Return of the Wicked Sickness

The Journey Continues Forward

    "Woo-hoo!" A voice shouts out, the Alta Heroes and the rest of the team stopping by for the station's reaction.
"Yeah!" Another officer yells out.
"Hell yeah!" Damian says whilst he high-fives a coworker of his. Dennis and the others wave, Damian bows in approval, and the rest of the squad reports to the commissioner's office.
"How'd it go?" An officer asks.
"We did good," Jayden says with pride. Everyone else is proud too. Whilst the cheering and pandering rolls over the crowd, a presence of fearsome authority makes himself known. The team looks at him. The man who clears his throat stares the team down with him gesturing to them, Dennis and Peter too, to come to his office.
"Did you follow commands?" Vincent demands.
"When we could," Jayden says. Asori nods in agreement with the rest not saying nor doing anything. Although nervous, Asori doesn't have intense fear due to the mission and such being a success. Not to mention Jayden and her friends being here with her.
"You kept an eye on 'em?" Vincent questions. Dennis nods to his superior.
"There was no disrespect or dissonance from the group," Peter says.
"Yeah, they were all on their best behavior. And they all fought the guy-" Dennis stops himself for a pause when Vincent looks at Dennis with more intensity. But Dennis speaks up after a gulp.
Dennis says, "Without us having the option to interfere."
"Yeah. The guy gave us some trouble and we have-" Asori looks at Vincent and he looks at her when she speaks. Asori stands her ground.
        More confident, Asori says,  "We have some info for you, Commissioner."
"We got a breakthrough," Asori says with a smile. Vincent looks on with a still-strong sternness. The group lays it all out on the table.
"Here's what we've observed," Asori says as projections are shown on the screen. First is Shadow Bird's glove. Although it is not shown, Asori can feel the great fear emanating from Fearmeister's actions Shadow Bird captured. Even Dennis can't help feeling the fear of Fearmeister's many victims.
"With our observation here, Fearmeister leaves calling cards such as these for many reasons. Especially with the ones discussed before," Asori starts before getting her aura ready. 
"When... I was countering the fire with Ashley..." Asori tries her hardest to focus her aura. But her relaxed happiness as well as her overlapping fear can't mix. There are just flickers. Even Vincent grows worried. Jayden places a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
"I'm sorry-" Asori is stopped by her leader. Asori also stops trying to form an aura shield. Ashley sighs in relief.
"It's fine," Jayden softly says in the same manner as her.
"When we fought him, his fear-based attacks were strong," Jayden says whilst mentioning the bruises having just been healed before their arrival.
"But, because of our willpower," Shadow Bird begins as he takes over. "He too had a hard time." Aubrey gives him a thumbs-up.
"I see," Vincent says, the picture forming in his mind with another projection formed. This being of the army men being safe yet with another showing his men being held in hellish death traps. With their willpower, with what he's observed in separate reports, they managed to survive. Thank God.
"There's no doubt in my mind Fearmeister planned to kill your men and hurt us in some way," Shadow Bird says, superhero-knowledged and all.
"The question is why would he want that," Asori says, regaining some confidence. Vincent's bones have chills in them yet his stoicism remains in front of everyone to see.
     Dennis says, "We'll learn more of that when we stop him." Dennis thinks for a moment. All the facts are here. Especially with what he's seen, an idea forms in his head. A smile forms too.
"So, to counteract his fear," Dennis places his thumb and index under his chin. "We have to be strong." Asori gives a thumbs up.
"Very good," Dennis says with proud eyes. With this ammo, Fearmeister'll be toast. Even though putting them into practice won't be a cakewalk. Maybe they won't need the Mistress after all.
"Good job, Asori," Jayden says with pride. Asori's pride in herself fills up. This is so wonderful. They did such a great job.
Vincent says, "Ok then." All heads turn to the chief.
"You kids did good, but remember," Vincent puts out a finger. "this is not a comic book."
Vincent says, "Stay sharp and keep close." The Alta Heroes nod to him in respect to maintaining their growing relationship with the police. Speaking of them, the group decides to give some words of encouragement to the man regarding his people.
Asori says, "Your team did wonderful with us, Vincent."
"Yeah, all of them were so badass," Shadow Bird says as he remembers the firefight and fighting prowess of the officers. They were all so cool. So stylish. Especially Jerry and Damian. Dennis and Vincent feel good because of this praise. Hopefully, things keep evolving in a positive direction. 
"So, what's next?" Aubrey asks.
Dennis says, "Right now, we'll get our info together and form our next steps. You guys just get some rest. You earned it." The Alta Heroes smile brightly with pure intent and all. The Alta Heroes and the two officers with Peter going to his other duties.
"Woah!" Aubrey says as Shadow Bird and her go to see a particular case. Kaylee, back in her earlier years, had just beaten down two wannabe mascot cons all by herself. All the while, the kids she protected stood with her, smiling as she had the crooks with their heads down. Aubrey giggles as she sees another photo of her son, Nevin, looking down as he is in line with many kids who stole ice cream from the bad gal herself, Kathy Belmonte. The cook is no joke especially with how she made Nevin wear the apron and frowny face of shame. Aubrey giggles some more as it reminds her of Ariana getting her comeuppance from Aunt Viv after stealing her candy bars. Shadow Bird's more into the case where she and the kids humiliated those fools.
"Yeah, Kaylee's just that cool," Dennis says to Jayden and the girls.
"I see," Asori says. Even she's amused by Kaylee's hilarious defeat of these perps. Detectives are so cool. If there's one positive memory of hers that comes to mind, it's getting in some Sherlock from time to time. Shadow Bird and Aubrey start chuckling as they look at more funny photos from Damian kicking a guy in the nuts to Nathan forcing Jerry to smile on a bad day. Although amused, Jayden, Ashley and Asori don't share their energy.
"Well, looks like we better get going," Jayden says after a chuckle for they're all hungry and Jayden wants the police to have their time to get their plan together.
"Hey, guys! We gotta go!" Jayden calls out. Although disappointed, the two comply and return to their leader, Aubrey hoping to learn more about these adventures when given the chance.
"Well, good to see you guys," Jayden says as the group goes to take their leave.
"Alta Heroes!" The team turns to the yeller-voiced command. Vincent gives them a finger.
"Stay out of trouble," Vincent warns. The team nods to him without fear. The group then takes their leave out of the building. Soon, the group who'd partaken in the Fearmeister hunting operation, all save the soldiers who'd returned to IMMS, meet in Vincent's office.
"We have no confirmation as for similar buildings that've been haunted by Fearmeister. But there are similar sights he's been to. Observe," Vincent orders. The group observes as many sights are shown that aren't for the faint of heart. A simple video starts with a couple walking hand and hand back home. No sights are seen by the two women as they walk these streets. Yet what isn't seen by them is graffiti. Graffiti of eyes seen by few who live to tell the tale. When one does look to the left, she sees no one. A shine makes a silent beep as the woman looks away. A sweep is felt from the past and in the future. Nathan shakes more so than Aline with Marcy, Kaylee, and even Damian and Jerry staying stoic. Scraping into the walls of an alleyway, Fearmeister advances, sticking to the shadows.
"Huh?!" A woman shrieked as a wave of wind was felt in front of her and her lover. Both stopped dead in their tracks as they looked here and there. A sudden advance, a leap, and two shrills of freight end the recording with its growing static with a blood trail on both ends.
"Sarah Winchester. Jessie Winona," Jerry says softly and in sympathy. Even Damian isn't smiling as the film ends. Another sight plays out. The houses, for one. Pictures duck taped in crime scene and Fearmeister memorabilia. Kaylee takes heed of something he notices in the room of the Erickson's youngest survivors. A scarred face is what he wears yet, like the man who escaped with his life, the boy is still here. So is the girl. Why? Why do the children always get spared? She then pays attention to the eyes. So dull. So broken. So... drained. Kaylee grits her teeth which are shielded by her mouth. Bastard. A few more photos are shown before the slideshow ends.
Vincent then says, "That is why new sections will be assigned in the morning. There, we can gather data on where Fearmeister will strike the most so we can catch him off guard."
"Messages will be sent to all of you in the morning. Dismissed," Vincent says as all of them leave the office. Vincent sighs in relief. Thank God these kids are still here. All the team needs to do is keep them close to keep 'em safe. Back home for the team, Aubrey fiercely trains her feet.  She lets up not on her assault. Nor does Shadow Bird in his research. He types and types away making various notes. One side is noted based on how much he stole. All Fearmeister took was candy from babies, an item here and there for his scheme, and of course, the aura. Shadow Bird goes on to look up any injuries Fearmeister had in his career. Surprisingly and thankfully, there are records of his fights with the Macabre. One article, written by Ms. Anderson, details how the Macabre had beaten him much like the Alta Heroes did today. He clicks on a video. Fearmeister gives his best in this fight. Noticeably, he's putting more of his best in this fight than in his first fight with the Alta Heroes. The shadowy one, her face not being shown, is incredible with the staff against his claws. Even two weird objects with blades could give this guy a run for his money. A crowbar duck here and a stab evade there, and Fearmeister knocks two heads together. They get up and hold him by his legs. A punch to the face from another ghoul in this photo reels Fearmeister's head back. A blast flies from the guy's hand which destroys the recorder. Even if the video was broken up due to the cracked lens, Shadow Bird gathers quite the info. He then compares the notes he's gathered. So far, with the fights this guy's been in, the Alta Heroes' best bet is overwhelming the guy. Asori's great for the aura attacks. Ashley's strength and Aubrey's speed are sure to knock him flat on his ass. Jayden's swordplay as well as Asori's great work for the kama-claw tricks up Fearmeister's speed. Shadow Bird? He'll just give him some taekwondo combos before arresting him. For they are gonna arrest him. Soon, a note goes into his brain that he jots down on the computer. It's his life, he said, when talking about why he does this. This unsettles Shadow Bird. It can't be. This can't be all he has. Surely, he must've loved too much. Sighing, he goes to the crime chart. Still, while it will never justify his actions, Fearmeister can't all be made up of a monster. Fearmeister's killings, for one. They've almost all been random people. Business people. Celebrities. But for the kids... He clicks on a photo. Adam Mohanagan. He was only eight. A normal kid with so much ahead of him. And it all got ripped away when Fearmeister robbed him of his family. Shadow Bird goes back to the photo of Fearmeister he has. This guy... He's definitely not getting out anytime soon. But... he can't be all... Shadow Bird's head is down. The Joker. Vader. Krueger. Even Mr. Freeze when written perfectly or too poorly. They've all got one thing in common and that's the non-discrimination to their villainous acts that they've committed against others. But they've all suffered. One way or another. Joker's a multiple choice person but he's had to have had a really bad day. Fearmeister's had to have one of them. And even so, even Vader managed to come back to the light, yet that will never truly fix all Anakin Skywalker's done without the whole galaxy hating him as Darth Vader. Hopefully, he can see what he's done and take what comes next when Franklin does see the error of his ways. Hopefully. Aubrey doesn't care for this as she focuses on good kicks to keep him on his toes. Lower kicks go to each side of the lower side of the punching bag before front kicks from each leg get to the middle of the punching bag. A side kick and a speed up back kick from behind the punching bag happen next. Aubrey goes back to the front of the bag, panting.
"Hmm?" Aubrey goes to her pocket as she feels her phone ring.
"Hello?" Aubrey says, sweating while in her workout clothes.
"Hey, Aub!" Ariana yelps. Aubrey chuckles.
"Hey, Kiddo. How're you?" Aubrey says.
"I'm good. You ok?" Ariana asks out of concern. Ariana waits for a few seconds.
"Look, if you're busy right now, it's-"
"No, no," Aubrey says, cutting her off as she regains her breath.
"It's fine," Aubrey says while walking to her bag. She shuffles through this bag of hers as she talks.
"How's school?" Aubrey asks, getting a towel.
"School. It sucks major butt," Ariana says with her tongue making a gross sound. Aubrey laughs as well as her little sister.
Ariana remarks, "Yeah, we've just gotten word that the teacher doing her "activities" just got fired."
"Wow..." Aubrey says sarcastically.
"Yeah," Ariana says after a giggle.
Ariana says, "Hey, I'm gonna share with you some stuff." She then sends Aubrey some stuff which is her photos. One shares how she made some cookies. Aubrey gulps, her taste buds tingling. It looks so good. The chocolate chips inside the cookie, for one, look amazing even when barely seen. After all, Aubrey likes surprises. She then sees another cute thing her sister did. Spider-Man, the figure she just got back, is holding a paper mache camera. Wonderful. And no wonder Peter Parker's got a good shot. That green dragon plush wasn't hiding his face when stealing those cookies.
"Did any of your new friends see these?" Aubrey asks. Ariana's tone and facial features drop down.
"No," Ariana says, mumbling. She doesn't wanna be embarrassed or embarrass anyone else.
"Hey, come on. If there's something you can do alone, do 'em. But aren't your friends artists too?" Aubrey chirps.
"Yeah," Ariana says, still sad. Still though, what if they don't like her? They'd only been friends for a few days.
"If they don't wanna be with you for that, screw 'em, kay?" Aubrey says with confidence.
"Ok," Ariana says, more hopeful.
"But what did you think of my photos, Aub? Pretty cool, huh?" Ariana says with a smile.
"They're all great. I especially love the one with those friends of yours," Aubrey says sincerely. Truth be told, they do look happy. Ariana especially looks happy with her smiling the brightest. Ariana's eyes light up with her getting her sister's compliment.
"What about you, did you get a good bad guy today?" Ariana asks.
"Yeah. He's called Fearmeister and he's a really creepy guy," Aubrey says with confidence and charisma causing Ariana to laugh at that. He's not all that, after all.
"Did you get some good hits on him?!" Ariana asks, excited to see what her sister cooked up for her in that regard.
Aubrey brags, "Hell yes. He didn't stand a chance against us. I mean, we beat the shit out of him."
"Ooh," Ariana says with sass. She listens in.
"He fell flat on his ass, what, five times. Ten. Sure, this guy claims he's all that, but he's not shit if he can't stand up straight," Aubrey remarks as Ariana laughs out loud.
"Yeah. Hey, do you have any more stories from the school grounds?" Aubrey asks for more juicy material.
Ariana says, "No... Just girls being bullies and whatnot." Ariana sniffles before sitting up straighter.
"Hey, when can I come to Fic-City?" Ariana asks. She's always wanted to see the place from the moment she'd seen photos. Aubrey looks back. Feelings in her stomach rustle around from worry to wanting. Right now, the guy's pretty dangerous. Sure, they can take him, but Ariana... no. At least not yet.
"Soon. Very soon. We just..." Aubrey looks up. Ariana's gaze saddens.
"We got some stuff to do," Ariana's head perks up. "but we'll make a day for us to hang out in Fic-City. I promise, okay?" Ariana's smile returns. If there's one thing she can count on, it's her sister keeping her word.
"Be sure to stay safe," Ariana says with encouragement.
"Of course," Aubrey says with a smile.
"And go get 'em!" Ariana says, pumping her fist in the air. Aubrey laughs at that.
"Well, gotta go. Dinner's gotta get made," Aubrey says.
"Ok, see ya," Ariana says, cutely.
"I love you," Aubrey says.
"Love you too," Ariana says, her pitch a little higher this time, as the call ends.
"Alright," Aubrey says in happiness. With that, she exits her room. Soon, Aubrey knocks on Asori's room.
"Hey, Asori?! Wanna get cookin'?!"  Aubrey asks.
Asori says, "Sure, just getting into more casual stuff. Be there in five." Her voice is slightly muffled by her door.
"Got it," Aubrey says as she speeds down to the kitchen. After getting on her short black socks, Asori gets her phone in her pocket, this for timer setting and time checking.
"Ashley?" Asori asks just as she opens the door.
"Hey. I just came to ask if you were ok," Ashley says with sincerity.
"I am. Why do you ask?" Asori asks.
"Oh, you know. He was a pretty tough battle to fight and I just wanted to make sure he didn't scare you too good," Ashley admits.
"Well, thanks for the concern. But I'm fine," Asori says with honesty.
"Are you sure?" Ashley asks.
"Yeah, besides, I've been through worse," Asori says.
"You and I both," Ashley says. A moment of pause goes by before Asori makes her way downstairs. Closing her door first, however, before doing so, of course. Ashley sighs with relief. She then goes to Jayden's room.
"Jayden?" Ashley calls to her leader. Going to his door, Ashley can't nor wants to go in. It's locked and if he wants it so, then so be it.
"Ashley?" Ashley turns to the voice. It's Shadow Bird.
"What's up?" Ashley asks.
"Nothing. What's up with you at Jayden's door?" Shadow Bird remarks.
"Oh, just checking on him," Ashley admits with honesty.
"Cool. Well, last where I saw him, he was going to another room," Shadow Bird says.
"Down one of the elevator rooms?" Ashley asks. Shadow Bird nods his head to confirm.
"Ok. He'll join us for dinner, right?" Ashley then asks.
"Yep. But I tell ya, that steak and meatloaf better be worth it. Otherwise, Aubrey and that Star Wars geek aren't hearing the end of it," Shadow Bird says with sarcasm. Ashley giggles before following him downstairs.
Shadow Bird says as they walk downstairs, "Man, I can't believe we fought another villain already. It's like we're racking up bag guy beating credit by the day."
"True, true," Ashley says, happy this douche is getting what he deserves but not knowing how to feel about him in general. Soon, the five members of the Passionate Paragons sit and break bread together. In front of them are plates of the meatloaf and steak mentioned before as well as asparagus, strawberries, milk, and carrots. Everyone eats in silence, Jayden being the quickest one done with his plate aside from Aubrey. As he is finishing up his meal, he notices some tension. Jayden looks up. Ashley eats her steak with a pull on the meat at first before getting it from her fork to her mouth. Her eyes are alert. She's glad everyone's ok. But still, she could've lost them had they shown any carelessness today. Regardless, it might've, no, would've been her fault. Breathing through her nose, Ashley keeps eating. Sniffling a bit, Ashley wipes her mouth, steak sauce gone from her mouth and cheek. Aubrey is up and dandy. She's taking one bite after another. Each delicious meatloaf bite comes into her mouth and down to her stomach with a gulp. With a knife cut here and a bite there, she finishes half of her asparagus. Shadow Bird isn't worried either. He eats his meatloaf with pride as he still wears his cape and cowl. Jayden smiles. It's just like what a certain... Jayden frowns. Then shakes his head. No, this is about him. His life. His friends. He looks at Asori. More elegantly than Ashley, Asori takes a bit of time cutting the steak before eating a smaller piece. Asori too looks a bit spooked. She's not looking at everyone, after all. She's a little antsy too with multiple thoughts occupying her mind. Yeah, they're all ok, but her indecisiveness could've gotten any of them, especially MCPD officers, killed. That shielding? She is just happy it came at all. She'll do further testing to see what else could trigger it. Both girls' eyes are widened yet not as tense as their fight with Fearmeister, and Shadow Bird along with Aubrey aren't so concerned about anything. Still. Jayden looks down at his food. He takes another bite of his meatloaf. Yeah, they'll need what he's been up to.
"Alright, Jayden.  What's the surprise?" Shadow Bird asks as all hands are on deck in the training room.
"You'll see," Jayden says as his foot landed on a blank piece of the floor. A platform raises the group to a great few feet tall. Aubrey looks down and above then left and right as well as Shadow Bird. Ashley and Asori stand together, a shared weird feeling burrowing into their guts.
"Jayden?" Ashley asks moments before the platform stops.
"I just wanted to say good job to all of you. Seriously. And for that, how about we celebrate like this?" Jayden says as he lets his body fall. All eyes go wide.
"Jayden!" Asori yells. All members run to the edge.
"JAYDEN!" Ashley screams as all heads look down. Jayden, as fine as he was, is jumping up and down on the trampolineesque or pillow-like surface. He jumps up and down as he does a flip and laughs throughout. Jayden's fine. He's safe. He's happy. The group stand still, awestruck. Ashley's heart still raced, anxiety hidden by anger swirling in her thoughts. Asori's thoughts go everywhere. Should she be sad? Mad? Scared? 
"Come on, guys! Let's jump!" Jayden shouts.
"Yeah!" Aubrey shouts in glee as she jumps down. Both teens jump and jump. Aubrey is faster than Jayden as she blitzes from one point to another. Jayden just keeps up his flow whilst Aubrey vibes with hers. Ashley and Asori are awestruck. For Asori, she's starting to get clearer thoughts. This was all Jayden's plan. When observing the jumping and cheering, the structure is to thank, the jumpy-made contraption having no flaws up close. Is this Jayden's way of making them feel better? Maybe this is just a reward for their hard work. Ashley cares not for any of this. They're all fine, yes. But Jayden still gave them all heart attacks.                                                                                                
     "Woo-hoo!" Shadow Bird shouts. Both girls, Asori being shaken more visually after that yelp, see Shadow Bird having joined their friends. He does many cool poses. Even after he fails to pull a Batman-like move, he laughs as he gets up with a bounce, doing a twirling-flipesque move. Asori's nerves begin to die down with Ashley calming down just a bit.
"You ok?" Asori softly asks. Ashley looks at her. Ashley bites her lip. Asori, kneeling, goes to her hands as she goes to the ledge.
"We'll be waiting for you," Asori says, winking at her. Wanting to join her friends, Asori jumps from the ledge in a backstroke position as she twirls elegantly to the bouncing trinket of fun. Ashley's mind races with many thoughts here and there. But her mind, after thoughts of fear come and go, begins to slow down as Ashely witnesses her friends all in action. They're all safe and sound, and having fun whilst doing so. And it's all thanks to Jayden. Ashley takes a deep breath before throwing caution to the wind and joining her friends with a powerful jump.
"Yay-yah!" Ashley jumps in joy as she does a few jumps with the others. Right now, everyone is safe. They're all happy and Jayden can't be happier. Ashley's worries as well as Asori's completely die here. Fearmeister may be out there, but they'll stop him. Right now, they just wanna have fun. No worries. Just fun.