Rough Encounter

Jay presents the group with a theory; “If our enemies have an aura that we see, maybe it’s visible on the security cameras too.”

Chase considered taking advantage of the security system, something they were unable to do in the previous cycle due to its absence in the city, but with no way to access it, he set that idea aside. If they can make this work, it will be much easier to track their enemies.

This is where Jay comes in. Despite the ‘Royal Guard’ being an advanced, government owned network, Jay was able to hack into it with ease. On a laptop, he used a program he created himself that aided in hiding his location, preventing anyone from tracking him in return. This isn’t his first hacking attempt. He did some test runs with smaller companies to make sure it worked.

Before setting things in motion, the two monitored some areas, waiting for one of Michael’s allies to appear. It takes a few days until they spot a tall man with short brown hair, and he was clearly surrounded by a glowing aura.

Chase is amazed, but when he noticed Jay tense up at the sight of him, his excitement faded. He still has yet to reveal anything about himself and if asked, he will surely say something along the lines of ‘I can’t tell you’. Chase decided to ignore it for now.

Throughout the weeks that followed, various computers, monitors, and other electronic devices were delivered to their base for the new operation. They all wanted to ask Chase how he was able to afford this, but were afraid to. Hope understands exactly how they feel.

Jay was in charge of setting everything up. At least 2 monitors were connected to each computer, displaying 4-6 different camera visuals. Once complete, no type of upkeep was needed other than making sure nothing changed. Jay warned the others not to mess with it.

In total, they gained access to 46 within a certain radius. Chase allowed him to choose whichever he preferred so long as it gave them a good view and he included parks and certain businesses.

Since Johanny was the only other person with any extensive computer knowledge, she helped. Watching how quickly he put this together, she couldn’t help but be impressed.

“You really know a lot about this. Do you work in IT?”

Jay pauses for a moment before continuing, “No, I’m just an accountant.”

After everything was set, Chase figured this was the best time to gather everyone to go over their plan of operation.

The security system will be used to track the opposing force and confront them on a case by case basis. It is absolutely forbidden to go out on your own, similar to Kahler’s rule of not going outside in general. There’s no reason to be as strict at this point in time. Michael never picks more than 3 people, making the female twins and one male their targets.

“You’re essentially fighting for your life so you can survive into the next year. I’ll always have this home surrounded by a forcefield to mask our presence, but even if we hide, they’ll come looking for us by November at the earliest so we’ll go on the offensive.”

“This Michael you mention…it’s THAT Michael, isn’t it?” Theo nervously asks.

“That’s right. We’re trying to prevent a disgusting ritual that uses your lives as a price.”

“So you weren’t exaggerating when you said this was to destroy the world, huh.”

“Is that how he put it??” Johanny asks.

Theo and Johanny are shocked by this revelation with Jay observing from the background. The next thing Chase says is something Hope heard before.

“I hope you’ll believe me when I say I want to protect each and every one of you.”

That’s the same thing Kahler said before they disappeared. What is it that makes the shapeshifters feel so compelled to help? Is it really as simple as their lack of power forcing them to?

When it seems like the meeting is about to end, Hope realizes he neglected to mention something and speaks up,

“You forgot about one thing.” Hope looks over to the rest of the group, “Do any of you have the security system chips implanted in your wrist?”

Confused at first by the random question, only Theo and Johanny admit to having one, while Jay remains silent, leaving them to assume he doesn’t.

“Are the chips a problem?” Johanny asks.

“Michael seems to be able to sense the difference between people who have one and those who don’t.” Hope explains.

It may sound simple, but it became a major liability. Chase doesn’t believe it will play a part this time around, though. Unlike in Philadelphia, there are a lot of people living in the area who have them.

“Two out of four isn’t so bad.” Chase shrugs, “I wouldn’t worry about it. Michael might not care enough to keep track.”

Everyone left to sort their thoughts. It had no effect on Hope, having already experienced it herself. Later on, she goes up to talk with Chase. He created a large sized room upstairs which also contains their computers. Chase wanted it to remain close to where he slept so he could be alerted to anything right away.

Hope walks in to see Jay typing on his laptop and Chase sitting on what looks to be a hidden door, similar to what was in room 313.

“Did you need something?” Chase asks.

“You really are the same.” Hope says with judgy eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t see him create this room, but I did watch him make that…bed? It was interesting.” Jay says.

“Hidden doors are cool, don’t you think?” Chase asks, not getting a favorable reaction from either of them.

Hope bypasses his comment and approaches Jay, “Is this ready?”

“Yeah.” Jay says, “I just finished labeling each monitor with the street or building the cameras are near. Now we just watch and wait.”

“We’ll delegate the work as well.” Chase says.

“I’ll take the night shifts.” Jay hastily says.

“All of them?” Hope asks.

“Sure, it’s no big deal.”

Jay’s eyes are glued to the monitors. Chase is skeptical. Jay clearly has a motive, he just hasn’t been able to figure out what it is. Does it involve that man from before? Or Michael in general?

Chase doesn’t turn him down. Instead, he will be on watch at the same time as him. Chase doesn’t have a sleep schedule, he sleeps for short sequences, usually 2-4 hours at a time, so the night shift should be no problem. Meanwhile, Hope, Johanny, and Theo rotate the day shifts.

Chase pointed out once more that no one is to act alone. When an enemy is spotted, they need to first inform him before deciding what to do.

The watch goes smoothly. They diligently follow their schedule with no complaints. No one has spotted anything either, but Chase didn’t expect immediate results.

Chase watches over Jay along with the monitors each night. He sometimes forces Jay to take a short break anytime he feels he needs it. He always complains, but still follows his suggestion. Beyond that, no other words are exchanged. Their attention is solely focused on the live footage.

In fact, after joining the group, Jay didn’t attempt to get to know anyone. He would simply wake up, get something small to eat, work his shift and sleep when it ended. Since he kept to himself, no one knew how to approach him or strike up a conversation. They would pass by him in silence.

Then one night brings about a rare occurrence. Chase chose to take the first part of his shift off to sleep instead. He wasn’t able to earlier in the day and only intends to miss out on a few hours at most. So although he still has doubts about Jay, he lets him take care of it himself.

This ends up being the moment Jay has been waiting for. The same brown haired man who appeared weeks ago walks into full view of a camera.

“Gotcha.” he says.

He looks at Chase’s hidden door. It’s closed so he must still be sleeping. He walks into the hallway, sneaking past Hope and Johanny’s rooms.

Downstairs, Theo is on the couch fast asleep. In his free time, he watches movies, documentaries, and plays games until he can no longer keep his eyes open, falling asleep on the couch every time. There’s a lot he missed out on after becoming blind. Jay noticed he’s a heavy sleeper and doesn’t have to worry about him waking.

Once he gets outside, Jay lets out a sigh. He successfully got through what he believes to be the most difficult part of this endeavor. He didn’t awaken anyone, but still feels restless about his upcoming encounter. In an attempt to motivate himself, Jay reviews what brought him here.

My brother and I are two years apart. Ever since I was young, I followed my older brother. No matter what it was, I did the same thing he did. We were on the same soccer team, hiked the same trails, followed the same career, attended the same college and classes, and worked at the same banking office.

I was superior, receiving many achievements in sports and academics, always overshadowing him. Our parents praised me on a regular basis and my brother never complained.

After a recent accident, when I was stuck with nothing but my thoughts, I started to question what I had been doing. ‘Why did I copy him? Did it actually not bother him? To continue pretending I’m someone else, is this really what I want?’ At that time, I had plenty of chances to consult my brother, but couldn’t gather the courage to do so. Then, he was gone and I was left with these unanswered questions.

Jay tries to clear his mind and heads to meet with that man. It’s actually the same spot where they saw him the first time, and Jay expected he’d come by again.

The designated location is an open area by a building on 99 Avenue. Some rubble and debris are scattered about that appear to be remnants from an accident. Despite there being nothing else, the man stands at the center and can’t help staring.

“I finally found you, Jacob.” Jay says as he approaches from behind.

The man turns around to ask, “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been looking for you…why did you just leave like that?” Jay says before thinking to himself, No that’s not what I wanted to say.

As he’s about to speak again, he hears the man chuckle, displaying an eerie grin.

“Don’t tell me you pushed through your physical therapy to ask me that.” Jacob says. After a brief pause he adds, “Though I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. You always followed me around me like an annoying gnat.”

“Huh?” Jay takes a step back, shocked by his words.

This is the first time he sensed any sort of animosity from his brother. The two didn’t have any issues getting along. At least, that’s how it seemed. Hearing something he never expected, he doesn’t know how to process this.

“W-what are you saying?” he asks.

“Do you not like me pointing it out?” Jacob walks towards Jay who continues to back away. “It’s time you face the facts of your worthless life.” he then brings out a glowing blade, same as the twins from before, “Or I could put you out of your misery.”

Jacob rushes to his brother and swings his sword down, thinking he dealt a deadly blow. However, despite still being in shock, Jay is able to deploy his ability: a shield that covers his entire body. His brother laughs once more,

“An ability to hide behind, how fitting.” He continues to push down with a heavy force.

“I didn’t come here to fight you!” Jay screams.

“But we’re not on the same side, are we?”

Jay groans and places his hands on the front of his shield in an attempt to push with no success. His brother proves to be too strong. He begins panting as he attempts to understand what is happening. This isn’t what I wanted, why does he make it seem like fighting is our only option?

Jay suddenly loses his footing and falls to the ground. His ability is still active, but he doesn’t get a break. Jacob places his foot on the shield and begins to push using all of his weight. With the stark realization of their relationship, and pain from being crushed on the cement, Jay’s eyes start to well up.

“This has to break at some point.” Jacob says as he points the sword directly at his brother’s distraught face, preparing for that moment.

**********************************

Back at home, Chase awakens and exits his hidden bed only to be met with an empty room. Then something on the monitor catches his attention. There’s a man with a glowing aura standing atop Jay’s shield.

“That idiot.”

Chase rushes to Hope’s room and pushes her, mentioning that Jay is in trouble. She jumps out of bed and follows him into the other room.

“Where is he?”

“I’ll show you on the monitor.”

After waking from the commotion, Johanny follows them into the room. They’re surprised when they see Jay getting assaulted.

“Who is that?” Johanny asks.

“I get the feeling this is what Jay was looking for. Though he failed to see this result.” Chase says.

Watching this enrages Hope. She may barely know him, but he’s still considered an ally and she’s not about to lose another. She checks the monitor to see their location, estimating it to be a short 2 minute run with her superspeed. “I’ll be back.” Hope says before leaving.

Once arriving, Hope is met with the same scene. “Jay!” she shouts to get their attention. Still using his shield, Jay smiles at the sight of her until he hears another condescending comment.

“You couldn’t even bring yourself to use your real name?”

Jay’s joy fades as his brother continues to criticize, “No that’s–”

Hope is quick to draw her sword and bolts between the two, intending to attack, but Jacob is able to block with his own weapon and dodges by jumping to his original position.

“A girl with a sword? I believe we were told to kill you.” Jacob ponders as he stands up straight.

Hope approaches Jay and he releases his shield, finally feeling some relief.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“...sure.” Jay says with a sniffle.

Hope thinks about his mysterious nature and wants to question him, but instead turns her attention to the other man.

“To kill me, was it Michael who said that?”

“Sort of.” Jacob says.

“It was more like ‘if you take her down, then no big deal’.”

Hope hears a chillingly familiar voice from above. She looks up to see Michael floating in the air with his usual grin.

“Hello, young girl.”

“Michael…”

Hope’s hands begin to tremble at the sight of him, remembering all that he took from her. Jay notices and worries what she may do.

“What’s wrong? I figured the moment you saw me, you’d enact your revenge or something like that.” Michael says as he cocks his head to the side.

Hope takes a deep breath and steadies herself, “I will. This isn’t the time, though.”

Michael lands his feet on the ground beside Jacob. Rather than meet Hope’s glare, he looks around the area, spotting various security cameras.

“This is the second cycle with that invasive system, perhaps you’re taking advantage of it?” He says as he side-eyes Hope.

“Your followers stand out. Might want to be careful.”

“So you can see their aura. Nothing I can do about that. It seems that you also figured out the cause of your previous downfall.”

Hope grits her teeth. She already told herself to hold back, she can’t let his words get to her. She’ll have a chance in due time.

“Do your best to protect your new group of friends, we’ll meet again.”

The two brothers take one last look at each other before Michael and Jacob disappear in a flash of light.

Hope relaxes her shoulders and speaks to Jay while avoiding eye contact. “Let’s go. Everyone is worried.”

‘Worried’ she said. Jay finds that hard to believe. He reluctantly stands to follow her to the base.

**********************************

Jacob’s Side

Michael takes Jacob to his apartment and leaves right after, not saying a word. He has yet to gather his report from that encounter, but can do so later.

This is Jacob’s own place that he rents. Since he moved in after gaining his powers, his brother doesn’t know about it either.

Jacob walks through the darkness and takes a seat on his bed. Looking down at his legs, he squeezes his thighs with his hands and winces from the pain. The sensation is reassuring.

“Congratulations” “Well done” “Great job” “You’re amazing”

I heard these compliments from my parents numerous times, but they were never directed at me. Each one was for my younger brother who could apparently accomplish anything he tried. Even so, he insisted on doing whatever I had decided to do. From sports to work, he followed me around like a lost puppy who couldn’t make his own decisions. No, he was more like a gnat constantly buzzing around me.

I tried to put the annoyance I felt from his actions in the back of my mind, hiding how I actually felt, adding to my brother’s constant praise, and was able to make it last a good number of years. Then one night when we were driving, my mind broke. Dark thoughts full of hate flooded my mind like a torrential downpour. I temporarily lost control of myself and crashed the car into a building. The next thing I knew, my view was that of a hospital room.

My brother and I were severely injured and, after various surgeries, they placed us in the same room to recover. The doctor also told me one more thing in private: I would never walk again due to a spinal injury. I noticed the numbing sensation in my legs, but paid it no mind, believing the feeling would come back after one of the surgeries or something. That just wasn’t possible. Even in this day and age, there is no heal all wonder cure. I was stuck like this for the rest of my life because of my foolish decisions.

After that, I was lifeless. I simply stared out the window for all hours in the day, lamenting my existence, praying for a second chance or even to disappear. I just wanted a different outcome than this. That continued until he appeared-

The brothers share a moderately sized room with two hospital beds against the wall. The door is to their left and a large window to the right. They’re surrounded by devices that monitor their condition, but have both stabilized to the point where it’s not necessary. Now they wait until their bodies heal enough for physical therapy.

One night, all of a sudden, there is a flash of light that wakes the sleeping brothers. Standing at the end of their beds, directly in the middle, is a man with blonde hair and blue eyes; Michael. Though he doesn’t introduce himself, they can tell this is no regular person.

The man crosses his arms as he examines the two. “Jacob and Lucas Thatcher. Both of you are worthy, but I only need one more person. What to do…”

While he contemplates, the two brothers react very differently. Lucas is amazed by what he just witnessed, while Jacob clenches the sheets with his hands and slowly pulls himself forward with a look of desperation.

“Let’s do this.” Michael raises his pointer finger and first points at Lucas, then goes back and forth between the two, saying “eeny meeny miny moe” as he does so. After the last word, Michael points to Jacob and approaches him.

“What are you doing-” Nervous, Lucas tries to push himself out of bed, but is still too weak.

As he gets closer, Jacob reaches up with his palm and Michael does the same. When they touch, Jacob’s entire body glows of white and after it dissipates, Jacob looks at the foot of the bed to see his toes moving. In disbelief, he removes the covers and slides his legs to the edge of the bed. He no longer feels any numbness or dead weight. His legs are how they once were, giving him the ability to walk again. Overcome with emotion, tears stream down his face.

In that moment, the only thing I felt was the gratification from knowing that I was healed by what could only be called a miracle. Later, I questioned if I deserved this, especially after leaving my brother who was still riddled with injuries, but told myself it didn’t matter. Since Michael granted my prayer to walk again, I vowed that I would do anything in my power to make this ritual a success, even though it would ultimately take my life.

The two disappear in a flash of light, leaving Lucas behind.