Love and Insanity

Disclaimer: Zevo 3 isn't mine.

The next day in New Eden City had things partially returned to order. The National Guard had to be called in. And many weren't used to such high levels of mutant activity. With Stankfoot and his cohorts holed up somewhere underground, there was at least one less co-ordinated round of attacks to worry about. Besides, there was more than enough death and destruction to deal with.

With the mobs dispersed, medical units and coroners could do their jobs of saving lives and collecting the dead.

Areas where unrest still existed were either overrun or had minor issues. Anywhere that could be saved was saved and disaster zones were cordoned off and anyone leaving was under threat of fire unless given permission to exit. Otherwise survivors and fleeing citizens were welcomed. Unfortunately that courtesy was only extended to humans. Mutants went on the run since they only got arrested if found or discovered.

Surprisingly Ronson and his followers actually helped to quell the unrest. Police were sceptical at first but accepted the help when it was clear they needed it. They left after The National Guard came and things started to get hostile.

New Eden City was now under martial law. The National Guard had been given permission by the President to take over and clean up the mess that had been made of the city. Officials who ran the city were all too happy to accept the option of first place evacuation over fighting for control.

Dark days seemed to lie ahead as The National Guard were given total autonomy. And they were preparing to win a war.

(Meanwhile on Gram's Barge)

Cotilla sat in a chair sobbing. She was still shell shocked from what had happened at the nightclub. A night of fun had turned to horror and she would never be the same.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Matt said in a small voice, "if I had my powers..." he started.

"No, you know that's not an option," Jason said, "you're not even completely recovered man, and besides, if you get your powers back you will die."

Cotilla let out a sob and grabbed Matt. "Don't."

Matt glared at Jason who apologized.

"How is she?" Gram's walked in, "it's a good thing The National Guard came when they did. Poor Cotilla was stuck in one of the worst hit places."

"She's safe now," Matt declared kissing her forehead, "you hear me Cotilla; you are going to be fine."

"Safety is an illusion," Cotilla choked out.

"Don't say things like that Bug," Grams chided.

"But it's true," Bug insisted, "we got attacked just for kicks, if the barge couldn't go out in open water we'd be sunk. And this is just the beginning."

Cotilla cried even harder as Jason stormed forward and marched Bug out. He couldn't believe Bug would act like that in front of someone in such a fragile state. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Bug pulled out his grasp. "New Eden City can't be saved. Not now."

Jason straightened up. "What do you mean by that?"

"Look around you man! I had to hide when The National Guard showed up with Cotilla."

Jason looked at his feet. "I'm sorry."

"You have no idea how lucky you are Jason," Bug told him, "mutants like me are sunk," he said, "and I'm not waiting around 'til the death squads arrive," he added and walked off.

Jason stood dumbfounded. There was nothing he could think of to argue against anything Bug had said.

(Meanwhile at the Martin's Residence)

Ellie sat at the table spinning her spoon in cold oatmeal. How could she eat when so many were suffering or even dead? Her family was fine. But many others... she had to fight the guilt that swelled from not being able to help.

Jason had even refused to leave her side, choosing instead to stay with her until morning. When he was ready she held him tightly before letting go. He kissed her then slipped out the window.

"Your brother insisted on going to see Cotilla over at Grams place," Mrs. Martin said, "your dad dropped him off then called to say he's staying in the car to keep guard, silly man," she sighed.

But Ellie noticed the smile playing on her lips. No matter what she said, her mother was proud of dad.

"Would you like a pop tart instead?" Mrs. Martin offered.

"Oh," Ellie said eyeing the cold food, "um, ok."

After microwaving a chocolate pop tart her mother watched her eat every bite like a hawk. Both females laughed after she'd finished.

"We really lucky you know," Mrs. Martin mused aloud.

"I know," Ellie said with a weak smile.

"And Jason called, so he's ok," Mrs. Martin ventured to say.

Ellie nodded but now had tears in her eyes. "What's going to happen to us mummy? The National Guard's locking us in, they're preparing for war."

"I know honey, I'm so sorry."

"I'm scared, what about the babies?"

"I swear nothing will happen to any of you as long as I have breath in my body," Mrs. Martin pledged grasping her hand, "do you hear me?"

Ellie nodded. "I swear that too."

They hugged each other and cried.

Yes things are heating up. Thank you for all the reviews everyone.