An Act of Chivalry (Sander Sides)

Chapter Six

The next Two days were a blur.

After the alert spread across DC suddenly every street felt a bit more empty. Even crime in the street came to a sudden halt, the tension could kill a man. When we let out a state alert you KNOW something is up. We don't tell you, but you just know.

I wanted to be sleeping in my real apartment, not some temporary steel box draped with decorations. Everything was different now.

I was laying in bed, light purple walls and dark purple carpet surrounding my black fitted bed. I woke up not too long ago but relished in the manufactured comfort of the room. In no time at all, Roman or Thomas would be ushering me into the day. The thought of this made me wanna kill myself. Not really kill myself though, but like it's a hyperbole and shit, meaning I just didn't wanna be awake or something. I don't know, ask Logan.

Hugging my jacket closer to me I got out of bed and changed. It didn't really make a difference, I looked virtually the same once I fixed my jacket back around me. I never took it off for more than a minute or so. It was a blessing and a curse.

I quickly applied eyeshadow and fixed my bangs. It was customary for a "hero" to shield their face somehow. This was mine. I opened the door for Roman, who was only moments away from knocking on my door.

"Morning my prince uncharming, looks like I beat you this time." I yawned, still too tired to even attempt a smile.

Roman rolled his eyes, "Whatever Jack Smellington. Next time I'll wake you an hour early. Don't test me."

"No worries I won't...Maybe."

"Maybe, what?"

"Maybe something."

My friend pouted. "I hate it when you're just vague!" He whined. Moments later another door opened and Patton was on the other side. "Good morning, my favorite people!!!!" He shouted. I have a running theory that Patton is determined to keep everyone in the building alert. The hall we stood in wasn't exactly homie, transitioning from our bedroom to work. If felt like playing portal.

Chances were, Logan was busy elsewhere. I doubt he was a morning person, but he really pulls off the look.

Patton and Roman walked down a stairwell nearby, probably to meet Thomas in the training room. That's all we've been doing for two days straight. This wasn't a light case after all. I, on the other hand, detoured to the lunchroom to grab an apple. I also stole three more for my friends, knowing all too well that the group was too stressed to keep a safe eating habit. Luckily for them, stress was my middle name. Well almost, my full name was Virgil Strespne Harrison. Close enough.

-----

Thomas was tapping his foot by the time Virgil got here. "Late again Virgil," he stated, but you could hear the sarcasm laced between his words. Virgil shrugged, he shifted the red fruit in his arms, tossing them one by one our way. He threw one to Roman, and two to me. I stopped them mid-air and reached out for both of them. I handed one to Logan and took a chunk out of the other. "Thanks, Virge!" I smiled. Virgil didn't say anything, but his salute was enough.

"Alright," Thomas started once more. "Branching from yesterday, Remy with Roman and Patton, your versing me. If you still can't beat two experienced officers, then you have no chance against The villain. Keep in mind that this person is unlike anything you've ever encountered."

Thomas watched Roman follow Remy to the other side of the gym. He then turned to Logan and Virgil. "I expect you two to be running drills until we cycle." The two nodded.

Thomas softened up as he walked with me to the last open arena. I beamed at this. My child always tried to build this wall of authority, but I knew better than to go by looks. That's why I always enjoy his company, we both just understand each other. In fact, although he'd never admit it to me, I bet he chose me on purpose.

I jumped onto the circular arena, "Ready kiddo!" I shouted. Thomas smiled at my comment. "You know it! But don't be afraid to hit me this time. If you can." He smirked, was that a challenge?

Thomas was the first to make a move, rushing me from the side. I truly didn't want to hit my friend, so I jumped over him. That didn't go as planned. Without hesitation, Thomas jumped as well. Not as high as me obviously, but dang he could jump surprisingly high. The officer grabbed me by the ankle and turned it with astonishing force. Without anything solid to stop me, I yelped, spinning at his will and land face first on the floor with him.

"Your move Patton." Thomas teased. He had me pinned to the floor, pressing my leg close enough to my back to sting me with pain. I tried to kick him away, but it was a useless scramble. "Patton," Thomas said after a minute of my useless shifts. He pressed more weight down only my leg and I yelped in pain. Instinctively I only started flailing more. "Patton," He repeated. "Don't panic. Instead of trying to worm your way out, think your next action through. You're smart enough Patton."

At those words, I ceased my movements. Was I smart enough? I wiggled my nose, trying to shift the glasses that to my surprise still clung to my face. I took a deep breath and relaxed. Was I smart enough? Wheels started turning in my head; Thomas had me pinned by my left leg and right arm. I had tried using gravity to my advantage but Thomas just clung to me...Unless. No, he can't mean that.

"But Thomas, I couldn't do that too-" He started pressing harder, if I didn't do something soon I swear he'd break my leg. I knew what he was trying to do, I'm just upset how well it worked.

Without another thought, I dropped gravity. In the process of doing this, I twisted to the side, turning just far enough for Thomas to crash to the floor beside me. Thomas was stuck, trying with all his might to reach my direction. I scrambled away from him getting to my feet and wondering what he wanted me to do next.

The moment Thomas muscles relaxed I had made up my mind. I lifted the gravity and rushed to his side. Call me a father figure all you want, I wanted my children to be okay. "Thomas! Thomas!" I cried, shaking him back and forth. Thomas rolled onto his back with a grown. He held onto his heart like it was his lifeline. Honestly, it was.

You might be wondering, why was this so dangerous? Well, I might not be Logan, but I still know the basics of how the human body worked and all that boring stuff. By weighing him down with such force his blood can't accurately circulate and his brain could press against his skull if It dropped low enough. It could kill someone, and that's why I never used it.

I felt guilty, but the reassuring smile on Thomas's face aided slightly. I didn't realize I was crying, I don't know when it happened, but once Thomas had the energy to sit up, I was showering him in tears.

We were on the highest platform in the farthest corner so no one saw the scene. I pulled away and looked over Thomas again. "W-why dd-did you make me-e do tt-that?" Thomas pulled me back into a tight hug.

"I made you do it because...if this man tries anything on you, your life comes first. You'll need to make that big decision."

Of course, he was worried about me, he was strangely sweet, like sweet bread. I wiped my face when I got the chance, "I understand, but kiddo, never make me do that again. Not you, okay?"

"Of course dad."