Four.
“Sometimes there is one last step until the next part that starts.” - Rebecca Sharpe 

― TWELVE WENT BY SLOWLY, AS THE PAIN IN MY HEAD CONTINUED. It’s been four weeks since Christmas, a week until I have to go back to Blue Valley High. Knowing that every day that we lost people that could be replaced by some people. But to me they wouldn’t be. And trying to sit there knowing that something had happened after talking to Cameron and Morgan at the funeral, that those two would take their time on a trip. A trip that would help him, but sitting in the manor, it makes me remember every time I went over there. 

I needed out of this town, this place, this state. I needed to figure out who Stephaine Lance is before, before trying to handle everything else that I feel that could slip from me. I’m hoping that leaving can help others. 

Every time I was staying at the manor he was there. Every time that I saw him look at me, as Maya separated me from “liking” him, since she was my best friend. 

Smiling for a short moment before my frown came back, I looked ahead of me as I drove down to the prison that held the two people, and I so badly wish I could have gotten a final punch on that day. A final punch for my parents, and a final punch for Helena. For everything that they and the town has put me through. 

Knowing that I had to come here before leaving this place, before giving up this life that I used to have once in for all. To figure out my next step. 

Out of all the days I tried to come, I knew this one was the only day that I had a friend at one point. 

Artemis Crock. 

Wouldn’t be here luckily. As I wouldn’t have to explain to her what happened to my aunt. Who her parents were. And what I had to do with them coming to this jail, to what I feel like they deserve to go to. 

Sitting down in a small room that I was provided thanks to my family’s name, I sat down across in an isolated room that had one wall and the thick glass to secure me from them. Not that I would need it. Picking up the phone I could see the orange jump-suit and the face of Larry Crock...but known as the Crusher to everyone else in Blue Valley staring at the other side. 

“Crock.” I spoke up as we both stared at each other. 

“I’m surprised you finally decided to visit Canary...unlike your friends.” He mentioned that nobody else wanted to come and visit them. Especially the Whitmore-Dugan’s, after them trying to kill the family. And Mike, and Courtney help stop Larry and Paula. 

“I didn’t come because of JSA business. We stopped you…” I started looking at him, “You're locked up.” 

“Never say never.” He mentioned as I looked at him, keeping a glare at him. Knowing he has no intention of breaking out...yet. 

“I won’t. I know you can escape.” I mentioned, “But you’re not that stupid right now.” I continued as his eyes glared back at me. 

“Leaving Blue Valley?” He asked me as my glare deepened towards him.

“Maybe I am. I didn’t come just so I could have a lecture.” I started, “If I wanted that I’d let Helena, Morgan, or Pat give me one.” 

I glared through the glass. 

“I came to tell you, when I’m gone. If I hear you even think about moving out of prison.” I took a sharp breath. “I’ll be the first one to know, and I will be the one to bring you and your wife back here.” 

I looked at him knowing what he was going to ask me. 

“I still have family connections. That runs further up than the JSA pay grade.” I mentioned knowing it would eventually end, but for now it gets me somewhere. 

Hearing the guard outside I put up the phone knowing that not only was my time up, but that Larry would be put back in his cell, as I walked out of the room into the hallway. Heading back to my motorcycle. Heading back to the road to the next start. 

― WALKING UP TO THE NEWLY UPDATED DOOR, I QUICKLY KNOCKED. I remembered this place since the first time I came here over six years ago, when I felt alone. Like I had nothing...no one. Since Rick spent a few days in jail, and my uncle was going on about how much of a burden Rick and I were. 

The time that I had felt so alone, that running through a cornfield gave me something to do. Even if I was lost for four hours, the feeling that nobody was going to come was the worst feeling that happened during that time. Nothing more than a reminder of if I lost Rick...I would lose everything. 

My parents. My brother. And having no friends wasn’t easy during that time.

“Skylar, I’m glad you came.” The voice sounded me out of my thoughts as I could see the bright smile that was placed on Jessica Cruz’s face. 

“Well I did call.” I mentioned smiling trying not to show what happened moments before. 

“Come on in.” She spoke up as I headed in her house seeing the old and new features of the house, after it had been changed after the person who once made me feel welcomed. Passed. There is not a day that I wonder if she is back with her family finally, getting to speak about her old days with her husband, or playing a simple game of chess, but showing the mentality of life behind it. 

Making it to her living room, it was nice, the walls were a light gray, with white molding which was the same molding but painted over with a new coat of paint on it. Looking around the room, I remembered my last time in this room before the death of a woman who helped me through so much when I was younger. 

“Would you like some tea?” Jessica asked me as I looked at her. 

“Um...Yes please.” I responded as she smiled heading back to her kitchen as I looked through the room seeing some photos of Jessica that hinted at parts of her past. One of the photos was of her, a little bit younger, most likely my age, as she was standing by some of her friends in hunting gear. Most likely getting ready for a hunt of some sort. 

Grabbing it, I could see some of the faces of the people in her photo. She was happy, as everyone was most likely getting ready for a weekend trip of some sort. Continuing to study the photo, until I smelt tea I looked up to see Jessica looking at me while holding two cups of tea until she sat them down on coasters on her oak coffee table. 

Setting the photo back I look at her, as she glanced at it for only a second before drawing her eyes somewhere else. Like that photo has some sort of trauma on her, like it shows her something she doesn’t want to see, but does it to remember. Possibly to remember what happened and to help her be who she is today. 

“I’m sorry about the timing.” She told me as I looked at her. 

“It’s all good, I just lost Alan Scott’s ring to his daughter.” I mentioned. 

“But you didn’t lose it, you gave it willinging? If I'm correct?” She mentioned that I knew it was true. 

“Yeah because you can’t deny legacy, or heritage.” I told her as she nodded. 

“But what I’m talking to you about isn’t about heritage. It’s about doing something more, being more than an earth-hero.” She started. “I’m talking about being a part of something.” She continued. 

Throughout the rest of our conversation, I learned more about the Lantern Corps. And some more about what this would be like. Giving me something to think about while sipping more on the tea that was placed in front of me. 

Finishing up my last sip of tea, I realised that my phone was buzzing as I pulled it out of my thigh holster seeing the name ‘Beth’ pop up. Pressing the green button I put it towards my ear seeing that Jessica still wasn’t back. 

“Hey Beth.” I answered. 

“Skylar, thank god you picked up. I was about to call Kyra.” She spoke up as I looked back at my phone screen to see there were ten calls already from Beth. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice that my phone was ringing until now.” I apologize as I knew Beth would accept it, but it was still needed. “Beth, what do you need?” I asked her knowing that it was most likely to help her with Chuck. 

“It’s Chuck. I need help with him.” She mentioned that I knew that I wanted to help in any way. Including Beth since she is going through so much. Her parents might be getting a divorce, and she has lost the first true friend she had. 

“I’ll be at your house at ten.” I told Beth as we took a minute more of conversation until I hung up the phone putting it back in my thigh pocket. Getting up I smoothed my dress out again and raised my jacket over my shoulders

“Heading out?” Jessica asked me to enter the living space once again as I nodded. 

“I’m sorry I must have to head out early. A friend of mine needs help.” I spoke up knowing that I couldn’t ditch Beth at a time like this. I want to be a green lantern again, but I need to be there for the team. For my friends first. 

“Hey, call me, or just come by. I'll most likely be here 95% of the time.” She spoke up as I nodded as I stood up starting to walk out. Knowing that I needed to help this town out if there was a bigger threat like the Shade out there. 

Walking down the driveway, I started heading back down tracking through my normal path. Through the small maze, and back on to the main road. Back to where the crash happened, all the way back to the Blue Valley Tires sign. 

Continuing up the sidewalks I finally made it into Beth’s neighborhood, walking up the street to see multiple homes that looked similar on the exterior. Going up to the door, I slightly knock when hearing someone fastly walking to the door. 

“Skylar.” Beth spoke out as I smiled. 

Entering into her home, like many times before, once I shut the door. I saw her worry with the goggles. As she handed me them. 

“You know what happened yesterday with the whole Eclispo?” She asked me as I nodded remembering her being freaked out about Eclipso. “Well turns out the goggles couldn’t get me any since the JSA is confidential files on Eclipso.” She told me as I put the goggles on my head, putting them over my eyes. 

In a big green box, with a gray and white background with a folder. And then the big bold capital letters that wrote ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ on the file. 

Pulling them off I looked at her. Handing them back at her.

“I thought the JSA never held confidential files.” Beth muttered as I looked at her. 

“They do.” I told her as she looked at me. 

“Kyra told me once that a long time ago, only certain people have access to certain confidential files that the JSA doesn’t want all of its members to know about.” I told her remembering one file that Kyra told me she saw once, but really doesn’t like to talk about it.

“Wait so what is the JSA hiding?” Beth asked as I shrugged. 

“If it’s something like this. It could be something bad.” I told her as I smiled knowing that out of context this would be a weird smile. “You know what this means.” I told her that she understood what I meant.  

“Library sess.” We both said laughing at the end. 

“We should probably tell Courtney and Kyra with the rest of the team. Beforehand.” Beth mentioned as I nodded. 

“You're right, you contact Courtney, Kyra and Yolanda. I’ll get Maya, and Rick.” I told her as she nodded as we both got on our phones starting to text the others about Eclipso and the confidential files. As we know that Rick and Maya knew about the name since last night, but Maya out of all people I feel bad for her. 

Whatever she’s going through. Whatever this Eclipso figure wants from her, it’s her. But I want to know who this Eclipso is since he wants Maya, and he seems so dark. But how dark is he? 

―WALKING UP THE LONG DRIVEWAY OF CLEARLY A MANSION COMPARED TO THE BIG HOUSE OF THIS TOWN. Looking around I could notice there were roses in the planters as they must have been watered a few hours ago. Continuing to look at the minor details of the mansion there was a cracked brick that looked like it took a hit from something that wasn’t normal. Looking closer I could notice it was broken, some parts to dust, others in small chunks. But...that’s not what I’m here for. 

Approaching the door finally I grab my notepad out of my bag, quickly rearranging some of the crystals and stuff within my bags. Hearing the door open I looked towards the door and saw a fairly tall blonde woman with blue eyes as she looked familiar, but I can’t pinpoint how she looks familiar yet. 

“Hi. If you’re looking for Ms.King, she’s currently sleeping.” The woman spoke up as I looked at her. This is the King residence, which belonged to the last big Dr. in Blue Valley. Dr.Henry King Sr. from what I remember from my first chat with Dr.Chapel. 

Looking at the woman, “No I’m not here for Ms.King.” I told her as she looked at me for a moment, “I’m here for Ms.Bertinelli.” I told her as she looked at me. 

“Oh my gosh. You're the Dr. Ok I’m sorry, come in.” The woman spoke up as I smiled heading in seeing the interior of this mansion with the staircase. “I’m Morgan Mahkent. CEO of the American Dream here in Blue Valley.” Morgan spoke up as I had heard about her. And how the CEO and her brother most likely passed away, from reasons only close family and friends know. 

“I’m Madelyn Adams, Therapist and Doctor.” I told her as we both shook hands. “I’m sorry about your brother. I heard he was a good man.” I continued as she looked at me smiling. 

“He was a good man. He had so many dreams.” She told me. “I hope he is somewhere better for him now.” She continued as I could hear the sound of wheels coming down on the wooden floor as I looked over to see a darker brown haired woman who was in a wheelchair. That must be Helena Bertinelli from what I have heard from Dr.Chapel. 

A woman who survived an attack from a hunting accident gone wrong. Then it turned out it was in rumors from now arrested Larry Crock and Paula Brooks. Town fitness lovers. Turned criminals, which screamed villains. Or some sort of criminal ring here in Blue Valley, or around the state possibly. 

“You must be Dr.Adams.” She spoke up as I nodded. “Don’t mind Maya, or Morgan here. Morgan is just here to check on Maya and I.” She continued as I smiled. 

“It’s nothing. I can understand why.” I spoke up as she smiled. Following behind her she took me into the kitchen as Morgan went into a separate living space to leave us alone. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t have too much time to tell you that Maya and Morgan were going to be here.” She told me as I smiled. 

“It’s all good. It’s not my first time having other people around while someone is talking to their therapist.” I told her as she nodded as I sat in a chair across from here on this dining table. Looking around I could see some details of the room, including the chandelier in this dining room. 

Speaking up I started out with my notepad. “This is all confidential so nobody will hear what you are saying. Along with the fact that you are able to stop this chat at any time during the session.” I told her to put my bag beside me and grab my pen from my notebook. “So, what is it you want to talk about today Ms.Bertinelli?” I asked her as she looked at me. 

“I personally need to talk about that day, and then what happened months ago.” Helena told me as I looked at her starting to write down the topics and starting up my notes. This was going to be a session I probably wouldn’t forget. 

Not long into the session did I hear loud screaming from the other room. Grabbing my bag, and notepad I ran out to make sure nothing happened to anyone. Getting into the other room I could see the ginger hair girl who must be Ms.King who is on-top of Morgan with a dagger as she dropped it getting up. 

Moving away she spoke, “I’m sorry...I’m sorry.” She mentioned that I could see Morgan get up as I came into the room seeing the young girl who wasn’t alright in my own opinion. She had something that was wrong...something that happened. I heard about her brother, and father. But other than that, this seems deeper than that...it could be deeper trauma within someone at her age. 

Looking at Morgan she had a small gash that was from the dagger on the floor. Which can hint at some of the trauma or something in Ms.King’s past. Approaching Morgan, I handed her a small antibiotic wipe and a band-aid. 

“Hey, are you ok?” I went to approach the young girl as she seemed to be collected then. Trying to mask what happened. 

“Yes, I’m alright.” She spoke up, not looking back until after her saying that. 

― SITTING IN MY ROOM, I WAS THINKING ABOUT ALL THAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT. Starting with Mike, who I am supposed to meet up with in twenty minutes to make sure that nothing would continue to happen to him on his paper route. But Mike still has a feeling of loneliness, because not many can see it. Including when I have to go out on missions with the team, just like the others. 

Getting up I quickly grab something out of my closet and throw it simply on. Quickly putting my hair back and grabbing my shoes, as I heard my door opening as I looked at Courtney who was behind me entering the room. 

“Kyra, Beth texted me that she found a confidential file of this being called ECLIPSO.” Courtney told me as I looked back at her. “I have never heard of the JSA having confidential files.” She told me as I could feel my muscles tense. 

“Kyra…” She wondered. 

“Yes, I have heard about the JSA having confidential files.” I told her, “I have seen one myself when I was younger.” I continued as she looked at me. 

“So you have access…” She tried to butt in as I shook my head. 

“No. I like you...don’t have access at all.” I told her as she looked at me before she could ask I answered the question. “I once might have snuck into the file room and pulled out a confidential file that I could access. But I warn you like I would anyone in the JSA. Those files are confidential for a reason.” I continued once more. 

“I still have nightmares occasionally from what I saw in that file.” 

“But this is someone named Eclipso and the Shade wants something to do with him.” She started, “We need to know who this Eclipso is and how bad he is, and why the Shade would want him.” 

“I know you're right, but who says that dad is straight out going to tell us, or the team.” I started towards her as we both knew it was true. 

We knew we would have to meet up with the team to find research most likely at the library and then meet up somewhere. We needed to head out, getting out of my room I grabbed my wallet, and phone as the two of us headed downstairs. 

Heading towards the kitchen I could hear Barbara and my father speaking about Eclipso, as Courtney interrupted him before he could finish his conversation. As he looked over at us two seeing that we knew about Eclipso. 

“How do you two know about Eclipso?” He asked us, as he looked at Courtney and then me. 

“How do you know about Eclipso?” Courtney asked Pat, as I went next to the island with Courtney as I looked at Barbara who must have known something about this Eclipso. Most likely because dad told her something on Eclipso. Something that they probably won’t tell us right away. 

“Well, we both don’t know about him.” I spoke up answering Barbara’s question as I know Courtney will tell them how we know this information. 

“Dr.Mid-Nite goggles warned Beth that Eclipso is here in Blue Valley.” Courtney mentioned. 

“How do they know?” Barbara asked, which is a great question, how would these goggles be able to track someone like this Eclipso from how she looks at all three of us. 

“The trouble alerts I guess.” Courtney mentioned. “And Maya had a flash of nightmares that she said were from Eclipso himself.” She continued as Pat looked at us. 

“Maya King had nightmares of him?” Barbara asked as I nodded as I held my phone up reading something from Skylar about this, about more of the files as Courtney explained how she had been in the basement. 

My father mentioned, “He’s the devil in the shadows.” 

“Evil, Court, Kyra. Imprisoned inside the Black Diamond.” He continued to explain to us as Barbara mentioned that the Black Diamond this object was stolen, and the Shade is looking for it. Which can mean something bad is going to happen if he got his hands on it. 

“Whoever has the diamond...has Eclipso’s power.” My father continued as I looked at him, the power of the devil of the shadows. Who would wield such an object without being seen by us already? 

“What are Eclipso’s powers?” Courtney asked him, as I looked at him myself trying to figure out what he was going to say. Because this isn’t going to be rainbows and sunshine...this could be a dark answer itself. 

“He can get inside your head. Make you see things that aren’t there.” He started as I looked at him remembering once hearing in a meeting that the door was shut that someone had been driven crazy on the team back in the days. “Starman said the diamond drove people to do...bad things. To themselves. And to others.” 

I couldn’t feel more than hopeless, because if this Eclipso being has these abilities, what is to say. Even one of our strongest could survive his attack. What’s to say we won’t die because of this being and whoever is wielding it. Because if that person wants our heads on stakes or us to be dead, this could be the way to do it. 

Drive us crazy, until we kill our own, our ourselves. 

“Yeah somehow they managed to, but the longer Eclipso is active. The more powerful he becomes.” My father continued as even the JSA themselves had to struggle with stopping the first time. Because we personally don’t know how long this person has had Eclipso active. 

It could be hours, days, weeks, heck months since they started using the Black Diamond. But not knowing enough about this Eclipso or the person who is wielding it makes it hard to determine how dangerous Shade or anyone can become, or what danger we could potentially face down the line. 

Pure Evil + Shade = bad things is all I can come out with this conversation as I continue my way down. As Barbara looked at us worried, as I went to head to the library with Courtney as we both looked at Barbara. As deep down I was nervous as to what was to come from this. 

“Court, I'll meet you later, call me when you're done with the library. I need to meet up with Mike really quickly on his paper route.” I told her as I started running down the block waving a quick bye to Courtney as I headed towards the town center. 

Getting half-way there, I was close to where Mike told me he would be for his quick stop. To grab more newspapers before I would head out to see Courtney. Not long after do I see someone blocking my way...someone in a hoodie. It wasn’t until Paula Brooks...Tigress came behind him and was holding Mike by his hoodie. 

Quickly did I come behind her and use what I had of my strength without my armor to push her. 

“Stay down.” I said before having to dodge a hit from Larry himself. 

“Calm down birdy.” The voice behind me spoke as I looked at Larry Crock...aka Sportsmaster as I put my hands up knowing this wouldn’t be any good especially since Mike was here. I know he could be alright, but I still didn’t need to risk my brother. 

“What are you even doing back in Blue Valley?” I asked him wondering why criminals would come back to the town that they would first be suspected in, and not be caught yet. “You know this might be the stupidest thing I have seen someone ever do.” I spoke up my mind as Mike looked at me to shut up as I knew I would have to eventually. 

“You better stop talking.” Paula spoke up as I looked over at her as I knew I should since Mike was here. If I was alone I probably would call this a different story. 

Being forced to walk down the street past the town center back into the Pit Shop, Mike was forced to make a call for dad. To meet us down and talk to some friends. But knowing his luck, he was already on his way, and this just pushed him to come faster to the Pit Shop. As he must have had the newspaper too. 

Heading in we hear two people yelling, one was our dad yelling for us, the other one sounded more feminie. More like….oh no. Helena. This was going to be a fun reunion for her. Still being behind the employees only door. I push Larry off of me as I know my father and Helena are here. 

Looking out the other side as I walked out, “I can walk myself you know?” I told him seeing the shocked face of Helena and Pat at seeing Larry with Mike and I. I wish that I would have just gone with Courtney and the others to the diner, because this is the alternative to what I could be doing. If only I could get my phone out of my pocket...without them you know taking it. Or find where I place my phone. 

Moving forward I could see Helena grab something as it looked like mini escrima sticks that could hurt if you came close to her. Which she was prepared to fight within her wheelchair...so you go Helena. 

“Crusher, what are you doing here?” My father asked as Helena was right next to him, not even flinching when seeing Paula land. She is still ready to fight them if needed. As they were complimenting them. 

“You break out of prison, and you come straight back to your hometown?” My father speaks as I nodded. 

“I told them that it was stupid already.” I spoke up, getting glared at by the two of them. As they explained about their decoy trail of breadcrumbs that the dumbest cops couldn’t find. Well if I was a cop and I knew enough about them...I would first go to the home town. Like any sane person out there. 

My father grabs the wrench from his tool bin, as I continued to watch Helena have her escrima sticks prepared still not caring about their motive. As they explained they wanted to watch Artemis watch her tryouts and then they would go back to jail. 

“I could put you on the ground before you could put anyone else here down.” Helena spoke, “I might be in this because of you.” She glared at Paula, “But I could still give a fair fight.” 

My father threw the wrench back down, giving in as Paula glared at him. “Whatever.” She spoke up, putting them back where they were hidden again. 

Getting back to the house, I was finally free to not be under their threatening glares. Hearing Barbara yell at my father was meaningful because it’s true they did try to kill all of my family. Helena was sitting in there with them not letting them really out of her sight 100% since she doesn’t like them after what they did. 

Who would? If you shot a woman with a crossbow arrow in the back of a motorcycle. And putting her in a slight coma, then waking up to never use your leg again. 

Barbara heads to the kitchen as my father goes to talk to Larry. As I sit in the dining room with Helena who is still watching everything go down. Listening in we could hear about Larry loving to have another interaction with my father. The last time ended in Larry getting a drill bit in his side, and my father being bloody beaten up in the Pit shop. 

Heading out to the game later on, Helena stayed with Barbara as I heard Morgan Mahkent was going to head over there after she was finished with paperwork. So I was dragged along with my father to watch Artemis play football to impress this scout from the Big 10 school. 

Walking down the stadium, nobody seemed to notice that we snuck in the field. As we were watching the football team, my father had to make sure nobody noticed Paula and Larry as they started yelling. As Paula and Larry started cheering for her now trying to get her attention. 

Cheering on for her, I’m surprised nobody noticed what they were doing, as they were back in a huddle, ready for the next round as Artemis was commanding the field. This time she was going much better to defend her position until she shot the football like a pistol. My gosh that girl can throw a football. 

A 40 yard pass. That girl is impressive as it seemed to impress the recruiter. If I was the recruiter I would have been impressed too. A person throwing something 40 yards no matter their background. That’s college football material. I think? 

Seeing Courtney out of the middle of my eye, I noticed something in Artemis started to change, as her attitude was different. Like something was changing it. But what? 

Because one moment she was fine, but now she is ready to attack Courtney, as she literally throws my sister and dropped Courtney strangling her until noticing it was Courtney until she was alright. Going down I start to help Courtney knowing that someone must have done this to her. But who? 

― A QUICK DAY TODAY IN SUMMER SCHOOL. Finally I could have more time after Summer school to freely go through the streets of Blue Valley. To see what this new town is all about, since I haven’t truly gotten the time to look around, more than the small amount of time in the car with Madelyn heading home after meeting her up at her office at work. Since she sometimes helps people with their problems being a doctor, and somewhat of a therapist to those who truly need her services, and need to be listened to. 

I’m so happy that today she is out doing her job, instead of checking in on me. Making sure I'm not “doing anything that our...parents would want us to do.” even though I didn’t fully know them. Like I was with them for about no more than three years, before they died, and Madelyn thought it was best to move somewhere else. Before moving here to Blue Valley. 

Luckily after Summer School today Briar wanted to hang out at this place called Richie’s Diner, located in downtown Blue Valley. As it wasn’t too badly far from home. And not many people would likely be there today as on the weekends...I hope. 

After lunch as I was heading out with Brair to finish everything else that had to be done in Summer School I looked back in the lunchroom, seeing that their was the kid from the History class still sitting there talking to a girl, as Briar came up to me as I put my finger on my mouth as I grabbed my phone and started recording. 

Looking back I mouthed the words, ‘Who is that’ to Briar as she looked at the person in the lunchroom pulling me back keeping my arm still slightly down into the lunchroom. 

She came up close to my ear. “That’s who I think everyone called Cindy Burman she is supposed to be across the country. On a trip not here.” She told me as I looked back hearing more of the conversation go down. 

Who is this Cindy Burman? And what is she doing in Blue Valley? 

Before she, and this Isaac kid could come down here we ran as quietly as we could down the hallway the way that neither of them could see us as we made it safely out of the school for the moment. “Tell me as much as you know about this Cindy.” I told her as she nodded. 

This was going to be a long conversation to the diner. 

Finally arriving at the diner, I could see that Yolanda girl from Summer school in a waitress outfit...of course. Once Briar and I head into the diner further, I notice that Courtney is also there, with three other people. 

A girl with ginger hair, a girl with darker hair, a girl with really curly hair and glasses, and a guy who looked like he could beat someone up if you talked to him wrong. 

“You're wondering who they are.” Briar told me, whispering a bit. 

“The ginger haired girl is one of the most popular girls in town. Least to say she also has tons of money. Her name is Maya King. Daughter of Doctor Henry King Sr. who passed away last year. And younger twin sister to a brother who also died over one night named Henry Jr.” She explained as I looked at Maya like she looked familiar in a way to me, but I can’t just pick it together. 

“The dark-haired girl, and the guy with dark brown hair, and black hair are siblings. The guy used to be a town juvenile, who has been proving himself this semester. His name is Rick Tyler, and not Rick Harris.”  She started taking a breath, “And his sister is a language queen from what I learned. She tends to like figuring out and picking up new languages. Her name is Skylar Tyler, and don’t call her Skylar Harris.” 

Looking at them I was placing names with faces. 

“We both know Courtney, but the curly haired glasses girl. That’s sweet ol’ Beth Chapel. Daughter of a businessman and a Doctor.” Briar explained as I heard the last name Chapel before. 

“Oh my sister might know her mother.” I started, “She’s a doctor Briar.” 

“Wait, she's the new doctor in town.” She explained. 

After finishing our orders, I heard a book on the table as it looked old and something that you would find at very few libraries as it talked about maps. But maps are common, but this had to be a different map. Looking back Briar and I were watching the video as I turned my volume down on my phone. 

“So you're telling me she lived with a step-mother from what you heard. Her birth parents are dead. And that somehow she was a bitch to this town.” I repeatedly remembering what Briar explained to me about Cindy Burman as she nodded. 

“But what could she be wanting to show this Isaac kid?” I asked her as Briar shrugged. 

“Depends on context.” She told me as part of me knew what that meant. 

“Elborte.” I asked a sort of question and statement at the same time. 

“Maybe in a cult way, or some sort of underground organisation.” She explained to me as I knew she was hiding something because of the look she gave me in her eyes. I have seen it before with my older sister who used to hide certain things from me. 

A little bit later I hear more from the table behind the bar top as it was the group of teenagers. As they were explaining about something called a ‘Black Diamond’ something that seemed to have importance to them. As the library didn’t have much on this object. 

But what was the strangest thing was that small stuff started moving, as from the corner of my eyes I could see a bit of red flow on it. Full of possibly energy of some sort. Looking slightly behind me I catch a glimpse at the Maya girl whose eyes are glowing red brightly as things are moving. Until she snaps back out of it. 

“Did you see that?” I asked Briar quietly as she nodded. 

“Who do you think they are?” She asked me as I shrugged. 

“I don’t even know them that well. But they could be bad people. Or people with some sort of secret organisation like this Burman chick you're talking about.” I explained as she nodded. 

A little while later after paying, Briar and I had to leave to go to football tryouts. The only reason why I want to go is just to watch this Artemis Crock. From what Briar tells me from everything she has heard from other people...who I don’t fully know. Told her how good this Crock girl was. 

Finally getting to the bleachers we were seated in one of the top rows hidden behind a group of people. Who were spread out but were still close to us. When the drills started running up, Briar pointed out the Artemis Crock girl as I pulled out my phone filming that day. 

The girl was incredible as she was able to fly through the field. She threw one far ball, as it seemed to impress the recruiter from Nebraska from what I could tell. A big 10 school. Impressive. Looking over I could see these two people in hoods, like the ones on THE PAPER. 

Wait what is today holding. As Artemis was walking towards the crowds something in her eye was glowing from what I noticed, but what was more strange was her attitude changed as Courtney Whitmore was here getting up in the stands. 

Artemis was approaching Courtney as I continued filming, seeing something out of the corner of my eye as Briar looked at me too. Seeing that I pointed my camera to where the girl from earlier was, Cindy Burman was standing there but she was hidden. But from what I could tell she had this diamond. 

Like the ‘Black Diamond’ that the group of Courtney Whitmore’s had been talking about. Was it controlling Artemis Crock to go crazy? 

Because there was something going on in this town that seemed more threatful than just simple deaths, and simple people. It seems like there is some bad and good within this town. Maybe there is a group of heroes, which could explain why some of the bad things could be happening. 

But the thing that was more weird was the glitching on my camera, “Briar do you see this?” I asked her as she was nodding. 

“Something is going on here in Blue Valley. I’m glad I’m not the only one anymore seeing this.” She explained to me as I nodded. 

“I think it has something to do with that Courtney Whitmore gal. And I want to figure out why.” I told her, “Are you with me?” I asked her, seeing her nod.

― ONCE LEAVING THE MANOR AFTER TELLING DR.ADAMS I WAS OK. I had to leave in order to meet up with Skylar and Rick before meeting up with the team. Knowing that Rick and Skylar would be retaking their History test to prove that they passed by studying instead of you know...cheating like the teacher continued to tell them. Skylar did pass the class, but she likes her golden grade. 

Continuing my walk down to Blue Valley High I could see Rick and Skylar smile when they saw me. “He finally was able to get his name out of summer school.” Skylar told me as I smiled at Rick. 

“Congrats Rick.” I told him, going up and kissing his cheek. As Skylar made some gagging sounds. 

“Shut it Sky. You ship it and I know it.” I told her, hearing a small laugh at the comment from her. 

Once arriving at the diner, Beth was there with Courtney sitting at a table, as Yolanda was working at the diner today. Since her parents decided that she should do summer school, and a summer job at the same time. So she could have no social life outside truly. Those darn parents of hers. 

Sitting down I went to sit next to Rick as he grabbed my hand, as Skylar went to sit next to Beth and Courtney as we ordered our milkshakes like I did many times with Stephaine and Cameron before everything happened. Before she left me...and it’s just Cameron and I once again. 

Once Yolanda came back with Beth, Rick, Skylar, and I’s milkshakes she got all but Skylar’s order wrong. She gave Rick and I both Chocolate Milkshakes even though I’m not a big fan of chocolate milkshakes since it’s too much chocolate in a milkshake. Strawberry is my absolute favorite milkshake. As she gave Beth a Chocolate one with whipped cream...even though she didn’t want whipped cream. 

“We ordered strawberry ones.” Rick spoke up. 

“And no whipped cream on mine.” Beth continued. 

“Mine is correct.” Skylar spoke up smiling at Yolanda. As Kyra is nowhere to be seen. As Skylar looked at her phone once again, most likely checking for her friend. As Courtney spoke up telling Yolanda that she will get the hang of it. Trying to keep her positive. 

“I like chocolate.” Rick spoke up, as I shook my head. 

“I can deal with chocolate. It’s not cherry so I’m good.” I spoke up remembering the time I got the very red cherry milkshake...uck. 

“And Skylar or Rick could have my whipped cream.” Beth explained as Skylar was more then willing to take a little bit more whipped cream. 

Not long after Courtney was ready to summarise what we had all gone over. In the book found by a man named Bruce Gordon. How did a man survive when nobody else did? He has to have his own reason. And a reason that probably isn’t good. 

As I got up following Rick behind the others piling in, I also heard everything once again. She was explaining about a place called the “Devil Island’ which isn’t on the map anymore since it was taken down years back in the 1820s. And then in 1832 as it disappeared. 

Getting closer to the book touching it. I could see some flashes in my eyes of the man named Bruce Gordon, as he wrote all these books. Looking at him the flashes got deeper as the darkness and the energy of chaos surrounded me. 

Voices were all over yelling, as I could see the darker version. As the shadow that continues to haunt me in my nightmares. ECLIPSO is back to haunt me. To throw me, to scare me by showing me everything that I have attempted to bury down. 

Feeling a hand on my hand squeezing it, I looked over at Rick as he looked at me. 

“Maya your eyes.” He spoke as I grabbed my phone with my other hand seeing that the red whisps were within my eyes as small items were starting to move as I focused, closing my eyes for mere moments and when I opened them everything went back to normal. 

Going back to sit down, Courtney excused herself as she headed to a used book store. As Skylar goes back on her phone to check on Kyra again. Until putting it down, looking at Rick, Skylar and I as Rick used the excuse to order 20 cheeseburgers for Grundy by simply calling it for his and Skylar’s dog. A big dog. 

Clinking our glasses together I smiled. But from what I have learned multiple times before...nothing ever goes 100% to plan as the girl seen a few days back was in the diner as she was ordering something to-go for three people. Most likely her family, as she looked back to see Rick as she smiled and approached us. 

“Hey Rick.” Becca rang out smiling at him, “Skylar.” She mentioned as Skylar looked up at her ready to do something if anything happened. 

“What are you doing here Becca?” Skylar asked the girl as she smiled. 

“I’m getting food for some of my friends.” She mentioned that I wonder who her friends are since I haven’t seen her around many people other than being a similar Cindy Burman kinda persona herself. “I came over to say hello.” 

“Well, we're trying to enjoy ourselves here.” I explained trying not to go back to my old roots, trying to be mean. But this girl has been getting on my nerves. She is just a liar and I can feel it. 

“Well I’ll see you later Tyler’s.” She spoke out grabbing her food nodding at the waitress as she headed outside. I watch her as I shake my head feeling Rick grip on me. 

“Maya. It’s ok, I don’t like her. And I don’t even know her.” He mentioned calming me down. As I knew he wasn’t lying, but that girl just can't push my buttons a bit. I will hit her because of that. But I can’t 100%. 

― MEANWHILE BACK IN THE TUNNELS, REBECCA HEADED DOWN PREPARED TO MEET CINDY AND HER FIRST RECRUIT. Finally the girl could breathe after attempting to make Maya King jealous enough...so she could start to form Maya in the way she needed to to allow Cindy to use the Black Diamond into shaping her...into one of them. An ISA member living up to her father’s name. And not just a silly hero. 

But Maya was harder than Rebecca intentionally thought, when she came to Blue Valley after her grandfather Steven left everything behind. So he wouldn’t have to get caught by the JSA. She decided it would be best when Cindy Burman found her in her home, for the girl to come join forces with someone who she could see eye to eye with. With this new JSA running around. 

Heading down she took the food down, seeing both Cindy and a new guy, Isaac Bowin. The son of fiddler, and the second fiddler who wasn’t really the fiddler and just his wife trying to keep up her husband's name. 

“This is Rebecca Sharpe, the granddaughter of one Steven Sharpe, better known as the Gambler. Her grandfather got everything taken away from him because of the JSA.” Cindy explained to Isaac trying to make him sway sides to her ideas. 

Later on in the evening after Cindy texted Rebecca. She headed out of the tunnels and back into town. Seeing Rick and Maya from afar as Maya was going to walk home once again. Rebecca Sharpe waited for her time to talk to Maya as she headed down the street. 

“I know you're there, BECCA.” Maya spoke out knowing something was up. “I know Rebecca Smith isn’t your name.” She continued. 

“Well done. But who is going to believe it when you don’t use your telepathy on anyone, Maya King.” Rebecca spoke out as Maya glared at her. 

“I don’t need my telepathy or any of my powers.” She mentioned before she was interrupted. 

“Oh that’s right because you can’t control it all yet.” Rebecca pushed further as Maya snapped for only a moment. 

“Who are you?” She asked using her strength to push Rebecca into the wall on the side of the building. 

“I’m just a girl trying to do what she is assigned.” Rebecca mentioned, “And I always get my job done. No matter the price.” 

“You!” Maya continued as Rebecca had enough of Maya for today, as nothing was going to be done until Cindy could push Eclipso on her a bit more than what has already started. 

“This was fun tonight. But I will get the job done.” Rebecca spoke up. “Until next time, Maya.” She finished as she flashed something in Maya’s eyes that made a loud sound enough to distract Maya for the girl to get away.