by Bryan Cohen
He felt something unfamiliar building inside him, but none of it seemed to manifest itself outwardly.
Ted pointed at Yoshi. "You're no true hero. You're a traitor who missed your chance. You'll never have the power. Killing me won't get you anything."
Yoshi gripped his sword tighter. "Maybe not. But at least it'll send a message."
The samurai wound up. Ted thought of Erica. He hoped that wherever she was, she'd be able to avenge his death. He closed his eyes and put up his hands. Ted heard the sword whooshing through the air, until it was drowned out by another noise.
Yoshi's scream caused Ted to open his eyes. Between the samurai and himself, a blue portal had opened on a diagonal plane. As Ted looked deep within the gateway, he could faintly make out Yoshi falling. The samurai still clutched his sword as he vanished out of view.
Unlike the portals he'd seen before, Ted could feel some kind of connection with this one.
I made this. I saved myself.
Ted stretched out his hand and the portal widened. He closed his fingers and the gateway closed completely. When he shifted his hand again, nothing happened. The portal had completely disappeared, taking his assailant along with it.
PART FIVE
Chapter 44
Jennifer's seatbelt pulled tight against her chest when Sheriff Norris slammed on the breaks. She turned to see a wide-open back door and Redican running onto the lawn of a massive property. Her adrenaline kicked in and she undid her belt to chase after the man.
"Honey, wait!"
Jennifer threw a thumbs-up over her shoulder to assure her father. She heard a pair of sneakers whacking against the sidewalk before Dhiraj reached her side.
He called over his shoulder with some difficulty. "Don't worry... Sheriff... we've got this!"
Jennifer cut around a bush carved in the shape of an elephant and picked up the pace. Redican was much more spry than she would've guessed. She barely caught a glimpse of him as he dashed between a lion bush and a set of trees at the end of one property.
She frowned at her cohort. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about–"
Dhiraj put up a hand. "Later. I need to focus or I'll trip."
She nodded. "Fine, but don't slow me down."
His heavy breathing reminded her of a woman in labor. "It's moments like this... I'm glad... I got a treadmill desk."
Darkness was starting to descend and Jennifer was afraid they'd lose Redican as he dashed between more shrubbery. She looked over at Dhiraj. One of his hands clutched at his right side, as if his lungs would fall out if he didn't.
"You okay?"
Dhiraj grunted. "Just a cramp. Couldn't he... give us directions... instead of... racing us there?"
Jennifer shrugged. "Maybe Erica's thing only works in straight lines."
They spied Redican in the distance. He didn't even wait for traffic to stop as he crossed a street at full speed. One luxury vehicle skidded to a halt and another honked, but Redican didn't slow down. Jennifer waved her apology as she and Dhiraj passed in front of the stopped cars. The vehicles, like the properties around them, were too rich for her blood. She wondered if Dhiraj had any pictures of this town on his vision board. Living here was certainly something to aspire to, though it wasn't her sort of thing.
Jennifer's feet hit grass, then road, then grass again. She started to make up ground. Or was Redican slowing?
After the seemingly endless chase, Redican came to a stop outside of an eight-foot-high brick wall. Jennifer halted just behind him, while Dhiraj collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving up and down in rapid succession.
She put her hands on her knees and watched Redican make several unsuccessful attempts to jump and climb the walls.
Her eyes turned to Dhiraj. "You know, you're supposed to stay on your feet after a run."
Dhiraj coughed. "Sorry... can't listen... dying."
Jennifer offered him a hand up, but Dhiraj ignored it.
"She's in trouble." Redican started to pace. "She's in trouble and I need to help."
After catching her breath, Jennifer dialed up her dad and directed him over to the address. When he arrived, the three of them watched Redican wear a hole in the street with his pacing.
Jennifer let out a long, slow exhale. "You couldn't have come running after him, too?"
He smiled. "I thought I'd let you run for two."
A video screen on the wall interrupted their conversation. Jennifer hadn't noticed it before, as the monitor seamlessly melded into the brick.
"Excuse me. If you're here for Senator Kable, he's in Philadelphia preparing for the rally."
Kable's house. Of course.
Her father stepped ahead to the screen. "This is Sheriff Norris of the Treasure Sherriff's Department. We'd like to ask you a few questions."
Dhiraj put up his hand from the grass. "Tell her if they have any prisoners to let them go." He coughed again. "And ask if they have water."
The woman on the other end of the screen maintained a neutral demeanor. "I'm sorry, Sherriff Norris, but you'll have to come back in a couple of days when the senator returns."
Jennifer shook her head.
We don't have time for this.
"I'll take it from here, Sheriff." A man who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere put his hand on the sheriff's shoulder.
Jennifer's mouth hung upon. The pacing Redican was gone, replaced by an apparition who looked an awful lot like Senator Kable.
"Marjorie, could you let us all in, dear? I'm afraid I had to leave my car in the city."
Marjorie's eyes widened. "Oh yes, Mr. Senator. Of course."
The gates opened with a squeak. Jennifer and her father stared at Redican with amazement. He smiled. "What can I say? It's way easier to use the key than it is to break the lock."
Jennifer pulled Dhiraj to his feet. Redican disguised as Kable led the way to the front door. Marjorie greeted the group and ushered them inside.
"Senator." Marjorie's voice was laced with concern. "We're surprised to see you here. We thought that you and your wife wouldn't be back–"
Redican cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Marjorie, but we're in a hurry. Can you take us to the girl?"
She looked at Jennifer and her father. Her eyes were wary. "All four of you?"
Redican scowled. "Please, Marjorie, don't waste my time."
She took her eyes from Redican's entourage and nodded profusely. "Yes, Mr. Senator. I'm sorry. Right this way."
Jennifer was amazed by the artwork and craftsmanship she saw on display throughout the house. It looked as though a different decorator had put together each room with a million-dollar budget. Despite the disparity between the rooms, they all still somehow fit together. As they were led down to a basement and a subbasement, Jennifer put her hands on the dark-stained wood that lined the walls. It was decidedly a house of money and secrets.
Marjorie opened a door at the end of a long corridor. Sure enough, Erica was there, lying in a bed with an IV attached to her arm. Jennifer ran past Marjorie and put her arms around Erica, who awoke with a start.
"Erica! Oh my God, I thought you were dead. Again."
Erica's eyes blinked slowly. "Jen." She looked up and met eyes with Redican disguised as the senator. "Why did he let you in?"
Jennifer turned back to see the man who resembled Kable change himself back into his true form. Marjorie gasped until Redican turned his attention on her.
"Be a dear and guard the door, won't you?"
Marjorie's eyes went dead. She nodded mechanically and exited the room.
Erica breathed hard. "So, he's not an evil senator, just an evil teacher. Great trade."
Sheriff Norris inspected the bag that was dripping into Erica's arm. "Evil or not, he led us right to you. What's in this?"
Erica tried to sit up in bed, but Jennifer had to help her get to that position. "Muscle relaxants. Sleeping meds. They've been pumping me with them since I got here."
The sheriff searched through the n
earby medical equipment. He gingerly took out the IV and plugged up the hole with a piece of gauze and a nearby bandage. "Not anymore."
Erica smiled. "Thanks."
Dhiraj scanned the room. "Is Yoshi here, too?"
"He's on the senator's side. The gatekeeper is, too. And Sandra is his wife."
Jennifer's mind buzzed with the new information. "Evil waitress Sandra?"
Erica nodded.
"As if today couldn't get any stranger." Dhiraj sighed. "Are you okay to move?"
Erica took one step off the bed. As she wobbled, Jennifer couldn't help but remember half a dozen nights when she'd had to tend to her tipsy friend.
"I'll manage." Erica took a few deep breaths and shook her head to clear the cobwebs. "Let's get out of here."
Marjorie's scream from the hallway caused all of them to jump. The sound was followed by a thump as a man who vaguely resembled a masculine version of Sela Fortbright entered the room.
"Erica, I see you're up and about." He stepped over Majorie's body on the way inside. "Cal Fortbright, pleased to meet you."
He bowed low before smashing his hand into the wall. Splinters of wood zipped by Jennifer's face as she closed her eyes. When she opened them, she saw the distinct image of the dark soul tattoo on Fortbright's arm.
"Family." Erica took an unsteady step forward. "Of course. You turned your sister. We have you to blame for all of this."
Cal let his teeth show. "We could say the same, I suppose. I've been told to keep watch over you, and kill everyone else who arrives." He looked over at Jennifer and her crew. "I think I'll enjoy following my orders."
Jennifer gulped. Then she clenched her fists. "We're taking her with us!"
Cal Fortbright laughed. "I wasn't asking for volunteers to go first." He took two daggers out of his sheaths. "But you'll do nicely."
Chapter 45
Natalie and Christina tried their best to get a flight out of Ohio. With everything completely booked, they borrowed Harmless Sam's car and headed back to Treasure. When she took one last look at the lush, green campus, Natalie wondered if she'd ever see the school again.
"It's pretty sexy, isn't it?" Christina's smile lit up the vehicle.
Natalie nodded. "That's a good word to describe it." She let out a long breath. "I felt a little out of place, though."
Christina groaned as if she'd been hurt by the comment. "You're the sexiest of them all. You practically led the army of athletes against the bad guys. Everybody wants you back next year."
Natalie figured the school would say that about any top recruit, particularly one with some fighting skills. She wondered what it'd be like to leave Treasure for good. As the biggest fish in the smallest pond, she wasn't sure she was ready.
"I liked them, too."
Natalie was half telling the truth. Everybody at the makeshift party seemed nice, but she certainly didn't make any strong connections.
Christina pried. "But?"
Natalie wished perception didn't run in the Finley family. "But, maybe I can't have a normal life anymore."
Christina scoffed. "First of all, what life is normal? Second of all, what the hell do you mean?"
Natalie laughed. "Look, I know I could probably reach my full potential at a school like Southern Ohio, but maybe there's something happening here that's bigger than basketball."
Christina pursed her lips. "Nat. Just because you used to date Ted does not mean you have to be committed to him."
Natalie growled. "I know that. It isn't about Ted."
"Suuure." Christina made a kissy face. "I bet it has everything to do with saving the world and your high moral code or whatever."
Natalie grumbled and turned up the radio to cover up both their voices.
After a long trip with only one quick stop to use the bathroom, Christina pulled into Natalie's driveway and reached over to give her a hug.
"Nat, you've been training all your life for hoops. Nobody's forcing you to be a superhero's sidekick."
Natalie nodded. "I know. Thanks. And thanks for the ride. Get it back to Harmless Sam in one piece."
Christina pulled back and gave a fake confused look. "I have to give it back? I thought this was payment for us saving his life."
Natalie smirked. "Be nice."
"Always."
Before Christina was even out of view, another car pulled into the driveway. Travis hopped out and picked up her bag right away.
"Hey." Natalie yawned. "Don't expect a tip."
Travis kissed her on the cheek. "I was actually on a panty raid. I'll give you back all the other clothes, I promise."
She smacked him in the shoulder, and they went up to her bedroom. When she removed her light jacket, she inadvertently revealed the blood stains on her t-shirt.
"Jeez, Nat. Maybe you should go to a doctor."
Natalie rolled her eyes. "As if you haven't had worse during a game."
Travis inspected the injury. "We usually don't have to fight off giant lizards on the other team." Travis seemed content with the way the cuts had been bandaged. "It's almost like they followed you there."
Natalie nodded. "I'm just a magnet for crap these days."
Travis sat down on the bed and motioned for her to join him. When she did, his familiar scent filled her nostrils. Having him alone in her bedroom made her want to tear off his shirt. If she wasn't so beat up from the day's events, she might've considered it.
He put his hand on her leg. "I don't think you should do this anymore."
Natalie looked into his eyes. There was genuine concern there. The moment was a far cry from the anger-fueled lust of the college cafeteria kitchen.
"Do what?"
He sighed. "You shouldn't have to fight these things. That's Ted's job."
"The guy who used to run with the GHA actually wants Ted around?"
He squeezed her thigh. "I'm being serious."
"I know, but I don't have a choice. People could've died if I didn't–"
"But what if you'd died?! Where would I be then?"
Natalie couldn't believe it. She actually saw tears in Travis Conner's eyes. It gave her an uncomfortable feeling.
She inched away from him. "I'm sorry, but I'm not going to stop being who I am just because you'll miss out on getting some act–"
"I love you."
If Natalie's emotions were a building, Travis' last three words would've sent the entire thing crumbling to the ground. Her throat closed up. "What?"
"I love you, Natalie. I know you don't feel the same way, but I don't care. I don't want you to die."
She shook her head. "I don't have time for this right now." Natalie picked up her phone. "I've gotta go see where the others are."
She ignored Travis as she walked to the other corner of the room and dialed Ted. While the phone rang, she watched her boyfriend. His eyes were focused squarely on the ground. Ted's phone went to voicemail and she hung up. She tried Dhiraj.
Travis lifted his head. "That's all I get?"
When Dhiraj's phone clicked to voicemail as well, she hung up. "I don't know what you want me to say. I don't love you back? I don't appreciate you trying to stop me from helping my friends? What more do you want, Travis?"
The usual glimmer in his eye had faded. "I guess I hoped you would say it back."
Natalie's mind scrolled back toward the previous year's homecoming dance, when she'd said those three little words to Ted. She never expected to be on the other side of the conversation.
"Look, Travis." When she sat back down on the bed beside him, he sprung up.
"No. It's fine. Go get yourself killed by some monster." He walked to the door and put his hand on the doorway. "Do it for the world." He huffed. "Do it for him."
Natalie's first instinct was to toss the phone into Travis' face, but she resisted. Instead, she stewed as he stomped down the stairs and slammed the front door. Her stomach tightened as the phone buzzed in her hand. It was Ted.
"Hey." Natalie's voice caught in
her throat.
Ted didn't seem to notice. "Hey, are you back?"
"Yeah."
She could hear Ted's smile through the phone. "Ever wanted to see a senator's house?"
Chapter 46
Erica tried her best to shake off the grogginess as Cal Fortbright approached Jennifer near the doorway. She watched as Dhiraj and Sheriff Norris formed a barrier between the dark soul and his intended prey. As much as she'd like to join the wall, she didn't have nearly enough energy to do so.
Erica spoke as defiantly as she could with the drugs coursing through her system. "Doesn't seem like something your sister would do."
Cal planted his feet and growled in Erica's direction. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
Erica took a deep breath and another step forward. "After all the training she got, she'd probably be more confident. I understand why you'd go for the weakest person in the room."
Dhiraj cleared his throat.
Erica rolled her eyes. "Fine, second weakest."
Dhiraj nodded. "Thank you."
Cal changed direction and set his sights on Erica. "You think I can't handle a challenge?"
She crouched down. Even the slight bend of her knees made her feel off-balance. "I know you can't."
A dagger went whizzing toward Erica. She hadn't even seen him throw the blade. At the last second, she spun to the side and the projectile stuck deep into the wall. The dark soul came charging in Erica's direction. Instinct helped her to block a swipe with the other blade that was aimed at her head. She used all her strength to slam her hand into his wrist, and the dagger tumbled to the ground. Fortbright faked an ankle kick and punched Erica's chin so hard, she nearly made contact with the ceiling when she left her feet. Her back crashed into the wooden floor, causing a dull pain between her shoulder blades. As much as the drugs were killing her reaction time, at least they deadened the pain on impact. As Erica scrambled to her feet, she heard the sheriff pull the gun from his holster.
"Stay where you are." The sheriff tightened his grip on the weapon. "Back away or I'm gonna–"
Cal moved with unbelievable speed, ducking out of the sheriff's line of sight and crushing his hands with a powerful blow. The gun flew into the corner of the room as Cal sent a kick to the sheriff's gut. When he hit the ground, Jennifer stepped in.
