Knuckles bared and ready to punch, Amanda narrated in a louder, much fiercer voice. "Her uncle sold her to a rebel group. They needed child combatants and my lovely little girl was sent off to join them. That was also the first time I didn't think before I acted: I went to their camp and looked for Saraphina, prepared to pay whatever amount they asked just so I could get my daughter-to-be back. We reached an arrangement right then, thanks to the money I had earned as a scientist for GEN...
"Then the U.S. Army came. They fired bullets everywhere, sparing me because I was an American. I tried to explain the situation, begged them to be careful because my Saraphina was somewhere in the area. But they didn't listen, they didn't care! They shot the rebels, even the children! They didn't think, they just kept firing!" Amanda was screaming now. "They killed my daughter! They killed my Saraphina!"
"I... I'm sorry, Amanda. But you don’t---" Charlie offered, not knowing what else to say.
Amanda looked up. "That's also what they said. But did it matter? An apology won't bring back my Saraphina. It won't take away the bullet that shot through her heart. It didn't and will never make a difference. But I can make a difference. I vowed to give justice to my daughter's death." She stood up and approached Charlie. "You can help me do that."
When Charlie didn't speak, Amanda went on. "When I sold the serum to the government, I dreamed of creating an army of my own, this time housing them on American soil and putting them exactly under government purview. It's quite poetic, if you ask me. They will fund ANDREI only to have the weapons they consented in creating turn against the very entity that made them possible."
"All this for a little girl?" Charlie asked.
Amanda raised both her hands and pointed around the room, addressing Charlie. "All this for a twin you never even knew? Tell me, Charlie: wouldn’t you go to these same lengths for someone you love?”
The answer was clear in Charlie’s head: a resounding yes. Like anyone, she was capable of being stupid. The difference lay in her awareness of a decision being stupid; more often than not when one talks about love, foolish decisions are made without realizing the folly until it’s too late. Charlie didn’t want to be that kind of person; however, her entire journey at ANDREI seemed to be evidence of that stupidity.
“I really am sorry for what happened to Saraphina. But I don’t think it’s enough reason for you to take it out on innocent people. The students at ANDREI have nothing to do with what the soldiers did to your daughter. They’re just orphans, Amanda. Saraphina didn’t have parents, either. That rebel group
gathered children to make them combatants. Aren’t you doing the same thing? You’re no better than they were.”
That struck a nerve in Amanda.
CHAPTER 16: Deception
A force pushed Charlie’s face to the side, the sting on her cheek lingering when she turned back to face the enraged headmaster. “You don’t understand what I’m trying to accomplish.”
Charlie tried to match the daggers in the woman’s eyes. "You use orphans for lab rats. How can you stomach that?"
Amanda turned again, bearing the crazed eyes that Charlie thought was gone. "Lab rats?" Amanda laughed. "I’m helping them, can’t you see that? If not for me, how do you think they could survive this damned country alone? Nobody wants them anymore! What use will they be if they get thrown out of the system? They will add to the statistic of failures in this glorious country!" Amanda said the last two words with such disgust.
"You have no right to make that choice for them! They didn't consent to this!"
“Who wouldn’t consent to this, Charlie? Who wouldn’t want a chance to jump-start evolution? Super strength, manipulation of the elements, defying the laws of physics and gravity, playing God in a God-less world! Who would pass up this opportunity, Charlie? Don’t you kids value power as much as we do? Don’t you wish to be the superheroes you see in the movies?”
Charlie shook her head. “And be puppets? With a puppet master who is interested in nothing but vengeance? If the government wasn’t funding this craziness, you’d be wanted for kidnapping!”
Amanda walked up to Charlie, stroking her hair lovingly making Charlie cringe. “Oh, Charlie. You have it all wrong. These children, I see them as my own. I care for them. Like a mother, I provide them shelter and food and clothing--“
“And send them on potentially life-threatening missions,” Charlie added. Amanda leaned in closer, grabbing a handful of Charlie’s hair and yanking painfully. But her smile didn’t fade.
“And discipline them when they are naughty,” Amanda continued. She moved away from the bed and paced around the room, laughing bitterly. "You’re starting to sound like your father, sadly. Too bad you inherited your parents’ traits even though they didn’t raise you. So hard-headed, thinking they were all high and mighty. Like they had the moral ascendancy to walk away from anything because they thought I was wrong. Look where they are now, and where I am."
Charlie’s eyes widened. Her mind played with the possibilities and the realization struck her hard. "You… went after them. You are responsible for my parents' death, aren't you?" Charlie asked in a low voice, her mind refusing to believe what her thoughts suggested. When Amanda didn’t respond to her accusation, Charlie took her silence as a confession to the crime. Fury filled her chest and she shouted, “How could you?! You told me my mother was your friend! Why did you kill them if they were your friends?!”
"Friends? Do friends abandon each other in times of need? Look at yourself, Charlie. You willingly walked straight into my arms just because you thought sweet little Hilary was in danger. And what did your parents do? My daughter was killed and John and Catherine chose to run off into the sunset together with two of their own!”
“That’s not true. My parents made a mistake when they made that serum. They realized their mistake and they opted to right a wrong. That’s why they left.”
“How would you know? You never even met them! Your parents wanted to make the Unlocker as much as I did. They were afraid of the consequences, while I faced whatever happened head-on.”
“Because you had an ulterior motive! You wanted to exact revenge!”
“Do you really want to know why your parents left, Charlie?” Amanda didn’t wait for Charlie to respond. “Your parents went ahead and used their powers for their own personal gain. They ended up getting someone killed, did you know that? It wasn’t intentional, perhaps, but that doesn’t change the outcome. And what did they do after that? Walked away like they always did.”
“No,” Charlie said in disbelief. “You’re lying.”
Amanda smiled sweetly. “That’s the problem with orphans. You always make yourself believe your parents were saints, without realizing that the reason you were left behind is because they were just the opposite.”
Charlie swallowed her tears. I will not show her any weakness. That’s what she wants. She lifted her chin and said, “And what about Jeanne?”
“Ah, my dear Jeanne.” Amanda said her name lovingly. “She was such a surprise, you know? A long delayed Christmas gift your parents left behind for me.”
“Why did you remove her from ANDREI? What’s Project Athena?” Charlie blurted out, and the effect was instantaneous.
“How did you--?” Amanda paused. “Ah, I see. No wonder the locks were loose the last time I visited my private archives. The goddess of war and wisdom, Athena. A perfect idol to morph my beloved Jeanne into, don’t you think?”
“You want to turn Jeanne into your personal nuclear weapon.” Charlie cringed at the concept of her sister being turned into some sort of bomb.
“Indeed. Jeanne was out of control when she first exhibited her powers. Killed three of my personnel. But while all others panicked, I saw the younger version of Catherine, so full of power! Can you imagine my shock?” Amanda giggled. “To think that your parents actually passed down the unlocked gene to you. It’s as if they handed me a very late Christmas gift!”
Charlie sho
ok her head in disbelief. Amanda sneered at her. “Cat got your tongue? I thought you were defending your parents! What happened to the fighter in you?” She laughed triumphantly. "We could've been very powerful, Charlie. Invincible, even. Despite your parents’ attempt to abandon my cause, they left behind twins for me. Jeanne and Charlie. The two of you could have led my army, could have been my front liners when I brought about the new age!” She spread her arms to the side and her head up high. But then, her shoulders slumped and she looked at Charlie mournfully. “Alas, things don’t always go the way we want them to. But there is always a way for one who isn’t willing to give up.”
Charlie protested vehemently, "My parents didn’t want this. Parents don't hurt their children! I may not have met them, but I know in my heart that they would never do anything that could hurt me or my sister!"
"Let me tell you something, Charlie. Parents are not designed to be omnipotent beings capable of always making the right decisions for their children. In fact, sometimes they end up making the worst choice."
"Did your parents mess you up so badly, Amanda? Is that why you're mad? Just because your life is miserable doesn't mean you can take it out on others!"
Amanda grabbed Charlie’s face and pulled it toward hers. “You have no idea what I’ve been through, Charlene Hartley. What you’ve gone through is nothing compared to what I had to endure growing up, so don’t you dare compare anyone to me!”
Amanda let go of Charlie and walked to an area where she was obscured from Charlie’s view. Jeanne reappeared in the doorway, but this time Charlie knew better.
“I know it’s you, Kio! Stop it! Just stop!” Charlie screamed. But Kio just stood there, wearing the face of the twin sister Charlie longed for.
I wish I could pretend it’s you, Jeanne. I wish I could see you right now, so I’d have something to hold onto.
Charlie pressed her eyelids tightly together to avoid Jeanne’s fictional double. When she opened her eyes, Jeanne’s piercing dark eyes were only inches away from hers. For a second she was awed by Kio’s power, how he could so masterfully copy someone. Then she remembered how he’d played with her feelings and how stupid Charlie was for believing that Jeanne could be handed to her so easily. “Get away from me!” Charlie kicked and screamed while strapped down.
“Enough, Kio,” Amanda commanded. She walked back to Charlie, her face devoid of emotion. Kio immediately transformed back into himself and left the room. When the headmaster leaned over Charlie, she produced another syringe from behind, but this time it wasn’t empty. 300CC of transparent fluid filled it, and it looked more horrifying to Charlie than the empty one. Charlie began to toss and turn in the bed, fighting against the straps and the hands that pulled her down as four students of ANDREI assisted their headmaster. Nightmare became reality when she saw the needle inching closer to the side of her neck. Charlie screamed, her voice piercing through the room while the stinging currents fried her skull.
Then darkness enveloped them and Charlie felt the sensation of her power being released from her core. She heard loud thuds in all directions, immediately followed gasps and grunts. The device on her head ceased to function with the power out. Charlie did not waste time. She willed the straps to unbuckle and was immediately released from her imprisonment. Charlie rushed blindly to where she deduced the exit to be, only to bump against the chest of a tall male. She couldn’t see who it was, nor did she care. Charlie reeled back, balled her fist and propelled it at the face of the one standing in her way. She heard him grunt, her punch making him stumble to the side and allowing Charlie to skirt him and throw the doors open.
“Hilary! Give me light!” Amanda commanded, suddenly anxious at the sound of the doors. A red-orange glow illuminated the room and in the dim light, Amanda saw the bed empty and her shape shifter sporting a bruise on his cheek. Fury rose up inside her but she pushed it down. Strong emotions lead to illogical thinking. She commanded her students, “Go after her.”
Bradley, Jian and Kio nodded and pursued the escapee. Hilary trailed closely behind but was halted by the headmaster. “Hilary, I have another mission for you.”
Blinded by the darkness, Charlie strained her eyes to make her way around the hallways. But her destination wasn’t clear even to her; all she focused on was getting as far away from the infirmary as she could. Heavy footsteps tailed her, and Charlie didn’t have to look to know who pursued her. She squeezed her eyes shut and pictured a force to throw them all away; all she could muster was a small force, making them stumble.
Lights flickered from above and Charlie raised her head to see the emergency lights awakening from slumber. She spotted the stairs door and rushed to it. Charlie climbed and turned around when she reached the intermediate landing. She waited for her pursuers, first Kio followed by Jian. She flung the two males to the side and heard them crash against the wall. In her mind, she prayed she’d done little damage to them, given that they were innocent and merely being controlled by her true enemy. But when Bradley turned the corner, Charlie had little mercy to offer the egotistic lad. She threw him off to the side opposite from where Jian and Kio landed and moved faster to distance herself from them.
When she reached the third floor of ANDREI, her thoughts reverted back to the earlier screams of Madison. Charlie turned around and checked the hallway for any hints leading to her friend. She reached one of the doors of the training room and heard shuffling from inside. Cautiously and slowly, Charlie opened the door and peeked in. In the middle of the training floor, Madison sat on a chair. With no further thought, Charlie pushed the door open wide to rush to Madison’s aid, but a click from behind compelled her to stop. The cold muzzle of a gun nudged her hair and its owner told her, “Don’t move.”
Having no other option, Charlie held her hands up and stood still. Her eyes darted around for signs indicating the presence of other guards but found none except the one behind her. She heard him click on his radio and the static sound emanated. He had no chance to speak before Charlie wheeled around and executed a flying kick, sending the gun in the air, which landed several feet away. She proceeded to fling the guard against the staircase leading up to the mezzanine, where his head struck one of the steps. He lay limp.
Charlie went up to Madison, checking for shackles or straps that bound her ally. Madison’s hands were cuffed to the back of her seat. Charlie broke it and freed her ally. She caught the semi-conscious girl as Madison collapsed in Charlie’s arm.
“Madison!” Charlie struggled to carry Madison. “Madison, wake up! We’re getting out!”
Madison’s green eyes showed between her eyelids and she slowly came to her senses. “Charlie?” She began to sob, "They wanted me to confess... They wanted me to tell them what we know. They-- They punished me for trying to run away!" She looked back up to Charlie's face and a half-smile formed on her lips. “But, you came back for me,” she said softly. "Thank you."
“Of course, I did.” Charlie replied. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Madison nodded and stood slowly. Charlie helped her to her feet and they left the room.
In the dead of the night, the halls seemed eerie despite the illumination of the emergency lights. Madison tightly clutched Charlie’s hand that gripped hers. Even Charlie started to fear the dark. There’s no point in backing down now. We have to keep going. Nearing the bridge, Dorothy and Brianna blocked their way, and Charlie stepped up to battle them alone, given Madison’s weakened condition. With one wave of her hand, the door near the two girls flew open and she pushed them inside with her powers. Charlie felt a tinge of guilt having to lock them both in a room, using her telekinesis to get the knob stuck. She turned on her heel and assisted Madison in prying open the security door to the bridge.
Once inside the laboratory building that looked even emptier than the ANDREI building, Charlie took the opportunity to retrieve her sister before they made their exit, and Madison agreed. “Make sure you convince your sister harder before she triggers another alarm,” she
made Charlie promise.
The secret door was left open after they were dragged out of it. Little light entered the room, giving Charlie very little view of its interior. She concentrated on the silhouette standing in the middle of the room and her heart skipped a beat.
“Jeanne?” Charlie said. “It’s okay, Jeanne. We’re not here to harm you.” She racked her brain for a plan. Surely, Amanda and her team would anticipate Charlie’s actions and would arrive at this very spot in only a few minutes. Attempting to shield Jeanne’s mind from Amanda’s influences might prove difficult and time consuming. Instead, she opted to lie. “Jeanne, Ms. Pitt requested to meet with you. Please come with us.”
Behind her, Madison reacted in her hush voice. “What are you doing?” Charlie looked back and tried to send her a silent message: Trust me.
Charlie slowly took a step forward, like a trainer calming a lion. “Jeanne?” She called out again, having received no response to her previous call. “If you could come with us right now—“
Her words were cut short by a kick in the air that was accompanied by flames. Charlie stepped out of the way, her hair almost scorched by the fire. She turned back to Madison, who stood in shock. The flames were dying when they caught sight of the person’s face.
It wasn’t Jeanne’s. It was Hilary’s.
CHAPTER 17: The First Spark
“Hilary.” The name left Charlie’s lips in horror. The dark-skinned girl lifted her eyes to Charlie, glaring daggers straight into her friend’s heart. But she did not speak a word. Hilary crouched at the center of the ominous room, waiting for Charlie and Madison to make a move.
“Charlie, we should leave.” Madison pulled her arm, but Charlie did not budge. On the contrary, she took a step forward. “Hilary! Listen Hilary, you have to wake up. Please,” she pleaded, voice cracking. To see all the people she cared for in school eye her as the enemy broke all the bravado she’d mustered facing ANDREI’s beehive queen.
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