☫ Chapter 16 ☫

It felt like time had stopped.

     Or maybe my watch broke.

     The sound of Ethan's and his friend's footsteps had been amplified with the echo of the facility, making the sound sharper when the harsh stomps of their feet hit the ground. It turned silent and a thread of wind whistled through the air, lightly touching my cheek. I looked to the other side with wide eyes. They were gone. Raindrops continued to fall, the pace of the weather calming down and now simply drizzling. I was the only one left.

     "Jude!" I called, hoping that he would no longer be submerged in the green liquid. That he would start swimming out of there and get back on the ground. "Jude!" I repeated and went closer, now at the edge of it.

     My heart rate skyrocketed with an ache. The thumping thundered in my ear and the clenching spreading throughout my chest. I turned into stone, my legs staying put and my body shivering uncontrollably. I was soaked with the cloth of my crumbled shirt sticking onto my skin uncomfortably. My breath hitched and I clasped a hand over my opened mouth when I noticed bubbles erupting from the pool.

     I swallowed the lump in my throat and forcefully shook my head from side to side. I need to think.

     I can't swim in because I might drown with him and that will defeat the whole purpose of assisting him. It'd be inconvenient if I were to die in the process. Evidently. I'm going to have to use my powers. Which is something I really should have done a while ago. Now I got Jude hurt. Why did he even try and help me? I do appreciate him saving me but now he's in trouble. Why didn't I do more about it?

     "Okay," I whispered, finding it hard to speak. I shook my head, getting rid of my thoughts and focused on the task. My voice cracked as I stomped my feet onto the ground, crumbling the pavement under my feet. "Okay," I breathed in an attempt to psych myself up for this.

     I placed my palm towards the pool, having it hover it and then I gathered all my powers to my hand. The adrenaline coursing through my veins added to the abilities, creating a surge of wind to where Jude fell. With a sudden pain consuming me, I grunted and clutched onto my stomach. I kept a hand up, squeezing my eyes, and letting out soft puffs of air from my lips.

     "Argh," I groaned and pulled Jude out with the manipulation of gravity that my hand was doing.

     I never used these powers on a person like this before. It was sort of surreal to witness.

     Jude was floating. His eyes closed and chapped lips sealed. I moved my hands, making him move as well. I brought him to the ground gently and with a sigh, I settled next to him. My knees shaking as I knelt down, almost collapsing on him. I waved my hands over his body, and with a swish of the wind, the chemicals were wiped off him.

     My eyes scanned his body, checking for injuries.

     "Jude," I said, trying to get him to open his eyes. I leaned forward, pressing my fingers against his neck in order to find a pulse. My heart relaxed when I felt it. I placed my ears by his heart, checking the rate of it. My palms spread to his abdominal, pressing on it, attempting to trigger a shock and hopefully making him wake up. I gotta help him. He began coughing but wasn't fully conscious.

     Realizing that there was no other way, I slapped his cheeks. "Jude, wake up!"

     "Bloody hell," Jude gasped, his eyes snapping open.

     Maybe I shouldn't have slapped him that hard.

     "Not hell but you're close," I joked with a small smile, my legs shifting slightly. My cheeks flushed with warmth at the view of him breathing, living. No longer looking so lifeless.

     That was scary.

     Jude arched his brows at me, confusion evident through his facial expressions and curious eyes that roamed the area. He let out a groan and grasped his chest lightly. His eyes met mine while I awkwardly stared back at him tentatively.

     "Ey," he calmly greeted, still lying down on the cement. It's as if he condoned all rationality and awareness of what was happening.

     He appeared so okay with the situation that it actually irked me for some peculiar reason.

     "Don't 'ey' me." I clenched my jaw and clicked my tongue. I felt my lips tremble as I raspily spoke. "What in the world made you do that? You can't just jump in a pool of hazardous chemicals. Yeah, I know that wasn't intentional but if you didn't help me then you wouldn't be in this situation. W-why did you help me? You don't even like me and what if you seriously got hurt? I mean you d-did g-get hurt but...what if you d-died?"

     I bit my lips and looked away from him, the realization dawning on me. This was my fault. If I just did something when Ethan came to me then Jude would have been fine. I spared a glance at him. He didn't look good at all. My eyes turned wet as they stung.

     "You're joking, right?" Jude seemed astonished if his tone was any implication to that. His British accent was almost teasing as he smirked at me. "You know we're friends, right?"

     My eyes grew wide, startled with that statement and without realizing it, I used his accent. "Friends?"

     He chuckled and nodded as a response. I didn't find this anywhere near amusing.

     "But I don't have friends," I informed him while shaking my head and having my eyebrows furrow. I looked down, staring at the palm of my hand and fidgeting with my fingers.

     "Do you really think that?" Jude shook his head, bewildered and actually laughed. "I guess the saying is true. Blondes are dumb."

     I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms over my chest. "And I guess gingers have no soul."

     He rolled his eyes while a small smile eased its way to his face and he tried to get up.

     "Hey," I warned, stopping him from doing that any further. I gently pushed him down, my hands easing onto to his shoulder. "You almost just drowned in toxic or whatever that was. You also tripped so you might have some open cuts--"

     "Your point?"

     I rubbed the base of my neck in a nervous manner and through a whisper of uncertainty, I offered, "Let me make sure you're okay?"

     "Alright," he surrendered easily and slouched down.

     Ever since the hit and run incident that happened a few days ago I've been carrying a first aid kit in my backpack. It wasn't a top-notch one but it held the basic and important tools for situations such as this one. For example: Bandages.

     I rummaged through my bag, watching Jude out of the corner of my eyes and making sure he wouldn't notice the superhero costume. His lips were pursed and eyes closed as he drummed his fingers delicately against his stomach with boredom. I smiled to myself and took out the kit.

     Smacking my lips together, I zipped my backpack closed and went forward to Jude. He was making funny sounds.

     Wait a second...is he snoring?!

     "Jude." I patted him, making sure that he stayed awake. I frowned as he groaned and turned his head to me. His eyes fluttered open, revealing his brown tired eyes. I couldn't help but notice how pale his freckled face was. "Stay awake, yeah?"

     "Yeah, yeah, Dr. Vincent," he replied with a cheeky smirk.

     With an exhausted sigh, I rolled my eyes and took out some alcohol pads and a water bottle.

     "Drink this," I ordered and tilted his head upwards. His breathing grew rough and he wrinkled his nose. He grunted and let me pour the water for him. It was weird to see him like this. It was also weird to see him letting me help him.

     "I'm pretty sure this will sting," I informed him while ripping open the alcohol pads with my teeth. "But deal with it."

     "Aren't you the kind one?" He retorted with a hiss when I dabbed the pad onto his bleeding temple. "What the bloody hell mate?!" He glared at me. "That's more than just a sting."

     "Well..." I trailed off and then meekly apologized. "Sorry?" He scoffed at that and I went over to get some bandages.

     "You know," he started with his lips firmly pressed against one another in an unappreciated matter. "This would be better if I wasn't lying on some wet cold dirty ground in some random creepy stupid dark place."

     How very descriptive.

     "I'm glad you're enjoying the hotel suite," I countered sarcastically. "I'll let the manager know."

     He dryly laughed and then clutched his stomach as if the act hurt him. "What happened to the stuttering Jeremiah?" He coughed and curled his lips. "Now you just say sarcastic and rude things."

     I blew my cheeks. "Sorry."

     "Oh, no need to apologize," he quickly said while shaking his head in a dismissive manner. "It's not a bad thing."

     I didn't continue the conversation, not wanting him to lose his breath over speaking to me. I made sure to fix up his injuries with everything that I possibly could use from the kit. I mostly just wrapped him up in bandages. His foot was swollen which I suppose is from tripping over the edge and it was clear that his stomach hurt. He was better than before now that he was treated but still.

     I clicked my tongue.

     I should've done something. I mean, honestly, I could have done something. So why did I hesitate? Why didn't I help him? He didn't even stop to think about saving me. He just jumped in. Well, not really jump but to be perfectly honest the technicalities is something that we can ignore. Because now he was hurt.

     A friend? That's what he called me.

     But I didn't deserve his friendship. And he didn't deserve all that happened to him.

     I numbly put my things away and stared at the ground blankly. I understand that it's useless for me to continuously dwell on these sort of things. The hypothetical thoughts that is. It all already happened but I can't help but regret on the way it took place. When you're a superhero and you don't end up saving the day it kind of makes you feel ashamed. And I know I'm just an amateur at this. Though, that's not an excuse.

     "Let's make a deal," Jude suddenly announced with a firm look, stopping me from my train of thought. Deal? We've made a couple of those before. My stomach dropped as I bit my lips with uncertainty and raised my brows curiously. He continued, "You don't blame yourself for this--"

     "Why would you think that I'm blaming my--"

     He interrupted me with a flat and knowing look, a sort of side eye stare. "Anyway," he spoke. "You don't blame yourself with this, deal?"

     "And what do you get out of this?" I questioned him.

     That's how our deals worked. He'd have to get something out of it.

     "Um..." he thought it over. "I get the pleasure of knowing that you're struggling to do this."

     I gasped at him in disbelief and scoffed. "You little--"

     "Tsk tsk," he scolded me, his British accent making it sound so profound. I felt my eyes twitch as he mocked me. "The nerd can't cuss."

     "Oh, I can," I told him in what seemed like an empty threat. "But I won't."

     "Yes, which is the same isn't it?" He pointed out and got up slowly. "So deal?"

     "But I could have fought them," I pressed on, bringing up reasons in why the deal just wouldn't make sense. "I mean you showed me how to fight--"

     "You can fight Chad and his people but you're not ready to fight Ethan and Matt or even Caleb."

     "Oh." I don't think that's necessarily true.

     "Which means you shouldn't blame yourself. Deal?"

     If he really wants this then okay. I cleared my throat. "D-deal."

     "Cheers!"

     I laughed at the way he said it and slung my backpack over my shoulders, tightening the straps. I helped him up and put his arm around me so he would have something to lean on as we walk.

     "Keep drinking the water." I handed him the bottle.

     He took a sip of it and nodded. With the water bottle, he pointed towards a street sign and said. "The orphanage is not too far off."

     "O-orphanage?" I frowned.

     "You're not the only one with no parents," he answered, looking at me straight in the eyes, not wavering in the slightest.

     Both intimidated and embarrassed, my face reddened and I looked away from him, a sinking pit overwhelming my stomach. My voice cracked warily and I stuttered. "Isn't i-it a bit l-late for the o-orphanage?"

      "Maybe." He shrugged carelessly as we walked.

     "Will...will you get i-in trouble?" I asked.

     "Maybe." He once again replied vaguely.

     "How about y-you stay o-over me?" I suggested, not necessarily thinking about the consequences of that. I glanced down at my watch, noticing that it was in fact broken and that I had no way of knowing what time it was. Feeling guilty I continued. "N-no one w-will care."

     Hopefully, no one will notice.

     "Sure." He nodded and we both slowly made our way to my house. We didn't talk much, both of us too worn out to utter even one more word -- yet we were comfortable in the silence.

     Despite the prior events, it was almost peaceful.

     It was nice.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     I made sure that we took our shoes off before walking fully in the house. The squeaking noise might wake up my grandparents and I definitely didn't want that to happen. Jude was dripping from the occurrence and I was slightly wet from the rain. He didn't appear cold whereas I mustered up all my strength to not visibly shudder and beg for warmth.

     I was shivering.

     "Um," I stammered and weakly opened the front door. I unlinked our arms and switched the lights on. "I'm gonna get some towels. But my room is the first one down the hall."

     I pointed towards the direction of where my room was, suggesting that he should go there. I watched him wistfully, my eyes jaded and landing at his. My stomach hurt and I offered him a rueful smile, feeling the edges of my lips crease when he turned to look at me. He narrowed his eyes but obliged when I tilted my head in encouragement.

     "I'll be right there," I told him.

     The moment he disappeared from view, I eased my back to the wall, slowly sliding down. I let out a rough and shaky sigh, not noticing the way my fingers were trembling as I ran them through my damp hair. I hesitantly closed my eyes, in an attempt to relax. Make myself calm. I inhaled. Exhaled.

     I breathed.

     The day isn't over. My thoughts reminded me. My head rested gingerly on my knees as I brought my legs closer, dazed. Just a bit more to do.

     "A bit more," I muttered, barely audible to my own ears.

     With exhaustion, I slowly got up and cleaned up the wet trail Jude and I made when entering the house. I quickly got rid of any evidence that would show that I brought someone here. When I felt satisfied, I gathered towels and any necessary items that would assist in the predicament.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     Police vehicles shot through the street towards the gas station at where I assumed Jenna Davison was in. I followed them, flying faster and cursing when it started to rain again. I ducked forward, finally reaching my destination. The moon gently shined, though it looked hazy through the raindrops and the outside was still very dark. The lights on the gas station entry flickered, neon green and blue. I bit my lips and began opening the transparent door.

     For a moment, I took in my reflection. I blew my cheeks up at the sight. My hair was drenched, the blonde curls now flat against my forehead, almost covering my eyes. Somehow, my contacts weren't destroyed by the water which I was incredibly thankful for. My blue eyes had purple bags that were hidden by the mask and I was pale.

     To be perfectly honest, I didn't look too good. I don't even think I passed for presentable. Though that may be insignificant, I let the thoughts on my exterior seep in for a second. At least, the superhero costume looked somewhat okay.

     I shook my head and walked in. The cashier was sound asleep, not seeming the least bit suspicious or out of place. I scanned the area, strolling through the aisles and checking the bathroom. My eyes landed on a door that was ajar, revealing a glimpse of a small room. I hummed thoughtfully and pressed onto the door, moving it.

     My eyebrows pulled themselves together and I gaped. "A basement opening?"

     The room was filled with packages and equipment. Open boxes were piled up along the walls and everything seemed normal. That's excluding the opening in the middle of the room that was broken and no longer secured. I flew down there, noticing the crumbled cement that was only in one spot. Did Dark Wonder get here? I sure hope so.

     There were men sprawled on the floor, unconscious and wounded. It was almost as if there was a path of them. And so I did the most reasonable thing and followed it. As I grew closer, I heard voices until finally, I soured to where the action was taking place, creating a gust of sharp wind in the process.

     I sighed and with hooded eyes, I looked up to see Dark Wonder.

     "How long does it take you to fly here?" Dark Wonder spoke, agitated and eyeing me the moment I stepped onto the floor. His hands were covered in blood but that didn't seem to bother him.

     I opened my mouth, preparing an excuse but didn't actually speak. My mind stopped when my eyes unintentionally drifted, darting over at a familiar face. Mr. Phillips. He was gripping on the YIN-YANG mask all while looking deranged.

     My eyes widened and I let out a small gasp. "I knew it!" I muttered feeling a little giddy. "They never listen to me..." Or maybe they did. The detective, Hal, showed interest in my theory and the cops were making there way here. I smiled. Maybe they did.

     Dark Wonder quickly made me revert my attention back to him. "Hurry up and help me!" He yelled with frustration.

     I nodded, a little taken aback by his tone and made sure to alter my voice. "What can I do?"

     "You fight him," he instructed and pointed a finger to Yin-Yang. "And I'll --"

     I looked at him with disbelief and interrupted him, "You want me to fight him myself?"

     He gawked at me, shooting me an annoyed glare and then shook his head while rolling his eyes. "Are you suddenly incapable of using your fist or telekinesis powers--"

     "It's actually a gravity d--" I found myself correcting without much of a thought.

     "Another thing you need to know," he said as if he'd previously listed things I needed to know. He placed a hand on his hip. "Don't ever cut me off." I gulped when he gave me a warning and stern stare. With fear, I nodded, showing him that I understood. He continued, "So now that we have that out of the way --"

     Anyone could see that Dark Wonder was losing his patience. His eyes twitched when he was once again cut off. This time it wasn't me.

     "I am the real Dark Wonder," a voice boomed. I flinched as the words began to echo, continuously repeating itself as it bounced off the walls.

     Confused, I turned to Dark Wonder. "Real Dark Wonder?" I scanned him up and down. I'm pretty sure this guy is the real thing. His attitude was enough proof. Case closed.

     "Hey, stop checking me out man," Dark Wonder berated though it seemed playful. My face turned red at his words and I could feel my ears burn. He laughed but then suddenly turned serious as he announced, "I'm the real Dark Wonder."

     "Yin-Yang," the voice called, ignoring the original Dark Wonder that was next to me and somehow, eerily sounding just like him. We weren't the only ones puzzled over the situation. Mr. Phillips or apparently, YIN-YANG stared at Dark Wonder, watching him cautiously. The voice continued. "You will hand yourself over quietly."

     I wish. That would be nice.

     "So how about it?" Dark Wonder suggested, his tone laced with a teasing sort of persuasion. "We know you can pull off the whole villain act but can you pull off the whole handing yourself over quietly act? Hmm." He wiggled his eyebrows at the offer.

     I found myself chuckling at the way he said it. Regardless of that, I, of course, prepared myself for a fight. But I didn't end up doing anything. Before Mr. Phillips could even say a word, policemen and women bustled in the room. Their hands tightly gripping on guns.

     I felt relieved at the sight of the authorities.

     "Put your hands in the air!"

    We both held our hands up.

     "Like you just don't care!" Another person yelled. I noticed Dark Wonder smiling, something I didn't see that much.

     "Who's that?" I asked, curiously, my lips firmly pressed against one another so I wouldn't start laughing. I needed to be serious right now.

     He quirked an eyebrow and then realized who I was talking about. "It's my sidekick," he answered with a laugh.

     Sidekick? I never knew he had one. I looked over at the tan male teenager. He had on those heart patterned shorts that may have appeared more than once on television but you never actually saw anyone wear it in real life. He was also shirtless. He wore a red cape, similar to mine but smaller.

     He was dressed like Captain Underpants.

     "Isn't there a movie that has a character like that?" I remember Layla talking about how she wanted to see it. I couldn't help but laugh. It's amusing. Not only what he was wearing but the contrast between him and Dark Wonder.

     "Apparently it was a children's book," he replied, lightly laughing. I watched him with uncertainty when he suddenly frowned. His eyes were downcast and he gulped. I was going to ask him what's wrong. If he was alright.

     He turned his eyes to Mr. Phillips, the darkness in them were swarmed with revenge and hatred. I found myself getting nervous about it. He looked so vengeful. Mr. Phillips stared at him in the same manner. A glare in return that was almost dangerous. His fingers reached towards something, reeking panic to the cops.

     "Put your hands in the air!" They reiterated their briefings from before.

     He didn't pay them any attention, not considering that an option and neglecting it all together. My eyes shifted, looking at two things at once. Mr. Phillips holding a handgun and the police's reaction. They were in an uproar, all simultaneously pointing their weapons back at him, offering a signal warning just with it.

     "C.U!" Dark Wonder yelled in what I assumed was Captain Underpants abbreviation. His sidekick perked, turning his head to him. "Give me the stuff."

     Stuff?

     He nodded while I just witnessed the peculiar scene take place. It was fast, superhumanly sort of fast. My eyes widened when Captain Underpants threw him Coke and mint Mentos. Why? I didn't know either. Then I got my answer.

     Dark Wonder speedily did a flip, retrieving it despite Captain underpants lack of skill in the throwing department. He was still in the air when he put his plan into motion. I watched in awe as he placed the mentos in the coke bottle. Is he going to do what I think he's doing?

     It exploded due to the chemicals of each of the items combining itself with one another. The explosion hit Mr. Phillips face, making me stifle a laugh. The whole situation reminded me of school. Not that I wanted to think about that, but I'm pretty sure someone did that as their project. I mean to say, an experiment with coke and mentos.

     Ignoring those thoughts, I watched as Mr. Phillips collapsed from the impact. The explosion was more intense due to Dark Wonders powers. At least, I'm assuming that is it. It seemed like a plausible notion. Mr. Phillips dropped his weapon as he fell. I winced when he landed on top of Dark Wonder, awkwardly hovering him.

     I couldn't hear what was happening but they were having a conversation and from what I could comprehend, Dark Wonder seemed spooked. He shuddered and tried to turn away from him. The police force moved closer, their steps becoming faster as they neared them. I gasped when one shot Mr. Phillips, all while Dark Wonder was still under him. I don't think that was the smartest thing to do.

     Dark Wonder hurriedly scurried away, wiping his jacket in the process. "Is he d-dead?" He asked a cop.

     "Not completely," they replied.

     Dark Wonder, looked at them with satisfaction, heaving in a sigh of relief. He made eye contact with me and I offered an understanding smile. I didn't really do anything to help. I nodded, gesturing that I would leave and that he could finish this.

     The police were most likely going to question him since he was the one who actually fought Mr. Phillips. Then they would help Jenna. Maybe there were some unanswered questions. The one easing my mind the most was; who was the person impersonating Dark Wonder? Aside from that, I was content that this was over and that tomorrow would be a new day.

     I stared back at the gas station, watching from above as the cops took in Mr. Phillips.

     I hope Jude is still sleeping.

________________________________________

A/N

Heyyyy humans!

First things first, I'm totally making fun of you all with this song. Another thing is, Jeremiah, happens to be a person who, like, has no friends or people who actually like him in general so now that he has Jude he's kind of "clutching" onto him. It's just the way he is with friends in general. You don't need to look so deep into it. lol. But it's cute that some of you ship it. <3 It's cute.

Btw, sorry I haven't updated in a while. Ehehe...this is extra long so forgive me yeah? Also, not gonna lie, I didn't really read this over. So they are for sure mistakes and some things are probably written weird. Maybe I'll come back and fix it. Maybe...pftt

I just really wanted to update. XD

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I freaking love writing this book like I don't think you know how much fun it is to write. I hope it's as much fun to read. Even tho our small cinnamon roll has to deal with so much. This chapt was pretty dramatic too so that's always great. ;)

Lucas timeline is basically over so right now is a great time for suggestions. ',:) <-- so cool.

Please vote, comment, share, smile, live life.

P.S: if you have any tips, ideas, suggestions please pm me, that would be awesome. Any idea is good because I could just base a chapter off of it and update quicker ;-). So if there's a certain thing that you want to happen just comment it!

Love ya'll <3

Yours truly,

A N O N Y M O U S