Enhance: Chapter 38

Months passed and spring was finally in full bloom. The sun had melted the snow and the ice. There weren’t any birds coming back yet but this was a start. Phase walked into the living room, stretching his arms above his head as he yawned. He could hear the thumping above his head followed by a crash. “She’s still training with Rogue.”

Phase glanced over his shoulder as Shade walked past. His eyes were barely open as he trudged forward. “You look like shit.”

“I’m not awake. Fuck daylight’s saving whatever the fuck it’s called,” He told him and waved his hands.

Phase just laughed going to the couch. “Bullet wound heal alright?”

“Wouldn’t even know it happened.”

“Good.”

Both of them slumped down on the couch and leaned their heads back. “It’s a nice morning out there.”

The inside of the house was a mild temperature. If they let Yumi control things it would be a sauna but they found a middle ground. The sun being out and shining as bright as it was definitely helped things. There was another crash above their heads and they both looked up at that one. “Jesus. They’re really going at it.”

“When Yu gets into it she really gets into it. Then again Rogue is probably giving her the hands.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that.”

Together they laughed again before turning their heads toward the door on the second floor. Wearing a set of shorts and a tank top Luce walked in. His hair was short, a product of a recent haircut. He waved to the two of them as he made his way down the stairs.

He had been with them since that Phase took him back home. Within the data that they had taken they found out about what Luce was. An experiment like them but different. Brain chemistry altered along with mental conditioning so that he couldn’t fight any orders or commands from them.

But thanks to Echo, Darren, and time they were able to undo most of it. Luce would hesitate at the sound of either Pierce’s voice but no longer was he a slave to it. It turns out having someone who can go into your mind and manipulate things was scarily effective.

But despite having been with them for the past few months this wasn’t his type of life style. He was looking at other opportunities to figure out the kind of life he wanted. And he had all the time in the world to figure things out again.

Luce walked toward the pair of them and then sat down on the couch Phase said, “Morning. You doing alright?”

He gave a short nod. “Yes for now. I’m not really sure what exactly is going to happen with the transition. The medication I strange to say the least. I’m not sure what to expect over the next few months and beyond.”

“Everyone’s different.” Shade said as he looked at him. “Don’t worry too much. We’ll be around.”

“I appreciate that. It’s been freeing to know that I have control over things. That I truly have choice and final say. This is my life.” Despite the confidence in which he said this he was looking down at his hands.

“Hey don’t worry. It’s a new day. And I’m making breakfast.” Luce raised his head up and then looked at Echo as she waved and pranced toward the kitchen.

Feint was the next to come out of the hallway with Roxie trailing behind her. Feint smiled waving at all of them. Roxie gave a welcoming bark as she walked to the trio on the couch. Phase slid off the couch and sat on the floor as Roxie placed her head in his lap. Rubbing her head, he smiled as she panted.

Shade turned on the TV and put on some mindless cartoon as Echo set her bowl down and called, “Roxie! Come get breakfast!”

She barked and dashed away quickly. Echo then came out of the kitchen with mugs on a tray with a plate of muffins. She placed it on the main table and took her own mug and a muffin for herself.

Everyone was eating when the roof door opened. Shade glanced back as Rogue, Yumi and surprisingly Darren come out. They had a bag over their shoulder while the other two were looking bruised and Rogue had a few burns.

“What the hell happened to you guys?”

“Training.” Yumi said grunting. She came closer and sat on Shade’s lap. Resting her head on his head she sighed.

Rogue went to sit on the chair and leaned back slowly with a groan. Echo went to him and gave him a muffin and his mug. “What exactly did you guys do?”

“Testing out weapons. As well as a few new tools. Mixed results.” Darren told them.

“Mixed results my ass.” Yumi mumbled. “I swear half that shit was meant to get me killed.”

“Quiet fire starter. It’s not like you were one sided in the fights. I have the burns to prove it.”

“Can’t stand the heat.”

Rogue glared and threw a piece of his muffin at her. She swatted it away and smirked at him. “Nice try.”

“Don’t you two start,” Feint told them as she picked up her own mug and sipping the steaming contents. “So, what’s on the docket today?”

“No plan today Fei. Just gonna wing it.”

Luce perked up. “Wing it?”

Yumi laughed. “There’s a lot of wing it in our missions.”

Luce chuckled softly as he continued to eat the muffin. “I guess we gave you all too much credit.”

Feint grinned slowly. “We’ll take that.”

“Well we’re getting low on Enhance. And I know Echo’s going to need a dose soon.” Rogue said glancing at his pale companion. “Other than that, I don’t think there’s anything I need.”

“Shade? Yumi? Need anything?”

“Other than a hot bath? Nah. I’m good fearless leader.”

“Same.”

“Then I think we can go out and have some fun eh?”

“What kind of fun are you talking about?” Luce asked.

Finishing his muffin Phase walked toward the wall where their masks were hanging. Grabbing his, he held up and smirked. “The kind of fun that we love. Just running and enjoying freedom.

Though there was somewhat of a delay before everyone was ready, the six thieves were dressed and wearing their mask. Luce however simply had his hat on. Walking toward the balcony they opened the door and leaned against the railing.

“Where do you want to go Phase?” Feint asked as she stared at the skyline of the city around the noonday.

Phase looked across the skyline slowly before looking over at Yumi. “Hey Yumi where’s that ice cream shop you told us about.”

“Dip’n Dots shop. And it’s the best.” She smiled as she pulled up her map. Scrolling through it slowly she pinpointed it and shared it with everyone. “There.”

“That’s far.” Shade said with a raised eyebrow. “Last one there buys a round of ice cream?”

“Yeah pretty much.” Echo said with a giggle. “I happen to like double chocolate, Luce.”

He chuckled, “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

Phase clapped as he looked at them. “Alright everyone. We have the destination. You all know the rules. If there aren’t any other questions let the race begin!”

Grabbing the edge of the railing he threw himself over the edge and knew that the others were running behind him. He hit the rooftops and let out a shout. This was their life. They were created in a lab, found a home, and made their own family. A happy family of thieves causing mischief in the city.