Transform Me (A "Shatter Me" Trilogy Fanfiction)

FORTY-THREE: GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES

43: Good Times, Bad Times

We spend the day poring over the schematics to Devin's prototype of the serum bullet and by the time Kenji's father stops by, Warner already has a list of materials ready. We're gathered in the tiny kitchen for tea and the warden looks grim.

"I have good news and bad news." Warden Kishimoto begins.

"Let's start with the good news, then." Kenji suggests.

"Well, the good news is that I can provide you these materials within the next twenty-four hours." He pauses. "The bad news is that I've finally located your friends."

"How is that bad news?" Juliette's forehead creases with worry. "They're all still alive, aren't they?"

"They're all alive." The warden pauses ominously. "For now. But they're not in Sector 21."

"Where are they?" I ask.

The warden looks at me and sighs. "They're in Sector 9."

"Sector 9?" I frown. "That's Southern China."

The warden shakes his head. "Not Sector 9 in Asia."

Finally, Caitlan speaks up. "They're in Europe, aren't they? Ma brought them to Northern Ireland. She went back home."

We all fall silent in shock at the news. Northern Ireland? That's more than 9,000 kilometers away. How are we even going to get there?

"Fortunately, I can supply you with the necessary transportation for your travel." The warden answers my unspoken question. "I have access to one of the sector's jets. However," he pauses, "it can only accommodate four passengers. And since I'll be piloting it, that means one of you can't come with us."

We all look around, wondering who'll get left behind. But I have a sinking feeling they'll choose me. After all, I can't walk. I don't have much strength. I haven't fully recovered from the experimentations. What help can I possibly extend? I'd be of very little use.

But suddenly, Warner speaks up. "I can fly the jet. The five of us can still go together. But our problem would be coming back."

"We'll need to find another aircraft large enough to fit all of us once we get there." Kenji says as he absently taps his cup of coffee in thought. "I guess we'll worry about that when we get there. For now, we need to work on the suits. And we'll need at least one of the serum guns for testing."

"Right." Warden Kishimoto nods. He takes the list Warner made and folds it neatly before storing it in the pocket of his well-decorated military suit. "If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way. I'll bring the supplies in the next twenty-four hours."

Once again, Kenji offers to walk his father out while Warner, Juliette, and Caitlan start working on possible designs for the suit. And as I watch everyone around me busying themselves, I feel utterly useless.

Juliette glances over at me. "Are you okay, Hiro? You look like you need some rest."

"I'm fine." I lie. I hate that she's right.

"Here, let me help you to the couch." She offers as she holds out her hands to me.

"I said I'm fine." I jerk away with more force than I intended, and Juliette steps back, looking hurt. I hang my head in shame. "I'm sorry. It's just—I'm sorry."

"It's okay." She gives me a reassuring smile. "Just tell me if you need anything."

"Sure." I mumble and rise unsteadily to my feet.