The Protectors

Chapter 14 - Changes

Emile had left the camp and sought refuge at Mrs. Hemley's for the night to escape it all. The conversation he had with her the previous night was intriguing. He opened up to her about her departure, and she simply stated that the world had already decided, leaving Emile with no control over the situation. She didn't offer any further explanation. The next morning, Emile woke up to Luna and Alex's presence in the house, with Luna sitting close to him. "Good morning," Luna greeted him with a sympathetic expression, clearly feeling sorry for him. Alex was conversing with Mrs. Hemley in the kitchen. "Morning, Luna. It's nice to see you," Emile said casually as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. Luna smiled at his remark. "Are you okay?" she inquired, to which Emile responded with a yawn, "I'm fine. And you? How are you coping with everything?" Luna gazed at him, unconvinced of his well-being but sensing his reluctance to delve into the topic. "I talked with Izumi last night. She revealed that Miguel was my father. It stings a bit more, especially knowing he couldn't disclose it himself," Emile yawned as he got up, folding the blanket and adjusting the sofa cushions. Walking over to Luna, he planted a kiss on her forehead. "You deserve better than this. I can't even fathom what you've endured in the past month. But remember, I've got your back, just like you had mine," he reassured her. Luna smiled up at him, remarking, "You've changed." Emile chuckled, "For better or worse?" Hoping for a positive response. "Definitely for the better. It seems like you've been through a lot," Luna observed as they exchanged meaningful glances. "You have no idea, Luna," Emile admitted, settling back on the sofa.

"Something has got to give" Emile sighed, and Luna agreed "We're the only ones that can change it, let's do something about it" She exclaimed, seemingly excited "I can't just sit here knowing that Lance killed my dad and is just out there having the time of his life, after lying to my face" Sheer emotion was in her voice, she was still grieving. Alex heard them talking, realizing Emile was awake, and walked into the room. "I want to get stronger too, I feel like everyone just uses me for my ability, and while that is useful I'm tired of being used by other people, I want to be able to take initiative myself without being told" Alex wasn't one to open up like this, so it was clear to Emile that he had been feeling this way for some time. "That's something we have to work on then, every day until we're stronger, smarter, quicker, sharper" They both nodded in response to Emile. "This is how it should be '' Mrs Hemley ''What I saw, you have to be stronger. There's more of you yet to come my dear" she said talking to Emile. "Now get out and go back to camp, I need to pack my things' ' she ushered them out the door and they began their walk back to camp. "What is it you need to do to improve then? Both of you. What specifically?" Emile asked them both "I want to be able to fight, like you said because of my power I'm able to survive, I can almost predict their next move" Alex said "Me and Rage will fight with you now, all the time. We'll work on getting you to a point where you can take both of us. How does that sound?" Alex grinned "Sounds amazing brother" Emile then turned to Luna ''My creations need to be better, more effective, stronger. I need to be better in fights, everything" Emile nodded "We can do that" she smiled at him "What about you?" she flipped the script on him, he was surprised and thought about the answer "I need to unlock another person, another clone. Whatever you want to call it. I want to learn how to use a sword too. I'm gonna get Izumi to help me on that one" Luna looked excited as he spoke "We're gonna be fucking strong" she said passionately and the boys laughed.

As they returned to camp, Emile spotted Lola, looking ready for a mission. Emile left Luna and Alex to approach her. "What's the deal with those two, Alex?" Luna inquired. "They seem to be getting close. He's been spending a lot of time with her lately. Why?" Alex responded with a question, catching Luna off guard. "No reason. Just curious," Luna replied. Emile hurried over to Lola, who was with her team. "Lola, can we talk for a minute?" he asked. She stopped and walked over to him. "What's on your mind?" she inquired. "I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I'm sorry for how I acted and spoke to you. It was uncalled for. I don't want our last conversation to be like that in case something happens to either of us on a mission. That can't happen," he expressed. Lola seemed pleased with his apology. "I'm sorry too. I messed up, and I promise it won't happen again. I'm here for you till the end. You're our hero, and I truly believe that," she responded. Emile then said, "Come here," and they embraced, a much-needed moment for both of them. "I love you, Emile. I do," Lola confessed. Emile paused for a moment and replied, "I love you too. Where are you headed?" After they let go of each other, Lola explained, "It's chaotic out there, with social media blowing up and people demanding action against those with powers. I'm going to try to calm things down. But we're facing backlash because of Lance making us look like a threat. It's a mess." She looked worn out from it all. Emile reassured her, "It'll be alright. Go out there and do great things. I'll be here waiting for you to come back safely. Stay in one piece." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. "I will," she promised, returning the kiss before they parted ways.