the rise of wrose

Introduction
	
	I've called this an introduction and not a prologue because I think it's best to introduce myself before I start explaining my story. My name is Jessica Wrose but I usually insist people call me Jessie. I'm not from where you are currently, I am from a parallel world which seems to be further forward in time but that does not make my dimension more advanced in all ways. So any names or products I mention that exist in my dimension are sometimes similar but that is purely coincidental.

	The reason I'm writing my story is as a warning; things are pretty messed up in my dimension. Here we have people like you normals completely ordinary in every way but they are becoming more and more rare. More and more abnormals are walking this world. 
	
	Back in 2117 cancer was cured a strain of H.I.V. Was mutated to attack and destroy cancer cells but it also caused a super virus that would attack and kill all of your organs as soon as your hormones settled as you became an adult and it cost my dimension nearly 9 billion people when our population had been an estimated 14 billion. Not many adults survived the whole world raced for a cure but it was difficult or so I was told because we lost many great scientists to the Addi-Age Virus. I'm grateful to say it was done though in 2124 as I am currently twenty one years old as I write this in our year 2148.

	Once again the cure came at a cost I'm not a scientist so bare with me, The virus would attach itself into the core DNA just like some strains of Cancer so the cure mutated the DNA to nullify the virus, we are all infected but no one dies from the virus now, we are all born with it no one contracts it like a cold or the initial H.I.V. Strain. So every child when they were born were given the treatment. A series of shots is given over the child’s first year of life. 

	My world is not a post-apocalyptic world it has thrived because of the abnormals. Changes to the DNA resulted into most of those given the vaccine becoming more then the normal human and whilst we now genetically passed down the cure we could also do things that could only be found in your dimensions movies or comic books.
	
	Our government rounds up those special ones so they can exploit our abnormalities which is why my world is thriving, each unique but similar powers to turn up now and again or different version and Pandora collects them all, well all they deem useful or can catch. My parents realised after my little sister was taken from them that I would be collected soon after when my abilities started to show and I have been on the run ever since looking for Lilly my little sister.



















Chapter 1

I had come to help had come to free Doc’s, a friend and leader of an underground abnormal warehouse's, daughter. His daughter had fallen in the wrong crowd with a psychotic weapons expert who had pretended to be an abnormal with a power to exceed normal ability with weapons who was trying to collect the bounty on all the abnormals Doc protected.

The house was suddenly immersed in sound Doc sat next to me hiding behind a shot to hell couch. Bullets flew over our heads. I replaced the empty magazine in my handgun and sighed in pain in my arm was shot to hell just like the couch. Doc’s eyes looked almost glazed over a body lay close to the couch of one of the two back-up men we had brought with us.

I raised my gun ignoring the pain and finding a new store of determination I turned round and shot over the couch. The shot went wide and hit a photo frame of some meaningless picture. I looked down the barrel breathed out slowly and pulled the trigger. Blood splattered everywhere and the old memory faded.

I woke to the annoying buzz of the clock and looked above my head to read the projection of my alarm clock. Seven in the morning great time to get up, I used to be a morning person but not in a long time. I groan as I climb out of my very inviting bed and walk over to the built in robe. The panels on the front were mirrors I looked at my reflection for a restless nights sleep I didn’t look bad. Blond messy and wavy hair that never did what I wanted, bright blue green eyes and I’m annoyingly short with a curvaceous figure I’m determined would look better if I was even half a foot taller.

Sighing I move away from the mirror and turn on the shower, the water was set to my morning temperature. After a bit more dragging my feet I dis-robed and climbed in the water, it felt good but made me more eager to climb back in bed rather than go out for the day. I cleaned up taking extra care with the scars along my arms from all the battles I had been stupid enough to get involved in.

Climbing out I towel dry and brush my hair and just braid it the water should keep it together for awhile, anyone with wavy hair knows how annoying it is to get it to do anything right. I quickly applied some basic make-up I don’t really know why it’s more habit than anything. I get dressed in my usual suit like attire I wear for these little trips into hell. I live in the middle of Krynthian City so it’s the best way not to stand out. The base for the abnormal H.Q. Otherwise known as Pandora has an office in every major town and I thought my sister would be here.

The H.Q. is where I’m headed today to meet a friend I made a few months back, sounds weird I know but some of the captives know they are just captives. His name is Specks, well that’s what he introduced himself as, his power is astounding he has an I.Q. beyond anything a twelve year old should ever even come close to he completed year 12 back when he was 3. He mainly works with gadgets now which has come in handy but I had to just get him out of there.

I completed my outfit with the usually artillery one 9 millimetre browning in a shoulder holster and a short dagger in my right boot. I straightened back up and took a deep breath and stared at my reflection if I ever went out purely as myself I don’t think anyone from my past would even recognise me even without the illusions. With that thought I left my room and entered the main area of my apartment. 

I poured myself a coffee from the automatic machine that had turned on when my alarm had gone off in my room the apartment was almost completely electronic. It could take care of itself but I didn’t like the idea of actually having a hologram walk around the house washing my clothes and what not so I tended to keep the place pretty tidy. 

“House weather all day,” My glass wall with the patio doors suddenly filled with a run down of the whole day’s weather in fast forward and a top and lowest temperature. Sunny day ahead cool no rain to worry about. Going to be a big day even without having to worry about rain. The smart computers were still too advanced for me to know how they worked.

I gathered up my keys and burner cell sighing slightly, after I placed my coffee cup on the clean white benches I regretted having to leave so early then headed to my front door. Penthouse apartment on the twelfth floor, stairs are just a bad joke, I pressed the button on the elevator and was surprised when it hit my floor seconds later. I shouldn’t have been because when the doors opened I found it wasn’t empty.

Inside was a kid from a few floors down, sometimes he rides the elevator up and down whilst his parents argue. He’s probably around ten and I’ve been told he’s slightly empathic though because he’s harmless he is just left to his own devices though he is monitored probably only until he becomes useful but monitored is bad so we don’t talk much. I gave him a smile as I walked in beside him he hit first floor and the doors slid shut.

Technology may not have advanced very much but the elevator rides are faster and a little smoother than they used to be 100 years ago. I still hate that feeling like the floors going to drop out just as you hit your floor. It took only seconds to hit the first floor I nodded and smiled and left the elevator. I walked across the lobby and took no notice of the doorman or the security guard and just took my leave.

I stood for a second looking longingly at the bakery across the street then went on my way. When I said I wanted to be close I wasn’t kidding four minutes walk and I’d be there I slowly concentrated on blending my appearance into that of an old cleaning lady. The best thing about the city was everyone scurried around like ants is they never take much notice of the people around them but I did get a wink from a nearby busker with a strangely haunting voice.

By the time I had reached the building I was unrecognisable, I slid around the back of the building to the service entrance and hung around for a bit before I worked up my nerve to tackle this head on. I don’t know why when I have been doing this for the past year every week or so it still scared the hell out of me. It was on one of my rounds that Specks caught me I had been in his lab snooping and pretending to clean when he had turn on a machine that startled me and made my illusion blink for a second, he had just stood there laughing and we have been friends ever since. 

Thinking of him gave me the nerve I needed to work up the nerve to go in and as soon as I swiped my stolen key card I had a brief adrenaline rush. Smiling to myself I opened the door to my version of hell.	There was an elevator on the first floor, which I usually avoided but today I felt more confident as another cleaning lady sauntered up. She pressed the button for up, her oversized trolley would come in use so I concentrated on her desires and realised she was overdue for a smoke break. I made her imagine her boss had just called over the radio saying it was break time, her sudden need was so strong she left the trolley and walked off before the elevator even arrived.

Better tone it down unless I want to get caught I thought. Once inside the elevator I pressed the third floor button I was headed for one of the basement levels eventually but first I’d at least try and blend in. The doors opened on the third floor and I spent half an hour emptying trash cans and cleaning desks hoping to pick up any interesting information. The office was filled with the suit clad agents, some normal and some abnormals sometimes it gets hard to tell which is which but a furry green guy walked past and I had to stifle a giggle; he looked more like a stuffed toy than an agent.

I decided it was time to go back to the elevator. It took me awhile to find the elevators and even longer for the doors to open just as the doors were closing after me I just happened to hear a voice “Hold the elevator please,” Ah crap I’d be remembered if I didn’t so I had no choice. Regrettably a suit walked in with a smirk and nodded his thanks.

It just happened to be none other than the head agent himself Josh Carruthers. He was an abnormal and from what I had heard he also had the highest number of captures of his own kind. My first instinct was to shoot him right then and there in the elevator, his ability was x-ray vision and that is the last thing I needed right now. 

So I showed him something as if it was a memory that he had left something important on his desk. He didn’t even think twice he left the elevator on the next lower floor. And I hit 3B and watch him run towards the stairs as the elevator doors closed.

Specks was used to me so I knew I wouldn’t have to drop my illusion for him to know it’s me which means if anyone else unexpectedly walks in I’ll still be in disguise. Sometimes he can be tricky though so I have to stay on my guard.

Shrugging it off I kept going I was early for the meeting but I didn’t really care. Better to be early than late I still don’t believe in the concept of fashionably late. Specks wouldn’t mind he’s more or less used to me though he seems to see me as an elder figure or big sister. As the doors opened to the third basement level the smell of freshly baked cookies and bread thickened the air. I instantly became calm which wasn’t my doing but for some reason I didn’t really care.

“Early again really? Get a life,” Specks pre-teen voice announces as I enter his lab. I don’t actually know his exact age so I’ve always assumed he’s about twelve or lower. I don’t actually see him.

“What are you doing?” I ask facing the spot where he usually stands. Like a light turning on the bakery smell just suddenly vanishes and there he stood. He also looked mildly disappointed.

“How did you know?” he asked shuffling his feet.
“You always stand there when I turn up, and the smell gave away that you were up to something,” I said making my voice just sound bored.
He chuckled to himself and then looked me in the eyes.
“So what did it smell like?” he questioned.
“A bakery,” I simply replied though I had a puzzled face.
“It’s supposed to smell like the thing you want. So I suppose you’re a bit hungry then,” he said pleased.
“Good thing I didn’t want the toilet,” I laughed. Not seeing the sparkle that just lit up in his eyes.

He handed me a biscuit that had been on a plate on his desk with only a few on the plate there was no way in hell I was going to eat it. In that aspect he was a normal kid you put food in front of him he will eat it till its gone. He had already moved on to tinker with something else. He always tries to get me with this kind of thing. I didn’t want to know what the real ingredients were in the biscuit and what the effects would have been. Last time it was a lollipop and I lost three days and didn’t wake up alone. Not something I was keen to repeat.

He smiled to himself fully aware that I had not even attempted to eat it. He is crazy and it’s not safe to forget that around him but he also had a heart of gold so it was easy to. I thought to myself that if he kept tinkering today I would have to leave soon or end up in trouble.

Suddenly the doors opened and trouble walked in the door. I hadn’t realised that the calm smell thing earlier had made me drop my disguise. By the time I realised it had it was already to late, Agent Josh Carruthers was calm and casual as if he usually came here but Specks had never mentioned him after my close call earlier that day safe to say I was a little pissed at Specks.

“You new?” Josh asked me, well I was dressed like the run of the mill agent but I had never expected to need to use such a basic version of disguise. I simply nodded and went to leave.

“This is her,” Specks says and shoots me a worried look then he says to me “Don’t worry he’s on our side he wants out too.” Yeah I can’t even describe the paralysing fear that spread through my limbs, in an instant it could turn to shoot and run instinct but I couldn’t make it happen. Specks was giving me the puppy dog I swear I did the right thing face.

I forced myself to turn and look at Josh for the first real time. Brown hair light grey eyes genuine smile and glasses pushed up on his head. He had that type of skin that’s permanently tanned and he was muscled enough that it’s noticeable but not enough to make him intimidating. Something wasn’t quite right with the look he was giving me. Adoration or hope had filled his eyes whilst and awed smile showed slightly it was creepy to see and I don’t know how so much emotion can show on one person. What the hell had Specks told him about me had been all I could think.

I watched him as he watched me we were both looking for flaws or weakness or maybe I was and he was just looking at me like I was his salvation. Specks was covered in scars from his time in the HQ but Josh had none, well probably no visible ones I’ve never asked what they do to abnormals here but I know it isn’t good.

“So friend or do I kill you now?” I asked Josh.
“Friend, definitely friend,” he replied voice quavering slightly. The look he was still giving me wasn’t quite right; I’m nobody’s saviour. Thankfully he turned away from me to Specks,

“Sorry I’m late, I forgot something but I’m not sure what,” he said looking puzzled, he shook his head as if trying to clear it.
“Crap, Sorry that’s my fault,” I laughed but refrained from explaining, Specks just smiled and shrugged. I decided that Josh was going to at least be harmless enough for me to be able to leave.

“I’m going, you seem to be fine and making new friends apparently just try and keep it to just the one thanks,” I said to Specks in a kind of parental voice. He nodded and I headed out.

“I have the afternoon off would you like to go for a coffee?” Josh asked looking hopeful I needed to get out of here so I just nodded. I was hungry and there was a coffee shop near by that would be safe either way. I waved to Specks who just smiled at me.

Getting back in the elevator I changed back into my disguise and the look on Josh's face said he finally understood the joke.














Chapter 2

Getting back to the street was easier with a well-known agent by my side. Dropping the disguise gradually as we walked along I had to slow my pace down to keep in time with Josh's casual stroll there was something about him that’s just slightly arrogant but in an endearing way. He had pulled down his glasses to hide his eyes but I could see them if I concentrated hard enough.

	“I’m Josh by the way, Specks never told me your name or your powers just that you could help,” he smiled as he spoke.
	“Can we wait till we are inside before we do introductions please?” I asked him but I really didn’t want an answer, he should know his bosses have an annoying tendency to have their employees followed. 

	We walked into the cosy warm coffee shop and were immediately greeted by an over eager waitress. She led us to a booth at the back, which is what I would have asked for anyway. After we sat down Josh took the liberty of ordering a pot of coffee for the table and some assortment of biscuits they were going to be safer than the ones Specks had offered me earlier so that sounded great. After the waitress had brought our order I expanded an illusion across not just me but our booth so we could have total privacy. To everyone else it looked like a boring meeting with boring looking businessmen and nobody including Josh noticed the illusion going up.

	“Jessie, illusions and manipulation through illusions obviously. That’s all you’re getting till I know you better” I said sighing and clutching my coffee.
	“Yeah that’s fine but is that really your name?” He asked looking curious, “you look more like a Clare or a Katherine or something,” he added casually. That took me by surprise. I remember thinking random.
	“Hey what ever works for you, try those names with Specks and he’ll probably just laugh at you,” I really didn’t care but it was nice to know that people wont believe me even if I tell them my real name.

	“So I’ve always been curious, would you happen to know if your power works through my illusions?” I asked deciding it was better to know now rather than later.
	“Not sure, try me?” He smirked.

	“Already have one up and you haven’t noticed so do you want two?” I said thinking take that smug bastard.
	“Oh, so this isn’t how you usually look, I thought you were a bit too cute,” He smirked, I will always hate that smirk.

	“Your kind of annoying you know, but yes this is what I look like, but no one other than you can see me like this right now and you can only see me because you are in the illusion too, everyone else just see two businessmen talking. No one here can see you or me,” I explained watching the smug look melt off his face.

	“Umm then how am I supposed to check?” he asked looking very much humbled. I grabbed a biscuit and polished it off as quick as politeness would allow. Then I took a deep breath and shifted in my seat turning myself into an imperfect copy of Specks. The energy required for making an illusion within an illusion is more than I usually bother with but I had been training with my powers for a long time so it was no more effort than lifting a stack of street directories. 

	“Ok now see if you can find my gun,” I instructed Specks voice coming from my throat, that part always takes me by surprise. The celebrated Pandora agent nodded and concentrated.
	“Umm, I don’t think so, I think a see a screwdriver in the opposite pocket but even your bone structure seems to have changed, strangely enough,” He seemed so baffled that I couldn’t help but assume he was being completely truthful.

	“Curious,” I said out loud dropping Specks illusion. That could mean one of two things either my illusions are so advanced that I work down to the bones and the idle objects that such a person would carry, or something too strange to imagine. What if this power isn’t basic illusion what if it is more?

	“That’s insane,” Josh laughed, “It’s a good thing they have never found you they would love this power over all others,” My whole body tensed and I felt like every hair on my body stood on end and I couldn’t help but reach for the closest gun I could.

	“Now that’s no way to convince a girl to trust you, you should be a little more careful General,” I said the last word with almost a snarl. He flinched, he then realised I knew every rumour about him, what he was who he was and that I was not impressed with my new acquaintance.

	General had been the pet name those in the outer camps had given him mostly because he was in charge of most raids handing innocent abnormals to his boss. He handed our kind over without a second thought and now he’s looking for a way out I need to know why if I’m going to trust him. But so far he hadn’t really done anything to convince me he was out to get me and Specks did vouch for him. Damn I was never made for that covert shit. 

	‘I was introduced to Specks two months ago,” Josh started explaining solemnly, “when they left us alone he drugged me or something and then I just started talking and I couldn’t stop. I told him everything and how I really felt about it all, you just can’t undo some-things you know even if it wasn’t my choice I still cant undo it.” He stared at his hands as if they were soaked in blood he just couldn’t wash of, I had met other agents when I was in disguise but this reaction was actually new to me.

	“So what convinced him to introduce you to me?” I asked.
	“He made me do things and then tested me saying it was all routine,” he started, “then one day after a bad raid he pulled me aside and promised me hope. He said if he thought it was best he would introduce me to his hope,” his hands were covering his face but I had an idea of the expression he was hiding. How could you not want to help someone that broken.

	“He had one condition though, well not really condition just a threat or maybe more, I just don’t know,” he dropped his hands and tried to shake off a thought that seemed to have confused him.
	“Well what exactly did he say?” I tilted my head as I asked.

	“If I rat him out or anyone he knows, he’ll set of a device he's implanted in me that will turn me blind. Then it would slowly poison me and basically eat me from the inside out,” he almost choked when he said that it would turn him blind. Looking back now I understand, whilst his grey eyes were nice (ok screw it, beautiful) to look at his power resided in them to lose them would be to turn him normal. His greatest fear was to be normal.

	“Sounds like his style though I didn’t know he had his hands on nano-techs, let me guess the device activates if you try to get it out?” I asked but I had a feeling if I went to far into it I would reveal the biggest bluff Specks has ever played he refuses to kill even to protect himself. Josh just nodded and took a swig of his coffee as if it was something stronger. I let him be while he stared off into space.

	“How old are you?” Josh asked breaking the silence.
	‘Twenty one, and you?” with no reason to lie I asked his age.

	“Twenty two, you look younger,” he stated smiling at me.
	“You look older,” I smirked but I avoided his gaze and picked up a chocolate biscuit that tasted like heaven.

	“Not all scars are as visible as Specks,” he said losing his smile, the way he said it sounded like it should have explained everything. I did understand though I remember thinking to myself that he sincerely wanted out and that for some reason I did want to help but I was going to take this slow.

	“So what else is left to say to prove I can trust you?” I asked looking straight into those sad eyes. He mulled it over dropping his gaze to his now empty cup he was slowly turning and sighed.

	“I don’t know what I could say, all I know is I can’t live like this anymore and I don’t know about you but I’ve never heard of an agent retiring to anything but the morgue,” He tried to sound light hearted. I couldn’t help but think he does have a point.

	“What will you gain by leaving?” I asked (stupid I know).

	“A life, freedom and a chance to be a good person?” he made it sound like a question but I had to burst his bubble.
“You realise freedom might still be a long way off even if we escaped tomorrow, we might be on the run for years to come are you going to be ok with that?” I explained and also asked him that defining question.

	“There has to be something anything better than this,” Josh looked at me with that hopeful look again. It was a good answer but I couldn’t help but feel that in some aspects this guy was younger than I was he seemed naive almost. I couldn’t say that the years I had already spent in hiding had been that great. If there was a place safe for people like me somewhere in this world I would have gone there years ago but there isn’t.

	“You realise my eventual plan is to crash your employers all of them so that there is some sort of hope for peace for us abnormals. I’m not looking to run away and go into hiding; I’ve been doing that for years. I’m tired of waiting for the change nobody else seems to be able to make,” I got really annoyed as I said it not at him but at the world for this injustice. Safe to say I’m passionate about finally getting to live like a human being and not a criminal.

	“So what is your life like?” he asked looking hopeful.
	
	“I spend a lot of time doing exactly as I did today, checking on abnormals and finding any information I can on your bosses but from what I can tell its all smoke and mirrors and no one knows who is in charge. I bet you don’t even know,” I made it more of a statement then a question and the look on his face said he really didn’t know. I was a little more open then I meant to be but this guy was growing on me.

	The agent across from me was the biggest of the bad agents and he was sitting here like a lost puppy or an abused orphan. He was looking at me like I was his ticket to a new home but I don’t know how much I could do to help. I would rather take home a German shepherd that ate my shoes over this mess but it didn’t look like I had a choice.

	“Fine, I’ll do what I can to help you but I can’t make any promises,” I sighed audibly, I looked him straight in the eyes. He frowned at first but then as what I had said sank in his whole demeanour changed. Josh’s eyes lit up and he smiled one of those smiles that go all the way through, a genuine smile. Some tension I hadn’t noticed melted off him. 

	“Thank you,” it seemed to be all he could say.
	“Don’t thank me yet,” I said as I stood up and started to leave. He just stared for a moment looking thrilled.
	“How do I reach you?” He asked finding his words.
	“You don’t, I’ll contact you or Specks. Specks does have a way to contact me in emergencies so just let him know. Do not bother him with minor bumps or bruises ok only emergencies,” I said it in a strict voice. I walked over to his side of the booth and put my hand on his shoulder trying to reassure the sad look that had crept into his eyes.

	“I’ll see you soon,” I said and left. One or two laps of the block and I should shake his followers. Then I can head home it had only been a couple hours since I left this morning, but hell it had been a long day. I still needed to head to the shooting range for a bit of practice so home to grab my stuff first then some therapeutic shooting sounds great.
















Chapter 3

	The next day I was no closer to anything resembling a plan after finishing up at the shooting range I had spent the night writing down ideas and throwing them in the fire when I found a flaw. The flaw that seemed to haunt even my most elaborate plan seemed to be what next, like I said earlier there’s not really a safe place for people like us. Well not one I had heard of at the time I decided that I needed more information.

	So my plan for today was feet to pavement well not literally, I had to check on a compound of abnormals out past the city borders anyway so maybe they had a few leads for me. At the same time a nice drive might do me some good. My head was almost spinning after the sleep I didn’t get so coffee then shower, then go.

	Dressed a little more casually then yesterday in jeans, boots and black v-neck shirt with my bike jacket and helmet on the counter near the front door I chose my weapons. Two light glock's and a back up small revolver in a boot and two wrist sheaths the jacket would hide. I didn’t usually carry this much but after the day before I was a little bit spooked.

	I slipped on my jacket and grabbed my helmet and keys and exited my apartment the black door looking my like my safe haven as I closed and locked my front door. The elevator was thankfully empty this time I hit the garage button and waited as the doors closed. The elevator ride was quick and I barely had time to think before the doors opened. The light flicked on as I stepped out guess I was the first one down here today, I thought to myself.

	My bike was just a black Honda a 180 because I’m so tiny other than that your better off asking the operator’s manual what model she was. I shifted my hair out of my face and placed the helmet over my head. 

	Revving her engine I felt complete. Everything faded as she roared to life. I walked her backward out of my parking spot and drove to the garage exit. I clicked the little button on the top of my fuel tank that opened the garage door she was too light for the sensors to pick her up but I wouldn’t trade her for a car. Living in the city it’s just easier to walk most places those I couldn’t it was easier to get there by motorbike. Riding my bike was great; it made me feel normal. I felt like a normal reckless twenty one year old.

	Dirt fields and barb wire fences let me know I was getting closer. I came across this group by accident after I heard rumours in the HQ in the city. I say by accident because I went for a ride thinking they wouldn’t be so hard to find then ran out of fuel on the way back from checking a more remote location. The abnormals there had been kind enough to help me out once I proved I was one of them but more so to get me to leave it took probably sixth months or so before they trusted me enough to let me in.

	Next thing I noticed was sirens and fire trucks off of the main road blocking of the road that led to the compound I was currently headed to. That was not a good sign so I jumped off my bike and stashed it behind the only shrub big enough to hide it for about two kilometres. I stashed my helmet next to it my jacket was bulky and had kevlar inserts so it would probably come in handy.
	Sure enough on the other side of the fire trucks was Josh in full raid gear addressing a group of similarly garbed officers I had taken on an illusion of invisibility not perfect but it’s more just making people not want to look at me. I had been told it was almost ghostlike but you never remember what the ghost looked like or that you had even seen it if you blinked. 

	Josh may hate his job but I have to admit he was good at it. Everyone was hanging on his every instruction, from my time observing them I knew it was just the standard stuff about not knowing there powers and to be prepared for anything and using only heavy tranquilizer rounds.

	This was bad, my first thought was to stick with these guys and try and free as many as I could but then Josh started talking about escape routes to the officers and I had a second idea. I took off like a bat out of hell and just ran. I barely had time to think as I rounded the corner of the warehouse. I ripped open the small door, which is usually pretty well guarded, but today was completely free. 

	“EVACUATE NOW, AGENTS ARE COMING,” I screamed as loud as I could. A mass of frightened faces turned to look at me and their leader Doc saw it was me yelling and got everyone to do as I said. Within seconds they were filing out of a hatch door that led to a tunnel that was about five kilometres long and took them out of the line of fire.

	Next was the best part of my plan. According to Josh's speech he was going to be one of the first in the room so this was going to be fun. If he had told me about this raid yesterday I could have had more time to get them out without the theatrics. The best way to make sure everyone was out would be to hide him or her in an illusion so none of the agents caught a straggler. I could leave via the front door when they were done, using the right disguise but I was going to get back at Josh for not telling me first.

	When nearly all of the occupants of the warehouse had filed out I heard the footsteps outside and I saw the smoke bomb fly in the door. It wouldn’t affect me because with illusions I could just hide the smoke as it faded I saw the agents file in I was hidden and so were the five remaining occupants. 

I urged them on and turned to face Josh. The room was filled with bunk beds but I left them so that the agents wouldn’t come rushing towards me. I pulled out one of my glocks just in-case all hell broke loose.

Josh, however was the only person to walk into the centre where I stood on my own as he did I shifted the illusion so he could see me. Only he could, and I have to say the face he made was priceless. I had an evil smile on my face and my gun pointed straight at his uncovered head. The last of the occupants were gone, if all hell broke loose and I couldn’t trust him after all they were safe.

“I don’t understand,” he pretended to say to himself. Point for him but I disappeared into another ghost illusion and walked up right beside him and got close enough to touch my gun placed at the nape of his neck.
“You will,” I answered breaking the illusion enough so he could hear me. He smiled and turned to his team.

“They must have had a look out that spotted us, they are long gone by now boys pack it up and head out, there is no traces here,” he said clearly and loudly. Good I thought we needed a chance to talk. The team of officers muttered to themselves but listened to what he said none the less.

“You still here?” he asked quietly when all had left. I laughed and dropped all the illusions my gun still pointed straight at his head. 

“You sure have a funny way of making me trust you,” I made it sound like a joke but he could tell I was angry. He hung his head a little and looked at me with that puppy dog look.

“The raid wasn’t my idea and I didn’t know about it till last night I swear,” he said hurriedly as if he thought I was just going to execute him but to be honest I hadn’t thought of killing him.

“Do you really think I would have stuck around and talked to you like this if I really thought it was your fault. For future notice this is an emergency when I would expect you to contact me,” I growled slightly. I’m a tiny girl but I seem to intimidate him I thought as I saw him actually flinch away from me. I lowered my gun and walked around to stand in front of him.

“I can make sure they don’t search too hard but I can’t help you more than that,” Josh seemed to think I was hiding people still.
“No need, by now everyone would be long gone,” I smiled and rolled my shoulders to relax a little. As I watched him I realised this hadn’t had the effect I had wanted from this he needed to realise I was bigger and badder than he was.

I tilted my head and mentally smashed him from all sides with a vision of pitch black and complete silence. It was something I had developed to mirror most people’s worst fear of death, the nothing. All of his senses were blocked and I watched as his smiled faded and he tried to silently scream. He started shaking and I knew I had to release him now or I could possibly turn him permanently deaf or blind.

I released Josh slowly to avoid hurting him or sending him into shock. He took a deep breath and shuddered, Josh looked like he was going to be sick so I changed my tactic and surrounded him with everything you would find in a tropical paradise even the smells and sounds. I did feel a little guilty from torturing him so it helped my conscience. Josh took a deep breath and seemed to relax.

“I can lock you in your worst nightmare or let you wonder in you own version of heaven till you go insane. This is not the extent of my power never forget that,” I whispered in his ear as I made the illusion slip away and left becoming just a ghost again.




















Chapter 4

I don’t know what made my temper snap that day or why I went to such an extreme to prove a point but safe to say I needed to lye low and regain my strength. What I did to Josh had drained me of so much strength I had barely been able to ride my bike back to the apartment let alone do laps to make sure I wasn’t followed.

I think I punished Josh for something he couldn’t change, I punished him for being an agent. I hurt him for all those abnormals he had captured hurt or even killed. Till the point I was standing before him watching him try to hunt us down I hadn’t realised what he was. I never thought we could be friends but damn I had wanted to help him. Josh hadn’t betrayed me, well not on purpose but I just wanted someone to hurt as much as I had. So he wore something he didn’t deserve, well not entirely I’d have to apologise or at least be nice next time I saw him but after I’ve recovered.

I hadn’t heard from the warehouse’s occupants but I’m sure I would have if they needed help. Doc was in charge and he had a second base down in a suburban area where I could find him most nights so I knew they would be fine, he's a smart man.

So I stayed home, I slept nearly two days straight I did have to get up occasionally due to basic human needs like eating and drinking. On the third day I dragged myself into the shower and later sat in front of the fire. I would have watched television but for some reason they still hadn’t made remotes voice controlled and I was too tired for a hunt down the back of my black leather recliners to find it.

I had been in front of the fire maybe an hour before my main burner cell started blaring at me from the counter. I was wrapped up in blankets so I tripped and nearly fell on my face when I first got up but I got there in time to answer. Never said I was graceful.

“Hello?” I answered quietly.
“Jessie it’s Specks. What have you done to Joshie? He’s been in here like four times today alone to ask if I had heard from you and when you’re coming in next,” Specks said as fast as possible but slow enough that I could understand.

“I taught him a lesson,” I spoke clearly, feeling less guilty.
“Should I just tell him to get lost?” Specks laughed, I couldn’t help noticing he liked it when he wasn’t the one in trouble.
“Tell him to meet me at the coffee shop tomorrow at twelve,” I was too exhausted to see Josh today.

“Thank you, dude was getting on my nerves anyway I’ve sent something to the postal locker near the train station for you. A kind of apology for involving him and by the sounds of your voice you could use it, don’t worry the label says exactly what it does,” Specks said before I was left with the beeping of him hanging up. We didn’t waste time with good byes; it made him feel like I’d never see him again so for Specks I didn’t bother with it.

“Shit,” I yawned then reluctantly went to put on more than pyjama pants and tank top. My post office was halfway across town because I was careful. That was now a pain in the ass. I dragged my feet to my bedroom and just worse basic jeans and blue shirt with a gun hidden by a specially tailored jacket. I barely looked at what the gun was more habit to just have one now, I felt very old that day or maybe just very jaded.

I had to run back into the apartment when I realised I had forgotten my phone and wallet, I don’t tend to carry them but today better safe than sorry, besides I was going to need a taxi so money is probably a plus. 

Out on the street I hailed the nearest taxi. Traffic is always bad in the city and there was no way in frozen hell I was walking that day. We got there pretty quickly so I handed him a twenty and said keep the change. I got out and waited for him to leave before running across the road, I don’t rip off hard workers and I only technically rob banks but I don’t empty out anyone’s actual account.

I've never really seen any bad results from it, I go in talk to someone about a loan or something in a false name and they never actually interact with their computer but still hand me the money thinking it's all above board. So I'm never low on funding.

Hurrying over to the massive wall covered in those metal post boxes I pulled out my key card I scanned the card and box 254 opened to reveal two letters and a slightly fatter envelope. Two were just blank envelopes I had always told Specks to put in there to disguise the real package. I grabbed the package looking envelope that Specks had sent me.

I opened it throwing the packaging in a nearby trash can and pocketing a small case and a note and walked over to a nearby coffee shop. I ordered a strong cappuccino and sat at the back of the shop. I opened the case inside was a syringe and a vial of liquid the case was light and plastic so there was no chance of a trace on it and the note just said, diluted adrenaline –S.  

I decided to just stick to the coffee for now but I knew he was trying to make up for the other day so I’d say thank you but I wouldn’t use it. I felt better after drinking my coffee so I took the long way home taking a taxi but I jumped out early and walked through the garden in the city square on my way home.

When I got home I actually felt well enough to do a small workout so I went to my spare room where I kept a treadmill, a boxing bag and a small weights set. I spent about an hour in there before ordering delivery Chinese and pouring myself a glass of wine. 
					******
My alarm was flashing with this annoying beep sounding through the room. I groaned and stared at the time, it took awhile before I realised what it said eleven thirty five suddenly became readable. Oh crap I jumped out of bed how could I have slept that late. I have to meet Josh in less half an hour.

With no time for a shower and brushed my unruly hair into the usual ponytail braid, there wasn’t any way I was taking the time to intricately braid it properly. I decided to dress as a normal person today I grabbed a loose blue dress and hid a gun on a thigh holster not the most comfortable thing to wear but for some reason I felt like being girly today. It was a rather hot day so I left it at that well I added black slip on shoes and shoulder bag with a small throwing knife just in-case.

I grabbed my keys and wallet as I turned to leave but with a quick look at the windows I grabbed a pair of sunglasses and left. I admit to anyone but Josh that I practically ran to the coffee shop. I hate being late with a passion, especially when I’m nervous. I don’t know why I was nervous or why Josh wanted to see me but I’d be damned if he was going to beat me there.

Opening the door I was surprised that I had in fact beaten him there that being said the place was fairly empty. Suddenly the thought that it may be a trap entered my mind. Yeah nice one Jessie invite him to a venue then leave him enough time to create a trap, oh hell why didn’t I think of that before, still cursing myself I sat down in a booth and ordered the same thing as last time.

The overly helpful waiter tried to linger at first but when I asked for two coffee cups that he finally walked away pretty quickly to fill my order. I had to shift uncomfortably but I pulled my gun out of the holster and hid it under my purse next to me. I thought to myself why are there never any of those big fancy napkins here I can hide my gun under like in the movies?

Twelve o’clock hits and almost a second later Josh walks in he’s looks anxious at first but he relaxes and walks over as soon as he sees me. There was a bit of a clunk of coffee cups as the waiter notices my company has arrived. None the less the waiter delivers our jug of coffee and assorted biscuits.

Using the milk and sugar that had already been left at the table I made myself a coffee and ignored Josh for the time being. He started to squirm just a bit then took my lead and poured himself a coffee. The coffee house was one of those cosy ones where none of the cups or cutlery matched my blue cup had some old writing on it about not being a morning person. 

“Hey,” Josh says after I’ve taken my first sip.
“Hello,” I replied coldly.
“I have a favour to ask,” He said not looking me in the eye.
“Well what is it?” I asked surprised at the turn of events.

“There’s an abnormal serial killer on the loose, well he’s an abnormal but he's killing normals and we can’t even get close to him…” he trailed of as he realised I was glaring at him with a half-eaten biscuit in my hand.

“Damn it Josh you could have at least waited till I finished a biscuit before talking about serial killers,” I sighed putting the remains of my biscuit on a saucer next to me. Serial killers don’t make most people hungry well I had heard of one maybe fictional character who would have but not me. 

“Sorry but this is a huge deal,” He said nervously.
“And what has it got to do with me?” I couldn’t help but ask. He placed a file in front of me I hadn’t noticed he was carrying. Strange I’m usually more observant.
“Please just look at it then decide if you can help,” he begged quietly lowering his voice, probably good choice. I was avoiding using illusions today to save my strength.

“I wont walk him to your’ bosses and I don’t kill so I really don’t see how much help I can be.” I informed him.
“You could help me catch him and I’ll take him in trust me this guy does not deserve to be free the least we can do is take him to jail he's breaking the law either way,” Josh's eyes were pleading even. I could at least have a look for him. Damn grey eyes.

“Is this why you wanted to meet up, to have me clean up your mess?” I asked tapping the folder in front of me.
“Actually no, after the other day I wanted to check there was no bad blood between us and that you were ok. I also wanted to tell you what you did was amazing,” he blushed as he said the last. Strange I thought it was not the reaction I had expected.

“Well I did easily,” I lied smiling; I wasn’t going to tell him how hard it was and how tired it had made me.
“I’m glad,” Josh said as he reached across placing his hands on mine, which were resting on the folder. 

“Be careful, whatever you decide, with this,” he gestured to the folder than put his hands back on his side of the table. I just nodded I don’t usually let people touch me so I was a little shaken.

“I’d like a way to talk to you after you finish with the file if that’s alright?” He asked politely. I had predicted this so I pulled out the burner cell I had programmed last night.

“It has just my number in it but I can wipe it remotely in a second if I feel compromised by you having it when that happens I’ll have changed my number so don’t bother memorising it,” I explained and handed it to him. He seemed relieved but there seemed to be more he wanted to say so I just sat quietly and poured myself a new coffee.

“You are like no one I’ve met before, its nice,” He went to touch my hands again I stood up before he could.
“You don’t usually talk to the people you capture so how would you know?” I rhetorically asked him and I left as I did the waiter smiled at me again. As I exited the cosy coffee shop I threw up an illusion to avoid the two trackers across the road that had been following Josh. I should never forget that he is still an agent I thought to myself as I walked away to try and lose anyone who thought to follow me.














Chapter 5

Three hours later I hadn’t opened the folder it sat on the counter top in my kitchen like a tan stain on the perfect snow white. I stood there over it with a soda can in my left hand, which I held close to my body. I had even done online groceries and had them delivered while I procrastinated about this tan folder. I glared at it sighed and then I opened it. 

	I pulled out all the information and I spread all the information on the floor not having enough room on the counter top. All of the photos were upside down so I didn’t have to look at them. Least he knew to put it on paper so there was no tracing bugs on the files.

	You would think that Josh would have left the photos out for my sake. Damn I thought as I realised that one of the faced down photos was the killer, so I was going to have to look at least some if not all while I tried to find his picture to know who I’m looking for. I wasn’t that game yet.

	I got up and decided to looking for a lamp so I could see better but the over-head lights were enough and I wasn’t sure I even owned a lamp I was just procrastinating. So after I was done searching basically for nothing I asked the house to turn on the light. It was about four now and it was summer so the sun hadn’t started to set yet but for some reason my apartment seemed too dark today.

	I stood staring at the organised mess I had made of the floor earlier. I found the initial case report on top of the pile of reports this one was handwritten so it stood out. It wasn’t Josh's I could tell by the handwriting too neat for his rushed personality almost girl like. I read through that one then read all the rest they seemed to avoid mentioning how bad the scenes were by writing refer to picture number eight for example. So I had no problem reading them but soon all that was left were the photos.

	What I had already read convinced me that he needed to be taken off the street maybe jail would be a good idea. His weapon of choice was a scalpel and his ability was zoomed vision to the point of microscopic and a unique skill with blades, so pretty bad shit really. But I’d still need to find his photo but the reports had mentioned skinning his victims so I was even less keen to look.

	I swallowed my pride and turned of my brain as much as I could I turned each photo over one by one, only looking quickly then moving on to the next one looking for the one I wanted. About three quarters through all the photos as my nerve was starting to fail I found the photo.

	A bald Caucasian man with blue eyes and dark eyebrows looked up at me menacingly from the photo. He looked familiar but its hard to tell he looked about my age maybe older, the weird part is I think I know him I just can’t place him the blue eyes were so familiar, It wasn’t doc or anyone I had met in the compound or at the agency. I frowned and put the photo down as one of the other photos caught my eye. 

	In it there was a clean skeleton lying next to what looked like a skinless body and next to that was a pile of skin but something was wrong with it. They were definitely two different bodies but the bones were so clean whilst the one with muscles visible looked like it was oozing blood still. I hated to think that the victim was still alive at the time the photo was taken. I found the corresponding report I had already read and noticed that the victim had in fact been alive on arrival but died the second they tried to move him. After I read that he fell to pieces I needed to sit down and take a break.

	I slid down with my back against the cool breakfast bar a breathed deeply looking up at the roof. I couldn’t help but have a flash of imagination seeing the skinned body breathing and then crumbling. I stood up and ran to the toilet just in time as I lost my can of soda. I washed my face and looked in the mirror and convinced myself I was not going to think about it again.

	I tried to think clearly about the other facts the biography page on the killer had said nothing defining. He hadn’t really been bullied and didn’t have a previous charges he had a typical life happy home and siblings it didn’t state whether he had been to high school or dropped out there wasn’t even much known. Either that or Josh had left some stuff out wouldn’t blame him I thought as I looked into my own eyes in the mirror. I didn’t recognise myself anymore I doubt they even had a file on me so maybe this guy is as good at hiding as I am.

 	I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Josh's new burner just the words ‘I’ll do it’. I didn’t really expect a text back let alone the one I got. ‘Do you want to talk it over before you do?’ flashed up on my screen. I thought for a minute and decided impulsively maybe, I sent back a message with my address and instructions so he wouldn’t lead anyone here. He didn’t reply this time.
						******
I sat out on my balcony I had already blue tacked the entire file to my glass doors so I could see them more easily I had put all the photos except that of the killer back in the file. I was outside for fresh air but at the same time from here I could tell if anyone was following the little blur I was currently watching make his way down to my apartment. 

As far as I could tell there were none and I was watching closely. I took a sip from my soda he was fairly close now but there was still no active signs of anyone following him. I watched Josh walk past my place then double back, probably got the address wrong but I couldn’t fault it because when he doubled back I realised that there was a young girl and her mum following him. I sent an illusion down to them and they followed him down the street rather than in my building as he had actually gone.

I would talk to him once he made his way up here about that but I was glad that I had watched him from the balcony. I walked back inside trying not to mess up the papers attached to the inside of the doors. Locking it I went and grabbed another soda the fresh air actually did make me feel better.

My doorbell went off just as I closed my fridge. From some reason I got extremely nervous probably because I had never before invited anyone up here. I opened my front door and stood aside so a curious looking Josh entered my apartment. He dropped a duffel bag just out of the way near the door.

“So what’s new?” I said trying to act casual.
“Nothing really, have you got anywhere with the files?” he asked leaning on my kitchen counter. I gestured to all the files.
“Not really, I don’t think I have all of the information,” I said looking straight at him. Josh walked over but he didn’t really look at them he had probably read them over and over by then.

“Yeah, I’m sorry but I just didn’t want you to go in on your own,” He shrugged not turning around to look at me. I walked back to the fridge and grabbed a second soda. I walked back around and tried handing it to Josh, he turned to look at me as I tapped him on the arm with the soda can and his eyes looked haunted. Snapping back to himself he took the can and walked back to the kitchen he leant on one side so he was facing the fridge I stood in the kitchen that way I could look at the files behind him.

“Do you mind if I come with you to bring this guy in?” Josh asked after drinking maybe half of the can.
“No, that would probably be best, that way you can tag him and take him to jail and I can get the hell out of there. Can I ask though if you knew where he was why are you asking me to help you?” I had to know why.

“It’s obvious that we need to build trust but to be honest no one will put there hands up for this, it’s not like the other day when you saw what we were doing, there are no orders to do this it just needs to be done. For some reason my boss doesn’t seem to care that this guy is killing civilians,” He explained rubbing his face as if he was extremely tired. 

“Are you even ok to do this?” Something about how tired he looked seemed to throw up red flags for me. 
“Did you see what he does to men in particular?” Josh asked, I shook my head feeling myself go pale.

“You don’t want to. Actually I think I might have left that part out too it gave me nightmares. But I need to do this so yes I’m ok,” he seemed happy that I asked but that haunted look crept over his face again. I was starting to consider offering him something-stronger then lemonade when he turned to me.

“So how soon do you think we should do this?” he asked.
“Umm, I'm not really sure why did you want to go tonight?” I asked it was still quite early that night probably about five at night and now that I was feeling fully recovered from the events earlier in the week I couldn’t see why not.

“What just go ahead and do it like ripping off a Band-Aid?” Josh asked. I had expected him to look rattled but he looked ready for a fight as he stood up to his full six-foot height.

“Why not, I don’t have any better plans and I thought the best plan with serial killers is to get them in jail as quick as possible, either that or I’m watching the wrong cop shows,” I laughed but in a serious kind of way. I was trying to lighten the mood but my adrenaline level was rising thinking about it.

“So left or right handed?” I asked. 
“We think he might be ambidextrous actually,” he replied.
“Not him, I meant you but good to know,” I smiled.
“Oh, um left handed why?” He looked confused now.


“You’re my backup or I’m yours, I’m right handed so it’s a good thing your left handed if I’m dodging out of the way I don’t go the wrong way, I wont have to worry about you nearly shooting me,” I explained. I let go of the illusion I almost permanently have up to cover the scars, along the back of my left shoulder was scar tissue where I’d learnt how important it was not to get shot.

“I assumed you had never done this kind of thing before,” Josh looked stunned. I couldn’t blame him I wasn’t new to this line of work but I looked like I was. I had to explain judging by his look.

“I did a favour for Doc the head of the warehouse once when his daughter got kidnapped but another group of gangsters pretending to be abnormals who wanted him to join them in a revolt. Doc’s just happy living in peace, but one of his friends nearly shot my arm off cause he was hurt pretty bad and I dodged the wrong way,” I explained as how that all ended filled my head. I did my own version of Josh's tired look earlier.

“So what happened to his daughter?” he asked quietly.
“Look this isn’t my first time doing something like this that’s all you needed to know isn’t it?” I deflected the question.

“Yeah I’m sorry I shouldn’t have pushed,” He backed up a little after my reaction. That puppy dog act was getting old by then.
“Hey it just wasn’t long ago so don’t worry,” I said wishing I hadn’t suggested we go through with this tonight now. 

“Do you have gear here or do you want to borrow some of mine?” Josh asked grinning pointing to the duffel bag he had dropped near the front door. Boys and their toys I should have known what was in the bag, I thought as he dragged it over. He pulled it up onto the counter and started unpacking it.

“I have my own but thanks for the offer,” I said turning and heading to the bedroom. I stopped in the doorway.
“We gearing up here or just packing to head to the house then suit up there?” I asked so I didn't have to pack then unpack once I left my room.

“We’ll suit up here if that’s alright?” Josh asked barely looking up from his collection of grenades to answer.
“Depends, did you bring a car cause my motor bike is not comfortable for two with weapons?” I fired back he looked at me then as if he was looking at me for the first time. Mention to a guy that you own a motorbike and their brains go mushy.

“Actually I did it’s in an alley nearby, I walked around to try and lose some guy in a minivan,” He smiled at me differently.
“Next time try and lose the mother and daughter that nearly caught you entering the building,” I said it mainly to shut him up so when his expression changed to confusion I went in the room to get changed. 

The outfit I was wearing was designed for comfort not battle so I changed. Instead I changed to loose but thick black cargo pants black joggers and a black shirt I strapped a few knives here and there for good measure. I slid a small scalpel like blade into my braided hair and strapped two guns to my hips and four magazines for them in either pocket two nice browning’s would do the job. I felt like I was lacking but with all my blades I should be right.

I went do the desk in my bedroom and opened the draw I kept most of my first aid stuff and pulled out the small case I had received from Specks the other day with the adrenaline in it. I placed it in one of my cargo pant’s pockets. Better safe then sorry I guess.

It looked like a bomb squad had hit my kitchen when I walked back out and I don’t mean the messes there were literal bombs everywhere and Josh was standing in the middle. He had changed too still the same outfit but he now had a flack jacket over the top of his shirt. He looked up

 

Tags: love, anger, confused, encouraging,