Wraith

Simple Beginnings Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Wraith had left the gathering after asking about Olive's trustworthiness. It had felt strange to ask about herself, but she was committed now to the story that she had given both the Captain and Siren, and felt that he would think it odd if she didn't ask. Then, sitting quietly as the Captain answered, she had begun to wonder if her brother was really waiting in ambush for her at Docklands. Surely not all of her family were Abusers? Perversely, now that she knew that she didn't dare confide in her family about Wraith she longed to do exactly that.

As soon as the Captain had transferred his attention to Flayme she had crept silently away and sped across the city to Docklands. Once there she had scanned the district from the vantage points that she found on top of rusting constructs within the district. She had ignored the prone figure of Pordas when she found him, aware that it could be a copy and knowing that an hour more or less wouldn't now make a difference. He looked as if he had been lying there for a long time already and she had salved her conscience with the thought that he didn't appear to be in any immediate danger.

Studying the area around Pordas, Wraith had caught sight of the would-be ambushers as the white suited Abuser shifted position impatiently. Three other familiar forms lurked near him but Wraith had only been interested in the Abuser. Gathering herself, she had jumped down, grabbed him in a headlock, and leaped away over the rooftops.

As she had done so her captive had called out, "Run! Organize a liberation party." And at the familiar sound her heart had sunk. The Abuser's muffled voice was unmistakably that of Hank the Mystery Hunk. He had paraded in front of Olive far too often for her not to recognize him. With her emotions feeling as if they were encased in stone Wraith had sped onwards. She hadn't seemed able to do anything else.

Now landing for the final time on Donner's look-out roof, Wraith flung Hank the Mystery Hunk forward. He was instantly ringed by Users and unable to escape. "Hank the Mystery Hunk." Wraith spat the words with unexpected venom and her prisoner recoiled. "What a stupid name." In her hurt and anger at her family's betrayal she was lashing out in any way she could.

Before he could even try to defend himself however, the Captain took control. "We already know of Snake, Adamant, Volcano and your three Normal friends; but who is the large Abuser in black? And what are you planning?"

Bewildered and demoralized by his abduction and Wraith's petty barb, Hank the Mystery Hunk answered without thinking. "D'you mean the Chairm_" He broke off sharply before he could complete the second syllable, but it was too late. User eyes widened all around him in astonishment at his revelation. Unable to retrieve his words the Abuser made the best of the distraction and bolted for a gap between Donner and Tuttle.

When Wraith would have gone after him the Captain shook his head. "There's no point in chasing him, Wraith; we know where he lives. I doubt they've told him their plans anyway."

"The Chairman," Donner breathed, still feeling the shock of hearing one of their most well-known Users named an Abuser. "I was fighting the Chairman."

The Captain nodded slowly. "It certainly seems so; and if he's involved the Snake isn't their leader after all." His brain started firing properly again and when next he spoke his tone was brisk and business-like. "I think we are probably only facing those seven or they would have used more force against us tonight; so, we'll need to plan accordingly. Flayme and Donner, we'll need you to neutralize Volcano and Adamant. Tuttle, as far as I know you're indestructible. Do you think that you can deal with Hank the Mystery Hunk and his three friends?"

The User nodded grimly. "They're Normals, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

"Good," the Captain continued. "My dominant talent is strength. As I remember, so is the Chairman's, so I'll target him. Wraith, you seem to have more abilities than the rest of us put together. Can you take out Snake?"