The Weapon Within: A Paranormal Dystopian Adventure (The Unexplainables Book 1)

by Lizzie Rose

  ‘I’m so sorry to hear that and I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help. What an awful tragedy. The new accommodation blocks are fantastic though, considering everything that’s happened. I believe that’s mostly down to you.’

  ‘I couldn’t risk anyone else getting hurt.’

  ‘Well, we certainly needed them.’ He surveyed the scene around him, his eyebrows arched. ‘I’d no idea there would be so many new members.’

  ‘Me neither. I hardly know who anyone is any more.’

  ‘So, are you coming to the town or staying here?’

  ‘Oh, I’m coming. Have you seen Nicholas?’ I scanned the area. Some of the guards had congregated by the 4x4s parked in the car park whilst others were setting off on foot.

  ‘Yes, I saw him on the way over. He said to tell you he’s been called away urgently but to go ahead with the plan and he’ll be back as soon as possible.’

  ‘Oh, ok. Right, well I guess we’d better get going.’

  *

  We arrived in the town to find the place in chaos. My guards surged from their vehicles, trying desperately to control a huge crowd of people. Simeon grabbed a megaphone from the back seat of our car and climbed out into the street.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he called out, ‘as of today, the law states that Unexplainables and Standards must live separate lives.’

  Boos and jeers filled the air and several people jostled forwards. The guards formed a line and attempted to stop them moving any further. Simeon continued as though nothing had happened, ‘These laws have been put in place for your own safety and protection. Please co-operate with the law-enforcement guards and move to your designated areas. Anyone resisting will be dealt with accordingly . . .’

  The rest of his sentence was lost as the crowd surged towards us. The guards did their best to hold them back, but inevitably their line disintegrated and fighting broke out. Chunks of wood and bricks were lobbed at us and occasionally a Nex attempted to use their power against us.

  I waded through the masses, helping out where I could. Slowly, we pushed them back. A line had been drawn through the town where there was a natural break between the buildings, and we moved many of the Nexes back beyond this line.

  On the town side, the Duds were clustered in groups, looking scared of both the Nexes and the guards. Coaches had been brought in to take any willing Standards to the commune. Not many people had taken us up on the offer – the buses stood three-quarters empty.

  ‘Ava!’ someone screamed my name. I spun around, searching for the source of the voice. Four guards were dragging Beth away from the divide whilst Noah was being restrained on the ground several metres away. I took a step towards her but a woman blocked my path. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed hold of my shirt.

  ‘Please don’t take my baby away. He can’t help being a Nex. His father was one but he walked out on us. I’m all he’s got. Please!’

  A guard prised the woman’s hands off me and pulled her away, but her eyes didn’t leave mine. Something deep inside me shifted but before I could think about it, Beth screamed again. Her parents were standing on the steps of one of the coaches.

  ‘Beth, please.’ Her mother glanced at me and her expression became more worried. ‘There’s no point in fighting them, you’ll just get hurt.’

  Noah suddenly broke free from his captors and sprinted towards Beth. I held my hand up and willed him backwards. Shrieking with rage, he slid back into the arms of the guards.

  ‘Take her,’ I told the ones holding Beth, then glanced at her briefly. ‘It’s for your own good.’

  ‘No it’s not!’ she shrieked. ‘This isn’t right, Ava. I can’t believe that you’d be a part of this. I thought you were my friend.’ Shrugging the guards off, she marched up to the bus and pushed past her parents, storming right to the back seat. Her parents stared after her then looked back at me.

  ‘Paradise is our future,’ I muttered. It was the first thing that came to mind. I turned to the guard next to me. ‘Call ahead and tell them to put extra security on this lot.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am,’ he replied, grabbing his radio and banging on the side of the bus to instruct the driver to set off.

  *

  It took four hours to gain some measure of control. I’d been hesitant to use my powers on the basis that I didn’t want to frighten the Duds, however it became apparent that it was the only way to get through to the Nexes. They feared me and were quick to fall back once they saw me coming.

  Eventually, I called it a night and climbed into one of the 4x4s. By the time we reached Paradise, all was quiet. A few people headed in to the canteen but I was too tired to think about food.

  After a hot shower I fell into bed, but my mind was racing with the memories of the day. We had achieved a lot and yet it didn’t make me feel happy. Something was niggling at me and I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was as though there was something buried deep at the bottom of my subconscious. Eventually I got up and turned on my MP3 player, hoping to find solace in some music.

  *

  The next morning I put on my uniform and marched to the front of the queue in the dining room. There were a few new faces dotted around but I couldn’t see Beth or her parents. Simeon joined me at the table and for once his face was serious. Dark circles rimmed his eyes and the sparkle was somewhat dimmed. He tilted his head so that he could speak to me without being overheard.

  ‘Well, last night was something of a success, don’t you think?’

  I nodded.

  ‘And I think that you coped admirably. People really respect you.’

  ‘They’re scared of me,’ I replied flatly.

  ‘That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In time they’ll learn to trust that your decisions are sound.’

  ‘I hope so. It just feels strange.’

  He frowned. ‘How so?’

  ‘I just feel bad about some of it.’

  ‘Can you give me any examples?’

  ‘Well, last night there was a woman who told me that her child had been taken away from her because he was a Nex but she wasn’t. And then there was my friend Beth and her boyfriend Noah. They just seemed so right together but now they have to stay away from each other. We are doing the right thing, aren’t we?’

  He put his arm around me and hugged. ‘How would you feel if that child accidentally set fire to his house and killed his mother? It sounds extreme I know, but it has happened. And your friend Beth – surely it’s better to protect her from harm? I’ve seen the devastation that can be caused by Nexes losing control. I know it seems harsh but Standards cannot be expected to make safe decisions about a faction of society who hold powers that they simply do not understand.’

  ‘You really think they’re in danger?’

  ‘Yes! Standards are both naïve and vulnerable. When the Nexes first began showing their powers, the Standards were afraid of them. Once the government decided that the Nexes were to be accepted, their attitudes changed overnight because they trusted the government. That trust has diminished over the last decade. The government’s indecision and weak leadership has meant that they’ve been unable to stand up for themselves and move away from the situation. Even though they know the risks, they would rather bury their heads in the sand than deal with the problem. If we went to war tomorrow, the Standards would be crushed. They are incapable of protecting themselves against the Nexes.’

  ‘I suppose you’re right.’

  ‘They’ll thank you in the end. And for what it’s worth, I believe in you.’

  ‘Thanks, I appreciate that. So, are you going down to the town now?’

  ‘No, I have some jobs to do here. I’ll head down later this afternoon unless things take a turn for the worst. How about you?’

  ‘I think I’ll do the same. I want to speak to Beth. I’m not sure she’ll want to see me but I’m going to try.’

  ‘Well, good luck with that. I’m sure she’ll come around eventually.’

  Nobody else
spoke to me at breakfast. Linda smiled but hurried away and everyone else seemed to avoid me. I was deep in thought as I left the building and at first didn’t notice the car parked outside with its engine was running. As I walked past it, the driver’s window opened.

  ‘Ava?’ a voice called. I looked inside and saw Joe, sitting in the driving seat.

  ‘Hey Joe. Are you going somewhere?’

  ‘Actually, I wanted to speak to you. Do you have a few minutes?’

  ‘Now?’

  ‘If you wouldn’t mind.’

  ‘Ok, where do you want to go? I can see if there’s a meeting room free.’

  ‘Actually, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind coming in the car with me. There’s something I need to show you.’ A bead of sweat trickled down his brow and his hands were gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles were white.

  ‘Are you sure you’re ok? Maybe I should get someone.’

  ‘Ava, please! I’m begging you, just get in the car. We haven’t got much time.’

  I wanted to walk away but he looked so desperate. Sighing, I walked around to the front passenger door and got in.

  *

  ‘Whoa! Slow down!’ I gripped the edge of my seat tightly as the pods flew past on both sides.

  ‘I’m sorry but I have to show you this. It’s the only way I know how.’

  ‘Joe, if you don’t slow down right now I’ll use my powers.’

  He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. ‘I can’t stop you using your powers but I’m begging you not to. I have to make you understand.’

  ‘Ok, ok. Just watch the road, all right?’

  We sped on for what seemed like an age. Joe didn’t speak, nor did he relax his grip on the wheel. My mind raced as I tried to piece together what was happening. It wasn’t until we drove over the brow of a hill that I realised where we were. The sea looked cold and murky today. We skidded to a halt on the main road and Joe killed the engine.

  ‘Look,’ he commanded, pointing out of the windscreen. I glanced at the buildings up the street and back at him.

  ‘No, look. Look closely.’

  The street was empty and the shops were in darkness. Frowning, I let myself out of the car and walked a few steps towards them.

  ‘Don’t you see?’ he called out from behind me. ‘It’s empty.’

  ‘It’s just closed, that’s all. I guess it’s the quiet season or something. I’m sure if you come back in a few weeks it’ll be heaving.’

  ‘No!’ Suddenly he was behind me. He grabbed my arm and dragged me across the street, marching up to the nearest building. I remembered Simeon filling bags full of souvenirs and the nervous shopkeeper, but now it was completely empty. The window displays were bare and there was no sign that anyone had been in there recently.

  ‘I don’t understand. Have they closed down?’

  ‘It’s not just this one, it’s all of them. Take a look for yourself.’

  Glancing warily at him I set off down the road. He was right. The shops and café were empty and the arcade had heavy-duty shutters over its entrances.

  ‘None of it was real,’ he shouted above the wind.

  ‘Of course it was real. There were people here – staff and holiday makers.’

  Joe shook his head slowly. ‘They were just community people. They were only given a couple of days’ notice – that’s why they were nervous.’

  ‘But I haven’t seen any of them around the commune,’ I argued.

  ‘They were there all the time but they were kept in the background. Their meals were served once you had left the dining room and they weren’t allowed to do activities if you were around. This whole thing was put on for your benefit.’

  ‘Why would they do that?’

  ‘Because they’ll do anything to make you happy – to make you one of them.’

  ‘You mean a Paradise member?’

  He let out a bark of a laugh. ‘No, I mean one of them.’

  ‘I’m sorry but I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m sure there’s a rational explanation for all of this.’ I gestured towards the shops.

  ‘You’re a fool,’ he snarled. ‘Either that or you’re enjoying all the attention. You’ve allowed yourself to be blinkered so that you can ignore what’s happening outside your own little bubble.’

  ‘Ok, I’ve had enough of this. I’ll make my own way back.’ I stormed off, intending to head back up the coast road but Joe raced around the car and blocked the way. Unwilling to get into any further arguments, I switched direction and headed down the pier, figuring I’d give him time to leave before I worried about getting home. Reaching the end, I looked back at the town. There were no lights in the windows; no cars driving along the roads. The only things that were moving were the sea and Joe, who had followed me.

  Chapter Twenty

  ‘Don’t you see?’ he shouted as he caught up with me, ‘it’s been empty for a decade. It was all for your benefit.’

  ‘If that’s true then I’m flattered that they made so much effort,’ I replied, scowling with annoyance. ‘But I don’t see anything sinister about it.’

  ‘That’s because you don’t see the full picture,’ he retorted. ‘This town used to be a thriving community. True, it was struggling a little when the changes came, but we all were. When Nicholas built the commune and bought the land, we all thought he’d restore it but instead he increased the rents to extortionate levels, bought out all the businesses, and replaced the staff with community members. He drove everyone else inland. I think he was trying to get them into the easiest position for controlling them. He told us that you were the answer to all our problems and that we should do everything we could to accommodate you. For a while I believed in it all. I thought that Paradise was the safest place to be but now I know differently. Gracie was right. We’re all in grave danger.’

  ‘From who?’

  ‘From you!’

  My jaw dropped open but I shut it again quickly as I got a mouthful of sea-salted spray.

  ‘How am I a danger?’

  He took a step towards me. ‘Because you’re the most powerful being in the world. The fact that you’ve been treated so badly made it easier for them to turn you. They gave you everything you could ever ask for. But you don’t get anything for nothing in this life. They want something back from you, you mark my words.’

  ‘Yes, they want me to protect you all.’

  ‘No they don’t, they want you to control us all – even the community members. I mean, they’re already doing that to an extent. We work long hours without pay. Everyone has to have the same stuff so that no one is different, but that just means we work our arses off for them and get nothing in return. We have to be ready to obey orders any time of day and night, no matter how tired or ill we are. There’s no privacy either. The pods and rooms are always open so they can come snooping whenever they like, and then of course there are the voices.’

  ‘Oh for goodness’ sake!’

  ‘It’s true!’

  ‘So why don’t you leave if it’s that bad?’

  ‘I haven’t had the guts. The people on the outside don’t take kindly to us. The thought of starting afresh out there is terrifying, but I can’t live this lie any longer.’

  ‘Why don’t you talk to Nicholas or Simeon about all this? I’m sure they’d be happy to discuss it with you.’

  He looked at me sadly and shook his head. ‘You have no idea what they’re capable of. We’re all terrified of them. Simeon has a wicked temper and Nicholas . . . let’s just say there’s something not right about him.’

  ‘I’ve never seen any sign of them being anything other than lovely. They saved me. And what’s more, they trust me. Paradise is the future and that is all that matters.’

  ‘There!’ He pointed a shaking finger at me. ‘That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Paradise is the future. It’s all crap, Ava. Paradise is power, nothing else. If that’s the future then we’re all doomed.’
/>   ‘I’m sorry you feel that way, really I am, but there isn’t much we can resolve out here.’

  The waves crashed over the walls, drenching us with foam. From somewhere in the distance I heard shouting voices. Relieved, I made to walk back to them but Joe knocked me backwards.

  ‘You’re just a weapon, Ava,’ he screamed. ‘A sugar-coated weapon. You’ll be the death of us all!’

  His hands squeezed hard around my throat. Pain flooded through my body and caustic heat coursed through my veins in response. Suddenly he was on top of me, pressing down on me. I struggled to breathe and then, just when I felt as though my lungs were about to explode, the weight was gone.

  *

  ‘Are you sure you’re ok?’ Linda asked for what seemed like the millionth time. I was sitting in the office, wrapped up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate clasped between my hands. The blue and yellow fish were chasing each other round in small circles and the fire was blazing.

  ‘I’m fine, really. I just can’t believe what happened.’

  ‘You mustn’t blame yourself. We all saw him attack you. There was nothing you could do.’

  ‘I killed him.’

  ‘You don’t know that. It could have been a pre-existing condition, or he might have had a heart attack.’

  ‘No, I killed him. He was hurting me and . . .’ The words choked in my throat.

  ‘Ava.’ Linda crouched down next to me and took my hand in hers. ‘You did what you had to do. No one blames you. I only wish we could have got to you sooner. We came after you as soon as we realised what had happened . . .’

  ‘The shops were empty,’ I interrupted, watching her carefully, ‘and the arcade was closed. He told me it was all put on just for me.’

  ‘Do you honestly think we would do such a thing? The truth is that Nicholas has been looking into redeveloping the area, making it more like here with pods instead of the old buildings. It’s closed down temporarily, that’s all.’