Chapter 5

After the heist Tarin’s whole life felt like it revolved around the team and defeating Dark Dash. Over the next three weeks he’d made improvements to the base, suit’s, and more. One small thing that went wrong was with the plants.

“What’s wrong with them?” Asked Eithan when he came to the base on a rainy Sunday morning.

Tarin continued looking over the plant’s structure, “Well, the plant’s somehow were able to affect the area around them while in containment. It caused a minor irregularity.” Tarin unscrewed some of the metal panels that made up the floors of their base, “For several months the plants have had time to grow, especially with the hydration system I gave them. It may have caused them to grow at an extensive rate, plus their unnatural abilities.”

“So what’s going on then?” Asked Eithan,

Tarin opened the floor fully to reveal a large cave, with the plant's roots sprouting all around it. “That’s going on.” Said Tarin.

“So, how are we gonna fix this?” asked Max, once everyone gathered for the unpredicted events.

“That’s the thing I don't think we can.” Said Tarin, “If we were to eliminate the plant’s entirely there could be multiple effects that could happen, our abilities might fade, the whole structure of the base might collapse, the plant’s might die. There’s way too many unpredictable events that might occur.”

Colton shook his head, “So what do we do? Will it decay all of the building?”

Tarin shook his head, “Highly unlikely. I honestly don’t think we should get rid of it at all.” Tarin went to their control panel and pressed the button that would reveal all of the plants, the plant’s slowly appeared from the floor.

Max looked at him, “We shouldn’t?”

Tarin pointed at their suit lockers where they kept all their suits, it was literally about to explode. “I think we should put our suit’s down there. It will keep them safe from anything, and it will be faster than our current strategy.”

Colton nodded, “I agree, it will be much faster.” Everyone nodded, and agreed on the plan.

“Just so you know though this will take time away from our current idea with the stolen tech.” Said Tarin,

“This is probably the best bet.” Said Sorra, “If we need to be faster I think this would be the best idea.” Everyone nodded.

Eithan clapped his hands, “Alright how long will this take.”

Tarin squinted his eyes, “Most of the digging has already been done, and I already have most of the parts. So I'd say maybe four weeks, until then we’ll have to stick with our current strategy.” Everyone nodded, then a news alert came over the screen. 

Sorra ran over, “Uh oh.” She said,

“What’s wrong?” asked Tarin.

“Dark Dash is being surrounded by the police in the city center.” Sorra said. Everyone looked to Tarin, but he closed his eyes.

“I’ll start on the suit holder later.” He said, “Suit up everyone, I’m also going to need one of you coming.” He pointed to Eithan and Sorra, “Either of you know how to scan for energy?”

Tarin, Colton, and Max got the city center. While Aaron and Eithan went to a nearby building. The only reason Tarin said yes to this mission was so they could get energy readings off of Dark Dash, and make sure nobody got hurt.

Tarin stood in front of them, and stared at Dark Dash. “What do you want?” Tarin said in a sort of bitter tone.

Dark Dash laughed, “All I want is to see how you all are doing, good I hope.”

Max shook his head, “What are you planning.” he said, bitterly as well.

“You already know what I want, and I’ll do whatever I need to to get it.” Said Dark Dash, he looked around to see all of the police pointing their guns at them. “Do any of you know what we are?” He said, asking what seemed to be everyone around them. “We are gods! We should be ruling all of you!” He turned to Tarin and his friends, “As should you, you all are more powerful than any of these puny beings. We are better, in every way!”

“That’s what you think? That just because we’re better they should follow you?” asked Tarin,

“Well, follow us. I should be the god of speed and you of lightning, but we’re not. Why is that?” He asked, He pointed at everyone around them. “Hear me weaklings! I am the superior being of all of you, and so are them. The god of lighting, the god of strength, the god of agility, oh and where’s the god of light? I thought he’d like to see me. How sad.” He shook his head in disapproval.

“You're insane! Power should be used to help others!”

“That’s exactly what I’m doing, Red Dash. Or should I tell everyone your real name?” Tarin jumped.

Eithan came over the intercoms, “Classic villain.”

“Why don’t I reveal your plan to everyone then!” Said Tarin, Méndez jumped. That got him.

Eithan came over the intercoms again, “That wasn’t a good idea.” He said, Tarin ignored him.

“Are you willing to risk your plan and your life's work for my identity and my family!” Said Tarin. Méndez jumped again, “If you reveal my secret identity or kill my family, then your plan will go out into the world. Including your identity and endgame. So what will it be then?”

Eithan came over the intercoms again, “We got him now.”

Méndez smiled, “You’ve always been smart, perfect for my arch nemesis. I think it’s unfair for seven against one, and yes I know. So I’ll make sure that that is handled in the future, but for now. I suggest you get running.” Dark Dash ran, and Tarin followed. Tarin caught up with Dark Dash, and looked him in the eye.

“You’ll never accomplish this!” He yelled.

“Yes, I think I will.” Dark Dash ran off.

Tarin ran as fast as he could, and realized. Méndez wasn’t running as fast as Tarin was, it seemed like he was only jogging. Tarin looked behind him thinking how far he ran, and when he looked back Dark Dash was gone.

Tarin looked around for Dark Dashes gray streaks, or friction footprints but nothing showed. He tried to connect back to his friends, “Guys, I lost him.”

Eithan came on the intercom, “He is faster than you.” he said,

“Not helping.” said Max, “Did you get the energy readings?” Max asked Eithan.

“Yep.” Said Eithan.

“That’s all we needed. Let’s not try to beat ourselves up, we’ll meet you back at base.”

Tarin nodded, “See you there.”