim only became involved when you arranged it. Frankly, I\u2019m starting to seriously regret allowing you to stay with him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAllow, nothing. Johnathan is my issue, his parents should be yours. Have you Watchers made any headway in finding your rogue agent and her mate?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael looked as if she had been slapped and flushed bright red. \u201cYou watch your tone, Knight, or we will destroy you regardless. Now you go back to him and you tell him that you have to leave.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHis training is imperfect. Leaving him as he is now would be foolish,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cHe knows how to call his power, but he still needs a mentor to teach him control.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham grabbed her sunglasses, light glowing from behind, but Ebadicael waved her hand. \u201cYou\u2019re treading a fine line here, Knight, but you do make a point,\u201d she said. \u201cJust be quick about it. Your presence in this town is disturbing the balance.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou think I\u2019m to blame for today?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, of course not, not directly, but I do not like the number of cases concentrated on this small town. Finish your business here and then take your fights elsewhere.\u201d Ebadicael turned away and snapped her fingers, and the two detectives began fading.<\/p><p>\u201cSomeone\u2019s arranging these incidents. Someone in town. My job here is to find out who.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLeave the Nephilim out of this.\u201d<\/p><p>A paramedic was looking John over, especially interested in the burn on his back. Jazlynn observed, not wanting to interfere and risk getting bothered as well. John had no particular wounds, though, so the paramedic shuffled off to more concerning patients.<\/p><p>\u201cCan you ride back?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I should be fine. Not too far anyway.\u201d He looked back up the road, but the two detectives were gone. \u201cThose FBI agents give me the chills.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about them,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cThey answer to a different authority.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat did they want?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey were just in the area and wanted to know if we had anything to do with it. Now come on, your dad\u2019s bound to be worrying about you.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1584\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1584\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Part 3 \u2013 Golden Monster Boar<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1584\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1584\"><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322872\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cI was so worried about you,\u201d Rose said and fell on her knees so she could examine the burn closer.<\/p><p>\u201cW-what are you doing back already?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cMinik called and said you had gone to the park, and then I hear it caught on fire.\u201d She touched a hand to John\u2019s exposed skin on his back.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d John said, peering over his shoulder.<\/p><p>Rose fell back on her haunches and sighed. \u201cI just hope your social worker doesn\u2019t show up for a surprise visit now.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked down at his feet. \u201cSorry,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cSometimes it feels like you two have your own little thing going.\u201d Her arms came from behind and she rested her head against his. \u201cI know it\u2019s only to be expected, Jazlynn being your last real family and all, but maybe we could do something too? I haven\u2019t taken a break from the pawnshop in ages.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-sure,\u201d John said and closed his eyes. She smelt different than the mother he had lost, but she felt the same way. Both glowed with a certain warmth.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I guess I found someone to stand in on your birthday, but I could do it more often. I don\u2019t have to go there every day of the week. We make enough to hire an assistant or something.\u201d She shook her head and released him. \u201cYou go upstairs and take a shower. I\u2019ll have to do something about your clothes.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and hurried up to the first floor.<\/p><p>Rose got up and looked squarely at Jazlynn. \u201cI don\u2019t mind having you here, you\u2019re John last family and all, but please don\u2019t go putting my son in danger.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shrugged. \u201cI had no idea that fire was going to be there, but don\u2019t worry,\u201d she said, \u201cI got him out of there fast. You won\u2019t find a hurt spot on him, I assure you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat is the world coming to?\u201d Rose sighed and went for the living room. \u201cThey said on the radio that someone set fire to a horse and let it loose in the park. I mean, who does something like that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCan\u2019t be human,\u201d Jazlynn replied. She paused and turned to the door. \u201cI should get going. I know you have plans tonight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere do you live?\u201d Rose said. Jazlynn began walking but Rose grabbed her arm. \u201cNow hold on. I\u2019m mighty sorry if I\u2019m being intrusive, but I couldn\u2019t help but wonder. You\u2019re homeless, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo what if I am? I\u2019ve been living on the street most of my life.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou obviously know how to take care of yourself, so this is not at all a criticism, but I\u2019ve been thinking about your story.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me,\u201d Jazlynn said and faced Rose. \u201cI\u2019ll probably be gone soon anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know all the tricks. You\u2019ve probably got money squirreled away, and you have a gym membership for the showers and changing room, but I also know how hard it is. I\u2019m just saying it doesn\u2019t have to be that way. Why don\u2019t you crash on our couch?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn grimaced. \u201cSorry, I\u2019m not the kind to sit still and depend on others.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFor John then? You\u2019ve been hanging around this whole time because you want to keep an eye on him, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy would you do that for a stranger?\u201d Jazlynn said and shook her head.<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re family, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re not\u2026\u201d Jazlynn began but Rose stomped her foot.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m serious about finding an assistant for the shop, and I could also use a hand around the house. Being mother to an eleven-year-old kid is a lot of work, almost more than being a business owner.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn shook her head. \u201cYou want me to work at your pawnshop? I don\u2019t know anything about that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve worked with customers before, right? For all the technical details, I\u2019ll train you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re not going to let this go, are you?\u201d Jazlynn asked and took a deep breath. \u201cFine then. I\u2019ll stay, but just until I\u2019m confident that John can fend for himself.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose clapped her shoulder. \u201cThere you go, that\u2019s the spirit! But now that school is starting up again soon, you won\u2019t be able to keep an eye on him all the time anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI suppose that\u2019s true. But if I\u2019m going to help you out at the shop, then I don\u2019t want you to pay me. Consider that money my rent.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, that\u2019s another thing, someone came in with a prosthetic foot today. I don\u2019t normally accept things like that, but I couldn\u2019t help but think of you so I bought it outright.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWow, really? Someone actually sold their own foot?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose shook her head. \u201cNo, no, it was someone clearing out their grandmother\u2019s estate. I\u2019d at least like to think Ferman isn\u2019t so far gone yet that people would resort to selling their limbs,\u201d she said and shivered.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322873\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cHow was the movie?\u201d Jazlynn asked and sat down on the chair by John\u2019s desk.<\/p><p>\u201cIt was awesome! All these old action stars were in it and it was just\u2026 it was awesome!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s not what we\u2019re here for.\u201d<\/p><p>Hoffman blinked into existence and John almost fell out of his bed.<\/p><p>\u201cI was easing into it,\u201d Jazlynn said, annoyed.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd I\u2019m cutting to the chase,\u201d Hoffman said, hands buried deep into her trouser pockets.<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed deeply. \u201cRight. I made a promise that I would explain a few things, and you have more than earned it. There\u2019s really one thing you need to know, the rest is a bonus from me. I protect this world from outside interference.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded, drawing his legs up under him. \u201cForget that, I want to know who or what Hoffman is,\u201d John said, unable to take his eyes off her.<\/p><p>Hoffman lifted one side of her lip in an awkward smile. \u201cI\u2019m the spirit of a long-dead person housed within a vessel known as Neon. Us spirits are offered to potential Knights to aid them with our powers and guide them in the fights against intruders.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded slowly, absorbing the information and digesting it. \u201cYou\u2019re offered? By whom?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSomeone trying to keep order. We call him the Guardian,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cHe scouted me when I was kid and sent Hoffman to train me. I lived a pretty normal life with barely any fighting, just training and getting used to my powers. One day I was touring with my band and I got tangled up in a fight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s when you lost your foot, I remember.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, John,\u201d she said sombrely and shook her head. \u201cI died.\u201d<\/p><p>John blinked several times. \u201cI\u2019m sorry?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI didn\u2019t just lose my foot that day, I lost my life as well.\u201d<\/p><p>John opened his mouth, but no words came out.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can\u2019t serve the Guardian in life; a human body just isn\u2019t designed to wield the kind of power offered by Neon. If the Guardian likes the bond between the Squire and the Spirit, however, he resurrects you to serve him. You can refuse, of course, but obviously, I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou with us so far, kid?\u201d Hoffman asked.<\/p><p>John closed his mouth and nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cGood, I mean, can you believe I actually wanted to be a teacher once?\u201d Jazlynn mumbled and brushed back her hair. \u201cAnyway, as I said, I protect this world from outside interference. This is a broad concept, but in essence, it concerns what we call demons.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know what demons are,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not that simple,\u201d Hoffman countered.<\/p><p>\u201cRight, demon is an umbrella term. When a person dies, one of two things happen. One, they let go of their earthly desires and find peace in death,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cPeople who cannot, will become demons. Some demons degenerate until they become like mindless monsters, while others can rein themselves in. They are the most dangerous of all. They look human, but they are anything but.\u201d<\/p><p>John knit his brow. \u201cThe horse I fought. That weird bird. They were all humans once?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cExactly. The form they take as demons reflect the image that they hold of themselves in their heart. All emotions can be warped, too. Some are more resilient than others, but even love can turn into something ugly. What\u2019s the saying, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions?\u201d Jazlynn smiled, as if remembering something.<\/p><p>\u201cShe\u2019s talking about angels,\u201d Hoffman said.<\/p><p>\u201cAngels? Are angels\u2026 bad?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re demons, no exception,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cBut at least they\u2019re content to sit on their cloud and watch things, most of the time.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat sounds strange,\u201d John said and scratched his head.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d Jazlynn pushed on her cane and hoisted herself up on her feet. \u201cYou get a feeling for these things over time. At least, we Knights do. But that was my lesson for now. If you keep impressing me, I will teach you some more.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322874\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cDelivery guy came by earlier with this,\u201d Minik grunted as he dragged a large box into the living room. \u201cAlmost forgot about it with everything else that has happened.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat have you got there?\u201d Rose asked and grabbed the other end.<\/p><p>\u201cAll of the stuff from John\u2019s old house. The intact things, anyway, according to the delivery guy.\u201d<\/p><p>With the box in the middle of the room, Minik straightened up and cracked his back.<\/p><p>Rose tugged at the flaps. \u201cLet\u2019s see what\u2019s inside. No point in him going through his mother\u2019s old bras.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik cut the tape and Rose removed some of the bubble wrap.<\/p><p>A trophy for best mum, a toy gun, roller blades, a bag of crisps, a pair of shoes, and then a few articles of clothing. Rose pulled up a large black dress.<\/p><p>\u201cLands and stars, his mom must have looked like she was poured into this thing. I\u2019d never fit my knockers in this.\u201d She folded it neatly and dropped it to the floor to pick up a men\u2019s red blazer. \u201cI guess look through what we can use, the rest might as well benefit some other soul.\u201d<\/p><p>A book fell out and flopped to the floor. Minik and Rose gathered around it.<\/p><p>\u00a0\u201cMemories and treasures,\u201d Rose read from the cover and picked it up.<\/p><p>\u201cA photo album?\u201d Minik asked and was proven right when Rose flipped it open. \u201cThink this contains any clues about John\u2019s parents?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe authorities released it, so probably not,\u201d Rose said. \u201cOh, this must be his mother.\u201d She pointed to a lady with long, brown hair standing in front of what could only be their old house. Except it was run down and overgrown with weeds. \u201cI forgot how beautiful she was, holy shit. That guy was lucky.\u201d<\/p><p>John\u2019s father was in the next picture sporting a scraggly sign of his later prominent moustache. \u201cLooks a little thinner there,\u201d Minik said and massaged his chin. \u201cI\u2019ll take any of his old clothes.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose clutched her chest as she went through the book and she couldn\u2019t stop tears from forming in the corners of her eye. \u201cDammit, I can\u2019t stop thinking about all the photos we\u2019ve missed out on.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>He put her head on his shoulder as she caressed a page filled with early baby photos. \u2018Our little Lawrence\u2019 was written in one corner of the book. She turned the pages, and John\u2019s older brother went from sitting in a highchair covered in cake to being a boy John\u2019s age standing by a bicycle before John first appeared.<\/p><p>\u201cThey sure waited a long time between them.\u201d Rose grabbed the pages and peeked at the first baby photos before going back. \u201c1995 for Lawrence, 1999 for John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd 2010 for the latest one, what was his name?\u201d Minik asked.<\/p><p>\u201cRonald. Just a day old.\u201d Rose sighed and flipped on, seeing the same progression with John from baby, while Lawrence sprouted into the air, his shoulders widening. \u201cIt\u2019s weird how he never talks about Lawrence. Ronald, I guess I can understand, but his older brother?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSounded like there were some issues,\u201d Minik said. \u201cLook at the guy, arms like telephone poles, and then that scowl.\u201d<\/p><p>Lawrence would be missing for several pages before he showed up again in the background, looking either bored or broody. He had to be almost two metres tall with muscles like a football player. In fact, several of the earlier pictures showed him in physical contact clubs like football and wrestling. Then after John turned nine Lawrence was missing completely and did not show up again. The last pictures chronicled Marilyn\u2019s third pregnancy with baby names scribbled on every page until the last one where the name Ronald was highlighted with a circle.<\/p><p>\u201cMay I?\u201d Minik asked and shifted the album over to himself before Rose could reply. He flicked irreverently through the pages as if looking for something.<\/p><p>\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cProbably nothing, but something just feels off. I can\u2019t put my finger on it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell you better be careful with that thing. I don\u2019t want you breaking it.\u201d<\/p><p>Feet came down the stairs.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322875\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 3 September 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The iron rod glowed vibrantly in John\u2019s hands. \u201cLook, it\u2019s working!\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t feel any pain either.\u201d<\/p><p>With the construction site properly closed for outsiders, it had been difficult for John and Jazlynn to find a place to practise. Fortunately, Jazlynn had known about an old ferry terminal by a dried-out lake. A few boats were scattered on the lakebed, joined by several letters from the \u201cFerman Ferry Terminal\u201d sign above. John had found some old pipes by the berths, while Jazlynn had found a bench.<\/p><p>She looked out over the former lake, wondering whether man or nature had done this, when a small explosion snapped her attention back to John. John was sitting on the concrete pier, the rod gone.<\/p><p>\u201cOw,\u201d he said and shook his bloodied hand.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Jazlynn asked nonchalantly and crossed her legs.<\/p><p>\u201cIt blew up.\u201d John frowned and looked at his hands. \u201cDammit.\u201d<\/p><p>He picked up another rod. It glowed and once again exploded, again knocking him on his behind.<\/p><p>\u201cMetal\u2019s probably too sturdy,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cIt can soak up your energy, but it has no way of releasing it.\u201d<\/p><p>John kicked the remaining pipes. They clattered over the edge. \u201cThen what?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cTry a different material,\u201d Jazlynn said and tossed him a stick.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat am I, a wizard?\u201d he asked and waved it around as it began to glow. \u201cUh, Wingardium Leviosa,\u201d he chanted. The stick disintegrated and the energy dispersed.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm, opposite problem,\u201d Jazlynn commented.<\/p><p>\u201cThanks, I noticed,\u201d John mumbled. \u201cAt least it didn\u2019t explode.\u201d<\/p><p>He spent the next hour picking up other stuff, but all had similar results, either disintegrating or exploding. Then again, all the things he could find were made of metal or stone or wood. Everything else had been stripped and plundered long ago.<\/p><p>\u201cI wish I could give you a Neon Weapon of your own,\u201d Jazlynn said, her cane transforming into the halberd. \u201cI don\u2019t know what they\u2019re made of, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere are they even from?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know that either.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn stroked the halberd and stared at it transfixed. John\u2019s trousers began ringing and the halberd turned back to a birdhouse.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s mom,\u201d he said after checking his cell phone. \u201cSeems like Idowu\u2019s come by to check on things.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn heaved herself up to a standing position. \u201cMust be because we\u2019re getting close to your first day of school. Next week, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYup, first Monday of September.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ll need to focus on that, so you don\u2019t end up homeless and uneducated like me,\u201d Jazlynn said and tried resting on her prosthetic foot. \u201cWell, in the spirit of homework, it will be your job to find a usable material. Or at least try out as many as you can. I\u2019m not guaranteeing it\u2019s going to work, but it will be worth the effort.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, how come you don\u2019t have a cell phone of your own?\u201d John asked a little later as he was riding them back towards town. \u201cThen mom wouldn\u2019t have to call me every time she wants something from you as well.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSame reason I don\u2019t have a permanent address; I\u2019m legally dead. Granted, my body was never found, so maybe\u2026\u201d Jazlynn made a pondering noise before continuing. \u201cNo, it\u2019s been thirty years, I must have been declared dead by now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDoes your family know?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere did that come from?\u201d Jazlynn asked surprised and shook her head. \u201cNo, they don\u2019t care about me. I tried going back once when I was still alive, and that was one time too many. Now concentrate on the road.\u201d Jazlynn knuckled John lightly over the head.<\/p><p>\u201cHow have you gotten by for all these years?\u201d John said and massaged his scalp.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, being a Knight has its advantages.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou steal?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I don\u2019t steal!\u201d she decried. \u201cAll I meant was\u2026 well\u2026 I might tell you when I have to leave.\u201d<\/p><p>John peeked over his shoulder at her. \u201cYou\u2019re going to leave?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAt some point. How many Knights do you think there are in North America? No, don\u2019t even answer that,\u201d she quickly inserted. \u201cLet me tell you right now, there\u2019s maybe one or two others.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow many are you? Like, worldwide?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, twenty, maybe; at least that I know of.\u201d Ferman was quiet with most people at work. The inner city was still a bustle of activity. A large van zoomed past at too high a speed, making John\u2019s bike wobble. \u201cThat\u2019s not counting the odd loose Neons out there.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe only thing we really know about Neon is that it came to this world a long time ago. In the early days, it was used by anyone who picked it up. Part of our duty is to locate any rogue pieces and hand them over to our master.\u201d<\/p><p>John thought back to Jazlynn\u2019s halberd rifle and imagined what it would be like in the wrong hands. A chill went through him. \u201cAre there many of those? Rogue pieces, that is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCould be, I mean, we don\u2019t know how many there\u2019s supposed to be in the first place,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cProbably not, though. Humans have been everywhere on this planet. If there are any loose ones out there, they are either deep inside mountains or at the bottom of some ocean.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAh, that\u2019s good to hear,\u201d John said and felt a little happier.<\/p><p>He almost forgot the reason they cut their training session short. That is, until he saw the car by the curb, livery on the side declaring it to be from the authorities.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll handle the bike. You go ahead,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>She headed around the back with bike under the her, while John rushed for the main door.<\/p><p>\u201cHello, Johnathan.\u201d Idowu was waiting for him on the other side, standing vigilant in the hallway. \u201cI hope I\u2019m not disturbing?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUh, no, of course not,\u201d John said and unclasped his helmet.<\/p><p>\u201cYour new parents showed me around the house, but I wanted to wait until you got back to see your room. Would you mind?\u201d<\/p><p>John put the helmet on the hook and shook off his shoes before leading her up to the first floor. Idowu calmly followed into his room. She paced around and made little notes on her notepad before waving a hand at his office chair.<\/p><p>\u201cMay I?\u201d she asked and sat down as John nodded. \u201cI can imagine this house and your own room are not as big as you were used to.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, but it\u2019s not so bad, honestly,\u201d John said and plopped down on his bed.<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear. Now, I would like to know more about your life, in your own words. Your new parents can\u2019t hear you here so you\u2019re free to say anything on your mind. It\u2019s just going to be between the two of us, so feel free to say anything on your mind.\u201d She crossed her legs to rest her pad on. \u201cI might ask you questions that are deeply personal to you. Even if you feel uncomfortable, I want you to answer me as honestly as you can.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA-all right,\u201d John said, clutching his knees.<\/p><p>\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood,\u201d he squeaked.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you miss your real parents?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cEvery day, but everyone here treats me so nice. Minik and Rose is always doing their best, but I can tell it\u2019s not easy on them. I don\u2019t think either of them has seriously cooked before, but the fridge is always full, and Minik can at least heat things without setting them on fire.\u201d<\/p><p>Again, the stylus danced across the pad as Idowu made notes. \u201cI see no signs of malnutrition, and you appear to be in a good shape, physically and mentally,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat do you do with your time?\u201d<\/p><p>John scratched his neck. \u201cWell, my aunt is helping me train.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPhysical exercise,\u201d Idowu mumbled. \u201cI was hoping to have a talk with her too; ties to your old life are conducive to your recovery. What about mentally? Do you still draw?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, how did you know?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI remember from last time. Can I see?\u201d<\/p><p>John pointed to the shelf above the desk. Idowu grabbed a binder between several pictures of John\u2019s family, new and old, and put it on the desk. \u201cThese are good,\u201d she said after a minute of leafing through the pictures. \u201cVibrant colours, innocent motifs. Very different to the ones from your case file a few years ago. Mind if I snap a pic?\u201d<\/p><p>He shook his head and she held out the tablet. There were ones of his old house and family, and of his current house and family. \u201cYou have a good sense of lines and proportion. Has anyone taught you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I just doodle now and then. Sometimes I colour them in. You really think they\u2019re good?\u201d John asked with rising eagerness.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, and you\u2019re only going to get better if you keep at it.\u201d She picked one out and put it on the bed. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you want to be a lawyer or a doctor?\u201d<\/p><p>John rotated it so he could see the paper properly. \u201cOh. This is just something I drew right before\u2026 you know. We were supposed to write about our future.\u201d Her sharply drawn features seemed to soften, and John smiled. \u201cMy parents are\u2026 were\u2026 a doctor and a lawyer. But I\u2019m not really good at school stuff. I just like to draw.\u201d<\/p><p>Idowu put the pictures back and put them back. \u201cWhat\u2019s your favourite course in school?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPhysics, definitely. We made some experiments with magnets and electricity before summer.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSchool starts next week,\u201d Idowu said and made more notes. \u201cExcited?\u201d<\/p><p>John shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHave you made any friends?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA couple. There this older kid I talk to called Phil, and another one from my class called Ragan.\u201d John was quiet for a moment and Idowu said nothing either, just scribbling on her pad.<\/p><p>They continued to talk for a while, Idowu broaching subjects high and low. At last, she settled her tablet down and rested her stylus.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve made some really good progress, John, I am very impressed with your improvements. I have just one last question: are you seeing a therapist?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? No, why? There\u2019s nothing wrong with me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI didn\u2019t say there was, but you\u2019ve been through a lot. You\u2019re taking all of this in much better stride than when your older brother was removed a few years ago. Do you remember?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded slowly and looked down.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m just worried you might be bottling up your feelings. You know, it\u2019s good to get things off your chest.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d John mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cStill, it might be good to have someone to talk to.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI have my aunt.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, but a therapist is someone who knows how to deal with problems and won\u2019t tell anyone. I have to make reports and such about your progress, and you might worry about how your family is going to react, but a therapist is bound by law to keep your secrets.\u201d<\/p><p>John shrugged.<\/p><p>Idowu picked up her stylus again and scratched a few notes on her tablet. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll leave it to your new parents to decide. Ultimately, I can\u2019t or won\u2019t force you,\u201d she said and got up from the chair. \u201cIt\u2019s been a pleasure talking with you again, John. You\u2019ve been through a lot, but I also think you\u2019ve been lucky. I doubt I could have re-established a normal life for you this quickly, and right in this town too. You take care now, John. Be sure to notify me if ever anything happens.\u201d<\/p><p>On her way out, Idowu made sure to greet Rose and Minik again and reassure them that everything seemed fine. She had just stepped outside when Jazlynn approached her.<\/p><p>\u201cAh, I meant to have a talk with you as well, but I ended up spending way too much time with John,\u201d Idowu said and acknowledged Jazlynn with a nod. \u201cI admit, I was sceptical about you at first, but you have proven to be a good influence on him.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn was quiet, her eyes wandering all over Idowu, as if searching for something.<\/p><p>\u201cI see you\u2019ve gotten yourself a prosthesis too. Do you still need that cane then?\u201d Idowu continued but Jazlynn still said nothing. \u201cYou know, I always wondered, why a birdhouse?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re not\u2026 with the FBI agents, are you?\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cPardon?\u201d Idowu said.<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed. \u201cNever mind.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s funny you should mention them, you know. I saw that detective, Ebadicael, two years ago as well, back when John\u2019s older brother was removed from the home.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI believe you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, goodbye for now, Ms Pearce.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322876\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 18 September 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The recycling plant blown up. That fire in the park. A lot of crazy stuff had happened in Ferman lately, too many to be a coincidence. Phil lay on his bed in his small bedroom, staring at his walls filled with posters of metal bands up to the ceiling and back again. He had spent all morning trying to find out more, but no official sources had anything definitive to say. The conspiracy sites were just full of theories. European nationalists retaliating against US support. The LHD developing military hardware and covering up their test failures. Gifted being involved in hideous experiments. Not a shred of proof besides blurry images and shaky testimonies.<\/p><p>Phil glanced over to the alarm clock on his desk. There was still time before he was supposed to meet the others. He jumped out of bed and grabbed the weights off the floor. The strangest thing was still John\u2019s house. Why had that collapsed as well? It was a good distance to the recycling plant, and no other houses had collapsed nearby.<\/p><p>\u201cArgh, I just don\u2019t get it!\u201d he groaned, lifting the weights up and down.<\/p><p>\u201cPhil!\u201d his mother yelled. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be late!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, mom!\u201d<\/p><p>He glanced over to the clock. Right, no one was picking them up this time. Phil lowered the weights back to the floor and threw a new shirt on and rushed into the hallway. He quickly navigated between the discarded toys, toddler Lucas playing on the floor, and the five-year-old Hank standing, clueless, with a finger in his mouth.<\/p><p>His stout mother Molly was in the kitchen, rubbing his younger sister Francesca on the cheek. \u201cM-mom,\u201d she protested.<\/p><p>\u201cNow where did you even pick up a stain like that?\u201d Molly asked.<\/p><p>\u201cSee you all later,\u201d Phil said in passing.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, yeah, try and get some friends your own age, why don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil grinned as he went to the garage on the side of the house, passing his father Bob playing house with the twin sisters on the front lawn.<\/p><p>\u201cWhere are you going, big brother?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you have a girlfriend?\u201d Liz asked.<\/p><p>\u201cNope, sorry, I\u2019m going to do some homework with my friends,\u201d he replied and grabbed his bike.<\/p><p>His father Bob had gotten his usually filthy mane of hair tied up with several scrunchies. \u201cDon\u2019t you think you\u2019re a little old to be playing with them?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019ve been over this, pops,\u201d Phil said and slowly pedalled to the curb. \u201cSee you tonight.\u201d<\/p><p>The breeze was fresh against his skin, rustling his t-shirt and blowing through his hair. It was good to get out of the house before he was asked to do more chores. Or at least, asked to do the ones he was supposed to be doing. Like watching his younger siblings. Stop seeing his best friends? This was the highlight of his week! It didn\u2019t even matter that he had gotten out a little late, he was so full of energy that he made up for it in the end.<\/p><p>It was still a good thirty minutes on bike from the outskirts of town to another sort of outskirts. He soon left the clutter of flat houses behind, took a shortcut through the woods, and there was Ragan\u2019s big mansion. Phil checked the time. Only twenty-five minutes today. The winds had been in his favour. He saluted the security guard and breezed through the opening front gates.<\/p><p>One of the maids greeted him at the door and took his bike. Phil watched her a little confused, but decided it was just the way things were done here.<\/p><p>Kizashi waved him over to the recreation corner and got up from the couch. \u201cLooks like you\u2019re first,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, am I early, Ms Kiz?\u201d Phil asked and checked his watch again.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, no, Johnathan is just a little late.\u201d She giggled and waved her hand. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice that you boys want to keep my little Ragan company. I always worry that he\u2019s not making any friends, and then why did we put him in public school instead of home tutoring him, am I right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUh, sure.\u201d Phil chuckled along half-heartedly.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, what makes you think I can help you with schoolwork?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan came down the stairs, neatly dressed and cleaned-up as usual. Phil was painfully conscious of his own worn attire and lack of expensive perfume, even though no one ever said anything.<\/p><p>\u201cJohn always tells me that you\u2019re the smartest one at his school. Who better to help me out, eh?\u201d Phil ended with a boisterous laugh that made Ragan wince.<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right, that\u2019s absolutely right,\u201d Kizashi said with a laugh. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll leave you to it, sweetie, mommy has work to do it.\u201d<\/p><p>Her arms jingled from multiple rings and wristlets as she wrapped them around her son and kissed his cheeks. Ragan groaned but endured it. He waited until she had swayed out of the lobby and sat down in one of the couches.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, what do you have problems with?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI need to write an essay and I can\u2019t decide on a topic,\u201d Phil said and sat down on the other side of the table.<\/p><p>Ragan groaned and massaged his brow. \u201cI don\u2019t know, weightlifting? Body building?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI have to write about a modern author.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow about whoever wrote those Harry Potter books. They seem mildly popular.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood call,\u201d Phil said and dragged a candy bowl closer. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever read one, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen you should probably ask John, they seem right up his alley.\u201d Ragan clapped the back of the couch, glancing between the door and his watch. \u201cSpeaking of, what is he doing? He\u2019s been so busy lately, but I can\u2019t figure out with what.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, I sometimes wait for him outside the school, and just he blasts right past me,\u201d Phil said and stuffed his mouth. \u201cI have to yell to get his attention.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIsn\u2019t that just your default setting?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil nodded. Of course, he realised that he and Ragan weren\u2019t friends. They knew each other through John, otherwise a kid from the wrong side of the tracks wouldn\u2019t be sitting here in this fancy mansion. Phil chewed his mouthful to avoid having to say anything.<\/p><p>\u201cWhy <em>do<\/em> you hang out with us?\u201d Ragan asked. Phil nearly choked and gasped. \u201cI mean, you\u2019re fifteen. Don\u2019t you have any friends your own age?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil pounded his chest and heaved a deep sight. \u201cSure, I mean, I used to,\u201d he said and poured himself a drink.<\/p><p>Ragan raised an eyebrow. \u201cAre you going to make me ask you for a clarification?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s smile waned. He sipped his drink and licked his lips. \u201cThere were two other boys living in my cul-de-sac, Dave and Darryl.\u201d Phil chuckled. \u201cMan, we were always raising hell, the three of us. Nicking stuff, setting things on fire\u2026 one time we climbed the fence to a kindergarten and pissed in their outdoor playhouse.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLovely,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>Phil looked at his feet. \u201cWe would hide out in the woods. If felt safe, like no one would chase us in there. We thought we knew every inch of it, so when we found a shack we hadn\u2019t seen before, we had to get closer. All of a sudden, a guy bursts out and starts firing at us.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan paused for a second. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, what? What happened?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe hauled ass out of there as fast as we could. By the time we could no longer hear the shots, we realised Dave wasn\u2019t with us.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil was quiet long enough that Ragan almost spoke up.<\/p><p>\u201cIt was a meth lab,\u201d Phil said pensively. \u201cThe police raided it the next day, but Dave was already\u2026 he was gone. I had a family to fall back on. I swore I would get stronger and never let something like that happen again. That\u2019s why I want to be a policeman. But Darryl\u2026\u201d Phil bit his lip. \u201cHe was the one who found the shack. He was the one who egged us to investigate it. He kept blaming himself. His dad was already gone, and his mom wasn\u2019t all there either. He cut his wrists not long after. Those two were my only friends.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood god, Phil, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ragan said and clasped a hand over his mouth.<\/p><p>\u201cEh, you know, I didn\u2019t tell you all that to get pity or anything,\u201d Phil said and scratched his neck. \u201cLook, just keep it between us, all right? John was my first friend in years, and he doesn\u2019t need to know.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan snorted a laugh. \u201cLet me guess, you were just sitting by yourself, looking all lost and lonely when he came up next you and started talking to you?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil smiled. \u201cYeah. He\u2019s special.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shifted nervously in his seat. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll tell you something as well that\u2019s going to stay just between the two of us then,\u201d he said and locked eyes with Phil. \u201cJohn is also very special to me. In fact, you might say he\u2026 that is to say, I\u2026 kind of\u2026 really like him\u2026 as, you know\u2026\u201d Ragan flushed completely red and withdrew.<\/p><p>Before he could finish, however, the front doors opened, and John entered.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry guys, I completely forgot,\u201d he said and grabbed his knees, gasping for air.<\/p><p>\u201cSheesh, John, what are you so busy with all the time?\u201d Phil asked and chuckled. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019re writing a book?\u201d<\/p><p>John raised his head in surprise. \u201cNo, why would I be writing a book?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI just remember you telling me a superhero story during summer break.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan got up from the chair to greet John. \u201cWhat are we talking about?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, he didn\u2019t tell it to you?\u201d Phil said and got up as well. \u201cIt was a little farfetched but overall pretty good.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I\u2026 I\u2019m just training with my aunt, that\u2019s all. She\u2019s been teaching me a few moves.\u201d John disappeared under the table and threw some books from his bag on the table.<\/p><p>Phil gave John a closer look. Still tall and scrawny. \u201cOh, hey, if you need some tips, just ask me.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan cleared his throat. \u201cNow that we\u2019re all here, perhaps we should get the study session going?\u201d he said.<\/p><p>Before he could even nod, Phil found himself swept along to a different part of the mansion. Ragan opened the doors into a library bigger than any room in his own house. Almost bigger than the whole house, too. Phil felt very small and cramped himself together involuntarily.<\/p><p>The gang took seats around a central table, taking books and laptops from their backpacks and spread them out before them. Phil hung back and stared at the blank page on his computer.\u00a0 Modern authors\u2026 who even reads anymore? Now, those mysterious happenings, those were worth exploring. Someone should do something, and the town couldn\u2019t wait for a superhero to appear.<\/p><p>\u201cHey son, heard you had friends over.\u201d<\/p><p>The library doors swung open and a beefy guy entered with the jacket part of his business suit slung over his left arm. Ragan\u2019s father looked shorter than in press photos, and his skin was even darker than his son\u2019s.<\/p><p>\u201cHow did your business meeting go?\u201d Ragan asked.<\/p><p>Aleksandro\u2019s face soured. \u201cI was stuck in that meeting for hours thanks to the mayor\u2019s stubbornness; I thought I would never get to hit the pavement today.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s the problem with him?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>Aleksandro waved his hand dismissively. \u201cHe\u2019s just using people\u2019s nostalgia for votes. Once they see the businesses passing over Ferman and the economy tanking, then we\u2019ll hear a different tune,\u201d he said with a laugh. \u201cYou boys have fun now, I got to jet. I need to find some way to develop around an old diner out in Sacrisyard.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo, as I was saying,\u201d Ragan continued and turned back to John, \u201cknowing when to conjugate a verb and how to do it is important\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cListen, I think we got a little off-topic,\u201d John said and chuckled nervously. \u201cI wanted to ask you something.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHm?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m looking for something between wood and metal.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan raised an eyebrow. \u201cHow do you mean? Like, a progression?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, like\u2026\u201d John pushed the English book away and turned to face Ragan. \u201cUm, like, wood is too brittle and metal too solid. I\u2019m looking for a material that\u2019s, well, between those two.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWood can be pretty solid as well.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, I know, but\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>Phil watched the two of them talk. Sometimes it felt like they understood each other on a basic level. Rather than questioning John\u2019s bizarre requests, Ragan just played along. It was always about something he knew nothing about and he always felt left out, but this one time a light blinked on in his mind.<\/p><p>\u201cPlastic?\u201d he suggested. The two of them stopped their discussion dead and looked at him. Phil leant his elbows on the table and put his head in his hands. \u201cPlastic\u2019s pretty tough, you know, but you can also bend it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would just like to point out that there are several types of plastic. There are several types of wood and metal, too,\u201d Ragan said and turned back to John. \u201cWhat\u2019s this for?\u201d<\/p><p>John grinned and scratched his neck. \u201cOh, well, I was just wondering. But do you think plastic could do it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat, if you need something less solid than metal but not as brittle as wood, I suppose, yeah, plastic could do. Again, what is this for?\u201d Ragan asked and leant in over the table.<\/p><p>\u201cNot telling,\u201d he said mysteriously and pulled his English book closer. \u201cNow what error had I been making?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil pulled back again and tapped his fingers against the table. Now he could only think about what John wanted with that information, any ideas of modern authors gone.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322877\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>In the evening after John and Phil had left, Ragan retired to his room and approached the trophies on his shelf.<\/p><p>\u201cWe need to have a talk.\u201d<\/p><p>Nothing. Ragan flushed, as he was effectively just talking to himself now. If anyone saw\u2026<\/p><p>\u201cPlease, I know you have nothing better to do, so stop ignoring me.\u201d<\/p><p>The reflection in the silver whirled and darkened, and a man in a tuxedo appeared.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Sorry, I wasn\u2019t expecting a call. Is this about our next target? I would really appreciate you taking the initiative here for once.<\/em>\u201d He laughed, sending chills down Ragan\u2019s back.<\/p><p>\u201cYes. I mean, no. This is about John. There\u2019s something I need to know,\u201d Ragan said firmly.<\/p><p>His smile faded. \u201c<em>Always with that kid. What do you want from me, a pinkie swear I won\u2019t touch him?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI need to know if he\u2019s one of the Gifted, like me. The age doesn\u2019t align perfectly, I know, but\u2013\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan lifted an eyebrow. \u201cAnd you\u2019re not lying to me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What would even make you think that John would be a Gifted?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJust something Phil mentioned. Might be nothing, but someone\u2019s been fighting the monsters we\u2019ve released, and if he was a Gifted\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The man behind the mirror shook his head. \u201c<em>If he was a Gifted, I\u2019d know about it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut he could still be behind it, right? He could still be the one defeating the monsters?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Sure, but I don\u2019t see how.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight. Right, I know,\u201d Ragan said and bit his thumb. \u201cThe only alternative is that John should have gotten powers elsewhere, and where would that be? Maybe in a hundred years, people will be born with magic, but that\u2019s an absurd thought this early in.\u201d<\/p><p>The fog on the reflection cleared up, and Ragan could see only his own face, warped by the curvature of his trophy.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322878\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The closet door creaked open and John lowered his sketchbook. Azer waved back at him from the mirror inside the door. \u201c<em>Yo. Still up late, I see.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAzer!\u201d John said and instantly clasped his mouth. He listened intently but heard no indication he had given himself away. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Well, I was just getting tired of peeping into someone\u2019s bathroom and decided it had been a while since I had checked in with you.<\/em>\u201d Azer grinned. \u201c<em>Nah, what am I saying, I\u2019ll never get tired of that. One word of warning, though; it isn\u2019t always pretty what happens in there. So, how are you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John scooted closer to the wardrobe. \u201cA little worried. I don\u2019t really eat or sleep anymore, unless I really push my powers.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>That just means you\u2019re special, kiddo; you\u2019re better than others. While others waste time eating and sleeping, you\u2019re free to do whatever you want.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I used to catch late re-runs, but I ran out of excuses to Rose and Minik, so, I mostly just draw,\u201d John said and held up his sketchbook. \u201cIt\u2019s easier to explain why the lights are on than why the TV is.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer scratched his chin. \u201c<em>What is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou like it? I want to make a comic series based on my life, but all I\u2019ve got so far is the character design.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No one became a master overnight, kiddo; you just have to keep at it. What about your training?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, I do a bit of that too. Watch this.\u201d John put the sketchbook away and held up his left palm. Light gathered and grew into a small ball.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Is that all you can do so far?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, it still hurts when I call on the energy, so this is about all I can do.\u201d John winced, and the ball of light fizzled out. \u201cI can control it much better now, though.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer walked around inside his world. Given the small width of John\u2019s mirror, it meant that Azer paced in and out of view. \u201c<em>Good, good. Remember that I still keep an eye on you, even if you can\u2019t see me. Good work with the fire horse.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou saw that?\u201d John whispered.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Of course. I feel it too when monsters appear, so I got worried about you,<\/em>\u201d Azer said. \u201c<em>You\u2019re doing great, but you also have a lot of potential left in you. Always train. I seriously cannot stress that enough; you\u2019re only going to get stronger from here on in.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John dragged his feet up under him. \u201cI will. It\u2019s only a matter of time before another monster shows up.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>That\u2019s the spirit.<\/em>\u201d Azer smiled as he sat down in mid-air, as if there was an invisible chair under him. \u201c<em>So how are you feeling otherwise, kiddo? Dealing with all this crazy all right?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure. I can talk with Jazlynn fine enough, but I wish I could tell someone else too. My social worker suggested a therapist, but I couldn\u2019t tell someone like that about my powers. Then they\u2019d really think I was crazy.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Yeah, it\u2019s not like anyone would believe you. I mean, you tried with your friend Phil. Unless,<\/em>\u201d Azer said and scratched his chin, \u201c<em>you had some way to convince them.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d John said as loudly as he dared. \u201cIf I showed them my energy attack, they\u2019d have to believe me!\u201d His enthusiastic smiled waned. \u201cBut Jazlynn warned me not to show anyone.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And why should she have to determine what you can and can\u2019t do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, she told me to follow some rules if she were to train me or she would\u2026 she would\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>Azer leant in closer. \u201c<em>Or she would kill you. Am I right? What a great person she is.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John bit his lip and nodded. \u201cBut that was months ago. She hasn\u2019t talked about killing me in a long time.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>She doesn\u2019t have to, with the way you behave.<\/em>\u201d Azer smirked. \u201c<em>It\u2019s not like she would have to know, either. I mean, your friends can keep a secret, right?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know about Phil, but Ragan for sure,\u201d John said and sighed. \u201cI tried telling all this to Phil, and it didn\u2019t take him long to pass it on to Ragan, like I\u2019m making up stories.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Well, it\u2019s just a thought, John, but if you do decide to let anyone in on my secret, make sure that you do not mention me.<\/em>\u201d Azer waggled his finger and smiled playfully. \u201c<em>I won\u2019t kill you, John, but I will be cross with you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>All right, you\u2019ve been up drawing long enough, you better hop to bed. Or even you will feel it tomorrow.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The image blinked out of existence and Azer with it. John threw himself back and wormed his way up to the desk to turn off the lamp.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322879\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 6 October 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Today he would do it for sure. Azer encouraging him was one thing, but then actually defying Jazlynn and divulging his powers to someone else was a lot more nerve-racking than he had anticipated. Plus, the plastic clue had been buzzing in the back of his head. He would need something sturdier than Rose\u2019s Tupperware, but everything seemed to be made out of aluminium or wood or some other metal.<\/p><p>\u201cSo what do you think it is?\u201d<\/p><p>John paused and glanced over the door to the school toilets. Two girls stood inside and admired a puddle on the floor.<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe it\u2019s pee. But why would it be all the way over here?\u201d one of them said, pointing first to the row of stalls and then back to the puddle by the sinks.<\/p><p>\u201cCould just be water,\u201d the other one said.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm. No, definitely pee,\u201d John said and took his finger out of his mouth.<\/p><p>The first girl gasped at the boy now crouched between them. The second sighed and rubbed her head. \u201cGross, John. Why are you always like this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut I just\u2026\u201d John blushed as he realised what he had been doing.<\/p><p>No, today didn\u2019t feel right either and John rushed out of school to grab his bike. Maybe he could train a little with Jazlynn again. Once home, however, he only found Rose. She was hunched over a familiar cardboard box in the living room and waved him over as came shuffling in.<\/p><p>\u201cI know you\u2019ve been avoiding this, but we got to get through this thing,\u201d she said and sat down. \u201cI had Jazlynn take over the shop so we could do this together. Me and Minik\u2019ve already sorted through your parents\u2019 stuff, but you got to look through your own too.\u201d She pushed the box towards him as John sat down opposite her.<\/p><p>\u201cI already told you, you can just donate it all,\u201d John mumbled. He could already see several shirts and a few toys. \u201cNot like my DS or PlayStation survived anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe not, but someday you\u2019ll regret it if you didn\u2019t keep at least one or two things,\u201d Rose chided. She smiled, and her voice softened. \u201cCome on. I\u2019ll treat you to waffles afterwards.\u201d<\/p><p>John pulled the box closer and half-heartedly grabbed the top item. The authorities might have returned what was salvageable, but they didn\u2019t clean it. The shirt, like most of the other stuff, was dirty despite Rose\u2019s best attempt to dust them off. \u201cYou trust her with the pawn shop?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh sure, she knows the ropes by know,\u201d Rose said and pulled out a few things.<\/p><p>John could feel hear earnest desire, so he accepted them. All they did was give him a stabbing feeling inside that made him think of his real parents. He haphazardly threw the shirt into a big pile already on the floor.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, what about these? Do you mind if I keep these for Minik?\u201d Rose said and held up his dad\u2019s toolbox. She burst out giggling. \u201cNah, what am I saying, I\u2019d like these for myself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, go ahead.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose eagerly pried the box apart and held up a drill. \u201cSweet Jiminy, this is some high-end gear. Was your dad a pro?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, he was\u2026 he was just kind of into fixing the house,\u201d John said and peeked into the cardboard box himself.<\/p><p>A harmonica had also survived along with several toys. John remembered them being relegated to the basement years ago as he outgrew them. Now that he thought about it, his dad had had a toolbox in the basement as well. The clothes were probably hand-me-downs from a big plastic bag down there as well. Nothing topside seemed to have survived.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s just junk from the basement,\u201d John said and pushed the box aside.<\/p><p>\u201cYou haven\u2019t even looked at everything yet,\u201d Rose protested and dug into the box. \u201cAre you really sure you want to give all of this away?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded, trying to think of something to say but stayed silent as he failed.<\/p><p>\u201cYou got some great Halloween choices down here. Though I guess they wouldn\u2019t fit anymore.\u201d She picked up a hat and a vest with a sheriff\u2019s star attached. It had been a long time since he had dressed up as a cowboy. But there was something else too, some other part of the costume.<\/p><p>John crouched down and shoved his old toy cars and dinosaurs aside. His dad kept buying them for him even though he had no interests in them. Even the costume was just something they shoved over his head. One thing he had liked about it was the guns, though. Perhaps because it was the only manly thing John had shown genuine interest in, his dad had gotten him a very real-looking six-shooter. Had it survived too?<\/p><p>\u201cFound something?\u201d Rose asked and smirked.<\/p><p>No matter how much stuff he pushed aside, no matter which corner he searched, it wasn\u2019t there. John slumped down on his butt. That gun would have been perfect. Besides being made of plastic, it was sturdy. But that was the problem, wasn\u2019t it? He would not have thrown it down into the basement, not a great thing like that, even if he couldn\u2019t remember playing with it in a while.<\/p><p>\u201cI was just thinking maybe my toy gun was in here too.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose scratched her arms. \u201cWhat\u2019s it look like?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPretty much like a real one. Except it has a red thing at the end, I guess so people won\u2019t think it\u2019s real.\u201d John got back up on his feet.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat would you want with it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, I guess it\u2019s just kind of cool.\u201d No way he would reveal his powers to Rose. \u201cWhy?\u201d he inquired and glanced back at her.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, I may have found it when I was looking through the stuff earlier,\u201d Rose said and got up as well. \u201cI just don\u2019t think it\u2019s an appropriate toy.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut it\u2019s my gun!\u201d John said and stomped the floor.<\/p><p>\u201cYou haven\u2019t been missing it until now. What do you plan to do with it?\u201d<\/p><p>Fire burned inside his hand. He tried holding it back, but it was like trying to hold water. \u201cIt was a gift from my dad,\u201d he said and hung his head. \u201cThat\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose went over to a dresser and pulled out the top drawer. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to play with this at school,\u201d she said and held up the gun. Just like he remembered, with an adjustable drum and a movable hammer. \u00a0\u201cOr outside for that matter. In fact, this thing stays in the house, all right?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded quietly and took the gun, noticing a faint glow inside his hand.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd the rest?\u201d Rose asked and waved at the box.<\/p><p>John shrugged as put the gun into the back of his trousers.<\/p><p>\u201cThen I\u2019ll donate it all to charity. Are you sure you\u2019re fine with that?\u201d<\/p><p>Again, John nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cVery well, charity it is.\u201d Rose knelt down and lifted the box up. \u201cHmm, I should probably wash the clothes first. And clean some of these toys. Tell you what, I\u2019ll give you another week to consider it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cC-cool. Um, I-I think I\u2019ll go see how Jazlynn is.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose cocked her head at him. \u201cAre you all right? You\u2019re white as a sheet, and you\u2019re shaking.\u201d<\/p><p>John grabbed his arm. \u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d he said and made for the door.<\/p><p>\u201cHey! What did I tell you about that gun?\u201d<\/p><p>John rushed outside, grabbing his bike on the way, and headed back towards the city. Faintly, he could hear Rose yelling, but there was no time for that. He had to find Jazlynn as quickly as possible. It\u2019s not like Rose took him to work often, but he still knew where to go. If only the pounding in his hands would go away. And why were they still glowing?<\/p><p>\u201cCome on,\u201d John whispered.<\/p><p>Someone honked at him. John blinked away sweat dripping into his eyes. He felt hot. His anger refused to go away. It was just like that time all the way back, the one that had started this whole thing. His blood felt like liquid fire.<\/p><p>\u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p><p>Driving the bike was hard, and it was starting to glow as well. John avoided most of the traffic and finally the pawn shop was coming up. In his relief, he fully lost control of the bike, and it wobbled into the wall. John rolled along the sidewalk. He got up, still trying to hold back as he pushed himself to the door. <em>Rose\u2019s Pawn-o-Shop<\/em>. He slipped but fell into the door, opening it.<\/p><p>\u201cHey,\u201d Jazlynn said followed by the clacking of her cane. \u201cWhat\u2019s up with you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t\u2026 I can\u2019t hold it back,\u201d John whispered. \u201cWhy won\u2019t it go away?\u201d<\/p><p>It took Jazlynn less than a moment to grab his arm and rush him around out the back to an open yard. \u201cRelease,\u201d she said and held up his hand towards the sky. \u201cRelease!\u201d<\/p><p>The glow trickled out of his fingers like it was filled with razor blades. A small sphere formed above them.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t hold back,\u201d she yelled. \u201cPush it out.\u201d<\/p><p>John released the energy at once. A beam shot from his hand and raced up into the air. A few seconds later he heard a dull thud.<\/p><p>\u201cWhy? Why?\u201d he sobbed, nursing his bloodied hand. \u201cI thought I had learnt to control it.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn heaved a long sigh and fell back against the wall. \u201cTell me what happened.\u201d<\/p><p>John explained as his blood dripped from his palm, slower and slower. \u201cI just wanted the gun, but when Rose didn\u2019t want to give it to me, it was like I couldn\u2019t stop myself. Jazlynn, what\u2026 what\u2019s happening with me?\u201d he cried.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve awakened to your powers at a bad time,\u201d she explained, slowly and coolly. \u201cHad you been younger, you could have eased naturally into them, and had you been older, you would have better control over yourself. Right now, you\u2019re just filled with hormones driving you crazy.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo, it\u2019s going to be like this until I\u2019m twenty?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI never said it would be easy, now did I?\u201d Jazlynn sighed and gave him a weak smile. \u201cYou remember our talk about demons? That they were once people and such.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI think so, yeah.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDeath is a scary thing, trust me, and some people can\u2019t let go of their worldly attachments. But the dead are without form. Things like greed, pride, love, hatred, anger\u2026 you know, all those emotions we humans have, they shape us instead. Those that can let go are allowed to move on, while those that cannot will be forced to roam the afterworld as monsters and demons.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLove? What\u2019s wrong with love?\u201d John asked and lowered his hand.<\/p><p>\u201cAll emotions can become twisted, John, even love. Courage, too, and joy and charity\u2026 We don\u2019t usually think of them as bad, but imagine that you give away everything that you have. Or that you become obsessed with something to the point that you can see nothing else. Or that you charge into battle with no consideration.\u201d Jazlynn stuck out her tongue, revealing it to be pierced. \u201cListen to me, no emotion is inherently bad, neither love nor hate.\u201d<\/p><p>John finally felt normal again, no longer like he was burning up, nor did his hand bleed. \u201cN-no?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo. Liking or disliking something is what humans do and the absolute worst you can do is deny it. For you especially, though, it\u2019s paramount, that means very important, that you do not let your emotions control you. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo, but, does that mean all emotions?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll of them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEven happiness?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn pushed herself off the wall and crouched. \u201cJust keep a balance. Enjoy things, don\u2019t love them. Dislike things, don\u2019t hate them.\u201d<\/p><p>John furrowed his brow. \u201cI don\u2019t think I understand.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou will, in time. If it ever happens again and I\u2019m not around, just let it go and don\u2019t let it consume you. All right?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cDo you have the same problem too?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot exactly, but our situations are also different,\u201d Jazlynn said and got up. \u201cTo put it simple, John, you\u2019re a bit of both worlds while I am neither.\u201d<\/p><p>John tried to wrap his mind around that one, but his thoughts were disturbed by a loud noise. He flung out his phone from his trousers and grimaced. \u201cRight. I kind of left in a hurry.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRose is worried about you.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and accepted the call.<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t believe you, I just told you not to leave the house with that thing. Was I not clear enough?\u201d<\/p><p>John patted himself down and found it jammed down into the back of his trousers. \u201cOh. Right, sorry, I was just going to go tell Jazlynn about the waffles and I completely forgot about the gun.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou better come home with it right now, or there won\u2019t be any for you. Is that clear enough?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course, I\u2019m really sorry, I promise it\u2019s not going to happen again.\u201d<\/p><p>John put the phone back into his pocket with a sigh.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat was that about a gun?\u201d Jazlynn asked.<\/p><p>John retrieved it and Jazlynn weighed it in her hands.<\/p><p>\u201cNot bad. Made of plastic but not the flimsy kind. Shape seems to be conducive as well, mentally if nothing else. But are you sure you want to use this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can see and feel what your power does to your hand. This gun will be able to take some of the strain but eventually, it too will disintegrate, and it\u2019s a precious memento to you, right?\u201d she asked and handed it back.<\/p><p>\u201cR-right, I hadn\u2019t thought of that,\u201d he said and quickly stuffed it back inside. \u201cI\u2019ve always really liked guns, and this a hard-plastic replica of the Colt Python. A collector\u2019s piece, not a toy, like my dad used to tell me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, it\u2019s not a bad idea. I\u2019ll see about finding one for you before our next training session; as my reward for your hard work.\u201d<\/p><p>John beamed and hugged her. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn gave him a tired smile. \u201cAll right, all right, that\u2019s enough now. We\u2019d better get back to Rose, too.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322880\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 10 October 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>When the two FBI agents once more stood outside their door, an instinct to fight or flight welled up inside Rose. What these two represented was a potential end to her family, of having a son and even a sister. Ebadicael, however, simply handed over a nondescript envelope.<\/p><p>\u201cI apologise for the lateness. This came a while ago, but we have been analysing this until now.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose turned it over and over. \u201cWhat\u2026 what is this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLetter,\u201d Gagesham muttered, staring transfixed at the lamp glowing over Rose\u2019s door.<\/p><p>\u201cFrom?\u201d The envelope was fit for A4 paper but contained no writing on either side.<\/p><p>\u201cMarilyn and Henry Pearce,\u201d Ebadicael said and yanked the ear of her partner.<\/p><p>\u201cJ-John\u2019s parents?\u201d Ice filled her stomach. \u201cThen they really are alive. Tell me, are they contesting my parentage at all? Do they want John to join them?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael shook her head. \u201cRead for yourself.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAny developments in their disappearance then?\u201d Minik asked, coming up from behind as Rose kept examining the envelope.<\/p><p>\u201cNone,\u201d Gagesham grunted.<\/p><p>\u201cThe Pearces are not considered suspects in the bombings, but they are material witnesses and their sudden disappearance are not good signs either,\u201d Ebadicael supplemented. \u201cFor that matter, we have no reason to believe that they should have any involvement in other recent events.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik nodded. \u201cWhat about John, then?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about your foster son?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, are you still investigating him?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael closed her eyes for a moment. \u201cNaturally, should we ever get a trial on its feet, he would have to testify about what he saw. Aside from that, we see no reason to doubt his testimony.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik cocked his head. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d almost say you were looking for an excuse not to investigate John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMinik!\u201d Rose chided and slapped his shoulder. \u201cIf you hear anything about John\u2019s real parents, please\u2026\u201d Rose took a deep breath. \u201cPlease contact us immediately.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham grunted and Ebadicael bowed slightly before they turned around. Minik and Rose returned to the living room where Minik dropped down at the table and grabbed an opened beer. A momentary flash threw long shadows from the direction of the backyard.<\/p><p>\u201cAre they goofing around in the backyard again?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p><p>Minik took a sip of his drink. \u201cSeems like they\u2019ve been having fun with a model gun she got somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, it better be a model,\u201d Rose mumbled and rushed into the backyard.<\/p><p>\u201cRose,\u201d Jazlynn said from her favourite perch in a deck chair. It almost had to be raining to get her inside. And yet she remained as pale as ever. \u201cWe\u2019re not disturbing anyone, are we?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose glanced at John. Sure enough, he had a handgun not unlike her own Beretta. His had a bright red plastic cap on the nozzle.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, no, we just got mail.\u201d Rose held up the envelope and looked over at John. \u201cFrom your parents, no less.\u201d<\/p><p>The gun dropped from John\u2019s hands. \u201cWhat?\u201d he exclaimed and rushed over. \u201cR-really?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, those two weird FBI agents were here just now,\u201d Minik called out from inside. \u201cWeird how the lead investigators would do it. I mean, it\u2019s not even like they had any more questions for us.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou should probably just see it as their version of an apology,\u201d Jazlynn said and clacked her way inside. Apparently mysterious envelopes could also get her out of her chair.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm. Still. Well, let\u2019s get it inside and open her up.\u201d<\/p><p>They gathered all four around the dining table. Rose put the envelope down and tore into it.<\/p><p>\u201cDidn\u2019t those detectives say they had already looked through it?\u201d Minik asked.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, they probably just replaced the envelope,\u201d Rose said. \u201cI mean, do you see any address or anything on it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJust seems like a lot of unnecessary work.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy are you being so sceptical all of a sudden?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll of a sudden? You\u2019re the one who told me those detectives gave you the willies last time they were here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, what\u2019s inside?\u201d John pleaded and tugged at the envelope.<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, all right, keep your shirt on,\u201d Rose said and poured out the contents on the table. A bundle of A4 papers flopped out. Rose picked up the first page and squinted at the fine writing. \u201cI\u2026 I can\u2019t read this. This is nothing but circles and lines to me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMay I? My grandma also had a pretty neat hand,\u201d Minik said and Rose passed the letter on. First, he stretched his arms out, then he pressed the paper against his face. \u201cOkay, hold on.\u201d Slowly, haltingly, Minik read aloud:<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><em>You no doubt have many questions. You want to know why the attack happened. You want to know why we left. For various reasons, we can\u2019t tell you, but we want you to know it\u2019s for your own good. We beg you not to pursue us or the case any further. We hear you have been taken in by a new family. Please just live a normal life with them and no harm will come to you.<\/em><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cThen it also talks about how they gave Ronald up for adoption before fleeing the country,\u201d Minik said and leafed through the pages. \u201cSheesh, were they spies or something? I\u2019d almost laugh if I didn\u2019t think this was for real.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat else does it say?\u201d John pleaded.<\/p><p>Minik squinted. \u201cUh, give me a moment,\u201d he said. \u201cSomething about wishing you well and hoping that you will be all right in the future and not to forget your studies.\u201d Minik put the papers down and rubbed his temple. \u201cYour mum\u2019s writing is enough to put my grandma\u2019s to shame, but I think one of these pages officially sanctions\u2026 our adoption?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cR-really?\u201d Rose blurted out. \u201cThey <em>want<\/em> us to adopt their son?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut can you read it?\u201d John pressed.<\/p><p>\u201cTell you what, give me some time and I\u2019ll read these as bedtime stories for you.\u201d<\/p><p>He went through the pages and sighed. Only a few sheets, but it would take him a while to interpret all this. Coming to the last page, a few squares of paper fluttered down.<\/p><p>\u201cPhotos?\u201d Rose asked and picked one up. It was Marilyn and Henry, like they had looked in the photo album.<\/p><p>\u201cI think your father wrote this,\u201d Minik said and cleared his throat. \u201c<em>We weren\u2019t sure if you had any pictures, so we printed a few off our phones. Your mother and I are both fine. No matter how far apart we are, we will always keep an eye on you. Stay good and don\u2019t cause your new family any trouble.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow do they know about us?\u201d Rose commented and scratched her chest. \u201cMaybe they are spies? Like, ones with connections in every part of the world.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo way,\u201d John said and shook his head. \u201cMy parents never did anything interesting.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, maybe when Minik can decipher your mother\u2019s runes we can know a little more.\u201d Rose picked up one of the photos. A vacation to some place with a lot of greenery and sun. \u201cUntil then, how about I put these in with the others in the album? That way you can look at them whenever you want.\u201d<\/p><p>John didn\u2019t reply, being too absorbed in a photo from a hospital. He was wearing a confused expression as he held a little bundle in his arms, his mother in a bed and his father sitting next to her.<\/p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s leave him to it,\u201d Rose whispered to Minik.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322881\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cIt feels like you could have done more,\u201d Jazlynn whispered and scooted closer, picking up one of the photos.<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe if I had been stronger, I could have defeated the monster faster. Then mom and dad wouldn\u2019t have gone away, and we could have stayed together,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed. \u201cMy family\u2019s gone too; you know.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked up.<\/p><p>\u201cRight after I became a Knight, I did actually try and go back one time. Just to see if they were mourning me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWere they?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSome things are better left unknown,\u201d she said wistfully. \u201cThey were all dead. Burglary gone bad.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d John said and hung his head.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t be. You can go on blaming yourself and grieving, but life goes on. I found other people to protect along the way.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut what if Ronald\u2019s new parents don\u2019t love him?\u201d he asked.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat if your new parents hadn\u2019t loved you?\u201d Jazlynn stroked John\u2019s cheek as small tears rolled down. \u201cListen, what-ifs never help do anything but bind you to the past and tell you what you could do differently. Learn from them instead and concentrate on what you can do better now and in the future. You get me?\u201d John nodded. \u201cWhen you get older, you can try and find your little brother. For now, I hope you remember what I told you when we first met.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy job is to rid this world of interferences.\u201d Jazlynn snatched up the letter and placed the first page before John. \u201cI know it\u2019s hard for you to hear, but you cannot stop our training, no matter how much you want to listen to your real mum.\u201d<\/p><p><em>Or she would kill you. Am I right?<\/em><\/p><p>Azer\u2019s words echoed inside John. He put the photos down and got up from the table. \u201cYeah, I get it. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p><p>She watched him leave, feeling a pang in her chest.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>It\u2019ll be easier this way,<\/em>\u201d an old voice told her.<\/p><p>Hoffman materialised by the end of the table, hands in her lap, a tired smile on her face.<\/p><p>\u201cShut up,\u201d Jazlynn said and wiped her eyes. \u201cYou told me we would be fighting monsters, not little kids; that I would be a knight, not a cripple.\u201d<\/p><p>Hoffman shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m only your helper. I can\u2019t control what situations arise.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere are a lot of things you don\u2019t seem able to control.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe\u2019ll listen to you,\u201d the old lady said. \u201cHe wants to control his powers just as much as you want him to.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn crossed her arms and looked away. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right. I don\u2019t think I could kill him anymore.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, is he done already?\u201d Minik asked, entering with a couple of beers between his fingers. \u201cI\u2019d have thought he wanted to look at the pics a little longer. Maybe try to read the letters, too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFor that matter, how much longer do I have here?\u201d Jazlynn asked the spectre then looked up at Minik. \u201cI think he just needed a little time alone.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>As long as this terrible feeling persists.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Minik slung himself into a chair and put the beers down on the table. \u201cYou think he\u2019s going to be all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohn?\u201d Jazlynn asked and grabbed a beer.<\/p><p>\u201cHis grades are improving, and I can\u2019t feel anything wrong with him\u2026 you wouldn\u2019t think he had gone through all that he had.\u201d Minik unbuttoned one of the beers and put it to his lips. \u201cAnd what\u2019s up with his parents? They must be criminals of some kind.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohn\u2019s tough; he has the potential to get over anything. I\u2019ll stick with him until I think he\u2019s all the way better.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik nodded. \u201cI hate to say this, but I think he\u2019s better off with us than getting mixed up in\u2026 whatever it is his parents are doing.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn put the bottle back on the table. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s up with my sister, either; I never really knew her too well. Even if I had known, there probably wouldn\u2019t have been much I could do about John either.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey had an older boy too, right? Uh, what was his name, Leslie?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLawrence.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, what happened to him? Didn\u2019t he end up in juvie or something? No wonder,\u201d Minik said and sipped his beer. \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to dig more into their past, but I only have their photo album to go by. Are you sure you can\u2019t tell me anything?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf my sister is a spy, it\u2019s something she picked up after we parted ways,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>Minik tapped his fingers on the letter. \u201cAll right, well, I\u2019ll try to get this thing deciphered. Maybe there\u2019ll be some clues in there.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Don\u2019t stick your nose too deep into this,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman\u2019s voice echoed. Minik made no sign of hearing it as he headed out of the living room.<\/p><p>\u201cIs he anywhere near the truth?\u201d Jazlynn asked, watching him over the top of her beer.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I can confirm he still thinks they are spies. Neither of them doubts your cover story either.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood. I\u2019d have a hard time controlling the situation if he got wise to anything.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322882\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 5 November 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The abandoned ferry terminal glistened from the light drizzle only minutes in the past, the cold concrete smelling of newly fallen rain. John huddled down the riverbank and crawled up on the wharf extending into the dried-out lake. He looked around before finding his query in the darkness of the free-standing roof. He shook the rain from his coat and approached them.<\/p><p>\u201cI didn\u2019t even know you could enter the old ferry terminal through the backdoor,\u201d Phil said, rubbing his arms. \u201cIs this your cool, secret training spot?\u201d<\/p><p>John slinked into the darkness, looking around him. It was imperative that Jazlynn did not find out about this. \u201cI have something to show you guys,\u201d John said, looking back as well. \u201cIt\u2019s not that I\u2019ve been meaning to keep a secret from you, but I didn\u2019t know how to properly convince you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLearnt any tricks?\u201d Ragan asked, looking around the decrepit place nervously.<\/p><p>John held out his hand and light gathered in his palm. He had gotten a good enough grip to do at least this much without hurting himself. It was just light, no substance.<\/p><p>Phil looked like his eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. \u201cH-how are you doing that?\u201d He grabbed John\u2019s hand, twisting it.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ve been able to do this since summer break started,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>The glow morphed into a ball rolling around in his hand. Ragan observed coolly, his face pale and glistening in the light.<\/p><p>\u201cLet me see if I can\u2026\u201d John said, and the ball started to shake before popping, leaving the old terminal darker than before. \u201cWell, I had hoped I could make an animal by the time you got back, Ragan. So, uh\u2026 what do you guys think?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019ve had this power since summer,\u201d Ragan reiterated from somewhere close by. \u201cAs in, since the explosion?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYup.\u201d John looked at his hands. The left one itched now. \u201cThat\u2019s when I first got my powers, but I couldn\u2019t control them back then. It almost killed me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou can make explosions?\u201d Phil asked from next to John.<\/p><p>John summoned a small pearl on the tip of his finger and flicked it into the dried-up lake. The ground spewed up a plume of dust. \u201cMy mentor\u2019s telling me I have plenty more tricks in me; I just need to practise.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil craned his neck to catch the height of the dirt pillar and back down again. \u201cWho? Your aunt? Does she have powers too?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, my aunt. Seems it runs in the family.\u201d There were still a few things he dared not tell anyone about. One was Azer, the other was the truth about Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201cIf you have superpowers, what are you using them on?\u201d Ragan asked. \u201cI\u2019ve certainly never heard of a real supervillain before.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere is one,\u201d John said and sucked his finger, tasting iron. \u201cI\u2019ve been fighting all these monsters with my aunt, but she\u2019s saying there must be someone behind them. Someone summoning them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd what would you do if you found that someone?\u201d Ragan asked.<\/p><p>John frowned. \u201cWhoever it is, he sent a monster after me that nearly killed me. It\u2019s because of him that I can\u2019t see my parents anymore. He was also the one who set fire to the park. A lot of people got hurt there. I don\u2019t think I could forgive him.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan nodded. \u201cYeah, of course. Even if he had a good reason, he still hurt people and got a lot of others in danger.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s your superhero name?\u201d Phil asked.<\/p><p>\u201cMy what?\u201d<\/p><p>John summoned light into his palm. Phil looked very much like an excitable child, unable to wait for Christmas morning to arrive.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, like, the Superman to your Clark Kent, or your Spider-Man to your Peter Parker.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI-I-I hadn\u2019t thought of that,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>\u201cHmph. Well obviously, it needs to be something on point,\u201d Ragan said, still looking a little ashen. \u201cThe Avenger?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIdiot, that name\u2019s already taken,\u201d Phil said and shook his fist. \u201cHow about the Exploder?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo what if it\u2019s already taken, if it\u2019s just by a fictional hero? At least it\u2019s better than the Exploder.\u201d Ragan closed his eyes. \u201cWhen I said on point, I didn\u2019t mean it to be blatantly obvious.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFine. Captain Exploder.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBane,\u201d Ragan said but Phil scoffed. \u201cFine, Blast Bane. Is that one taken?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil sucked in air but quickly let it out again. \u201cI actually like that one.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLooks, guys, I don\u2019t need a superhero name,\u201d John said, laughing. \u201cBecause, well, I\u2019m not a superhero. Or a regular hero. I don\u2019t do any crime solving, I just take care of monsters now and then.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMonster Hunter!\u201d Phil blurted out. \u201cNo, wait\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cKilburne,\u201d John suggested. \u201cNo, listen to me guys, I don\u2019t want\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut if you\u2019ve had these powers since early summer,\u201d Ragan said, \u201cwhy tell us now? You\u2019ve been keeping it a secret, after all.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cY-yeah, but, you guys are my only friends. No secrets, right?\u201d John grinned sheepishly. \u201cListen, I promised my aunt not to tell anyone. Phil, that means you guys can\u2019t tell anyone.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil raised his hands in defence. \u201cWhy are you singling me out?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBecause he knows you have trouble keeping a secret,\u201d Ragan sighed. \u201cJohn places a lot of trust on us revealing this to us. That means we have to honour that trust by showing him he can believe in us.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh! Yeah, man, no problem.\u201d Phil laughed boisterously, making Ragan shrink away from the hollow echoes cascading back to them from the terminal.<\/p><p>\u201cHow did you get superpowers, then?\u201d Ragan asked, tentatively removing his hands from his ears.<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, from my mum, I think. She had something similar,\u201d John said. \u201cShe could fly too, and she shot these really powerful beams like it was nothing. Pew, pew,\u201d he imitated with his finger.<\/p><p>Ragan massaged his brow. \u201cThis is all just\u2026 well, promise me that you will use your powers responsibly.\u201d He lowered his hand, his eyes wide. \u201cWait, have you already used your powers?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to believe this, but there was a horse pulling a cart full of fire, and that\u2019s what burnt down the park.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo way!\u201d Phil burst out and laughed but John made his most serious face. \u201cShit, for real? Where did it come from?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo idea, but that\u2019s the kind of things I fight.\u201d John smiled as an idea crossed his mind. \u201cDo you guys want to see me in action?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, man, \u2018course!\u201d Phil looked ready to burst from excitement.<\/p><p>\u201cGreat. We know a monster is going to attack today, don\u2019t ask me how, just roll with it. It\u2019s going to get dangerous, just so you know.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil puffed himself up so that he looked even bigger. \u201cWhat do you take me for, John, a chicken?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere exactly do you think this monster will attack?\u201d Ragan asked.<\/p><p>\u201cSomewhere around Sacrisyard,\u201d John said. \u201cThat\u2019s about as close as we can narrow it down.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou don\u2019t think it might be too dangerous for you?\u201d<\/p><p>John grinned. \u201cNah, I\u2019ll be okay, I\u2019ve survived everything else thrown at me.\u201d He threw out his arm and looked at his watch. \u201cI promised I\u2019d meet my aunt in Sacrisyard once I had gotten some training in. I think now\u2019s a good time to leave. If you want to come look, you better find a good seat.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322883\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cCome on!\u201d Phil said and jumped up the embankment after John.<\/p><p>\u201cTry and think for a second,\u201d Ragan said, coming up after him. \u201cJohn told us this was supposed to be a secret.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, if his aunt doesn\u2019t want him to tell others and we show up on his tail, then..?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil stopped at the top. John was on his bike and waving them off, Ragan casually waving back.<\/p><p>\u201cI see it. Then what do we do?\u201d Phil asked and sat down on the grassy hill.<\/p><p>Ragan shrugged and sat down next to him. \u201cGive him a head start.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil leant back and stared up into the cloudy sky. \u201cHow do you think someone gets their hand on superpowers?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPresumably they\u2019re born with them.\u201d Ragan drew his knees up under his chin. \u201cOr they have some sort of accident. Maybe even both.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHmm. Some heroes don\u2019t even need special powers. Unless money is a superpower. Not that it matters since I don\u2019t have either.\u201d Phil clenched his fist and lifted it up before his face. \u201cMan, I wish I had powers too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt might be possible in the future,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan looked at Phil with wide eyes. \u201cWell I mean, you never know,\u201d Ragan said and got up again. \u201cA-anyway, you don\u2019t need superpowers. You want to be a police officer.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil smiled. \u201cYou remembered,\u201d he said and threw an arm around Ragan. \u201cBut I get the feeling that there\u2019s something you\u2019re not telling me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI think John has a big enough lead.\u201d Ragan tried getting up, but Phil had him in too tight a grip.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat was it that John said, no secrets between friends?\u201d Phil asked.<\/p><p>Ragan sighed. \u201cI\u2019m saying this for your own safety, forget about it. I was speaking hypothetically.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, I revealed something personal about myself last time; the least you can do is pay me back.\u201d<\/p><p>The grass was still moist, and Ragan could feel it through his jeans, a clammy, cold feeling. Similar to the one he felt down his back. \u201cI have nothing else to say on that. Now, do you want to get going, or do you want to miss out on John\u2019s performance?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d Phil clicked his tongue and got up on his feet. \u201cGuess you\u2019re off the hook this time.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322884\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>A dog whined somewhere. The alleys stank of stale urine and trash. The buildings were tattooed with graffiti, the people with ink. Even with his gun under his shirt, John did not feel secure here. It was a relatively small area but one that he usually kept far away from. Though largely abandoned, that was a fact in paper only; many people made the houses and apartments their unofficial home. The only place still in operating condition was a corner diner at the edge of Sacrisyard. Jazlynn stood outside, enjoying a beer. Her raggedy clothing made her fit in so well John almost missed her, though the birdhouse on a pole rectified that quickly.<\/p><p>\u201cI was about to call you,\u201d she said. \u201cThe energy is getting pretty intense. I\u2019d say that\u2019s what got my skin crawling, but with this place, I\u2019m not really sure.\u201d<\/p><p>A homeless man pushed a shopping cart past them, focusing intently on not staring at them. That didn\u2019t prevent John from following him with his own eyes.<\/p><p>Jazlynn guzzled down the last beer and stuffed the bottle into her vest. \u201cI\u2019m starting to see a trend with these attacks,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I think this dinner is next. The mayor has been campaigning on not tearing it down because it\u2019s still run by an eighty-five-year-old World War veteran and his family.\u201d<\/p><p>Through the large windows John could see a timeless interior. Whatever movie or TV series he watched, all the diners looked like this: upholstered booths with a table, a counter, waitresses in skirts serving coffee and plates with bacon and eggs\u2026 this establishment did not skip a beat. As for an eighty-five-year-old man, John could spot none.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, I feel like I\u2019ve heard about this place recently,\u201d John said and wrinkled his brow.<\/p><p>\u201cNo doubt, it\u2019s the only reason this entire area hasn\u2019t just been demolished yet. One half of this town wants to preserve it for the historical significance, the other to tear it down for a new, modern city centre.\u201d Jazlynn clacked closer to John. \u201cIf someone were to let a monster loose here and let it do the tearing, there\u2019d be no choice.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cWhoever stands to profit from this is likely to be our culprit,\u201d he said and looked up into Jazlynn\u2019s shuttered eyes. \u201cI can see targeting the mayor, but why me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey were probably after your house. Joke\u2019s on them, though, since the investigation has halted any new development on the property.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cStill, I feel like we\u2019re missing something.\u201d John scratched his head furiously.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can worry about that later.\u201d Jazlynn clenched tighter around her cane and lifted herself straight. \u201cThe energy is peaking. We\u2019ll have contact in seconds.\u201d<\/p><p>She clacked away with good speed. John, afraid to leave his bike anywhere here, jumped off and pulled it alongside him. Jazlynn led him back the way he had come. John scouted around for his friends. Seeing the neighbourhood up close, he started regretting telling them to come. But Azer had been right; he could no longer keep it to himself. He worried about the safety of his friends but also hoped they were watching from somewhere.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s here,\u201d Jazlynn whispered and peered down an alley.<\/p><p>An old lady sat mumbling to herself, her possessions in a plastic bag. John looked away but Jazlynn wasn\u2019t moving. \u201cFirst rule: protect innocents,\u201d Jazlynn said and pointed to the old lady. \u201cYou\u2019re faster, go get her out of there.\u201d<\/p><p>The tone left no room to argue and John sped down the alley.<\/p><p>It was slick from the earlier downpour which thankfully drowned the stench of garbage a little. \u201cC-come on, it\u2019s not safe here,\u201d he said but the old lady kept staring vacantly ahead.<\/p><p>A shiver went through John and he looked to the other end of the alley. He could feel the presence of something. He swallowed hard and tried to ignore it. The houses cast long shadows, but he could see something glisten.<\/p><p>\u201cHurry up!\u201d Jazlynn yelled.<\/p><p>John seized the old lady by her arm. Her not resisting made it easy for him, despite his age, to get her up on her feet. It also helped that she was small and practically skin and bones.<\/p><p>A loud squeal reverberated between the walls. John got busy tugging at the old lady, hurrying back out into the street.<\/p><p>\u201cSame deal as the last one,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cI\u2019ll leave Hoffman with you while I find a vantage point. You play with that thing until then and then you lead it to me.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn took control of the old lady and led her down the street. John took a few steps back into the road.<\/p><p>A golden boar melted out of the shadows, taking up the entirety of the alley, its bristles quivering. John pulled out his gun and levelled it at the beast. Power flowed through him and the gun glowed in fierce competition with the boar. The beast charged and John fired. It was too soon, and the energy pellet bounced off and continued off into the sky where it exploded harmlessly. John just got out of the way. The boar charged past and slammed into the apartment block behind him. People screamed and scrambled out.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not really interested in you,\u201d an old voice said. John jumped as Hoffman now stood next to him. \u201cUse that to your advantage, boy.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut if it isn\u2019t interested in me, how will I lead it to Jazlynn?\u201d<\/p><p>Hoffman smiled wearily and flicked her grey hair out of her face. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you stick with the boar?\u201d<\/p><p>People had stopped coming out from the apartments. John took that as his cue to venture closer.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, and your friends are here.\u201d<\/p><p>John froze and looked back at the old lady. Hoffman shrugged and vanished again. Fearing the chewing out he likely had in store once this was over, John rushed inside.<\/p><p>The hallway stank like the rest of the neighbourhood. Somewhere he heard the boar grunt. John kept his gun tightly in his hand as he looked inside the first door on the right, just before the stairs. It was filled with sleeping bags and mattresses and garbage and buckets. John ducked out again before he could retch.<\/p><p>Crash.<\/p><p>He hurried into the next room where a wall was missing. The boar was running wild, charging and kicking and knocking things down. The apartments shook and groaned under the punishment.<\/p><p>John clutched his gun tightly and charged his energy into it. It was a Remington revolver duplicate, never used in his training before. He had some idea by now of how much punishment these things could take. If he had to keep the gun charged for too long, it would melt into a useless lump. On the other hand, this monster required a strong dose.<\/p><p>People screamed outside. The thuds grew distant. The more energy he filled into the gun, the warmer and brighter it grew\u2026 and tranquil. The apartments were collapsing. The room in front of him filled with dust as the ceiling caved. John flexed his fingers.<\/p><p>\u201cYou have been defeated by Kilburne,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>The energy pellet roared out of the barrel. All the filth, all the debris, vanished in a flash of light. The apartments roared with pain and trembled. John lowered his gun, the warmth ebbing out of him. Yelping, he ran outside, covering his head.<\/p><p>The apartments collapsed like a domino effect. Three buildings down, a yellow bubble grew out of the walls and roof before popping. All was quiet for a moment in dazzling radiance. A great gust enveloped him. Only then did he hear it. He screamed but there was no sound, just the roar of the explosion.<\/p><p>\u201cKilburne?\u201d Hoffman asked in her gruff voice. She put a hand on his shoulder. At some point, he had fallen to his knees. He looked up and found her crouched down behind him.<\/p><p>\u201cMy new superhero name,\u201d John stated between gasps.<\/p><p>\u201cKeep workshopping it.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked down at the gun in his hand. A useless lump. \u201cDid I do it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, monsters of that calibre are a little sturdier than that, but you\u2019ve definitely improved.\u201d Hoffman said. \u201cYou managed to get your shot off by yourself, and that\u2019s what matters.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and got up on his feet.<\/p><p>The boar staggered out of the ruins, grunting weakly. A hole in its golden hide revealed it was hollow inside and made of metal. John threw away the gun and gathered energy directly into his palm. His arm and hand stung. There was barely any power yet, and it already hurt so badly. Blood trickled down his pale skin.<\/p><p>He heard a pop and looked up just in time to see the boar splinter into pieces.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019ve done well, more than could reasonably be expected of you,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman said. \u201c<em>It won\u2019t be long before you can deal the finishing blow yourself.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John lowered his hand and the energy dispersed. He panted, only now noticing his heartbeat and how tired he was. He had never been in a marathon, but he felt certain that\u2019s how it must feel to run one. Now he also noticed how quiet things had gotten. Before, there were dogs barking or people talking or coughing or cars driving.<\/p><p>\u201cWe need to talk.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn stood before him with Ragan and Phil.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1585\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1585\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Part 4 \u2013 Cannibal Lizards<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1585\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1585\"><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322886\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Jazlynn silently herded the children in front of her, snubbing out dialogue before John could utter more than a few syllables. First, they checked on the condition of the diner. It was deserted and missing all glass from its windows, but it was still there. Satisfied, Jazlynn directed them away from Sacrisyard and into a nicer neighbourhood, not stopping until they found a caf\u00e9 and ducked inside. Everyone made their orders and still Jazlynn was quiet. Their food and drinks arrived, the waiter doing a double take on the birdhouse. Jazlynn took a sip of her coffee before putting down the cup with a clink.<\/p><p>\u201cI thought I told you to keep this a secret,\u201d she said, folding her hands on the table.<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re my friends,\u201d John replied, looking at them. Phil was looking more subdued than John had ever seen him before. Ragan was more casual though he did not speak either. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to keep any secrets from them.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed. \u201cI gave you a very explicit order, and I am disappointed that you went against it. This is far as it goes. If you tell anyone else, our deal is over. With everything that entails.\u201d She did not need the harsh tone for John to recall what that meant.<\/p><p>\u201cPlease don\u2019t be angry at John because of us,\u201d Ragan said softly. \u201cWe can keep this a secret.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSee to it that you do.\u201d Jazlynn\u2019s gaze lingered at Ragan. She frowned before continuing. \u201cMy job is to keep things like this a secret. Do you understand why?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I read comics,\u201d Phil said.<\/p><p>\u201cYou saw what I can do. That\u2019s also a secret,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you really John\u2019s aunt? If I may be so bold,\u201d Ragan asked.<\/p><p>Jazlynn lifted her cup and took a slurp of coffee. \u201cSo, you think it\u2019s weird that John has an aunt that he has never mentioned before, and one who has never come for a visit?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, huh? That is weird,\u201d Phil said and dug into his strawberry cake.<\/p><p>\u201cRest assured that I\u2019m only here to guide John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut what are you?\u201d Ragan pressed. \u201cYou fired that huge rifle, and you knew where that monster would be and when.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn lifted a hand. \u201cSorry, that\u2019s all I have to say.\u201d She grabbed her cup again but checked herself. \u201cOh yes, one other thing. Never again follow after John or me when we\u2019re working. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p><p>They both nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cAs for you,\u201d she said while looking at John, \u201cdo you have anything to say?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d John said and hung his head.<\/p><p>\u201cIf you are sorry, then you will never do something like this again. Ever.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cGood. Now drink, before it gets cold.\u201d<\/p><p>They stayed until their orders had been consumed, the conversation turning to mundane things like video games and homework. Jazlynn kept to her coffee and ordered another one before everyone was ready to go.<\/p><p>They were not far out of the caf\u00e9 before a woman attacked, seizing a hold of John\u2019s arm. He yelped until he noticed it was just the old lady he had rescued from the alley. She was dishevelled and gaunt and carried two plastic bags with her, rattling off her bony arms.<\/p><p>\u201cCan I help you?\u201d John asked, fighting back the initial fear and the growing revulsion.<\/p><p>Her lips moved but only a slight wheeze escaped her.<\/p><p>\u201cC-come again?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThank you.\u201d She let him go and fished out a book from her bags. \u201cThank you. Thank you.\u201d She kept repeating herself until John accepted the book. She tottered off down the street, people giving her a wide berth.<\/p><p>\u201cJohn\u2019s got a girlfriend!\u201d Phil piped up.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t be vulgar,\u201d Ragan chided and knuckled him. \u201cWhat did she give you?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA book. Um\u2026\u201d John frowned at the cover. It and the rest of the book was well-thumbed and smudged, the title in particular.<\/p><p>\u201cBeyond Good and Evil,\u201d Ragan said, peeking past John. \u201cBy Nietzsche.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUm, okay.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh, oh! New English translation,\u201d Phil chipped in and pointed to the bottom.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, yes, good work, all of you,\u201d Jazlynn said, \u201cbut you need to return that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBecause it could be filthy?\u201d John asked and flipped it open. It was full of marks and spots.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, because that old lady obviously treasures that thing,\u201d she replied. \u201cShe must have been really grateful to part with it, but she\u2019ll appreciate it if you give it back to her.\u201d<\/p><p>John stretched his neck. \u201cShe\u2019s gone, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo problem,\u201d Phil said and blew himself up. \u201cI know who she is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s old lady Taker,\u201d Ragan butted in. \u201cEverybody knows who she is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, I wanted to say that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs she dangerous?\u201d Jazlynn asked.<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cJust off her rocker.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cShe always rides the bus and tells stories,\u201d Phil chipped in. \u201cI sometimes see at her at the station too. I had no idea she was homeless.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood. And you better stash that thing somewhere,\u201d Jazlynn said and glanced at the book. \u201cI don\u2019t want Rose to know that homeless people are giving you gifts, or why. And you two better find your way home as well.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322887\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Ragan rushed home, past his mother who said something he didn\u2019t quite catch, shut the door behind him to his room, and flung himself into his chair and turned on the TV. An announcer appeared in a studio.<\/p><p>\u201cIt is still unclear what caused the destruction in Sacrisyard just a few hours ago, but a preliminary investigation points towards the ancient gas line system running underneath that whole part of the city.\u201d<\/p><p>Footage appeared of Sacrisyard. Several blocks had been demolished, medics were treating the wounded, bereaved mourned the corpses\u2026 it looked like a battle zone from Europe. His stomach churned, and he looked away.<\/p><p>\u201cWe are just informed that the mayor has shown up at the scene.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan glanced back at the screen. A big, black limo was parked across the street, and there the mayor was, holding out his arms. The camera shook as it followed a reporter running towards him. The mayor was silent until they were closer.<\/p><p>\u201cEveryone, may I have your attention please,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is what I have been talking about the last four years. This beautiful piece of our city\u2019s history has been neglected for far too long, and this was bound to happen.\u201d<\/p><p>A crowd gathered in front of the mayor. A mumbling, grumbling crowd.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not too late. Sacrisyard isn\u2019t completely gone yet. We still have the Veteran\u2019s Caf\u00e9. We still have Memorial Park and the old ferry terminal left. We can still preserve Sacrisyard. Let\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>A bottle flew overhead and dented his limo.<\/p><p>\u201cP-please, let me finish,\u201d the mayor said, but the crowd advanced on him with angry retorts and more projectiles. Two bodyguards went in front of him and dragged him inside the limo.<\/p><p>A chilling laughter filled the room and Ragan jumped out of his seat until he noticed his trophy cabinet. A man in a business suit stared back at him from inside one of trophies.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Seems things went better than expected. Not only did we begin the demolition, we also turned the public tide against the mayor.<\/em>\u201d The figure pulled his head back and laughed once more. \u201c<em>What\u2019s the matter, kiddo, y<\/em><em>ou\u2019re looking a little green.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI asked you if John was involved in this,\u201d Ragan said and turned the TV off. The remote shook in his hands. \u201cYou told me no.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What I said was\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot only is he involved. Not only does he have powers. HE\u2019S THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN STOPPING OUR PLANS THIS WHOLE TIME,\u201d Ragan screamed and hurled the remote at his cabinet. The glass shattered, and the trophies spilled out.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>There was no way for me to know any of that,<\/em>\u201d the voice replied with unshakable calm. \u201c<em>He\u2019s not a Gifted, after all.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou said yourself there\u2019s no other way. How else could he be firing energy projectiles?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>The only other way.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>He inherited it from a parent.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan frowned. \u201cThat makes even less sense, how could one of his parents be a Gifted?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>They wouldn\u2019t be, of course.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan scoffed. \u201cIf you\u2019re not a Gifted, the only other way to obtain magical powers is\u2026 is\u2026\u201d Ragan\u2019s face grew pale, and he swallowed hard.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Yes. A demon. One that came here before Gifted Enterprises opened the gate.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe thought that could be true, but even with your testimony, it was hard to believe,\u201d Ragan said and sat down on his bed. \u201cGoddamn. They really have been here this whole time.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Now that we know, do you think your fried can be persuaded to join us?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, not with that aunt of his, or whatever she is. And besides, I have no intention of revealing you to him. I have no idea how I would ever face him. Are you laughing again?\u201d<\/p><p>The voice was quiet for a moment. \u201c<em>Have you considered the next target?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs you said, things are starting to go our way. For the next phase, we should just let my father do his thing. Your involvement will only be required should we run into any more hitches.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>May I just say, choosing mascots for your monsters was truly inspired. <\/em><em>It sends a message.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cNo, doing that was a stupid mistake; it draws too much attention.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I\u2019ll deal with any, uh\u2026 hitches, as you put it. If anyone starts snooping around, we\u2019ll know instantly.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, but we have been too loud. We need to tread carefully from here on in.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>As you see fit. However, I\u2019ll advice you to strongly consider who knows, and how much they know. If the operation is compromised now, it could cost us everything.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan glared at his trophies, but the presence had left them.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322888\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 18 November<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The more he pushed off returning the ratty book, the more he worried about Rose finding out, and the more Jazlynn nagged him to do it. So, on this Thursday, John pedalled off from school. It was cloudy and grey and cold, and Ferman was a dull, lifeless city despite all the people outside.<\/p><p>His first impulse had been going back to Sacrisyard and look for old lady Taker, but Jazlynn had warned him that the place had been condemned and warded off. The large homeless population had drifted elsewhere, unobserved, but a large shelter had also been repurposed from an old warehouse. His instruction was to look there. If he couldn\u2019t find her, she would most likely have left and that would be it.<\/p><p>There was plenty of space in the industrial section and was a comfortable arm\u2019s length from the city proper. On the way, he passed the construction site taking up the old recycling plant and the decaying roller derby rink. It made him even more uncomfortable. John sped up, wanting this to be done with quickly.<\/p><p>He looked around, his nose starting to drip, when he noticed a sign by a warehouse. \u201cAll homeless welcome \u2013 food and beds and medical attention provided.\u201d John pulled up through the parking lot and slipped through an open door. The interior had been stripped, and the homeless lived in tents or out of shopping trolleys or cardboard boxes. A few facilities had been erected here and there.<\/p><p>\u201cLooking for family?\u201d<\/p><p>John had been so busy gawking that he had missed a truck on the right side of the entrance. A young woman in a white coat addressed him from the side door.<\/p><p>\u201cUh, no, I, uh\u2026\u201d John settled his bag on the ground and took out the book. \u201cWell the thing is, I was passing by Sacrisyard a few weeks ago and I helped out this old lady. She gave me this, but I don\u2019t think I can keep it.\u201d<\/p><p>The woman smiled. \u201cYou can leave the bike with me while you look around, but do take care, all right?\u201d She stepped down and leant towards John. \u201cSome of these people are not all here, and some of them are a little upset, but mostly they just want to be left alone.\u201d<\/p><p>A police officer marched up between the rows of homeless people. \u201cEverything all right here?\u201d he asked, looking first at John and then at the lady.<\/p><p>\u201cI want to return this,\u201d John said and held up the book. \u201cTo an old lady called Taker.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAh. Right, yes, Taker. Harmless enough,\u201d he said and pointed to the left side of the warehouse. \u201cWant me to come with?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I\u2019m all right.\u201d John hiked the book under his arm and began marching.<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, sonny, but there are plenty of us walking around. If there are any problems, just yell as loud as you can.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and went into the gathering. Some sat among their possessions, ignoring John or watching him with wary eyes. Others were gathered in small groups, talking, playing cards or dice, or cooking food on small stoves.<\/p><p>Taker sat a few rows from the wall with her two bags beside her. Without a demonic boar on his tail, John had time to see that her belongings consisted of a spare pair of knickers, more books, and assorted junk.<\/p><p>\u201cUm, excuse me,\u201d John said and held out the book. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I can\u2019t keep this.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou saved me. Thank you,\u201d she said and pushed the book back.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, really, I appreciate it, but\u2026 but I think you\u2019ll be happier with it.\u201d<\/p><p>Taker stared deeply at the book. She reached out a pair of bony hands, but only grabbed the book and didn\u2019t take it back. \u201cHe who fights monsters.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cP-pardon?\u201d<\/p><p>She stared at him. The white in her eyes darkened. John\u2019s mouth fell open, a shudder going through him. \u201cHe who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster,\u201d Taker said. John let go of the book and backed away, but her arms seized his wrists. \u201cYou. You fight monsters. You have powers. You\u2019re staring into the abyss, but the abyss is staring back.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The old lady closed her eyes, and her body went limp. \u201cMy name is Mari-ersetim. I was born 5,543 years ago.\u201d The voice coming from her lips was now a man\u2019s, and her grip around John grew solid. \u201cI lived in a small village along the Euphrates river. I had a wife and two daughters. When I was twenty-seven, bandits came to my farm. They killed everyone. Including me. But I was to be the first, the first to guard the void.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d John said.<\/p><p>The police officer from before wrested Taker off him. For a moment, it seemed her eyes swirled before turning back. \u201cAll right, that\u2019s enough. Sorry, I just remembered she can be kind of grabby. Hence the name, I guess,\u201d he said and chuckled. \u201cUh, you all right?\u201d<\/p><p>John looked at his wrists. \u201cYeah. No problem.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, it\u2019s probably best you be on your way, sonny. We don\u2019t really allow people in here unless they have a purpose\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>With Taker slumping back, caressing her returned book, John nodded and went back to his bike. Helmet properly secured, he raced back out into the cold, grey weather. Once more, he passed the construction site. This time he paused. A new recycling plant was being planned, and security was being provided by a company he remembered hearing about somewhere. What caught his eyes was their logo. It looked like a bird, except it had hands too. Just like the one that had attacked him so long ago\u2026<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322889\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cDid you find the old lady again?\u201d Jazlynn asked from the couch.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah,\u201d John wheezed as he dragged himself inside.<\/p><p>\u201cGood. Why do you look so haggard?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRose is at the shop, and Minik is out with friends.\u201d Jazlynn stretched her neck and looked around the living room.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you have time to talk?\u201d<\/p><p>She nodded and turned off the TV.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere have been three monster attacks by now. A bird with the body of a lion, a horse drawing a flaming carriage, and a golden boar,\u201d John said and fished out his phone. \u201cI knew I had seen them before. Look.\u201d<\/p><p>He had saved a collage of the images and flicked through them back and forth. \u201cHere, a security company, Commandited Security.\u201d The logo was the silhouette of a perched bird with the arms and head of a lion, framed by a padlock. \u201cTighe\u2019s Market, a convenience store chain.\u201d This logo was a galloping horse dragging a flaming chariot across the company name. \u201cA shoe store called Nordic Leather.\u201d The last was a golden boar with the caption, \u201cWe use real leather.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn picked up his phone and stared intently at the images. \u201cNot bad, but also not much of a revelation. I\u2019m sure you could find dozens of companies with variations on these logos.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut that\u2019s just it, these are companies with a stake in this town,\u201d John said and accepted his phone back. \u201cRagan talks about his dad\u2019s work sometimes. He said that these companies could revitalise the stagnating industrial section if they could be allowed to branch out here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m not questioning your logic here,\u201d Jazlynn said and raised an eyebrow, \u201cbut those are some pretty big words. Bigger than what I usually hear you use.\u201d<\/p><p>John blushed and giggled. \u201cHehe, well, I was just repeating what Ragan told me. He really has some interesting stories.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThese companies, then, are there more like them?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh yeah, loads. Ragan\u2019s told me about dozens of companies with interest in Ferman, but I don\u2019t know how many are seriously considering it.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cMm, yeah. If any serious deals are made, it would be beneficial to clear land for them. And when I say beneficial, I mean of course that there is one central figure who would benefit from this.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah,\u201d John said quietly. \u201cRagan\u2019s dad, right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, look, we still don\u2019t know how the monsters are summoned.\u201d She leant back into the couch, her shuttered eyes fixed on John. \u201cAnd I\u2019d think someone as smart as Aleksandro wouldn\u2019t use such obvious monsters that would point to him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo, it\u2019s not him?\u201d John asked confused.<\/p><p>Jazlynn was quiet for a moment. \u201cRegardless, it\u2019s a valuable clue, and you did well to spot it. But now that we have a pattern, we may be able to predict future events. How many more companies are interested in Ferman?\u201d<\/p><p>John flicked through the photos on his phone. \u201cAs I said, dozens more. According to Ragan, the land around here is cheap and it\u2019s close to New York City.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen your job will be to single out some likely candidates,\u201d Jazlynn said. John nodded.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322890\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 15 December 2010<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Below the stairs is where Minik had a small room for himself. It used to be their broom closet, but with John needing a bedroom, Minik had to move his man cave. Whenever he needed time alone to surf the net or write reports or generally unwind, he would come here. It was cramped, but he could fit his desk, a computer, a chair, and a pair of shelves with his old trophies.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd that\u2019s all I need,\u201d Minik said as he sat down.<\/p><p>The computer turned on and Minik went into his reports folder. Two of them were named simply Lawrence and Ronald and contained his search for John\u2019s brothers. Minik glared at the screen, not feeling like opening the web browser to waste more time. He had been going at it for months, with nothing to show for it. It was like they had simply dropped off the surface of the earth.<\/p><p>Instead, Minik pulled out an old photo album and several loose photographs. John\u2019s father, Henry, wore a beard growing thicker as time progressed, giving an order to the photos. They started with John\u2019s parents moving in in 1990 and ended with their disappearance about half a year ago. Thanks to the beard, Henry seemed to grow older, but Marilyn\u2026 she nagged Minik the most. Over twenty years, her haircuts had been long, and they been short, and they had been long again. It was the face, though.<\/p><p>Minik pulled the photos close. She must have been around twenty on the earliest one, and a good forty something in the latest.<\/p><p>\u201cNo wrinkles,\u201d he muttered and tapped his finger against the desk. He glanced at his computer screen for a second.<\/p><p>Neither of their names had gone anywhere, and he had tried all the variations and combinations of Marilyn and Henry and Pearce.<\/p><p>He took a sip of his beer, mulling over his choices. There was a revelation waiting for him, something he was still missing, just within his grasp. He grabbed the picture he thought to be the oldest. Marilyn and Henry Pearce stood with a baby in their arms, in the hospital parking lot. Minik scratched his chin, reminding himself to shave one of these days. He threw the photo back on to his desk and got up. He had looked through that damn album a dozen times, but maybe just one more peek\u2026<\/p><p>He snuck down the hallway, careful not to wake anyone up, and went into the living room. He eased the album out of the cabinet and turned through its pages. Once more reaching the end with no satisfying conclusion, he sighed and collapsed into the armchair. Minik caressed the leather of the last page with his thumb.<\/p><p>He almost had a family like this, once. Would have been a boy, too. And only a few months older than John. He still wasn\u2019t sure if fate was cruel or merciful.<\/p><p>\u201cOh shit.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik snapped his hand back. He had been so lost in thought that he had just continued to rub the last page, and now the leather was peeling off. He almost clapped the book together when he noticed something underneath. Minik glanced around the room, his ears throbbing to pick up any sound. Comfortable that he was alone, Minik tugged at the corner of the leather. It resisted, initially, so he tugged a littler harder. It came off in a single, fluid motion, and a scrap of paper fluttered to the ground.<\/p><p>It was a photograph. Minik stared at it. It was a tent of some kind, full of beds and injured people. There was a nurse crouched down next to a soldier, both of them smiling broadly. Minik raised an eyebrow and turned it over. \u201c\u2019<em>Together at last, \u201951<\/em>.\u2019 Year of D-Day,\u201d Minik read with his own commentary spliced in. The next paragraph made his jaw drop. \u201c\u2019<em>Heinrich and Marilyn, love forever.\u2019<\/em> What the Hell?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik turned the old photograph around and put it down next to the later ones.<\/p><p>\u201cNo. No way. If they had been alive in \u201851, they\u2019d both be eighty today, at the very least.\u201d<\/p><p>A cold shiver went down his back, freezing his sweat. His eyes darted from the old photograph to the newer ones. The man had no beard, and the woman had a different hairstyle, but they looked similar. Too similar.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322891\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The alleyway behind the Petersen home was illuminated only by pools of light coming out of the houses. Jazlynn waited in the darkness between them.<\/p><p>\u201cStop,\u201d she said and pushed herself off the wall.<\/p><p>The two FBI agents paused at the edge of the light spilling out from the Petersen home.<\/p><p>\u201cYou know why we\u2019re here,\u201d Ebadicael said.<\/p><p>\u201cRight, but the man inside is under my watch, and I guarantee that he will not harm anyone with what he knows.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham advanced with a growl but Ebadicael held out an arm and stopped her. \u201cThat is really not for you to decide, Knight.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn clacked closer so she could stare down into the sunglasses of the Detective. \u201cThey\u2019re the foster parents of Johnathan Pearce, who, I might add, you elected to take care of him. Did you honestly think they would not realise something eventually?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThis is an unusual situation,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cWe\u2019re dealing with it the best way we know.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen tell me, what does Minik really know? Are you willing to risk a big exposure on this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOnly if you make it so.\u201d<\/p><p>The two glared at each other.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re getting too close to the Nephilim,\u201d Gagesham said from the sideline. \u201cYou\u2019re getting too close to his family.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael glanced at her and nodded. \u201cShe\u2019s right. We\u2019re both concerned that you are losing focus here. Step aside and let us do our job,\u201d she said but Jazlynn remained in their way. \u201cNone of this is showing any signs of slowing down. The Nephilim almost had another breakdown, and now his foster father found a photograph that you should by all rights have destroyed.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHidden in the photo album that you released to them,\u201d Jazlynn said with a freezing voice. \u201cI\u2019m doing the best I can here too, so, what\u2019s it going to be?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou truly wish to fight us over this?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded.<\/p><p>Ebadicael glanced both ways down the streets. \u201cThere will come a time when a fight will far outweigh the risks of exposure. By then, it will be too late, and we might have to purge this entire city.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re not seeing the bigger picture here. Someone here is summoning monsters.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen perhaps you should concentrate on that case instead.\u201d<\/p><p>The two FBI agents slinked back into the darkness.<\/p><p>\u201cI will have to explain this situation to both of the parents. My job is still to contain the situation, but this will help in the long run.\u201d<\/p><p>The darkness did not speak back.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322892\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Minik jumped when Jazlynn came through the backyard entrance. \u201cOh. It\u2019s just you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m not John\u2019s aunt.\u201d<\/p><p>He blinked at her a few times. \u201cExcuse me, for a moment I thought you said\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn sat down in the armchair opposite him. \u201cYou\u2019ve just realised the truth about John\u2019s parents. Surely, this isn\u2019t too much of a stretch?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo. No, I suppose not. I\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m still trying to wrap my mind around this. John\u2019s parents were alive during the World War?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cI don\u2019t know the specifics, I\u2019m afraid, but I was sent here to\u2026 to train John. You were not supposed to know, but it was ridiculous to expect you not to catch on.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-so what is John?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s your son.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy son\u2026\u201d Minik snorted a laugh and smiled. \u201cYou know, Jens was one of the names we considered for our son. In Danish, that means John. It\u2019s like we lost him eleven years ago and got reunited with him again this summer.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLife\u2019s funny sometimes.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWill you tell me more about\u2026 about John?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t. I\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t know anything, but I\u2019m trusting you to not tell anyone but Rose about this, so I hope you will trust me enough to not ask me any more questions. I can only give him training, but you can give him love. I can make him a demon, but you can make him a human. Is this too much for you?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik closed his eyes and took a deep breath. \u201cShit, we need to tell Rose.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure, but what do we tell her? That I just discovered John\u2019s parents are immortal? I mean, what does that mean for him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I hope you\u2019ll never get the chance to see what he\u2019s capable of. I want you to give him as normal a life as possible.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou know, it almost feels like our life was put on hold when we lost our baby,\u201d Minik said and opened his eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t need to know more about what John is. Just, please tell me we can keep him?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course. That\u2019s what I\u2019ve been working so hard on. Will you\u2026 still let me live here with you?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik scratched his neck. \u201cWe should really ask Rose about that; we kind of have to let her in on it too. If that\u2019s all right?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed. \u201cI suppose we should. Is she still awake?\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322893\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Rose sat in bed, reading a hardware manual, when her husband and Jazlynn entered. She took off her reading glasses and put the magazine aside. \u201cYes?\u201d she asked.<\/p><p>Minik handed her a photograph, an old, worn one, depicting a tent and several beds.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked and looked up at the two again. \u201cAll right, what\u2019s going on? Is this supposed to be a game?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLook closer,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>Two people were in focus, a guy in bed and a nurse standing by his side. Rose almost put the photograph down again but quickly pulled it closer. \u201cIs that John\u2019s parents? Where did you get this?\u201d<\/p><p>She flipped the photo over and read the text too.<\/p><p>\u201c51? That can\u2019t be right, that would mean they would be\u2026\u201d She looked up at the two people in her bedroom. \u201cWhat the Hell is this?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn sat down on the edge of the bed. \u201cYou see, Rose, John\u2019s mother is not of this world. I don\u2019t know what she is, but she shared her immortality with a mortal man and started a family with him. I don\u2019t know why, I don\u2019t know how, I\u2019ve never seen anyone actually do it, but that\u2019s the theory as I understand it.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose opened her mouth. Every time she tried to form an argument against, she looked down at the photograph and found the same faces in the fifties as in the nineties.<\/p><p>\u201cJohn is what we refer to as a Nephilim. A being who walks both worlds. And, one more thing\u2026 I am not his aunt,\u201d Jazlynn said, her shuttered eyes scrutinising Rose\u2019s face for the slightest hint of a reaction.<\/p><p>Rose put the photograph away and swung out of bed. \u201cWhat are you then?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cA guardian. And a mentor.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd you came from the other world to do this as well?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI will explain things in more details later, but, yes, something like that.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose sat in silence for a while, staring at the floor. Minik sat down next to her and put his hand on her shoulder.<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t entirely get what\u2019s going on either, but I think we should let her stay. She only deceived us to help out John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cProve it. Can you prove to me that this is not just a hoax conjured up by you and my husband?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn stood up from the bed, still leaning against her cane. Except it was now a halberd. Neither Rose nor Minik could say when it had changed. Perhaps it never had. Perhaps it had always been a weapon and only now did she permit them to see the real deal.<\/p><p>\u201cI am a Knight of Order, one of a few entrusted with Neon, and my mission is to guard the border between worlds. You have been granted a rare permission,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>Minik\u2019s mouth fell open.<\/p><p>\u201cHoly shit,\u201d Rose said.<\/p><p>\u201cIs this adequate?\u201d Jazlynn asked. \u201cDo you believe me now?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah,\u201d she said, entranced by the sight and colours of the weapons.<\/p><p>And then it was a birdhouse cane again.<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t wish for anything to change between us,\u201d Jazlynn said softly. \u201cAnd I really hope you can keep this a secret. I\u2019m in enough trouble as is.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose pinched the bridge of her nose. \u201cJazlynn, why did you not tell us earlier? We would have realised at some point that John is special.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy job is to keep information about the other world away from the residents of this plane of existence,\u201d she said in a professional tone. \u201cI was hoping that John would never have to use his powers. The many attacks we have suffered, though, made it harder and harder.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, well, sure. You may stay.\u201d Rose clapped her thighs and swung back into bed. \u201cI think this is all I can deal with today, so I\u2019ll be headed to bed now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah. That sounds like a good idea,\u201d Minik said, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019ll just put the photograph back where I found it first.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI apologise if this is too much to take in,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cI can definitely see why you don\u2019t want this to be common knowledge. I\u2019m trying to wrap my mind around it, but it just refuses to,\u201d Rose said. \u201cHopefully things will make more sense in the morning.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322894\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 3 January 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cYou have a good time at your friend\u2019s,\u201d Jazlynn said from the couch.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are you doing, you\u2019re invited too,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>Jazlynn\u2019s usually laidback face grew rapidly attentive. \u201cSay what?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, for Ragan\u2019s New Year\u2019s party, you\u2019re invited too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh boy\u2026 and you <em>want<\/em> me to come?\u201d she asked.<\/p><p>\u201cOf course,\u201d he replied and smiled.<\/p><p>Jazlynn dragged herself up on her feet. \u201cI don\u2019t have anything to wear. How long do I have?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAbout an hour.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh\u2026 I thought you were leaving now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, Rose just insisted I got dressed early.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn clacked out of the living room, and John fell back into the couch. With his foster parents now knowing about him, he could practise in the living room. First was the light in his palm, then transforming it. He could make things other than spheres, he just knew it, but getting it to obey was difficult. He couldn\u2019t materialise it too much or it would hurt, but without substance, it was like shaping water.<\/p><p>The doorbell chimed and his palm bubble burst.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Minik called from upstairs.<\/p><p>John called on the light again, but his mind was too distracted. He could hear Minik talking by the door, but no one was being invited inside. John closed his hand and went for a look.<\/p><p>A man very much like Minik, looking a little less worn and a few years younger, stood in the doorway. Their conversation ceased as soon as John entered viewing range.<\/p><p>\u201cAh. I guess you were telling the truth, for once,\u201d the man said and pushed up his glasses. He wore what looked to be an expensive suit.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, this is my son, Johnathan,\u201d Minik said and dragged John closer. He felt oddly tense in his grip.<\/p><p>\u201cHow do you do, young man? I\u2019m your uncle, Alros.\u201d He had a cold, detached demeanour as he looked at John.<\/p><p>\u201cMinik never told me he had a brother.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m not surprised. None of my friends know I have a brother either.\u201d Alros made a pained expression and sighed before heaving a flat present out from inside his jacket. \u201cHere. To my brother, my only family.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI told you to stop coming around if you just want to deliver token presents. I don\u2019t have anything for you,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>The hand hovered in the air, still clutching the present. \u201cThat\u2019s not why I\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse us, we have an appointment tonight.\u201d<\/p><p>Alros fidgeted with his tie and cleared his throat. \u201cWell. It was nice seeing you again.\u201d<\/p><p>He handed the gift to John instead and left. Once Minik had closed the door, he snatched the gift from John and headed for the living room.<\/p><p>\u201cWho was that?\u201d John asked and followed.<\/p><p>\u201cMy brother,\u201d Minik grumbled. He opened the bottom drawer and shoved the gift in there. John just caught a glimpse of a dozen others before Minik kicked it shut again. \u201cNow go get changed.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI already am.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik looked him up and down. \u201cRight, it\u2019s me who isn\u2019t done yet,\u201d he said and ripped his tie off.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322895\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Down in the boiler room, they awoke. They knew their time was about to come. They also knew they had to be patient. They grabbed the weapons and armour that had been provided for them and they waited.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322896\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Aleksandro and Kizashi waited for them in the lobby, him wearing a green and white sweater with a pine tree motif, her a pair of fluffy antlers.<\/p><p>\u201cWelcome,\u201d Aleksandro said, throwing his arms around John and his three companions.<\/p><p>\u201cWe celebrating something?\u201d Rose asked and handed over a bottle of wine. \u201cThe invitation wasn\u2019t quite clear on the occasion.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s been a hectic year,\u201d Kizashi said. \u201cIf anything, we\u2019ll celebrate to a new year that can only be\u2026 better.\u201d Her voice trailed off as Jazlynn came up from behind. She looked downright normal in a dress and with a bit of make-up, but she was still clutching her birdhouse cane.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll drink to that,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cI see we\u2019re last,\u201d Rose said, looking at the corner where a small group of people was huddled. \u201cThat must be Phil and his family.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cNow that we\u2019re all gathered,\u201d Aleksandro said, \u201cI suggest we move to the dining room.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFollow along, or you\u2019ll get lost,\u201d Kizashi added and giggled.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322897\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>They climbed the stairs and peeked out of the door. The coast was clear. They had no leader, no one to tell them what to do; they simply did as they had been born to do. They broke into two groups and slinked down the hallway in opposite directions.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322898\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The dining room for the occasion was the largest of the rooms that John had seen so far, with paintings and vases all along the walls. The table was perfectly cut for their exact number of people with plenty of elbow room. Even so, it did nothing to diminish the room. Phil and his family sat on one side of the table, his father a short, rotund man and his mother the exact opposite. It made Phil look like an exact mix of the two. His many siblings fell somewhere on the scale between extremes.<\/p><p>\u201cOur house is often filled with guests,\u201d Aleksandro said and clapped his hands together as the new arrivals seated themselves, \u201cbut rarely is it filled with family. I always wished to be blessed with more children, at least three of them, but that is not how it was supposed to go.\u201d<\/p><p>He swung around the table end and held up a glass. Everyone else followed suit. \u201cTo the family we have, not all the what-ifs and could-have-beens.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd to those we have lost and those we have gained,\u201d Kizashi said and held out her glass. \u201cMay the new year be better than the last. Kampai!\u201d<\/p><p>John tasted juice in his glass. He wasn\u2019t sure which fruit, but then, he never knew what he ate or drank in this house. Ragan or his parents would usually explain it, but he could never put an image to the names.<\/p><p>Once the food had been eaten and conversations dried up, Aleksandro rose once more and raised his hands, silence falling on the gathering. \u201cFriends and family, I\u2026 I cannot thank you enough for blessing our home like this. I hope we can make this a permanent deal, and a more frequent one at that. It has always been business that drew us away from Ferman, deals to be made and hands to be shaken, but things are looking good locally. Aside from vacations, we will likely be staying here more.\u201d<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s family grumbled something but cheered with the rest when Rose raised her glass.<\/p><p>Jazlynn used the disturbance to lean towards John. \u201cDoesn\u2019t look like a man with a guilty conscience.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, he doesn\u2019t, I was thinking the same thing,\u201d John said and sipped his juice. \u201cDid we get it wrong?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe he just doesn\u2019t have a consciousness. He is a businessman, after all.\u201d<\/p><p>John felt full and zoned out of the table talk. It still felt a little weird that his foster parents knew about his powers. For the first couple of days, they had been acting differently. Probably still would, if they also knew the truth about the explosion at the recycling plant. For now, just having not to lie around the house was immense relief. After a while, Rose and Minik had also accepted the new aspect about their foster son. With no new events, they hadn\u2019t had to confront it, either.<\/p><p>A weird clanging came to his ears. He sat up straight and focused on it. It was moving around.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat is that?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn looked around over the top of her glass. \u201cI\u2019d have felt it if there was anything wrong.\u201d<\/p><p>A shriek pierced the air.<\/p><p>Aleksandro hadn\u2019t sat down yet, his head jerking towards the sound. \u201cExcuse me, everyone, I better see what that\u2019s about.\u201d<\/p><p>The doors burst open before he could go three steps. A lizard scampered in on two feet, its scales sandy brown with darker splotches. It raised a club over its head and smacked Aleksandro round the side of his face. He fell to the ground with a sickening splat.<\/p><p>\u201cD-dear!\u201d<\/p><p>Kizashi screamed and jumped out of her seat but froze in place when two more lizardmen streamed in. These held javelins instead. All three were dressed in crude leather gear and hissed at the party guests. These responded with screams and drew back.<\/p><p>\u201cD-didn\u2019t you feel anything?\u201d John whispered to Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, but these grunts are likely too weak for me to pick up,\u201d she responded, watching the lizardmen hobble inside.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do we do? I didn\u2019t bring a gun!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cKeep calm.\u201d Jazlynn reached into a purse that Rose had provided for her and passed a plastic gun to John.<\/p><p>The lizardmen looked from guest to guest, their moves hesitant. John finally found out where that clanging came from: the lizardmen rapping their weapons against metal bucklers secured to their hips.<\/p><p>\u201cI hope you\u2019re ready for a solo mission,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cOne of us will have to secure the mansion, the other stay with the guests.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d Phil\u2019s father blew himself up like a balloon, pushing his chest out. \u201cHow dare you miscreants just barge in here, dressed like that?\u201d His entire family easily hid behind him though they all protruded above him. Kizashi clung to Rose, and Minik stared disbelieving at the scene.<\/p><p>One of the lizards waddled towards Phil\u2019s father, its javelin swaying back and forth in its hands. It hissed, sticking out its tongue and revealing rows of razorblade teeth. Phil\u2019s father paled as he realised it probably wasn\u2019t a costume.<\/p><p>Jazlynn rose from her seat and kicked off the ground before her birdhouse cane could transform. The lizards all swung their heads towards her too late. Her halberd cut through the nearest one, separating its left arm and shoulder and a good chunk of the chest from its body. It screeched and flopped to the floor.<\/p><p>The second lizardman flailed its javelin around and stomped its feet and hissed and screeched. Jazlynn lowered the halberd and fired a clean hole through its chest. It fell backwards and did not get up again.<\/p><p>The third lizard banged its club against the floor twice before rushing her. Jazlynn swung the halberd towards it, but it exploded before she could take aim. John lowered his gun.<\/p><p>Silence fell on the gathering as they tried to comprehend anything of what had happened. Kizashi was the first to rouse from her stupor, sprinting to her husband.<\/p><p>\u201cDear!\u201d she screamed, planting her bejewelled sausage fingers on his chest. The club had gotten him square in the side of his head. An angry bruise was forming on his cheek and around his eye.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, uh, I think we should call the police,\u201d Phil\u2019s father said, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. His children were already busy with their phones.<\/p><p>\u201cAre there any more of them?\u201d John asked, looking up at Jazlynn.<\/p><p>Jazlynn closed her eyes and wrinkled her brow. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I just can\u2019t feel them. Dammit, why the Hell can\u2019t I feel them?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow are you holding up?\u201d Rose asked and wrapped her arms around John from behind.<\/p><p>\u201cI-I\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMan, I just can\u2019t believe this.\u201d She rested her chin on top of his head. \u201cI lost my parents too when I was young, you know. It was just me all alone until I met Minik.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Minik said and dragged chairs over. \u201cLife\u2019s funny in a way. I was the older one, but it was my younger brother who did best in school and got all the praise from the teachers. I tried to find my own way for the longest time, and I thought I had found it in soccer until I met Rose. I thought she was just another bad decision, but if anything, she\u2019s the only good one I ever made.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou guys\u2026\u201d John felt something tickling in the corner of his eyes. He wiped his face on the sleeve of his shirt. \u201cWhy tell me this now?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose released him and sat down in the chair Minik had procured. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to lose you. We know about loneliness.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEnough to never want it again or wish it on anyone we know.\u201d Minik sighed. \u201cYou have to take care of this, right?\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Rose asked and looked at Jazlynn.<\/p><p>She shook her head. \u201cSomeone has to stay behind and protect you guys.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCouldn\u2019t he do that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI won\u2019t always be here for him. He needs to show me what he has learnt.\u201d She smiled at John.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2026 mum\u2026 dad.\u201d John hugged both of his foster parents.<\/p><p>\u201cBe careful, son,\u201d Minik said.<\/p><p>John nodded. When Rose finally released him, John hurried out of the dining room.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322899\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Ragan stared down at his father, sorrow and rage competing for his face. He clenched his fists and tears streamed down his cheeks. His mother sobbed, both wanting to hold her husband but also afraid she\u2019d worsen his condition.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat the Hell is the meaning of this?\u201d Ragan said. His mother didn\u2019t hear him, nor his father or anyone else in the room.<\/p><p>Blood had formed a small pool next to Aleksandro\u2019s face. The reflection of the ceiling swirled and a voice echoed out of it. \u201c<em>I took the liberty of advancing the plan a little; after all, the conversion\u2019s been completed for a few days now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThis wasn\u2019t the plan. You\u2026 you had no right. NO FUCKING RIGHT!\u201d Ragan yelled.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Oh, so it\u2019s only cool with you when it doesn\u2019t hurt people you don\u2019t know? Like an old war veteran or a few dozen homeless people?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, that\u2019s not\u2026\u201d Ragan wiped the tears and snot from his face and took a deep breath. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be on my side. MINE.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And what do you think I\u2019m doing? No one\u2019s going to believe you were behind any of the attacks if one happened to you personally.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd my dad?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Hey, I\u2019m the god of coincidence, am I not?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan stared intently at his father\u2019s resting form. True enough, he spotted a shallow breathing. \u201cAnd just coincidentally, my father was struck non-fatally.\u201d<\/p><p>Hollow laughter echoed in his ears. Ragan knelt by his father, ignoring it.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s going to be all right, mom. Dad\u2019s going to make it.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322900\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Hoffman waited for him outside the door, flicking a short salute at him.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat good are you going to be if you can\u2019t detect the lizards?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cThe lizard-kin.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPardon?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s what I call them, the lizard-kin,\u201d she said and stuffed her hands into her trouser pockets. \u201cAnd you can always do with an extra set of eyes.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI suppose. Where do we go from here?\u201d<\/p><p>Hoffman shrugged. \u201cThe police will be here soon. Just take care of as many as you can before then.\u201d<\/p><p>A scream pierced the air following a lot of clattering. \u201cI think I have an idea of where to go.\u201d<\/p><p>The hallway was beautifully adorned with a thick rug and what passed for modern art on tables. Going left, John came to the kitchen. It looked like something you\u2019d find in a restaurant. One of the chefs was duelling a lizard-kin while a handful more chased the rest of kitchen staff around the various stations. Glass and plates and pots and pans flew into the air, either as defence by the staff or knocked over in the chase.<\/p><p>None of them had spotted John yet. He took a deep breath and launched his first barrage, catching most of the lizard-kin in the back. One went astray and sent a pot flying. It and the boiling water inside landed on top of the duelling lizard-kin and sent it sprawling.<\/p><p>Two remained. Their tongues lashed out and their eyelids squelched close and open again. Hissing, they charged at him, brandishing their clubs. John jumped back as he summoned more energy.<\/p><p>One club grazed him at the top of his head, knocking him down. The lizards towered over him, ready to pummel, but John fired a couple of projectiles. The lizard-kin staggered back with their new holes and plopped to the ground.<\/p><p>\u201cEveryone all right?\u201d John asked as he got up, massaging where the lizards barely hit him.<\/p><p>The kitchen staff nodded and looked perplexed either at the dead lizard-kin or at John.<\/p><p>\u201cThank you,\u201d the duelling chef said.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, you saved us. Thank you so much,\u201d a cook said.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you know if there are any more around?\u201d John asked. They all shook their heads. \u201cI have to look the mansion through, then.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWait!\u201d One of the cooks took off her hat and tugged it under her arm to wipe her forehead. \u201cI don\u2019t know if there are more around, but you should check out the boiler room.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t bother him with that,\u201d the chef said. \u201cIt\u2019s just been acting up a little and making weird noises. Besides, the young master told us not to go in there.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s as good as any other place.\u201d<\/p><p>Ten minutes later, John had checked every room on the way, including the game room where they sometimes played, but had met little resistance. Mostly solitary lizard-kin stalking the corridors. He reached the boiler room and was met with long, winding stairs. John flicked the light switch, but nothing happened.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You know, there is a way to summon monsters without alerting anyone,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman said, nothing more than a whisper in his ears. Before John could reply, she continued. \u201c<em>All you\u2019d have to do is summon something that\u2019s already here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou didn\u2019t have any trouble detecting me.\u201d<\/p><p>A dry chuckle echoed in his ears. \u201c<em>You did also set off an explosion of energy. After that, it was just a matter of following the scent.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John walked slowly in the darkness, gripping the railing tightly. His ears were perked for any noise. All he could hear was the creak of the stairs. \u201cFine, fine, but are you saying that the lizard-kin have always been here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Yes. And no.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd what is that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I believe that they are humans who have been transformed into lizards.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs that\u2026 is that possible?\u201d John asked, feeling a chill run down his spine. The room was hot, and the beads of sweat now felt like small pearls of ice.<\/p><p>\u00a0\u201c<em>Well\u2026<\/em>\u201d Hoffman replied in a sombre tone. \u201c<em>Theoretically, it\u2019s the same process as summoning monsters. All you\u2019d have to do is summon the idea of a lizard-kin unto a human recipient.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut, wait, there haven\u2019t been any news about disappearances.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Maybe not disappearances, but what about displacements?<\/em>\u201d she asked. As John did not reply, she spelled it out for him. \u201c<em>The homeless.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut I saw them. In that warehouse. They\u2019re all right,\u201d John protested.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And how many more do you think there were in town? Or decided to spend just a night or two before moving on?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John could see it but did not like it. By now, he had reached the bottom and did not have time to worry. His heart hammered in his chest. A couple of lizards he could take out at a time. The furnace room felt large, and it was hot and humid, making him sweat. There could be dozens down here. John summoned energy into his hand and held it up, banishing the light from around him.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019re getting better.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJust a little trick I came up with. All shine and no power.\u201d<\/p><p>John gently threw the ball of light into the air, and it hovered around the room. He could only see the stone floor, some pipes, and finally the furnace itself. It was a big, white monstrosity humming along.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, uh\u2026 do you also think Ragan\u2019s father could be behind it?\u201d<\/p><p>With no visible threat, John began walked around cautiously. Still all he could see were machines with heavy cases to protect them from the moisture and the heat.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>He did take a good hit to the face. I doubt he\u2019d do that to himself, under any circumstance.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John smiled. \u201cYeah. I was afraid it\u2019d be someone I knew.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Yes, I wonder.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Something shifted through the light. John guided the sphere, but it fizzled away. Clang. Clang. Clang. John slowly turned around. Suddenly a wall had fallen behind him. A scaly, green wall. A glimmer announced a gust of wind whooshing past his cheek. He touched a hand and felt warm blood.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322901\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s father hugged his twin daughters close to his chest. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, everyone. The police will be here soon,\u201d he said, his moustache bristling.<\/p><p>Phil sat next to him, hands in his lap. Why was John the only one with power? He was off saving the day, while all Phil could do was comfort his mother. She sat stiffly in her chair, observing silently like a prairie dog. Her grip was tight around his hand. The rest of his brothers and sisters sat around and in-between them.<\/p><p>John\u2019s family was even more nervous, his mom and dad holding each other. The aunt stood guard by the door, leaning up against her ridiculous cane. Ragan and his mom sat around Mr Cloudbough. He was getting around and mumbled a few words.<\/p><p>The door creaked open, and Jazlynn tensed like a cat ready to pounce. What came in were just the kitchen staff along with some of the maids and the butler. They all reported that they had been cornered until John showed up. There were a lot of people. If John had to help all of them, then he had to be getting tired by now.<\/p><p>The tension in the room eased, and Phil slipped away from his mother and over to Ragan. \u201cYou think John\u2019s all right?\u201d he whispered.<\/p><p>\u201cHe better be,\u201d Ragan said, not taking eyes off his father.<\/p><p>\u201cBut what if he\u2019s running out of energy?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen the police should be here soon. In fact\u2026\u201d Ragan glanced to the windows at the other side of the room. \u201cI think that\u2019s them.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322902\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The darkness shattered with flashes of light. The lizards cut through them, some falling to the ground, but John was gone. He had used the confusion to slip away and now sat with his back against one of the many machines. His heart hammered, he was panting, but he smiled nonetheless. \u201cI don\u2019t know why, but I feel amazing!\u201d he gasped.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You wouldn\u2019t react like a normal human,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman said into his ear. \u201c<em>Remember what we taught you: your power amplifies your emotions, and your emotions amplify your power. Right now, your power is giving you courage, and your courage is strengthening your power.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, it\u2019s great!\u201d<\/p><p>He leapt from cover and fired his gun blindly. The basement lit up in short bursts, giving John a quick overview and several satisfactory screams. He zipped between javelins and clubs, sending more shots flying.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>It\u2019s not great. This is a downwards spiral that ends where your powers began.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, what\u2019s the problem? Don\u2019t you think I\u2019m doing a great job here?\u201d He laughed, pretending he was a cowboy.<\/p><p>Something heavy caught him in his back. He staggered forward and smacked into the wall. \u201cP-point taken,\u201d he said and rubbed his head as he ran along. \u201cWhat\u2019s the plan then?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You get the Hell out of here, for one.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>John charged another shot. In the light, he saw another club swinging at him. He threw himself to the floor and fired the shot, the lizard-kin exploding. A dozen more were still left, coming from all sides. John bit his lip and summoned the energy again, but this time it was the gun blowing up.<\/p><p>\u201cDammit, not already,\u201d he whispered as the fragments drifted from his fingers.<\/p><p>He summoned the energy directly into his hands, feeling the familiar stabs of pain and the drops of blood trickling down his skin. He flicked the orbs away, seeing in momentary flashes the lizard horde advancing on him. He was surrounded.<\/p><p>Pop. Scream.<\/p><p>John looked behind him as a hole opened in the lizard ranks.<\/p><p>\u201cGet to the stairs!\u201d Jazlynn yelled.<\/p><p>John didn\u2019t wait to be told twice and bolted for the steps, summoning and throwing more energy as he went. The stench of blood and death assailed his nose, making him queasy. He held back his urge to throw up and grabbed the railing and pulled himself up the winding stairs. He wanted to summon more energy, but his hand had begun throbbing painfully.<\/p><p>The lizards screeched and followed him, clawing and banging at the wooden steps. Pops and flashes came from the top, and the pursuers vanished into crimson mist. One hand grabbed John\u2019s ankle. He yelped and felt his leg heat up. The lizard\u2019s squawking was cut short as it exploded.<\/p><p>And just like, he had reached the top, and silence fell on the basement. John breathed deeply and collapsed on his back.<\/p><p>\u201cYou still have a lot to learn, kid.\u201d Jazlynn appeared above him, leaning against her cane. \u201cFor one, entering hostile territory without a plan is a bad idea.\u201d<\/p><p>John sighed and clutched his arm, trying to suppress the pain. Crimson pearls welled up from the wounds and dripped like tears. He yanked his sleeve down. Rose would just get too worried.<\/p><p>\u201cSo, how did I do?\u201d he asked.<\/p><p>\u201cYou managed to survive while also saving people. I can\u2019t fault you for either of those.\u201d She put her hand on his head and rubbed vigorously. \u201cControlling your emotions is half of what we practise, though. I need to see you able to muffle yourself better before I can let you off.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, but it\u2019s not easy, all right?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, it really isn\u2019t, but it\u2019s mostly a problem when you\u2019re fighting. That\u2019s when you need to be extra careful.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and got up on his feet.<\/p><p>\u201cNow let\u2019s get back. The police are already here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs everyone going to remember this?\u201d John asked. \u201cI guess the cat\u2019s out of the bag on this one.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNot necessarily.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked at her puzzled, but she opened the basement door and John saw that the hallway outside was strewn with corpses. Human ones.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? I-I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p><p>She pointed to the only lizard. Its scales were turning into a patched jacket, its head becoming round and soft, its claws retracting.<\/p><p>\u201cPeople\u2026 I\u2026 I\u2019ve been fighting people this whole time?\u201d John almost screamed, feeling the colour drain from him.<\/p><p>Jazlynn grabbed his shoulder. \u201cNo! No, these are not people, not anymore. Once they were turned, there was no going back. Do you understand that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re just saying that.\u201d He pushed her away, but she grabbed him again.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, listen to me. As soon as these people were transformed, they died. They\u2019re going back now because you dispelled the magic and gave them peace.\u201d<\/p><p>An old man with a thick, grey beard lay where the lizard-kin had been.<\/p><p>\u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p><p>John wiped his eyes and followed her.<\/p><p>What do we do now? I mean, everyone here saw these people as lizards.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re not going to remember,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cThat\u2019s the life of a Knight; no one remembers us or what we did.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut\u2026\u201d John looked around. None of the corpses had any wounds, like they had just collapsed to the ground. Even the blood from the lizard was gone. \u201cThis isn\u2019t right. Now everyone will think these homeless people did it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s just how it is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey had nothing to do with this!\u201d he protested and looked up at Jazlynn. \u201cThey\u2019re the real victims here, and you\u2019re telling me they\u2019ll have to take the blame?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWould you prefer everyone started to panic about monsters being real?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course not. It\u2019s just\u2026 haven\u2019t these people suffered enough? There\u2019s a reason they were on the street in the first place, then their home in Sacrisyard was destroyed, and now this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you propose we do instead, hmm?\u201d Jazlynn asked and looked directly at him. \u201cComplaining won\u2019t change anything, John. You either change what you can or learn to accept what you can\u2019t. It\u2019s that simple. Tell me, what would you do here?\u201d<\/p><p>John opened his mouth, but nothing came to him.<\/p><p>\u201cI get it more than anyone else, believe me.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322903\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Policemen were waiting in the front hall of the mansion. Phil\u2019s father was going on a long tirade while holding his children close. Ragan and his family were gone but there were plenty of staff being interviewed as well. Rose and Minik sat in a couch by the wall. When they saw John enter, Rose jumped up and fell around John\u2019s neck. His cuts were still there but looking like nothing more than the scrapes or nicks a child would usually get playing. \u201cI was so worried about you!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, I thought you might be,\u201d Jazlynn said coming from behind.<\/p><p>\u201cYou got to listen to this,\u201d Rose said hushed, casting furtive glances. \u201cWhen I said we were attacked by lizard people, everyone just stared at me funny. And the only bodies around here are of homeless people.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cJust stick to whatever version everyone else is dishing out. It\u2019ll be easier that way. Important thing is that you know what the truth is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-sure,\u201d Rose said.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can\u2019t tell anyone,\u201d John said. \u201cNot about me or the lizards either.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI guess it\u2019ll be our secret then.\u201d She squeezed around John tighter. \u201cListen, sweetie, I need to talk with the cops again, but I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAny idea why we\u2019re the only ones remembering the lizards?\u201d Minik asked and scratched his neck.<\/p><p>\u201cThat would be my doing,\u201d Jazlynn said and sank back into the opposite couch.<\/p><p>Minik opened his mouth, closed it again, and opened it once more. \u201cI\u2019m just going to accept that as one of those things you do,\u201d he said and looked over at John. \u201cWill this be a regular thing for you? I mean, you\u2019re eleven. Seems a little young to be\u2026 patrolling the streets for muggers and bank robbers.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe police can handle those things,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cSo that\u2019s a negative on patrolling?\u201d Minik smiled as Jazlynn nodded.<\/p><p>\u201cI have this gift for a reason.\u201d John clenched his fist. \u201cI\u2019m only going to be using it to fight monsters, though.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose rejoined them shortly accompanied by a police officer. He interviewed the two newcomers, scratched a few things into an electronic tablet, and sauntered off.<\/p><p>\u201cI told him the same story as everyone else did,\u201d she whispered. \u201cSo, I have to know, will you be going on patrols?\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322904\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cAre you feeling better?\u201d Kizashi asked, clutching her husband\u2019s hand.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, dear, much better.\u201d Aleksandro smiled, despite lying in a hospital bed with half his face bandaged.<\/p><p>\u201cThe doctors said you were lucky,\u201d she continued. \u201cNo brain damage and only minor fractures. With some rest, you\u2019ll be good as new.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLooks like Ragan will have to take over the business while I recuperate, eh, son?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll do my best,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>The mirror behind him swirled and filled with shadows.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>First half of the plan is done,<\/em>\u201d a voice said.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat plan? All of the lizards are dead.\u201d<\/p><p>The voice laughed, sending chills through Ragan\u2019s body. \u201c<em>What died can live again, and what lives again can become even stronger.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI thought you were supposed to help me. What are you planning behind my back?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019ll see.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, I won\u2019t see!\u201d He could raise his voice all he liked, his parents wouldn\u2019t hear him speaking to the entity, but what he really wanted was to get up and punch the mirror. \u201cYou\u2019re starting to act too independently. You almost killed my father, and I know you\u2019re scheming something in secret. If you don\u2019t start cooperating more with me, then our partnership is over. It\u2019s that simple.\u201d<\/p><p>The voice fell silent and Ragan turned back to his father. It hurt him like nothing ever had to see him like that. No, that wasn\u2019t true, one thing had before. Hurting John. The voice had assured him that they would have been in the hospital. Had that been a lie too? Even the people in the park and the homeless people started to hurt now.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Johnathan Pearce is in our way.<\/em>\u201d The voice had never sounded so cold. Ragan could see his breath form in the air, and even his parents started shivering and looking around. \u201c<em>This next attack will be aimed at him directly, and it will kill him.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan glanced over at the mirror. Frost covered it yet he could still see the shadow. \u201cNo! Are you mad?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You wanted to save this city and I answered your pleas. As long as this agreement is not fulfilled, our contract stands.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The mirror shattered and the temperature snapped back to where it was previously. His parents yelped and covered themselves from the raining shards. Ragan was too numb to move, even when he felt something brush against his cheek and something warm dripped down his face.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322905\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s father planted himself in his favourite recliner and sighed like a torn ball letting out all its air at once. The living room floor was cluttered with toys and books as the children played and did their last homework before school started again. Phil sat in the middle, pushing a toy truck over to his baby brother. The little guy clapped his hands and tried to do the same but didn\u2019t quite grasp he needed to let go of it to achieve similar results.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not fair, why does John get to have cool powers?\u201d he said. The baby yanked the truck back and forth faster and faster. \u201cI wish I was a superhero. Then I could solve all those mysterious things going on in town. And after that, I could go to the big city. Probably full of crimes.\u201d<\/p><p>The baby threw the truck to the floor and crawled towards a ball instead. Without anyone noticing, Phil slipped out of the living room and drifted back to his own room. He plopped down on his bed and dragged a pair of headphones down over his ears and turned on his iPod. <em>Mercyful Fate<\/em> started playing, and he closed his eyes. He was finally alone again, until someone needed him. The only surprise then would be whether it was his siblings or his parents.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Feels like no one pays any attention to you, huh?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil opened an eye. That had not been part of the lyrics. Then again, it couldn\u2019t be someone in his room either or he would not have heard that voice as clearly.<\/p><p>\u201cUm\u2026 hello?\u201d he asked and slipped the headphones off.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And your two best friends have been so busy lately.<\/em>\u201d It sounded like a grown-up. Phil swung off his bed and looked around. \u201c<em>I mean, Ragan\u2019s always been busy, always travelling, but now John too? Getting superpowers?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The view through his window faded into black. A man in ripped jeans and a dirty tank top looked back at him.<\/p><p>\u201cWho the Hell are you?\u201d Phil asked, sliding sideways to a baseball bat he kept in the corner.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I\u2019m a demon, Philliden Tudrustuch, and I know what you want.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s hand hovered above the pommel of the bat. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I\u2019ve been keeping an eye on you, and I have a once-in-a-lifetime deal for you. Money, power, glory, bitches; nothing would be outside of your range.<\/em>\u201d His hand turned with each proposition and a smoky representation of it wafted into the air.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s the catch?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Nothing you need to worry about for a long, long time. So? What do you say? You won\u2019t get a deal this sweet anywhere else.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil shook his head. \u201cA few months ago, I\u2019d have thought I was going insane, but I\u2019ve seen enough weird crap lately to accept that you\u2019re probably really here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Oh, I\u2019m real, all right, and I care about you; I am only interested in those with powerful desires and ambitions, and yours are out of this world. You want people to notice you. You want riches and fame.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWho doesn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p><p>The apparition walked around in his window. \u201c<em>Here, you\u2019re ignored. Always someone wanting something of you. Your best friends are kids, and people your own age ignore you out of hand. You\u2019re never even given the time of day. Except me. I can make you a somebody.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil\u2019s hand on the bat shook. \u201cYou can do that?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>And so much more! The world will lay at your feet.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou will just give all of that to me? I would have to do nothing?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Not a thing!<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Phil took a deep breath and grabbed the bat. \u201cSorry, but I can\u2019t accept that.\u201d<\/p><p>The man\u2019s smile faded. \u201c<em>What do you mean?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt sounds good, it really does, but I won\u2019t really have earnt it your way, would I?\u201d Phil continued and levelled his bat at the window. \u201cIf I want to be at the top of the world, then I can\u2019t be in anyone\u2019s debt. Certainly not yours; I\u2019d never be satisfied with a hollow victory like that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>So, you think you can achieve anything on your own?<\/em>\u201d The apparition laughed; a haunting, chilling laughter that made Phil\u2019s skin crawl. \u201c<em>I am giving you the only chance you\u2019ll ever get to move anywhere in this world. A police officer? How would a dumb shit like you ever pass that exam? And even if you did, what would that get you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGet out,\u201d Phil said in a low, deadly tone.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019re a worthless piece of shit, <\/em><em>Philliden Tudrustuch. I\u2019m your only lifeline out of the rut that you can\u2019t even see that you\u2019re trapped in. You think you\u2019re going to move up in life, but you\u2019re stuck in a track heading for mediocrity and misery. I can give you those things that you will never have but so desperately want.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI said get out!\u201d<\/p><p>Phil swung the bat as hard as he could against the window. It had less of a dramatic effect than he hoped, merely creating a spiderweb-like crack. The man inside glared at him.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019ll be sorry,<\/em>\u201d the man growled.<\/p><p>\u201cI will get what I want on my own, all right?\u201d<\/p><p>The darkness faded from his window and Phil lowered the bat, huffing and puffing. He threw the bat on the floor and collapsed back on the bed.<\/p><p>\u201cPhil, what\u2019s that noise?\u201d his mother yelled.<\/p><p>Phil jolted up straight. \u201cOh crap.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322906\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Azer heaved a deep sigh and pulled away from the cracked portal. \u201cNever mind, I suppose.\u201d<\/p><p>He lifted a hand, and the portals shifted until he found a dark one. Azer stared at it, his demeanour shifting. The portal grew lighter. John\u2019s bedroom swung into sight, with John at his desk, drawing. He noticed the creak and turned around and smiled at seeing Azer.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s been a while, John. How are you holding up?\u201d<\/p><p>John got up and sat down on his bed instead. \u201c<em>Did you see today?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean your fight with the lizards?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>So, you did see it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer nodded. \u201cOf course I did. I told you, I\u2019m always keeping an eye on you, and I must say, I\u2019m very impressed with your progress. You\u2019re getting really good.\u201d<\/p><p>John beamed. \u201c<em>I\u2019ve been practising every day.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can see that.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Listen, Azer, there\u2019s been something I\u2019ve been meaning to ask you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer shifted nervously. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Are you ready? I mean, to tell me what you\u2019re doing in that dimension?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs that all?\u201d he asked and laughed.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What\u2019s so funny?<\/em>\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, it\u2019s just that I came here to ask that same question. What a funny\u2026 coincidence, I suppose.\u201d He put a finger to his chin.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Of course,<\/em>\u201d John said. \u201c<em>You told me you\u2019re looking for a way to get out of there, so recently I started wondering what you were doing there at all.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer turned his back on the portal and looked up into the void. \u201cVery well. It\u2019s my brother, Oudin, who imprisoned me here many thousand years ago. He wanted to take over the world, so I tried to stop him.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What happened?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI am the god of coincidences, and he is the god of deception. He tricked the Knights of Order seal me in here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Knights of\u2026 you mean people like Jazlynn, right?<\/em>\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Azer replied and turned around to face him again.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>So that\u2019s why you don\u2019t trust her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer shrugged. \u201cI can\u2019t help it, but I don\u2019t blame them, really.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What happened with your brother?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI was unable to stop him in time. To this day, he continues to manipulate the course of history and feeding on the very worst of human emotions.\u201d<\/p><p>John looked down between his legs. \u201c<em>That\u2019s awful. Does that mean we have no free will?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course you have a free will, you can always choose to ignore him, but that\u2019s the hard part; he always makes it sound like his ideas come from a higher place. And that\u2019s why it\u2019s so imperative, in other words important, that I get out of here.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded. \u201c<em>I swear, I will do anything to get you out of there, anything.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer smiled. \u201cThank you, but the seal on me was made by twelve really strong Knights; to break the seal would require a similarly strong power.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Right, but maybe if I\u2019ll talk with Jazlynn\u2013<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d Azer yelled. \u201cNo, don\u2019t do that. The Knights are not keen to admit their mistakes, and you know what she would do if she found out you had been talking with me.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer studied John\u2019s face closely. The young man churned Azer\u2019s words through his head, while Azer held his breath.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You\u2019re probably right,<\/em>\u201d John said, and Azer let out air again.<\/p><p>\u201cDid you have any other questions? And no, I have not found your parents yet.\u201d<\/p><p>John rested his arms in his lap. \u201c<em>By now I\u2019m starting to wonder if religion is really worth it in the end. Seems to be nothing but trouble.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, you know it\u2019s all real, at least. Just got to be careful of where you put your trust.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I like that,<\/em>\u201d John said and smiled. \u201c<em>My parents hated everything religious, and I can sort of see where they\u2019re coming from now, but I still like to have something to believe in.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs long as you don\u2019t expect your problems to magically vanish.\u201d Azer put on his best grin and stretched. \u201cWell then, John, I am off now. You worked hard today, so you must be tired. No staying up late tonight.\u201d<\/p><p>As if on cue, John yawned. \u201c<em>Oh, right, yeah. Thanks.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Azer waved and the portal closed. \u201cThat was too close. I can\u2019t fail now, not when I\u2019m so close to getting out of here.\u201d He rested his arm against the portal and put his head there. \u201cWell, not like he\u2019ll need me to tell him what to do. He\u2019ll play his part.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1586\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1586\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Part 5 \u2013 Monster Zombies<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1586\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1586\"><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322908\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 30 January 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cWhere\u2019s Phil?\u201d John asked and looked around the parking lot. \u201cIs he still grounded?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe did take a bat to his bedroom window.\u201d Ragan shuffled up the side of the warehouse with hands buried deep in his pockets and a scarf wound several times around his neck and up his face. \u201cThough I think by now it\u2019s just the girlfriend he found.\u201d<\/p><p>It had stopped snowing a few days ago. Now John wished the wind would have too. \u201cHe\u2019s got a girlfriend? Since when?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe met her at that place he started working\u2026 why are you laughing?\u201d Ragan asked and dragged his knit cap further down his head.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry, sorry, I just never figured I would be the one asking <em>you<\/em> questions about Phil,\u201d John said, putting a mitted hand over his mouth. \u201cYou\u2019ve just never really been all that sociable. Is this\u2026 is this because of what happened to your dad?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cNo. Well, yes, but not for the reasons you\u2019re thinking of. It\u2019s just that, we\u2019re here in town now, probably for good,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d like to hold on to the friends I have.\u201d Ragan had not brought gloves and alternated between blowing on his hands and stuffing them back into his pockets. \u201cCan we get inside already? It\u2019s not getting any warmer out here.\u201d<\/p><p>The warehouse kept attracting the homeless, and it was halfway full by now. A small camp had been erected by now with tents all over the place in addition to several facilities, like for cooking food and going to the toilet.<\/p><p>\u201cDo your parents know you\u2019re spending money on this?\u201d John asked and shirked off some of his clothes. There was both heating and electricity now.<\/p><p>\u201cHow could they not?\u201d Ragan countered and followed John\u2019s example. \u201cBesides, this place is full of recruits for my father\u2019s construction projects. Look over there.\u201d<\/p><p>Against the wall he pointed to, several stalls had been erected. Some of them advertised job opportunities, not just construction, but also offers of education with the intent of employment afterward.<\/p><p>\u201cThis place has become like a\u2026 a middle station to a better life,\u201d John said and smiled.<\/p><p>The medic van was still parked by the entrance. The nurse, taking blood from a young man, waved at them. A police officer broke from his patrol and came up to them.<\/p><p>\u201cBack again?\u201d he asked with a playful smile. \u201cDon\u2019t you boys ever get tired of volunteering here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s the least we can do,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>The officer almost went back to his patrol when his gaze fell on Ragan. \u201cYou know, I\u2019ve been thinking about this, but aren\u2019t you the Cloudbough son?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan breathed deeply. \u201cYes, and before you ask, I am here because I sympathise with the plight of the homeless. I recognise that the ones who attacked my mansion were a fringe group, and I hope to show others not to fear the homeless by example.\u201d<\/p><p>The officer scratched his neck. \u201cOh, I-I see. Carry on, then.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou totally rehearsed that,\u201d John whispered as the officer went on his way.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ve learnt to always be able to explain myself.\u201d Ragan sighed. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p><p>There were plenty of other volunteers, most picked from medical schools who needed experience as part of their education. They handled the caretaking aspect for the homeless with mental diseases and instabilities. Others sought to become counsellors of some sort and spoke with the men and women about education and re-education and finding jobs. John and Ragan were mostly tasked with supervised assistance or as errand boys.<\/p><p>Once more, John found himself face to face with Taker, again alone. The old lady had a blanket and a sleeping bag. Her large collection of books was kept in several shopping bags and seemed to be her only possessions.<\/p><p>\u201cShe\u2019s quite taken with you,\u201d a female volunteer said and smiled. John nervously smiled as well, not sure if that had been a joke.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you want me to do?\u201d he asked.<\/p><p>\u201cObviously, her name isn\u2019t Taker, and finding any relatives or associations is impossible without a name,\u201d she said. \u201cDNA and fingerprints haven\u2019t gotten us anywhere either, so look through her stuff. Maybe she wrote her name in one of her books.\u201d<\/p><p>John glanced over at the old lady. She was slumped over in a picnic chair, asleep.<\/p><p>\u201cShe can get a little handsy,\u201d the volunteer continued, \u201cbut she\u2019s absolutely harmless. If you run into any trouble, though, just call for one of the guards walking around here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, we\u2019ve met,\u201d John said.<\/p><p>The volunteer left, and John went to work. \u201cHey,\u201d he called out to Taker. \u201cHey, is it all right if I take a look at your things?\u201d<\/p><p>Taker snored lightly.<\/p><p>John spread out one bag of books on the blanket. He recognised one of them; the well-thumbed one she had gifted him a while back. Many of the others were worn too, ranging from philosophy to theoretical science. These were full of notes scrawled in a small hand and underlining. They were also over twenty years old. The most recent was from 1980, the oldest being the one that John had been gifted, dated to 1950. The handwriting in this one was clumsier and often just consisted of doodles.<\/p><p>In contrast, the other half of her collection had no apparent rhyme or reason. There was a historical text on Mesopotamia, one on beekeeping, a third on virtues and vices, and a fourth on 1800s sailing and sailors in Britain. These books also contained library stamps and their spines had library stickers on them. The last page revealed them to have last been lent out either in the nineties or noughties.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d John mumbled and flicked through a book on lemurs.<\/p><p>He put the likely stolen library books aside. They could be a window into her madness, but he needed to figure out her identity for now. The best place to start was the oldest book. John dragged it into his lap and leafed through it more carefully.<\/p><p>Only a few pages in, his tactic rewarded him. What he had discarded as another doodle was, on closer inspection, a clumsy scrawl of letters. John sounded out the letters to try and decipher them. \u201cReturn to\u2026 Carla\u2026 Brown.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPeople used to call me Charlie Brown. Even my fianc\u00e9e.\u201d<\/p><p>John jerked to his feet, dropping the book. The old lady sat watching him, her eyes sharper than he had ever seen them.<\/p><p>\u201cI-I\u2019m really sorry for\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>The awareness faded again, and Taker\u2019s head drooped. A quiet snore soon followed. John grabbed his chest and sighed deeply. He packed up the books again and placed them back in the cart. <em>Carla Brown<\/em>, he repeated to himself, adamant to pass it on to the other volunteer.<\/p><p>\u201cCrawling\u2026 like snakes.\u201d<\/p><p>John did an about take. A man had clearly spoken but only Taker sat in the chair. Her eyes were wide open but far, far away. \u201cThe summer was scorching hot again that year. Many villages along the delta were starving. People turned to banditry to survive. Some of them grew to like it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d John said, feeling a chill at seeing her like that.<\/p><p>\u201cWe had been lucky. We had managed to scrape together a small stock. We didn\u2019t feast, but we didn\u2019t starve either. That\u2019s why they came for us, and they killed us all. My wife, my two daughters. But I saw them. I burnt their faces into my mind, and I swore revenge with my last breath.\u201d<\/p><p>Taker\u2019s head lolled back down, the voice replaced with her snoring.<\/p><p>\u201cSeriously?\u201d John asked.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you done?\u201d The female volunteer was back, tapping nervously on her pad. \u201cEither way, it\u2019s probably best you go home for now. People have started gathering in front of the warehouse again.\u201d<\/p><p>John nodded and relayed the information he had found, neglecting Taker\u2019s last outburst.<\/p><p>\u201cCarla Brown. Got it,\u201d the volunteer said, her finger dancing across her pad. \u201cHopefully we can find someone who knows her.\u201d<\/p><p>One of the security guards joined them, Ragan trailing along after him. \u201cWe better get you two out of here. Just in case that mob tries to get inside.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322909\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cHonestly, I can\u2019t believe our mayor isn\u2019t speaking out on the subject,\u201d Rose said and heaped a pile of rice on her plate.<\/p><p>\u201cThe man doesn\u2019t care about the homeless, plain and simple,\u201d Minik replied, already digging into his stew. \u201cHe wanted to preserve Sacrisyard so that they would be contained, and now he\u2019s hoping people are going to take action for him.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose prodded her pile of rice with her spoon. \u201cAnd don\u2019t people have better things to do in this cold? Even the Cloudboughs went public against retaliation. Right?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan nodded from the other end of the table. \u201cYeah. We donated a fair amount to the welfare of the homeless too.\u201d He swallowed his mouthful of stew before continuing. \u201cAnd thank you very much for having me over for dinner.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo well-mannered. John, you need to take notes here,\u201d Rose said and laughed.<\/p><p>Jazlynn quietly ate, constantly stealing suspecting glances over at Ragan, as if anticipating him to suddenly declare himself the mastermind behind the string of incidents so far.<\/p><p>\u201cReally, though, do you have to keep going?\u201d Rose asked in a more sombre tone. \u201cI mean, all that\u2019s happened so far is a lot of shouting, but someday\u2026 who knows, maybe a firebomb or a gun or something.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t you think you\u2019re exaggerating a little?\u201d Minik cautioned.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m just saying, I\u2019m not comfortable with this situation.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019ve been over this before, the boy can take care of himself. Really.\u201d<\/p><p>John smiled, knowing what they referred to. Neither of his foster parents knew that Ragan was in on the secret, and it always amused him to see them tiptoe around the subject.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll be okay, mom. It\u2019s only once a week, anyway. I\u2019m hoping Phil can join us next Sunday too.\u201d<\/p><p>Minik tapped his spoon against the table. \u201cYou know, maybe I\u2019ll join you guys next time. I\u2019m not comfortable with you guys going alone.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen how about we all go?\u201d Rose suggested.<\/p><p>Jazlynn looked up, aware that focus was suddenly on her. \u201cI don\u2019t know how much help I could be, but sure, I\u2019ll come too.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGreat! We can even make it tomorrow,\u201d Rose said.<\/p><p>Minik nearly swallowed his spoon. \u201cT-tomorrow?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah. I was wondering what we should do on Freedom Day, and this seems like the perfect idea.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can probably make it,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>\u201cMm, me too,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>\u201cThen it\u2019s settled! Now eat, eat up. Minik spent all day making this.\u201d Rose doled out more portions despite no one being quite done yet.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322910\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>John\u2019s room. He was sleeping in John\u2019s room, on a mattress next to John\u2019s bed. Ragan closed his eyes and tried to still his heart. A sleep-over. He had always wanted to try it, but there had never been time. No, that wasn\u2019t true, he had never made the time, never wanted to bother with it. Never had the friends.<\/p><p>Ragan turned over, to face away from John.<\/p><p>\u201cJohn, I was wondering, what do you think of me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p><em>I\u2019m wondering if you could forgive me everything I have done to you and for not telling you about any of it. <\/em>\u201cN-never mind.\u201d<\/p><p>He fell quiet and Ragan closed his eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re my best friend. I\u2019m really not sure if I could go through everything that I have without you.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan put a hand over his eyes and thanked the darkness for hiding him. He opened his mouth when the closet door creaked open. In the moonlight coming in from the window, he could just make out a mirror glued to the inside. A shape stirred in the depths.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I hope you\u2019re ready for tomorrow.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan drew the duvet over his head.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322911\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 1 February 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cDid you know that they celebrate Freedom Day a month earlier in Europe?\u201d Minik asked from behind the wheel of his car.<\/p><p>\u201cN-no, really?\u201d John asked, squeezed to the side with Jazlynn between him and Ragan.<\/p><p>\u201cWhile the World War officially ended on the first of January 1953, American soldiers were not sent home for a whole month to help keep the peace.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cExcept for the injured,\u201d Rose continued.<\/p><p>\u201cNot to mention that, while the first soldiers did start to come home after a month, many more had to stay on duty. It took almost a year before America pulled out entirely, and some were sent back once or twice,\u201d Ragan said from somewhere beyond Jazlynn. \u201cSurely, you must have heard about that in class?\u201d<\/p><p>John just chuckled nervously.<\/p><p>\u201cAs usual, your inattentiveness fails to surprise me,\u201d Ragan mumbled.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, we learn so much at school. I\u2019m bound to forget something.\u201d<\/p><p>They pulled in towards the warehouse and found the place cramped with people, most holding up signs and chanting.<\/p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re a menace!\u201d someone shouted.<\/p><p>\u201cNo one\u2019s safe as long as these animals can walk amongst us!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy aren\u2019t the police doing something?\u201d<\/p><p>Minik idled around the edge of the parking lot, the warehouse a good distance away. \u201cOh boy,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we need to reschedule.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNonsense. I can clear a path,\u201d Jazlynn said, straightening her studded vest.<\/p><p>\u201cOr I could try and have a talk with them,\u201d Rose cut in. \u201cSweetie, just stop here. We\u2019ll walk the rest of the way.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI just hope this isn\u2019t a car-flipping protest.\u201d Minik turned them in towards a corner where they noticed Phil. He quickly threw away a cigarette and smiled sheepishly.<\/p><p>\u201cH-hey!\u201d he called out and waved.<\/p><p>\u201cIs that his girlfriend?\u201d John asked and leant in across Jazlynn.<\/p><p>Ragan stretched to look out the window. \u201cYeah. I think he said her name was\u2026 Patty or something.\u201d<\/p><p>She was only a little shorter than Phil with the darkest brown skin John had ever seen. Her belly hung out over her skirt. Unlike Phil, she did not put out her cigarette and continued to blow smoke away from the group, even after everyone had gotten out of the car.<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s a bad habit, son, and I know about bad habits,\u201d Minik said and eyed Phil\u2019s cigarette on the ground.<\/p><p>\u201cI-I know, I\u2019m not serious about it either,\u201d Phil said, chuckling.<\/p><p>\u201cAre you even old enough to buy them?\u201d<\/p><p>Rose squeezed his hand and pulled Minik back. \u201cWho\u2019s your girlfriend?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil nudged the woman. She frowned and quickly glanced at everyone. \u201cI\u2019m Paratify.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cC-come again?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p><p>\u201cPatty\u2019s an artist,\u201d Phil said. \u201cShe comes all the time at the Mickey D&#8217;s I\u2019m working at now. It was love at first sight.\u201d<\/p><p>Patty snorted which turned into a hark and then a spit on the ground.<\/p><p>\u201cParatify. I like it,\u201d Jazlynn said and crossed her arms.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, whatever.\u201d Patty threw the stub away and shoved her hands down her skirt. \u201cCan we get inside already, I\u2019m freezing my ass off out here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell, that\u2019s the rub, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Minik said and scratched his neck. There were enough protesters to comfortably fill the parking lot, blocking any entrance to the warehouse a hundred metres further away. \u201cYou\u2019d think they\u2019d give it a rest on today of all days.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf anything, I think there are more than usual,\u201d Ragan said.<\/p><p>\u201cHmm, well, sorry, boys, but I think today\u2019s plans have to be cancelled.\u201d Minik sounded at least halfway disappointed, if nothing else because his disappointment seemed to stem from irritation.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, no, wait,\u201d Phil said. \u201cI think something\u2019s about to happen.\u201d<\/p><p>The chants intensified, and the crowd started to thin. Curious, the group followed behind only to realise the mob had finally dared to go inside.<\/p><p>\u201cNo!\u201d John cried but he could only watch as the roaring horde descended upon the warehouse. He ran after them, but Rose grabbed his shoulder.<\/p><p>\u201cAnd where do you think you\u2019re going, mister?\u201d she asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI have to help them. I can use my power.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOn normal humans? Of flesh and blood?\u201d Rose asked and shook him.<\/p><p>\u201cW-well!\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn squeezed tightly around her birdhouse. As if only noticing it now, Patty couldn\u2019t but stare at it, her mouth opening slightly.<\/p><p>\u201cFact is you probably could help,\u201d Jazlynn said, ignoring or unaware of the interest directed towards her. \u201cIf you could better control your powers, you could lower the intensity of your energy attacks and knock them out instead.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are we talking about?\u201d Patty asked, her eyes seemingly glowing.<\/p><p>\u201cUh-oh, look out everyone,\u201d Phil said with a laugh. \u201cShe\u2019s gone into artist mode now.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn erected herself and turned to John. \u201cCan you blow a hole in that warehouse without destroying it? Be honest. The last thing I want you to do is kill everyone inside.\u201d<\/p><p>John raised his hand palm up, light already humming between his fingers. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p><p>Though his reply had been confident, John knew it was a monumental task to undertake. He had a good grasp of his powers by now, though, and quickly shaped a sphere the size of a golf ball, looking so fragile that it seemed the wind could scatter it. Despite this, it flew easily through the air, over the heads of the mob, and assaulted the wall further down from the door.<\/p><p>The boom was enough to stagger everyone. John feared he had still overdone it, but the warehouse remained integrally sound. And, the ones who hadn\u2019t entered already were either floored or fleeing. Several people came out of the dust as the first sirens wailed in the distance.<\/p><p>\u201cThat worked better than I expected,\u201d Jazlynn said and grinned. \u201cNow allow me; <em>I<\/em> have this one.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322912\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Jazlynn pushed her way through. The ones making their escape had just been taken by the stream; any sensible person would have been shaken out of the mob mentality by John\u2019s explosion. The real troublemakers would have been at the front, however, and the first to break inside. She could deal with them.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>The Watchers are taking exception to this,<\/em>\u201d Hoffman\u2019s gruff voice said into her ears.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat else is new.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>There are a lot of witnesses here; they are talking about dealing with it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cPut a pin in it, I\u2019ll deal with it afterwards. Not like they\u2019re going to step into action now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What are you even doing, meddling in human affairs? Wasn\u2019t that the first thing I taught you? Not to get involved in mortal affairs.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cQuiet! There\u2019s something about this air I don\u2019t like. It tastes\u2026\u201d Jazlynn stuck out her tongue. \u201cIt tastes a bit like the mansion.\u201d<\/p><p>The dust was settling inside, revealing security guards being overwhelmed by the protesters. All other personnel had fled and so had a lot of the residents. Not all were mobile or functioning, however.<\/p><p>\u201cEnough!\u201d Jazlynn cried out and slammed the butt of her cane into the ground. The echo rang loudly in the room, and the action stopped for a moment, everyone looking at her.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d a man asked, a baseball bat in his hand. \u201cStay out of this.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn clacked further into the warehouse. \u201cI ask all of you to stand down. Do not make me subdue you,\u201d she said, scanning the room. Actually, there seemed to be more homeless people left than she had at first realised. They were mostly catatonic, lying or sitting on the ground. A shiver went down her spine.<\/p><p>\u201cYeah right, what are you going to do?\u201d This one was barely a man yet, but there was such intense hatred in his eyes. \u201cI think you\u2019re one of these dangerous bastards.\u201d<\/p><p>The protesters outnumbered security personnel two to one. A few broke off from the fight with the guards and advanced on Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No weapon?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo weapon.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn bent her knee and sprang into the midst of the protesters, knocking them aside with her birdhouse. The protesters forgot everything else and came at her. Her cane was long enough to keep them at bay. A couple of jabs and swings and she had everyone on the floor.<\/p><p>She could hear and smell more of them. Protesters rushed from all corners of the warehouse, new ones even pushing their way inside. She took her stance, looking around, surveying. The protesters stayed just out of her range, circling her.<\/p><p>One of the homeless on the ground twitched. An awful, unnatural stench wafted from him. Jazlynn recoiled, and a baseball bat caught her against the side of her head. She went down, her cane clattering out of her hand.<\/p><p>\u201cWe got her!\u201d someone cheered.<\/p><p>\u201cShould we do her?\u201d someone else asked. \u201cShe\u2019s not much to look at, though.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cForget her. We came here for the menaces.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn found her face forced into the concrete floor, her arms yanked behind her and two people sitting on her back. The security guards were also mostly knocked out. Outside she could hear cars and sirens coming closer.<\/p><p>\u201cWe need to get out of here,\u201d someone said from above her.<\/p><p>The man that had first spoken to Jazlynn paced around. \u201cFuck that. I\u2019m not leaving empty-handed.\u201d He wandered over to a group of the homeless just sitting there staring stupidly ahead. \u201cYou\u2019re not breaking into my fucking home, you hear me?\u201d he yelled at them.<\/p><p>Tires screeched to a halt just outside. The sirens were at their loudest.<\/p><p>\u201cGo. Run!\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>It was the last push he needed. The man brought his bat down on a ragged teenager. His arm made a squelching sound and fell off.<\/p><p>It was like a switch got flipped. The homeless people got up from the floor, quivering. She had seen them before, back at the mansion. That one had lost his head\u2026 and now he lost it again. Others had large holes open up in them, where John had blown them up. One by one, they disintegrated until they were corpses. The protesters screamed and bolted.<\/p><p>\u201cHopefully this\u2019ll get the Watchers off my back,\u201d Jazlynn mumbled.<\/p><p>The weight lifted from her back and she got up again, looking for her cane.<\/p><p>The homeless blocked all the exits. The protesters tried pushing, but the standing corpses were as nailed to the floor, their movements more and more jerky, like a grotesque caricature of epilepsy. The protesters wailed as they pounded and beat the homeless.<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed and picked up her cane.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Weapon on?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWeapon on.\u201d<\/p><p>The air shimmered around the birdhouse and then it was an orange-shafted halberd with a white blade.<\/p><p>\u201cHow do we do this?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>I could call for John.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI think we might need to.\u201d<\/p><p>The homeless stopped shaking. Their skin boiled and popped, their bones creaked and broke and regrew. Over and over again, they melted and hardened, expanding. Jazlynn could barely blink before they transformed again. Their shapes were lost, they were deformed, lumpy, still missing appendages. They roared, breaking everyone\u2019s stupor. The protesters ran too late. The monsters tore into them.<\/p><p>Jazlynn fell to the ground and squeezed her halberd between her legs. Bullets not unlike John\u2019s shot out. The projectiles pelted the ogreish beasts, but bounced off again, doing little more than singeing them.<\/p><p>Shots were fired from behind them and the homeless turned to the police officers. Their bullets had about the same effect, and the officers backed away.<\/p><p>\u201cMonsters!\u201d they screamed.<\/p><p>A light roared over their heads. One of the monsters fell to the ground with a hole in its chest. More lights followed and more of the monsters fell.<\/p><p>\u201cLooks like John has this side,\u201d Jazlynn said, though Hoffman did not respond.<\/p><p>She turned towards the inside. The camp had been upended like a tornado had raged through. Only a few destitute, real people, remained along with the security guards. They had only rubber truncheons and stun guns; even less effective than actual guns.<\/p><p>She focused on a group of the ogres charging through as the security guards did their best to wheel or drag their wards around. Her fingers danced around the shaft of her halberd gun. She needed her shots to be more powerful which meant slightly longer charge. Her heightened senses informed her of the best opportunity, and she let it rip.<\/p><p>The gun barely kicked as the charge left the barrel. The yellow sphere of energy consumed one of the beasts and exploded, taking out its entire pack. Blood evaporated in the air. Limbs were pushed in all directions. The innocents were knocked down but remained alive.<\/p><p>Jazlynn took a deep breath and scooted to the right. This flock of ogre zombies were even more hideous. Their faces were so screwed up by boils and sores that their eyes were either crushed or pushed out, their scalps were like rolling waves, and their bodies resembled rubber gloves pushed to the brink with grey meat.<\/p><p>Something that resembled a young lady, one breast dangling out from a torn dress like a tumour, had half a security guard shoved up a snaggle-toothed hole in her face. Her pack was feasting on protesters and guards and homeless alike.<\/p><p>Jazlynn charged up a little longer and hit the zombies in the middle. They disappeared along with their gore in a flash that made the warehouse ripple.<\/p><p>A few stragglers remained, some dragging their knuckles along the floor, others speeding around on relatively healthy legs. They were starting to understand the situation and tried to break out, banging on the walls or barrelling towards the entrances. John was still on point. Those that came near splattered all over the floor. Jazlynn concentrated on the ones still running wild inside. Pop. Pop. Pop. Done.<\/p><p>She got up, leaning against her cane now a birdhouse once more. The police officers looked around at the corpses questioningly. These homeless people had been humans once, transformed into lizards, died and turned into grotesque zombies. Hopefully their ordeal stopped here.<\/p><p>Something wet slapped against the floor behind her and a pool of red streamed between her feet. She glanced over her shoulder. No, she had missed one, and she must have looked tastier than the dismembered security guard now on the floor as the ogre zombie\u2019s gums overflowed with drool.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322913\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Ebadicael remembered getting her partner, how excited she had been. Someone that old had to be wise and experienced. But no, Gagesham was a troglodyte without any contact to the material world for two million years, barely capable of forming coherent sentences. Sometimes Ebadicael felt more like a babysitter to a monkey than a divine warrior. Gagesham did clean up nicely, though. To blend in, her body hair disappeared and her skin paled, her head hair shortened and grew blonde, and voila, she actually resembled a homo sapiens.<\/p><p>Ebadicael herself preferred to keep her bronze skin and long, dark hair. She looked very much like she had, five thousand years ago. \u201cLet\u2019s do this,\u201d she said, and Gagesham nodded.<\/p><p>They appeared in a parking lot and the problem was immediately visible. Several towering humanoids ran around, chasing police officers and flipping their cars over, while the Nephilim tried shooting them. His shots were getting weaker though, and the ogres were barely flinching. His substitute mother was pulling him back, dabbing his lashed arm with a handkerchief.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, clearly, the Knight has everything in check,\u201d Ebadicael said.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, things look chaotic,\u201d Gagesham grouched.<\/p><p>Ebadicael rubbed her temple. \u201cNever mind that. Where is the Knight now?\u201d<\/p><p>The wall of the warehouse burst open again. One of the ogres was stampeding, one normal-sized arm clutching Jazlynn, the other big and swollen and swatting obstacles aside. Jazlynn transformed her cane into a halberd and whacked at the neck of the brute. She was more than halfway through the bulbous growth that was its head before it finally collapsed with a groan. Jazlynn was hurled away and landed by their feet.<\/p><p>\u201cNeed help?\u201d Ebadicael asked, raising an eyebrow.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019d never need your help. This is under control,\u201d Jazlynn said and laboriously climbed up on her feet.<\/p><p>\u201cHow many are going to forget this?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn looked around. \u201cI think most people saw me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIn other words, there are some who didn\u2019t,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cMeaning they won\u2019t forget you, and subsequently won\u2019t forgot about this.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWell\u2026 yes.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael took a deep breath. \u201cThis is what I warned you against. All of this? It ends here. Now.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn waved her hand dismissively. \u201cA week. Give me a week, and I\u2019ll have this swept under the rug.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo. It\u2019s because of my leniency that your meddling has gone this far. You ignored protocol when you let the Nephilim live\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHey, you wanted that too!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c\u2026 you\u2019ve let these incidents occur again and again, you keep letting people get away after they find out too much\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, look, I\u2019m obviously not the one who conjured a flaming horse or these zombies or any of the other things,\u201d Jazlynn yelled. \u201cSo, can we please forget about the pissing contest for one fucking second? Unless you really want to purge this town and then try and explain the goddamn smoking crater?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael had much more bile to let out, perhaps more than what was professional, but Gagesham interrupted. \u201cFine. A week. We will handle witnesses. You will take care of problem.\u201d She had a chilling laughter to boot. Her speech, even her voice, was part of her disguise, but that laugh was all hers, all primal, all primate. \u00a0Ebadicael shivered, imagining that smile on a chimp.<\/p><p>\u201cYou sure I shouldn\u2019t handle the witnesses?\u201d Jazlynn asked.<\/p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cIf they haven\u2019t seen you here and now, then it\u2019s pointless.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cTrue,\u201d Jazlynn said and glanced over her shoulders. The last of the ogres was on the ground, police officers emptying their guns into its leathery hide. \u201cI better go back and make my presence known.\u201d<\/p><p>As she clacked back towards the action, Ebadicael turned towards her partner.<\/p><p>\u201cA week? What the Hell were you thinking?\u201d she hissed. \u201cIf the Knight fails\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cShe will.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cP-pardon?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe Knight will fail. City will not return to normal. Watchers make it normal. I will make it normal.\u201d Gagesham grinned, and Ebadicael started wondering how deeply rooted evil was in man\u2019s nature.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322914\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p><p>John looked up and found his fake aunt back with them. \u201cI think I should start carrying a gun around,\u201d he said. His arm was a mess of cuts and lashes that Rose was dabbing with a handkerchief. \u201cThings are not good, are they?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn scratched her neck. \u201cNo, they really are not. We had too many witnesses running off, and I don\u2019t know what we\u2019re going to do about the corpses, either.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s going to be a problem.\u201d Minik pointed to the ogre zombies spread across the upturned squad cars. They had shrunk again so that they were now dismembered homeless people in stretched or ripped clothes. \u201cWell I mean, the question is still how bodies escaped the morgue.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe they\u2019ll think it was a prank?\u201d John suggested, but Jazlynn was staring intently at the corpses. \u201cJazlynn?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSorry, it\u2019s just\u2026 no, it\u2019s nothing. Right now, we need to stop any more incidents from happening again.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat was really cool,\u201d Patty said, her pen dancing across her notepad. \u201cI just have to ask, did all of this happen? I can\u2019t remember taking anything today.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn snatched the notepad out of her hands. She grabbed the opened page and tugged at it but stopped again. She recognised the McDonald\u2019s logo on the page. The rest was just a jumble of shapes. Flipping back didn\u2019t reveal anything either.<\/p><p>\u201cIsn\u2019t she great?\u201d Phil asked with genuine heartfulness.<\/p><p>\u201cThey are quite\u2026 they\u2019re quite something.\u201d Jazlynn closed the sketchbook and handed it back to Patty. \u201cBut we have to go back now. Family matters.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhatever.\u201d<\/p><p>Patty wandered off and Phil started after her, but Jazlynn seized the scruff of his neck and threw him back.<\/p><p>\u201cJ-just a minute, babe!\u201d he said. She made no reaction. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about, Ms. J?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cKeep an eye on her,\u201d Jazlynn said and released him. \u201cMake sure she remembers nothing.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo problem. Sometimes I don\u2019t think she even remembers me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t believe things like this can really happen, in our small town,\u201d Rose said.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not supposed to. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here, to prevent things exactly like this,\u201d Jazlynn said and gritted her teeth. \u201cAnd it ends now. Everybody, into the car.\u201d<\/p><p>There was a presence to her now, one that out of the group only John had felt before, and one that chilled him to the bones. This was not his fake aunt Jazlynn, but the Knight Jazlynn.<\/p><p>On her say-so, everyone huddled back inside the car and it sputtered back out of the parking lot. Jazlynn sat very still, very quiet, with a serious expression in the middle of the backseat, her cane across all their laps. Once they had left the industrial section and passed the hospital, she spoke up again.<\/p><p>\u201cThe people in this car plus Phil are all the people who know John\u2019s secret. All of you have glimpsed the world beyond, so I will be very direct here. There is an existence in this town that has been causing various disturbances, including the one we just witnessed. The time for subterfuge is over. Ragan, I have overwhelming reason to believe your father is behind all of the incidents.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan got a sudden coughing fit. \u201cW-what?\u201d he harked with tears in his eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cI know it\u2019s hard to believe and my suspicions are merely circumstantial, but he is the only one in town with motives.\u201d<\/p><p>Everyone\u2019s eyes turned to Ragan; even Minik looked at him through the rear-view mirror.<\/p><p>\u201cI find that hard to believe,\u201d Ragan stated sincerely. \u201cMy father is the most honest and kindest person around. What exactly do you suspect him of?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI suspect him very specifically of summoning the monster bird that destroyed the recycling plant, the fire horse in the park, the golden boar in Sacrisyard, and now these senseless attacks involving the homeless. Not only do these incidents benefit him, they also occurred while he was in town.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cBut they attacked my home. For goodness\u2019 sake, he nearly died last time.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHe survived, didn\u2019t he?\u201d Jazlynn observed him closely, while John silently prayed neither Ragan nor his dad was involved. \u201cI must admit, I am not 100% convinced, but that\u2019s why I will want to pay him a visit.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThis is\u2026 this is absolutely preposterous. I refuse to believe that my father could be involved with this.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUm, pardon me,\u201d Minik said, \u201chow exactly would anyone do all those things you accuse his father of?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t know, but there are plenty of options. I guess we\u2019ll see which one it is.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo what are you going to do Aleksandro if you\u2019re right?\u201d Rose asked.<\/p><p>\u201cI have no beef with the guy, but I will do what I must.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou want to visit, right? Come by tomorrow and we\u2019ll resolve this issue.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure. Tomorrow,\u201d Jazlynn said equably. \u201cSpend your time well, Ragan Cloudbough, and please don\u2019t try to flee.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWouldn\u2019t dream of it.\u201d<\/p><p>The atmosphere turned tense in the silence, but they were almost back at the Petersens. Ragan grabbed his bike and headed for home.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322915\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>A door creaked open and John half expected it was his closet door, but it was Jazlynn clacking inside. She sat down in his swivel chair and looked directly at him.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry that things are progressing the way they are. I know he\u2019s your friend and I would have loved to gather more intel, but my hand was forced.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI get it, I mean, I\u2019m the one who first noticed the pattern after all. I don\u2019t want to think it could be Ragan\u2019s father, but there really aren\u2019t any other good candidates.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cNot even a year ago, I would not even have hesitated like I have done so far. I would have moved the instant I got a whiff of something and just play it by ear. I\u2019m getting soft.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIs that so bad?\u201d John asked. \u201cSounds like you\u2019re thinking things through more.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd that\u2019s the problem. People suffered from my lack of action.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWho\u2019s to say you could have done anything? It\u2019s kind of presumptuous of you to assume you could have made any difference.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo you\u2019re saying I\u2019m worthless?\u201d<\/p><p>John shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m saying there\u2019s nothing you can do about things that have already happened. Maybe you could have changed them, maybe you couldn\u2019t, but there\u2019s nothing to do about it now. What\u2019s important is what you\u2019re doing do about things you can change. What exactly are you going to do about tomorrow?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn closed her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m still not sure. Again, the old me would have just killed Aleksandro. That would stop all the attacks from happening.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere you go,\u201d John said and smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re not softer, you\u2019re wiser.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m still not comfortable with this situation. I can handle any old run-of-the-mill demon, but there are even worse things out there. Let me tell you about the trio.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThe trio?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded. \u201cYes, it\u2019s our codename for these three ancient, powerful demons that have been around for as long as the modern human. I doubt we\u2019ll run into them, but I want you to know about them so that if you ever run into them, you will know to run. We Knights certainly do.\u201d<\/p><p>John swallowed a lump in his throat.<\/p><p>\u201cNo one knows their true names, so we just call them Creation, Destruction, and Chaos. Creation is content to watch over the world and hasn\u2019t meddled in affairs down here before, we sealed Destruction away a long time ago, and the MO is too overt for Chaos. He\u2019s more of a trickster, really, likes to make people think they\u2019re doing the right thing.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat about your master? The one you called\u2026 the Guardian, was it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAh, yes,\u201d Jazlynn said and smiled. \u201cWell, he\u2019s not as old as the trio, but still plenty old. He has some weird code he must follow so he rarely does anything himself, but that\u2019s what we Knights are for. We try to maintain order.\u201d<\/p><p>John got up and hugged Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201cW-wha..?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sure everything will be all right tomorrow. You have me too, after all,\u201d he said and sat down on his bed again.<\/p><p>Jazlynn hoisted herself up on her feet. \u201cGo to bed, John. Get some rest for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322916\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 2 February 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><em>Great. More clowns<\/em>, Ebadicael thought to herself. The upstairs had decided to issue backup for this job, and the two new ones could not look more uncomfortable with their disguises if they tried. These were probably not even humans anymore underneath, having ascended into flaming wheels or some such nonsense. They waddled around stiffly, mutely, and something about their shape was\u2026 off. Too thin in places, too pale. <em>But does anyone dare correct them? No. Do they bother taking one look at me and then themselves? Of course not<\/em>.<\/p><p>\u201cHe comes,\u201d Gagesham said.<\/p><p>Their objective was the young postal worker driving down between the blocks of apartment buildings. He stopped his van and Ebadicael approached him from one side, Gagesham the other.<\/p><p>\u201cLloyd Wrigley,\u201d Ebadicael called out. \u201cI need you to come with us.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s this ab\u2026\u201d He noticed the two agents in the background and dropped his letters. His mouth fell open, uttering only choked wheezes.<\/p><p>Ebadicael seized his arms and pushed him across the street to an abandoned clothing store. This was what all their planning had amounted to and, like predicted, no one was inside.<\/p><p>\u201cWe know you were at the riot yesterday,\u201d she continued and threw him against the glass counter. A box of zippers on sale clattered to the floor. \u201cWhat did you see?\u201d<\/p><p>His mouth clearly worked, closing and opening again, but nothing came out.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat did you see?\u201d Gagesham asked and slammed her fist into the counter. He squeaked at the loud crunch and the cracks spreading in the glass.<\/p><p>\u201cNothing!\u201d he screamed. \u201cI-I-I saw nothing at all.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGood. And what did you see today? Right now?\u201d Detective Ebadicael asked.<\/p><p>\u201cAlso nothing! Nothing happened today!\u201d<\/p><p>The detectives backed off, and the postal worker tore out of the store like a bat out of Hell. <em>Perhaps the backup had their uses after all<\/em>.<\/p><p>\u201cJust a few more to go,\u201d she sighed.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322917\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>When Rose got up that morning, she found Jazlynn sitting on the couch, sleeping, clutching her cane between her legs. Soon the smell of coffee, or perhaps the loudness of the machine, roused her. When Rose entered with a plate of bacon and syrup and eggs and toast, the most complicated meal she could cook, Jazlynn looked positively awake. She accepted a plate and a portion of the breakfast along with a mug of steaming coffee.<\/p><p>\u201cDo you hate me?\u201d Jazlynn asked.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat, did I burn the bacon?\u201d Rose asked and sat down in the reclining chair on the opposite side of Jazlynn.<\/p><p>\u201cNot what I meant. Do you resent me for forcing John to fight?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI have had to accept a lot of things since I welcomed John into my life. I mean, I was prepared to receive a child, but all this baggage completely overwhelmed me,\u201d she said and heaped on to her own plate. \u201cI, well, I accept that you are a necessary part of John\u2019s life, and I wasn\u2019t ready for the truth when we first met. I\u2019m glad you felt confident enough to tell us in the end.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn held the coffee to her lips for several moments before finally putting it down. \u201cI don\u2019t think many people could say that. I have come to\u2026 hmm\u2026 value, let\u2019s go with that, my time spent here, and I will miss it once I need to leave.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt won\u2019t be soon, will it?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJohn isn\u2019t my only responsibility. He\u2019s getting a good handle on his powers, and I can only teach him the basics. Like keeping the fights separate from everything else.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd that\u2019s why you sent him to school today?\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn nodded as she dug into her food. \u201cIt\u2019s what he\u2019s working to protect. So that he can live a normal life with school, without having to worry about the next monster attack, or who\u2019s going to be killed next.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cBut does he have to keep fighting?\u201d Rose asked. \u201cI mean, how often does something like yesterday happen?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not over yet, I\u2019m afraid. Whoever is behind yesterday\u2019s incident is still at large, and until we find this person, bad things will keep happening. That\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLands and stars\u2026 is there anything I need to know? Anything I can do?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHmm. Be understanding, I guess. Give him space,\u201d Jazlynn said, bits of egg flying out of her mouth. \u201cYou\u2019re already good parents. Just continue doing that and let John deal with everything else.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322918\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The backup made the biggest scene in the hotel, though Gagesham\u2019s constant fidgeting of lamps and pens and potted plants also drew attention. <em>Sometimes I feel like I run a circus<\/em>, Ebadicael thought to herself. <em>At least this was the last one<\/em>.<\/p><p>After scaring the living daylight out of people all morning, it was good to be finally free. She looked around the street, but the backup was long gone, and people were whispering. \u201cSeriously!\u201d Ebadicael said out loud, then continuing more quietly to her partner. \u201cThey show up barely looking human and then vanish into thin air on the open street?\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham glanced around at the onlookers. They were already starting to disperse, falling back into idle chatter. \u201cGood to be done.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMy thoughts exactly. But we can\u2019t rest now.\u201d She wriggled her fingers. Her very own fingers, not part of any disguise. \u201cSince we finished up early, we should go back up the Knight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d Gagesham said.<\/p><p>\u201cThe Knight was right about one thing, Gagesham; do you know how much extra busywork levelling this city is going to be? Sure, you might enjoy it at first, but when you\u2019re done purging comes the clean-up. Somehow explaining it, getting to the people who might know the truth, and in the end, what did we actually accomplish?\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham shook with fury. Under her disguise, her bristles were probably completely erect.<\/p><p>\u201cIf we go now, we might beat the Knight to the punch,\u201d Ebadicael said. That at least got the troglodyte calmed down.<\/p><p>\u201cI hope he puts up a fight.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re about to arrest a man for going too far in achieving his dream. I\u2019m sure he will.\u201d<\/p><p>She could do without Gagesham\u2019s smile, though. Again, it sent a chill down her spine.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322919\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What the Hell happened yesterday?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan jolted awake at the booming voice and instantly looked over to his glass shelf.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>The plan was perfect until you decided to summon those misshapen lumps instead of what we agreed on, and now John and that Knight survived.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ragan said and hung his head. \u201cI couldn\u2019t stop thinking about John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Well, I suppose it isn\u2019t all bad. They still don\u2019t suspect our involvement, and now they\u2019re targeting your father instead!<\/em>\u201d One of the trophies rattled with laughter.<\/p><p>Ragan hugged his pillow. \u201cI can\u2019t believe I didn\u2019t say anything. My own father is going down for something I did.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Don\u2019t worry, kiddo, even if your courage doesn\u2019t fail you, I\u2019ll clam you up for you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhy? Why are you doing this?\u201d Ragan rubbed his eyes as tears came unbidden.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Aw, what\u2019s the matter? Has the ickle little egghead finally found himself in a situation he can\u2019t think himself out of? Well, tough. You know the expression \u2018quit when you\u2019re ahead?\u2019 I can\u2019t afford that.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow does this benefit you at all? How does any of what we have done benefit you? Tell me!\u201d<\/p><p>The trophy was quiet for a moment, a pair of cold eyes staring out at him. \u201c<em>Ants are very organised beings. They always travel in set routes to and from their homes with military precision, keeping their eyes to the ground and mindlessly going about as the hive orders. One day, an ant looked up. It saw the stars and the mountains. It knew that being an ant was only a small part of the world, that the universe was so much bigger, that this one ant\u2019s life was pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. That ant is you. You can grasp my existence, Ragan, but you can never understand it or your place in my plans, nor will you ever be able to.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shook his head. \u201cRight, right, I get it. You\u2019re a cosmic entity and all of this is just beyond me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>You know, I was once like you, Ragan. Just a stupid human getting stupidly involved in things far beyond me. Difference between you and me is, I emerged on the other side victorious\u2026 Oh!<\/em>\u201d The trophy laughed again. \u201c<em>I see, I see. I thought it would just be your friend, but now the Detectives are moving as well.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDetectives?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan flung the pillow aside and sprinted out of his room, down the corridors, down the stairs. From the top of the balcony he saw them, those two women in black. Even inside, they wore their hats and sunglasses, their suits finely pressed and steamed and immaculate.<\/p><p>\u201cWe are here for Aleksandro Cloudbough,\u201d Ebadicael said.<\/p><p>His mother was there in the foyer, hand on her cheek. \u201cMy husband? What is this about, detectives?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe are not obligated to say,\u201d the detective continued. \u201cProduce him or we shall tear this mansion apart.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOh my, no need for that. One moment.\u201d She flustered around in her clothes before finally fishing out a small cell phone from her trousers.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What are you going to do?<\/em>\u201d A familiar figure appeared in the mirror behind him. \u201c<em>Those two are not from the FBI, or any other earthly agency. Once they take your father, that\u2019s it. You\u2019ll never see him again.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan leant in over the balcony and opened his mouth but only a choked croak escaped him, not even enough to redirect the attention of the agents below him.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>How admirable, you want to sacrifice yourself. I prefer to let my involvement go unnoticed for now, though. So, what\u2019s option number two? Better think fast.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>His father came from a side door, looking as visibly confused as his mother. \u201cHoney, what\u2019s going on? Why is the FBI here?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t say, dear. Did you do something?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cN-no.\u201d He embraced his wife and looked at the agents.<\/p><p>\u201cYou idiot. Run,\u201d Ragan wheezed.<\/p><p>Gagesham, wearing a primal smile, grabbed Aleksandro. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with us. Please; resist.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI-I-I\u2019m sure this is a misunderstanding,\u201d Aleksandro said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a few hours, sweetie.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan pushed himself away from the balustrade. \u201cDo something. Please, Azer, I\u2019m begging you.\u201d He screwed up his eyes, as if to prevent the tears from leaking out. It didn\u2019t work.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Are you sure? You were quite adamant about not needing me anymore,<\/em>\u201d the mirror replied archly.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t let them take my dad!\u201d Ragan bawled.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Very well.<\/em>\u201d Azer\u2019s voice turned deadly serious. \u201c<em>I save your father, and you belong to me. No more resisting, you follow orders, that is the deal.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan nodded and wiped his eyes. \u201cSure. I\u2019ll do anything you want, just save my dad.\u201d<\/p><p>A chuckle only he could hear emanated from the mirror. \u201c<em>That wasn\u2019t so hard, now was it? And don\u2019t try to go back on our agreement, either. You don\u2019t want to know what will happen.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The front doors opened again. Ragan rushed back to the edge and just caught the two detectives shoving his father along. \u201cJust hurry it up!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Now, you don\u2019t want to summon anything from the otherworld, or everyone will have been on high alert. Instead, you should call on something already living here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cLike we did with the lizard-kin?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>No, that would require a body, but there are other ways. Do you know what a reaper is?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cS-sure, they\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201c<em>They\u2019re ghosts, cannibalising on the souls of the dead. It\u2019s perfect for dealing with all manner of nuisances.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd that will be able to save my father?\u201d<\/p><p>Azer nodded. \u201c<em>You better hurry it up.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cReaper!\u201d Ragan called and raised his hand to the ceiling. \u201cReaper! Come to me.\u201d<\/p><p>The detectives stopped just shy of the door. Ragan glared down at them, but it wasn\u2019t him they were reacting to. Smoke poured into the foyer from nowhere. The cloud of inky darkness swirled, and a shape materialised, hunched over yet still reaching from floor to ceiling. It was cloaked in black, a skeleton made of bluish smoke. In its hand it summoned a scythe to match its size.<\/p><p>\u201cFinally!\u201d Gagesham said. \u201cI almost worry that we have wrong guy.\u201d<\/p><p>The rest of the people below screamed. Ragan\u2019s mother fled into one of the side doors. His father would have done the same had he not been restrained by Ebadicael.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, be careful, this is a reaper. And a bigger one that I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d she said, but Gagesham charged like a wild beast. The reaper snatched her out of the air, and she joined the screaming.<\/p><p>Ebadicael flung off her sunglasses, her eyes glowing like gold. A beam of pure light shot out from them and etched along the surface of the reaper. It growled and released the detective. She crumbled into an unconscious pile.<\/p><p>\u201cUnsummon it!\u201d Ebadicael screamed at Aleksandro, twisting his arm.<\/p><p>\u201cM-me?\u201d he spluttered. \u201cW-what do you want me to do? What is that thing?\u201d<\/p><p>She threw him to the side where he knocked over a table, toppling a large vase over himself.<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re supposed to keep him safe,\u201d Ragan hissed, afraid to catch the attention of the giant reaper.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>Oh, stop that, you know your father will be fine. Have you forgotten?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight. God of coincidences and all that,\u201d Ragan mumbled, feeling no less convinced about his father\u2019s safety. It wasn\u2019t long ago that he hit his head last.<\/p><p>Ebadicael fired another optical blast, keeping the beams locked on to the reaper. It writhed and opened a hole in itself, and the beam passed straight through. The detective stopped her attack, and the reaper slithered behind her, clutching her with a skeletal hand.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322920\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Azer stroked the inside of the mirror, revelling in what he was seeing. The Ragan kid finally put into his place, the detectives trounced, and a little destruction never hurt. Well, never hurt him, that is. Yes, all he had to do was keep tugging at the invisible strings, manipulate the right threads of causality, and keep Aleksandro alive, and soon he would be out of here.<\/p><p>The portal blanked. Azer blinked several times. \u201cW-what?\u201d he said and touched the empty surface. \u201cNo. No! Not now, goddammit!\u201d He screamed and hammered at it.<\/p><p>He whirled around. The world was dark and decidedly portal-less. No more nightlamps or chandeliers or bright sunlight shining in from nigh infinite sources. He raised his hands and twitched his fingers. None of them opened at his command.<\/p><p>\u201cYou forget, dear brother, who it was that put you in here.\u201d<\/p><p>A mask appeared out of the darkness, a grotesque caricature of a human face writhing in pain.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t do this to me! I am so close!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt seems I was mistaken to think you helpless.\u201d The cold voice rang out distorted, and Azer knelt down. \u201cThen again, I did not think you so desperate. Like a prisoner gnawing off his own arms and legs to escape his shackles, you have torn your soul to pieces and smuggled them out. I am ashamed to admit I did not even catch you before now.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer fumbled around his world, now a vast room of nothing. Oh, he could feel the mirrors, but they were dead to his touch. \u201cI\u2019ll get out of here somehow! And when I do, I\u2019ll kill you! I\u2019ll fucking kill you!\u201d<\/p><p>The voice sighed deeply. \u201cTens of thousands of years later, and you\u2019re still only chasing my shadow, still unable to think more than two moves ahead. Where are they, Azer? Where are your soul carriers? Where are those lost little fates that you gave your soul shards to?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSomewhere you\u2019ll never find them, Oudin. You can spend the rest of eternity looking for them, but you\u2019ll never, ever find them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSo not in this world? No, of course not, they would have their own realms where you could call them from whenever you needed them,\u201d the mask said as it floated around Azer. \u201cThey are not my concerns, either; you are, so let\u2019s get one thing straight: you\u2019ll never get out of here. The world of the living is mine.\u201d<\/p><p>Azer clenched his fist and held it up. \u201cYou can have the world. In fact, why haven\u2019t you conquered it yet? When I destroy it; I\u2019ll destroy you with it.\u201d<\/p><p>A deep chuckle rang through the darkness. \u201cWho says I haven\u2019t? One of my many names is whispered in every prayer and yelled in every wars. No one can stop me, and certainly not you. Why don\u2019t you just get comfortable in here?\u201d Oudin laughed, and Azer clenched his teeth.<\/p><p>\u201cYou think I\u2019m the arrogant one, but you\u2019re the one who put me in this world. You could have banished me to the void or one of numerous hells or even destroyed me, but you put me here, with these portals.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, so you could see the world shaped into my image. I admit it was careless of me to not realise that you could communicate through the windows. Quite an amusing little oversight. But go ahead, you\u2019re just a few vessels short. I want you to try, just to see you fail.\u201d<\/p><p>Oudin faded into the darkness, and the portals reappeared.<\/p><p>Azer jerked back to the mirror hanging in the lobby of the Cloudsbough mansion. It was hanging on the first floor, and he could barely see over the railing. Azer put his hand to the portal\u2019s surface.<\/p><p>\u201cShit,\u201d he muttered.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322921\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cI haven\u2019t felt any intrusion from the otherworld, so this probably won\u2019t be too difficult,\u201d Jazlynn said as the mansion appeared in the distance. \u201cYou should also know that I am suspecting your friend as well, not just his father.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRagan? What, no! Why would he do any of this?\u201d John said from her left.<\/p><p>\u201cTo help his father, of course. Either of them will do, really, but that\u2019s why I agreed to wait. To see how they\u2019ll react.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen, yesterday, you lied to his face. To all of us.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI still think it could be his father as well, don\u2019t get me wrong,\u201d Jazlynn said. \u201cI want to make sure that we put the kibosh on all these monsters, by any means necessary.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEven kill?\u201d John felt his chest tightening. \u201cI can\u2019t kill a human.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAnd whoever\u2019s summoning these monsters isn\u2019t one himself? Would you not kill one person to prevent him from killing more?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAll right, that\u2019s enough,\u201d Rose said from the front. \u201cJohn is right. Monsters are okay, but I draw the line at humans.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFine, I was going to do it myself anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo! No killings,\u201d John said, feeling the sting of tears now.<\/p><p>\u201cIt probably won\u2019t come to that anyway,\u201d Minik said from behind the wheel. \u201cWasn\u2019t that what you said, Jazlynn?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight,\u201d Jazlynn said and looked at John. \u201cIf we had more time, I would teach you some nonlethal techniques. For now, leave any humans to me.\u201d<\/p><p>The car stopped at the curb in front of the gates and Jazlynn got out as the first. \u201cThe two of you should go; you won\u2019t be of much help to me and John from here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe can\u2019t do that!\u201d Minik said but Rose squeezed his hand.<\/p><p>\u201cYou return him safe and sound,\u201d she said out of the window, \u201cor there\u2019ll be Hell to pay from me.\u201d<\/p><p>The front wall of the manor tore open and a gigantic, floating skeleton in a robe pushed through. Jazlynn transformed her weapon, but Rose grabbed her arm.<\/p><p>\u201cPromise me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI do, on my Knight\u2019s honour, now go!\u201d<\/p><p>John circled around the car and grabbed the gun from his belt. It looked eerily like the right thing, even missing that red plastic tube fake guns usually had on their barrel. It also had some heft to it despite being made entirely of plastic.<\/p><p>\u201cCome on,\u201d Jazlynn said.<\/p><p>The skeleton threw one of the FBI agents, Ebadicael, if John\u2019s memory were to be trusted, down on the ground. John raced through the gate and fired. The skeleton looked up. It reached out its hand, indifferent to John shooting it.<\/p><p>Jazlynn turned pale and backed away. Her form rippled. She twisted around, holding her head. The cane slipped from her hands and she fell to the ground, writhing and screaming as if tortured. Yet the skeleton was nowhere near close. John charged up his gun and fired, but the skeleton simply opened a hole in its chest, the beam flying through and into the blue yonder.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>That\u2019s not going to work,<\/em>\u201d an old, tired voice said. Hoffman materialised before him, flicking away her long mane of silvery hair.<\/p><p>\u201cW-what\u2019s happening?\u201d John asked. \u201cWhat is that thing? What\u2019s it doing to Jazlynn?\u201d<\/p><p>Hoffman held up a hand and John fell silent. \u201cThat is a reaper, a ghost that feeds on human souls. And that\u2019s basically all that Knights are.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn slumped to the ground. Colour drained from her, and John could see the gravel driveway under her.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s the strategy then?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf none of your attacks are working, well,\u201d Hoffman said and rolled her hand, \u201ccome up with some new ones. The quicker the better.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWait, that\u2019s it?\u201d he asked, but she blinked out of existence. \u201cAre you kidding me?\u201d<\/p><p>Once more he lined up a shot, and once more the beam passed through. It did not even grab the reaper\u2019s attention. It hovered over the detective and Jazlynn, cackling as they slowly faded. John closed his eyes.<\/p><p><em>If the gun doesn\u2019t work, discard it<\/em>. John stuffed the gun back in his trousers and closed his eyes. He could see the enemy, this reaper, and he could see himself fire his beams at it. Over and over again, slower and slower it happened. <em>I think I know what to do<\/em>.<\/p><p>Opening his eyes, the real enemy was still there, Jazlynn almost completely transparent.<\/p><p>On each of his fingers, he summoned an energy sphere and threw them together. The reaper opened five holes to let them through. Before it could close them, John had summoned another five and threw them too. Now with ten holes opened all over its body, the reaper tore itself apart. The pieces turned to a ghostly mist, swirling together and reuniting. The reaper roared as it became whole again. It grabbed its scythe with both hands and raised it high over its head.<\/p><p>This was what he had waited for. Grinning, John summoned all the energy he could muster into his left hand. The amount of energy required here would be too much for the gun. He shook with the effort. Never had he summoned so much energy so fast. It felt like his arm would explode. It burned, every vein like filled with molten steel. The sphere of energy in his palm ballooned in seconds until it was larger than his head. The sleeve of his jacket disintegrated almost up to his shoulder; deep, long cuts springing open in his flesh and spurting blood. The scythe was coming down fast, gunning for his head. His bit his lip hard and released his energy.<\/p><p>No part of this process was pleasant. Releasing felt like the final straw that would rip his arm to shreds. In the few seconds where there was only light in his vision, he thought it had. But when it faded, the reaper was gone, and his arm was still there, throbbing and burning, covered in blood.<\/p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t use your dominant hand next time,\u201d Hoffman said, phasing back into reality. \u201cIf you ever lose control, you also lose your arm.\u201d<\/p><p>John sank to his knees and poked his arm. It wouldn\u2019t move, and prickled like numb, feeling inflamed. But Jazlynn was regaining colour, literally, as she became more and more solid. John looked up at the sky, smiling. Distantly, he heard Minik\u2019s car pulling up and footsteps rushing for him.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322922\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Ragan asked and leant as far over the balustrade as he dared. He couldn\u2019t see his father anymore, but he had to be somewhere under the debris. \u201cAzer? Hello?\u201d<\/p><p>He turned around, but the mirror only reflected himself. Ice snaked its way down his spine. Slowly, he approached.<\/p><p>\u201c<em>What happened?<\/em>\u201d a familiar voice asked. The mirror darkened, and Azer appeared within.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened? I could ask you the same thing!\u201d<\/p><p>Azer was quiet for a moment. \u201c<em>I experienced a little interference for a few minutes, but I\u2019m back.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI don\u2019t care. What about my dad?\u201d<\/p><p>The mirror was quiet for a moment. \u201c<em>I\u2019m sorry, kiddo. I can\u2019t feel him any longer.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo. Are you for real?\u201d Ragan yelled at the mirror. \u201cI summoned that gigantic thing because you were supposed to control the situation. Interference, are you kidding me? That\u2019s not good enough!\u201d<\/p><p>The mirror groaned. \u201c<em>These things happen, all right? I\u2019m not exactly king of this realm I\u2019m trapped in, so cut me some slack here, would you? You got your wish, after all.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, my wish was for my father to be safe, and he\u2019s currently trapped under the wreckage of our front wall.\u201d Ragan grabbed his head and paced in a circle. \u201cYou know what, the deal\u2019s off.\u201d<\/p><p>The mirror laughed, a deep, unsettling stomach laugh that made the hairs rise on Ragan\u2019s neck. \u201c<em>That\u2019s not how it works, I\u2019m afraid. We made a deal, remember?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight, and my condition was my father\u2019s safety. You didn\u2019t hold up your end, so I\u2019m not holding up mine. Deal. Is. Off\u2026 goodbye!\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan flung himself down the stairs with Azer talking to his back. \u201c<em>Hey\u2026 wait a minute. Stop! Stop, you little shitcake, you don\u2019t fuck with me! Do you hear me? I\u2019ll fucking end you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>The last he heard of the man was a bestial roar before the mirror shattered.<\/p><p>Ragan froze on the last step of the stairs. His mom had come out of hiding and was digging through the rubble. She wailed as she called for her husband. \u201cAleksandro\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHold on,\u201d Ragan said and joined her. He wiped the tears away, but they kept coming.<\/p><p>John and Jazlynn crawled over the debris with Rose and Minik right behind them. Even the detectives dug in.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322923\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>When they returned home late that evening, John was surprised to find his closet mirror had shattered.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322924\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 6 February 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The funeral for the human Aleksandro Cloudbough occurred a bitterly cold, windy Sunday. Among friends and family were businessmen surreptitiously trying to ensure deals with each other or sneaking little comments to the son or the wife. Ebadicael tried to remember all these drives and desires and wants, all these little things pushing the living along. In her suit, she looked like just another attendee, perhaps an old business partner or some such. She also tried to behave the part though from the back or the corner, silently observing. Not like her partner. When the priest spoke inside the church, Gagesham jumped nearly a metre, trying to find out how his voice was booming down here.<\/p><p>The reason they had come? Well, she told herself it was orders again. Following up on a closed case. Making sure there were no loose ends. Something about the whole thing had nagged her, but it had been almost a week. No further incidents, no ominous presence. Truth be told, she had liked the kid for it more. Sure, a grown man could easily be lured into temptation, but a kid, even a smart one, would have a harder time grasping the consequences. But here came the coffin and the pallbearers, faces screwed up in masks of grief.<\/p><p>By the grave, the usual rituals proceeded. Ashes to ashes and all that. <em>Did people mourn for me like this?<\/em> Ebadicael wondered. In lieu of grief, she assumed a stony face out of respect. Gagesham looked mostly bored and shuffled around restlessly. She perked up when the priest rounded off and the guests started to disperse.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s over,\u201d Ebadicael said. \u201cAnd this is where we say goodbye.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham nodded. \u201cYes. I am sad that we did not find strong enemy to fight. That giant reaper was just cheating.\u201d She punched her hands together, growling.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, well, it\u2019s going to be good to get back to normal.\u201d She cast a last look towards the grave and sighed. \u201cAt least we never ran into the trio.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cMm, too strong. Don\u2019t want to meet them,\u201d Gagesham said and avoided her partner\u2019s gaze.<\/p><p><em>So, there <\/em>are<em> some things she respects<\/em>. \u201cHey, you must have been an angel for a long time,\u201d she said. \u201cHow come you\u2019re still doing\u2026 this?\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham wrinkled her brow. \u201cMy ambition is too weak. I am fit only for this. It is what I love. And you? Will you ascend?\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael laughed. \u201cAfter seeing the higher-ups, I think I\u2019m happy where I am.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham grinned, the first time she had opened her mouth in a gesture that wasn\u2019t angry or malicious. \u201cWe part here,\u201d she said, \u201cbut I hope we shall meet again.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind,\u201d Ebadicael said.<\/p><p>The two detectives retreated to a quiet corner of the cemetery. Light surrounded Detective Gagesham, but rather than disappearing, her shape undulated, her disguise vanishing. Without it, she looked like a glorified ape from almost two million years ago. \u201cGood luck.\u201d<\/p><p>Ebadicael did the same. It had been a long time that she had been the little girl who fell off a roof and broke her fool neck, five thousand years ago. What did they call the area these days? Iraq? Iran? \u201cYou too.\u201d<\/p><p>Gagesham really did vanish, like Ebadicael had wished for so long. Now, though, she felt an emptiness. It was back to the office, back to being the only angel, back to taking care of mundane cases.<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322925\"><\/a>Chapter<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Ragan stood with his mother by the edge of the cemetery, receiving condolences from the guests and thanking them in return for showing up. The businessmen were mostly interested in his mom, dropping their last hints, only offering Ragan the standard brownie points. When John showed up, Ragan broke off from his mother, and no one seemed any the wiser.<\/p><p>\u201cIt was a beautiful ceremony,\u201d Rose said from behind John. \u201cI know we never knew him well, but we are truly sorry.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThank you. It was nice of you to show.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI can\u2019t believe it was your dad that\u2026 that did all those things,\u201d John said. \u201cHe really didn\u2019t seem like that kind of guy.\u201d<\/p><p><em>That\u2019s because he wasn\u2019t<\/em>. He couldn\u2019t feel Azer\u2019s grip anymore, no big yoke weighing down. He could tell the truth now. He could tell the whole world who had really done all those awful things. \u201cListen, John, there\u2019s something I\u2019ve been meaning to tell you for a while. I\u2019ve never really known how to tell you, but I\u2019m leaving tomorrow anyway, so I might as well just come out with it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re leaving?\u201d John asked. \u201cFor how long this time?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cFor a long time, okay? A very long time. Years. My dad\u2019s bosses want me to take over his position, so they\u2019re sending me to a business school.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWasn\u2019t that always the plan?\u201d Minik asked, prompting Rose elbow him in the ribs.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, it was my father who was supposed to teach me,\u201d Ragan said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like a word with John now. Alone.\u201d<\/p><p>Rose grinned as she dragged the doubled-over Minik away.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d John asked as they were now alone.<\/p><p>Kizashi was finally working her way through the throng. The businessmen had all made sure to be first. The rest of the attendees made no small talk aside from their condolences and greetings. He had only a few minutes before she was done shaking hands and she would be eager to leave.<\/p><p>\u201cThere\u2019s no easy way to say this, so I\u2019ll make this short,\u201d Ragan said. \u201cI\u2019m gay.\u201d<\/p><p>John opened his mouth, but no words were coming out.<\/p><p>Ragan glanced over at his mother. Still time, so he continued.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ve never really had many friends, not just because I was never much in the same school, but also because I never allowed myself. Why bother, right? Not like I\u2019d be able to meet with them a whole lot. So, everyone took me for a stuck-up brat and never bothered speaking with me. But not you. I don\u2019t know why you started talking to me, but I began to look forward to school. Even going through the same subjects I had gone through elsewhere didn\u2019t bother me, because I would be going through them with you, and I came to realise I was in love with you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat are you..?\u201d John asked. \u201cMe? Why?\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan shrugged. \u201cYou\u2019re a good guy. A little quirky and a little awkward, but you\u2019re also honest. I appreciate that. Everyone else are so afraid about sticking out that they completely ignore themselves. You try, John, you really do, but you\u2019re just a little bit too weird.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThanks, I guess?\u201d<\/p><p>The queue over, Kizashi tapped her watch. Ragan nodded at her and held up two fingers.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m only telling you all this because we\u2019re going back to LA, and I couldn\u2019t bear leaving without getting this off my shoulders. Don\u2019t think I\u2019m telling you all this because I want something out of it.\u201d Ragan hugged John and squeezed him. He could just imagine his mother roll her eyes. Should he pretend to be \u2018reformed\u2019 just to please her or should he act out and rub it in her face? \u201cGoodbye, John. Needless to say, you were my best friend. Now let\u2019s see if a black Japanese gay boy can find another friend like you.\u201d<\/p><p>There were clich\u00e9s, of course, like stealing a kiss, but Ragan just lingered a moment before running towards his mother. Phil waited by the gate with his girlfriend. She looked even more distant than usual.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry, dude,\u201d he said, and thrust a withered flower into Ragan\u2019s hand. \u201cIf you see my dad, I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAngry at us?\u201d Ragan asked. He could hear his mother groan from the waiting car. He just needed another second.<\/p><p>\u201cMostly at your dad. He was very against any of us coming, but I wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan smiled. \u201cThank you, Phil. You\u2019re not a bad guy either, you know that?\u201d<\/p><p>Phil blushed and scratched his neck. \u201cSheesh, w-where did that come from?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cListen, I really have to go, but John will fill you in. Bye. And thanks for the memories.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan jumped into the limo after his mother. The door closed, and it felt like it was shutting on this part of his life. Would he ever see John again? Or Ferman, for that matter. He relaxed into the upholstering, wanting to do nothing more than melting. Next to him, his mother quietly sobbed into a handkerchief. The car rumbled into life. For a split second, he saw John\u2019s face in the window, and then it was gone. Ragan stretched his neck and just barely saw the lot of them waving, even John\u2019s fake aunt.<\/p><p>\u201cI had really hoped it would never come to this,\u201d Kizashi said and dabbed her eyes.<\/p><p>\u201cNo, it\u2019s my fault. I was too obvious in my summons,\u201d Ragan said. Outside, the cityscape of Ferman rolled by like a reel of his memories. \u201cDid father ever catch on?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI doubt it. He\u2019s always been a smart one, but too na\u00efve to ever suspect anything. I doubt Gifted would have allowed our marriage otherwise, anyway.\u201d<\/p><p>Ragan put his chin in his hand and stared out of the window. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to this place now, you think?\u201d<\/p><p>Kizashi sniffed. \u201cWell, without your father around, the mayor of this town is going to rescind a lot of his decisions. The homeless shelter has already been cancelled, for one.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOr rather, there are no plans to relocate it, right? Not much of the old warehouse left.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt will be a few years, son, but you\u2019ll be back. Ferman will belong to Gifted.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI know, I know. I just worry what will become of it in the meantime.\u201d<\/p><h2><a name=\"_Toc13322926\"><\/a>Chapter &#8211; 22 February 2011<\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>There was no need for her to have stayed this much longer. It was weeks since the funeral, and there had been no threats, not a slight tickling of danger. In the end, she had had to realise she was only pushing off the inevitable. She was worried about John, in particular. There were his powers, of course, but there was also Ragan\u2019s confession. She had not meant to overhear, but all of her senses worked in overdrive. Even from the other end of the cemetery she had heard it. John had been quiet and contemplative at first, but she could not deny, he was getting back to his old self again. So, one Tuesday morning, Jazlynn threw her few belongings into her kitbag and had one last breakfast with the family.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s over,\u201d Jazlynn said, deciding against another helping of eggs and toast. \u201cI cannot detect any more threats, so I have to conclude that Ferman has fallen quiet again.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou mean you\u2019re leaving,\u201d John stated. \u201cDo you really have to go?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019ve taught you all I could by now. It was fun for me too, but this was always just about the case in the end.\u201d She got up from the table and the rest followed. She knelt to embrace John and looked up at Rose and Minik. \u201cThanks for lending me the couch all this time.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019ll always be there for you,\u201d Rose said, holding a hand up to her mouth. Minik patted her shoulder.<\/p><p>\u201cIf you\u2019re ever in the neighbourhood again, feel free to drop by any time.\u201d He gave her a melancholic smile. \u201cYou know, you\u2019ve been part of our lives as long as John have. You\u2019ve become a part of the family too.\u201d<\/p><p>Jazlynn blushed and looked away. \u201cWell, if it\u2019s any consolation, you\u2019ll soon forget all about me.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cHow can you say that?\u201d Rose said and hugged her. \u201cWe\u2019ll never forget you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou know what happens, Rose. You\u2019ve seen it happening several times now.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen all the more reason for you to stay,\u201d Minik said, but Jazlynn shook her head.<\/p><p>\u201cSorry.\u201d She picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. \u201cThere aren\u2019t enough Knights that I could continue staying here any longer. John, would you follow me to the curb?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p><p>Once the front door was closed behind them again, Jazlynn put her bag on the ground and grabbed John\u2019s shoulders. His body entered fight-or-flight mode until he saw the tears that streamed down Jazlynn\u2019s cheeks.<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m so sorry for all the times I threatened to kill you,\u201d she said, sinking to her knees and lowering her head. \u201cYou have no idea how hard it is to hold on to your humanity doing this. At some point I just decided it wasn\u2019t worth trying. There was no point trying to see the grey middle when it\u2019s so much easier to look at the world in black and white, as demon or human. When I met you, you weren\u2019t a scared kid that had no idea what anything was about. You were a Nephilim, a target, end of story. But\u2026\u201d<\/p><p>She wiped her eyes and smiled.<\/p><p>\u201cI think that\u2019s why my boss asked me to mentor you. Demons and angels and Knights and Nephilim, we\u2019re all human. It\u2019s the choices we make and why we make them that we should be judged upon, not where we ended up. You didn\u2019t choose to be a Nephilim, so I can\u2019t judge you on that, only what you choose to make of it.\u201d<\/p><p>John listened quietly but found he had nothing to say when Jazlynn finished. He opened his mouth, but no words came to him.<\/p><p>\u201cMaybe you don\u2019t understand now, but you\u2019re a bright kid. You\u2019ll get it someday even if you don\u2019t remember me.\u201d Jazlynn sniffed and wiped her eyes as she stood up again. \u201cEven you will forget me, John. You\u2019re special, but you\u2019re also human. Never forget that even when you forget me. If you don\u2019t need your powers, then don\u2019t use them. Go back to being a normal boy in a normal town. There are other people protecting your world. And if you do decide to use your powers, please, <em>please<\/em>, do not make me come back here for you.\u201d<\/p><p>She hugged him tightly. \u201cI\u2019ll never forget you or Rose or Minik or anything of my time here, not in fifty or a hundred or two hundred years,\u201d she said and stood up. \u201cNow, this really is goodbye. Goodbye, John.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cGoodbye, Jazlynn,\u201d he said, unable to hold back his own tears.<\/p><p>\u201cOh\u2026 that\u2019s right, I never told you my real name, did I?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cJazlynn isn\u2019t your real name?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNope. It\u2019s Melissa, but everyone just called me Missy.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cRight. Goodbye\u2026 Missy,\u201d he sniffled.<\/p><p>She smiled despite her tears. \u201cTake care.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Johnathan Pearce is the main story and follows the eponymous main character as he goes from first discovering his powers to becoming a hero. It&#8217;s a bildungsroman drawing on tropes from fantasy, science fiction, alternate history, supernatural and superhero fiction to create a unique take, if I may say so myself, on the hero&#8217;s journey. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":297,"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions\/297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jlborch.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}