Defining Factors

Chapter 10: One of Us

----

Warnings: Violence, blood, a bit of gay, Jealousy

----

It took Kinloch nearly an hour to find James, finally pinning him down in a bedroom, going through random drawers. The bedroom was massive, the biggest Kinloch had come across so far, meaning this was probably the Necromancer's room. It didn't really have much in the way of decorations. There were several paintings, most being of nature or historical meaning. There was one of a skeleton horse. Weird.

"James," Kinloch said softly, testing the waters. He glanced up at Kinloch and pulled a beanie out of a drawer, looked at it funny, and threw it across the room. Well, he hadn't disappeared so that was a good sign. "They're saying you betrayed us? Is that true?"

I don't care what they say, call it what you will.

"Why are you being so stubborn?"

Why are you always so nosy? Can't you just leave someone alone?

"Not in my nature. I have an instinct to heal and help because of my powers. You seem to be screaming the loudest for it."

Funny, screaming from a mute. Look, all I can say is get your senses checked, because I'm fine. James moved over and threw open a closet.

"What are you doing?"

Snooping. I'm bored, sue me.

"Lafayette said you know the Necromancer."

Yes.

"And you didn't say?"

He's my friend, I'm not going to just throw him under the bus.

"I'm your friend." James stopped and looked at him, the slightest bit of surprise across his face. "James, the Necromancer is evil. No one should have power over life and death like that. The dead should stay dead. He sent an undead army after Alex and Thomas, and Burr, and Laurens, doesn't that mean anything to you? He tried to kill dozens of people."

James, deciding there was nothing of real interest in this room, moved on to the next, walking out of the room, brushing past Kinloch. I didn't realize we were friends, he finally replied, somehow softly.

"What? Of course, we're friends. Thomas is your friend. Burr would probably be willing to be your friend if you two actually hung out. Alex, he'd be willing to give you a chance, if you actually put forth some effort."

And Laurens?

"John...he may be a bit more difficult to convince. But I'm pretty sure Fredericks is going to keep your secret under wraps until we get this more figured out. I don't think anyone really knows what to do with you since you can just teleport out of anything we put you in."

If you're trying to be reassuring, you're failing.

"Stick around for a while. At least try and be part of the group. Go on a couple missions. We can see if that does anything."

Why do you want me around so badly?

"Because I don't want to be tasked with hunting you down. I don't want to see someone drag your tranquilized body into the compound and drop you off and everyone discuss what to do with and decide their only option is to kill you because these people have no problem with that apparently."

Why do you care so much?

"How can you not? I mean, obviously, you do because you're refusing to give up your friend, no matter how evil the guy seems to be. But that means you're loyal and once you make a friend, you'll stick by their side. I'm your friend, so stick around."