Dracosapiens: The Birth of Half Breeds, Chapter 18 Part 2

There was a short pause where Sarah's father tried to regain his bearings. “Violette?” he asked, thinking he had misheard. “Don't you mean Ella?”1

Kyle shook his head infinitesimally. “No, I mean Violette. As far as the rest of the world knows, they are two, completely unrelated individuals. Ella and I intend to play on that.”2

“And how exactly do you plan on pulling off such a thing?” he demanded skeptically. “What's to say you won't get caught?”3

“He's a genius, Mr. Moore,” I sighed. “Don't even bother asking. It's just gonna give you a headache.” Sarah's father appraised my advice at face value and fell silent. Smart man, every time I'd brought up the exact same scenario, somebody would smack me down, lecturing me about negativity.4

Kyle walked briskly through the crowds, still grinning from ear to ear by the time he had reached the exit. There was a reason why he was playing with his phone so much, Kyle's powers had swelled over the past few days. He could talk to electronic devices, control and manipulate them to his will and was still practicing with his handle over metal. It was only natural that technology would befriend him first, he was such a nerd. But some of the conversations he had with the televisions, well, bizarre just didn't cover it. Each model had their own personality, and Kyle's being one of the older designs, sounded strangely like a veteran.5

“Turn down that wretched volume, you hippie,” it had said to his sister yesterday. “That blasted rock and or roll music hurts my speakers.” Then it started begging Kyle to put on some of his classical crap – I left shortly after. Kyle's taste in music didn't match his age at all. Perhaps that was why 'Grandpa Telly' liked him so much.6

Now Alex's power on the other hand, wasn't so much weird as it was disturbing. Not only could she control electricity, create her own out of thin air and electrocute people, she could also duplicate her body, and anyone else's when she focused on it - her doubles had snuck up and ambushed me eight times already and my patience for it was wearing thin. We hadn't seen Alexis transform into a Dracosapien yet, but being the last person to do so, that meant her power colour would have to be yellow. Ella already had big plans for her power, starting with today. Ella intended to broadcast her own eulogy as Violette, whilst Alexis created a double of her to be clearly identified to surrounding witnesses. If all of Sarah's friends were present and accounted for, then they could hardly be suspected as other members. So when we finally introduced our newcomers to the people, her duplicity power would 'accidentally' forget to be mentioned. In their eyes it was the perfect plan, but in my case, it was yet to be seen.7

So although I didn't agree with Ella's methods, here I was, going along with it anyway and waiting for the cookie to finally crumble. My stomach growled in longing at the word cookie and I pulled a bag of liquorice from my pocket. One had to be prepared.8

I forced myself to stay calm and glance inconspicuously down at my watch. Almost everybody had left the graveyard, heading for their cars, and Ella was seriously running out of time. I bit down on my liquorice straps hard, focusing all of my panic on the innocent piece of candy. If she missed her opening, the whole plan would give way beneath us. We'd be found out for sure.9

“Oh wow guys, look at this!” My head snapped around to see a tiny Kyle, jumping up and down on the sidewalk and poking drivers rudely in the back. Talk about amateur acting skills! He was waving his phone into the air like an utter moron, electronic screen flashing wildly in the sun. His words alone seemed to catch everyone by surprise, he had never sounded so...normal. All part of the plan of course and my less than subtle cue to help him out. 10

About a dozen mourners - the ones who hadn't already driven off - turned to see what all of the fuss was about and started walked hesitantly over to where he was standing. I could barely make him out now through the gate, he was so far off and people kept walking in front of him. I hastened my step, just like I was told to, in order to 'see what was going on.'11

“Yo, Kyle! What is it?” I pushed my way through the crowds to reach him in the epicenter. He tossed me a quick smirk and resumed his role.12

“It's Violette!” he answered in falsified awe, waving the screen around for all to see. “And she's talking about Sarah!”13

“Oh, no way,” I replied, trying to sound incredulous. “Turn it up then, so we can hear.” Sarah's parents stepped forward looking from both me to Kyle with nothing short of devastated expressions. I winked at them to show it was all part of the performance; Mrs. Moore just gaped and sputtered.14

“People of Earth,” said the screen Violette dramatically. “This is a global message, made possible by two of our newest members. Do not be alarmed if your television, radio or cell phone has immediately changed to my viewing. They control both electricity and technology and are, as we speak, using their powers to show the world the true identity of a young teenage girl that was recently killed in Sheridan.” The mourners around us, pushed and shoved, eager to get a better view of the screen. As soon as Ella, or rather Violette, had mentioned “a young teenage girl in Sheridan” at least five or six people gasped in astonishment. Kyle wasn't just leading them on, he was telling the truth! Mrs. Moore's eyes filled with tears as, for the first time in days, she actually, truly smiled. And nothing could make my friends and I any happier.15

I had to hand it to Kyle, his face didn't show any of the strain he must be feeling right now. He and Alexis had it pretty rough at the moment. Alexis had to use her skills to force open every possible channel, both visual and audio, so that Kyle could contact every piece of electronic equipment in the area to screen Violette's message. He then ordered each device to pass the message on, through all of the electrical passages his sister had opened so that in less than a minute, the entire population was tuning in. Whether they liked it or not.16

“I am talking of course,” continued screen Violette, “about a Miss Sarah Moore, the God of Stealth or as you tend to refer to her as, Whoudini.” Several eyes widened in the group. I could almost see the cogs beginning to whir away in their heads. There was only one person that went by that name in this day and age, and that female, wasn't a person at all.17

“Now I know what you must be thinking,” she added. “How could such a young girl hide her true identity, a Dracosapien, from the rest of the world? Well, I ask myself that question everyday. Not even her own friends and family knew the truth about her, that is the cross that each of is forced to bear. A life of solitude...a life of secrets.” I was amazed. Ella was such a good liar, every single person here seemed to be hanging on her every word...almost as if she was a God.18

Do you really need it pointed out, Tyson? Greg asked in exasperation. She is a G.O.D!19

Not that kind of G.O.D, I hissed back. Be quiet so that I can listen!20

Ha! Listen? Well isn't that a first? he mumbled.21

It hit me then, and I had to fight hard to repress a smile. If Violette told everyone that not even her friends or family knew the truth, there was no way that we could be implicated with prior knowledge. It was all based on trust and Violette had never lied to the people before, so how could they not believe her now? Of course, this was going to have repercussions. For instance, we were all likely to be interviewed about our reactions, Sarah's parents also. But Luke, thanks to all of his 'connections' and money, had already booked a private cabin well out of town where they could take it easy for a couple of weeks – at least until everything had settled. 22

I hated Luke, knowing that this time, he was a lot more help than I. The only thing I'd be good for in this situation is transporting Sarah's parents and their belongings to the location. It seems I'd be playing delivery boy yet again.23

Honestly, if it wasn't for the Channel Nine News, I wouldn't have even heard of Luke's mentor. It was rare that other people got so much as a mention compared to the Dracosapiens, which was the only reason I retained it. Nothing was more satisfying now-a-days than watching footage of yourself catching the bad guys and saving the day. 24

Which is exactly what Yasmine and Kyle are trying to do for your friend, said Greg. Give them a chance, this girl deserves some credit. Have some faith in Ella okay? She knows what she's doing.25

Says you!26

No, says the King. If he believes this plan will work, then it will. She has evidently thought it through. So just behave yourself for a change.27

What are you? My baby sitter?28

“Sarah's death was sudden,” Violette sighed, snapping me from my foul mood. “When I heard the news, I simply could not believe it. Sarah was far too young to die, but as it slowly occurred to me, I have realized that she indeed lived life to the fullest. So in my eyes, nothing was really lost.” Sarah's mother, tears still pouring from her eyes, hugged her husband, if possible, even tighter; and he too was smiling. 29

When Violette finally spoke again, her voice was dark and reproachful. “Nobody is to be blamed for this tragedy, I will not tolerate it, so I warn you now to be very careful as to where you prod and poke your cameras.” This, I didn't understand. Nobody was to be blamed? Was she trying to tell me this discreetly? That it wasn't my fault?30

No, I don't think that's it at all, Greg whispered quickly. Imagine what kind of hell the driver that hit Sarah would be put through if the world held him responsible for killing a Dracosapien? - a global icon! The poor man wouldn't stand a chance. Ella, I believe, is trying to give him some piece of mind, not to mention warning the press to stay away.31

I frowned. In all this time, my thoughts had not once wandered in the direction of the driver. How much pain he must be going through...the nightmares...I was grateful that Ella held no grudge.32

“I warn you now,” Violette growled through the speakers. “I will not tolerate blame. Sarah's death was an accident, and whilst unfair, could not be helped. By anyone.” Several heads bobbed up and down in agreement, as if Ella were here right now, demanding their promise of privacy and respect.33

“She sure has a way with words, doesn't she?” Kyle whispered into my ear. “It's hard to disobey. Look at all of the people around us, for example.” I smiled, having already looked but a moment ago. Ella was somehow, magically easing their pain. Everybody always likes to believe that they have a higher purpose in life, and by sharing Sarah's secret with the world, she was giving her one, her family as well.34

“What to be said about Sarah?” screen Violette mused, tapping a clawed fingertip to her chin. “She was definitely well-loved and she had done so many things on this Earth that I believe she'll be rather bored up in Heaven.” I chuckled softly. “In short, I will forever be grateful to have known Sarah. All the memories I have shared with her will forever be cherished and remembered.” Violette started to cry, her voice breaking on the last word. A couple of mourners moaned in pity for her as she bravely continued on. “Sarah Moore will forever live in my heart...in our hearts. That is all.” The phone Kyle was holding disconnected and we simply stared for a moment, willing it to turn back on. Nothing but a black screen, reflecting our eager faces could be identified so we very slowly broke ranks. These people were just given a lot to think about, you couldn't blame them for their lack of speech. Even I didn't know what to say.35

“That sure was a sweet thing for that Violette lady to do,” croaked an older lady eventually. “To give Sarah her honour, even in death. So noble.”36

“I think she looked a bit like Ella. You know, Tyson's friend!” one kid laughed. Kyle and I froze.37

One of Sarah's relatives noticed our abrupt reaction to such an innocent phrasing. “Tyson...where is Ella now?” she asked, green eyes narrowing like a hawk. With such choppy, long black hair, the twenty something year old woman was very intimidating. Her gaze turned suspicious when we didn't answer.38

“Are you guys still here?” crowed an unmistakable voice. I sighed in relief, feeling Kyle's horrified tension instantly disappear. 39

“I don't know what you mean Mary-Anne,” I answered, facing the woman directly. “Isn't that her standing right behind you now?” Mary-Anne nearly jumped out of her skin when Ella stepped in front of her and waved.40

“What's the hold up already?” Ella demanded of me crossly. “We've been waiting in the car for about ten, maybe fifteen minutes now!” She indicated to Alexis, Roxy and Peter standing not too far behind her, also creating masks of false annoyance. “Seriously guys!” she grumbled. “What HAVE you been doing?”41

“Did you say ten minutes?” asked Mary-Anne, slyly now. “Tell me, can anybody verify that?”42

Ella played dumb. “Just my friends, I guess. Why?”43

Mary-Anne grinned condescendingly, pacing around Ella as if she were the fly to her frog. “Well, you know, it's interesting, but you just missed the most amazing thing.” 44

Ella scratched her head in confusion. “Really?”45

“Oh yes,” she replied, delighted now. “Violette just sent a global message about Sarah. And yet strangely, you weren't present for it!”46

Ella's eyes grew incredulous as the mourners began to whisper in hushed excitement. “What are you saying?”47

“I'm saying,” yelled Mary-Anne in triumph, “that you are Violette!”48

Ella rolled her eyes and Alexis laughed. “Okay,” she mocked. “And while we're at it, maybe I should tell you that I'm the tooth fairy as well!” I sniggered purposefully, trying to encourage the mourners to believe in the lie. I just knew this would happen, Ella would leave the plan late and take us all down with her! How friggin' perfect!49

“Then why do you have the same hair?” asked Mary-Anne nastily.50

It was Kyle's turn to laugh now. “Oh please. How many people have the same kind of hair in Sheridan alone? Now you're just being ridiculous! Grasping at straws!” Several mourners nodded and threw her skeptical glances. Then, the icing on the cake. Kyle's phone turned back on.51

“Hello?” asked screen Violette, fuzzing into view. The people in black charged at Kyle's phone like it was liquid gold. “Is it on? Excellent! So sorry about this. I forgot to mention it before but the Dracosapiens will answer any further questions you have tonight at Sheridan Stadium around five thirty. It has already been organized. Yes, that's it. Okay. Bye again.” Kyle's phone went blank and everybody stopped trying to push each other out of the way to see it. They brushed themselves off and excused their rude behavior before turning back to the 'Violette' accuser.52

Ella laughed openly at the now disheveled Mary-Anne. “I'm sorry. You were saying?” I was still laughing at the look on her face as we drove back to Sheridan's trustful neighborhood. Nobody could outsmart Ella. She didn't just host a King, she was the King!53

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