Defrost my Heart Part Nineteen: Plans Gone Bad!

Lord Goldenheart:

Lady Nitro signed the discharge papers for me, her kind eyes flitting back at me. What was going through that wild mind of hers? Fussing with her mask, the braids were a new hairstyle. Signing the last line, she spun on her heels. Placing her hands on her hips, hope could almost be seen in the distance. Jamming a bracelet onto my wrist, the gold matched my usual golden suit. A needle slid a tracking bug into my skin, a series of curse words flooding from my lips. Don't freak out, anything is better than death. Anything is better than death, I kept repeating to myself.

“As much as I want to trust you, tracking you is the best solution.” She reasoned with me honestly, my sympathetic smile shutting down her concern. A tracking bug would beat jail time any day, her gloved hand patting my shoulder. Something was so comforting about it, people glaring in my direction. Shutting them down with an icy death glare, icy chills shot up my spine. Damn, she could be frightening if messed with.

“We are investigating your sister’s death today and after that you are going to say goodbye before I perform an autopsy. “ She informed me with her own amount of sympathy in her eyes, a frozen tear shattering inches from her boot. “If I had my way, she would be in jail where you would be able to visit her. Not the way I would have preferred to have seen her pass in my opinion. What do I know?” Chewing on my lips, the upper levels had a tendency to keep me on the outside.

“Not to rain on your parade but I don’t know anything. Flying monkey was basically my job.” I admitted with a scoff, a blunt okay slipping off her tongue. “Did you find something? Sorry for almost killing you, a lot.” Patting my shoulder again, a folder captured my attention. Imagining a proud grin underneath her grin, the cocked brow certainly suggested something mischievous. Such a smile from my sister would lead to hours of abuse from my sister, a quiet fear haunting my eyes. Shivering in my spot for a moment, Nitro picked up on it. Flipping through the options in her head, the way she thought always seemed to be concise and what people needed to hear.

“Time for you to tap into those criminal instincts. We are breaking into a guarded facility underneath Mr. Kent’s control. The poison on the badge was a very peculiar one.” She pointed out simply, regret mixing with guilt poorly in her eyes. Perhaps she was trying to fix a mistake, my sister dying by the choice of her own actions. Exhaustion showed in the bags under her eyes, a clear sign of trauma showing in the slight tremor in her hands. God, I was a fucking monster. Yet, compassion was all she was giving to me. How could she set all of that aside like it didn't matter?

“Get out of your head. I designed the security system. Yearly checkups grant me more access than anyone. Luck happens to be on my side. You coming along shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, the distraction should prove a greater asset.” She continued while forming discs of ice underneath her boots, something familiar glinting in her palms. “I believe these are yours.” Pressing my brass knuckles into my palms, images of me stabbing her raced through my mind. Flinching instinctively, the twinkle in her eyes did little to comfort me.

“When we get back, consider a new pair made. Materials will be better and maybe work better with your mind.” She suggested in an attempt to soothe my cracking composure. “Bonus, no blood on them. If you catch my drift, my dear.” Swallowing the lump in my throat, the offer really was too kind from the person I nearly murdered, Grimacing in her direction, flashes of cameras blinded me. Her hand hovered in front of my face, a bit of ice travelling up her leg. Accepting it with ease, panic rounded my eyes upon us skating away. Moods shifted, people waving to her. Regular people adored her, simple tasks keeping them together. Skidding to a smooth stop in front of an all glass skyscraper building, a less than obvious tremor claimed her hand. Clearing her throat, a brunette secretary flew into a frenzy upon her sauntering in with me. Holding her head high, a thin layer of ice spread out over the desk the second her palm met the smooth black surface.

“Time for me to check up on that security system.” She chirped cheerfully, the secretary beginning to make a few calls. “Don’t bother calling your boss. I happen to believe he is in a meeting with Master Elements.” Scanning the schedule next to her, a disgusted scoff confirmed the schedule. Grinning underneath her father’s mask, the subtle collusion wouldn’t be clear to the naked eye. Sliding over a key with disdain, a cold thank you escaped her lips. Making her way through the halls, a door reading security towered over me.

“Is it always this icy?” I inquired shakily, a bitter no hitting my ears. Letting herself in, a complicated system had my jaw dropping. Plopping into the empty chair, clicks echoed in the air. Typing a certain date, the screens flashed faster than I could track them. Stopping on a certain screen, money was exchanged between a hooded figure and President Kent. Brandishing a USB drive, a couple of clicks copied itself onto it. Pulling it out when it was done, a few more swift movements erased what she had stolen. Tucking it into the hidden compartment of her boot, the door getting ripped open didn’t alarm her. Pretending to check on the system underneath the desk, the impatient secretary knocked on the desk.

“Hurry up!” She demanded hotly, Nitro poking her head out. “God, you are stupid. Whatever. Just finish up!” Stomping out, Nitro popped to her feet. Clicking over to the main board, something had been messed with. Undoing the damage, the humming was deafening. Walking out without saying anything, the struggle to keep up proved to be a real challenge. Throwing the secretary the key, a steady stream of curse words cascaded from her lips on the way out. Fuming visibly, discs of ice formed underneath her boots. Hopping on without an order, cool air lashed at my cheeks. Skating straight into the bad side of town, her temper flared hotter and hotter. Skidding to a rough stop in front of a hole in the wall, her arm prevented my face from hitting the cracked pavement. Marching in, the thumping music slowed to a stop.

“Where the hell is Omnivox!” She barked venomously, hands raising in the air. A click did little to shake off her determination, her fingers curling around the muzzle of a sleek rifle. Freezing it to the point of breaking, one clench shattered it. Elbowing a seedy looking fellow, his neon green spiky hair wiggled a single centimeter the moment she slammed him in the graffiti covered floor. Milky eyes contrasted the ripped leather suit, his constant pardons coming up in my notices.

“I may not be able to put your ass into jail but you are going to tell me why you poisoned his sister!” She interrogated him intensely, her chest rising up and down. “Kent seems to have a soft spot for you but something is going on. You can’t be enjoying this freaking deal you have going on. How the hell did he blind you?” The sharp contrast of her soft tone with her last statement bewildered the growing crowd, an agreement could be made. Removing her boot, Omnivox rose to his feet. Checking him over for wounds, the gentle mother side of her showed up. Apologizing sincerely, the poor fellow didn't know what to do for a moment. His actions weren't wrong, ticks of a clock swallowing the silence.

“Didn’t listen that one time.” He answered her honestly, his arms folding across his chest. “I didn’t sell him the poison. I don’t make that shit. Would you like me to direct you to the fucker?” Filling up the crater with ice, any damage had been repaired. Snapping his fingers for a piece of paper and pen, a few scribbles later had us on our way. Crunching through the streets, dejection loomed on her features. Massaging her forehead, a scream sent us crashing in the opposite direction. Our next informant lay in a growing pool of ruby, ice building on her arm. A fiery arrow struck the person in the heart, intense flames claiming their body. Hitting their body with ice, nothing seemed to work. Calling for help, none of it came. Another arrow whistled in her direction, a choice had to be made. Shoving on my brass knuckles, the spikes enlarged. Swinging my right fist to block it, the arrow clattered to her feet. Apologizing to everyone around her, understanding smiles met her bow. Leaping over my fist, her boots splashed towards the abandoned warehouse. Shouting out the word cover me, my boss had spoken. Nipping at her heels, releases of my spikes blocked arrow after arrow from getting to her. Curious at the lack of ice, a small cut intrigued me. Did one of the arrows bear a poison? Stumbling to a stop, her tears lacked a certain iciness. Swaying back and forth, my arms caught her. The culprit escaped, Nitro needing help now. Switching gears, the hospital was too far from her. Removing her mask, a clammy sweat drenched her skin. No, not under my watch. What would her father do to me? How would the rest of the team treat me? Forget all of that, her aid came first. Everyone could murder me in my sleep for all I cared!

“Go after the person who struck me.” She wheezed, her hand clutching at her chest. “Please?” Shaking my head, there was one place to go. Crashing back into Omnivox’s club, one ragged breath was all he needed. Waving me into the back, Master Elements skated past me with a medical bag. Refusing to look at me, pure fury radiated off of him. Mentally preparing myself for jail time, freedom had been a sweet treat. Kicking me out of the room, Demonico spun up to me in his suit. Playing with his horns, a bagged sandwich dangled in his hand.

“Are you hungry? You two have been gone all day.” He queried innocently, another wave causing the bag to dance around. “Go on. Take it.” Accepting it graciously, a pregnant pause hung between us. Scratching the back of his neck, a gentle smile lingered on his lips. Unsure of what to say, villains beat on each other. Emotional abuse proved to be as common as the physical, not one moment of serenity ever existed. Shaking off the distrust, this kid meant well.

“Not sure what went down in the league of villains but you are incredibly safe with Lady Nitro. Master Elements might want to murder you for what you did.” He chatted freely, his hand falling to his hip. “What do I know? Give him time and prove yourself. If she is warming up, some sort of saltwater is in her system. There is some sort of blood transfer going on behind those doors. She boils from within. Nasty stuff, and all that jazz. Please eat.” Opening up the bag, the ham and cheese sandwich tasted like heaven. Silent tears stained my cheeks, so many acts of kindness breaking me. Sliding down the wall, my older sister never came this close. Bowing my head in shame, real men didn’t behave like this. Plopping down next to me, his words went in one ear and out the other. Hours ticked by impossibly slow, a pale Master Elements sinking to his knees in front of me.

“Thank you for bringing her here.” He thanked me profusely, his frozen tears shattering at my boots. “Sorry for your sister’s death. She would be so proud of you.” Touched by his words, his gloved hand patted my boots. Little did he know, they bore no truth. In fact, many nights were spent with me being her damn punching bag. Demonico whispered the current situation into my ears, his emotional response making sense. Comforting him with my own condolences, a basic level of respect was reached between us.

“Would you join her team?” He asked bluntly, shock widening my eyes. “Demonico wouldn’t mind the help, right?” Shooting me a thumbs up, the go ahead motion wasn’t helping. Sensing how desperate he was to keep his only kid alive, the sins of my sister weighed me down. Maybe it was time for me to do the right thing.

“Why not? Growth seems possible under her wing.” I returned earnestly, a bit of light returning to his eyes. “Don’t worry. I will lay my life for her. After all, the sins of my sister fall on me.” Mumbling out a broken no, his kind eyes met mine. A few more frozen tears gathered on his lap, his hands clasping together.

“No, you don’t need to do that.” He shot back softly, depression lining every word. “Her sins are her own. Work on lifting your own soul, please. Excuse me. We should probably head back.” Pulling himself to his feet, his dress shoes clicked away. A flash of white was the last thing I saw, his pristine Victorian suit blending into her white outfit as he rushed past us. Demonico popped to his feet with a grunt, his hand hanging out around my face. Curling my fingers around his cautiously, one yank had me on my heels. Following him out to a sleek black car, the door slamming shut blew my hair back. A slumbering Nitro shivered on the lap of her father, a constant flow of ice keeping her core cooler. Snapping on the radio to keep his nerves at bay, Demonico nudged my shoulders, his cool eyes capturing my attention.

“Welcome to the team.” He sang gleefully, something telling me that he wasn’t always in such a good mental place. “Hooray! The tasks can be shared now. That means more date nights.” Curiosity had peaked within my mind, excitement twinkling in his eyes. Babbling about his boyfriend, the ordinary conversation saved me from spiraling into a dark mental prison. Adding to the conversation when I could, a few laughs actually tumbled from my lips. Pulling up to the skyscraper that I was going to call home, Demonico flew out of the car. Climbing out with Master Elements, his arm held Nitro. Pushing the button with a B, an apologetic expression haunted his draining features. Ding after ding unsettled my heart, the corner of my lips twitching. Creaking preceded the door opening, a click of a light switch revealing a morgue. Laying Nitro down on the leather couch, his slender fingers tied the mask back over her mouth. Approaching a body drawer with slow deliberate steps, the lock opening echoed around us. Opening the door, clicks and groans brought my sister into the light. Memories of abuse clouded the few good memories, a quiet fear coming over me. Dragging the closest chair up to her, his palms pressed together.

“Listen up, big man upstairs. She may have lost her way but I want to have a second damn chance. Someone took her son. Sorry the pain darkened her path.” He prayed warmly, his fingers untying his mask to reveal an honest but sad smile. “My daughter granted her mercy when I couldn’t. Hell, Nitro will always be better than me.” Unable to feel anything for my abuser, guilt sunk her venom into my heart. Dark memories of the abuse played out in my head, every breath growing shallower. Clutching my chest, a clammy sweat glistened to life. Stumbling back, a gloved hand snatched my wrist.

“Don’t stay here if you don’t want to.” Nitro’s raspy voice spoke tiredly, our eyes meeting for the millionth time. “Abusers break us in ways most don’t know. Hop into that elevator and get some snacks ready. Pick a movie. I don’t care what it is. Count on me being right up. My muscles are far too weak to do an autopsy. Besides, I think he could use more time.” Swinging her feet over the edge of the couch, her body lurched a bit. Catching her before she hit the floor, a bonded trust connected us. Carrying her into the elevator, her slender finger hit the star button. Ding after ding granted us welcome relief, the door groaning open. A crowd of people waited for her, a smile returning to her eyes. Shutting down their concern with a couple of waves, Emberox scooped her up. Smothering her up in feverish kisses, her giggles twinkled in the air. Gathering in the living room, everyone turned to face me. Tossing me a pile of movies, the inclusion sure felt nice. Selecting a family movie for the kids, approval could be seen across the sea of faces. Moving aside for a spot, the elevator door opening announced Master Element’s presence. Sinking into his spot, a long sigh drew from his lips. Cuddling with his grandchildren to stabilize his mood, life returned to his cheeks. Emberox plopped down next to Elements with Nitro on his lap, someone beginning the movie. Demonico patted the spot next to him, the others waving me over. Sitting down gingerly, none of them cared about my past. Sinking into the warmth of it all, life could really look up. Grant me the light to cast the shadows out of my life.