A Hero in the Dark: 2nd Edition

Chapter 55: Irreplaceable

~ Number Five's POV ~

It's boring in here. There's nothing to do in this tiny cell and it's too tiny to stretch my legs. I hate how unable I am to get her out of my head.

Ever since that Mog dragged her away, I can't stop picturing that. I have no idea where they were taking her or why, but... I worry. I'm not used to worrying. I'm used to just flying straight in and getting the job done, no matter how dirty, without caring about the consequences. But since I met Emily, she made me reconsider. She made me second-guess myself. I never wanted to do that; it only slows me down, but I can't stop.

Emily... there's something about her. I don't know if it's the Legacies she developed. Okay, telekinesis may be no big deal, but ergokinesis? Setrákus Ra said he needed it. He said she was more valuable than anything else. He offered me anything to catch her; a new flight suit, night vision goggles, my own Skimmer, an unlimited Mogadorian army, even a human taskforce, if I wanted that. He said he could make it happen. "Whatever you need, I will get it for you, as long as you bring her to me."

He said I'd be rewarded if I did. And I did. I didn't know it would be the worst mistake of my life. If I had known he would interrogate her—hurt her—I never would've done it. I'll never forgive myself for that even if she's forgiven me. She can deny it all she wants, but in the end, I was the one that chose to hurt her, and I don't deserve to be forgiven, but that's why I'm going to make it up to her. I just haven't figured out how.

A group of Mogs pass by my cell. They look like I imagine humans might on their lunch break. Most of them laugh, all of them carry swords and blasters. "I heard the girl got into trouble for what happened in New York."

"I heard Beloved Leader put her in the Dilapidation room."

"No way! Do you think she'll die?!"

"Undoubtedly."

"Silence! You know Beloved Leader won't allow her death! He needs her. Show your respects!"

"Still. It's worth a shot."

"Yes, who cares?"

"Beloved Leader does!"

"Calm down. Of course we won't let her die, but Beloved Leader claims she's strong. I say we walk slow and give her time." I can hear the smirk in his voice. "If she dies, she dies."

"Yes. Least he will know she isn't the right one."

What?! Dilapidation room? I used to train in there. Trying to survive on my own was already a struggle; sparring against Mogs was an added challenge. The room has strobe lights on every second. It took a while for me to get used to them! But the daggers and shards of swords? They're nearly impossible to defend against. They track your movements. No matter where you go in that small room, they're your problem. They're like honing missiles—without telekinesis, they can't be defended against.

I near the door of my cell once they pass. It must've been days since I've even touched my externa. I need to get out of here. Setrákus Ra took away my ball bearings, but he didn't account for me turning into the ship's metal. It's as hard as the lock keeping me in. I swing my arm at it to test it and it clangs. The Mogs turn and stare. I stare back and offer my best smile. "Hey. You guys wouldn't happen to have a key, would you?"

As if in answer, one of them unsheathes a sword, another his blaster. He starts firing. Idiots. "You guys do know I'm immune, right?" I wave my metal arm at him like I'm checking if he's blind, then kick the door down. It flies into the first Mog, smacking him dead to ash, and his cannon clangs to the ground. Another volley of shots replaces his and I shield one of my arms to block—it's instinct. I run at them when I remember I don't need to. I rip their weapons away, kick at one, and yank the sword from another.

It's over in minutes and I rub ash off my shirt, then fly straight to the Dilapidation room—404. I need to get to her ASAP. God, I hope she's still alive.

I tap the touchscreen; it's red. I tap again and it turns green, then whip open the door.

There—she's lying in a pool of blood, a dagger in her back. I steel myself. She doesn't move. I rest a finger beside her neck and relief spreads through me.

Quickly, without thinking, I scoop her up in my arms, not caring about the blood I get on my shirt; it's filthy anyway, and I fly. I fly to the Infirmary faster than a bullet. "Hang on, Emily. Don't give in, just hang on. I promise I'll get you out of here..."

She shakes then stills, but I wonder if that's just me. She's soft and delicate in my arms and a new fury engulfs me knowing he did this to her. I'm going to kill him. Force him to heal her, then I'll kill him.

But even while covered in blood, she's still pretty. "John..." she whimpers. "John. John..." It's like she's calling out for him. I don't hate that; I hate how he isn't here for her. Surely, one of them must have a healing Legacy, right? "John... John..."

I smooth over a tangled strand of her hair and tuck it behind her ear, and she stops. "Not John," I tell her, as faintly as she was calling out for him. "Five. It's Five, and I'll protect you." I cling to her as I say it and pick up speed.

There are syringes and a beaker filled with his ooze. I grab them. I hate to inject her with this shit, but I know it works. I've seen it. "She wasn't supposed to be released for another hour," he says out of the blue. Setrákus stares at me on the fringes.

"You tried to kill her," I spit, unable to keep the fury out of my tone. "Why?"

"I was testing her," he corrects.

"That didn't look like a test. She was passed out with a dagger through the back. She had no Legacies in there, didn't she?"

"Not until she fell." He sighs. "As disappointed as I am, I suppose I ought to thank you. You did save me from an extra step." What? "Now, get out of here."

"Why would I leave her with you?"

"Because I can heal her. You should be grateful I'm not locking you up, boy... or worse." I take a breath, and despite my reluctance to leave her with him, I do as I'm told because I know he's right. He's the only one that can heal her, and he'll have me killed if I don't. I need to worry about finding the perfect place to hide where he'll never find me.