The Second Layer

Chapter 19: Ryan

Chapter 19: Ryan

"Morning," Vryce said as Ryan walked up.

It was 10 AM the next day. Ryan had had a long and eye-opening talk with Erik Weathers the night before. And then a shorter talk with Vryce on the way back. They'd agreed that Vryce would pick him up at ten that day for the trip to meet the city's leader. Erik had told him more about this Derek Vanning the night before, and like Vryce he hadn't seemed to think very highly of the man. His advice in dealing with him had been simple, be respectful and don't argue.

Ryan had wound up awake half the night, just focusing on the way he felt now, and the way the world seemed to feel. It had been so incredibly strange. He still had yet to actually use any powers himself, so he had no idea what it was like. He'd tried to see if he could figure out how to make something odd happen, like what Vryce had done with what he'd called a darkbolt, but he hadn't been able to produce anything like that. Finally he'd managed to fall asleep with his mind still cluttered with thoughts about what had happened, what he'd learned, and what he was, now.

"Morning. So, where does Vanning live, anyways?" Ryan asked, slipping into the passenger seat of Vryce's car as Vryce climbed back into the driver's side.

"It's actually a building in a business district of town. Vanning lives in the basement. I don't know why, it's not exactly the nicest atmosphere, but he seems to like it that way for some reason," Vryce told him as he started up the car and got them in motion.

"So, exactly how does a meeting like this go?" Ryan queried.

"Well, basically I introduce you, and how it goes from there depends entirely on Vanning. He might ask you questions, if he does keep calm and answer them. And he might also ask you to complete some task for him, which leaders do ask of new freaks in their cities sometimes. If he does, unfortunately you don't really have a choice on this one. You either do it, or you leave the city. So if you want to stick around to face Blaze, you don't say no. Other than that, he should just talk to you. It shouldn't take long. Afterwards, we'll take a look at an apartment you might like," Vryce informed him.

"Does it really matter where I live, if I'm not going to be around long enough to enjoy it?" Ryan inquired.

"It's important for you to keep up appearances, if you plan on being around long enough to at least get to Blaze," Vryce answered.

"Alright, so when do we get to that, then? When do I learn exactly what it is I'm capable of? When do I learn to use whatever powers I have? When do I face him?" Ryan demanded.

"If you want to kill him? You face him when you're ready, and not before. As for the rest. I've already got that set up. The moment you decide on your new apartment, our next stop is a place I've already picked out where you'll be able to train. The first thing you'll be learning is how to use your powers," Vryce replied.

"I... Thank you, Vryce. I haven't said it yet but, I really appreciate your help. So thank you," Ryan told him sincerely.

Vryce just shot him a faint smile. "Blaze is a rabid dog who needs to be put down. And if you're willing to step up to the task, then you have my full support. I think you'd make a good freak Ryan, and it's too bad that you'll let things end with his death. But I understand how you feel. So, I'm glad to help."

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As they walked through a basement that made Ryan quickly realize what Vryce had meant about the atmosphere, Ryan could sense another freak up ahead. It was strange, feeling another of those dark auras, especially at a distance, but he supposed he was going to have to get used to it. Now he just had to prepare himself to meet this Vanning he'd heard so much about.