The soldiers aimed their weapons, and began firing at will. Jigsaw was expecting it though, and he dodged the blasts easily. He flew towards me, and placed his feet on my chest. He used me as a launching pad, the force of him shooting himself out the front of the building sending me flying backwards. His henchmen followed suit.
“Follow them!” I shouted to Ellie and Selena as I picked myself off the ground, but they were already on their way.
The henchmen flew out the front of the building, each making their own door as they burst through the stonewall to the outside. I flew up behind Selena and Ellie and we exited through one of the holes Jigsaw’s men made. We scanned the area, but once they made it outside they must’ve hit it into high gear. There wasn’t a sign of them anywhere.
“I’ll go to the right,” Ellie said, flying off in her direction.
“You go straight, I’ll look to the left,” Selena said right before she flew away.
I flew as fast as I could, my eyes scanning the early London morning. I searched for any sign of The Legion, but wherever they went, they went in a hurry. Jigsaw must’ve picked his men based on speed, because they had to have been flying at close to a thousand miles an hour to disappear so fast.
I scanned the street below, but I couldn’t see anybody, much less Jigsaw and his men.
But then something caught my eye. I saw a young woman running across the street. Blonde hair. Pony tail. Wearing glasses, from the looks of it. I flew in closer, my heart beating fast. The girl turned around, looking over her shoulder to be sure there wasn’t anyone following.
It was her.
Samantha.
I forgot about everything else. The attack we’d just suffered disappeared from my mind as fast as Jigsaw himself.
I flew down in front of the woman, and she shrieked in shock. My heart sank as I realized it wasn’t her. The woman didn’t even have blonde hair, it was brunette. She looked about fifteen to twenty years Samantha’s senior, too.
“I’m sorry,” I stammered, feeling embarrassed.
She cursed at me in another language as she turned to run away.
I stood there in the London street. I should’ve been thinking what was wrong with me. I should’ve been wondering why it seemed like I was going crazy.
But instead, I couldn’t help but feel sad that it wasn’t Samantha.
Selena came flying down in front of me. “I got nothing,” she said as she jogged over. “I heard someone yell though. You find anything?”
I shook my head, remembering the task at hand. “No,” I said. “I think they got away.”
“Son of a bitch,” Selena cursed, kicking at the ground. “There’s something going on, Kane. Something we need to get to the bottom of quick before we’re buried by it.”
I sighed as I held my hands up to my face, trying to think. I felt something looming in my subconscious. Something tickling at the back of my mind. Like a chill that was supposed to go down my spine but got lost and went to my head. I didn’t know what to say to Selena. I knew she was right, but I didn’t know where to begin with that.
“We need to get back and check on Doug and Avery. Then we can figure out what we need to do,” I said. I took off, making my way back to headquarters, unsure whether or not I’d be welcomed back.
25
CONFIRMATION
I woke up the next day in the same bed as the day before. Mr. Auder and Ms. Ava weren’t happy with the way I handled things, but they were thankful for the outcome. Mostly because I resolved everything before they had to go asking the superiors for permission to give classified documents to a Super terrorist. That definitely would not have reflected well on them.
As far as everyone not in that building is concerned, I carried out orders given to me by the British government. Thankfully I didn’t care for recognition. All I cared about is that my friends were alright, and that I didn’t get tossed out of England.
After getting dressed and brushing my teeth, I left my room and headed for the food court where I was going to be meeting everybody for breakfast. Everybody being Drew, Selena, Doug, Eddie, Avery, and Ellie, of course. We spent most of the day before cleaning up and helping getting things back in order, so we didn’t really have time to discuss the events.
I walked into the large open room, and saw that everybody had already gotten their food and a table. I walked over and Ellie had saved me a spot next to her.
“I went ahead and got your food,” Drew said.
I looked down at my plate. Bacon, toast, hashbrowns, pancakes—and most importantly—no eggs. “You know me well,” I said with a smile. I realized it was the first time in a while I’d smiled. Yesterday was definitely not the day for that. After Jigsaw’s attack and then thinking I saw Samantha again, I’d been in a weird mood, to say the least. “Thanks man,” I said as I sat down.
Something behind me began to beep. I looked over my shoulder and at the other side of the room saw a construction crew installing some sort wiring. “What are they doing?” I asked.
“They’re installing a sort of makeshift Eximus wiring to try and keep Supers from getting inside,” Ellie explained before she took a sip of her orange juice.
“So looks like we’re going to have to take the front door from now on,” Doug said.
“You must’ve gotten a lot of supplies from the STF in order to do that,” I said.
Ellie nodded. “We did, but we’re actually breaking down a lot of it in order to power this project. It’s something we’ve been working towards for a while, but our plans got a bit accelerated after yesterday.”
I nodded along with what she was saying as I took a bite of my food. I didn’t want to say it, but I didn’t like the idea. If it could keep Supers out, then it could also be used to keep Supers in. After the way Ms. Ava acted yesterday, threatening to take action against me, what little trust I had in her was pretty much gone. It’s not like it’d work if it ever came to that, though. I could just tunnel through the ground and get out that way. But I was getting ahead of myself, it’d probably never come to that. I was just on edge after the events of the day before.
“So I have something pretty cool to tell you guys,” Drew said. All attention turned to him, everyone curious as to what he could be talking about. “I’ve been talking to some of the doctors and scientists around here, and they think they’re going to be able to remove my Eximus implants.”
I grinned as everyone offered their congratulations. “That’s good to hear, man,” I said. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. I just had a lot of regrets about joining the STF. Plus there’s no telling what they can do with all this equipment inside of me. They might decide to take control of me, blow me up, who knows. Not to mention what it’s going to do for my long term health,” Drew said.
“I’m really proud of you,” Selena said. Everyone watched them as they exchanged a glance before looking away, aware of everyone’s eyes on them.
“I guess I can see your point, but it kinda sucks,” Doug said. “You’re like a step away from being a Super, and you’re giving it up!”
“Dude, you’re an actual Super. Don’t worry about me,” Drew said.
“Am I though? Sooner or later we’re gonna find out that my power is I can hold my pee for a really long time,” Doug said, sinking back into his chair.
“Well, can you?” I asked.
“Oh yeah, like two days.” Doug smirked and acted as if it was something to be proud of.
“That’s really not healthy,” Eddie said.
“Dude, killin’ my vibe.”
“How dangerous is the procedure?” Avery asked, bringing us back on topic.
Drew shrugged. “They sound pretty confident. They obviously can’t say one hundred percent one way or the other. They haven’t been able to do as many tests as they wanted, like an MRI and stuff. But, you know, metal under the skin doesn’t react very well to magnets outside it.”
“Ouch. That’s a good point,” Ellie sai
d.
I was about to press him more on the subject, when someone caught my eye. I half expected it to be Samantha for a split second, and I’m not sure if who it actually ended up being was better or worse.
Athena stood at the entrance to the hallway that led to the rooms, watching me with intense eyes. Her white robes flowed behind her as if they were being blown by a giant invisible fan.
I looked down at my food, wanting to finish it so badly. But I knew Athena couldn’t wait. “I’ll be right back guys,” I said as I stood, not even offering an excuse.
I locked eyes with Athena, not looking away as I walked towards her. When I got close she smiled and turned away, leading me down the hall. I wasn’t sure how I felt about talking to her again. Last time I did she just confused and frustrated me. I doubted she’d be offering any amazing insight this time.
She reached the door to my bedroom and walked straight through, which made sense seeing as she was just a vision in my mind. I, on the other hand, being one hundred percent real, had to unlock and open the door like some sort of animal.
“Hello, Kane,” she said as I stepped in.
I shut the door behind me and faced her. She stood in the middle of the room, smiling at me with pride. “Hello.”
“You’re doing a great job reacting to Jigsaw’s attacks.”
“Well that’s what you wanted, isn’t it? For me to stop him?” I asked, annoyed.
Athena nodded and began pacing. “Yes, but I’m afraid you’re doing nothing to dispel him from the country all together.” She stopped to look at me. “I understand by now you’ve realized he’s searching for something, yes?”
I nodded my head. “I’m assuming that if Atlas wants it, it’s something along the lines of the amulet he wears, or the asthenés plásma you live in.”
Athena winced, but played it off. “Yes, you could say it’s along the same lines. You must understand,” she said, her face turning serious. The lights in the room seemed to dim just a bit. “Jigsaw mustn’t be able to retrieve the artifact he’s searching for. Atlas cannot get his hands on it.”
“Yeah, I figured as much,” I said. “Any idea where I can find it?”
Athena laughed like I was a child who’d just asked a ridiculous question. “Kane, if I knew where the artifact was located, I would’ve just had you get it in the first place.”
I sighed. “I was afraid you were going to say that. Is there anything you can do to at least help me out? Can you tell me where Jigsaw’s located, at least?”
“I cannot do that. But I will tell you this.” Athena took a step towards me. “You must act soon or else Jigsaw will find the artifact. If he does, it will not end well. I may be powerful, but I will not be able to do anything to stop Atlas.”
Frustration bubbled inside of me. “Stop Atlas from doing what? Why won’t you tell me anything, yet you expect me to trust and follow your every word.”
“Because, Kane, it’s simple. I expect you to follow my every word because that is the deal we made. As for why I keep things from you, it’s because you do not need the distraction. If you fulfill your end of the bargain, however, I will explain to you all you want to know.” Athena smiled and placed a hand upon my face. A warm energy radiated through me. “Trust me, I want you to know everything. But for now this is how things must be.”
I wanted to say more, but I thought I heard someone call my name. “I think someone’s coming,” I said, turning towards the door.
“Go,” Athena said. “Be with your friends. But also be prepared. Stay on guard. You do not know when or where the enemy will strike.”
I wanted to say “Uhhh, ya think?” but in a flash, Athena was gone. I shook my head, frustrated by another seemingly fruitless conversation with her. I turned and walked towards my door. I opened it to see who was calling my name, but there was no one there.
26
THE WAITING ROOM
One of the reasons Drew ate such a large breakfast was because it was the last meal he could eat before he went into surgery the next day. I sat in the tiny waiting room with Doug, Selena, and Eddie as the hours-long surgical process began. Ellie and Avery both said they’d come hang out with us later, but had work to do first. The four of us didn’t though, so it was just a waiting game until we got the news that the surgery was complete.
I sat in a cushioned chair next to Selena. Doug and Eddie sat across from us, and we were the only ones in the small room. At harsh florescent light lit up the small room. There was a small table in the corner that had a coffee maker sitting on it and a mini fridge underneath. The air in the room smelled sterile and stale. The small hospital was one floor underground, so there weren’t any windows or ways to let fresh air in the room.
“So this is it, huh?” Doug asked after we’d sat in silence for a few minutes. “Just sitting here for the next four to six hours staring at each other?”
“I guess,” I said. “Not much else to do.”
Doug sank down in his chair, defeated. “Ugh, I wish Reddit was still a thing.”
“Don’t you have some secret Super message board friends you can talk to?” I asked.
“You don’t get much of a satellite signal from underground.”
“Then how could you have gotten on Reddit if it still existed?” Eddie asked.
Doug huffed and threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know! Five minutes in and I’m already losing my mind.”
“Just calm down, Doug,” Selena said, her right leg shaking so fast it was a blur.
“Says the girl who’s trying to jackhammer her way down to the next floor,” Doug said, pointing at her shaking leg.
Selena stopped and placed her hand on her knee. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay to be nervous,” I said. “Trust me, I know I am.”
“You are?” Selena asked.
I scoffed. “Of course! Drew is my oldest friend. There’s no telling what could happen while they’re taking those things out of him, but there’s also no telling what could’ve happened if they were still in. He’s making the right call, and he’s going to be fine.”
Selena took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right, I’m just overreacting.” She calmed down for a few moments, but after a minute or two of not moving, she stood up and began pacing the room.
I tried not to chuckle, because I totally understood what she was going through. I was just as nervous as she was. Drew and I had been through everything together. He’s was the only person with me that knew me when I was just Kane, not Kane and Tempest. I didn’t know what I’d do if something happened during the surgery, but I had the confidence that I wasn’t going to have to find out. I trusted Drew enough to make the right call regarding his safety. If he believed the doctors and scientists would be able to get his Eximus implants removed from him, so did I.
“Hey,” Doug whispered quietly enough so Selena couldn’t hear. She was pacing back and forth behind Doug and Eddie’s chairs, lost in her own world.
I leaned in close. “What?”
You ask her? Doug mouthed, gesturing behind himself towards Selena.
I gave him a look that said What?
Her and Drew.
I rolled my eyes and sat back. No.
Doug threw his hands in the air and slumped back into his chair.
I had other things to worry about. Finding out if the two of them were an item was going to have to wait at least until, you know, one of them was out of surgery.
I looked up at the clock above the door. My heart sank when I saw we’d only been in there for ten minutes.
It was going to be a long wait.
****
Two hours in, and I began to consider the fact that I was legitimately losing my mind.
I lay with my back on the ground, and my legs up on the chair. I was staring at the ceiling, pondering how some of my favorite TV shows would’ve ended had LA not been blown up by a nuke and life in North America ceased to exist as I knew it.
You know, the impo
rtant things.
I arched my head back and watched as Eddie danced an arc of electricity through his fingers. Doug sat on a chair trying as hard as he could to read a book, but given the glazed over look on his face, it seemed the novel was having trouble holding his attention. Selena floated in the corner of the room, her legs crossed, staring at the other side of the room.
I had enough. I groaned as I sat myself up. “Okay, one more second in the damn room and I’m going to go crazy. I’m going up to the roof to get some fresh air.”
“Oh thank god,” Doug said as he stood up and tossed the book aside. Eddie stood up as well, eager to get out of the waiting room.
I looked up at Selena. “You coming?” I asked.
She thought about it for a moment. She floated down to the ground and grabbed the doorknob. “I guess.”
We exited the room and rode the elevator up to the top floor. All the floor contained was storage closets and a few offices that I doubted were even in use. The lights up there weren’t even all on, and there weren’t any windows in the immediate vicinity. There was a sign right outside the elevator that pointed to the right and read Roof Access, so they at least made that easy on us. We walked to the right and turned the corner. At the end of the short hallway was an old door. We went through it, and went up the stairs to the roof.
A blast of wind hit us, filling our lungs with fresh afternoon air. The cloud covered up the sun, which also made the temperature a bit chilly.
I walked to the edge of the roof, enjoying the fresh air. I looked down on the sidewalk below. A construction crew was doing the best they could to patch the holes caused by Jigsaw and his men. Still, the sounds of them working away didn’t disturb me. In fact, I actually enjoyed the noise. It made the city seem like it wasn’t so empty. There were a few cars that drove by, and every once in a while a pedestrian would walk down the street. Still, it was nothing compared to the noise and business of a normal London. A London I hoped to be able to experience with my own eyes one day.
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