“So what’s going on?” Yumi asked a pop tart in her mouth. She’d woken up just long enough to change into her sweat pants and a tank top. No one had felt like cooking so breakfast was serve yourself on rations.
Feint was fighting off a yawn as she looked at the main table. Normally her computer and research were covering it but today their masks were covering it. There were also an assortment of supplies. Spray cans, paints, water, markers, stencils, paper and more. Just all the art supplies she could think of that would work for this project.
“We’re going to do a little thing to blow off some steam.”
Phase yawned and his hair was more than a little bit of a mess. He covered his mouth as he looked and then walked to grasped his mask. It had a few scratches from wear but for the most part it was a plain white mask.
Feint looked at them and found her own mask. “After seeing Shade’s mask, I figured we could add some style to our masks. Something to make them more unique to us. Plus, why not. It’s not like we want to go do a job tonight, is it?”
“Hell the fuck no.” Yumi said almost instantly as she got halfway done with her pop tart and turned the mask over in her hands. She loved the thing to death since she’d gotten it but it felt so meh. “Didn’t think you had a concept of fun.”
“Shut up and come up with your design. I’d advice something simple.” Feint turned her mask over in her hands slowly and tried to think of something. Something unique that felt like her.
“Got it.” Yumi said after some quick thought.
Going to sit down beside Feint she put the mask on the table and then got one of the thin sharpie markers. She pressed it against the mask and slowly she started drawing. First she drew slowly against the mouth. Slowly her marker made rolling waves across the entire face around at the cheeks to then curve around the eyes. Turning it over in her hand again she held it over her face.
“How’s it look?” She asked them.
“Looks very wavy.” Phase said which was the biggest lack of an answer she’d ever heard.
Feint smiled, “It’s not bad. Are you going to paint in a color or leave it white with black waves?”
She turned it over and snapped a picture of the design. “I’m gonna color the whole thing red then redraw the patterns in black.”
Phase held up stencils to the mask as he tried various designs. Circles, swirls, squares, but nothing quite fit his taste. Shaking his head slowly he placed the mask down and went toward the kitchen to get maybe a poptart for himself.
“I’m going for simple.” Feint said and got a piece of construction paper. Holding it over half of her mask she grabbed a spray can with the other. Pressing down on the nozzle the black paint spewed forth and covered the mask on one half, other half was protected. She continued until the entire right half was coated and she set it down.
“I’m gonna let this set for now. Simple and easy.” She said and smiled. It was simply a black and white mask now and she didn’t mind the color scheme.
When Phase returned he picked up his mask. Finding a crescent design on the table he held it over the mouth of the mask and traced around it. When it was done he lazily shaded in to become completely black. When he held it over his mouth he smirked. Now the mask had a wide grin.
“This is my mask.” He said as he looked at the two of them and was satisfied with that. He placed his mask down and laughed. Feint took his mask and draw a quick line under one of the eyes adding little more flare.
“This was supposed to help us blow off steam. More like morning art and dcrafts.” Yumi said as she came back to lay on the other couch.
Feint frowned. “I thought it was a cool idea. Apparently, none of us are creative.” She said and looked at her mask and contemplated adding more to it but Phase put a pop tart in front of her face.
“Eat it. And relax a bit. You’ve probably been awake way longer than we have. More then most people should”
Feint took the pop tart in her mouth, and then held it with her own hands. “Thanks.”
“No problem. We’re used to moving around a lot. Even when we’re tired. I know for sure that the scientist kept me going well past my breaking point.”
“Same with us.” Yumi said and shook her head. “Pushed us to the point where we almost broke. So many fights to beyond the death. If it wasn’t for the healing one of us would be dead.”
With a dry laugh, Feint nodded. “The sad truth of our lives.”
Deciding a change of subject was in order Phase asked, “What did you guys think of Shade?”
“I liked him.” Yumi said with a shrug. “A least what little I’ve seen of him. We should do something with him again. Maybe another heist or just hanging out.”
“You think that’s something he’ll do?” Feint asked. “I couldn’t get a good bead on him but he didn’t seem like the overly friendly type.”
Phase shrugged his shoulders. “Something to think about. Next mission Darren gives us maybe we’ll have a different partner.”
“Speaking of Wiz Kid, that mission. What did they try and get while we were there.” Yumi asked turning to Feint. “I mean it seemed important to them.”
Feint pointed at her laptop. “I ran a script while we were stealing. All the information that went to Darren also went to me. I don’t distrust Darren but at the same time we’re partners as long our interest align. They’re still a fence and they need to look after their interest first. And I need to look after ours.”
“Have you found anything?” Phase asked.
Feint sighed, “I started to but I was too tired. Couldn’t concentrate through enough to make heads or tails.”
Yumi jumped to her feet. “I want to go for a walk. Who’s with me”
“A normal walk or a ‘walk walk’?” Phase asked but he was already getting. Stretching he walked toward his room to change clothes.
Once they were dressed Phase ran his fingers through his hair slowly. It might have been getting long. He wasn’t really sure if he was a good judge of hair length or anything of the like. Feint reached out and ran her fingers through his hair and played with the tips of his bangs.
“It’s getting long.” She said softly. “Yours too Yumi.” She said glancing over at her. “You guys are either going to need a pair of scissors or a hair band.”
“Or how about no,” Yumi said as she pulled on her shirt and laughed. Tying her hair back for good measure she gave a thumbs up. “Now come on. You guys gotta try these things.”
“What things?” Phase asked as they followed her outside. She opened up the window to the balcony and felt the breeze. Taking a slow deep breath stopped to just enjoy the sensation. One of the things she’d learned about herself since escaping was she liked being outside. It was cold but it was something she was willing to put up with for the time being. When the sun went down though, that’s when she’d complain.
Phase and Feint took both her sides as they looked outside with her. It was a bit overcast but the sun was still a bright spot in the sea of gray clouds. Feint glanced a ther, “I’m going to assume you’re going to lead us to where we want to today?”
“Yep. Follow me lady and gentleman.” Hopping forward she threw herself over the edge of the balcony. She noticed that every time she jumped it was from the same spot. She watched the hotel pass by before leaning forward. Flipping a few times and using the momentum from that she landed on a roof below.
Rolling on landing and popping up she started running again. Jumping over a steam vent and sliding underneath a water tank she jumped off the edge of her roof. Landing hard on the other side she stumbled slightly.
As she stumbled Phase over took her and waved as he past. Pushing a hand against the ground he pushed himself upward and then flipped toward the side to gain higher elevation. Scoping out the area for a moment he turned to watch Yumi as she got her bearings together.
Feint and Yumi ran past him as he lingered above them. In the same way that Yumi enjoyed fresh air Phase enjoyed high places. One of the reasons the penthouse idea worked out was because they were always the top floor.
Watching from up here he could see all the people on the streets below. He could see the cars going past and going into the traffic that was sure to come for them. He could see into the distance where people were getting stopped by red lights to where people were going up to take the train. He could see everything from up here.
Turning around he slid down to catch up to the girls who were racing ahead. From where they were he figured they were going toward the lake, which was something Yumi had taken a liking as well. When the weather warmed up again he knew Yumi was going to draw them out there more than once.
Yumi led them across the path and the sea air hit her nose. She wooped throwing her hands into the sea salt air. She stepped onto the boardwalk and started to walk glancing back to make sure they were following.
Putting her hands in her pockets as she looked around for it. She was concentrating far more than she normally did. Glancing about she was starting to get frustrated. “Dammit where is it?”
“What’re you looking for Yumi?” Phase asked as he tracked behind her. “We could help you.”
“Nope. I’m finding it.” Yumi said stubbornly. She turned and swiveled her gaze back and forth. “It has to be somewhere. Aha! Found it!”
Excited, she started running toward the other side of the path. Surprised by the sudden movement, neither Feint or Phase felt the new to chase her and just kept walking. Yumi slid to a halt and had her hands pressed against the cart.
“Nice seeing you again.” She said and the man chuckled.
“Ah you’re the girl from the other day. I don’t know why but even on a cold day like this people still appreciate frozen treats.” The owner of the cart said and chuckled. Now that she was looking at him again she looked at him.
He was an older man with pale skin and a cap on his head. He had thick mustache but a cleanly shaven jaw. He was wearing a thick coat and gloves as he worked his cart. When he spoke he had an accent from somewhere in eastern Europe. “How did you end up liking the mint?”
“It was really good.” Yumi said grinning. Glancing back, she waved to Feint and Phase. “These are my friends. Guys this stuff is a gift from God.”
“Dip’n Dots?” Phase said as he read the sign. “What are they?”
“Ice cream.” Feint said simply. “At least a kind of ice cream.”
“Try some. I’ve had the mint and it’s really good. In fact I want some mint again.” The last part she directed at the owner of the cart he opened it and scooped some out for her. “What flavors do you guys want?”
“Cookies’n Cream sounds really good.” Phase said as he looked at the cart. He didn’t have much of a sweet tooth normally but he did have preferences.
“Good choice.” The cart owner said as he set aside another cup as he scooped out the flavored marble shaped treat.
“I want the triple chocolate.” Feint said a little hesitantly. Of all of them she had a serious sweet tooth.
With a final cup set aside the owner filled it up. Yumi was already enjoying hers and gave the money to the main. “Keep the change my friend.”
Phase and Feint both took their cups and started eating. Feint made a surprised and happy sound as she looked down at it. “Oh wow.” She mumbled. “This is so good. So sweet.”
“I know right.” Yumi said having another full cup of it. She was as happy as they had ever seen and continued to eat. Phase gave an approving nod as he ate another small spoonful.
“It’s not bad. I can see why you like it.” Phase said. Yumi gave him a very approving thumbs up as she continued to eat.
They started walking and eating enjoying their comfortable outing. They stayed out walking the park until they had finished their ice cream. Yumi wouldn’t let them go home though, not until she had gotten her fill of the lake. She jumped into the sand quickening toward the water.
Walking toward the edge of the lake she watched the waves. The soft roaring of them coming in and out. The same repetitive motion that made her feel relaxed. She closed her eyes and took a slow deep breath. Feint and Phase stood at her side and watched with her, which made it that much better for her. They stayed until the sun began to set. Once it was completely dark they finally convinced Yumi to go back home.
Yumi skipped ahead of them her hands in her pockets. “You’re in a good mood.” Phased said.
“I am.” Yumi said stopping on her heel and whirled around to face them. “We got any movies at the house?”
“We have my library not to mention Netflix and Hulu.” Feint said. “There’s options.”
“Cool. I want popcorn and I want to watch something. Anything.” Yumi spread her arms and laughed again.
Feint smiled just watching her go. She felt her phone go off and pulled it out checking the subject line of the email. ‘Enhance Research Findings.’ That made her pause. She was eager to find out what the findings were. But when she looked up watched Yumi and Phase hearing their laughs.
Phase was chasing her probably and had managed to catch her his arm around her neck. She was laughing and trying escape but Phase was persistent. Feint smiled and put her phone away. The email could wait.
They got home and went their separate ways, changing clothes, finding popcorn and getting ready to enjoy the night. Yumi went toward the computer waking it up. She opened a browser and was greeted with a flashing email notification.
“Hey Feint.” Yumi called from the living room. “You got news on Dick Squad RX thing.”
Feint came back toward the living room and looked at her with exasperation. “They were sending me some documents. I didn’t want to look at it yet. You know so we could relax somewhat.”
“Fuck the movie, I wanna learn. I got shot for it and you were excited.” Yumi said and then called out. “But keep making the popcorn Phase. I’m hungry.”
Feint shook her head and walked toward the computer. Opening the files a dozen or so documents popped open. Moving the monitor to the TV she started reading.
There were pictures and a few official looking documents. However Yumi had no patience to read through it all. “Read it to me.” She told her. Feint with a slow eye roll did as she asked.
Feint scanned through the information reading it herself quickly. Her eyes widened and she kept her hand over her mouth. She scrolled slowly trying to absorb as much information as she could. Yumi leaned over her shoulder and watched her Phase as Phase came over and passed the bowl her way.
“Don’t keep us in suspense Feint,” he said. “What’s the deal?”
Leaning back Feint shook her head, “Enhance is more than just some drug to get high with. The behaviors that had been reported. The strength and all that are just the tip of the iceberg. The euphoria and pleasure from the drug aren’t just getting you high it’s fixing you. For a few days after taking the drug you’re cured. Illness, STDs, even cancer. Just gone. Wiped out.”
“Are you serious?” Phase asked and Feint highlighted apart of the document.
“Very,” Feint replied. “It’s a miracle cure. But there are side effects. Mutations with the drug. It’s not perfect. Not by a long shot.”
Yumi snorted, “It cures fucking cancer. Who wouldn’t risk that?”
“Someone who doesn’t want to die immediately after taking it,” Feint said going to another document.
“Beg pardon?” Yumi said.
“The backlash from forcibly curing that many illness and changing your internal chemistry can wreak havoc on you at a microscopic level. The sicker you are the worse the feedback. That’s why people have been ODing so hard on it.”
“Jesus,” Yumi whispered. “What about that guy we saw the other day? The super strength. Was that apart of the drug too?”
“Kinda. It’s another of the mutations,” Feint said. “Chemistry with something like isn’t an exatct science. The human body can do things we can barely imagine a lot of the time. Lifting cars isn’t impossible. For some people this drugs gives you the ability to do that on command.”
“Like a super steroid?” Phase suggested and Feint nodded. “So big and scary from the gas station was on this stuff.”
“Exactly. To make things worse the drugs highly addictive. Between its own properties to the power high. You pick your poison. Gamble on the cure all or death and getting saddled with the addiction.”
“I’d rather suffer than have my life be chained to a drug.” Phase said and pointed. “What’s that one? ‘New Findings on Enhance’”
He reached forward and dragged the mouse down to point to another document file. The three of them read this one though Yumi tapped out early on in the process but Feint was leaning forward.
“The drug that’s been on the streets isn’t pure” Feint read aloud. “Those who take the most distilled version of the drug, or some lucky people who’ve taken the regular version, have something miraculous happen. It altars the takers body at a cellular level and imbues the taker with powers not humanly possible. Super speed, magnetism, pyrokinesis, intangibility, even flight may be possible. There’s no scientific basis for this but I’ve seen the results.”
“Super powers,” Yumi said. “Get real. They’re fucking with us ,right?”
Feint pulled up an MP4 file attached. It was a quick video but they were in a lab. They watched a man take a shot of something. He screamed in agony and then they watched his arm stretched clear across the camera and swipe at the camera knocking it over. The video went dark and then ended.
The trio stared at it in silence, eyes wide. The video had been titled ‘Pure Enhance test’. Feint leaned back, away from the computer and looked at Phase. “Remember when you said that Enhance turned people into us? I don’t think you were that far off base.”
Phase put his hands on his head standing up slowly, “How’s this even possible? It’s insane.”
“You exist Phase,” Feint said. “How much more farfetched could something like this be?”
Yumi rubbed her eyes slowly. “Let me see if I can understand this. Some people who take Dick Squad RX turn into that big ass guy from the Royals. Or they turn into Phase?”
“But how?” Phase sat on the couch and stared at her.
“How do you have powers and we don’t? You had a different number then us.” Feint said with a nod. “Your group was always rumored to be special.” Feint bit her lip for a moment as she looked at them. “Maybe you were tested with a version of Enhance on you? Not only would it explain the second powers but it would also explain the light guy.’”
“You mean the one who busted us out of the facility?” Yumi asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah. Pyrokinsis was on the list. It’s not that much of a leap from that to light.” She shrugged. “It’s a possibility. It’s assuming that they made Enhance though.”
“So you’re going off the idea that we took distilled versions of Enhance?” Phase asked and Feint nodded.
“Or tested it. But yes.” She said. “It’s just a theory but it would fit. Not to mention there’s something else.”
“What else more could there be?” Yumi asked. She was leaning against the couch and her head aching slightly.
“Shade. What if Shade can do what he does because he took Enhance.”
“We can ask him,” Yumi pointed out.
“I don’t think that’s something we should open up with.” Phase folded his arms. “But this. This is good information.”
“You’re telling me.” Yumi said and then glanced away.
“No.” Feint said instantly and glared at her.
“What? I didn’t say anything.” Yumi said raising her hands up.
“I know that look and I know you. I can guess what you’re thinking about.” Feint said with a shake of her head. “Don’t.”
“I just want to see what’ll happen.” Yumi folded her arms and tried not to pout.
“The risk is not worth it.” Feint said her glare not abating.
“Wait. Are you saying that you want to take Enhance?” Phase said holding up his hand. “After everything we just listened to?”
“Well when you say it like that, it sounds bad.” Yumi started pouting. “We’re like super people. We can take a hit.”
“It is bad.” Phase said and stepped toward her. “Powers for an addiction. It’s not worth it. At all.”
Yumi threw her hands up and sighed. “Fine fine. Whatever. I won’t think about it anymore.”
“Good.” Phase and Feint said almost at the same time.
Feint went back to the computer as she skimmed the rest of the research.
“So do we still want to watch a movie?” Yumi asked.
“As a palate cleanser definitely. I’ll make more popcorn,” Phase said getting up.
Feint leaned forward closing all the Enhance research and pulled up a new window. Pulling up Netflix he went to their list of movies they hadn’t watched yet. “Any preferences?”
“Something that doesn’t have do with Dick Squad RX.” Yumi said laying horizontally on the couch.
The Harlequin Library 