Choices and Chances (a ppg fanfiction)

Chapter 9

Rhea was in her apartment. She looked at color coded papers. One was marked ‘Telepathy’, second ‘Telekinesis’ and third was ‘Elemental influence’. She took out a new page and wrote on it ‘Emotion-reading’. Her cell phone beeped. She looked at text-message

‘We are going to attack tomorrow. Inform Ryan.’

She texted Kevin and started to write

“Emotion-reading, I first discovered in Case subject A.D.C.

A.D.C seems to capture emotions radiating from other people around him. As unique this ability seems to us, it caused us to understand that there are beings out there who’s brains are most developed than rest of us. Beings that in my opinion are not human. Subject A.D.C is apparently unsocial and focused as any robot is focused on it’s task. He is different from other non-humans I have studied because there seems to be no recollections of his past life in his mind. No memory of childhood, adolescence. He as if magically sprung out from some where at the age of eighteen. He cares about other, he is kind and show emotions towards certain environmental stimulations but he didn’t appear to have a personal life, which is oddity.”

She placed her pen down. Her thoughts we’re fixed on Arias Callahan. She took out her I-pad and opened report on ‘Superpowers: How, when and what!’. She carefully read the work of well-known scholar and researcher of superpowers. A text captured her eye and her mind worked like a computer.

“Brain development cease at 25 years age.”

Arias was only 24 like her. She picked up her pen again and continued her writing.

“Subject A.D.C’s anti-social life style made me think that his emotion-reading is restricted. He himself doesn’t know what he is capable of. Emotion-reading is only basic of his ability, an ability which is uncontrollable. In my opinion, he could also be capable of altering other's emotions even inducing of them.”

She looked at what age has written. Then she added.

“Just because he hadn’t tried it, he is unaware of his true ability.”

…………………..
Arias along with Hector Wilbur, Lemuel Osmund was standing outside Rhea’s fake apartment.

“You can’t believe how much I hate her!” Arias snorted.

“Easy there, Solomon. We'll take care of her.” Lemuel patted his shoulder. He was the one who killed Chase Bannet. Both Lemuel and Hector were stoutly built. The way Arias saw them chopping wood, they were very strong but cunning as fox.

“I don’t…..I don’t think I can.” Arias said when they handed him a huge silver knife.

“Please brother, do this for me.” Arias looked at Hector. Hector Wilbur was mastermind of all kills.

“It’s your kill, Solomon.” Hector was angry.

“I don’t think I am strong enough, brother.” Arias' was very mildly built but he was willowy enough to make an excuse. Hector eyed him suspiciously. Arias picking up his emotions improvised.

“And also I am allergic to silver.” He said in small voice. Faking embarrassment. He was looking vulnerable.

“Lemuel, you do the job.” Hector keeping his eyes on Arias, gave knife to Lemuel. They all drew their hoods up and covered their faces. They were wearing winter caps and gloves.

Hector opened the door and Lemuel slowly walked in front. Hector and Arias behind him. Rhea had earpieces in her ears yet her mind was focused on three guys who were slowly advancing towards her. She closed her eyes, half scared, half trusting plan to work. Lemuel was just two feet away from her. One feet.

“Townsville PD! Drop your weapon! Hands where I can see them!”

Rhea exhaled. Plan had worked. She slowly turn around and saw three guys pinned to ground.
“Officer Arias Callahan.” Callahan said to an officer. He let him go. Hector looked at Callahan with hatred and betrayal. Rhea walked to him.

“You did it!” she was very happy.

“We did it, Timmons.” He replied.

Moments later, they both were sitting in Headquarters, receiving congratulations from other officers. Chief Guerra looked hard at Rhea.

“Two weeks.” She heard Chief thinking. From three months that were given to her only two weeks were remaining. She actually got worried. She knew Arias Callahan is gifted individual, but she still hadn’t figured out his childhood and his real name. She even had no idea of his personality. She focused her ability towards Arias. He was also thinking about her.

“I can’t believe I never had a partner before.” He was thinking. “ if she can’t earn a right to be trusted and I believe no one can.”

She smiled at him. For the first time, he returned her smile.
…………

“I heard there are only 6 months remaining till your release.” Professor stated. They were playing chess. “Have you given any thought to what will you do after release?” professor asked.

“I haven’t thought about that.” Brick replied while moving his knight to check professor’s king.
“Well, think about it.” Professor removed his check.

“Can I have your opinion, professor?” Brick asked.
He had been in juvi for five years. He knew five years are enough to change the world and people in it.
“ What do you think I should do?”

Professor glanced at him. His eyes met Brick's burning coal eyes. Professor softly smiled.
“Somewhere.” Professor paused
“I want you somewhere you can make difference. Somewhere you can show the world and yourself that you are changed person.”

“I don’t want world to remember I exist, professor.” He gravely spoke.
U
“Why, Brick?” professor asked.

“Look at me, professor. People actually fear me. I can never blend in humans.” He paused.

Professor was starting him. “They fear my red eyes, my powers.”

Professor smiled.

“Ever heard of contact lenses, hair colors and such cosmetics?” professor rearranged the chess board. “Improvise, adapt, overcome.” Professor told him.

“Improvise? Adapt? Overcome?” Brick looked at professor confused.

“Yes. For people like you, it’s the only lesson worth remembering. Improvise, adapt, overcome.” Professor said.

“Improvise, adapt, overcome.” Brick repeated, understanding these three words and then smiled at Professor.

“Aha! You got it! the ” professor exclaimed with joy.

“Another game?”

“Sure.”