Revelations

Even though it was the middle of the night, everyone gathered in the living room to discuss what just occurred.

Jay states his real name is Lucas Thatcher. The man he encountered, Jacob, is his older brother and Michael visited them one night in the hospital, taking Jacob after choosing between the two in a silly manner. He has no idea if anything else influenced his choice since Michael hardly said much.

“I wasn’t sure what info you had and didn’t want you to think I was with the enemy so I gave a fake name.” Lucas says, hanging his head.

“Do you want us to call you Lucas now?” Johanny asks.

“It doesn’t matter what you go with. I’m a worthless loser regardless.”

Silence consumes the room. How do you comfort someone when you don’t feel much better about yourself? Chase is quick to get back on topic.

“You left out how you knew to find us.”

“After he left, I had a dream where I saw Chase, the sword, and a battle against Michael on an open field.”

“A dream…like a prophecy?”

Theo asked that with curiosity, but Chase knows that’s exactly what it classifies as. He immediately ponders why Michael would choose the one brother over someone who can see the future. Whenever someone like that was involved, they would be on Michael’s side, aiding him in completely annihilating their opponents. What makes this so different?

Chase scratches his head and lets out a sigh.

“I guess it doesn’t really matter.” Chase turns to Lucas with a stern look, “I’d like to kick your ass for going out on your own, but your brother already did that for me.”

“I-I won’t do it again.” Lucas says, fearful of his burning glare.

“I will offer to take over the night shifts with Lucas.” Johanny says as she places her hands on his shoulders, “My sleep schedule is more steady so it may be better.”

“Thanks, that would help a lot.” Chase says in agreement.

He also adds that they are to take the next few days off, forbidding anyone from even entering the surveillance room. He wants the group to clear their mind before continuing with the mission. For now, Chase will monitor their enemies by himself to make sure they don’t get close to their base.

Once Chase goes upstairs and the tension clears, Lucas gets Hope’s attention,

“Sorry if I’m being nosy, but it seemed like you and Michael already knew each other.”

Hope contemplates for a moment, “You’re not wrong. I met him during the last cycle.”

“But wasn’t that more than 100 years ago?” Johanny asks.

“It’s this sword.” Hope rests her wrist atop the hilt, “In addition to eternal youth, it allows the owner to survive the ritual.”

“Does that involve the friend you mentioned before?” Theo asks, thinking back to their conversation about the book she was reading.

“Yeah, they were the best friends you could ask for. They helped me see my life in a better light and I even looked forward to the future.” Her gentle expression then twists in agony, “I was forced to watch all of them disappear, all while I was left behind. I refuse to let that happen again. All of us will make it to next year.”

Hope’s declaration brings about some optimism in the otherwise depressed group. It also reminds her of a memory from just after the ritual that she had long forgotten. Michael said, “Perhaps you can take solace in the fact that they dedicated their lives to protect your own.”

Whether it was their intention or not, Hope received from Yuuki, as well as Kahler, the mission to see what happens when the ritual is prevented. To see it to the end. This isn’t just for herself or the new group. This is Hope’s own way of thanking them for giving her this chance. It’s annoying to think that his words help make her feel better, but she can’t deny it in this case.

Then there’s what he just said moments ago; “It seems that you also figured out the cause of your previous downfall.” Hope never did understand exactly how he found out. The gap in her memory after leaving Andres that day still remains. She believed the truth would resurface someday, but that has yet to happen.

Hope places her palm on her forehead, searching through the depths of her mind in an attempt to unearth old memories. It does nothing, just like every other time she tried, and instead makes her more aggravated as each second passes. She makes a fist, clenching her hair, breaking a few strands loose.

As the final battle approaches, she shouldn’t feel grateful to Michael in the slightest. Hatred. Rage. Frustration. Those are the only emotions necessary to save everyone and achieve her desired revenge.

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

After a two week vacation, everyone was allowed to return to work with a slight adjustment to the shifts. Theo worked morning to evening, Hope evening to midnight, while Johanny and Lucas worked midnight to early morning, and Chase took over when anyone was in need of a day off. This resulted in being more efficient than before, with no one having to work without a break.

Hope and Johanny continued to spar, focusing on something new each week. From speed to balance to technique. Hope knew how difficult the battles could be, having already confronted the twins, and wanted to make sure to cover all the bases.

Lucas also started opening up more. Besides nightly discussions with Johanny, he joined Theo with his movie watching. They would suggest different ones and watch together, which resulted in them being mostly military based. Theo was ecstatic to have someone else to discuss with.

Johanny initially found Lucas difficult to approach and therefore didn’t assign him any chores, but that has now come to an end. Similar to Chase, he would whine every time. She reminded him of his assignment on a regular basis so he could never forget.

Michael’s followers were spotted, mostly doing regular activities such as shopping or walking through the city. However, Chase decided it best to remain still. This baffled the group more as time went by.

In the basement, Hope and Johanny are taking a break at a table in the corner after sparring for just over an hour. Johanny places a towel around her neck and turns to Hope,

“I don’t remember if I said this, but that sword is beautiful. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Hope looks at the blade, still shimmering the same as the day she received it so many years ago.

“I thought the same when I first saw it. It doesn’t need any maintenance either, it’s forever beautiful.”

“Do you mind if I hold it?” Johanny asks.

“It’s probably best if you don’t.”

Hope gives a disappointing answer, leaving Johanny to pout.

When Hope received the sword, Yuuki didn’t seem to do anything special that allowed her to survive. It may simply come down to who holds it at the time of the ritual, but she wants to stay on the safe side. Chase explained many things that haunted Hope for decades yet there’s still a lot she doesn’t know.

Hope glances in the room upstairs to see Chase sitting against the wall, looking at the monitors with a blank stare. He then grumbles,

“I’ve never been good with being patient.”

“You figure that would be a requirement for this.” Hope enters the room to sit beside him.

“I’m probably considered more childish compared to my ancestors.” Chase admits.

Hope only met Kahler, who she has gotten to know recently, not when he was alive, so she can’t say anything to that. This kind of relates to why she’s here, though.

“I actually wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh?” Chase raises his head, his curiosity piqued.

“I don’t understand how Yuuki was able to keep smiling through everything.”

“She wasn’t always like that. When Yuuki first met Kahler, she looked absolutely miserable.”

Since that was the first cycle with the mysterious weapon, no one knew what it was capable of. Yuuki learned all of it on her own from carrying it around. She’s older than when that ritual occurred because she refused to even look at it for 5 years, keeping it locked in the closet rather than by her side. Then at the age of 17, she dropped out of school and decided to travel the world.

That’s when she started noticing its abnormalities. No one said anything about her holding an illegal weapon and she never aged no matter how many years passed. This made her question if it had anything to do with how she was the only one left after that strange light engulfed her and went back to the scene. That’s where they ran into each other.

“Yuuki and Kahler met by chance when visiting the site of the previous ritual in Japan.” Chase explains, “Seeing Michael’s face, she was so shocked-”

“Yuuki tried to kill him, right? I remember her telling me that.” Hope says with a short laugh, now understanding the humor. “So Yuuki was more clueless than I was. Even more reason to admire her tenacity.”

“You may consider her your savior, but all of you had the same effect on her. Meeting Kahler, Andres, Marquise, Shayna, and yourself, it allowed her to feel normal again. I’m sure Yuuki was just as much, if not more, grateful than you are.”

So that’s what her smile meant. Hope thinks to herself, happy to understand more.

All of this is what Chase picked up on from Kahler’s memories, of which none of his own feelings are attached. They consist of visuals seen through his eyes as well as verbal conversations he overheard and partook in. It’s as if watching a movie of everything Kahler witnessed. Any knowledge from past cycles is from what Kahler stated, whether it was to someone else or himself. This is a standard process to improve in the next round.

“Anyway, their first meeting was…about 60 years before you all met.” Chase didn’t expect this conversation to bring up his biggest regret. In a solemn tone he finishes with “I’m sorry.”

Hope is surprised and looks at his distressed face, “Why are you apologizing?”

“I knew you survived, but still waited until just before the ritual to find you. If we met sooner, you may have had a better life. Felt less lonely and more joy instead. It’s all because I’m a coward.”

Hope was aware she would encounter another shapeshifter, but it’s not like she expected it to happen at any certain point in time. He could have taken 20 or 50 or 70 years and she’s sure it wouldn’t have any effect on the person she became. This is the result of a culmination of things, not just waiting alone for years. Not to mention,

“Knowing about all of this, you’re basically told you’re going to die. I can’t blame you for being afraid.”

“Heh, if I had a choice, I would become a pilot instead. To see the world from above. Before getting these damned memories, it always fascinated me.”

Chase says as he looks up. However, rather than the grand blue sky, he stares at the ceiling of the room. From what he can gather, none of the shapeshifters from the past strived to do anything else. Their focus is solely on stopping the ritual. Kahler was pretty much the same. He did have the goal of finishing his school books to graduate, but that was also left unfinished, and his own dream may end the same.

Hope can’t say ‘maybe you can try after this is over’. There is no record of what occurs when the ritual is prevented because it has yet to happen. This is the 10th attempt after 9 failures. The future remains uncertain.

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

In late September, the group finally went on the offensive. One evening, around 7 pm, the twins were spotted loitering in the parking lot of a small concert hall. Chase didn’t indicate what made this situation different, but no one questioned him.

His plan is to send everyone. Johanny would attack with Lucas helping to protect her, and Theo watches from afar with Hope by his side in case anything goes wrong. They can’t rely on the monitors alone.

However, Hope instantly shuts him down.

“You’re too vulnerable so I’ll also stay here. Besides, I can easily rush there if need be.”

“It’s still early, I’ll be fine.”

“No.” Hope stands with her arms crossed, refusing to budge.

Chase sighs, “Fine.”

Hope reiterates the plan while removing herself; “Johanny and Lucas will attack. Theo watches from afar and will call us if anything seems wrong.”

“Watching from a roof would be best.” Chase suggests.

“There is a cafe with rooftop dining nearby.” Johanny says as she thinks of what’s in the area.

“This will be just like a secret military operation!” Theo says with sparkling eyes, “I think I still have my sunglasses.”

“Won’t that interfere with your binoculars?” Lucas wishes that was a joke question, but it’s not.

“You’re right! Hmm…”

As Theo contemplates what to do, Chase starts to worry.

“This will work out…right?”

“No point in trying to stop him. We recently watched a 2018 military movie, he’s probably going by that.”

“That’s an old movie, was it difficult to find?” Johanny asks.

“Not really.”

By the year 2140, most forms of physical video media died out, leaving streaming the only option left. Due to a variety of factors that affect licensing, there are many movies and shows that are out of print and not legally available online. Though it is possible to access some illegally through torrenting.

Before leaving, Chase gives Johanny advice. “Hope fought the twins. They’re very well coordinated, but also overconfident. Try to take advantage of that.”

With the plan set, they get in position. Lucas and Johanny drop Theo off at the cafe, reminding him of what he needs to do. He nods to indicate he’s listening and walks inside with the same enthusiasm from earlier. The two can’t help echoing Chase’s worry.

The concert hall is along 102 Street NW, hosting all types of music such as jazz, rock, pop and so on. Standing in the parking lot, the older sister, Lindsay, is wearing a purple shirt with black pants, while Kelsay is dressed similarly except in all white.

Ever since they were children, the twins attended concerts regularly. Over time, singing and dancing became a hobby. Neither aspired to become performers themselves. They’re simply happy to indulge in the art.

The sisters grab each other’s hands and begin dancing as if in a ballroom, reminiscing as they spin around on the concrete.

“Do you remember the last show we watched?” Lindsay asks.

“Of course! The pop band Summer Tide with lead singer LAylA. The final song is my favorite!”

Kelsay begins to hum a song to add to their dancing. They continue as if they are the only people in the world, until someone interrupts.

“Those are some fancy moves for pop music.” Lucas blurts out.

The dance ends with a dip maneuver, the sister in purple holding the one in white. They stare at their guests while Johanny criticizes Lucas.

“I guess it’s good we weren’t planning a sneak attack.”

“Sorry.”

The girls stand up straight, side by side, displaying a grin.

“Finally we get to fight again!” Kelsay says.

“Wait, isn’t that the loser brother?” Lindsay complains as she points towards Lucas.

“You’re right! Please don’t disappoint us.”

The girls draw their glowing weapons, one in the girl’s left hand, and in the other’s right. Watching on the monitor, Hope tries to remember whether or not the twins are holding the swords in the same hands as last time. They could very well be ambidextrous which makes them more dangerous.

Lucas instantly feels the pressure. Not just from their comments, but their overall presence. It causes his mind to temporarily go blank.

“W-what am I supposed to do again?” He asks Johanny.

Crouching slightly with her body facing left, she holds the spear with one hand on the tip of the handle and the other closer to the middle, all while staring down her opponents.

“Just stay by my side.” she says.

“Another weapon?” Kelsay says.

“Try to keep up with us.” Lindsay adds.

The twins run and jump in the air simultaneously, planning to fall down with their blades. Lucas deploys his shield in front of them, blocking their attack, while Johanny lunges the spear in the air, piercing the shield. The girls push down and jump back to dodge. They both giggle, treating this as nothing more than a game.

“Fancy fancy.” Lindsay says as a way to describe their teamwork.

“Should we try what we did with the other girl?”

“You mean like this-!”

Lindsay leaps forward with a short jump. Lucas starts to move, intending to guard, but Johanny stops him, pulling him behind her.

“Not yet.”

As the girl gets closer, Johanny maneuvers to her right, pulling Lucas by his collar, resulting in her flying right past. Johanny turns to see the other sister already heading in their direction.

They exchange some blows, but due to the nature of their weapons, it’s mostly Johanny blocking each swing with the handle of her spear. She tries to lengthen their distance to attack, but finds it difficult.

Noticing her starting to struggle, Lucas jumps up in front of Johanny and uses his shield to help hold Kelsay in place. Johanny takes this moment to swing her spear through the air, holding it as if it’s a bat.

Kelsay jumps back a few steps and laughs, “That’s an unusual way to use a spear.”

The sisters regroup, leaving a few feet between them and their opponents.

“I’m starting to think I should have joined your training sessions.” Lucas says with a heavy breath, sweat dripping down his face.

He attended physical therapy for 3 months, but mainly focused on being able to walk again after the accident. He quit right when he was finished, wanting to find his brother as soon as possible. He skipped everything related to building stamina.

Johanny glances at Lucas and then to the twins. She’s been trying to keep the battle in one place to prevent him from tiring out, and their enemies have actually been helping with that, but even these simple maneuvers drained him. This tells her to finish the battle quickly. The next exchange has to be the last.

Johanny has yet to even use the spear’s full capabilities. Chase initially said it goes through all objects, only piercing those with holy power, but after Johanny started training, he told her more. “Its other ability is dependent on your mindset. With extra concentration, the spear remains solid. This can help with close combat.”

He didn’t tell her how to do this, but she was able to eventually figure it out after a lot of meditating. Johanny has been careful with how she used the spear, wanting to keep its true ability a surprise.

“You two are doing well so far.” Kelsay commends their enemy.

“But, let’s bring it to an end.” Lindsay adds.

The twins rush and successfully separate the two by kicking Lucas to the side. He raised his shield just in time, but still tumbles on the ground.

Johanny gasps, but Kelsay is already right in front of her. Johanny blocks with her spear and pushes her away with a heavy force. She swiftly grabs the tip of the staff, holding it horizontal with one hand, keeping the spear slightly above her head, and spins around, slowly bringing it down on a slant.

Kelsay holds up her weapon, planning to parry the attack, but in the corner of her eye, she notices the spear going through her weapon, heading right for her face. She falls as she attempts to dodge.

With her out of the way, Johanny runs to save Lucas. “I’m free!” she shouts with a grin, finding the extra concentration exhausting.

“Watchout Linds!! That weapon–”

Failing to hear Kelsay’s warning, Lindsay turns and holds the flat of the blade before her, thinking it will block, but Johanny thrusts the spear and goes right through it, piercing her in the shoulder.

Despite feeling no pain, Lindsay screams from the assault. Kelsay runs up to her and pulls her aside.

Johanny stands beside Lucas. “Thanks for that.” he says.

“No problem! You make the perfect bait.” She says in a cheery manner.

The sisters remain astonished. “It went right through my weapon. How…?” Lindsay tries to comprehend what happened.

“It’s probably made special to go against us. Of course there’s something like that.”

The wound is deep, like someone drilled a hole in her shoulder, and blood streams down her arm. Kelsay is about to apply pressure until all of a sudden, Lindsay starts screaming again. She kneels down, clutching her shoulder, feeling a burning sensation that only increases with each passing second.

“C’mon, don’t be so overdramatic.” Kelsay says with a grin.

Kelsay expects the usual snarky reply, but only hears screams. Her smile disappears as she sees deep red veins spreading up her sister’s neck and along her abdomen. They’re visible even through her purple clothes.

“You’re…really in pain, aren’t you?”

Kelsay glares directly at Johanny, projecting all of her anger, causing her to flinch, before disappearing in a flash of light.

Johanny lets out a huff. Feeling uneasy, she looks down at her weapon with a furrowed brow. They still need to get to safety so she releases the spear and reaches down to help Lucas stand.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Lucas grabs her hand and says, “You’re kind of scary when concentrating like that.”

Upset by his remark, Johanny lets go of him and he falls once more.

“What was that for?” Lucas looks up to see Johanny standing with her hands on her hips.

“Learn to think before talking.”

“There it is again-” Lucas covers his mouth as if to swallow his words.

Johanny silently walks away without him. Not wanting to be left behind, he stumbles to catch up to her.

At the rooftop cafe, Theo taps the sunglasses resting upon his head to have it cover his eyes. “Another job complete.”

At the hideout, both Chase and Hope are relieved the battle went well. They were able to injure their enemy and left relatively unscathed.

“We shouldn’t have to worry about seeing the injured twin again.” Chase says.

“Does that weapon immobilize them?”

“Yeah, so long as they have Michael’s power.”

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

Kelsay took her sister to their own home. Even after arriving, Lindsay continues to writhe on the floor. She shouts “Michael!!” at the top of her lungs and he appears shortly after. His eyes widen at the sight.

“Did you fight them?” He picks up Lindsay and places her on the bed.

“Linds…she was hit by a red spear. What’s happening?” Kelsay asks, unable to hide her panic.

Michael places his hand above the injured sister. Her aura, as well as the veins, both dissipate, and the girl’s pain along with it. The injury is also gone. Kelsay is relieved to see the struggle end.

“I healed the wound and removed the holy light. She’ll be fine with some rest.”

His words leave Kelsay stunned, “What does that mean? Can she no longer take part?”

“Exactly. Now just you and Jacob are left.”

“No, I refuse to finish this without her!”

“Don’t blame me for your shortcomings. I warned you what could happen.”

The girl bites her tongue, unable to retaliate.

“I can gather your memories later if you prefer.” He tilts his body forward in an attempt to better see her face.

“No, it’s fine. The girl with the spear, I’ll take care of her next time.” She declares.

Michael grins, satisfied by her answer.