Enhance 2: Chapter 29

The night after the casino job they came back home and got very very drunk between the ten of them. Yumi felt like she’d been hung over for at least a couple of days. But she got herself together because she wasn’t going to miss a day of work at the shelter. She also got to drag Phase along with her though he was curious about her job.

As they got closer to the shelter they could see people hanging around outside of it. There was a section outside of it with a few benches, trees, and tables. A little park where they could sit and just relax. With the growing warmth outside people being outside definitely made sense. Especially with the breeze.

But when they got to the shelter finally something was immediately different. There was an energy in the shelter that was electrifying. People were moving around and talking and laughing. Things were louder, there was music playing and both of them could loosely smell something sweet on the air. Yumi pulled Phase forward getting into the excitement.

“Yumi! She really did it didn’t she?”

 Phase and Yumi both looked at Theo as he ran over to them. Yumi had never seen him smile so big before. He stopped huffing slightly trying to catch his breath. Phase and Yumi exchanged a knowing set of looks but Yumi raised her hands. “What happened?”

“Mom got the news this morning. Some mysterious donor came through. They donated toward the shelter and said that they wanted to continue to keep us in business. Said they loved everything that mom was doing here. The shelter’s going to be okay. Better than okay!”

Yumi looked over at Phase and grinned even wider, “That’s amazing Theo.”

“That was her right?” he asked sitting up and looking at her. “The Black Bird. She got the money. Things are going to be okay.”

Yumi nodded and her smile softened, “She had a lot of work to do but she did what she had to. And it worked like a charm. How’s your mom?”

“She’s blown away. She thinks that some donor needed a good deed and we looked pitiful enough. But she’s not complaining,” he folded his arms. “She’s just trying to call as many people as possible to make sure everything is set up and make sure it’s legit.”

“It’s legit,” Yumi said.

It was only then that Theo looked past Yumi and then looked at Phase, “Who’s this guy? Does he know? Did I mess up?” she could see the panic starting to click through on his face.

“No no no. This is Phase. He lives with us back home. He’s cool. Really cool,” she smiled at him. “And yeah he knows.”

Phase nodded and smiled his way, “The Black Bird and I go way back. Longer than I’ve known Yumi.”

“Whoa?” Theo said eyes wide. “Seriously?”

Phase nodded again and glanced at her. She looked sheepish but didn’t try to hide her smile. “Don’t mind me. I’m just here to be Yumi’s escort for the day. Hang around the shelter while she works.”

“Cool. Go clock in with mom then,” Theo said facing Yumi.

“Will do. Are Flair and Ray around by the way? I need to talk to them.”

“Yeah I think I saw them by the door. They were talking about hanging around outside.”

“Thanks. Come on leader.”

She bee lined toward the door with Phase in tow. They crossed through the open door and found the twins at one of the benches in the courtyard. Well Flair was sitting and Ray was standing. They were arguing back and forth, something that Yumi managed to overhear was based around.

“I told you to stop calling me that stupid name.”

“But it’s what you do. And It’s literally your name Ray. Just with a little more-“

“Don’t you say it.”

She gave him a wicked grin, “Flair.”

Ray glared at her and she broke into laughter. She leaned back and looked over her shoulder and beamed seeing Yumi. “Yumi. Exactly who I wanted to see. Come over. Please.”

“Don’t bring her into this,” Ray groaned but Flair was hopping to her feet already and reached out to her.

Flair took Yumi’s hand, pulling her away from Phase and pushed her to sit next to her, “You can settle this argument in my favor. My brother has a nickname that I gave him but he hates it. I think its perfect for him.”

“Its stupid.”

“What is it?” Yumi asked.

“Well you know about what we told you Ray can do. You know with his eyes?”

“That’s actually why I wanted to see you guys. He was right.”

Ray blinked quickly, “You mean the two of you?”

“Yeah. Turns out I have clone out there.”

Flair paused what she wanted to talk about and leaned closer to her, “A clone? Like a copy of you. Same face and personality?”

“Face yes. Personality no. Well maybe. I don’t know,” she said and scowled. “But whatever. I’ll figure that out when I have to deal with it.”

“Is that how you managed to save the shelter?” Ray asked. “Doing whatever the heck you guys do.”

Ray looked at Phase who had been staying out of it mostly and just watching. Ray stared at him closely, his face calm but eyes narrowed. Phase met his gaze and tilted his head to the side slightly. As Ray continued to stare at him and Ray finally looked away. Flair looked at her twin and then both looked at Yumi.

“Who is he?” Ray asked.

“Yeah who’s this guy,” Flair asked.

Yumi smirked, “That’s leader.”

“Phase,” he corrected. “Yumi’s mentioned you two before. Flair and Ray right?”

Ray nodded and Flair smiled, “You’re cute.”

Yumi took one of his hands and shook her head, “Way out of your league”

Flair pouted, “Why do you get all the good ones. Well he can weigh in on the argument. If he sides with me that is.”

“No,” Ray said again trying to be as stern as possible and it might have worked if his sister felt threatened by it at all.

“What argument,” Phase asked and Yumi was with him in her interest.

Flair motioned toward Phase, “As you probably know. Me and my brother are special. Like Yumi is. And I’m assuming you are too. My brother can see through solid objects.”

“Like X-Ray vision?” Yumi asked her eyes going wide. “That’s fucking rad.”

Flair nodded quickly her face lighting up, “And because of that shouldn’t he just embrace that as his nickname?”

“What? X-Ray?” Phase asked and he could visibly see Ray flinch.  “Yeah sorry kid. Even I can see that one.”

“It’s like the best,” Yumi laughed bordering on a cackle. “That’s so good.”

Ray put his hands on his face groaning. Walking away from them he could hear Flair and Yumi laughing together and Phase resisted his own chuckle. “Ignore Ray. He’ll get over himself soon. Especially if Theo comes to talk.”

“Theo? Why him?” Yumi asked and Flair didn’t say anymore than that. “Well whatever. I’m going to go talk to Miss Hanako and start my shift. You get to keep leader company. That okay with you?”

“Yeah. Have fun,” he waved at her.

“Don’t hurt him,” she said glancing at the twin before getting up. She walked back inside and headed over for Hanako’s office.  She knocked on the door and it opened before she could even respond. Poking her head inside she saw Hanako on the phone, the cord half twisted around her arm.

“You’re sure. Doubly sure. Absolutely sure. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much.” She hung up and started to move and almost yanked the phone cord out of the wall. Making a face she untangled herself from it and got up to focus on her. “Hi Yumi.”

“Hi Miss Hanako. You’re lookin. Wound up.”

Hanako laughed and finally pushed the phone away. “We need to replace this old thing.”

“I heard that might be possible,” she glanced up at her.

“Theo told you?” Yumi nodded. “It’s all happening so fast. I thought that things were going to go down the drain. And now suddenly we have more money than I know what to do with. It feels so crazy.”

“Maybe it’s a stroke of luck. Or a blessing. You know,” she shrugged trying to play it off.

“Maybe,” Hanako said. “I just worry this stroke of good luck may fade away and it’ll blow up in my face. Maybe I’m being paranoid.”

“A little cautious,” Yumi said. She walked over and sat down in front of the desk. “But I think you should take this and run with it.”

“You sound like my son,” She puffed out here cheeks, making a face at her and letting it out. Collapsing back into her chair she brushed her hair back. She reached out toward her and smiled, “I’m glad to see you Yumi. Really. You look good. Brighter. Did some good news happen?”

She blinked and then shook her head quickly, “Outside of surviving a hangover over the weekend no.”

Hanako laughed then, “That’s right. You’re young. Foot loose and fancy free. Oh God do you even get that reference?” When Yumi shook her head she put her hands on her face. “Oh no.” They laughed together and Yumi got up.

“What needs doing?”

“Cleaning, inventory, the usual stuff. Though I was thinking of doing something. Something to fight the heat and to celebrate I guess.”

Yumi grinned, “I know an ice cream shop that would love to help.”

“We can talk more later,” Hanako smiled. “I’ve got more calls to make.”

Yumi left her office feeling even better about things and headed back out. She caught sight of Phase and he waved for her to come by. She raised her eyebrow but did as he asked. The TV was on the news and he had his arm folded, “What’s up fearless leader?”

“Darren told me to watch the news if I could,” he pointed toward the TV. “Luckily you have some people who like keeping up with current events around here.”

“The Jamesons never miss a beat on the news. Morning, afternoon and nightly. Every day,” Yumi said. “It’s kinda eerie actually.”

“Mm.”

The musical tune of the news station played and a young male anchor took the screen, “In other news today the CEO of Harris LLC met with police bringing evidence forward in regards to the implosion of the company’s building. Those responsible for the attack where thought to be a group of masked individuals but new information has placed the fault on the newest gang in the city, the N Kings. A gang known for illegal activity and violent confrontations with law enforcement along with rival gang the Vanguard.”

Yumi and Phase both widened their eyes at that and looked at each other. They took a step closer to one another and Yumi whispered, “Did he really sell out the N Kings for that?”

Phase nodded, “That’s not going to be good for him.”

“Him? That’s not going to be good for anyone,” Yumi looked outside the window and frowned hard.

“Things will get crazy for a while and then they’ll die down again,” Phase told her and squeezed her shoulder.

“I don’t think so,” Yumi frowned harder. “Especially after what happened with you and Shade. I’m getting the idea that there’s going to be more of that. A lot more.”

“Then let’s see if we can stop that before it happens,” Phase said turning to face her.

“What do you mean?”

“Tonight. I was already going to suggest that we go out running together but now we have something to do. We talk to Shade. Figure out some hot spots and hang around. Patrol. Make sure things aren’t popping off. This is loosely our fault anyway. I might as well try to put fires out before they can start.”

“What?” she asked and stared at him before a smile cracked her face. “You’re serious?”

“Yeah. As long as we play it smart and not go running into trouble and get ourselves hurt.”

She hugged him suddenly very tightly and he grunted as he hugged her back. “You know you’re way stronger than you have any right to be.”

“It’s all in the genes leader,” she let him go and winked. “I’ll finish my shift here then we can figure out the nuances of the plan.”

“Yeah yeah. Go.”

And that’s how the afternoon went. Yumi worked her shift at the shelter and Phase hung around. He talked to people but mainly the twins, getting to know them and them getting to know him. It had been an eventful talk for him but the moment Yumi was done they were on their way home. Echo cooked dinner and when the sun was down they were able to really go out and properly hit the town.

“Alright everyone. Testing teammates. Can everyone hear me loud and clear?” Yumi said adjusting the mask against her face.

“Yes Yumi,” Echo said cheerfully from beside her and stretching her arms above her head. “It feels so good to be wearing this again. It’s felt like ages.”

“It’s been a long few months that’s for sure,” Phase said walking toward the edge of their balcony. All of them were present for this one and wearing their masks. They’d even gone out of their way to decorate them again. Varying degrees of purple smiles or frowns to complement their look. His own was a very thin one. “And we’re hopefully doing something lowkey tonight.”

“What’s the mission fearless leader?” Shade asked sitting on the edge of the balcony enjoying the night breeze. His mask sported a prominent frown.

“Mind if I answer?” Feint asked glancing at him. Her mask had a thin smile similar to Phase’s. “Recon. After G’s confession we’re going to do some traveling around to make sure that no one’s getting emotional or frustrated about it. Make sure the N Kings aren’t trying to get even.”

“And what if things aren’t staying that way,” Rogue asked folding his arms. His mask sported a large frown, the exact opposite of Echo’s large smile.

“Then we intervene in the smartest way possible,” Phase replied. “Just like we always do. Everything good on your end Darren?”

“Loud and clear. Cameras are locked and nothing’s going crazy on myend. You’re good to go,”

Phase smirked behind his mask, “Then let’s do our thing.”

Taking a step back he sprinted forward and dove off the balcony. He spread his arms in the death defying free fall. He felt the wind over his arms and the whistling in his ears. And then he shot his arm out and shot a wire out. It caught and he was swinging.

Releasing the line, he looked for his next shot and his mask decided to help out with that. He saw the buildings around, the brick edges, the metal piping and fire escapes. His mask highlighted all of them and directed him toward the next best possible target to shoot for optimal swinging.

He picked a fire escape and felt the wire wrap around the metal stairs. He swung around wide and flipped upward. Releasing he landed on the roof and kept running, looking for the next point. Jumping at the corner he soared, ignoring the cars below and shot forward swinging through an alleyway

It was crazy how much of this had become second nature for him. Even without the mask helping him along the way he felt confident that he could always pick a spot on instinct. Maybe he was a natural and maybe it was the training as an experiment.

Looking over his shoulder mid swing he saw the others in his tracks. Yumi and Rogue were even at this thing than him. Running and swinging in tandem without a second thought. Yumi added much of her own flair to things as she could and even Rogue was finding ways to show off. Shade and Feint were more reserved, doing things by the book but efficient. And then Echo was the surprising one, doing all of it without missing a beat despite her handicap. Then again when she saw through all of their eyes at once she’d be hard pressed to find a part of the city she couldn’t see.

“So Darren anything we should know about?” Feint asked swinging through the air.

Darren just shook their head. “Nope. No shootings. No robbery. No Neo. No Enhance. No nada.”

“You mean the city is actually quiet?” Yumi snarked.

“For now yes.”

“Told you Yu” Phase said coming to a stop at the edge of church hanging on one of the spires.

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. It’s rare for this kind of thing to be happening and you all know that,” they replied. “Could change in an instant.”

“So what do we do instead?” Shade asked slowing down and Rogue stopping near him.

“Oh! I know!” Echo shouted excitedly and they could loosely hear her clapping. “The lake is going to be beautiful tonight.”

“I like that plan,” Feint said smirking. “I’ll send a path you guys way so we can get there fast.”

“Hey I thought I was the leader here,” Phase teased.

“I vote Feint in as new leader,” Yumi said quickly.

“Seconding that,” Shade threw in and Phase put a hand on his face.

“I humbly accept my new position. As the new leader of the group follow my lead,” She said hopping forward and swinging through the street. They chased after her leaving Phase in the dust.

Not only where there people everywhere there was a stage set up on the beach. They could see lights soaring into the sky and music blasting. It was some kind of indie rock scene. The six of them gathered on the roof watching, “Didn’t expect a party.” Shade said. “They don’t sound half bad.”

“Yeah. Like a mix of Rise Against and MSI,” Echo said earning the gaze of everyone. She made a face behind her mask. “I’ve listened to a lot of music in my spare time.”

“She has,” Rogue agreed.

“It was your music Rogue,” she said quickly and he looked at her. She just giggled under his gaze. “Anyway. My suggestion has not changed!”

“I’m still game,” Feint said clapping her hands together. “Though our masks aren’t exactly party friendly.”

“That’s true. Think we can leave them up here safely?” Yumi asked looking around that abandoned roof top. Only thing they had for company was a few birds.  

“You want to leave my priceless inventions on a random roof top while you go party?” Darren asked. “Stack them together. They’ll be safe. They have some mild fail safes now. Go have fun. I’ll just do some work on my end.”

“Work work or experiment work?” Phase asked taking off his mask.

“Little of column A and a little of column B,” they replied.

Phase laughed and set his mask down. The others stacked their masks on top of his and Yumi finished by setting hers against their masks facing the festival. Yumi crouched patting them on the top. “Be right back. Don’t get broken or anything crazy happen in the meantime.”