~ The Urge to Merge ~
by Red Hope
Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: I don't own any of the normal Heroes characters, but there are a couple here that I do own. The plot line is also all mine.
Violence: It certainly has violence in it.
Sexual Content: This is femslash but nothing too sexually explicit.

Summary: Niki Sanders has returned home to Las Vegas after her horrifying experience in New York City. She tries to carry on a normal life again and move past her husband's death. But any solace is short lived when Niki meets the famous Doctor Toni Kevin, who is notable for her psychological cures. Niki develops an interest in Toni, but her alter ego, Jessica, isn't too keen on the psychologist. Suddenly, everything becomes skewed when Micah is kidnapped, and it seems like the good doctor has all the answers.

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Started: October 28, 2007
Ended: October 31, 2007
Series: One Shot


Chapter 2

Niki quickly moved in front of the mirror, and she hastily worked to get her makeup finished. She only had a few more minutes to get ready. She needed to be on her way for her date. She startled at her thought of this being a date tonight, and she slipped with her lipstick.

"Damn it," she softly cursed. She cleaned up the lipstick and redid it. After she pulled the lipstick away, her reflection developed a smirk, but she hadn't moved her real lips.

"I think you like this psychologist," Jessica taunted.

"It's just a dinner," Niki brushed off. She capped her lipstick and set it aside.

"Not the way I understand it." Jessica lifted her eyebrow into a perfect arch. "You think it's a date. You've never dressed up this much... not even for D.L."

"Please," Niki muttered. She walked off and went to her bedroom. She walked right to her closet because she needed a lightweight jacket.

"What you think is going to happen once she realizes the truth about us?" Jessica interrupted. She stood ridged and confident in the mirror.

"She won't," Niki argued.

"It could happen." Jessica tilted her head. "And if she finds out then she'll want us in a straight jacket." She shifted closer in the mirror. "Been there, done that... I'm not going back after your stunt with the cops."

Niki grabbed a handle, but she hesitated from opening the closet. "I don't think Toni is like that."

"She's a shrink," Jessica snapped. "We'd be a classic bookcase to her." She sensed Niki's deflating excitement and surfaced fears. "If she threatens to take us from Micah, then I'll solve this myself."

Niki grew angry at the threat, and her voice raised in a rare display. "Don't you think you've killed enough people?"

"Who said anything about killing?" Jessica put her hands on her hips. "I'll just make her life a living Hell." She slotted her eyes at Niki.

Niki stepped back and sunk down on the foot of the bed. She stared at the floor for a beat then lifted her eyes to her living reflection. "Don't do this, Jessica."

Jessica shifted her arms until she had them folded. She studied Niki's desperate features then after a moment, she replied, "It's a fair warning, Niki. As long as she doesn't harm us or separate us from Micah then it's all jim dandy by me."

Nikie licked her dry lips then she nodded. "Alright." She had to agree that she couldn't be taken from Micah or the reverse.

"Good." Jessica was satisfied by the rare agreement between them. She then sat down on the bed too and suddenly her image shifted until it matched Niki's.

Niki realized her alter ego was dormant again. She got to her feet and finished getting ready. She pulled out her light coat then picked up her cell phone from the dresser. She hurried out of the quiet house and was thankful that Micah was at her friend's for the night.

The drive to the restaurant didn't take too long. After getting out of her car, Niki was about to pull out her phone and call Toni, but she hesitated when she spotted Toni by the entrance. She smiled and approached the other woman.

Toni had a warm smile and greeted, "It's good to see you, Niki." She appreciated her view of Niki, who looked rather sensual in her maroon v-cut top, black pants, and black dress boots.

"You too, Toni."

"Come on." Toni guided Niki into the nice steakhouse restaurant. She was quite famished herself. She approached the host and told him her name. She and Niki were immediately taken to a table for two. She shrugged off her jacket and revealed her green top that matched her rich green eyes.

Niki hung her jacket on the back of the chair like Toni. She then sat and became comfortable in the cushy chair.

"So Micah made it to your friend's house okay?"

Niki smiled at older woman's concern. "Yeah, it wasn't a problem."

"Good." Toni smiled when the server appeared with their delayed menus. She took hers and let Niki order her drink first. She noted that Niki merely got an ice tea so she did the same. She carefully looked over her menu then mentioned, "The seafood can be very good."

Niki chuckled but kept her head down.

"I know... you wouldn't think so since we're out in the desert." Toni looked to the a la carte menu. "We should split what's on the carte."

Niki was going to suggest that, and she chuckled quietly. "Do you like asparagus?"

Toni nodded then dared, "Mashed potatoes with skin?"

"Perfect," Niki agreed. She heard Toni's soft laugh, which made her smile more. She then decided she'd follow Toni's suggestion. She would have swordfish for her entree.

Toni made up her mind then closed up her menu. She noticed how Niki was observing the busy restaurant. "You've never been here?"

"No." Niki focused back on the psychologist. "Do you come here often?"

"Rarely although it's one of my favorites." Toni rested back in the chair. "I hardly have time. My work keeps me so busy."

Niki was slightly hesitant to bring up Toni's work. She didn't want to lead Toni anywhere near her and Jessica.

Toni keenly felt the shift in Niki. She already understood what caused it so she switched topics quickly. "I did manage to get my car back."

Niki calmed and encouraged the topic. "Did the towing cost much?"

"It wasn't extraordinary," the psychologist replied. "I think the polices' questions were far more obnoxious than anything. But I think they settled down and are off on their man hunt."

"I hope they catch him."

"I hope so too," Toni sadly confided. "It's hard to say what he'll do." She then fell short on anymore details because the server returned. She and Niki put in their orders, but only continued their friendly conversation after the server departed. They discussed each other's lives, yet it mostly remained on their pasts and families.

Niki felt quite absorbed during the dinner. She hadn't been involved in such a pleasant dinner in a long time. She felt her face ache from the smiles. By the time the check arrived, she felt saddened that her evening with Toni would end.

Toni took care of the bill despite Niki's fighting efforts to help pay. She brushed off Niki several times and reminded that she wanted to repay Niki somehow. Toni then climbed to her feet and collected her jacket. She slightly reclined her head to fully take in Niki's tall stature.

Niki put on her coat this time then strolled along side Toni to the restaurant's exit. "Thank you for dinner, Toni."

"It was my pleasure," the psychologist insisted. She decided to walk Niki to her car. "It's been a long time since I've had good company."

Niki felt an ache in her for the older woman. Toni had already told her how her life was lonely because work often took over Toni's life plus Toni had no siblings and her parents were dead. Niki also learned that Toni was originally from South Carolina, and it explained why Toni had a faint southern twang.

Toni stood beside Niki's car. She shrugged on her own jacket because of the night breeze. She then smiled up at the crystal blue eyes that warmly studied her. "I appreciate you coming out... especially when you have a son to care for."

"He doesn't mind getting a night away from mom once in awhile," Niki joked.

Toni took the joke more seriously and asked, "Does he mind sharing a night with his mother and another person?"

Niki tilted her head and considered the hinted request. She knew she shouldn't agree, but she felt something for this woman that she'd never experienced with others, not even D.L. She developed a smile and replied, "No, I don't think he'd mind."

Toni couldn't hide her own smile. She nodded then stepped back once. "I'll call you soon, Niki. Be safe driving home."

Niki only let Toni get a step away. "Toni?" She approached the smaller woman and merely followed her urge. She leaned down and kissed Toni on the cheek. She then whispered, "Thanks for tonight. It was wonderful."

Toni had slightly dark features, but she clearly blushed from the gesture. She cleared her voice once Niki straightened up. "My pleasure." She needed to escape so she backed away several steps. "Goodnight, Niki." She spun on her heels then hurried off to her car.

"See ya," Niki whispered only to herself. She pleased that Toni positively received her gesture. She chuckled at the mental image of Toni's blush. She went around her car and got into the driver's seat. Niki's drive home was pleasant, and she thought about the dinner. She realized that Jessica was right, and honestly Niki realized she was smitten with Doctor Toni Kevin. How could it be possible after everything? What was it about Toni that made Niki feel so great and even connected?

Niki knew she wouldn't have her answers tonight. She wasn't even sure if she was quite ready for those answers anyway. She didn't directly go home and instead went to her friend's house to get Micah. She parked in the street and turned off her car. She slipped her car keys into her front pocket while she went to the front door. She knocked on it and waited for a minute so she knocked again. Still there was no answer so she became concerned.

Niki tried the door knob and was surprised to find it unlocked. Now that she looked at it, she realized it was actually dented somehow like somebody sabotaged it. She became even more frantic and rushed into the house.

"Micah?" she hollered. She'd entered in the kitchen and noticed everything was a mess. "Oh my god." She hurried through the house. "Katie?" She wasn't getting any response.

Niki checked the downstairs but found nobody. She only saw a complete mess of things, which wasn't Katie's style. She knew somebody had torn up the house. Fear was starting to pump through Niki, and she bounded up the steps to the second floor.

"Micah? Katie?" she called. She halted a step from Katie's closed room once she saw the lights were on inside. She dared to go forward, and she grabbed the handle. She pushed it open and was stunned to see Katie on the bed, nude. She was also tied up and gagged.

"Oh god," Niki gasped. She hastened to the side of the bed. "Katie?" She removed the gag and surveyed the familiar cuts and bruises that covered Katie's body. "Hold on, let me get you something." She hurried to the bathroom where she knew Katie kept bathrobes. She grabbed one but also swiped a pair of small scissors off the sink.

Niki rush back then set the robe aside for a moment. She proceeded to cut the nylon rope, then she helped her stricken friend sit up. "Katie, are you okay?" She put the rob around the frightened woman. "What happened?"

Katie shook her head and emotionally whispered, "Some man broke in here." She lifted her red eyes to Niki. "He took Micah. I'm so sorry, Niki." She began to cry again.

Niki could barely control her breathing. "I've got to find Micah." She hastily thought and asked, "Who was he?"

"I don't know." Katie shook her head, yet her eyes traveled to her nightstand beside her bed. "He... he left that though."

Niki followed Katie's stare. She spotted something all too familiar, and she picked up the business card on the nightstand. She read Toni's full name clearly printed on it.

"He said he works for her." Katie grabbed her friend's arm. "I'm so sorry, Niki. This is my fault."

"It's okay," Niki insisted. She took her friend's hand from her arm. "Call 911. Tell them what's happened." She then moved away.

"Where you going?"

Niki swallowed against the lump in her throat. "I have to find my son." She didn't wait for a response and left the room.

Katie picked up her cordless phone from the nightstand. She hesitated and stared at Niki, who was rushing down the dark hallway.

Niki was poised at the top of the steps. She lifted the business card and reread the psychologist's name. She was panicked and scared about what could happened to Micah. Where could she start? She then felt herself disconnect from her body, and her legs moved without her control. She rushed down the steps and angrily balled up the business card in her right fist.

"I told you, Niki," Jessica warned. Now in control, Jessica Sanders rushed out of the open front door and across the lawn. She tore out the keys from her pocket, and she hopped into the black car. She harshly throttled the engine then sped out of the small housing complex.

Jessica raced through the streets and roads. She knew from Niki's memory exactly where Doctor Kevin lived. She shut off her headlights just before she turned into the house's driveway. She cut off the engine and glanced at the red BMW parked in front of the garage. "My, my I may just have to steal that when I'm done."

Jessica leaned to her right and yanked open the glove box. She reached in and revealed a shiny silver gun that was fully loaded. She shut the glove box then got out of the car. She first noted the few lights on at one side of the house. She suspected Doctor Kevin was getting ready for bed.

Jessica slipped to the backside of the house by going around the garage. She hid her gun in a back pocket and toyed with some windows. She found one open and silently climbed through it. She landed inside of some guestroom suspected. Jessica opened the door and entered a main hallway.

Toni moved away from the open door of her master bedroom. She was slowly unbuttoning her green blouse and going over to her walk-in closet. She stopped short beside her flat screen television, which was currently off. She turned to it and picked up the remote from the long dresser. She peered up at the screen that hung on her wall.

Toni pointed the remote at the television, and her finger rested on the power button. But she didn't push it because of the faint reflection in the screen. She furrowed her eyebrows once recognizing the face. She whirled around while saying, "Niki?"

Jessica growled and rushed the psychologist, who she'd snuck up on silently. She slammed Toni back into the dresser.

Toni had dropped the remote, and the wind was knocked out of her. She gasped for air, but the taller woman pushed against her roughly and pinned her hard. She grabbed Niki's strong arm and peered up into gray eyes that weren't at all friendly compared to earlier tonight. "Niki, what's going-"

"Shut up," Jessica snarled. "Tell me what you did with my son."

"What?" Toni was a mix of fear and confusion. "I don't know-" She was cut off sharply.

Jessica swung the psychologist around and threw her to the wood floor. She stepped over the prone woman and reached back to her gun. "That's the wrong answer, doc." She brandished her gun. She knelt down over the psychologist and put the gun to Toni's temple. She had a clear view of Toni's prior wounds from several nights ago, but it didn't matter to her. She only had two things on her mind now.

"I want my son back then I want you dead."

Toni was petrified and pleaded, "I don't know what you're talking about, Niki."

Jessica was clearly becoming agitated further by the lack of answers. She pushed the barrel harder against Toni's head and leaned into her. "Yes you do. You hired somebody to kidnap him."

"Niki, why-"

Jessica's left hand shot out and wrapped around Toni's throat. She cut off the psychologist's lies. "Niki has left me in charge." She leaned in some and hotly breathed, "I'm Jessica Sanders." She now moved the gun and let it trail up to the top of Toni's head. "And if you don't answer my questions right then you'll be diagnosed with a hole in your head."

Toni stared at the woman, who had dramatically changed personalities compared to tonight's dinner. She then was flooded by her hidden memories from the night of her attack. "My god... you're her. You saved me."

Jessica smirked and reminded, "And soon I'll kill you." She jerked the psychologist. "Tell me where my son is, now," she growled.

Toni shut her eyes and uttered, "I don't know. I have nothing to do with it." She reached for Jessica's arm that had the hand on her neck. She clung to the muscular arm and pleaded, "I'm telling you the truth."

"Then why did I find your business card there?" Jessica hotly argued. "And the man that took my son said he worked for you."

Toni opened her eyes, and the desperation showed in them. "Nobody works for me." She swallowed and softly added, "And a lot of people have my card."

"Jessica," Niki broke through, "she's telling the truth. Can't you see that?"

Jessica was going to reply, but she fell short at Toni's sudden wide eye expression.

"Niki?" Toni called.

Jessica tilted her head at the interesting turn of events. She smirked. "Well, I suppose I'm not the only wack job here."

"Let her go, Jessica," Niki demanded. She was angry and struggled against Jessica's strong lock on her body.

"Not until I know what's happened to Micah," Jessica argued.

"I don't know." Toni's thoughts raced through her head, yet it finally occurred to her. "Philip has him."

"Philip?" Jessica echoed.

"Yes, the patient that attacked me that night." Toni swallowed against the strong hand on her throat. "This is his kind of thing. And the more time you waste here, the more plausible it is that Micah may be harmed... or killed."

Jessica slotted her eyes, and her jaw clenched tightly.

"Come on, Jessica. Just let her go." Niki couldn't regain control over her body, but she hoped to reason with her alter ego. "We have to find Micah," she pleaded in hopes it'd get Jessica to stop thinking about killing Toni.

Jessica suddenly pulled the gun away but stayed focused on the psychologist. "Do you know where this Philip might have Micah?"

"Yes," Toni replied. "He's probably hiding from the police. He owns this rundown warehouse outside the city."

Jessica had very gray eyes, but she suddenly yanked her hand away from Toni's throat. She put her gun away, yet she coldly stared at the psychologist. "If you're lying to me-"

"I know," Toni argued. "That's why I'm not lying." She rubbed her sore neck. She suspected there was a bruise already forming there. She was surprised by Niki or rather Jessica's aggressive nature and strength.

Jessica rose up and ordered, "Get up." She waited for Toni to stand too.

"How can you hear me, Toni?" Niki asked.

"We don't have time for that," Toni argued. "I can explain on the way." She found her shoes and put them on hastily.

Jessica arched an eyebrow because for once she agreed with the psychologist's style. She stepped aside as the psychologist breezed past her.

"I'll drive." Toni grabbed her keys and phone from her dresser then hurried down the hallway.

"My kind of woman," Jessica muttered. She easily caught up to Toni because of her wide strides. She left the house and got into the now unlocked BMW.

Toni shifted her car into reverse and rushed out of the driveway. She put on her headlights then raced down the road. "The warehouse will probably take thirty minutes to get there. It's outside of the city a ways." She hit the gas so that the V-6 engine growled louder. "I think I can cut it to fifteen minutes."

Jessica smirked and stretched out her legs in the comfortable car. Yeah maybe this Doctor Toni Kevin had some flare after all.

Toni glanced at the changed woman beside her. She focused back on her speeding driving through the busy streets. "So multiple personalities huh?"

"No," Jessica coldly replied, "just dual personalities. There's only enough room for Niki and I." She rested her right arm on the door's arm rest. "Three or more is a crowd."

The psychologist softly laughed despite it hadn't meant to be a joke.

"How can you hear me?" Niki spoke up.

Toni looked at Jessica, but she could tell that the woman hadn't physically spoke. She indeed heard Niki because Niki's voice was lighter and gentler compared to Jessica's tones. "You're not the first, and you certainly won't be the last."

"You have telepathy?" Jessica theorized.

Toni snorted and replied, "Luckily, no." She braked the car and made a sharp right turn but her German made car easily handled it. "It's a bit more complicated than that really."

"Can you explain it?" Niki urged.

The psychologist sighed, but she tried to compose her explanation. "I've had this for some time. I don't know for how long exactly... I can't quite tell whether it's a curse or a gift." She shook her head, but she stopped the car at a red light. "This... ability I have let's me see people's problems." She glanced at Jessica and added, "Psychologically speaking that is."

The light went green, and the red BMW zipped through the streets with ease.

"I can just talk to people and instantly understood who they are, what they are..."

"What makes them tick," Jessica summarized.

"Exactly." Toni flashed her left blinker and switched into the fast lane. She zipped past a few cars and opened up her car more now that they were on the highway. "I can also momentarily cure people from their mental illness if I'm in close proximity of them."

"Interesting," Niki murmured. She now had a view of Toni because Jessica had turned her head.

"Does that explain why this Philip attacked you?" Jessica queried.

"I'm afraid so." Toni sighed deeply. "I've been working years with Philip. He's..." She reached up and swept her hair behind her right ear. "He's a..."

"A what?" Jessica coldly demanded.

"He has antisocial personality disorder," Toni carefully explained.

Jessica slotted her eyes at the news.

"What does that mean exactly?" Niki's voice slightly trembled in fear.

"It's a common disorder that serial killer's suffer from," Jessica answered. She stared coldly at the psychologist. "Right, doc?"

"Yes," Toni admitted in an irritated voice. "He's never committed any crimes. For years, I've been helping him try to move past his disorder."

"He's about to meet a real killer." Jessica became amused and began to theorize again. "You temporarily cure him... help him feel normal. So you keep doing it, but you get too deeply involved." She shrugged. "That's why you were having personal problems. Then he freaks out because he's lost his drug and hunts you down without really understanding what's happened to him."

Toni Kevin had a dark expression, but she let out a long breath. "Yes, that's pretty much how it happened."

"Hmmm." Jessica's lips thinned, and she folded her arms. "Now thanks to you my son is involved."

"Jessica," Niki argued.

"It's okay, Niki." Toni shook her head and pushed down on the gas pedal. She suddenly was doing eighty-five. "She's right."

Niki was thinking about something, and her thoughts were connected to Jessica's for once. So it was Jessica that posed the question that Niki had derived.

"Why did Philip suddenly turn scared that night?" Jessica cocked her head and waited for her and Niki's answer.

Toni switched back to the slow lane, which was empty of cars for a few miles ahead. "I used my... gift or whatever to temporarily cure his disorder." She slowed her car and took the next exit. "That's half the reason why I passed out. It can take a lot of energy to do it."

Toni floored her car to ninety on the empty road. She threw up dusty behind her car, and she knew the warehouse was only a mile down here. She slowed down again and kept an eye for that dirt road.

"How do you know your way so well?" Jessica questioned.

"I came out here once when he was having a real bad day," Toni explained. She shut off her headlights and made a left onto a dirt road. She drove very slowly, but she pointed at the abandon warehouse behind the locked fence ahead of them. "That's it there." She picked out the yellow lights glowing from the upper row of windows. She stopped her car in front of the fence.

Jessica got out of the car then shut the door. She approached the fence, which was chained and locked.

Toni had turned off her car, and she hurried to the gate. "Great." She picked up the padlock. "He's never locked it."

"He has reason to now," Jessica muttered. She took the lock into her right hand. "Move back."

The psychologist was confused, but she backed away.

Jessica easily yanked the lock down and snapped the chain into several broken pieces. She threw the lock onto the dusty ground. She then pulled open one gate.

"My god," Toni muttered. "You have super strength."

Jessica smirked and joked, "Brilliant deduction, Dr. Kevin." She then was going to go but a small hand on her wrist stopped her.

"You can't go charging in there," Toni argued. "You could get your son killed."

"She has a point," Niki broke in.

Jessica sighed and looked back at the psychologist. "I wasn't planning on it. Just stay here and wait 'til I get back."

"I'm coming too," Toni fought. "I got your son into this mess."

"Toni, just stay here. Jessica can handle this."

Toni slotted her eyes at Niki's insistence and also Jessica's now smug attitude. She never saw Niki act this confident, but Jessica certainly was in comparison. "I'm going. I can help y'all stop Philip."

Jessica sighed because she didn't have time to argue. "Alright. Stick close." She and Toni Kevin silently moved forward and closer to the warehouse.

"The door is on the side." Toni then pointed in the direction.

"Is there any other way in?"

Toni's eyebrows knitted together, and she shook her head. "No."

Jessica clenched her hands, but she asked, "Does the back of the warehouse have a lot of crates or whatever stocked back there?"

"Actually yes." Toni considered her mental map from the last time she'd been in the warehouse. "Philip had moved all these empty crates and boxes back there to open up the space inside."

"Perfect." Jessica crept off, and Toni stayed on her heels. She came to the rear of the warehouse, and she knelt down. She both visually inspected and felt around for something against the outside. She then found exactly what she wanted. It was curled up piece of siding from aging and probably weathering.

Toni was awed when the tall blond easily peeled back the metal siding to reveal an opening to the warehouse. She shook her head and peered up at the smug woman.

"Stay behind me," Jessica uttered. She ducked into the dark hole, but she was slow and careful so she wouldn't make noise. She came up to a tall crate stack but there was an opening to go around it. She kept behind the stack, but she peered through the small openings and let her eyes adjust to the dim lighting.

Toni remained positioned behind the taller woman. She tilted her head and listened.

"If your mother hadn't gotten involved, boy then you wouldn't be here," spoke a familiar man. It was indeed Philip.

Jessica tried to see through the openings of the crates in hopes she'd see her son.

"Over there," Niki pointed out. "Off to the left."

Jessica followed her alter ego's instructions. She now focused on the small man that was squatted beside a barred crate.

"You don't want to do this, mister," Micah implored.

Philip stepped away from the crate, which gave Jessica a clear view now. "Sorry, kid. But keeping you will bring me Dr. K."

Jessica glanced back at the psychologist that'd been nicknamed. She raised an eyebrow.

Toni rolled her eyes, but stayed quiet.

Jessica turned back to the slotted openings in the crate. She felt her anger rise at seeing her son barred inside of the small crate. She couldn't wait to kill this son of a bitch. She reached for the gun and clicked off the safety.

Toni touched Jessica's shoulder to get her attention. "Be careful," she murmured.

Jessica didn't respond and started to inch her way around the crates.

Toni claimed Jessica's vacated spot. She had every intent to help when it was the right moment. If she could get close to Philip then she could temporarily cure him and hopefully he'd calm from his psychological insanity. She checked her right pocket and felt the slight bulge of her cell phone.

Jessica stayed in the shadows and worked her way closer to Philip, who had his back to rear of the warehouse.

Philip sat down in a wood chair. At his feet, he had systematically set out twelve knives earlier. He know carefully studied each blade, and he seemed to be deciding on something.

Jessica craned her neck to the side and now noted the plethora of knives. She silently cursed because this could be more dangerous for her son than herself.

"We should get Micah out first," Niki suggested. "Then Toni can take him through the back."

Jessica liked the idea. She silently agreed by making her way closer to the cage that held her son. She made it to the cage and squatted down. She kept one eye on Philip's back while peering into the cage.

Micah was seated in the box; his back against one side and his head near his propped knees. He saw the shadow and lifted his head. He became wide eye at seeing his mother, then he spotted her gun.

Jessica held up her index finger to her sealed lips.

Micah realized this was his mother's alter ego. He was now felt sorry for this man that'd kidnapped him.

Jessica noted the padlock on the crate, and she silently cursed. There was no way she could free Micah without making any noise. She focused her light ash eyes on the man's back, and her lip curled into a snarl. Time for my favorite plan, she mentally decided. Jessica now carefully inched up towards Philip's back. She held the gun with both hands and crept closer and closer.

Philip leaned forward and picked up a butcher's knife. He held it up like it was a prize. He felt comfort by holding it. He had a dark sparkle in his eyes. "First, I'll show you how it is to be a real man" Then unexpectedly he felt cold steal pressed into the back of his head.

"No, first you'll have your brains blown out," an angry voice promised.

Philip was tense, but he held his knife still. He recognized the woman's voice instantly. "It's you."

Jessica tightly held her gun. "You got it."

"Where's Dr. K?"

Jessica decided to play with him. She smirked and taunted, "After I asked her where you were, I killed her." She couldn't control the amusement that filled her at seeing how tense Philip grew. "I still can't get her blood off my shirt."

"You bitch, I needed her!" Philip suddenly sprung up from his chair, spun, and swiped at Jessica.

Jessica was taken by surprise. She took the blade to her left wrist, and she almost dropped her gun.

Philip lunged for Jessica and took her to the ground.

Jessica lost her gun, which skidded away several feet. She now found a sharp blade closer to her neck. She hastily grabbed the man's wrist and held him at bay.

"I can't control my urges without Dr. K's help," Philip snarled. His rage enabled him to lower the knife lower to Jessica's throat.

Jessica was briefly shocked by his strength, but it was more his luck and leverage. She gritted her teeth and fought against him.

Toni appeared from the crates and saw the struggle in progress. She moved into the open more and deduced a detraction would help Jessica. "Philip," she called.

Philip sharply lifted his head at hearing the voice of salvation to him. "Dr. K?"

Jessica took her opening, and she slugged the man hard. She sent him sailing off her body and the knife was lost. She started to get up, but she realized her mistake.

Philip had just managed to his feet, but he now possessed Jessica's gun.

"Shit," Jessica murmured.

Philip aimed the gun at Jessica, but he glanced at Dr. Kevin. "She said she killed you."

"I lied," Jessica retorted. She took a step closer.

Philip switched his attention to the moving woman. "Stop or I'll shoot you." His eyes were wild but held promise in them.

"Mom," Micah hollered. He clung to the bars of the crate.

"It's okay, Micah." Jessica eyed her enemy.

Dr. Kevin slowly came closer to the locked crate. She glanced at the boy inside, and she felt her heart drop. She knew this was her fault.

"I'll let your son live if you cooperate," Philip told the tall blond.

Jessica clenched her jaw and stared acidly at the crazy man. She didn't trust him to keep any promise.

Toni Kevin knew there was nothing she could do to free Micah. She switched her attention to the stand off. She centered her full attention on Philip, and she tried to awaken her abilities. Please work from this far, she mentally pleaded.

Jessica fisted her hands at her side. She spied the butcher knife between them.

"Don't even think of it." Philip moved forward and kicked the knife far away. He grew angrier and ordered, "Get on your knees."

Jessica needed time to find her opening. She slowly sunk to her knees.

Philip was pleased that she listened for once. He then glanced at Dr. Kevin, who he realized had that familiar focused expression. He became fearful at what she was doing. "No!"

Toni sensed her power now sought out Philip. She felt weakened, but she didn't let it stop her.

Philip stared down at at gun and became scared of it. He suddenly dropped it and backed away from Jessica.

Jessica slotted her eyes, but she didn't hesitate to pick up the weapon.

Philip backed away from Jessica in pure fear. "Not you again... stay away."

Jessica climbed to her incredible height. She approached the scared man, and she grabbed him by the throat. She hauled him off his feet again and held him up high. "You sick bastard." She knew Philip would have victimized her son if she hadn't shown up. She revealed a dark smile. "I'll cure you myself."

Toni collapsed to her knees and hands. She breathed deeply.

Micah watched in horror as her mother's alter ego slammed the small man against a steel wall. He looked at Toni and urged, "You have to help her stop herself. Please."

Toni caught her breath then looked over at Jessica, who was putting her gun away. She closed her eyes then urged her legs to lift her up.

Micah caught a brief glimpse at Toni's eyes, which were like obsidian and flashed red. He tensed, but he curiously watched her hurry to his mother.

"Jessica, let him go."

Jessica ignored Toni's approach, and she struck Philip hard in the stomach.

"Come on, Jessica let him down." Niki was back and trying to take control, but Jessica denied her.

"Not this time," Jessica hissed. "I won't let this fuckin' sicko hurt Micah again." She pulled back her right hand and fisted it. She grinned at Philip's terrified look.

"Please don't kill me," Philip implored.

"Soon you'll be begging me to kill you," Jessica swore.

Toni made it in time to touch Jessica's arm. "Let it go, Jessica."

Jessica felt some calming effect that came instantly upon Toni's contact. She turned her head to the psychologist and was surprised to find midnight eyes that stared back at her.

"Jessica, let the police handle him. Please." Niki had a plea in her voice.

"She's right, Jessica." Toni studied the blue-gray eyes above her. "Just let them deal with him."

Jessica turned her head back to Philip. She still had her fisted hand raised. She snarled then suddenly threw her punch at him, but she purposely missed. Her hand tore through the metal wall and put a hole through it.

Philip gasped then fainted from pure shock. He was a loose heap in Jessica's left hand.

Jessica opened her hand and watched him collapse into a useless pile. She pulled her hand from the hole then gave him a faint kick in the side for extra measure. She glanced at her left arm, which still sported the long, shallow cut.

Toni sighed in relief, but she touched her pounding forehead. She blinked her eyes a few times and each time caused her eyes to soften into a gentle green.

Jessica looked at the psychologist. "Are you okay?"

"Yea," Toni murmured. "Go take care of your son. I'll handle Philip here."

Jessica didn't argue it. She went over to the crate that held her son. She felt her temper boil, but she capped it off. She grabbed the padlock and instructed, "Back away, Micah."

Micah nodded and wiggled back as far as he could in the crate. He closed his eyes, then he heard a loud snap. Next the crate's door was ripped off, and he was pulled out by long arms.

Jessica held her son closely and whispered, "Are you okay?"

Micah smiled at his mother's alter ego. He realized that Jessica loved him just as much as Niki. "I'm fine, promise." He then hugged his mother.

Jessica wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I love you, Micah."

"Love you too, mom." Micah tightened his hold.

Jessica felt much calmer than earlier, but her protective streak hadn't dissolved by far. That psycho was still free, and she refused to release her control of Niki's body.

"Yes, I want to report a kidnapping and attempted attack," Toni replied. She had her cell phone against her ear. She was checking Philip's pulse and found it to be strong. She stood up and continued to talk to the 911 operator.

Micah came out of the hug, but he was situated in his mother's lap. He studied the gray eyes that held fragments of his mother's blue. "You're Jessica, right?"

Jessica softly sighed, but she touched her son's chin. "Yes."

Micah looked down for a second, but he peered back up. "You've always been protecting us?"

"Yes," Jessica repeated. She then tilted her head and murmured, "I'm sorry about what happened between us and between your father and I."

Micah frowned, but he leaned his head against Jessica's neck. "I know you didn't mean to hurt any of us."

Jessica kissed Micah's forehead then whispered, "Never again." She then let Micah slip from her lap, and they both stood up. She took Micah's hand in hers then they went over to Toni and Philip. She kept Micah tucked behind her, but she looked at Toni.

Toni closed up her phone after talking to the operator. "They'll be here soon." She looked back at the unconscious man. "We should tie him up."

"There's some rope over by his chair," Micah pointed out.

Toni looked over there and indeed spotted it. "Let me get that." She hurried over there, but she glanced at the line of knives. She sucked her breath and collected the rope. She went back over to them and knelt beside Philip. "That was too close."

"Yes it was," Niki spoke up. She was watching through Jessica's eyes. She studied Micah's handsome features. "Far too close."

"Well he won't bother anybody again once they lock him up." Toni finished up her knots then stood up. She had a sad look on her face. "I wish I could have helped him."

Jessica grunted and shook her head.

"Like you say, you can't save everybody, Toni."

"That doesn't exactly make it easy to accept, Niki." Toni kept staring at the unconscious man that was on the verge of becoming a serial killer.

Micah had a confused look, and he looked between Jessica and Toni.

Jessica caught the look and softly promised, "Later." She then turned her head to the left at hearing a low siren. "I think that's them."

"Come on." Toni led the way to the front door. She worked the latch the held the door locked. She released it and slid the door open enough. She, Jessica, and Micah met the flood of officers halfway between the gates and warehouse. "He's tied up, inside."

Three officers quickly agreed to go inside and deal with him. The two remaining took out pads and asked the three witnesses what'd happened tonight. Toni mostly took over the story, but Jessica and Micah spoke up and handled questions. Once the officers were satisfied, they let the women and child go to the waiting BMW.

Toni collapsed into her driver's seat. She felt exhausted, and she glanced over at Jessica. "You do this all the time?"

"More than I'd like," Jessica quipped.

Toni grunted then buckled up. She glanced in her mirror and ordered, "Buckle in, Micah."

Jessica twisted around just after hearing Micah's belt click. She smiled at him then straightened back in her seat.

"You too, Supergirl," Toni jested. She shifted her car into reverse and carefully backed up until she faced the main road.

Jessica made no comment about the smart joke. She buckled in though and relaxed in the chair after a long moment.

Toni switched on her headlights then made a right onto the lonely road. She looked at the time on the digital clock and couldn't believe it was two in the morning. She wiped away her sleepiness and focused on her driving because she had precious cargo.

The drive was indeed longer on the way back because Toni did the legal limit. She eventually pulled into her driveway and parked the car. She turned off the engine then glanced back at Micah, who was sound asleep. She grinned.

Jessica already knew from checking on him earlier. She now quietly got out of the car.

Toni did the same and shut the door gently. She looked over at the tall beauty. "Why don't y'all just stay here for the night? It's too late for ya'll to be driving home."

Jessica glanced at the dark window, but she couldn't see Micah because of the tint.

"I have a guestroom," Toni offered.

"We should stay," Niki softly agreed.

Toni slightly smiled at Niki's agreement.

Jessica sighed then nodded. "Fine." She opened the rear door carefully, and she leaned over her son. She unbuckled him then scooped him up tenderly.

Niki was able to watch how gentle Jessica was with Micah. She felt an ache because she realized how much Jessica did love Micah too. It wasn't any different than how she felt about Micah. "Let's get some rest."

Jessica did feel worn now. She adjusted her precious package in her arms and followed Toni to the front door.

Micah stayed asleep, but he rested his head on his mother's shoulder.

"This way," Toni softly instructed. She guided the blond beauty through the house and to the guest room. She pushed the door open then flicked on the hallway light once Jessica entered the room. She didn't want the light in the room to wake up Micah.

Jessica went to the double bed and lowered her son first. She then faced the psychologist.

"We should take care of that." Toni indicated the wound on Jessica's left arm. The wound was clearly visible through the shirt's slash.

Jessica silently agreed and nodded.

Toni took the tall blond to the bathroom and switched on the lights. "Sit there." She pointed at the toilet. She busied with getting some cleaning supplies.

Jessica set the lid down then took a seat on the hard cover. She scanned the large bathroom and was thoroughly impressed. She figured Dr. Kevin's business as a psychologist paid well. She carefully worked to roll her sleeve up and revealed her laceration.

Toni squatted down and set several items on the floor to her right. She had a wet, warm washcloth in her hand. She took Jessica's extended arm and gently cleaned the wound.

"Is it bad?" Niki questioned.

"No, it doesn't seem to be deep." Toni pulled back the washcloth and saw that the wound was far more longer than deep. "But there's no telling how dirty that knife was." She stood up and went to the sink again. She cleaned out the cloth of the blood and this time grabbed a bar of scentless soap. She came back to Jessica.

Jessica merely observed how Toni damped her arm again. She was intrigued by Toni's careful administrations. She felt a brief sting when the soap cleansed her wound.

"You don't talk much compared to Niki."

"No reason to," Jessica harshly replied. She still wasn't fully comfortable with the psychologist, and it clearly showed.

"Don't worry," Toni mentioned as she stood up, "I don't plan to shrink you." She set the washcloth on the edge of the sink. She'd clean it later. She knelt back down and picked up the tube of ointment. She spun the cap off then pushed out a quarter size amount.

Jessica sensed the cool ointment come over her skin, and Toni trailed it down her long wound. "I hate psychologists," she casually mentioned.

"Hmmm." Toni picked up a wrapped gauze and proceeded to wrap it around Jessica's arm. "That's what I heard." She peered up with dark emerald eyes and mentioned, "You nearly killed an associate of mine a few months ago." She focused back on her task.

Jessica furrowed her eyebrows, yet it quickly came to her. "Dr. Witherson."

"Yes." Toni Kevin tied the two ends of the wrap near Jessica's wrist. "I didn't realize you were that Sanders until it hit me tonight." She collected her medical supplies and quipped, "Or until it strangled me tonight." She opened her cabinet mirror above her sink and put her supplies away. She shut the door and Jessica's dark face stared back at her in the mirror.

"Niki gave her fair warning."

Toni knew that Jessica meant Dr. Witherson. "And did you give her a fair one?" She waited a beat but received no answer. "What scares you so bad about a psychiatrist?"

Jessica grew darker and warned, "Are you trying to shrink me now?"

"No," Toni softly replied to the reflection, "just trying to get to know you." She then became confused by the softened features in the mirror and how the Jessica's reflection moved. She twisted around and realized that Jessica hadn't moved an inch.

"Take it easy, Jessica." Niki looked over at Toni, who was tense.

Toni looked at the mirror then back at Jessica. She touched her forehead and rasped, "What is going on here?"

Jessica slotted her eyes and looked back at Niki in the mirror. She realized that Doctor Kevin could indeed see Niki too.

Niki studied Toni and whispered, "You can see me?"

Toni's confused eyes lifted to the mirror. "Yes." She distinctly noticed the differences between Niki in the mirror and Jessica standing next to her.

Jessica turned her head to Niki, and she merely raised an eyebrow. She folded her arms and stared at Toni.

"This is bizarre," Niki decided.

"Tell me about it," Toni muttered. She combed her fingers through her midnight hair. "This doesn't quite make sense."

"Feel a bit crazy, doc?" Jessica taunted.

Toni mocked glared at the joke and replied, "No, I feel a headache." She rubbed her forehead then muttered, "There's more going on here than any of us understand."

Niki looked between Jessica and Toni then suggested, "We should get some rest. We're not going to get any answers tonight."

"You're right," Toni muttered. She rubbed her aching eyes, which somewhat helped.

"Fine by me." Jessica walked away from the sink and mirror and went to the door.

Toni lightly touched Jessica's wrapped arm. "If there's anything you need to understand, Jessica it's that a psychiatrist and a psychologist are horses of two different colors."

Jessica had opened the door some, but she held it in place. "How is that?"

"Simply put," Toni explained, "a psychiatrist believes in using medicine to induce certain behavior from a patient. A psychologist uses interpersonal and rational techniques to help a patient work through their troubles rather than drug them."

Jessica considered it for a beat, and it did explain why Dr. Witherson had refused to medicate her and Niki. She'd only gained control once the medication wore off.

Toni could tell Jessica would have to think it over for some time. She grabbed the door and opened it wider. She slipped past and headed down to her bedroom, which allowed light to flood out of the open door into the dark hallway.

Jessica stepped out of the bathroom and softly called, "Goodnight, Toni."

The psychologist stopped in her doorway, turned, and faintly smiled at being called by her first name for once. "Goodnight, Jessica." She entered her room and disappeared off to her side.

Jessica slipped back into the guestroom and found Micah still sound asleep. She softened at the sight of him.

"You love him too," Niki spoke up. "I can feel it."

"Of course," Jessica quietly replied. She proceeded to remove her ruined top and was only left with her black tank top. There on her right shoulder rested the unusual Symbol.

"Thank you." Niki was sincere and true.

Jessica set the top down on the dresser. "You're welcome." She knew Niki meant about everything tonight. It'd taken a lot of Jessica's reserve not to kill Philip because of what he'd done to Micah. She didn't want him to interfere with their lives again, but she guessed that he'd be the one locked up in a padded room for a long time.

Jessica slipped off her dress boots then came to the bed. She carefully removed Micah's shoes, set them down, and crawled into bed.

"Mom?" Micah rolled over and faced the familiar body.

"Right here." Jessica secured her son in her arms and held him close. "Go back to sleep, sweetie." She adjusted the covers over them, then she relaxed finally too. She felt relatively safe here, and the night was catching up to her. Slowly Jessica faded into a deep sleep, but her black tattoo gradually disappeared from her shoulder. She would sleep soundly tonight.



Continued.




Red Hope's Scrolls
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