Christian
Christian sighed as he completed his latest dragon drawing and held it up to the light. Studying it, he grinned, then added his signature to the bottom - one good reason for never showing anyone.
Once he'd done that, he slipped the drawing into his folder, and slipped it under the bed. Flavian and Meena were asleep in their small bed, having a midday nap.
"Lunch," Christian murmured, before getting up and heading down to the kitchen.
He didn't notice anyone around, so went to fix himself a sandwich.
Isaac
Isaac had been talking to Miette online. You would have thought that after being in her presnece all weekend it would have been enough.
Apparently not.
He made his own way to the kitchen for lunch and spotted Taylor.
"Hey Tay," he said.
Christian
"Yo," Christian replied, finishing off the sandwich and beginning to eat it.
During which he began to put stuff away.
"Want me to leave things out for you?" he asked, "I'm gonna go outside and eat."
Isaac
"Yes, thanks," Isaac replied.
He than made his own sandwich and followed Christian outside.
"It's a nice sunny day today huh," he observed, sitting on Christians left side. "Hey, Tay, are you wearing makeup?"
Christian
Christian chuckled.
"I think the girl jokes are getting old Ike," he grinned, finishing off the sandwich and dusting the crumbs from his lap.
Then he just sat and stared out at the back yard.
"Even though they only target me now. I wonder why," he rolled his eyes and scratched his head.
Isaac
Isaac stared hard at Christian's cheek.
"I'm not making girl jokes," Isaac replied. "It's just that I can't see your scar."
Christian
"Well, maybe it's faded. I was..." he paused, "it was over a decade ago you know."
What he didn't know was that his face had gone white. He didn't think Taylor's scar was that noticeable... he hadn't even known about it until the echo.
Isaac
"No... I'm sure I've seen it quite clearly during the year," he frowned. "I mean, yeah, it's not very noticable, but if you're looking for it you can always see it. So... if it's not make up, then who are you and what have you done with Taylor?"
Christian
Christian hesitated for a moment with a chuckle.
No one was here. He was alone with the one person he wanted dead. Was this the right time or not?
"I don't know what you're talking about."
He'd bide his time...
Isaac
Isaac put his face almost right up to Christian's cheek and inspected closely.
"Yep, definetly no scar there," he said. "So there are only two possiblities, you found a way to cover it up, or your not Taylor. And considering what happened with MOuse, my money is on the latter."
Christian
Christian frowned. Damn him again. He'd had enough. At least he wouldn't have to play anymore.
With one swift arm movement, Isaac was sent flying across the yard. Christian stood up.
"Took you long enough, didn't it? But you don't have to worry about your little brother anymore. He's dead anyway. Little Mousey left him to burn."
Isaac
Isaac stood up and glowered at Christian.
"You lie!" he accused. "Mouse would never leave Taylor! Who the hell are you?"
He paused.
"Wait... I know who you are... you're the lookalike who was with The Spider, aren't you?"
Christian
"Little Mousey took the wrong person Ike. I hid him away and swapped places before she knew, and by now that room is dust."
He slowly stepped down onto the ground to face him.
"And I know you think so, but the Spider isn't dead. Not to me, and he never will be."
He chuckled suddenly.
"Had you fooled, didn't I? It's almost been a month."
Isaac
Isaac frowned a little.
"Well, I guess impersonating Tay is easier if you have an echo of him in your head," a bitter smiled cross Isaac's face. "I'm beginning to hate those things. First Ashley gets one of Myra, and now you of Taylor."
Christian
"Yeah well, I'm beginning to hate it too," Christian frowned, closing his eyes as he cocked his head slightly.
His eyes shot open again soon after.
"It's annoying when you have to decide between your views of someone and someone else's. Say for instance, the one person I want dead is my echo's loving older brother," he grinned.
Then he took hold of Isaac telekinetically again and threw him backwards further.
Isaac
A sick, crooked smile appeared on Isaac's face.
"A pity for you," he said coldly. "The person who's trying to kill me has been impersonating my brother and is undoubtably responsible for his death - whether he blames Mouse or not."
And on that Isaac reached out with his own telekinesis and threw Christian up against the wall, banging his head repeatedly against the bricks.
Christian
Christian used his atom manipulation to soften the bricks before lifting Isaac from the ground.
Struggling to get a proper hold on him, he began to twist his body, inevitably in the hope of either breaking his neck or his back.
"I've killed too many people in my time to care," he snarled.
Isaac
"I've killed. Twice," Isaac said. "The second time was an accident. The first time... and they were both self defence."
This was just like the challenge with Mary Sue - except this time he was fighting for his life. He concentrated partily on fending off Christian's attack and partily on Christian's lung.
"This is how I killed he first guy..." Isaac said coldly.
Christian
"I know you've killed asshole," Christian sneered, letting go of Isaac and using his telekinesis to steady himself - warding Isaac's power off.
He glared fiercly, trying to decide on his next move.
"I'm guessing the first guy you killed was the hunter, huh? Bastard. He didn't mean to killer her, he wouldn't have if he'd known she was human."
He clenched his fists.
"You had no right to take his life from me. He was one of very few I looked up to in this hell hole of a life. He was an honest man, and it was an accident."
Inside, he was fuming. Isaac was a very strong telekinetic, but he was sure he could match him.
Isaac
Isaac stared at him.
"What kid of demented fruit cake are you? And I'll have you know he knew perfectly well Myra was human. Accused her of fraternising with the enemy and called her the most rude, spitful names he could think of before her shot her, point blank in the head."
Unable to crush Christian's lung, he lifted Christian by his leg which he had left unprotected and prepared to break it.
"I loved Myra!" he yelled. "Don't you dare to tell me he didn't freaking mean it! I'm telling you, five more seconds and I could have saved her! Five more seconds!"
Christian
Christian made him let go of his leg, but using his power only to make sure Isaac couldn't grab him sent him falling to the ground.
He shot to his feet.
"You'll never understand," he sneered, straightening Taylor's shirt.
"You're too busy seeing things from only your point of view. I've seen things from both directions now. You never knew the guy. You never had him care for you on a lonely night. You never had him try to cheer you up when you were suicidal. You'll never understand."
Christian covered his face for a moment and moaned, trying to get his bearings.
Suddenly, he fell to his knees. Taylor's thoughts were overtaking his mind again.
"NO!" he yelled, holding his forehead, his other hand on the ground to steady himself.
Isaac
Isaac didn't know much about Christian, or about echos. But his personal experience with echos told him he should call Tanya and have it removed immediately.
In the meantime, he had to find a way to contain Christian. He knew he was strong, but he was up against another telekinetic and unlike other people, that meant he could counter what he did.
So, who else in the house... ah ha! Zac! But where exactly in the house was he?
"Zac!" he called.
Christian
Christian heard Isaac's call and cringed.
No, no... why of all the times did this have to happen to him now? This would give them the upper hand.
"Leave me alone!" he cried, more to the visions than the Hansons.
He covered his face again. God it made him feel sick. If only Craig were there... he'd make it go away.
Isaac and Zac
Isaac stared at Christian. He guessed the Spider wasn't much better at echos than Avery was.
"You call?" Zac asked, then looked at Christian. "What's wrong with Tay?"
"That's not Taylor. That's an imposter. He's been with us since... since Avery was rescued."
"What?"
"Apparently he's had an echo is his head of Tay so he could impersonate him. We need to get Tanya, but he's telekinetic too."
"I see. Well, I can cryogenically freeze him if he tries to escape."
"Good idea. I'll see if I can contact Tanya," and Isaac ran into the house.
Christian
"No, no, no, no, no..." Christian shook his head, closing his eyes as he covered his ears instead.
Why couldn't he block it out? His mind was meant to be the stronger one after all. His best guess was that it was because Craig wasn't there to control it anymore. Would he be stuck with this for life?
He heard someone say Tanya's name. Well... even if she hated him she could at least get this... this echo out. Everyone said how she was so trustworthy.
Christian fell over onto his back and held his breath, just waiting for it to calm down so he could regain control.
Zac, Isaac and Tanya
Zac watched Christian curiously. Well, he sure wasn't doing much to get away. He wondered what was going through his head.
Meanwhile, Isaac was on the phone.
"Yo?"
"Uhh, is this Tanya?"
"Yes, who's this?"
"Isaac. Isaac Hanson."
"Oh, hi Isaac, what can I do for you?"
"Well..." Isaac quickly explained the situation.
"That be right. And just when I'm busy," Tanya sighed. "Is it bad?"
Isaac looked out the window.
"I'd say so... not like Ashley though."
"Hmm... okay. I'll have to get someone to 'mind the shop' for me, and then I'll be on my way as soon as I find a teleporter, okay?"
"Okay, thanks."
"No problem."
Isaac rejoined Christian and Zac.
"Well?" Zac asked.
"She's getting here as soon as possible."
Christian
Christian heard them as the visions eased. Tanya was on her way. Well, that was good as well as bad. At least she'd be able to get these damn things out of his head.
He took a deep breath before opening his eyes and laying his hands on his chest. He knew Zac and Isaac were watching him, he didn't have to look.
He just hoped they realized he wasn't dumb enough to run when there was a temperature manipulator and a telekinetic watching him like vultures.
Isaac, Zac and Tanya
Tanya managed to arrive sooner than she expected.
"Oh thank goodness you're here," Isaac said.
"Where is he?"
"Right this way."
Isaac led Tanya to where Christian was lying on the ground.
"Christian!" Tanya said in surprise. "Didn't expect to see you here. But then, I suppose there isn't anyone else who looks that much like Taylor."
She knelt down beside him and concentrated for a moment. Then she sighed with annoyance.
"Can you do anything?" Zac asked.
"Yes, but Craig gave him a shield. It's going to take me a bit to get through. Please be quiet, you two. I can't afford any distractions. And you, Christian, try to relax."
Christian
Christian flinched slightly, but nodded. Of course he trusted her, even Craig did.
"Thank you, Tanya," he murmured, closing his eyes.
The visions had given him a headache that time.
"Just get it out... please."
Tanya, Zac and Isaac
"It'll be my pleasure," Tanya replied.
She closed her eyes and concentrated. She saw the bubble that made up his shield. She probed it, looking for a weakness... yes... there it was. She worked against it, wearing it thin... at last it broke.
Taking a breathe she began the second phase. Finding and removing the echo. She dove inside, searching. She winced when she saw the damage that it had begun to do to him - nowhere as near as bad as Ashley though. Had she not been so busy concentrating she would have sighed in disgust. She hated it when people started creating echos before they were properly trained in the skill. It was an extremely fine art and not to be performed by amatures!
Ah ha! There it was. She winced again. Removing it would be more delicate than she expected - unless she wanted to do Christian some real damage. She pulled out and took a breath.
"I swear," she muttered, "if he weren't already dead, I'd kill him myself. Stupid moron."
Tanya took a breath and then noticed Zac and Isaac watching still.
"Removing the echo is going to be harder than I expected," she told them, "but there's nothing to worry about."
At least, nothing for them to worry about.
Again she concentrated, but this time she made a Rakarri Nakigo. This instrument was much like a Rakarri Maligo only it's purpose was different. The former was for preventing damage while the latter was for repairing damage.
She grasped the Rakarri Nakigo in her mind and in her hand and then dove back into Christian's head. Carefully she seeked out the echo again. She used the Rakarri Nakigo to keep the pieces of Christian's mind together while she picked out the echo.
"She's been there awhile," Zac murmered softly to Isaac.
Isaca just shook his head. He didn't know what to say.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Tanya let out a loud gasp and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She caused the Rakarri Nakigo and the echo to disapate and turned back to Christian.
"Christian?" she asked.
Christian
Christian moaned a little and put a hand on his forehead.
It was gone.
He sat up slowly, feeling a little dizzy, and glanced at her gratefully.
"Thanks. Thanks again," he said softly.
He lifted his knees so he was in a sitting position and rubbed his eyes.
"What... what happened? Why did I keep seeing things?" he asked, confused.
Tanya, Isaac and Zac
"The problem with echos," Tanya said, "is that if they are created by people not properly trained they can cause damage. They can only be put in particular parts of the mind and they must be properly created in the first place. If anything is out, even by the tiniest measurement, it can cause a lot of damage. A lot of damage. Fortunately the damage it did you was minimal. I'll go back in a bit later and repair what there is. You're very lucky, Christian, the damage is repairable. Craig must have had some training in echos, but he's still an idiot. I wouldn't suggest using your powers for at least 24 hours after I've made the repairs though."
She sighed and then yawned.
"Oh sorry guys, been doing a fair bit of telepathic work before hand, and now all this. Is there somewhere I can have a sleep for a while?"
"Sure," Zac said. "Come with me."
Tanya followed Zac inside and Isaac turned to Christian.
"So," he said. "Christian, is it?"
Christian
"To anyone I give a damn about, yeah," Christian mumbled, not looking at him.
He was annoyed enough about not killing Isaac straight away, and now he couldn't use his power. Damn it all. Craig wasn't an idiot.
"But hey, you lost a brother and I lost a father. You lost a girlfriend and I lost an idol."
He leant his chin on his arms thoughtfully.
"Craig wasn't an idiot," he sniffed a little, "he was the closest thing I had to family after..."
He shook his head, willing the thought away.
Isaac
Isaac paused for a moment, then held out his hand.
"Looks like we both lost people we cared about," he said, "but that's no reason to take it out on each other. Truce?"
Christian
Christian stared at Isaac's hand for a long time.
Finally, he reached out a shaking hand and shook it.
"Ok," he agreed, "but as soon as Tanya gets me fixed I'm out of here. I don't need Taylor's death on my shoulders. Even though that Steel guy says he's alive. Crazy lunatic."
He stood up and brushed himself off.
Isaac
"Fair enough," Isaac replied. "Probably better for you that way, anyway. Mom and Dad will not be pleased."
He bit his lip and sat down.
"You... you sure Taylor's gone? For real?"
Christian
Christian shrugged.
"The fire was unexpected. I moved him into an unnoticeable room before we switched places. His only hope was if Craig found him and moved him. But apparently Craig's dead."
He took a shaky breath.
"As much as I hate to say it. But if Craig did move him, either someone else has got him or he might have died of dehydration or something by now. It's been a long time you know."
He scratched his neck uncomfortably. He knew Taylor wasn't a bad guy, from what he'd heard. The only thing he had against him was what Steel had been telling him.
Isaac and Zac
Isaac nodded and gulped.
"Well, Tanya says he died. So I guess Tay is gone. Oh man..."
Zac reappared then, took one look at Isaac and asked:
"Ike? What is it?"
"Taylor's dead."
"What?" he turned to Christian and glared. "You. You killed him!"
Zac lunged at Christian.
Christian
Knowing he couldn't use his power, Christian ducked away.
"I didn't kill him for Christ's sake!" he exclaimed, "it's not my fault the fire started, ok?! It's not my fault Craig was killed before he could get him out - which he would have done."
He glared at Zac fiercely.
"Just be thankful he's the only one you lost."
Zac and Isaac
Zac looked at Isaac.
"It's true," Isaac said dolefully.
Zac gave Christian an untrusting look.
"I'm gonna asked Tanya about that when she wakes up."
Christian
Christian rolled his eyes and turned away from them.
"Fine. She's trustworthy."
He leant against one of the poles holding the veranda up, and just stared off into space. It was good while it lasted. Belonging somewhere.
With another sniff he scratched his forehead, then turned to them.
"Uh... I have Taylor's pager. Beep me when she's ready. I... need to go for a walk."
He headed down the steps. He stopped at the bottom and turned back to them.
"Say sorry to Mouse. Tell her the truth."
Zac and Isaac
Zac looked at Isaac.
"Y'know what Ike?"
"What?"
"If we tell Mouse, I bet Fafnir will rip out his throat."
Isaac laughed.
Christian
"I really detest that wolf," Christian frowned.
He looked around for a moment thoughtfully.
"I'm not sure about that though," he chuckled a little, "didn't exactly rip my throat out when they caught me sleeping with Tanya... which you wouldn't have known about of course."
He looked up at Zac, then Isaac, deciding he should probably leave while he had the chance.
"I'm gone," he said finally, before jumping the gate and heading down the road.
Tanya and Isaac
An hour or so later, Tanya woke from her nap and went looking for Christian. She found Isaac instead.
"Where's Christian?" she asked.
"Out. He said to paged him when you were ready."
"Okay, well, can you page him now please?"
"Sure."
"And would you mind if I helped myself to a cup of tea?"
"Go right ahead."
Isaac paged Christian.
Christian
Christian was almost dozing off in the middle of an empty park when Taylor's pager started beeping.
Shooting up in surprise, he rolled his eyes when he realized what it was.
"Ok," he murmured, putting it away.
He stood and made his way back to the Hanson house. Instead of entering as he normally would as Taylor, he decided to actually knock first.
Isaac and Tanya
Isaac answered the door and saw Christian standing there.
"Come in, Tanya's waiting for you."
He walked into the louge room, figuring Christian was behind him. Tanya looked up as he entered the room and put down her cup of tea.
Christian
"I'm back," Christian said as he came through the doorway.
He stopped and scratched his head.
"I uh, I hope we can get this over with. I really need to get out of here," he raised his eyebrows hopefully.
Tanya
Tanya raised an eyebrow.
"And just where do you think you're going to go?" She asked. "Impersonating someone else - it's called fraud, my friend. And you're going to have to answer for that, just like everyone else. Now, sit. I have damage to repair."
Christian
Christian groaned frustratedly.
He collapsed down onto a wooden chair in front of her, avoiding eye contact. Then he chuckled.
"Doesn't matter anyway," he began with a shrug, "with Craig gone my life has no direction. So it doesn't matter if I have to do time or anything."
He soon fell silent, waiting for Tanya's ok.
Tanya
The damgage in Christian's mind wasn't so bad that Tanya needed one of her telepathic instruments for it. Her own telepathic abilities would suffice. She smoothed out the wrinkles and rejoined the slight cuts and at last she pulled out.
"Remember," she said. "No powers for twenty-four hours."
Then she smiled.
"You know what? I always thought it would take Craig's death before you would get a hold of your own life. Like a little puppy dog you are. And now a sad one because your masters gone. Well, I think it's time for you to grow up, Christian Thomas."
Christian
Christian rolled his eyes.
"Well I managed to hunt down Isaac here by myself... just needed Craig to..." he hesitated, trying not to get himself in even more trouble.
He didn't have to mention Dustin, or he'd be down for murder as well. Knowing Tanya would most likely pick up on it, he quickly wiped the thought from his mind.
"Am I done or what? I need to get out of this house."
Tanya and Isaac
Tanya sighed and nodded her head.
"Go on. Run amuck. Oh, and when you're ready to join alien society I'll take the block off."
"Block?" asked Isaac. "Isn't telling him not to use his power fro 24 hours enough?"
"I have been given authority by the YIRAAS council to impliment certain punishments for certain crimes. This is under my jurisdiction. It's very simple, Christian. You cannot use your powers until either I remove it or after it disintegrates after six months. No real harm was done, so that's why I'm allowing you to leave freely, with only this in place. I'm sorry Christian."
Christian
Christian raised his eyebrows as he stood abruptly.
"I'll be with it for six months then, cos I can't join. You know the rule. The YIRAAS won't let any hunter in even if they don't continue it."
He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair.
"I... I have to set myself up. Hopefully they'll send me to jail or something."
Tanya and Isaac
"They do make exceptions, you know," Tanya replied quietly. "It's not largely publisised, though. There are certain... conditions that must be fulfilled, but I happened to know that you could fullfill them, if you're up to it."
"They have exceptions?" Isaac asked in surprise.
"Sometimes there are exceptional circumstances. Having your parents killed and being brought up by a known criminal is one. After all, it's hardly Christian's fault he was misled as a child."
Christian
Christian glared.
"I'll have you know Craig never directioned my beliefs. He respected my views. If I said I wanted something he'd get it no problem."
He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, trying to block out his thoughts of Craig. He had to get over him sometime, and maybe blocking him out would work.
"But I doubt they'd accept me in YIRAAS anyway. Not that I even want in."
Tanya and Isaac
Tanya looked disappointed.
"The offer won't always be open to you, Christian," she warned softly. "Sooner or later you're going to become the criminal Craig is labeled. And then there will be no turning back."
She reached over, took his hand and squeezed it.
"I don't want to see that happen to you. You're a good kid, really, even though it may not seem that way to others. And I think you could really enjoy yourself."
"He tried to kill me, and he's impersonated my brother, and you still call him a 'good kid'?" Isaac said increduously.
Tanya smiled.
"Considering the time I've spent with Christian, I almost feel like he's the son I never had," she replied. "Of course, considering he thinks of Craig as his father... well, let's not go there! Besides, I know what goes on in his head. Just like I know what goes on in yours. Speaking of which..."
There was silence for a moment.
"What?" Isaac asked.
"I've given you a block. And considering I'm a master nothing is going to get past it. What with all the attempts on your life and everything, I have a feeling you're going to need it," she turned back to Christian. "You can go, but think about it, okay? You know how to contact me if you change your mind."
Christian
"But I'm not a 'good' person," Christian shook his head, looking into Tanya's eyes, "you know that, you know what I've done. There's nothing I can do to reverse that, and that's the road my life is headed down."
He glanced at Isaac and Zac, then hastily took his hand from Tanya's.
"I... I don't have anywhere to go. Craig's gone, and I..." he shook his head, determined not to cry in front of them.
"I'm gone."
And he headed for the front door.
Tanya
Tanya shook her head in dismay.
"I guess some people are not capable of seeing who they really are. It's funny how people so easily forget the good they've done or that's been done to them."
She stood up, and then smiled.
"Maybe I should arrange a meeting between Christian and Tate," she chuckled. "I think I'd like to see the result of that!"
Christian
Christian headed off down the street with nothing besides the clothes he was wearing, some change in his pocket, and his power disabled.
He groaned at the thought.
He made his way back to the park he'd been on before and found the bench he'd almost fallen asleep on. Laying down, he closed his eyes, and eventually drifted off to sleep.