The Red Star

Chapter 24

The two were in the car as the waitress just put their plates down on the counter, confused. Bucky revved the engine and looked at Jay a moment before putting the vehicle in reverse and speeding down the road.

"Connect with Charles," Bucky said, speeding down the empty road, "figure out what exactly is going on."

"Alright," Jay said.

She shut her eyes and let out a breath.
"Charles," she threw her mind out over the city, "c'mon Charles, answer!"

"He's not answering me." Jay said, her eyes still shut.
"I'm here." Charles voice suddenly sounded clearly in her mind.

"Got him." Jay announced.
"Where are you?" Jay asked.
"With Crystal and the younger children. We're trapped in a school bus near the edge of the city. Powell bridge."

"Powell bridge." Jay said looking over at Bucky. She watched him a moment then shut her eyes again.
"Is everyone alright?"
"Crystal is injured. She tried to stop the bus from falling off the bridge as i tried to stop Eric from tearing down the bridge."
"How hurt is she?"

Jay was breathing quickly now and Bucky looked her over. He left his left hand on the steering wheel and placed the other on her hand which was gripping the edge of her seat. The moment his fingers touched hers, Jay's eyes shot open and she looked at him. His gaze, however, was on the road ahead and Jay looked down at her hand.

His large hands were warm and his fingers gently touched her hand with care. She let a smile reach her lips before she heard Charles say,
"Bluejay......Doom is here."
"I know," she replied, "Is he doing anything?"
"No." Charles said, " I have no clues as to why not. I can try to get into his mind, but I'm trying to hold up the bus."
"Where's Crys?" Jay sat forward and Bucky's hand curled about hers.
"She's unconscious.......outside of the bus."

"Shit!" Jay said out loud.

"What's wrong?" Bucky asked.

"Crys was injured trying to stop the bus go over the bridge. Now she's unconscious and Charles is holding up the bus with his tellapethy. Doom is there but Charles doesn't know if he can get into Doom's head while holding up the bus. We need to get there now!"

Suddenly Bucky slammed on the brakes and grabbed Jay to keep her from flying forward.

"We're here." He said.

Jay threw open the door, pulling from Bucky's grip on her.

""Blue!" He shouted as he struggled to get the seatbelt off and reach under the seat for the handgun Steve had there.

Jay stood with a determined stance at the head of the bridge, looking upon the scene with anger.

"Doom!" She shouted.

The tall figure standing about seven yards from her turned, his dark green cape brushing along the loose gravel and debris from the bus. His face was covered in a metal mask and he wore an all black suit with metal armor.

"Ah," he said, "Welcome! I knew you would show up."

"What do you want with me?" Jay said, a shiver running through her.

"Your powers. I want them." He replied, taking a step forward.

"Like hell you do!" Jay shouted angrily, "

"No need to be on edge." Doom said with a calm and quite smooth voice. He was in control and he knew it.

"I beg to differ." Jay said, the blades forming over her hands.