A Way in and A Way Out

By Kendal Gallimore

Lauren Smith believed she was an ordinary girl from New York City, but that all changes when her father meets her in the principal's office one day and opens her eyes up to a world she didn't know existed, a world that exists directly below her feet. Throughout the course of the novel Lauren Smith embarks on an epic journey to discover the truth about herself and her family, and along the way becomes mixed up in the intrigue, conspiracies, and problems of the underground world. Eventually Lauren Smith finds herself mixed up in a plot that could affect not only the livelihood of the underground world but also Humanity. It becomes a race against the clock for Lauren to be able to preserve and ensure the continuity of not only Humanity but also the underground world she has grown to not only care about but love. With non-stop action, and plenty of twists and turns, A Way in and A Way Out is a novel that will keep its readers on their toes from start to finish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kendal Gallimore
• Release date: Jan 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301755325

Kendal Gallimore

A Way in and A Way Out is my first novel in a planned series. I have been writing since I was in the third grade. I have always found writing to come naturally, and something that I am naturally good at. I currently reside in Mesquite, Texas with my sister and mother and father. I am a senior in high school and plan to attend Texas A&M University in the fall of 2013 to study Finance.

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A Way in and A Way Out

Kendal Gallimore

Smashwords Publishing

A Way in and A Way Out

Kendal Gallimore

Published by Kendal Gallimore at Smashwords Publishing

Copyright © 2013 Kendal Gallimore

This novel is also available in print at many online retailers

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the author

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Chapter 1

Lauren get outa bed and get ready for school, my father called. I didn't answer him though. I was in too deep of a sleep to worry about him.

Lauren Smith don't make me come up these stairs and throw you outa bed! my father yelled once again, and once again I ignored him. Suddenly I heard the sound of hard footsteps coming up the stairs. My father didn't sound too happy about coming up to wake me. Considering it was only 6:45 in the morning, and school didn't start until 8:35 in the morning, I felt like I could sleep a little longer. Unfortunately, my father didn't see it that way.

Once my father reached my bedroom door he tried to open it but found it was locked. That made him livid considering he doesn't like having any doors in the house locked ever.

Lauren open this door right now! he commanded.

Go away! I yelled back at him with sleep in my eyes, and through tired words.

Open this god damn door Lauren Smith!

My dad cussed all the time, so this didn't bother me much, but since the tone of his voice sounded extremely upset I decided it was time to wake up and open the door.

I slowly stumbled out of bed, and nearly slipped over my clothes I had thrown across my room. I then walked slowly over to my door, and opened it to my angry father.

Good morning to you too sweet cheeks. To what do I owe this early morning pleasure to? I asked my father in a sarcastic tone.

Get ready for school. I'm taking you early because I have to be at work early this morning for meetings, my father responded back to me.

No need, Makayla is taking me to school this morning so you can go ahead and go to work, I said as I tried to close the door before he could say anything more to me, but I was too slow and he caught the door with his foot and began his everlasting rant about Makayla.

What did I tell you about hanging around with that sex crazed, boyfriend hoping, party animal, good for nothing slut? my father asked in a serious and angry tone. I then walked away from him, and sat on my bed with no comment. This didn't stop him from talking anymore though.

I don't care if that girl has her driver's license you will never, ever get in a car with that girl again. Not with what happened last time you were in a car with her, my father said as I jumped out of my bed and walked over to him, and looked him dead, straight in his eyes.

And what is that dad? Huh?

You got wasted at a party and exposed your real self to the entire world.

And what is my real self dad? I asked in an obnoxious, bratty tone.

A fake ass slut who is no better than her good for nothing slutty friend. I immediately slapped my father across the face, who returned it with another slap to my face, which made me fall over backwards onto the floor. I held the left side of my face in agony, and slowly began to cry. My dad then quickly walked over to my door and closed it. My mother was at work, so no one was in the house except my father and me.

You think I enjoy having a child like you? my dad asked as he crouched over me, and was within spitting distance of my face. You think I like having a whore for a child like you? Do you have any idea what that looks like for me, and what people perceive me as?

I really don't give a damn, I said as I attempted to push my father off of me, but he grabbed my hands in mid-air and stopped me.

Oh, you will give a damn soon because if you don't shape up and stop acting like your wild friend, were going to have some problems in this house. Do you understand me?

Get off of me dad!

That wasn't an answer Lauren. I said do you understand me?

And I said get off of me! I shouted as I used all my strength and pushed my dad off of me, and he crashed into a nearby wall in my room. I then slowly got to my feet, and collected myself.

You are one bratty 14-year old. Find your own way to school, but if I find it's with Makayla, you better hope you don't make it through the school day! my dad threatened as he stormed out of my room, and slammed the door behind him.

A few minutes after I saw my dad's 2005 Infiniti G35 Vortech pull out of the driveway I found it was already past 7:00 so it was time for me to start getting ready for school. Before I could even start I received a call from Jason.

Good morning Lauren, Jason said after I said hello.

Good morning baby. How are you today?

Oh I just woke up and thought I'd call my girl this morning before school starts, he said in his normal suave and sexy tone.

Aw. That's so sweet, and I really needed it to. I just had an argument with my dad. It didn't go well, I said as I laid back on my bed and got comfortable again.

What happened? Jason asked.

I don't even wana talk about it right now. All I wana talk about right now is us, and how much I'm looking forward to Homecoming tomorrow. I can't wait!

Me either. I can't wait to take you by the hand and dance with you all night long in my arms. I'm going to make sure this is a night for you to remember. I even have a surprise for you, Jason said. Jason knows I don't like surprises so why is he giving me one.

Jason come on baby you know I don't like surprises can you just tell me? I asked him as I began twirling my hair flirtatiously.

Well I can tell you it has to do with one of my many talents, and I'm going to do it at Homecoming for you. That's all I can tell you I'm sorry, but maybe if you tell me what you’re wearing for Homecoming I could reconsider, Jason replied back.

Sorry I can't tell you. So I guess we both will have surprises for each other at Homecoming.

I guess you're right, but there is one thing I want to share with you right now.

Ok, what is it?

It's a poem I made up for you. You know how I'm the romantic type, so I wrote this poem for you and I hope you like it.

Aw. That's sweet, come on go ahead and share it, I said.

"Ok, I have it memorized. Here it is:

Lauren's Poem

Love is patient

Love is sweet

Love is powerful

Love is a treat

My love for you is one in a million

The way we connected is one in a billion

Your sweet, sweet, eyes and your amazing hips

Oh I know how other people envy me when I kiss those beautiful lips

You've showed me things no woman has showed me before

You even taught me how to love my family and friends even more

Your stunning smile and wonderful sense of humor

I just wish I would have met you sooner

Love is magnificent

Love is sweet

Love is powerful

Love is a treat

Of all the people I have met on the Earth

I am truly glad your mom had you when she gave birth

Love is unwavering

Love is passionate

Love is wonderful

Love is beautiful

Lauren Smith you truly are my miracle.

I love you,

Jason Holloway

What do you think?" Jason asked. I was at loss for words. Words were indescribable as to how wonderful and full of love that poem was. I could hardly breathe, but through choked up sobs I mustered up the courage and finally spoke.

I am so glad you're my boyfriend. Oh my God that poem was so wonderful and sweet baby. If you were by me right now I would give you a huge kiss.

I hoped you would like it. I have decided that since I am such a good writer that I would wake you up every morning to a beautiful poem I have written about you because you are that important to me, Jason explained to me. I truly am one in a million to have met a perfect man like this.

Thank you so much baby, but I have really got to get ready for school today. I would hate to not look my best when I see you at school today, I replied back to him with a smirk.

Ok well I will see you at school. Love ya! he then hung up the phone, and I began getting ready for school.

My parents, namely my dad, are not the best of parents. My mother travels so much I hardly see her and when my father isn't physically or emotionally abusing me, he's either not at home, at work, or banging the streets. My dad may have a well paying job, but that doesn't stop him from returning to his old gangs from when he was younger.

I really don't know what my father does when he isn't home because he hardly talks to me when he is home. The streets of New York City are rough, and there is no telling what he does. Hopefully he isn't doing anything that could get him in jail. Even though he does abuse me, there are times when I do love my dad, and we have good moments, but those are only on rare occasions.

School on the other hand is my outlet to all my family problems. At school I'm considered one of the most popular girls at school, even though I’m just a freshman. I mean, why wouldn't I be? I'm 5'6 135 pounds of pure sexy thickness, I'm a brown skinned girl, I rock heels, dangling earrings, necklaces; the whole perfect enchilada. I'm a rockin kinda girl, and my boyfriend is one of the sexiest and most popular guys in school as well. He's quarterback of the football team, and has been interviewed by many college scouts and he's only a junior in high school.

I attend Harry S. Truman High School. It's a nice high school, and one of the largest in the Bronx. Both my mom and dad went to Truman, so I guess that's why they enrolled me at Truman.

To get ready for school I quickly hoped in the shower, and then hurried downstairs to iron some clothes for school.

As I was putting on my freshly ironed clothes I received a text message on my Blackberry Tour. It was from Makayla.

Will pick u up in about 15 20 mins. Be rdy!!!

I responded back saying ok and continued on getting ready. After I put on my clothes I got my backpack and binder ready and then went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and put on my makeup, eyeliner, eye shadow, and all the things that make me look flawless.

Afterwards I went downstairs to eat breakfast, and I turned on the television to the news. The news had its usual stuff on, murders, robberies, car accidents, and then something different popped on the TV. The news lady had been explaining how an organized crime group had been attempting to extort millions of dollars from a top business company because the group had threatened to expose the business of insider trading allegations.

As the news lady began naming off men who the police believe were involved in the plan the name Levin Smith came up. My father couldn't be involved in something like this. He goes to work every day for a very well off major business corporation, though he could be resorting back to his old habits.

Before I could ask myself any more questions I heard a honk outside of my house and knew it was Makayla. I quickly finished my cereal and grabbed all my things and went around through my garage to set the house alarm, and then hoped inside of Makayla's car.

So what's up mama how you doin? Makayla asked me in her regular Hispanic accent.

Doin good. I talked to Jason today and he wrote me the most beautiful poem ever. God I love that boy!

See that's where you needa get a grip girl. This man don't love you. He just usin you for sex mama, Makayla said as she backed out of my driveway, and headed out towards the school.

Makayla we haven't even had sex yet.

Yet would be the keyword mama.

Whatever girl. I needa get you a man.

No you see that's where you wrong mama. I don't need a man. A man needs me, Makayla said as she attempted to strike a pose and stick her fake boobs out to make them appear bigger.

Girl please. You got a fake boob job because you lied to the people about how old you are and because you were lonely and needed something to keep you warm at night, I said back to her with a laugh.

Oh shut up girl. I bet you today a man will ask me out for Homecoming and yo skinny ass will see dat I am fine as hell mama, Makayla boasted as she continued on down the street towards Truman High.

We arrived at Truman High School around 8:05 AM. Makayla and I decided to stay outside and mingle with some of our friends before school started.

Hey Lauren what’s up girl? my friend, Destiny, asked as she walked over to me.

Nuthin. Me and Makayla just got here a few minutes ago. Have you seen Jason anywhere?

Um yeah he’s over there with some of his homeboys, Destiny said as she pointed in a certain direction where I saw Jason.

Thanks girl. I’ll see you in 1st period, I then began making my way over to Jason. Hey Jason, I said as I finally reached him and his friends.

Hey baby how you doin? Jason quickly grabbed me by the hips and brought me in front of him to give him a hug.

Once I removed myself from his warm body I said to him, I’m doin good baby. I can’t wait till tomorrow. You better have a nice tux, cuz you already know I got a fine dress. I am a really pompous type of girl when it comes to my looks.

He looked at me with a smirk and then replied back, Girl you know I’m gon be looking good. Especially since I got this goatee rockin. He slowly stroked his chin and then said, And I got these. He then lifted up his shirt to show his abs.

Man put that ugly stuff away nobody wana see that flab, Reggie, one of Jason’s friends, said with hilarious laughter.

Man whatever, Jason laughed as he finally put his shirt down.

Just make sure you look good boy! I then slapped him on the butt and then walked off. The rest of his friends smiled and laughed, and I could tell they were checking me out as I walked off.

School started shortly after my conversation with Jason and his friends, and my 1st period class was Chemistry. I had Destiny and Makayla in this class along with another guy friend who many people have told me likes me. Too bad he can’t have me because I belong only to my baby Jason.

I reached the class just as the bell began to ring to signal tardies. I quickly sat in my seat as my teacher Mrs. Reynolds began talking.

Good morning class.

Good morning Mrs. Reynolds, The whole class replied in unison.

Before announcements begin I would like everyone to take out two scratch sheets of paper. You will need them for the notes we will be taking on the new unit we will be going over today.

As quickly as everyone began to take out scratch sheets of paper, Mrs. Reynolds quickly hushed us as the announcements came on.

Good morning Harry S. Truman High School, these are your morning announcements, a perky voice over the intercom said. Soon many different people began dishing out announcements for the student body and for other programs we had at the school. It was like this every single morning, but something very different happened today.

Once we had said the Pledge of Allegiance, and the usual stuff I heard a voice over the intercom say, Will Lauren Smith please report to the principal’s office. Thank you and have a great day Truman High.

I then rose from my chair and exited out of Mrs. Reynolds room, and headed to an elevator to the second floor where the principal’s office was.

Once I reached the second floor I made my way to the administration offices where the principal’s office was and once I entered his room I saw my father sitting in a chair across from the principal’s desk.

Please sit down Lauren, Principal Macklin said to me in his normal gruff and bass filled voice.

I slowly made my way over to a seat next to my father and sat across from Principal Macklin. I had seen Principal Macklin many times for many different reasons, but I felt this time was different.

May I ask why I’m here, and why my father is here?

Your father is here because he has some news to tell you. I slowly turned my attention to my father. My father was dressed in the suit he wore this morning, and he looked very upset.

Umm… Lauren baby I don’t know how to tell you this, but um… My father could barely put a simple sentence together. I tried to help, and comfort him but he just stopped me and tried to continue.

Lauren you know how your mom was on a business trip in India right? My father asked. I nodded my head in agreement.

Well her flight was supposed to have landed three hours ago, but unfortunately the plane hasn’t yet arrived.

Ok, the flight could just be running late or something. You better not be suggesting my mother is dead, I said to my father with a hoarse noise in the back of my throat. My father just looked at me beaten and disturbed.

Lauren people believe her plane somehow crashed into the ocean, and that’s why they haven’t landed yet, my father explained to me. Slowly, tears began to run down my face, but for some reason I was full of more anger than hurt.

This isn’t a movie dad. My mother’s plane has not crashed into the ocean. Her plane is just running late. That’s it, so stop lying to me. My father had a habit of lying to me, but for some reason I believed him. I was just being in denial.

Lauren she is dead now you need to move on! my father screamed at me. Tears began to flow like a storm down my face, and my insides felt more twisted than a corkscrew.

My mother isn’t dead! I yelled back at my father. You’re just saying that because you never loved my mother the way she deserved. She deserved way better than an abusive animal like you. Mr. Macklin I could tell was getting very disturbed by the argument me and my father were sharing.

Mr. Macklin can you give me a few minutes alone with my daughter please? my father asked, also noticing Mr. Macklin's uneasiness.

Sure thing Mr. Smith. Mr. Macklin replied as he walked out of his office and closed the door behind him. Once Mr. Macklin left his office my father turned into a whole different person. This was the person I hated.

Stop your damn crying and listen to me! he yelled at me as he grabbed me out of the chair by my arms, and pulled me towards him to where we were face to face.

Get your hands off of me or I swear to God I’ll scream.

Go ahead and scream. I’ll make sure you’re not even heard, my father said with a low growl and a smirk. He then let go of my arm.

What is the real reason why you’re here because I refuse to believe my mother is dead? My father began pacing the room slowly.

Oh trust me, my wife, and your mom is definitely six feet under, my father said with a sinister tone in his voice. He was acting like he was glad she was dead.

How can you be so sure? You talk as if you are the one who actually killed her. My father just laughed at this thought.

Trust me sweetie if I wanted my wife dead she would already be dead.

Dad what do you want from me?

Money. I got fired from my job on allegations of extortion. Can you believe that?

No I can’t believe it whatsoever, I said sarcastically. I’m not giving you money though. Find your own source of income. You’re not taking my money because you can’t stop banging the streets. I attempted to leave the room, but my father, quick as a cat, jumped in front of me and blocked the door.

You’re not going anywhere until you give me what I want, my dad demanded as he pushed me up against Mr. Macklin’s desk. You know, it surprises me that you have never questioned me about my work, or what I do when I’m not at home. My dad held me down up against Mr. Macklin’s desk and began to touch around my face, chest, and other places.

Get off of me! I screamed at the top of my lungs as I pushed my father off of me and against an opposing wall. Mr. Macklin help me! Mr. Macklin! Mr. Macklin!

You know, I never did like rats like you, my father said as something extraordinary and weird began to happen. My dad’s hair grew to wear it literally covered his entire body. He grew about a foot and a half taller to where he now stood 7’3, and he began to grow much hairier, so hairy he began to become unrecognizable as a regular Human. His muscles even quadrupled in size. My father wasn’t even Human. He was now an over 300 pound beast.

Mr. Macklin then rushed into the room after hearing my pleas for help. What is it that you… holly shiii- Before Mr. Macklin could fully even comprehend what was going on my father grabbed him by the throat, and sliced his head off. My man beast father then threw my recently murdered principal to the side and then refocused his attention on me.

You thought you knew me didn’t you? my father questioned me in a voice that was much deeper than his own.

I never knew you because you were never there, and I don’t understand any of this, I screamed back at my now beast father.

Well don’t worry Lauren you will never have to worry about understanding it ever again, he chuckled as he attempted to grab me by the throat but was interrupted. Before I could even do anything someone quickly picked me up by the chest and quickly busted me out of the room through a nearby window. Glass burst everywhere, and the person I found who rescued me was someone I always hoped would come to my rescue; my boyfriend Jason.

The thing about Jason though is that how could he have known I was in trouble? How exactly did he rescue me, and why? And how in the hell did he manage to jump from a two-story window and land on the ground perfectly fine?

Jason was carrying me on his back and he ran fast. When I say fast I meant, non-Human fast. A person I had known for over three years I found out just today that he is not a Human.

As I looked back I could tell we had thoroughly evaded my father, so Jason decided to slow down and set me down under a nearby oak tree for some rest.

It sucks doesn’t it? Being lied to like this by me and your father? I’m sure you have tons of questions and I have answers, but I can only answer a few for right now. The rest will have to be asked when the rest of my family is present, Jason explained as he took out a wet towel, and dabbed it on my forehead to cool me off.

Ok well I have two very important questions. What are you, and what is my dad?

I represent the Holloway family. We are a family of Rydras. Your father is not a representative of a family because his kind are nomads. They travel the land frequently, and gain access to many different kinds of homes. Their kind are called Rothards, Jason explained to me. I don't understand any of this. Aren’t these kind of things supposed to stay in your fantasy novels or stay on your bookshelf.

No these things do not stay in fantasy novels they are very much alive and about in your world, Jason replied back to me. Oh my god. Did he just read my mind?

Yes I did Lauren. It’s one of my many abilities I have for being a Rydra,

Ok I don’t understand any of this. I have so many questions about who I am, my family, friends, you, your family, and my most important question is why me, and why my family? I attempted to stand up, but Jason slowly eased me back down and continued to soak my forehead with the wet towel.

If you have more questions we must visit my family, and they shall supply you with more answers.

Ok so where do your parents live? I asked

Outside of New York City. I hope you are ready to do some walking because we aren’t driving to this destination.

Why not? I questioned him.

Because where we're going you can’t drive to. My house doesn’t have an address because New York City does not know we exist. The place we are going to is underground and no taxi service knows where it is, or can know where it is because then I would have to kill them, Jason replied back to me.

Then why are you taking me? I asked him. Jason then walked over to me, and began kissing me on the lips. His lips were so warm, tender, and soft. It was like I was kissing a cloud.

He finally stopped kissing me and then said, Because you are the one who keeps me whole. Without you I am nothing. Without your warm touch, your warm body, and your warm lips, I can’t survive.

What does that even mean? I questioned him. He just ignored me and continued walking. I didn’t even say anything back, I just continued right behind him on our way to his house.

Chapter 2

The difficult part of this trek would be getting out of New York City on foot. As many know New York City has over eight million people crammed into one city, and it’s hard enough getting around in a car. Walking on foot is even harder, and unluckily Jason didn’t have any flight abilities or any abilities for that matter that he wanted to use in front of people he didn’t know.

How exactly do you plan on getting out of the Bronx to get outside of New York City and into New York State? I asked.

We're going to take the Harlem River lift bridge to get to Harlem, and from there I have a friend in Manhattan who can use his ability to take us outside of New York City safely to where we can walk the rest of the way to my home, Jason explained to me as we continued walking down a street in the Bronx.

Why can’t your friend just take us all the way to your house?

Because if he did I’d have to kill him. Didn’t we already go over this? He may be my friend but he is never allowed to visit my home because he is a Rallaban.

What in God’s name is a Rallaban? I asked him as we sat on a bench to catch our breath for a second.

A Rallaban is a mutant shape shifter and teleporter. They are not Human, and have superhuman skin that allows them to survive when inflicted with severe damage such as bullet wounds, explosions, or fires.

Does my father want to kill me? I questioned with fear in my voice. Jason paused for a second as if to think, and then rose from the bench and squatted in front of me. He began to rub my legs and thighs which I loved.

He then said in the calmest tone he could, I don’t know Lauren. I truly don’t know, but I will tell you this. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I then stood up as he moved backwards, and I gave him a warm hug. I truly did pick the right man when I chose Jason.

I know you will do anything you can to help me, and I love you for it, but in the process of you helping me, you also lose your freedom of people not knowing that you are a Rydra. I then slowly stopped hugging Jason and we began walking again. All of this talk had to be in hushed tones of course, which was very hard considering the cacophony on New York City streets.

I will risk anything to save you. You are my number one priority right now. My life now depends on you. I stopped dead in my tracks as soon as I heard him say his life depended on me.

What do you mean by that?

Before you jump to any conclusions I would just like to say this is not a vampire situation in which I thirst for your blood. It’s far different.

How so? I asked him in a confused tone.

Us Rydras are marked by birth for a mate. We are given this mark at the age of thirteen. This mark shows us who our mate, in a sense, is. So to be completely honest it isn’t a miracle how we bonded. It was marked to happen.

May I see this birth mark? I asked him.

No, not here. I don’t even know why I’m talking about this in this open crowd. We have to hurry up and get to my friend. I told him we would be there around 10:30 AM. Lauren I knew this would happen. I knew your father would attack you. That’s how I knew to rescue you. That, and when you are in trouble I get a sense of it, and I can find exactly where you are and rescue you.

Before I could even ask Jason anymore questions, or how in the world he could do all of this, I noticed Jason’s eyes became very large, and he had a blank stare on his face. It almost looked as if he wasn’t all the way here. I yelled his name several times, but he didn’t even seem like he noticed me. He just stood there, eyes wide and unmoving. Maybe he couldn’t hear me because of all the noise on the New York City streets.

Finally he snapped back to Earth after a few seconds, and looked as if he had seen the devil.

We have to move faster! They’re coming after us. Move! he screamed at me as he grabbed me by the arm and we began shooting through crowds like never before. Jason must have seen something that really freaked him out for us to be moving like this.

What is coming after us? I yelled over the commotion of the crowd as we pushed and shoved through them. Jason didn’t even respond back to me. He just kept on running through the crowd and still had me by the hand.

We continued to move through the crowd at laser speeds, and a few minutes after Jason told me we had to move faster I figured out why. As we were racing through the crowd, and Jason still had me by the hand I figured out what we were running from. I looked behind me for a split second and saw the inhuman being my father turned into when he got angry at me. There were three of them, one was shoving through the crowd behind us, and two others were racing on the sides of nearby buildings to reach us. Glass and windows shattered as the beasts moved on the buildings and panic immediately erupted on the New York City streets. They moved with lightening speeds, and I yelled at Jason to look behind him and he saw them too. Immediately crowds of people noticed the inhuman beings running on buildings and shoving through crowds, and the crowd burst into madness and loud yelps. People feared for their lives, and ran into oncoming traffic while accidents happened everywhere as Rothards jumped on top of cars and tossed people out of their way like rag dolls. It was utter madness on the streets of New York City.

Lauren get on my back. Don’t question me just do it! he scolded me strictly, but I did it in a lightening fashion.

Once I was on top of his back Jason began to pick up speed. He was using his ability. The Rothards were hot on our trail, and I could tell the Rothards were faster than Jason. One Rothard that was on the side of a building made a diving leap toward us, and he would have reached us if Jason hadn’t have jumped up before him and punched the Rothard with such force I swear I could hear its skull crack. The Rothard fell down on top of a taxi and smashed it into pieces.

Lauren hold on to me! Jason screamed over the commotion of screaming pedestrians and widespread panic. The Rothard, who Jason smacked with an uppercut to the chin, regrouped with his little buddies, and soon two were lined up next to each other looking straight at us while another was behind us. We were surrounded. Jason then took me off his back and told me to stand next to him.

Give us the girl and we will leave you in peace, the Rothard bellowed to us in a voice that sent chills down my spine. As people noticed what these inhuman beings really wanted they began to crowd around the confrontation. Some even stupidly took out cell phones and wanted to watch and record the confrontation.

What do you want with her? Jason asked in a voice deeper than usual.

That is none of your concern. Give us the girl or suffer the consequences, the same Rothard bellowed again.

No! Jason screamed defiantly.

Well I see you have stated your position. Kill him, and capture the girl and then report back to Salima, the Rothard commanded as he leapt high into the air, and was out of sight in seconds. Meanwhile the Rothard who Jason had hit and another Rothard remained. By this time nearly no sane pedestrians were in sight besides some remaining nosey onlookers, and for New Yorkers that was a lot of people.

We will give you one more chance to give us the girl, and we will spare your life, a Rothard said in a surprisingly medium pitched voice. Guess his full Rothardian vocal cords hadn’t grown yet.

Once the man said this I could tell that Jason was about to do something. His body began to glow, and he opened his mouth very wide to speak. From the stars of the night and the brightness of the day go back to Hell where you belong and I hope you stay! Jason screamed this is an unfamiliar language to me, and at the end of the word stay, in which he screamed it at the top of his vocal cords, he opened his mouth to incredible lengths and I noticed that air began to be sucked into it like a black hole. Jason was acting as if he were a demon. Nosey onlookers immediately became scarce as they realized the real circumstances of their nosiness.

Jason began pulling the two Rothards skin off, and everything in between with his extremely hot winds and he was pulling them into his mouth. Surprisingly he was only pulling the Rothards and no one else. When the two Rothards finally reached inside his mouth nothing was left of them. Everything was taken from them and absorbed by Jason. He just took the soul of two Rothards.

Jason what the hell are you? I asked frightened as I began stepping away from him. Jason acted as if he had done nothing wrong and didn’t understand what he just did.

Lauren I really have no idea what I just did. It was as if someone else was controlling my body. Please you have to believe I would never do something like that, he pleaded with me. I wasn’t buying his story one bit, but before I could say anything I was interrupted.

Jason you are very right that you would have before never been able to do something like that, and your instinct tells you to never do something like that because you are one of these good Rydras, but your powers have manifested and you don’t know how to control it. If you want help, visit me anytime at this address, a mysterious man with a Russian accent dressed