Chapter Ten

Wooooo chapter Ten lets GO!!!!

Chapter Ten

A few weeks have passed since Greyson's abrupt arrival and I still haven't talked to T about my hunch. I don't want to startle her, but I don't care either way if he is a meta, at this point, I just wanted to know for sure. Sitting on the rooftop of my building, I listen to the sounds of the city and look around for trouble, tonight had been very quiet, it is a Wednesday after all. I know T will be working late tonight, so I have time to kill considering dinner is already prepared.

I climb down the fire escape and make some rounds for a few hours before finally returning home. Stopping to grab the mail, I see a massive envelope and a government seal of some sort on it. Throwing away the junk mail, I am only left with the white envelope. Walking into the apartment, I don't hear anyone, so I hold it up to the lamp and try to read through the paper.

"What are you doing Zana?" T asks me, causing me to jump and hit my head against the lamp.

"Nothing," I say quickly but she has already snatched the paperwork out of my hands and darted into the kitchen.

"T?" I ask following her confused.

I can see the paperwork half out of the envelope as she reads it quickly. She slides it back in far too fast before putting it down on the counter and standing in the way of it.

"Are we being evicted?" I ask her, knowing it isn't true, I helped her pay balance her checkbook last week.

"What? No!"

"Then what are you hiding?" I ask her, stepping closer.

"It's nothing, it's just paper from the school saying that you are good to go for next year," she says casually.

"That didn't have my school's logo or return address on it," I say crossing my arms and we square off. We are both such terrible liars.

"Zana," T says with a sigh and I just raise an eyebrow.

"This can go one of two ways," I tell her seriously.

"Zana! It's nothing," T tries to say but I know it's not.

"Lie to me one more time and see where it goes," I tell her angrily and her eyes narrow.

"Don't you talk to me like that," she snaps back.

"Then tell me what you are hiding from me!" I yell frustrated.

"You don't want to know!"

"What has the government finally tracked down Orphan case number 876021 and now they want me back," I snap.

"Not even close," T growls out.

"Thalia," I say.

"Don't use that awful name," she says.

"Then tell me the truth!"

"I had to become your legal guardian to keep you in school, okay!" She screams at me and I look at her shell shocked.

"What?" I ask stunned.

"They wouldn't let me do all of the paperwork for your next year of school, they told me that last year when I enrolled you. So, I started the process of filing and doing all of the background checks and this massive stack of nonsense, essentially it is a legally binding agreement saying that I am now legally responsible for you," she says calming down.

"Why would you go through all of that trouble?" I ask her confused.

"Because I love you, Zana, I want you to graduate from high school and college and go on and make something of yourself. I wasn't about to let some bureaucratic bullshit stop you from continuing your life," T says, and I just stand there stunned.

"Why didn't you tell me you were doing that?" I ask her after a while.

"Because I didn't even know if I was going to get the approval," she says, and I just kick the ground uncomfortably. We need to learn to communicate with each other better.

"I'm sorry I yelled," I say quietly, and T pulls me into a hug. I can feel her trembling.

"I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you," she says, and I hug her tightly.

"While we are having a heart to heart, can I ask you something?"

"What's up?" She asks pulling away.

"Is Greyson a metahuman?" I ask her cautiously and her eyes widen in shock.

"How did you figure that out?" She asks me surprised.

"His eyes were a big tip-off, they remind me of Alpha's when she's using her power, they turn a brilliant almost amber color. Also, it is not humanly possible for someone to walk that smoothly," I say and T laughs.

"You really do pay attention to M5, don't you," she says.

"I wish I could be like that one day, where everyone knows that I just want to help, and I can do it without the police hating me," I say seriously.

"Zana?" T asks, and I can feel her about to say something on the tip of her tongue.

"Greyson is G from M5 isn't he?" I ask her and she zips her lips.

"You said it, not me," she says with a wink and I snicker.

"Do I give off that same aura?" I ask her, and she shakes her head.

"No, and I am pretty good at picking up on meta's," she says with a smile.

"Good, I don't need people knowing about all this," I say making a wild gesture.

"If you could make a living being a superhero, would you?" T asks me curiously and I shake my head.

"Never. I love being a hero T, helping people is the greatest thing I can do in the world. I would never want to tarnish the purity of wanting to help people with the greed that comes with money. One day I'm going to get a real job and be a hero on the side, so I can do both," I say and T smiles.

"Just try not to get hurt too bad, okay? I know you are practically indestructible, but I still worry," T says.

"I mean legally you have to worry now," I tease, and she knocks my shoulder.

"What's that form on the table for?" T asks me.

"Oh, I have been running track after school during the offseasons since I started high school. I was wondering if you could help me, so I could do it officially," I say with a wince.

"What do you just need a parent's signature?" She asks me.

"I need forty dollars for the uniform," I say quietly.

"When do you need the money by?" T asks me and I look at her surprised.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course, I'm serious, I was always wondering why you would come so late some days. Why did you never tell me? Forty dollars isn't a big deal Zana," T says, and tears form in my eyes.

"I felt bad asking, I always hated when you could give me a five every week like I was taking something that belonged to you. I could never ask for forty, that's why I always just did it unofficially," I say and T hugs me again.

"Just let me know when you need the money by, okay?" T asks, and I nod.

"Come on, you already did your rounds, let's watch a movie!" T says plopping down onto the couch.

We both fall asleep watching whatever chick flick she had put on. Rolling off the couch at four the next morning, I feel wide awake and ready to take on the day.

Throwing on my sneakers and a sweatshirt I leave a note for T that I will meet her at the shelter later before leaving the building and going for a run. It's almost July already and I need to start building my stamina back up. I run for blocks, pushing myself further and harder until I stop to catch my breath. Looking around I realize I don't know what part of the city I am in. Checking street signs, I realize I've gone almost three miles in one direction.

An amazing aroma hits my nose and I can't help but stand up and suck in a deep breath. I smell freshly baked bread and something else cooking. Walking down the block I stop in front of a gate that opens up to string of buildings. It must be a college campus; I wonder why it smells so good. Looking around for some signage I see it plastered on the other side of the gate, it's a culinary school.

Turning back around, I give a final glance at the college before running back home. I attempt to retrace my steps, but it certainly takes me longer to get back then it did for me to get to the school. Stumbling into the apartment I hear a noise from the kitchen and go to investigate, T should be gone already.

"Zana?" T calls out and I pop my head into the kitchen.

"T? What are you still doing here?" I ask her confused and she sighs.

"I'm running late because Greyson called," she says bitterly.

"Well, I take it that his call wasn't a social call?" I ask grabbing water from the sink.

"No, my dad is getting worse," she says sighing as she shoves her lunch into a lunchbox.

"Then it's settled, you're going to New York this weekend," I say still catching my breath.

"Practicing for track?"

"Yes, now call in all the volunteer staff and I will help cook all weekend. Go book yourself a plane ticket and start packing," I say.

"Zana, do you know how much a plane ticket costs?" T asks me and I can't help but be embarrassed.

"No,"

"The cheapest one I can get on such short notice is four hundred dollars, one way," she says, and I shrink back.

"I'm guessing that's a little out of budget," I say quietly.

"It is, but I'll see what I can arrange for a few weeks from now," T says defeated before going to get changed.

Looking at her lunchbox on the counter, I see that she left her phone. I can hear her rustling around in her room, so I grab the phone and find Greyson's number before putting it back and going to grab a change of clothes.

"I'll be down shortly, okay? I just want to take a shower before I head over," I say as T grabs all of her things.

"Take your time Zana, there is no rush," T says with a fake smile before giving me a hug and leaving.

Hoping in the shower, it takes me less than ten minutes to shower and feel refreshed. I grab clothes out of the drawer I have in T's room and quickly change before grabbing my phone off of the charger. Staring down at the little flip phone, I dial the number and it rings five times before going to voicemail. Sighing I debate if I should call again and decide that this is important. Calling again, it rings again until a smooth male voice picks up.

"Dr. Hayes speaking," he says.

"Hi Greyson, it's Zana..."

"Zana? Is everything alright?" Greyson asks me worried.

"Everything's fine, T is fine," I say and there is a pause.

"Are you alright?" Greyson asks me and I stare at the wall in shock.

"T wants to come to New York to see her dad, but the plane tickets are insane," I say playing with the comforter underneath me.

"I can arrange something, when does she want to come?"

"I told her to go this weekend... but it might be too short of a notice on her part," I say.

"I'll have someone pick her up after her shift Friday night, she works until seven o'clock on Friday's, correct?" He asks me and his tone seems gentler.

"Yes,"

"Okay I will have somebody swing by around eight o'clock to get her," he says, and I can hear his thumbs hitting the screen.

"Okay, I'll let her know, hopefully, she won't be mad I made the plans..."

"Well I am thankful that you did Zana," he says, and I hear a commotion in the background.

"I have to get back to work, goodbye Zana," he says before hanging up.

Picking at the blanket, I feel uneasy. Grabbing all of my things I head down to the shelter and get to work cleaning and cooking. When T finally comes into the kitchen, I can feel my blood pressure spike slightly.

"Hey Zana," she says coming over to see what I am working on.

"Hey T," I say.

"So, I got a call from an old friend this morning," T says in a cool tone.

"Oh?" I ask completely tense.

"She's going to pick me up Friday night and take me back to New York with her," T says, and I continue to chop the vegetables.

"Oh?"

"What did you do? Nobody is ratting you out, but I know you did something," T says, and I can tell she is trying not to get angry with me.

"I called Greyson and told him you wanted to come out and visit your dad, but the plane tickets were astronomically priced, and he said he would arrange something,"

"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I didn't want to go and see my dad?" She asks me still fighting to keep her temper under wraps.

"Your father could die, and you aren't going to go and visit him?" I ask her surprised.

"I told you, Zana, we aren't exactly on the greatest terms, the last time I saw that man he told me I was a disappointment to the Hayes name!" She says blowing her top.

"And how many years ago was that?"

"Seven..."

"T, you can do whatever the hell you want, you're an adult but listen to me for one second. I would kill to know that my parents are alive, and half the reason I don't search for them is that I don't want to find out that they are both dead. I know your dad isn't your favorite person, but are you going to live the rest of your life knowing you at least didn't visit the bastard one more time? Are you really going to just let him die and not even let him see your face? You are still his child even if he isn't happy with the choices you've made. You are still family! Be thankful that you have one and maybe try to build that bridge again before you don't have the chance to anymore," I say bitterly before looking away.

"Zana," T says shocked.

She reaches out to touch my shoulder, but I jerk away and leave the knife on the counter before going out the back exit. Sliding down the wall, I sit down on an old crate and put my head in my hands. I try to ignore the tears burning in my eyes and focus on my breathing. I didn't mean to go off on T like that, but I think she needs to re-evaluate some of her choices. A grudge isn't worth a lifetime of regret.

"Zana?" Agnes's soft voice calls out as the door closes behind her.

"Hi Agnes," I say wiping my eyes.

"You really laid into T back there," she says squatting down.

"I'll apologize later," I say quietly.

"No," Agnes says, and I look up at her confused.

"I think T needed to hear that as well, and in that exact tone. You and T get along so well because you are both stubborn and determined women and I wholeheartedly believe that she needed someone to tell her those things in order for them to sink in," Agnes says.

"I still will apologize, I shouldn't have lashed out at her like that and brought my problems into it," I say, and Agnes puts a hand on my knee.

"I'm proud of you Zana," Agnes says softly, and I look at her confused.

"Don't ever let anyone stop you, okay?" She says with tears in her eyes.

"Agnes, what's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing dear, we're just family, that's all," she says smiling.

"Okay?"

"I'll be here all weekend to help you out, I've also called in a few friends and they will also pitch in, I know it's going to be a miserably hot weekend," Agnes says with a roll of her eyes.

"So, no soup?" I ask jokingly and she laughs.

"Let's go back inside," Agnes says.

I start cooking in the kitchen, I open the lone window and fan to try and vent some of the heat, but it quickly reaches almost eighty-five degrees in the kitchen. It is going to be taco night, but the heat from cooking all of the meat is unbearable. Stripping off my sweatshirt, my tank top underneath is soaked as well.

"Gross," I grumble and strip that off, so I am wearing my sports bra.

I start moving all of the ingredients for the taco bar into massive containers and carrying it out to the tables. When everything is finally set out, I collapse onto the floor tired. Agnes comes over and helps keep the line moving for dinner and a few people give me their thanks. Another volunteer hands me an ice-cold water bottle and I down the entire thing.

"Go home Zana, you need to cool down," Agnes says.

"The dishes," I start.

"The other girls and I will help," Agnes says firmly, and I laugh.

"Not having to take dishes duty. You don't have to tell me twice," I say smiling and slowly getting up.

"I think T left early tonight," Agnes says as I grab my clothes from the kitchen.

"Oh?"

"Just so you are aware," Agnes says smiling before I leave.

Walking home, I put my now dry tank top back on and wrap my jacket around my waist and pull my mask on. I walk through various alleyways looking for trouble and wander far past my apartment. I wasn't ready to go home and face T yet. Wandering all the way downtown, I stand in the shadows and watch the traffic as it speeds along. Checking my phone, I see it is almost seven o'clock, rush hour should be winding down soon.

My attention is drawn to a few blocks back where a huge metallic crunching sound draws my attention. Glancing over I see a four-car pile-up, yanking my mask even higher I sprint down the street and see fellow bystanders also jumping into action. Four people climb out of their car a little scratched up. An ear-piercing scream hurts my head and I see a woman trapped. Sliding over I see that the door is bent, and the front end of the car has been completely crushed.

"Help me, please! I can't feel my legs!" She cries out through the broken glass.

"That door is pretty banged up, I don't think it'll open," someone says before taking a double-take at me.

"I might need a hand," I say before kneeling and inspecting the smashed hinge. The door couldn't have just fallen off? That's too easy now, isn't it?

Smashing my fist into the ground twice, my skin hardens a lot. Clearing the glass from the window, I try to keep it from falling on the poor woman.

"I'm going to lean into the car, okay? I need you to remain calm," I say and that's when I notice, she's pregnant.

"Okay," she says shakily.

"Can I have two people ready to grab the door, so it doesn't fall on my feet?" I ask and two guys stand on either side of me.

Focusing on the crystals on my hand, I place it on the smashed corner of the door and force the energy to release in a quick and steady burst. I scream now and they all grip the door with me, and we pull it off of the car now that the hinge has been released. Shaking my hand out, it's fine now.

"Where are the blasted police?" Someone asks and I shake my head, the nearest station is over twenty blocks away.

"Please, I think something is wrong with my baby, I can't get move my lower half, everything is numb," the woman pleads to me.

"If I move you, you might be paralyzed forever," I tell her seriously.

"My baby, please, I don't care, I need to make sure he's safe and I'm losing a lot of blood," she says, and I can see her paling.

"We don't have the jaws of life," one of the men next to me says.

"We don't need it, two on the front of the car. One stays with me and get ready to move her," I say seriously.

"What are you going to do?" The one-man asks as I brace myself.

"I'm going to lift that dash off of her legs and I need you to grab her, I need them to hold the car in place, so I don't just push it forward," I say looking at the spun-out car.

"Can you really do that?" He asks me and I just give him a look, and he gets in position.

Kneeling, I feel the adrenaline pulsing through me, and I force the energy to my legs and my arms, and I start pushing with everything I have. The car rolls slightly before being braced and I reposition myself as I hear the sirens in the background. Pushing again, my arms strain and I know I'm not strong enough. The woman's whimpering drifts through my ears and I feel the skin on my arms and legs slowly starting to harden as I push even harder and then the car starts to give. A noise of pain drifts through my lips as I push the dashboard off of her and hold it as the man pulls the woman out, around me, and cradles her in his arms.

Dropping to my knee's I can barely breathe or see straight. The mask is restricting my oxygen flow right now, but I can't take it off. Running my hands along my arms, I feel the soft crystallization that occurred and try not to think about this development. The police and ambulances start pulling up and the man carefully takes the woman over to them.

"They should really stop calling you Pyrite, and call you Aegis instead," one of the men that helped me says.

"Tell the media that, I won't object," I say standing up.

"Thank you, that was my best friend, the other man was her husband," he says coming over and shaking my hardened hand.

"It's what I do," I say smiling behind my mask.

"Aegis," I muse as I walk away. In modern times the term Aegis oftentimes means protection or support of a person or organization. But in mythology it is attributed to Zeus and Athena, usually representing a goatskin shield. I wouldn't complain about either of those analogies.

"I could get used to that one," I say smiling.