Puppet Under Strings (unOrdinary)

Episode 14

"You didn't hear me out yet."

What was there left to hear? All I see is her in danger of these rogues.

"They didn't attack me. They gave me a deal."

"A deal?"

"Those two Ember people told me what the organization does. They create ability vials to help strengthen low tiers and mid tiers. The vials contain a specific ability from a high tier whose ability has been taken away from them. The killing is only necessary if they fight back and hurt them first. Other than that, they're helping people. They want me on their team." Vanessa explained, beaming. "William, don't you think that's great? Finally, the low tiers and mid tiers don't have to live in fear anymore!"

"But, what about the high tiers...?"

"...what about them?"

"Nessa, no matter what happens, someone's life gets ruined. If you help this evil organization, the high tiers will have to suffer the same way I did. Don't you care that innocent people are dragged into this and getting murdered?"

I tried to convince her this was wrong, but all she did was look at me blankly.

"No." she said flatly. "If anything, they deserve what's coming to them. Maybe getting murdered is what they need. William, I thought you would understand. You lived your whole life as a cripple, but you don't want me to help your kind? Which side are you on?"

She's completely different. Was she always this way? Cold? Aggressive?

"I'm not taking any sides. Come on. It's getting late." I decided to change the subject. 

It's best to just ignore this now. She'll get over it. 

"Promise me you won't accept their deal. Got it? You can't."

"Fine." she responded coldly.

I could tell that she was clearly angry. Her tone was much sharper when she talked about Ember. Could she really be considering their offer?

Calm down. It'll be fine.

Rustle. Rustle.

I slowly opened my eyes to the sound of rustling. What could that be? Maybe it's just a small animal trying to find food? It's 3:00 in the morning though...

Whatever. I get up from my bed and make my way out the house. There's still sounds from outside. I rub my eyes as I open the door.

Huh!?!?

I see Vanessa in black clothing and a mask on. She was trying to make it over our fence and had John dangling in her arms unconscious! What the hell!?

"VANESSA!" I yelled.

She turned around and was shocked to see me standing outside the house.

"William...!"

"What's going on? Why are you taking John with you? Where are you taking him?!" I bombarded her with tons of questions. "What the hell is going on!?"

"I..." she started.

I took a step forward.

But suddenly, she activated her ability and put her fire claws underneath John's chin with a nervous expression. "D-Don't take another step! Or else!"

Why was she acting this way? She doesn't really want to kill John, does she?

"Why are you doing this?" I asked. "I don't understand!"

"Because..." I saw Vanessa's teeth grit. "Because I don't have a choice! He's just a cripple anyway like you! Does it really matter if he dies or not? No! Using a sacrifice is necessary to save thousands of other lives!"

Just a cripple? What is this?

"Vanessa." I spoke, my voice sharp. "Hand him over."

...

"Hah." she grinned. "And what are you going to do, William? Fight me? You're just a cripple. You can't possibly defeat me when you're as weak as you are now."

I was shocked.

"I need him for Ember's experiments and that's all that matters." she said, turning around. She waved and smiled at me. 

"Goodbye, William. It was nice knowing you."

And just like that, she was gone. 

My wife and my beloved son. 

They're both gone.

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