The narrow, dingy alley off the main thoroughfare kept the small group of Enhanced Protectors out of view.

"Jasmine, you need to phase out again," David said, "don't wait around here. If Morgan is waiting for you, you need to be gone."

"Breanna understands why I'm waiting," Jasmine said, "I can hold my own. Go do your attack thing."

"Attack thing?" Simon frowned, "we don't have a thing we do ... we protect."

"Yeah, that attack thing," Jasmine nodded, waving her hand toward the screams and sounds of destruction.

"The lady spoke," David said, "we have an attack thing to do. Craig," David called, "we need to move."

Craig ambled back to them from the top of the alleyway, "Three of us head them off from that direction," Craig pointed in the direction the fanatics were moving. "Three of us move in behind them and drive them together."

"Anything we should need to know," Clio asked as they checked the immediate area.

"Everyone has a picture of Morgan," Craig said. "He is extremely dangerous and disregards the moral line ... he simply has no regard for life and will randomly take anyone's life. It won't matter who it is, man, woman, child, innocent or enemy."

"Do we capture or kill?" Tania asked.

"How about everyone staying alive," Craig sighed, "lookout for an ability disruptor. If Morgan has modified it, the machine can strip you of your abilities. In the case of Morgan, capture if you can, but don't think twice of killing if it means he will take someone's life ... including your own."

Nodding, the teams moved out in the direction indicated. Jasmine and Birgit /Valencia stayed in place, blending in as best they could.

"Val, can you read a mind from this far?" Jasmine whispered.

"Not from this alleyway, too much concrete," Valencia said, looking around, "perhaps in the street."

In unison, the women moved toward the street of rioting fanatics. People ran to find cover from the terrorising group. A few children ran past them, hiding behind crates and dumpsters.

"See the pub," Jasmine pointed across the street, "you need to find my cousin."

Jasmine pulled the picture of a man standing in the pub window.

"That is my cousin. I need to know what is going on. Why is my cousin calmly watching the chaos?" Jasmine ducked behind a large trash can, pulling Valencia with her as a few fanatics entered the alley looking around.

Carefully looking around the dumpster, Valencia accessed the fanatics. Although they held beer bottles, their actions were sharp, precise and determined. Definitely not drunk. Everything happening on the streets was an act. They were looking and waiting for someone. The longer they searched and waited, the more agitated they became. Valencia could sense high-level enhancements, and their minds constantly wondered how long they would need to expose themselves.

Valencia slowly eased behind the trash can, "They are looking for someone but are becoming agitated."

"Who are they looking for? Craig? Us?" Jasmine whispered.

"No idea. Give me that picture again. I need to know what your cousin looks like down to the last hair," Valencia waited while Jasmine pulled out the picture again, "there is a clear line from us to the pub window. I should be able to find him from here."

Craig, Tania and David crept down an adjacent alleyway, clinging to the shadows and using the dinginess to evade the searching fanatics.

"We need to move quickly," Craig whispered, "they are either looking for us or someone else. If it's the first, someone must have seen us or can sense we're here. If it's the second, we'll be discovered quicker than we want."

Tania and David nodded in unison, and the trio ran down the remainder of the alleyway. Rounding the corner with guns raised, they watched as a mob of terrified people ran toward them, parting around them like a wave against the rocks.

"Dave, dome," Craig yelled over the chaotic noise, "we need to be able to shoot from inside."

David flicked his hands, doming the running humans and the trio moving forward. The sound of shattering beer bottles could be heard as they appeared from the frenzied mob. Weapons raised as they neared the fanatics.

"They will open fire, and people could get hurt," Tania said, "David, we need to spread out behind the civilians."

"Once placed, my dome doesn't stretch," David said, turning to check a passing alley and then facing forward again. "You haven't been paying attention," David grinned, nodding toward the retreating people.

"We cannot let them shoot these innocents," Tania shouted, glancing over her shoulder, realising the civilians were domed. She shook her head. A fanatic on the edge of the approaching line drew a weapon, aiming at a mother and child trying to hide. Tania raised her semi-automatic, firing before his weapons could unload in their direction and continuing with her team.

"What is going on?" Craig asked, looking around as humans changed direction, heading toward a shimmering wall of protection, "there is a barrier behind us."

"Who can do that?" Tania opened fire again, taking out a few more fanatics.

"Valencia? Birgit?" David shot the names out as he took out more fanatics.

"I don't think it's their abilities," Tania said, "the only one I know who can do a defensive wall is Bre."

"She's not here," Craig said, shooting two fanatics warming up to use their abilities against them, "oh and make any shots headshots ... we don't need these guys getting up."

"Copy," David and Tania said in unison, moving forward and firing as needed, covering each other when magazine clips needed to be changed. Flowing in pure fighting harmony.

The ground shook like an earth tremor introducing an earthquake.

"What is that?" David and Tania spoke in unison.

"Morgan," Craig snarled, "he can cause mass destruction."

"Oh … what fun," David chimed, sarcasm dripping from every word, "like we need more to deal with."

"We need Clio to hit the rear with a wave," Tania said, "we won't work through all of these approaching fanatics before Morgan causes an Earthquake."

"I have communicated your requirements with Clio," Valencia's soft words filtered through their thoughts, "hit the deck in three … two … now."

The trio dropped to their stomachs as an energy wave passed over the protective dome, which vibrated in protest as it strained to stay in place.

"Damn," David muttered, "Clio must be furious at someone."

"Perhaps she's had enough of all of this. Her punch has gotten stronger since the equaliser visit," Tania panted, covering her head as newspapers and trash from toppled trash cans bounced against the dome.

"Dave, keep your dome in place," Valencia murmured, "Clio is using it to get those she missed."

The energy wave bounced against the barrier, making David groan with effort before doubling back on itself, hitting those still standing. Finally, it diminished and disappeared.

Panting, David slowly lowered the barrier as Craig looked up at the scattered, unmoving bodies. No one seemed to be breathing. The tremor came again, only a little stronger.

"Morgan will level this block if we don't stop him," Craig said, pushing up from the ground and moving toward the sounds of fighting. "David, Tania engage, heads on a swivel and watch your six."

"What are you going to do?" David asked, running next to Craig.

"Find and stop Morgan before he does what Darcia designed him to do," Craig ground out.

They ran two blocks before finding Clio, Jonathan and Simon taking on another wave of fanatics that seemed to be coming through the tarred road.

"If I didn't see this, I wouldn't believe it. I don't think Morgan is causing destruction with tremours," Tania said, pointing at another hole appearing. "He is transporting his fanatics past us toward those people."

"He's making a show of what he can do," Craig hissed. "We need to protect the innocent," Craig bellowed as he shot with deadly accuracy into the appearing group of fanatics.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Tania and David looked at each other with concern but followed his lead.

"Clio, we need another wave," Craig shouted, "now."

Simon suddenly spun away from a brutal frontal attack placing his hand on Clio's shoulder. The mental connection could be seen in the unusual glow on his hand and the dazed look in his eye. Clio breathed in before nodding her thanks and disengaging his clamped hand. Simon shooking his head and glanced at Clio, who smiled her thanks and began gathering her strength.

David domed her as he took on more fanatics, relieved when Jonathan moved quickly toward him, slashing through whatever enemy was in his way. Simon gathered information while fighting those trying to get to Clio. Finally, Clio opened her eyes, and David dropped the protective layer.

"Incoming," she bellowed, gathering a wave around her and releasing it as the team dropped to the tarmac. Clio drew the wave in when the hole in the ground had closed, and their enemies no longer stood.

Craig pushed to his feet, quickly scanning the area and zoning in on the faint sounds he was hearing. Sobbing, begging and the harsh words of demand. Running in the general direction of the sounds and glancing down alleys until he found his target.

Morgan stood over two people almost halfway down an alley. Craig watched as his foot lifted, preparing to bring more fanatics. Craig shot into his leg, breaking the bone and crippling the man before he could cause more harm. The cry of agony and rage built while turning to the cowering pair huddled against the wall. Bringing his fists down on any part of their bodies he could reach. Craig frowned as he realised it was a mother and her young child. Roaring in anger, he raced down the alleyway, slamming his shoulder into Morgan's exposed side, connecting with his ribcage and taking them both to the floor. Quickly rolling to his feet, Craig hauled the groaning form from the floor, landing his fist against the man's jaw. Morgan flew several feet before landing against the wall.

Looking around, he found David, Simon and Jonathan watching the various entry points of the alleyway.

"Tania, Clio, get them out of here," Craig barked before turning back to the slowly advancing Morgan.

"The mighty Craig," sneered Morgan, "avenger of souls."

"That sounds so much better than Maniac Morgan," Craig deflected the verbal barb, "you still beating up those who are innocent, gentle and smaller than yourself."

"It is a change that you're not standing by watching anymore," Morgan's lip lifted in a half-smile, distorting his face evilly.

"No," Craig shook his head, lifting his hands in front of him and falling into a fighting stance, "I'm not allowing myself to be tortured by that anymore."

Morgan came at Craig, his broken leg not slowing him down. Craig countered his initial attack. Blocking all offensive punches while landing some bone-crunching punches to Morgan's ribs, breaking the cracked bones.

Morgan cried out at the severe pain. Craig spun round to the back, kicking Morgan's strong leg and taking him to the floor before grasping the man's head and snapping his neck cleanly.

Panting from the quick yet brutal fight, Craig watched Morgan's body fall to the ground. Anger rolled through Craig, electrifying his nerves, tingling his fingers and hitting the air around him. Turning, he found a metal pipe, flipping it in his hand, exposing the pointed end before driving it through Morgan's head. The body convulsed and then lay still.

Stepping over the motionless body, Craig scooped up his machine gun and walked past the staring trio of men.

"We need to secure the innocent and then go home," Craig muttered, shaking the tension in his shoulders.

Simon, Jonathan and David stared after Craig.

"Did Craig just lose his temper?" David whispered.

"Not sure," Jonathan muttered, "if that wasn't losing his temper, I don't want to be in his way when he does."

"Craig never loses his temper," Simon frowned, "he has always been controlled."

"What are you saying?" David finally looked at his teammates.

"Something is very wrong," Simon sighed, "Craig is angry about something, and if he doesn't sort it out soon, we may have to protect everyone against him."

"We'd better get moving before he has to check if we're following," Jonathan said, glancing at the body pegged with the metal pipe.

Quickly they entered the silent street filled with scattered unmoving bodies. Clio, Valencia/Birgit, Tania and the trembling mother and child joined them. The woman looked up at Craig's furious gaze and pushed her young daughter behind her.

"We are not going to hurt you," he said quietly, "you're safe with us."

The mother looked from Craig to Clio before nodding her understanding, "Thank you."

"What was he demanding from you?" Craig asked.

"He …." the mother started to sob, "he wanted my daughter."

"Why?" David asked.

"He said she had something they needed," the woman said, "I know she's… different, but she's just a child."

"We need to go," David said quietly, "the area is clean, and no one is moving. Law enforcement will arrive any minute, and we need to disappear."

"Okay," Craig nodded to Jasmine, "let's go."

"We're going to take you somewhere you will be safe," Tania murmured, "but it's not going to be conventional travel."

"Come and stand with us," Birgit said, motioning for the woman and child to join the other women, "hold your child close to you, breath deeply and close your eyes tightly."

Once the woman did as requested, Jasmine gently wrapped her arm around the pair while everyone else linked either to Birgit, Jasmine or each other.

"You'll feel a strange sensation," Jasmine said quietly while nodding to everyone else.

The group began to shimmer before disappearing into nothing.

From a shop window, a man looked out, watching the group of gathering black-clad men and women around a terrified woman and child. Frowning, he watched them huddle together and disappear. Blinking in bewilderment, he glanced up and down the street but could not find them.

"Where did they go?" he whispered, preparing to go outside to find them.

"Do not open that door," a stern voice spoke from the cellar door, "we cannot leave this place."

"I don't understand why not," he said, turning to an older man leaning against the door frame, "Uncle, I have done everything you have asked since you arrived here months ago. I do not understand why you are afraid to step outside."

"They will find me," he whispered, cringing as he spoke, "they do unspeakable things to humans."

"Who?" the younger man shouted.

"Madden, Morgan ..." he sobbed, "all of them. It is better if they think I'm dead."

"What about Jasmine? Why won't you let her know?" the young man pleaded, "she was right outside, but instead of letting her know you're alive, you run and hide."

"She is one of them," he hissed, madness shimmering in his eyes, "they made her one of them."

"What? That is ridiculous. Jasmine is all heart and hugs. She always protected all the younger cousins from any kind of punishment. She was our best friend, and now you say she is a monster," the young man sighed as the older man peered owl-like out the window, "Uncle, they have all gone. Why don't you go downstairs and get some rest."

Glancing around the room methodically, the older man slowly turned, moving down the stairs once more. A piece of paper fluttered to the floor where he had been standing. Frowning, the younger man picked it up, turning it over in his hand.

"What on earth is this?" he muttered, staring blankly at a diagram of the island he knew well and had seen its televised destruction. "That's the island ... but what is this tube thing drawn in the water?"

Valencia dropped her wet towel into a wash basket outside her ensuite bathroom. Reaching for her clothes, she pulled them on when the rippling began. Gasping at its suddenness, Valencia staggered toward the desk, sinking into a chair. She could hear every word, feel every emotion, see ... everything and everyone. If this is what Cara experienced, no wonder, she didn't want extra duties. It was intense.

Valencia stared at the man across from her, the face seemed familiar, but it was worn and scared. The hand holding the cane shook, and the eyes barely had a gleam of sanity. She moved with the mind link. Listening to the conversation, seeing the paper, and hearing the confusion in the questions. Quickly she pulled paper and pencil toward her, drawing the image before it was gone. Dropping the pencil, she held her head in her hands as a flood of thoughts and memories ran through her mind. At times like this, she wished Jesse was here to give her a blank sensory canvas, but he was in the tech room, and she needed to process everything she had experienced. A knock at the door drew her attention. Standing, she waited a moment before moving toward the door and opening it.

"I felt that," Cara whispered, "are you okay?"

"Dazed," Valencia nodded, "I guess I forgot to break the link."

"I saw some of what you did," Cara said apologetically, "and I brought Jasmine with me."

"Come in, both of you," Valencia stood aside as the women entered, "Jasmine do you have a photo of your Dad?"

"Yes," Jasmine nodded, pulling her wallet from her pocket, "I always carry one with me."

Valencia took the photo looking at it before handing it to Cara and sinking into the chair at the table. Jasmine frowned before following Valencia and sitting opposite her.

"Are you okay?" Jasmine said, reaching out her hand and gently grasping Valencia/Birgit's arm.

"I forgot to break the link with your cousin," Valencia inhaled before continuing, "Jas ..." she glanced at Cara, "your father is alive. He is staying with your cousin ..." Valencia said quickly as Jasmine pushed out of the chair and strode toward the window, "but I don't think he is sane any longer."

Jasmine shook her head, "That is why ..." she breathed deeply, exhaling through pursed lips, "how long?"

"How long what?" Cara asked.

"How long has he been staying there? How long have you known?" Jasmine whispered, "how long will he keep me in the dark?"

"I don't know how long he has been staying there exactly," Valencia shook her head, "from what I can tell, it has been a few months. Would he ever tell you he is alive ... I don't know. Regarding me knowing, right before you arrived with Cara."

"He is letting everyone believe he is dead," Jasmine nodded. Turning toward the room, tears streaked her face, "including me. I was right there ..." she suddenly stilled, "oh no, he thinks I'm the same as Madden and probably Morgan as well."

"From what I picked up," Cara spoke softly, "your father has endured much, and it seems his mind is...broken."

"This dropped from his pocket, and your cousin picked it up," Valencia slid the paper toward her, "does it make any sense?"

Jasmine looked down at the sheet of paper, frowning, "That is the island. This ..." Jasmine's brow puckered in thought. "This could be what my father used to joke about," she sank into the chair again, "he always joked about being able to escape without detection."

"Did Madden know about that route?" Cara asked.

"I don't know," Jasmine said, glancing at Valencia, "if Birgit thinks Madden is alive, she will be angry."

"Birgit made sure Madden couldn't escape," Valencia said, "there is nothing to be concerned about."

"Do you mind if I take this with me?" Jasmine asked, "I want to check something before jumping to conclusions."

"Go ahead," Valencia picked up the paper, extending it, as Jasmine took the sheet; images flashed in Valencia's mind startling her and knocking her off mental balance. Cara's steadying hand on her shoulder kept her mind her own as she released the paper and leaned back in the chair.

Smiling and nodding in thanks, Jasmine left the room.

"Did you ..." Valencia faltered as Cara nodded.

"I saw them," she said, "since when has this been happening, Val?"

"The equaliser," Valencia sighed, "I don't see everything to come, only that which people allow me to and what they have in mind."

"That could be handy," Cara chuckled, "they may change their mind."

Valencia nodded, "I really need to break this link."

"Sure," Cara said, "I'll leave you to it. Just be careful, Val. The mind is a powerful thing but also very fragile. Make sure you rest yours."

"Will do, Cara," Valencia said as the other women left, "just need to figure out how to get that rest."