Destiny

Reunited: Part 4

Part 4

Raelyn made her way as fast as she could through the dark tunnel back to the room where she found Alex. She sped around the room, setting the charges on the support pillars. When she had finished she placed the last charge on the machine that took elemental powers. She shuddered at the thought of what it was capable of; what Alex had gone through.

Her guard was down for only a moment but that was all it took. As she stood gazing at the horrible machine a black portal opened under her. She had only a second to react. She got traction and sped up the wall closest to her, something she never knew was possible, then she somersaulted back down to the cement floor.

"Void! Show yourself!" She called as her eyes scanned the room for him. She reached over her shoulder and pulled out the katana strapped to her back, thankful she had taken it earlier.

Void appeared before her out of the shadows with a hideous chuckle. He extended his hand and shot out a shock wave. Raelyn, caught off guard, was forced backward into the wall. She had no idea he could do anything other than open portals. She tried standing but before she could get to her feet a portal transported her away. She fell through the portal from high up onto the floor again. A sharp pain shot through the side she landed on.

She clenched her teeth to keep from crying out and slowly stood, favoring her left leg. She picked up the katana laying next to her and gripped it tightly. By now she was furious, adrenaline coursed through her. She pushed herself forward, forgetting her pain. She began to run circles around Void until all he saw was a blur of yellow lighting darting around him. He tried to hit her with a shock wave but didn't succeed. Then out of nowhere he took a powerful blow that knocked him down.

Raelyn had struck him with the katana, wounding his arm. He lay on the ground clutching his arm, eyes wide in fear. She stood in front of him and looked down at him, shaking her head.

"You're a monster. How could you do something so horrible to your own son?" Rae said. "He once told me he thought you still might have a heart; still care somewhat. If you do, it's a cold, back heart with no love in it. But even you deserve a second chance." She held her hand out to him. "Come with me and I will help you, Richard."

"After everything I've done, you would still help me?" Richard asked. "I don't believe you. You'll hand me over to the authorities and they'll lock me up."

"No, I promise, I won't let that happen," she said, and she meant it. "Please, do it for your sons. They need their father. Alex would never admit it to me, but I know he misses you. He wishes he could have a normal conversation with his father where you're not trying to hurt him. He's already lost his mother, don't put him through that again."

Richard gave a half hearted laugh. "You were right, there is no love in my heart, not anymore. It went when she did. But you, you really care about him, don't you?"

"Yes." There it was, she finally said it. "Please, come with me Richard. We don't have much time. These bombs will go off any minute."

"I can't," He sighed and shook his head. He then used his good arm to open a portal next to him. "Go, girl, get out of here. It's too late for me. Tell him I'm sorry."

"No, no. If you leave I won't be able to help you stay out of prison."

No sooner had the words left her mouth when there was an explosion a couple floors above them, making the entire room shake. The vibrations caused the explosives Rae had set to also go off. The blast knocked her forward and she blacked out. The last thing she saw was Richard's body disappearing through the portal.

When she woke, Raelyn was outside in the middle of the street. Sirens blared in every direction. Her head and leg throbbed in pain and her Gi was torn here and there. She was disoriented and couldn't remember what she was doing there. She sat up and looked around. There were police cars, ambulances and firetrucks everywhere. The building in front of her was destroyed and many of the surrounding buildings had considerable damage.

Someone was running toward her. He wore a white and gold ninja Gi, had black spiky hair like a hedgehog and gripped a staff in one hand. It was her Sensei. Suddenly she remembered everything, but one thing didn't add up. How had she gotten there?

"Raelyn, are you ok?" Taylor asked as he reached her. He helped her up.

"Yes, but I," she paused as it suddenly dawned on her. "He saved my life."

"What are you talking about?"

"Richard, he saved me."

Taylor raised an eyebrow. He obviously didn't believe her. "You must have hit your head pretty hard."

"No, I know he did!" She was absolutely sure. She began looking around as if expecting to see him there.

"Ok," Taylor said, still uncertain. "Let's get you to an ambulance, you don't look so good." He began to lead her away. She glanced behind her one last time, even though she couldn't see Richard she had a feeling he could see her.