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Chapter -6- Homecoming

Thursday January 25, 1pm Central Standard Time O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois ...

** Johann stepped off the plane,** into the collapsible accordion hallway and moved with the line of people into the airport. He followed signs down to baggage claim, grabbed his duffle bag and looked around for a familiar face. He pulled his phone out and thumbed the screen to re-activate cellular service.

Foster headed for a snack machine in the corner, looking from left to right at the people in the area. He stuffed his hand into a pocket, withdrew a dollar and two quarters, and bought a candy bar.

Turning back from the machine, he opened the wrapper and stuffed the candy into his mouth. Still no signs of his family. He put the wrapper into a trashcan in passing and headed to the far end of the baggage claim area.

Johann headed outside and walked along the line of cars but didn't recognize any of them.

Frustrated, he pulled out his cellphone and called home. Four rings. He waited through the voicemail prompt then said, "Hey! It's me! I've landed. What's going on? You guys always answer your phone. Mom, call me back. If I don't hear from you soon, I'm going to be taking a taxi. It's not a problem. Just let me know one way or the other so I don't worry about you guys."

He thumbed the screen of his phone and pushed it into his pocket. He walked the pickup lanes again then, after one more pass, flagged down a taxi.

The ride was fairly short, having made it two hours before rush-hour traffic. Johann slid his debit card through the little interface mounted into the fiberglass partition then slid out of the cab.

Yellow tape caught his attention. He turned back to the taxi. The driver shrugged and asked, "Should I wait? Incase you have to go somewhere else?"

Foster glanced back at the caution tape then back at the taxi driver. "I should have rented a car. What was I thinking?" He cleared his throat then said, "No, just go. If I have to go to a hospital or somewhere else, I'll figure things out or talk to the neighbors. Just ... it's cool; thanks."

He waited until the cab drove away then turned back to his mother's house and hurried up the walkway. He turned the knob but it was locked.

Johann fished a key out of his wallet and stuck it into the deadbolt but it was already unlocked. He moved the key down to the knob and unlocked it then let himself inside and put the key back into his wallet.

The sofa initially appeared the only object out of place in the living room. It was lying on its back. Bloodstains were on one of the cushions. Holes were in the backrest. A forgotten crime-scene number plaque lay on its side, adjacent to the sofa with four empty chalk circles on the hardwood floor. He glanced at the backrest of the sofa, which had four holes on it. His eyes returned to the four empty chalk circles. He picked up the plastic number card.

A masculine voice came from the direction of the kitchen. "That's where the police found the shell casings. They took the casings as evidence."

Johann's head snapped up and he stared at a man with a tie and corduroy dress jacket. "Who are you and where is my family?"

"Your half-brother, Charles, manifested an ability. It wasn't particularly powerful like yours, but it was enough to draw the attention of Falcon's people."

Johann narrowed his gaze. "You have abilities? Wait a minute. I recognize you. You knew the Justiciar."

"Yes. I did. Justus Loupe. I worked alongside Aris Falcon for a while. He told me that there was a serious virus that afflicted people with abilities. He showed me information, falsified proof, which suggested it was highly contagious. There was a fraction of truth to it but he wanted me to stand by idly while he ordered esoteric people to be hunted to death. He said he was saving us. His orders were decided with other council members fairly high up in the ranks."

The gravity of the situation sank in all at once. "Shit! My brother was shot four times?"

"Falcon lied. There was a virus dormant in a laboratory in a city beneath Colorado. It was extracted and studied and used against a man from California named Jonathan Parker. I'm not sure how it was delivered, but it killed him quickly. It was used thousands upon thousands of years ago when people wanted to rise up against their so-called 'gods' and 'masters.' They wanted to revolt and become equals. Their virus wiped out anyone with the esoteric chromosome. Only a handful of us were naturally immune. Topaz Parker, his daughter, may be one of those who are immune, but I assume that she could still carry it. I hypothesize that Aris used her as the delivery method to attack her father. But there are still a few inconsistencies in my investigation into that matter."

Johann balled his hands up and walked from the sofa. He began looking through the rest of the house. Justus followed and continued his explanation. "Another woman named Karla, I believe her current surname is Howard, has the ability to process germs and viruses and render them inert. Falcon released another virus at the same time to disguise the one aimed at people with abilities. There was a plague in San Francisco but the epidemic only lasted ... maybe two weeks before it was completely under control. A handful of people, normal and otherwise, perished from the two viruses. The CDC was led to believe it was all one strain so they wouldn't look into the deaths of the esoteric victims. The genius of the esoteric virus strain that Falcon made was that it looks just like the one that affected the mundanes."

Johann stepped into his mother's bedroom. It was mostly intact except for a sliding closet door that was off its track with a scuff on the front of the door. He knelt down and examined it.

Softly, he mumbled, "She must have been pushed into the door while the gunner shot Charlie in the living room." He walked back out of the bedroom, pushed past Justus and moved back to the living area. He began searching the walls. He found four holes then turned back to the couch. "He was shot by someone a little taller than my height." He walked back to the sofa and stood in front of it. "They were here. Then they shot him ... then Charlie started to get up, still in shock. The gunner shoved him back down. Probably shoved him so hard that the sofa flipped onto the backrest. The team left." He turned back to Justus and raised his voice, "Did they take her hostage or kill her somewhere other than here?"

"Why would you ask that?"

Johann ground his teeth together then sneered. "She always locks the deadbolt. Someone, probably a forensic officer, locked the doorknob after processing the scene. They didn't have her key to lock the deadbolt. Where is she? Her phone is off."

"I don't know. I actually came here and observed police taking photographs. They didn't seem to mention anything about your mother's room. They certainly didn't notice the closet door off its track because it didn't appear out of place at first blush. Listen, there's something you need to understand about this situation."

Foster turned to face Justus and folded his arms. "You ordered the attacks. Aris told Karla you ordered the attacks to keep him from stealing anyone else's powers. The Justiciar always felt you were eccentric and lacked empathy. For the record, Donovan talks a lot less than you do. I've been working with Topaz Parker, Karla Howard and many others. I've even been working with Eric Loupe. He's not a big talker, either. But you won't shut the fuck up for five minutes. Everyone was right about you ... your ability to empathize is almost non-existent. I'm still too much in shock to be hit with grief yet. Charlie was more than just my brother. We were actually one of those rare brother pairings that didn't fight. We got along. We played basketball at the park together. We went to the arcade together. We didn't argue about who was first or second player when we played video games. Whoever called it first got first. We didn't compete for who got shotgun. Whoever called it first, got it first without argument. We were close. Okay? So what I understand about 'this situation' is that my brother took four in the chest and that the police processed this as a crime scene, which means he didn't make it - nevermind the enormous brown stains on the right end of the sofa."

Justus folded his arms and listened to Johann's drawn out tirade.

"Look, Mister Loupe, I don't care how old you are or how far removed from humanity you've become. I'm just telling you to shut up so I can have a few minutes of silence. Okay? I don't blame you for this. You've left Falcon some time ago and the attacks are still happening. Not as much because most of those dudes are under the Atlantic. But there are still a few attacks here and there. Obviously this is the work of Aris Falcon. I get it. So, please. Shut. The hell. Up. Please-'kay-thanks."

Johann walked away from Justus and headed for Charlie's bedroom. Nothing appeared out of place. He went to his own childhood bedroom then made his way back out to the living room. Johann knelt down in front of the television and turned it on. Green lettering came across the top corner, reading, 'Video-3.' He thumbed the volume button, causing another display to appear, reading, 'Volume 4,' then he turned the TV back off.

Foster went into the kitchen, and approached the back door leading out to the side yard. He took off his jacket and used it to open the handle then examined where the doorframe had been pried with a crowbar. He shut the back door and slid his jacket back on. "Entry point."

He made his way back to the living room then stopped where the gunner once stood and faced the over-turned sofa. "Gunner came in here and did his job while Charlie was playing video games. Charlie was playing quietly, so as not to wake mom - the volume was nearly all the way down, which is how I know it happened at night. Another guy went towards mom's room. She came out from the sound of gunshots. The man shoved her hard, she stumbled into the closet door."

Johann looked up, through the window, able to see the neighbor's home. "The attackers had direct line of sight to the house next door. They saw the lights come on. Instead of policing their brass, they went out through the front door to their car. The question is ... did they take my mother, or did she run after them and disappear? I need to go to the police. They might need me to confirm identity. Or maybe mom is with the cops, or in a hospital. Fuck. I just talked to them yesterday. Why did I stay with Evan and Reno for so long? I could have stopped this."

"I highly doubt you could have..."

Foster glared at the man. "Dude, shut up. I can change the molecular properties of things. If he were up gaming, I'd have been playing with him. They'd have attacked and I'd have created a pocket of vacuum around them. I'd have found a way to do something. I could have melted the guns in their hands. The molten slag would have melted their hands, okay? Don't tell me I'd have been helpless or that I'd have died, too. I wouldn't."

Justus frowned. "These men do their homework. If you were here, they would have waited and performed more reconnaissance. They'd have used a sniper or done something that would otherwise have killed you, as well. Especially if you've fought their teams in the past. They'd have recognized you, determined your abilities and reacted accordingly with the element of surprise. You cannot fight or protect yourself against something if you're asleep or distracted."

"God." Johann approached one of the kitchen chairs, snagged it by the backrest and hurled it across the room. It struck the side of the sofa, skittered across the hardwood living room floor and came to a rest on its side. He went over to the chair, picked it up then slammed it down on the floor until the backrest broke off.

Justus remained silent for the time being.

Meanwhile, Johann Foster delivered a kick to the remains of the broken chair. He pulled his cellphone out and thumbed the screen then put the phone on speaker mode.

A moment later, a youthful female voice answered. He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, then said, "Karla, my family was attacked by Falcon's people. My brother appears to have been killed. There's no sign of my mother. And Justus Loupe is here. He says Falcon is the one who ordered those attacks. If that's the case, they're being headed by that idiot with the head game ability. And he's still going after a select group of people whose abilities are manifesting. I'm not even sure what my brother's ability was because he told me on the phone he had something exciting and new to show me but never said what it was."

Johann turned about then blinked. He groaned. "Great, Justus is gone." He began walking the house, checking every room. "Shadows right? I think he just disappeared on me. Goddammit. Anyway, if Eric asks, he didn't mention Donovan. Goddammit. I shouldn't have stayed in San Fran as long as I did."

"Oh my God, sweetheart." Karla's voice was gentle, soothing, and remorseful. It was exactly what Johann needed to hear.

He broke down into tears and slumped to the floor. "They fucking gunned him down and," he continued to speak, but his words became unintelligible through the sobs.

"Take as much time as you need, Johann. We've just arrived in Bermuda and we are about to pick up Topaz and Rufus. Collobulous has been captured. Things are heating up and we've all agreed the best thing we can do right now is lay low and gather our wits. Lay low but please ... do not let them catch you. What was your brother's name?"

"Charles." Johann used his jacket sleeve to wipe his face. "Charlie Tanner. My stepfather passed away in a car accident. Mom and Charlie were in the car with him. Dammit, why'd ... how..."

"What is it, honey? Just take a deep breath and tell me what you need to say."

Johann licked the backside of his teeth, balled his hands into fists then took a deep breath. "He lived through the car being twisted into a mangled ball only to be shot dead by some assholes. All because he discovered he had an ability he didn't yet fully understand. When I find that girl ... the one that works for Falcon ... she's on my shit list." He drew the phone away from his face then shouted, "God damn!" at the top of his lungs.

"Come to Bermuda. You'll be safe with..."

"I'm not in danger. But the people who did this ... they are."

"We're going to be mounting an offensive. You want payback? Come join the party."

"I think I'll take you up on that, Karla. I just need a little time to grieve. I need to go to the police and see the body. I need to fill out paperwork, I'm sure. I need to make funeral arrangements and try to find my mother. There's no sign of her."

"Jesus. Johann, I am so sorry."

"My whole family is gone, Karla."

The succubus got quiet for a moment then, in a softer voice, said, "You never know. Maybe one day you'll have kids. Don't throw in the towel yet."

"It's taken my whole life just to have sex once."

"Twice."

"Same day," he murmured, then added, "I need to have a wife, which requires dating, which requires meeting the right girl, which requires time. Here's a secret, Karla. Sinopa told me that the opportunity won't arise for a long time from now. And here's another kicker ... my supposed destiny forks. I'll either have a family a long time from now ... or take a path that keeps me single for the rest of my life. It's not yet set in stone. So guess what? Right now, I'm alone. And I'm going to stay that way for a while."

"Johann... okay, babyboy. Take care of yourself. Let me know if you're ready to join our shindig. If you need help looking for your mother or anything else ... you let me know. Okay? We'll come to Chicago if necessary. Where are you going to stay?"

"I won't be bullied out of my own house. I'm staying right here. I'll be ready if they come back for me. They'll regret it."

"I ... okay. Please don't get yourself killed, Johann. Just in case Sinopa was wrong. You may actually have a lot to live for. No one knows for sure. Don't gamble your life recklessly ... just in case. Okay? Please? For me?"

"Okay. I can't let Evan go and get himself killed. He's the only brother I have left, so to speak. Don't tell him anything happened if you talk to him before I do. I don't want him distracted. The first thing he'll do is come up here and try to help me. Something else Sinopa told me about my future is that I had to make sure Evan stayed on his current track. He apparently has some sort of important destiny ahead of him. I don't want him distracted."

"Uhm ... sure, okay. Do you want anyone to come and help you?"

Johann grew quiet and thought about the question. "No. I need time to grieve alone. I need time to cry in private. I need to go to the police and ... whatever I see on that autopsy table is going to mess me up. I don't want to cry in front of you guys. I know you 'n the gang won't judge me. I get that. But I need this to be a me, alone, sort of thing."

"Understood."

"It hasn't hit yet. I expect to find him at a hospital, injured. Or maybe his ability protected him. Hell, maybe he really is okay. I'm going to keep my hopes up. I'm going to the police and I'm going to find out what happened. Then I'll let you know, okay?"

"Okay. I'll keep you in my thoughts, Johann. Stay safe. If you need vengeance, don't go get into a fight alone, okay?"

"Yeah. I'll be smart about it. I've gotta go." He abruptly hung up and stuffed the phone into his pocket then rubbed his face and turned away from the sofa.

"Did you know she's pregnant?"

Johann turned back to the voice. Justus stood in the kitchen.

"It's true, young man. She doesn't know if it's yours or not. Don't take offense but I'm hoping it's not. If Sinopa Crevan is right about you being single and without an offspring for a while ... then that means my bloodline is furthered by another generation."

"You again. Ugh. How the hell does that even work?"

"Not every Loupe receives the shadow-play gene. It's dormant for some. My brother didn't have it, my son didn't have it. My own father didn't have it. Donovan did. Eric is Donovan's nephew; Eric is also a shadow master. Immortality in our family is selective as well. Donovan's older sister, Natalia, was able to control shadows but she wasn't immortal. She desperately craved immortality, so she reached for life-everlasting in a different way ... something unnatural, granted by her husband, Niall."

Johann got to his feet and walked towards the front door, careful not to look back at the sofa. He opened the door, gestured Justus out then stepped out, turned, and locked it behind himself. "What's your relation to Donovan?"

"Donovan tells people a lot of things. But he's my grandson. His father was injured by being thrown from a horse. He was injured so badly that my wife and I raised Donovan. My wife was a mortal. She grew old and passed and I'd not remarried since her. I'm more worried about Eric, though."

Foster cleared his throat then rubbed his face with his jacket sleeve again. "Eric? Why?"

"Because what happened to him."

"You know all the details he doesn't?"

"Yes." Justus offered a thin smile. "I see you need to talk about something else because you're trying to disassociate with..."

"No, I only just came to the realization that Charlie might have an ability that allowed him to survive. And maybe he and mom left together, which would explain why she's not here and why the car is gone. I'm holding out hope, okay? So tell me about Eric. Is Karla in danger?"

Justus adjusted his corduroy coat and put his hands into the pockets then withdrew fashionable leather gloves. "When my great-grandson 'activates,' or 'triggers' if you will, he becomes disassociated with reality and his alpha personality disappears. He becomes a highly motivated mission-based person."

"Jesus Christ."

"Eric came from a good socio-economic background, disappeared for a while - the abduction - and upon his return to society, he started to fall apart in college. He broke things off with his girlfriend, started taking a strong stance in political views, whereas in his past he didn't care about such things. His major was supposed to be in genetics related fields."

"Then what?"

"After his abduction, he became despondent and isolated from family and friends. He grabbed onto an ideology, focusing on anti-government. He met this other MK Ultra 'graduate' an older man that served in Vietnam. The 'friend' decided to become deeply immersed in religion."

The two continued to walk away from the house together. Johann simply listened, needing to keep his mind off his brother and mother so as not to worry.

Justus continued. "They decided to start researching what happened to them. Before you jump to "CIA" you should probably know it wasn't them At least not in regards to Eric. The United States has a branch dedicated to studying esotericism - not the mysticism people. I'm speaking of people with abilities that are related to the First Age humans. The government likes to occasionally leak disinformation to let people think there's aliens or ... whatever people want to think. Anything except the truth. People with abilities...? Mister Foster, that is one of the best-kept secrets in the nation. Hell, it's probably the only kept secret in the nation."

"Please, I don't near a conspiracy theorist right now. I'm freaking out."

"They wanted to control an esoteric person and use them without their knowledge. They couldn't get his ability to manifest when he was activated. But they held out hopes it would happen one day. It was designated 'MK Ultimate.' People using powers for the Government while activated. But it was a flop. Active powers were switched off when a programmed person gets switched on. Only passive abilities like healing or immortality would remain in effect. In the mean time, they took Eric through the same programs as other MK Ultra candidates. He learned how to shoot, assassinate people, and act the way they want him to act."

"Jesus."

Justus nodded. "Yes, it's disturbing. His level of comfort and ease for killing is very revealing. He was involved in a social shooting after being activated with a code word over a phone. He was in Africa. His mission was to assassinate Falcon's foreign investors at a bank, so that there would be no ties back to Aris's finances. Eric was supposed to kill himself but his weapon jammed. I was working with Falcon at the time but when this nonsense began happening, I left Falcon's side and followed Eric on his mission. He shot those people. He walked comfortably to his mark, shot each target like it was the normal thing to do, then put the gun to his head. I wasn't about to let my lineage end that way."

"You stopped it?"

"I used shadows from afar to make his gun misfire," said Justus. "His hazel eyes were green in the sunlight coming in through the window. I knew something was strange. He's still able to fall back on his training with weapons now ... but not with the level of proficiency displayed when he's activated. If he shot a target during activation, then shot the same target at the same distance with the same weapon under normal circumstances ... a forensic expert would tell you it was two different shooters based on the ballistics information taken from the target, do you understand?"

"A little." Johann Foster rubbed his face. "I, uh, I think you're saying he is a totally different person when he activates. He shoots differently. He walks differently. His handwriting might even be a little different."

"Exactly." Loupe sighed. "He becomes a different person for a while. He was activated to kill Patrick and doesn't even remember it."

"Patrick...? Wait, you don't mean the guy who was friends with Lance, do you?"

"Yes. Patrick lived with Methos up until he changed his name to Lance. Patrick had this very interesting ability. Entropy attacks; he could rapidly change a person on a molecular level. If he wanted, he could age them until they died in a matter of moments. In my opinion, Patrick was a very balanced and highly trained young man. We really could have used his help against Aris Falcon."

"If Falcon is so bad, why didn't you just kill him when you had the chance?"

Justus Loupe shook his head. "Short of beheading, Falcon heals exceptionally well. Kalen Kincade attacked him and drove a dagger straight into the man's forehead. I was there. Then Kalen bled Falcon dry. It didn't work. Natalia took Kalen and the rest of the Kincade family underground. Have you ever met them through the Justiciar?"

"No. He was fond of Natalia's first husband, though. Niall. When Niall died, the Justiciar moved to the east coast and dedicated his life to keeping a lid on people using their abilities publicly. Then the Justiciar met me and employed me. I traveled with him. He liked me for my organizational skills and how well I remember things. I kept him focused."

Justus nodded. "Natalia has been with Methos for ages, now. With her help I set up Rick Peterson to be killed. He was Falcon's right hand man for a while. Peterson was responsible for Nichole Parker's death. He made things personal when Jon Parker fired him."

"I'm not sure I follow that."

Justus adjusted his collar to keep the cold off his neck. "Peterson worked in espionage for a while. Clandestine sector. Then he found Jon Parker and wanted to learn how to do the sort of things only Jonathan could do. For not having any abilities, he became fairly proficient. But he was using his training for all the wrong things. Jon Parker fired him. Rick Peterson took it personally. He worked for Falcon solely to get revenge against the Parker family out of anger."

"What a dick."

"With the Kincade Family's help, I set Rick up to get himself killed. Falcon didn't even bat a lash at Rick Peterson's death. That was me. With Rick out of the way, Kalen was free to attack Falcon. The attack didn't stick. We were all shocked to find that Falcon is now quite resilient. Natalia took her family into hiding. The Kincade family ... they're the academics of the remaining supernatural people. I left Falcon and went to help Eric recover from what he was going through. However, Eric was reactivated and used to kill Patrick. I couldn't stop it from happening. I couldn't be in two places at once. You asked if Karla is safe with Eric ... yes. She's safe. But if Eric is ever reactivated ... it will complicate things."

"Could he be used to kill Falcon for us?"

"No, because Falcon is indirectly pulling the strings on the program that controls Eric. When Patrick was found out to be a spy in Falcon's ranks ... Eric was activated. Eric won't be a danger to anyone unless he tries to directly attack Falcon. Then Falcon will activate him."

"Is there a way to break this?"

"I don't know yet, Mister Foster. I'd like to think so. If he turns out to be immortal like Donovan and myself, Eric will stop aging before the age of forty. I'd like to think that the programming would break down. I'd hate for him to be a slave to that nonsense forever."

Foster frowned and nodded. "Do you know my brother's ability?"

"No." Justus shook his head. "All I know is that one of them was shot and the other escaped that lethal fate. I plan on disappearing while you're talking to them. I'm off the grid and must stay that way."

Johann frowned. "I see." He stuffed his hands into his pockets to keep them warm. "How do you fit into all of this?"

"You're going to need my help and I'm going to need yours - I trust you because the Justiciar trusted you. I'll explain everything soon, I promise. For now, let's go to the police; see what they know. Maybe you're right. Maybe the neighbors called the police and they processed what they found but, in this optimistic scenario, your brother left. Maybe there's a BOLO out. Maybe ... something."

Foster frowned again. "But maybe there's a body. I just need to know. I appreciate the company."

"Indeed."

Johann eyed the man who appeared in his early forties. "Alright, the nearest police department isn't terribly far from here. It's a two mile walk."

"Dear heavens. Two miles? Hold still." Justus Loupe put a hand on Foster's shoulder and both of them disappeared into a shadow soup that slinked quickly beneath the nearest vehicle on the road, which moved at a high rate of speed.

X

---

X

January 25 4:05pm EST Bermuda

** Topaz wrapped her arms around Fox** with a happy expression usually reserved for private moments. Kuda rubbed up against Fox's leg briefly then scurried off to Sinopa.

Sinopa picked him up and draped him on her shoulder. She folded her hands, watching her children embrace. After a moment, she reached for Jules' hand.

Patience and Eric remained quiet.

Karla hopped up and down then announced, "Johann may be staying in Chicago for a while, guys. But Reno and Evan got on the road yesterday and should be here in just a few days. Foster made it sound like Sire has taken over the ambitious task of leading the attacks against certain esoteric people. We all need to stay on our toes." She turned to Rufus and hugged him, adding, "Just because I'm dating now doesn't mean I won't accept a hug from my favorite furry."

"Aw hell. And t' think I left my mascot suit at the dry cleaners t'day." He accepted the demoness' hug and gave her a firm pat on the shoulders then relinquished the embrace and turned to Eric. Rufus offered his hand. "I'm absolutely sure you'll treat her well. You're a lucky guy to get her in'a relationship. Congrats to y' both."

"Thanks." Eric grasped Rue's hand and the two shook. "I'll do my best to stay interesting and fun for her. And I promise to treat her right. I'm glad she has so many friends that care."

"Ayup. Lotta' people wanna' compete for her attention but you're the one that got it. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it because you're doing it right."

Karla hooked a thumb back towards the marina further down the beach. "You wanna come back with us, Topaz?"

"I, uh." Parker looked up from her brother's shoulder then gave his hip a soft pat and withdrew her arms from him. "Sure. Vincent will be coming back soon. I get him for another day or two. He wants to stick around until Reno gets in town."

Rufus perked up and sniffed at the air. "Did you guys hear that?" He paused, sniffed again then said, "Two gunshots."

Karla furrowed her brows. "I didn't hear anything. Sinopa?"

Crevan tilted her head and perked her ears. "I did hear two soft pops but it sounded rather far away."

Topaz looked from her mother back to Rufus. "You people and your animal hearing. None of us heard anything. Let's head back to the boat. This is Bermuda. If someone is shooting firecrackers or guns, it's their business, not ours."

"Parker," Karla said with a frown. "We're a hunted people. We need to make sure the area is safe and secure before we can relax. We should send out a two person hunting team. Rufus has the nose and ears so he should go. Sinopa also has heightened senses so she should stay on the boat to help keep it safe from possible incoming enemies. Eric, you can throw people overboard with ease, so you keep my house safe. I'll take to the streets because I can get around without being followed. Everyone else, keep my yacht safe."

"But Karla," Topaz said.

"But nothing, Parker," replied the succubus with a smirk. "Better safe than sorry."

Fox approached Karla and, in a soft voice, "Is there something else you're not telling us." His eyes dropped to her stomach then lifted back to her face again, as if telegraphing his thoughts.

Karla leaned close to him and whispered, "Johann thinks Sire and the attack teams are still coming and going. He's not completely sure yet but he said there are signs in Chicago that make him question the idea of feeling completely secure." Satisfied she'd changed the subject, she cleared her throat and nodded firmly. Karla's voice rose loud enough for the rest to hear her, telling them, "Better safe than sorry! C'mon, wuffie. Heel!"

Rufus shrugged. "Beam us up, Scotty."

Karla and Rufus disappeared. They reappeared atop of the hotel, looking down on the island. She walked to the edge and surveyed the area. "You hear anything, Battlecat?"

"Nuffin yet, She-Ra. And I ain' no cat, ya goof." He pulled an electronic cigarette out and slid it between his lips, speaking over it, "The shots came from," he pointed inward. "Closer to yer boat, but further inland. If I can hear it, but y'all can't, then it's about..." He paused. "Well. I cain' go 'round using my normal method of calculation. We were on a beach. Sand absorbs sound waves 'n all. So maybe a half-mile."

"I know you're the badboy type. I totally expect you to be a smoker. But an E-cigarette? Really, babe?"

"Yup. Real ones compromise my sense of smell, darlin'."

All of a sudden the two of them appeared in an alley between buildings. To their left, a man held a gun, pointing it at Karla and Rufus. To the right, three men held similar pistols, pointing them back at Karla, Rufus and the other gunman.

"Well, then. Nice goin' girl. You found'em."

"Hey!" shouted one of the trio on the right. "Who in the royal fuck are you fuckmuffins? Where'd you come from?" He turned and asked one of the others next to him, "Where'd those two twats come from?"

"Did he just call us twats?" Karla asked, brows quirked. "Oh, no he didn't. He's about to get full-on prego-wrath." She pushed her hands together, cracking her knuckles.

"Prego huh? I'm guessin' yer not talkin' about the competitor to Ragu, ladybug."

"No, beau, I'm talkin' about the hormones I'm about to dish out on these guys for calling me a twat." She ground her teeth and clenched her fists. The alley darkened dramatically, covered in a thick miasma of shadow.

"What the hell!" cried one of the trio of gunners. "Some kinda' eclipse or something?!"

Rufus turned to the left and said, "This is where you run, dummy. Today is yer lucky day." The single gunman ran. Rufus turned back to Karla and said, "Sig Saur. Smells of American Government. The other three have Taurus pistols. And, uh ... I think that shadow is comin' from you."

Karla blinked. "Is it?"

"Yer hands're pink, the afternoon sky is dark. So ... the baby belongs to Eric, huh?"

Karla bit her lip. "I ... I guess that would be a good tell, wouldn't it?"

"Light these jackasses up," said the gunner in the middle. "They let the target get away; they're gonna pay."

Karla's vivid green eyes narrowed. "You really want to play this game? Let me tell you boys something. Growing a human is super tiring. It makes me feel weak, exhausted, emotional and pissy. You boys pull those triggers and I'll end you. All of you."

Rufus, nonchalant, turned to Karla and asked, "You want the 'furry' to beat'em up? Hell, I'll deliver the baby for ya', too. Already done it twice before. Kinda' makes me the gang expert."

Karla rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I can see that going over well. Gee, let's deliver the baby at a furry convention. I totally wanna give birth to mascot'ers. 'Oh look, and here is a picture of Mickey Mouse and Scooby Doo delivering a baby! Garfield is bringing towels!' No thanks. I read animals try to eat the placenta. That's just unnerving."

"Oh don't be mean, sugar."

The man in the middle of the trio shouted, "Are you two seriously talkin' about fuckin' babies 'n shit?! You two are at gunpoint! You made me lose my target! I'm gonna kill you two, so shut up already!"

Karla broke into a fit of giggles. "Rue-bear, he has no idea who we are. Yes. It's time. Someone needs to be the first victim of my full-on prego-wrath." Again, she cracked her knuckles. "I'm going to 'cross the streams' on these fools."

Rue Darken shook his head. "The superintendent's gunna be pissed."

X

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Next chapter: https://www.sofurry.com/view/661690