Shadows Rising

Save Rock and Roll

{Andy's POV}- I think we know where this is headed by the chapter title, right?

       I had woken up a few days after the downfall of the Matriarch. Ashley had been asleep by my side, and he jumped as soon as I woke him up, immediately pulling me into a kiss. "I was so worried. I missed you, Angel!" he sighed. I laughed as I kissed back and reminded him that he wasn't getting rid of me that easily. 

     The others were happy to see me, too. Jinxx explained what had happened, that I'd practically over-exerted myself with the psychic energy inside me, and my body and mind needed time to "recharge". I had a lot of questions about this "psychic energy" and my new powers, but I just wanted to relax for now. I'd ask Jinxx some other time.

     Now, I sat outside on the bridge in the factory yard, looking out at the desert surrounding us. Ashley, CC, and Jinxx were down below me, practicing their hand-to-hand combat. We'd all learned to fight like that a while ago, since we couldn't always rely on our powers. 

     I heard someone footsteps approaching behind me, and turned to see Jake as he took a seat beside me. I gave him a much-needed warm smile. He hadn't really talked to anyone in the past few days, not even Jinxx, and hadn't really left his room. "Hey, Jake." 

     My only response was a disheartened smile, as Jake watched the others practice. "How are you holding up?" he wondered, breaking the silence.

     "I'm fine. How about you? Jinxx told me how you've been acting lately.  What's going on?" I asked. 

     He shook his head with a sigh. "It's not important."

     I put a hand on his shoulder. He turned so we were facing each other. "Yes, it is, Jake, because whatever it is, it is bothering you, I can tell. And it's important because you're my best friend, my brother. So, tell me what's going on." 

     He smiled, and sighed, turning away from me again, looking out at the desert. "It's just...the others don't know this, but every time they weren't in your room with you while you were sleeping, I was in there. I would just sit with you, looking down at you...and I couldn't help but think how you were like this because of the Matriarch...my mother. She could have killed you, any of you. I could have killed you. If Jinxx hadn't rescued me..." he stopped. 

     I shook my head, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Jake, is that all that's worrying you? I'm fine, really. You heard Jinxx, I over-exerted myself. It could have happened to any of us. And if using that much power had killed me, I would go back and do it again, because we defeated the Matriarch. And I know it's tough being her son. I mean, I was raised by Control. If anybody here knows how being the child of evil is, it's me, Jake. I understand how you feel. If you need to talk about it, come to me, but, don't beat yourself up over it. We're all okay." 

     He nodded, the frown still on his lips. "I know. Thanks, Andy," he said, his frown turning into a small smile, which I took as progress. 

     "You're welcome. Now, I believe you have a wonderful boyfriend down there that you haven't talked to, and who hasn't really seen you in days. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you now. Come on," I chuckled, standing up and holding my hand out towards him. 

     He took my hand, and I pulled him to his feet before we went down the stairs at the edge of the bridge. The other three were too wrapped up in their fight to notice us. Finally, Jinxx saw us, and stopped what he was doing, staring at Jake. Jake smiled and said, "Hey, Jinxxy." 

     Jinxx was frozen. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but didn't have the words. Instead, he ran up to Jake and pressed their lips together. Jake smiled and kissed back. After a moment of that, Jinxx stopped and pulled him into a hug, one hand running through Jake's hair. 

     "God, you scared me half to death. You haven't talked to me in days! Are you alright?" he asked. 

     "Calm down, love. I'm fine. I just needed some time to...get over things. I missed you, too, though," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

     Jinxx tilted his chin up until their eyes met, and took his hands. "I'm glad you're okay," he said. 

     "Me too. All of us." Jake replied. 

     I made my way to Ashley's side and smiled as he wrapped his arm around me. "We're all going to be okay from now on." Ash said, smiling down at me.

      But of course, as always, it felt too good to be true.

Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end...

Not the series, just the story!

Yep, so far, all I've gotten is "yes" for a sequel, so we're going for it. The sequel to this book will be a "Legion of the Black X Youngblood Chronicles" fanfiction, called "Silence the Legion." The first chapter of that story will be posted ASAP, so keep an eye out.

That's the end of "Shadows Rising". Thank you all for the support you've given this story. I hope I do you guys justice in the next one. If you liked this chapter, please remember to vote and comment. 

Don't forget about the Character Ask. You can ask any character from the previous stories, and this one, questions, as well as me. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask, and I'll answer! 

Thanks for reading! See you all in the next story! Later! :)