Collateral Damage (bxb)

21. On The Way

A.N. This chapter begins from the perspective of Aidan.

There was no more time to mope in self-pity and misery. Yes, I have reason to be like this, but I have to be strong to make it as far as I can before I let go. The fear that overtook me just an hour ago was greater than anything I had felt before, I risked my life by phasing into SBC facilities, I went on extended missions all alone knowing that I could die, but this was too much. Was it Ian that I was scared to hurt? It doesn't matter now since I could die after I release the built-up energy, and I'll do it where no one will get hurt. I just hope they don't get in my way.

By my estimates, I have a little over a day to do it, but I feel the force pressing down on me even under the influence of medication. Strangely, my ability doesn't come from within this body like Wolf's or Kitty's. You can see the changes in Wolf's physical appearance when he uses it since the core of his body can reach temperatures nearing the surface of the sun yet he manages to contain it without thinking. Kitty has new nerve cells being made every minute of the day, reforming and changing the inner workings of every part of her body. I share more in common with Ian's ability than with any of theirs'. Even weirder is the bridge between me and Peter that ensures the flow of this power. I might just kill him with this... No, he'll be fine, I am sure. I hope...

After I finished my bout of thinking, I was done packing our things and got ready to leave. I just had to pick up my jacket and gun... walking over to the small coffee table next to the old leather chair, I grabbed the jacket I had worn for the past years of my life. It has been the only thing that stayed consistent between identity changes, haircuts, and hair colors to keep this body safe. And then there was the gun... Was it the first thing I bought on the dark web under the instructions of Kitty? I never used it to harm those who didn't deserve it, or did I? Maybe Peter is right, I am a selfish asshole... I'll repay him in some way, shape, or form, I'll survive the discharge and make it to Ethan while keeping Ian safe. This might be too much to ask and I'll have to compromise on something, burn a bridge, harm my friends... maybe even Ian. The thought of it disgusts me.

Putting the gun behind the waistband, I take the duffle bag and backpack before letting myself do a final scan around the room. Everything looks good so the housekeepers won't have to do much work. Just an unremarkable couple of guys who stayed here, nothing out of the ordinary, yet I doubt that Wolf kept a low profile... Now I remember, I hated staying in motels with him. To be honest, this time I don't even want to look at the mess he'll leave behind. At least, I hope the bed isn't a pile of ash.

Leaving the room with the bags I lock it behind me getting ready to give the keys back to the front desk. God, it was the first time and the first place I and Ian shared an intimate moment. It is a shame that it took place in such a run-down motel. Taking a glance across the parking lot, I see the sign advertising this place, and it is just as disheveled as the rest of the motel. I sigh, knowing that this might be my last good memory of Ian... "Such a shame," I mumbled under my breath with a deep sigh. What am I thinking, he doesn't need this much hardship with him. A quiet and safe life in Europe is best for him. I just cause pain, I am a burden to others and a tool when needed. He just likes the physical aspect of my body. If he knew everything, the truth...

Looking to the side, I see the man of the hour walking up the steps and in my direction holding a phone to his ear. Ian is on the phone, and who is he talking to? I heard Wolf and Ian argue on the other side of the wall, but I was too busy being a wreck to care... Forget it, just act as nothing happened.

I decided to call out to him, "Ian, who are you talking to?" Ian flinched when he noticed me standing there as nothing had happened.

"Hold on," he mumbled into the phone, "H-hey, what's up, how are you feeling?" He asked with concern. Can't he see that I am fine now?