The United

Chapter 13

"Yay!" Keaton squeaked again and started to reach over to me. "I have mommy and daddy again!" He hugged Aaron, "Daddy..." He smiled brightly at us.

"That's right Keaton... Let's go find your sister... okay?" Aaron asked and walked forward towards the outside. I followed them, but noticed Keaton was eerily quiet. We walked down the dark streets until we were in Norfolk's center. Keaton pointed to a frightening looking building and began to shake. I looked at his eyes. They were no longer blue, but grey, so I willed myself to see my realm. When I now looked at the building, I saw as Keaton did. A huge monster. I blinked, and I willed it to be destroyed. Keaton watched me, and saw as the monster was killed. 

The building crumbled, and I watched it fall, as Keaton saw the monster fall again. I put out my hand, and watched my sword form. I placed it behind my head, and braced for a fight. I looked for footprints with my shadow step, and saw someone with a gun. He pointed it at Aaron, but I pulled Aaron into my realm along with Keaton. I used my shadow step and speed to come behind the man with the gun. My sword was so close to his neck it could have drawn blood. He cried out in fear, and dropped his gun, which I soon vaporized with my shadow storm. 

"Y-y-you're o-o-one of those freaks!" The man stuttered, in fear.

"I don't appreciate being called a freak!" I said angrily and put my foot on the man's back, shoving him to the ground. I knew Jayda would be proud.

"So... Who sent you to kill Phoenix?!" I shouted as Aaron walked over to me, Keaton still in his arms.

"I wasn't! I-I came after the boy.... The boss said-" The man started and I cut him off.

"Who is your boss?" I said angrily, and moved my sword closer to the man's neck.

"I-I don't know! Okay? I'm a freelancer, mercenary for hire, ya know? I just don't ask. Mainly because i don't want to be hunted myself." The man said again, and I got an idea.

"You are a gifted aren't you? But you don't know how to use your powers so they scare you." I said calmly and watched the man's reaction. He relaxed a bit. I took my foot off his back. "Here." I gave him my hand and helped him to his feet. "My name is Shadow-Storm.... Well... that's my codename. This is Phoenix, and Obliti Bellator." I said with a slight smile. "What is your name?"

"Korin Felix. I have no code name... though your team is pretty cool." Korin said softly.

"I'm sorry about before... I genuinely thought you were one of the Aarons and we have sworn to find their bases and save the children you collect. If you join us, we can keep you safe, because there is power in numbers. If you know any bases in the area, please let me know." I said with a gentle smile, and feeling genuinely bad for trampling the guy.

"So... Please unleash your power on me." Aaron said with a slight grin, and Korin looked horrified  

"No! I'll hurt you!" Korin tried.

"I highly doubt that." Aaron raised his flame. His eyes glowed, and he spread his arms. For the first time, I saw why his name was Phoenix. His arms had fiery wings around them, and flew over to Korin.

Korin raised his arms, and a shield of light formed above him. He arched his back, and I saw sound-waves rippling the air though my realm. Aaron hit the ground, his hands over his ears. He was shaking, until I placed my hands over his ears, to sooth the ringing in them. Aaron stood and walked over to Korin.

"Nice. You already have a defencive and an offensive skill, which is more than what most of our students have. You are pretty powerful. Had my own fire not counteracted you shockwave, I could have been torn apart." Aaron said calmly, and Korin looked frightened.

"Have you no respect for your own life? I nearly killed you!" Korin hissed.

"No... I guess I don't. Both Shadow and I have died before, under different circumstances, but we have both died. Death is kinda overrated." Aaron said with a slight smile.

Korin stared at us wide eyed. "H-how... is that even... Possible?"

"I'll explain on the way to one of the bases. Do you have an idea of a general direction? Solis Ictus?" I said with a slight smile. 

"What does that mean? Solis Ictus? I know the way to the bases. Yes. but please, don't let them get me. They will kill me for betraying them..." Korin muttered.

"We aren't like that. We won't turn you in, because you have given us no reason to. Solis Ictus is Latin for Solar Shock." I said before following him, Keaton wanting me to pick him up now, so I did. He was so cute... I just know Jayda will love him.... Though he may be painful to see.... Keaton may remind her of her nephews.

"Mommy! Yay!" Keaton said tiredly before slowly closing his eyes and rested his head on my shoulder.

Aaron walked by me, and he took my hand in his. We walked silently behind Korin until he began to speak.

"So... You are a family? The three of you?" Korin muttered. "How old are you? Because you do not look old enough to have children."

"I'm 19 now. Aaron is 20. Keaton is not our biological child, and neither is his sister, but we raise them as though they are. Children need parents..... So we will be Keaton and Bri's parents." I answered softly.

"So what is your real name? It can't be Shadow can it?" Korin asked and my heart sank. I knew he would ask this question.

"I used to have a name.... It was Maria.... Aaron still calls me Mari or Maria sometimes.... But I say that name died with my mother, and the disappearance of my father and brother." I said with a sigh and looked at the ground.

"Oh... I am so sorry for your loss...." Korin whispered and became silent.

Aaron squeezed my hand a little tighter as we walked farther away from our base, and into the unknown. 

"No... It's okay.... I just had to become more responsible... And I already was pretty mature before, so I was ready..." I said calmly and smiled as I looked over at Kaden who was sound asleep on my shoulder.

"You grew up quickly didn't you?" Korin muttered and looked around. "I'm the same age as you, and I can't imagine doing what you do."

"I have been an adult for a long time... Sometimes people who smile brightest have the saddest thoughts... The strongest were the weakest... I am mature... but the scars on my wrists bled through often... Before I met Aaron that is... After... he made me reconsider my actions... and I saw how dumb I was being." I smiled slightly, but Korin stopped in his tracks.

"You... You use to harm yourself?" Korin asked, his eyes wide.

"I use to yes... Key words use to... I don't anymore... I have found that there are reasons for me to stay... especially now. I have my little brother Kaden to raise, and Aaron and I are going to be Keaton's mom and dad for a while... maybe forever if Bri agrees. I can't let them down... I have reasons to go on, and keep finding more." I looked over at Aaron and he squeezed my hand again.

"I wish I had a reason like that." Korin sighed and looked into the distance duly.

"Why can't you? After this is over, come to our base... we can teach you more about your powers and eventually you can teach others too. I'm sure my friends have found new students by now... Maybe we can give you reasons not to give up." I smiled and looked over at Aaron who was nodding in agreement.

"I'm sure the others will love to have you on our team." Aaron said before pausing, and glancing around skeptically. "Do you feel that?" Aaron whispered to me, and I was about to tell him I didn't, before a loud piercing tone hit my ears. It caused me to shake, I cried out in pain, and saw Aaron collapse. That was the last thing I remembered before everything faded into darkness.