City of Shadows

Go Die in a Hole

(Aurelia's POV)

"Go die in a hole, Jasper Stone." I say while glaring at my so called nemesis. I feel so betrayed. How could Jasper Stone be Vortex? From an objective standpoint, it makes sense. And yes, I have had my suspicions in the past, but why him?

Jasper has been my friend since elementary school. He's reserved, but kind. He always holds the door open for others. He's an excellent big brother. His little sister means the world to him, and I don't think there's anything he wouldn't do for her. I'm still mad at him for abandoning me at the school dance, but now I know the reason he left was to save his sister. It's really sweet. And sweet isn't a word I'd use to describe Vortex.

Now that I'm standing here face to face with Vortex. Now that I know that he's Jasper. The number one thing that's bothering me is that I still think he's cute. Darn my stupid girly emotions! He's a freaking supervillain, shouldn't that make him look not cute in my mind? I don't know what to do.

"I hate you so much right now!" I tell him angrily with my fist clenched.

"That's understandable." Jasper says nonchalantly.

I turn my attention to Apollo, "How long have you known about this?" I gesture to Jasper, "Have I been wasting my time all along?"

"Two years." Apollo replies.

"And you!" I turn my attention back to Jasper, "You tried to kill me! You knew who I am, and you still tried to kill me."

"But I didn't kill you." Jasper replies smugly. "That lightning wasn't even strong enough to do any damage, if you weren't so clumsy, you wouldn't have fallen."

I roll my eyes at him and say, "And knowing who I am, you choose not to help me. I would've helped you."

"You faked your death." Jasper objects. "By the way, how'd you do that? You can't fly or teleport."

"Shh," I interrupt him. "I'm not done yet, you can have your turn later." I glare at him before adding, "Nearly killing me is not the only thing you've done. You kidnapped me, you took my blood, you electrocuted me, you've kidnapped people, and you abandoned me at the dance. Do you have any idea how long it took me to get ready? Or how much I had been looking forward to that?"

"Do you two know each other in real life?" Apollo asks.

"Yes." Jasper and I reply in unison.

"Aurelia I'm sorry for all of that, but it had to be done." Jasper apologizes.

"Yeah, I'm sure Apollo told you to break my heart." I snap.

"That was never my intention. I had to leave to help my sister. I had no idea that our date meant that much to you. I thought you didn't even like me like that." Jasper confesses.

"Just forget it, I don't like you anymore." I lie. Then will a suddenly upbeat tone of voice I say to Apollo, "Now that I'm done venting, please explain the plan for getting me into the Meta Alliance."

"That's not a good idea." Jasper scoffs. "You're too nice, and you don't have any connections."

"Jasper does have a point." Apollo adds. "Star would have been a better choice, she's related to Whiplash."

"Whiplash would instantly recognize Star." I point out. "Besides, Dr. Morris choose me because I do have a connection."

"Who?" Jasper asks.

"I didn't even know until recently," I explain, "apparently Nighthawk is my dad."

Jasper bursts out laughing. "There is no way you're related to him. Trust me, I've met him. There's no similarities between you two."