Chapter Eight: Meet Cheyenne or when you know you need to run

Meet Cheyenne, a runner, and meet a gun, aka a very good reason to run. The team try to stop a robbery to horrifying results.

Cheyenne left her house in a hurry, relieved to finally be free from her homework and responsibilities. Her single story, shotgun-style house was backed up right against the woods. She headed straight for the forest. Patting a mossy trunk, she climbed over its roots. She jumped over an unfurled fern and treaded carefully around a berry bush. She looked forward, spotting a zigzagging row of bushes.

             She rushed to the first one and circled around it, running to the next one after that. She raced past all the bushes, jolting to a stop at the last one. Panting, she plucked one of the berries from it. Cheyenne recognized it. It was either a blueberry or huckleberry. She popped it in her mouth, enjoying the tart taste.

             Breathing easily, she looked around for her next target. She stilled when she saw a deer. He was grazing on shoots near a tree. If she ran fast enough, she could probably touch him. Deciding it was worth the risk, Cheyenne charged at him.

             He heard her immediately. Not stopping to look back, he took off. She ran after him, flying over roots and ducking under branches. She knew she couldn’t keep up, but she persisted. She went from two meters away from the galloping deer to three. To five. She was losing him. She felt a sad pang in her chest, wanting so badly to pet him.

             A flash of cold, like jumping in water, washed over her legs. The tide shifted. Cheyenne burst forward, quickly closing the distance. She fell into place beside the deer. She could watch him run, from his front legs staggered movement to his leaping stride. She decided that petting him could wait.

             The deer slowed as he ran out of breath. The forest opened in front of the pair, revealing a massive river. Cheyenne could hardly see the other bank because it was so large. The deer dipped his head to drink from the river. He let her to get close and she patted him on his flank. His hair wasn’t as soft as she thought it would be. She still thought he was majestic.

             She glanced up at the sky, wondering when it became late afternoon. She noticed a mountain to her left. Her eyes widened as she realized that her deer-friend had taken her all the way around the mountain. She managed to run around a mountain. She needed to get back home.

             She stroked the deer’s back before running home. A chill came over her as she jumped into speedster mode. Trees seemed to move in slow motion around her as she zoomed by. It allowed her to look at them with more intensity than she normally would have. Soon, she started to recognize the trees. She saw her house where the tree line ended.

              Trying to slow down, she stumbled to a halt on her lawn. She caught her breath and laughed lightly. She skipped into her house to see her father resting in his worn armchair. He opened his eyes when he heard the door shut. “Hey, honey,” He said, closing his eye after seeing her. “Back so soon from your walk?”

             Cheyenne glanced at the clock in the room. It had been half an hour since she left. “I guess so,” She replied before perking up. “But I got to pet a deer!”

             “That sounds nice, dear,” Her father said with a slight frown.

             Cheyenne knew he didn’t believe her, but she didn’t care. She knew what happened.

+++++

             “Do you know why you are here, Miss Roanhorse?” Paul said, looking down at her file.

             Cheyenne smiled awkwardly from her chair, her hands pat-patting on her knees. “I was daydreaming in class, sir.”

             He quickly read her file where it altered the impact of her statement with context. “It says here that you have ADHD.”

             She eagerly nodded. “Yeah, that’s what people tell me,” She responded. “They say that’s why I daydream so much.”

             Paul underlined a sentence in her file that said as much. “What do you daydream about?”

             “Running.”

             She looked beyond him to the window, her eyes losing focus. “I’m really good at it,” She continued. “It helps me think. I do some of my best work while running on a treadmill here at school.”

             Paul knew the problem was her inability to pay attention during class, but he couldn’t think of any effective in-class activities to fix that. She can’t bring a treadmill to every class. Maybe a small tactile activity would help. Another good thing would be extracurriculars after school. “Have you considered joining the track team?”

             Cheyenne shook her head. “I wouldn’t be able to join the team.”

             “Oh, why not?” Paul asked, leaning forward.

             Switching from patting to stroking her ponytail, Cheyenne blushed. “I think I’d be bad or too fast… I don’t know.”

             Paul was struck with a weird feeling as he felt compelled to say something. “Too fast?” Paul replied with a hint of a smile. “How can you be too fast?”

             “I don’t know, maybe I’m not,” Cheyenne explained hastily. “I’ve never watched any track meets so maybe I’m just normal.”

             He was certain that she was selling herself short as he asked, “Well, how fast can you run?”

             She stared at his desk, seemingly preoccupied. “Pretty fast, like as fast as a deer fast.”

             He nodded, finally understanding what she meant: she had super speed. “I see,” He responded. “If you don’t think you’re good enough for the track team, you could certainly join another team.”

             “What team? Like a community league?”

             “I’m talking about a superhero team.”

             She met his gaze for the first time during the meeting. She positively beamed at him. “Oh,” She replied, her eyes lighting up. “That’d be cool.”

+++++

             Light led Queen B and Eon through the streets of the Pearl District. They walked along the border of the warehouse district and the luxury district. One side of the street was large brick buildings for manufacturing and storage, while the other side had refurbished, nearly identical brick buildings. Light knew that one of the upcoming places on their patrol was the Kattegat Art Museum.

             Light looked back at Eon in his oversize coat. “Do you wanna check out the museum again?” He asked, smiling wistfully. “I really liked their exhibit on Noh masks.”

             Eon matched his smile. “I was fond of the ‘rudimentary’ copper statues,” He commented, glancing at Queen B. “Have you gone to the museum?”

             Queen B shook her head with a grimace. “Not recently. Maybe back in undergrad.”

             “Hmm, maybe we should see if they’re still open,” Light mentioned. “Or at least, check to make sure the King hasn’t visited them.”

             He picked up the pace until he spotted the white stone wall that made up the side of the museum. “Uh oh,” Queen B said, pointing to an alleyway. “Moss.”

             The trio walked into the alley where the museum almost touched the reuse store beside it. A small mossy hole was nestled beside a garbage bin and back door. “That’s one way to evade the security system,” Light joked dryly. “Suit up. I’ll message Ink.”

             Eon slipped off his coat and pants while Queen B put on her mask carefully to keep her hair neat. Light tucked his phone in his costume before taking off his civilian clothes. When everyone was ready, he nodded to the others. He crawled through the hole in to a hall of paintings. He waited for everyone to get in before giving orders.

             He pointed to Queen B, then to the left side of the hallway, which led the west wing. Eon pointed upwards, silently suggesting that he would go upstairs. Nodding that he understood, Light gestured that he would take the east wing. Without making a sound, he clapped, and the group split up.

             Light crept down the hall, keeping close to the wall. He stopped at an entrance to a room. He could see there was a balcony in it, connecting the upstairs to this floor. It was dramatic in design with Greek columns encompassing a doorway. The room itself was littered with white platforms that held sculptures. Some abstract, some literal. Then, there was a full-sized, cement piano for some reason.

             Under the balcony stood the King. Light held his breath as his two slack-faced henchmen wandered around the room pointing out the art. “What do you think of this statue, my liege?” Moss asked.

             It was a tulip made of old silverware. The King blew a raspberry. “What about this, my liege?” The orderly inquired.

             He presented an abstract oil painting. Complementary, asymmetrical circles overlapped each other on the canvas. “Ugh, it’s pathetic,” The King complained, rubbing his face.

             He paced back and forth, finally settling on a bench in front of the piano. He pretended to play as he thought. “You know what?” He said to himself. “I think we should get a painter to do a portrait of me.”

             The orderly lazily smiled. “That’s brilliant, my lord.”

             “We’ll work on that immediately,” said the other.

             The King had decided he was done here, Light realized. He knew that this was the point of no return. The King would leave soon. He heard wailing sirens in the distance. The police could either help or hurt the team’s attempt to capture the King. Light spotted Eon appear atop the balcony, where Eon soon saw him as well. Eon jerked his head at the hallway and made a subtle gesture. Queen B was coming down the hall. Light made his decision.

             He pointed to the King and held up five fingers. He slowly counted down and at zero, they both sprang into action. Eon shot lightning, hitting the piano. The King cowered as Light charged at the orderly. Taking him down with his shield, Light was quick to handcuff him. Eon dropped down from the balcony. Queen B appeared in the room, casting chains to trip up Moss. She collapsed. “Stop! Stop!” The King shouted, clutching his head.

             A wave of headaches set in. Everyone froze, including his servants. Light felt panic rising in his chest as he watched the King from afar. The King stood up and strode to the closest enemy, Eon. He glared down at Eon. “It’s treasonous to attack your king,” He rebuked sternly.

             He stopped lecturing to listen to the sound of boots. Turning about, he saw a handful of police officers walk in, guns ready. They quickly surrounded him, barking orders that the King ignored. “Ah, my firing squad!” The King said excitedly. “I need your assistance.”

             The officers immediately faltered. Some lowered the guns while others grabbed the heads with both hands, guns pressed to skulls. The King clicked his tongue impatiently, beginning to pace. “You, sergeant!” He shouted, pointing to one officer. “Execute this traitor.”

             The officer stepped forward with shaky hands. “To your knees, you turncoat,” The King declared, going so far as to kick Eon’s legs.

             He fell to his knees, facing the balcony. The officer lined up his shot on the back of Eon’s head. Light could see Eon’s body tremble though he was unable to move on his own. Light shut his eyes, sending out a prayer.

             Ink swung down via a vine from the balcony. He kicked the officer in the chest. The officer tumbled back, dropping his gun. The King flinched. The shock of it all seemed to break the spell. The police recovered while Light and Queen B ran to aid Eon. “Firing squad,” The King said, regaining some control. “Fire on the rebels!”

             Ink tackled Eon to the ground. Light summoned his shield. Kneeling down, he protected them from some bullets. They ricocheted off his transparent protection. Queen B pulled out all the metal in her pocket. She whispered, and they melded together, forming a large barrier. Now with double the shields, Light was eager to make their escape. “Let’s go!” He yelled over the gunfire.

             Eon nodded, sitting up. He noticed that Ink was holding his bicep. Blood seeped out from between his fingers. “We have to hurry,” He called to Light. “Ink’s been hurt!”

             He stood and slipped his hands under Ink’s armpits. Eon dragged him through the doorway beneath the balcony with Queen B and Light providing cover. The police didn’t seem to follow, giving them time. Ink stood unsteadily. Eon put a supportive around him.

             They rapidly scoped out the room. It was smaller than the other room, but had a clear exit. Light asked Queen B to lead while he watched their backs. “I left Q at the front entrance,” Ink mumbled to Eon. “We need to get them, too.”

             Eon nodded. Queen B overheard and directed them to the front entrance. They burst through the front door, rushing to escape. Light saw Q talking to Detective Kidman. Light pushed Eon and Ink on, telling them to get to safety. Light approached Q as the rest of the team hurried off to take care of Ink.

             Light examined the situation when he got closer. Q stood near Kidman, who leaned against a cop car. There were several cars, engines and lights still on. They stopped talking when Light was within hearing. “Are you okay?” Light asked Q.

             Q nodded. “I’m fine. I thought waiting with the detective would be my safest choice.”

             “Not so much,” Theo commented before changing the subject. “Did you hear the gunshots?”

             “Yeah,” Q said, glancing over at Kidman. “The detective assured me that it was done to capture King.” They perked up suddenly. “Did the police catch him?”

             Light clenched his fists as he fought the urge to blast something. “No,” He started calmly, meeting Kidman’s eyes. “Not only did they not capture the King, the King got them to fire at us. Ink has been shot.”

             Standing up, Kidman paled. “I’m sorry,” She said with somber sincerity. “I had no idea. Where is Ink? We can take him to the hospi-”

             “No thank you,” Light interrupted. “We can take care of him ourselves.”

             Light noticed Q was vigorously rubbing their eyes. Light had never seen Q this upset. Their sadness softened any anger he had. “Come on, Q,” He said gently. “I’ll take you home.”

             Q held out their hand and Light took it. Giving it a squeeze, he led them away from the museum. They looked back at Kidman, who seemed distressed. She rocked on her heels as if contemplating whether she should go in and try to help or wait outside.

+++++

             Tae threw rocks at Tiên’s window. After a moment, she appeared, peeking out from behind a curtain. She opened the window when she saw who it was. “What the hell are you doing here?” She asked irritated. “I’m studying for a test!”

             “Paul’s been hurt!” Tae called.

             In the poor lighting of the backyard’s single patio light, Tiên could make out a body in the grass. She held up a finger and left the window. A minute later, she emerged from the patio door with her dog. She jogged over. She looked down at Paul whose sleeveless costume told her the problem immediately. “What happened?” She whispered.

             “He was shot.”

             Tiên kneeled by Paul’s bloodied arm. “The bullet grazed him,” Tae added. “So, it’s not life and death.”

             Paul laughed weakly, an unsteady smile plastered to his face. “That’s his way of saying I’m a big baby,” He commented.

             Jwi licked Paul’s face after sniffing him extensively. Tae whistled and petted the dog to give Tiên room to work. Tiên placed her hands on either side of the wound. “How did he get this?” She asked while closing her eyes.

             The wound filled with blood, quickly forming a scab. “The police were shooting at Tae,” Paul explained before shuddering. “Whoo, that’s a weird, icy-hot feeling.”

             The scab fell off, revealing pale, new skin. Tiên glared at Tae. “They were shooting at you,” Tiên said, her irritation returning. “Why? What’d you do?”

             “Hey, hey,” Paul said, waving his good arm between the two. “The bad guy we’ve been after has mind control powers, so he got the police to shoot at Tae.”

             “And Paul saved me.”

             Tiên’s scowl faded as she accepted this version of events. Tae let go of Jwi and helped Paul sit up. “I’d do it again, too,” He declared, smiling at Tae.

             Tae smiled and chuckled. “You’d jump in front of bullet for anyone on the team.”

             Paul shrugged. “That’s true. I can’t have any of you die because you guys joined my superhero club.”

             Tae stood, holding out a hand. Paul used it to get up. Tiên hovered nearby, nervously playing with her hands. “How do you feel?” Tiên asked. “I’ve never healed a person before.”

             “I feel fine,” Paul answered, rolling his shoulders. “Like I’ve been given a dozen shots of espresso.”

             Tiên nodded, her eyes downcast. “That’s good.”

             Paul clapped once. “Alright, Tae, I think we should go. Tiên should only be outside long enough to take of her dog.”

             Tae agreed, grinning at him. Tiên suddenly held out a hand to Paul. He shook it warmly as she said. “Thank you for saving him.”

             “Of course,” Paul replied. “Thank you for saving me.”

             He winked, turning to leave. He walked to the fence before grabbing Tae in a hug. White wings burst out of his back and he took flight over the fence. Tiên watched in awe before calling for Jwi to go back inside. She didn’t hear Paul’s comment to Tae as they landed on the other side. “She used the right pronouns.”

             Paul offered Tae his hand. Tae took it, enjoying the warmth it had. Paul looked away to hide his reddened face. “Yeah, she might be accepting me,” Tae responded cryptically.

+++++

             Alicia took time to dress up for her second date with Nicki. They both agreed to go back to the same Italian restaurant because it had been a while since their last date. Time passes quickly when you were busy with research, Nicki texted. Alicia agreed wholeheartedly.

             She wore a yellow dress to the restaurant, unsurprised to see Nicki was already there. “Hey Nicki,” She greeted, giving her a tight hug.

             They settled into a familiar looking booth as Nicki told Alicia how gorgeous she looked. Alicia thanked her, replying that she was also beautiful. Nicki rapidly tapped her nails on the table, eager to discuss something. “What are you so excitedly about?” Alicia said, grinning.

             “It’s amazing!” She started, bouncing in her seat. “We have collected dozens of DNA samples and it’s clear that some DNA was inserted into the genomes of the people with powers.”

             “That is amazing,” Alicia repeated. “What about the control group?”

             “It was the same for the control group too!” Nicki continued, gesticulating. “Heck, I tested myself. Everyone that is part of the research had this insertion!”

             A waiter stopped by to deliver their glasses of water. She politely asked what they would be having. “Let’s share a pizza!” Nicki said, her excitement bubbling over to this mundane conversation.

             “Sure, whatever kind you want,” Alicia offered generously.

             “You got a weird Caesar salad pizza last time, right?” Nicki asked, looking to Alicia who nodded. “We’ll take that.”

             “Thank you,” Alicia added.

             The waiter wrote it down before leaving. Alicia put on a smile, partially worried by Nicki’s rapid discovery of the insertion. She rubbed her forehead, a thought occurring to her. “I wonder how far the insertion has spread,” Alicia commented.

             Nicki’s expression faltered, her brow furrowing. She asked, “What do you mean?”

             “Whatever happened to cause the insertion, did it only affect Kattegat?” Alicia reasoned. “And if so, how? We should check neighboring cities.”

             Nicki nodded enthusiastically. “I hadn’t thought about that,” She responded, talking to herself. “We could look into that.”

             They sat in silence as Nicki thought about it. She shook her head, seeming to put it out of her mind. “How are your mice?”

             “They are behaving weird,” Alicia said. “They are really docile and low-energy. And they learned tricks really quickly. Did yours act like that?”

             “Yes, I’d say so.”

             Their pizza arrived with a pair of plates. Nicki and Alicia dug in. They were mostly quiet as they ate. “Do you think that the mice have the same type of insertion that the humans have?”

             Nicki thought while taking a bite. Swallowing, she answered, “I think it’s possible that whatever did this to humans, did something similar to mice.”

             “Do you think that it’s the same insertion though?”

             Nicki set down her slice of pizza as if she lost her appetite. She looked into Alicia’s eyes with an unusual intensity. “God, I hope not.”

             Nicki had decidedly finished eating. Alicia followed soon after. “We’ll have to keep doing research,” Alicia said confidently.

             “Let’s,” Nicki replied simply.

             They shared a smile before the check arrived. “My turn,” Nicki declared, snatching it quickly.

             She placed her debit card in the checkbook. Alicia beamed at her. “You are adorable,” She commented. “We should do this again soon.”

             “We could make this our regular place,” She added.

             The waiter came by to take the check as Nicki winked at her. “That’d be great. It’ll give me time to try everything on the menu.”

             Alicia giggled as the waiter returned with a pair of receipts. Nicki thanked them, signing the receipt and leaving a generous tip. Then, they got up to leave. Outside the restaurant, Alicia took Nicki’s hand and they walked down the street. Alicia side-eyed Nicki with a warm smile.

             Nicki didn’t seem to notice, instead looking at Alicia’s car parked on the side of the road. “You didn’t park in the parking building?” She asked, sounding a tad disappointed.

             “Yeah,” Alicia said, unsure how to respond. “It was closer to the restaurant… That was my way of trying to be on time.”

             Nicki sincerely chuckled. “It’s okay,” She reassured. “That just means I have to do this here.”

             Alicia’s brow wrinkled at the word “this.” She realized what Nicki meant when she leaned in. A brief peck on the lips before she pulled away. “Until next time,” Nicki said while walking away.

             Alicia felt her face get flushed. “Have a nice night!” She called.

             She turned to her car with a big smile. Covering her warm face, she took a moment to compose herself before getting in.