Masquerade of Madness: Adjustments: part five

"What?" Damon said, agitated that Creed was loose.

Creed lunged for Damon, kneeing him in the gut. The others left the girls alone and went for Creed again.

"I would say I do not want to hurt you, but at this moment, I really do." Creed eyed all of them as they formed a circle around him. He glared, glancing around the circle of gang members. His eyes showed his anger at their unjust actions. One lunged for him with his fist aiming for Creed's face.

Creed sidestepped the blow and grabbed the fist directed at him. Gripping it with bruising force, he threw the guy into one of the other assailants, dodging another attack. Creed fell to his knees, extending his leg to the side. Supporting on his hands, he side-swept them to the ground.

The others had no idea how to fight him now. Although confused and weary, the desire to see their opponent fall fueled them. They all lunged simultaneously at Creed, but they were no challenge for his speed or his armor. When the dust settled, most of the gang had scattered with only their backs visible down the street. Just their leader, Damon, remained and Creed had a firm grip on him.

Damon screamed to his retreating gang, "Cowards, all of you!"

"Good," Creed said, releasing him.

Damon stood up tall. "They're useless!" He moved passed Sue, bruised pride concealed in a lustful look. "Goodbye, beautiful Sue."

Sue collapsed in relief.

Crystal let out a panicked cry. "She quit breathing!"

Creed ran to them. He bent down over Yin and placed one hand on her stomach. "She's breathing, but very shallow. We need to get her to a hospital or heal her now." He placed his other hand over her forehead. “Full Admission!” he called out slowly, his concern showed vividly through his eyes. A white light appeared and engulfed the little girl.

Fearful, Crystal began to beat on Creed's chest. "What are you doing?"

Sue grabbed her and slapped her in the face. "Creed isn't hurting her!"

"How do you know that?"

"Because Creed isn't like them!" She pointed down the street to the fleeing gang.

"But . . ."

"No buts," Sue said sternly. "He threw oatmeal on my wall and enjoyed it. He's different."

Crystal was at a loss for words. "He did what? And what does that have to do with Yin?"

Just then, Yin opened her eyes. She felt better; her pain was gone. "Mommy, I don't hurt," she said to Crystal, almost smiling.

Crystal hugged Yin tightly, crying. "Next time I say run, you run!" she playfully scolded.

"Okay," the little girl replied eagerly.

Crystal softly apologized to Creed. "I am sorry, but what did you do to her?"

Smiling with understanding for her concern, he replied, "Full Admission is used to heal others and yourself, if severely injured. But it takes a lot of energy. . ." Creed's voice trailed off as he slumped to the ground, passed out.

"Great," Sue sighed in frustration. "What are we supposed to do now?"

Crystal did not hesitate. She happily replied, "Wait 'til he wakes up."

"Okay," Sue nodded and took a seat on top of a pile of rubble beside the curb.

On the other hand, Yin's energy returned quickly. "Mommy, can I play now?" she sweetly asked Crystal.

"Yeah, just don't go out of my sight."

"Are you going to let her keep calling you mommy?" Sue asked with concern.

"Yeah, I like it."

"But what if your mom says you can't keep her?" Sue pressed her.

"Well, then, I guess I'll ask Gin to take her in."

Yin noticed Sue watching her and waved.

Sue managed a weak wave back, still reflecting on Crystal's last comment and hoping that wouldn't happen.

Creed groggily opened his eyes. "I feel weak."

"Then rest," Sue said, looking at him with concern.

"It's not too comfortable," Creed responded jokingly, as he tried to stand.

Crystal waved at Yin to get her attention and yelled, "Yin, time to leave."

Then the four of them walked down the middle of the empty streets. The noon sun radiated on the decrepit buildings that surrounded them. They needed to hurry. They had a long walk to get to Crystal's house, and hunger was overtaking their thoughts.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. Crystal's house looked rundown, with peeling paint and a tall grass problem. Her mom favors an artistic side, rather than the more practical tools and labor side, Sue thought.

Crystal was more concerned with how her mom would favor Yin and made them all wait outside while she went in alone. "Mom," Crystal called out excitedly, as she ran through the house. She found her mom sitting at the table, smoking and talking on the phone.

"What is it, Baby?"

"Can I keep it?"

"No, if by 'it' you mean a dog, cat or any animal."

"And if it's Humanoid?" Crystal asked meekly.

"How old?" her mother asked unemotionally.

"Six, I guess. The little girl has no family. She's already started calling me mom!"

"I don't know, Baby," she said thoughtfully. "I guess I could take care of her while you're at school, but after that, she's your problem. You got that, no excuses!"

"Thank you, Mom." Excited, she ran up to her mom and hugged her.

Her mom smiled warily, "Love you, too. What is her name?"

"Yin."

"What? Okay, the child needs a new name. How about Ashley? What happened to her parents?"

"They disappeared. She is all alone, except for us. I don't know about giving her a new name. It sounded like her name has important meaning to her."

"Okay. Now bring Ashley in here and tell your friends it's time to go."

"Yes, Mom." With that, Crystal went back outside.

Her mother sighed. A grandmother, who would have guessed it at her age, she thought. Oh, well, it will take some getting used to. Maybe she should have given this more thought. She took a drag off her cigarette.