Chapter 11: The Gemini Twins

 

"Lori, have you heard about the recent robberies in Beverly Hills?" Marla, her colleague, asked.

“What robberies?" Lori responded, as Marla presented her with the newspaper article. Lori began perusing the article. "I had no clue that there was a group of thieves preying on the rich," she exclaimed while reading. Just then, the editor of NewsMaker magazine came over. "Lori, I need you and Marla to interview the most recent robbery victim," he said. Lori agreed, saying, "Sure thing!"

Lori and Marla took her car to Beverly Hills. Despite the heavy traffic, they made it in time to interview the victim. "We represent NewsMaker magazine and are here to discuss the robbery that occurred last week," Lori announced. An older man in his 50’s answered the door. He was dressed as a butler. 

The fancy houses had a big living room. He led them to the library and shut the doors as he left. Lori was puzzled, but Marla explained that wealthy folks usually have maids and butlers, and they don't typically mingle with guests. Lori glanced around. "It seems like some kind of library," she observed, and Marla agreed with a nod. They sat quietly for thirty minutes.

 "Do you think they might have forgotten about us?" Marla asked. At that moment, a woman in her early thirties walked in. Her light brown shoulder length hair shimmered in the sunlight as it streamed through the window, giving her an air of elegance. She was dressed in a blue silk button-up blouse paired with a sleek black pencil skirt and stylish black heels.

"I apologize for the delay; please help yourself to some tea," she said as the maid arrived with a silver tray holding two glass cups filled with iced tea. The maid placed the tray on the coffee table before them. The room features beautifully maintained wooden floors and furniture that exudes a classic Victorian charm. The large windows are adorned with elegant curtains that reflect the same style, and a cozy fireplace adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Lori said, "We are here to talk to you regarding the robbery that took place here, and I truly regret that you had to experience this."

"Oh no, that didn't happen to me," the woman hesitated, "it was my grandmother who was present at the time, and she mentioned that one of the intruders threatened to rape her if she didn't cease her screams.”

Marla's recording the conversation with her mini tape recorder. "My grandma was totally caught off guard when she heard a noise coming from this place, the private library." 

“Hold on, so the valuable jewels were stored in this room?" Lori asked, looking shocked. 

Jenna nodded, "The safe's hidden behind the painting of my parents." She gestured towards the beautiful painting.

“I'm uncertain about how they managed to unlock the safe, but they made off with three invaluable necklaces that were my great-grandmother's. They were truly exquisite, adorned with real diamonds.”

“Maybe someone gave them the codes?” Marla suggested. Jenna shook her head but paused before saying, “Unbeknownst to the thieves, my grandmother was resting in the same room as the safe, which held the valuable jewelry.”

Lori looked at her and asked, “Can you tell us what happened?” The woman nodded. 

“First I should introduce myself, I’m Jenna Nelson,” she leaned across and shook Lori and Marla’s hand. Settling back down on the chair, she told them what her grandmother said. 

Lori was taken aback by her Jenna’s story. "My grandmother was tied up on a chair during the robbery," she recounted, her voice trembling. "After the thieves took the priceless jewelry, one of them, a man, had the audacity to threaten her, by saying that if she said anything he will rape her." 

Lori's heart raced as she processed it. "Wait. What?" was all she could manage to say, shocked by how something so terrible could happen to a poor elderly woman.

“Yes, my grandmother told me that the male thief said he would rape her if she said anything,” Jenna paused, her voice steady. “You know, it was probably an empty threat because my grandmother said that the woman with him…”

 “Wait, a woman?” Lori cut in, her eyes wide with surprise.

 Jenna nodded, “Yes, incredible, right?” Lori pondered for a moment, glancing over at Marla as they both processed the strange twist in the story. It was hard to imagine a woman involved in something like that.

“My grandmother remembers hearing the woman who was with the man say, “Forget it, let’s go now,” she sounded angry and impatient.”

What did they wear?” Lori asked.

Both wore black fitted bodysuits and black masks,” Jenna paused and pondered for a second. 

"My grandmother also recalls the man telling her that they are the Gemini Twins and that she should be afraid." Lori shot Jenna a curious glance. "I suppose there really is no way to identify them since they kept their faces covered.” 

Jenna nodded. “In the dimly lit room, my grandmother couldn’t see much.”

After they finished their tea, Lori and Marla stood up and thanked Jenna for the information she shared. “Thanks for the lovely tea and the information,” Marla said.

As they drove back to the office, Marla shook her head in disbelief and said, “Can you believe that?”

Lori, curious, replied, “Believe what?”

 Marla continued, “That jerk threatened to rape a 75-year-old woman! He must be a seriously sick individual to even think about something like that.” Lori grimaced; her brow furrowed. The weight of the conversation hung in the air, reminding them both of how cruel some people could be and how important it is to stand up for the vulnerable.

Marla caught the change in Lori’s expression as soon as she mentioned the man who had threatened the elderly woman with rape. It was a fleeting moment, but it was enough for Marla to realize that she shouldn’t have said anything. The mere mention of rape brought back memories of Lori’s own terrifying experience with Tim. Marla understood and apologized, “Oh damn, I’m sorry Lori, I didn’t think...”

“It’s okay, not a problem,” Lori said, clearly not wanting to delve into the topic. 

Later, they arrived at the office where Lori and Marla quickly wrote their report and handed it over to the editor. Marla said her goodbyes and left, while Lori started gathering her things. Just then, Lady Lightning strutted in, looking effortlessly attractive in casual flared jeans and a brown and floral hippie-style blouse. A leather Mexican purse dangled from her shoulder, and her wooden heeled clogs made a rhythmic clanking sound on the vinyl floor. Lori couldn’t help but admire her unique style as she packed up for the day.

“Geraldine, what brings you here?” Lori asked, glancing up from her computer as Geraldine strolled into her cubicle. “I was thinking you and I should go get a drink, if you don’t mind me asking,” Geraldine replied with a hopeful smile. Lori’s face lit up, “Okay, let’s go!” They settled into a cozy booth at BJ Grill & Restaurant, where Geri began to share some intriguing information, she had gathered about Tim.

“There’s another vigilante roaming the streets of Gardena who caught wind that Tim’s gotten himself mixed up in a black-market ring. Apparently, he’s in league with a major gangster, which is pretty alarming. I can’t help but wonder if Kris is in it or if she’s totally clueless about Tim’s shady side gigs, like she always seems to be. Either way, it feels like we should investigate this situation to figure out what’s really going on.” Lori took a sip of her margarita, a contemplative look shadowing her face. “Who’s the vigilante that patrols the streets in that city?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. Her friend leaned in and replied, “Well, she goes by the name of Lady Panther, but her real name is Celindra Fernandez Gomez.” Lori chuckled a little, shaking her head. “That’s a long name,” she remarked, amused. The conversation drifted between the sips of their drinks; Lori wondered what drove someone to become a masked hero. What motivated Celindra.

“She comes from an upper-class family, living in Gardena, but where she lives exactly is unknown.”

Lori’s brow furrowed, “Do you know why she became a vigilante?”

“She’s just like you, she was assaulted,” Geraldine said and added. “That’s what I heard,” she takes a sip form her drink.

Lori was shocked. “Does she know who it was that assaulted her?”

Geraldine responded, “I don’t know, you can ask her if you want.”

“What do you mean?” Lori looked around. Geraldine lightly chuckled. 

“No, she’s not here but she does go to the diner on Wednesdays.”

Lori gave her a nod. “Okay maybe I will.”

When Lori got home, she found her uncle Frank immersed in his gadgets at the Electra Base. She took the elevator down and called out to him, “Hey uncle Frank, what are you working on?” With a proud smile, he replied that he had a new weapon for her.

He then walked over to a metal cabinet, opened a drawer, and retrieved a sleek black box.

“This gadget will make it much easier for you to catch criminals.” He pulled out a shiny silver globe, about the size of a baseball, and handed it to her. "Just hold on before you throw it," he said, moving over to position a mannequin in the center of the room.

 "Now, give it a strong toss at the mannequin," he instructed, a proud grin on his face. Lori launched the ball, and as it struck the mannequin, it exploded open, releasing a net that quickly ensnared the figure, bringing it crashing to the ground.

 “Incredible, uncle I can’t wait to use it.” She gave him a hug.

“This is just a prototype, and unfortunately, it’s the only one I’ve created so far. So, use it wisely,” he mentioned. Later, while sipping tea in the living room, Lori shared with Frank what Geraldine had told her.

“I believe that having more friends who share your,” he paused, “unique hobby increases your chances of not ending up dead.”

 “I understand, Uncle,” she said before retiring for the night.

As she lay in bed, she thought about what Geraldine said and what Jenna Nelson told her.

“I wonder if Tim and Kris are the Gemini Twins.”

 

Chapter 12: Minus One Gemini Twin

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Chapter 10: New Identities

Kris was settled on the couch, glued to the late-night news, anxiously awaiting her brother's return from his mysterious outing. As soon as he stepped through the door, he was met with a frosty glare. He sensed that she might have caught the news. 

“I thought you were aiming for a fresh start and wanted to avoid repeating past mistakes. So, what went wrong?” Kris scrutinized him, her eyes flashing with suspicion and a touch of anger.

 He carefully removed his denim jacket and hung it up in the closet. Kris stood there with her arms crossed, waiting for Tim to say something.  

“Yeah, that was me you heard about on the news, but…”  

“But what?!” Kris shouted, anger evident in her tone.  

“It’s tough to stop, but…”  

“But you just can’t control yourself, can you?” Kris shook her head in disbelief and let out a frustrated sigh. In a fit of rage, she grabbed a plate and smashed it on the floor, clearly showing her disapproval of his choices. 

Tim's gaze sharpened as he struggled to keep his anger in check. He understood that his sister was simply concerned for him, but her reactions often fell over the top.  

“Quit making such a scene,” he replied.  

“I can’t bear the thought of moving again. For heaven's sake, Tim, what if one of those vigilantes finds you?” She paused before continuing, “Plus, Lori is aware that I was the one who killed that man at the warehouse that night; I could end up in jail as well.”

Tim stared at her, bewildered, and asked, “Hold on, what?”  

Kris sighed deeply and explained that she had gone to see Lori to warn her against pursuing either her or Tim.  

“Oh, and she’s aware that I was at the warehouse that night and,” she hesitated, “She knows about the guy I killed.”  

Now it was Tim’s turn to lose his temper. Tim exclaimed, "What the Fuck were you thinking!”

Kris shot back, "She wants to keep her secret identity hidden, so I had a conversation with her and advised her not to pursue you. I doubt she'll actually listen, but at least she’s aware that I know who she is."

 Tim's face flushed with rage. "What difference does it make if she knows we know about her?" he snapped, seething.  

"I'm not sure, but..."  

"But nothing," Tim cut in sharply. The tension between them was palpable, each equally furious with the other. Eventually, they both managed to cool down.

 Here’s the plan: I want you to go blonde, and I’ll lighten my hair too. But before that, we need to change jobs again. I know a guy who can get us fake IDs, and we’re meeting him this weekend.

 After a moment of silence, Kris finally said, “I took a life and didn’t feel any guilt, and you keep hurting women. We’re both terrible people,” a serious expression crossed her face. Tim got up from his chair and moved to sit beside his sister. “That’s not true. The world made us like this,” he said, holding her hand.

 “You know, those vigilantes will eventually catch up to us,” Kris pointed out. Tim glanced down briefly before turning his gaze back at her, saying, “We’ll see.” Kris searched for a salon who would dye her hair.

After leaving the Hot Styles Salon, she made her way home. Once in the bathroom, she gazed at her reflection. With a sigh, she muttered, “I look like such a bimbo.”  Tim caught her words and strolled over to the bathroom, chuckling.  

“At least you’ll attract more job offers,” he teased.  Kris frowned, her brow creasing and her eyes narrowing in response. She huffed, arms crossed and leaned her back against the sink, "I look silly."

Tim rolled his eyes and replied, "Do you think that salon can handle my hair?" Kris gently nudged him aside and stepped out of the bathroom, with Tim trailing behind her.

"That could be true, but I'm concerned that someone might spot you and alert the police," she replied to his question. She had a valid concern, but Tim was ready to take the risk. "We have to change our appearance for the IDs my friend is going to create for us."

Kris sighed and rolled her eyes. "Jesus Christ," she muttered as she poured herself a glass of orange juice and took a seat at the breakfast table. "Do we really have to change our names too?" 

 "Maybe, I’m not sure yet," Tim replied casually. Kris rolled her eyes again. 

 "Is there anything else I need to know?”

Tim settled into his chair. "Not that I can think of, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens." A week later, Tim’s appearance is different, his hair is dyed dark blonde, making the change he made to himself worth it. Kris and Tim have new IDs now. They both landed new jobs, but Tim mentioned that sticking around in the same job for too long isn't a good idea, and it might be better to switch things up in a few weeks. One evening, Tim walked in with a duffel bag. After Kris wrapped up her shower and got dressed, she headed to the living room. 

"What's in the bag?" she asked.

Tim opened the duffel bag and took out two sleek black jumpsuits. Kris picked one up and examined it, then shot Tim a puzzled glance.

Tim grinned and replied, “We’ve got a little side gig.”

"Hold on, a side gig?" Kris exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.  

"We're gonna steal some priceless gems from a rich elderly widow in Hollywood Hills?"  

Kris stared at him, her jaw dropping in astonishment. "Are you for freaking serious?!" Tim proceeded to explain the entire scheme to her.  

"I'm not sure about this," she said, looking at him with doubt.  

"Kris, there's a client..."  

"Client?" Kris interrupted.  

"Yes, a client who's willing to pay us handsomely for this job."

“How much?” she asked, deep in thought.

 “Far more than what a simple job can offer us,” he replied with assurance.

 “Okay, if you believe we can pull it off,” Kris said, her voice tinged with doubt. Tim noticed her unease. “Trust me, we can make this happen,” he said, resting his hands on her shoulders and pulling her into a comforting embrace. She nodded, and together they settled down to outline their plans and determine the timing for the heist.

Chapter 11: The Gemini Twins

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Chapter 9: A Threat

 

Kris and Tim made the move to Garden Grove, settling into a cozy studio apartment. Since they couldn't bring all their furniture along, Tim decided to rent a storage unit for the pieces that wouldn't fit. Their new place came equipped with a fridge and a stove. 

Kris landed a job at a nearby restaurant, while Tim is working at a car shop. Tim opted for a shorter haircut and started growing out his beard, which is currently at the stubble stage. Meanwhile, Kris visited the salon to dye her hair a darker shade and added some blonde highlights. 

“Why are you growing out your beard?” Kris asked.

He shot her a glance and said, “For the same reason you changed your hair color.” She rolled her eyes and nodded, saying, “Yeah, I get it,” with a sigh.  

After a brief pause, she asked, “Do you think they’re searching for you?” His silence said it all. 

Later that evening, Kris and Tim were sitting at the breakfast table, enjoying their TV dinners. Kris was watching the Dating Game on TV while Tim flipped through the local news in the newspaper. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. Kris noticed and asked, “What’s up?” His features contorted into a frown, and his eyes narrowed. He showed her the article. She gasped, “Oh no,” she said. 

A drawing of the man identified as the serial rapist was circulating.  “I bet Lori had a hand in this,” he said, clearly upset. Kris glanced at the sketch and noticed it looked a lot like her brother. With a deep sigh, she set the newspaper aside, got up, and headed to the kitchen. The kitchen was tiny, tucked away in the corner of their studio apartment.  “What’s your plan?” Kris inquired.  

“Nothing for the moment, but I really don’t want you going back to that class.” Kris nodded in agreement.

A few days later, Kris dropped by the Newsmaker magazine where Lori works. 

“Can I help you?” a young man asked as she entered the office lobby. 

“Yeah, I’m looking for Lori,” Kris replied. 

“What’s your name?” 

“Just tell her Kris is here to see her.” The guy nodded and headed to the back, disappearing into one of the cubicles. 

Kris saw him engaged in a conversation with someone sitting and then Lori rose, caught sight of Kris and waved as she approached.  

“Hey Kris, what brings you here?”  

“Can we talk in private?” Kris replied, her expression serious. Lori recognized the tone and nodded in agreement. They headed back toward the cozy break room.  

“Hi Gena, how’s the article progressing?”  

“Great! It’s set to be published in the next edition,” Gena responded with assurance. Lori smiled and motioned for Kris to take a seat at one of the tables. Gena glanced at them, noticing the serious looks on their faces, and decided to step out and return to her cubicle. 

“What brings you here?” 

Kris let out a sigh and replied, “I know who you are.” Lori looked at her, puzzled. “What do you mean?” 

“Listen, I saw you that night with your vigilante friends.” 

Lori's eyes widened in surprise as she connected the dots, realizing that Kris was the one who had injured one man and killed another. Her expression shifted to one of seriousness. 

“Kris, I won’t sugarcoat it; yes, I am who you think I am, but you killed the man you shot.” 

Kris swallowed hard, her face reflecting shock as she realized she didn’t know if he had survived. A tense silence hung between them until Lori broke it, asking, “What were you doing there that night?”

She pursed her lips and said, “An ass abducted me and brought me to that location, but I fought back and managed to hurt his arm in the struggle. Then another guy came after me, but I...” She paused, unsure of how to continue.

"But you ended his life," Lori interrupted, exhaling deeply, she facepalmed.

"I get it, but taking a life is wrong, and it could land you in prison,” Lori exclaimed. 

Kris let out a frustrated sigh, stood up, and picked up her brown leather clutch from the table. Looking down at Lori, she said, "Stay away from my brother. I’m sure he regrets what he did to you and the other women he harmed. We’re trying to move forward. Stay away, Electra Woman." 

She bent down to lock eyes with Lori. "My brother and I will make a formidable duo, and I have no intention of hurting you unless I have to," Kris said, her tone cold and earnest. With that, she walked out of the break room and left the building.

Lori let out a sigh, her expression turned serious. Later that evening, she had a conversation with Frank. 

"It seems like she issued a threat," he remarked. Lori agreed with a nod.  

"I'm not intimidated by her at all, but I still need to pursue her brother now that his sketch has been circulating.”  Frank passed a cup of chamomile tea to his niece and took a seat beside her.

“Consider asking one if your vigilante friends to accompany you, and don't forget to utilize the Electra-com, which features a built-in ray capable of immobilizing your opponent. Tim appears to be quite a formidable opponent, but it's worth noting that his sister has taken a life. If you find yourself in a confrontation with both, having a friend by your side will be essential.” Lori nodded in agreement and finished her tea. She headed to her bedroom while her uncle was occupied at the Electra Base, tinkering with various technical devices. As she settled in to watch TV, a news update about the serial rapist flashed across the screen.

“A day ago in Long Beach, a woman was assaulted by a man who fits the description of previous assaults on women throughout the OC region. This time, though, he was dressed entirely in black wearing a mask.” Lori watched the news, and a wave of anger surged within her. Her eyes narrowed as she switched off the TV and lay on her bed, staring silently at the ceiling, lost in thought.

(Images are for the readers entertainment, enjoy)

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Chapter 8: Blood is Thicker Than Water

 

Tim collected a few of his things and stuffed them into cardboard boxes. He made the decision to leave his janitorial position at the nearby school, opting to take a more spontaneous approach to job hunting once he and Kris are settled into a city.

Kris was anything but thrilled about the upcoming move; in fact, she outright refused to pack.

“I don’t understand why we have to leave,” she complained. Tim began to respond but paused, choosing his words carefully. “Kris, it’s time for a change.” 

In a fit of rage, Kris snatched a plate and hurled it to the ground, where it shattered into countless fragments. Though Kris had a fiery temper, Tim was well aware of how to soothe her. 

He gestured her to join him on the sofa. At first, she hesitated then with a huff she sat down. 

“Kris, you need to hear me out. Electra Woman is going to come after me; it’s just a matter of time.”

Kris stared at him, bewildered. “What do you mean?” she asked. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to explain why he believed Electra Woman would be on his tail but left out that Lori is Electra Woman. He averted his gaze, shame washing over him as he confessed, “I was the one who assaulted those women. I regret it, but if they find me, I’ll end up in prison.” Kris had a nagging suspicion that he was the mysterious figure behind the attacks, particularly after discovering his disturbing collection. Taking a deep breath, she felt her frustration mounting.

“Do you really believe that escaping will keep them from tracking you down?" She shot him a piercing glance.

“Alright, so what’s your solution?” he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Kris thought it over for a moment.  

“Fine, we can relocate, but let’s head to the other side of town, switch jobs and…” 

“Honestly, let’s just head to Garden Grove and change jobs,” he interrupted, signaling that the conversation was over.  

Kris scoffed, got up, and stormed to her room, slamming the door behind her.  Tim sighed in frustration and kept packing.

Kris was at work later that evening when Lori swung by. "Hey Kris, got a sec?" Kris grinned and nodded. She let her coworker know she was taking a break, then grabbed her stuff and headed out with Lori to the mall's food court.

Lori settled into a chair across from Kris and asked, “I missed you in class yesterday. What happened?” Kris masked her feelings, not wanting Lori to see the sadness about her upcoming move and fresh start. “I was busy packing,” she answered, discontented look briefly shadowed her face, making her eyebrows knit together. Lori's expression turned puzzled. “Wait, are you moving?”

Kris looked over at her and remarked, “My brother just landed a new job, so we’re relocating to Garden Grove. I might still make it to class if he doesn’t need his car.” She forced a smile, putting in a valiant effort to mask her true emotions at that moment. Lori asked, “Did your brother mention when you’re moving?”

 Kris turned to her with a smile, “If you like my brother, you should tell him.” She hesitated before adding softly, “Maybe having a serious girlfriend could change how he treats women.” 

Lori’s eyes widened and she mused, “Oh my God, she knows about his secret.” She briefly looked away. When she turned back to Kris, she asked, “So, would you like something to drink? I can grab it for you,” Lori suggested.  

“Sure,” Kris answered. After their chat, they parted ways, with Lori heading home.

“Uncle Frank, I have a feeling Kris knows of her brother’s extracurricular activities.”

“What makes you say that?” he replied, taking a sip of his coffee.  

“It was something she mentioned during our chat,” Lori explained what Kris had said.  

“Hmm, yeah, I think she might have figured it out, and now they’re both unsure about how to handle it,” he paused and added, “Do you think you could persuade her to report her brother to the authorities?”

“I don’t think so,” she paused, “unless there is some kind of proof of his assaults on those women.”

 Lori got to her feet, saying, “I’ll change into my costume and then I’ll be on my way.” Uncle Frank let out a sigh, his forehead creased with concern.

“You know my thoughts on your late-night superhero adventures.” Lori acknowledged him with a nod, flashed a smile, and headed upstairs.

The following day, Kris showed up for her martial arts class, but Lori was absent. This left her feeling a bit let down, knowing it would be the final chance to see her. After class, Kris took the bus home, hoping to keep her brother in the dark about her attendance. The bus let her off a block from their apartment complex. 

It was around seven in the evening, and she really wasn’t eager to return home. As she wandered through her thoughts, a man suddenly seized her from behind.  She fought to break free, but he overpowered her and forced her into a car. 

He tossed her into the back seat and delivered a sharp slap, leaving her momentarily stunned. He had failed to tie her hands and feet and that was his demise. 

As she collected herself, she feigned unconsciousness. When the man parked the car, he stepped out and moved to the back to drag Kris out. With her eyes narrowing, she seized the moment; as he reached for her, she unleashed a swift karate jab to his throat.  She had the chance to flee, and she knew it, but instead, she chose to stand her ground.

As he lay curled up on the ground, struggling to rise, she delivered a fierce kick to his stomach and seized his arm.  

“Asshole, I’m not that type of girl,” she declared, twisting his arm until it snapped out of place. His scream pierced the air, drawing the attention of other men lurking in the building where he had taken Kris. With a quick look around, she dashed behind a large dumpster to conceal herself. 

She was puzzled about the reasons behind her abduction and the motives of the man who had taken her there, but she felt a fire within her that was far from extinguished. The men hurried towards their companion. “What’s going on, man?” one of the men inquired while assisting the kidnapper to stand.  

“That woman did this to me,” he shot back.  One of the men sighed and rolled his eyes, “Get him inside; the other two girls are tied up in there,” he added after a moment. “I’ll take care of this one.”  Kris scanned the area and spotted a metal pipe almost the size of a bat. It wasn’t too heavy; she could manage it.

 "It's just like swinging a baseball bat," she thought to herself. Her brother had been showing her the ropes with nunchakus and shuriken, but unfortunately, she didn’t have them on hand at the moment. As the man drew closer, she carefully shifted to the opposite side of the trash bin. "Listen, girl, I’m not gonna hurt you. You’re cornered, so why not just come out?" he called out.

She glanced at the building and spotted a man in a superhero outfit perched on the roof. Turning her gaze to the opposite side, she noticed two women, also clad in superhero attire, cautiously approaching the entrance.

Kris was indifferent to the chaos unfolding within; her sole focus was on the imminent threat to her well-being. Standing directly in front of her was a medium-built Caucasian man, sporting brown hair that fell to his shoulders, striking blue eyes, and a five o'clock shadow. He sported a denim jacket paired with brown corduroy trousers. She caught sight of gloves on his hands, one gripping a pistol. She readied herself.  

“Hey, there’s no reason for this to end with you dead,” he remarked.  

A sly smile appeared on her face as she charged at him with all her might, striking him fiercely with the pipe. The strength with which she swung was unlike anything anyone had ever seen; her brother had trained her well. Caught off guard, the pistol slipped from his grasp as he fell to the ground. Undeterred, she relentlessly pounded him, leaving him battered and bleeding. Seizing the opportunity, she snatched up the gun that had been flung away. She glared at him, her voice dripping with disdain. 

"You're a piece of shit,” she declared, pulling the trigger and hitting him squarely in the stomach without a hint of guilt. 

Kris hurled the gun away and sprinted toward the car that had brought her there. The keys were still in the ignition, and with the headlights dark, she sped away from the chaos but just as she was about to disappear, a woman in a deep orange and yellow outfit glanced back, catching Kris's eye. To her astonishment, it was Lori.

Her eyes flew open, but there was no time to pause or ponder the situation. She realized she had just shot someone, and the man could be on the brink of death. Upon reaching the gas station, she quickly made a call home from a payphone.

“Kris, where are you?” Tim's voice trembled with concern and fear. She recounted the events to him. "What the hell," he exclaimed, taking a moment to steady himself. "I’ll come get you. Just tell me your location."

 "I think I'm on the other side of the city," she replied.

"Describe your surroundings to me," Tim encouraged. She glanced around, taking in her environment. After a moment, she shared her observations with him.

 "Got it, I think I can figure out your location. Don't move; I'll be there shortly." Tim quickly snatched his keys and rushed out the door.

Meanwhile, Kris was inside the gas station's liquor store, and as soon as she spotted Tim, she stepped outside to meet him. He hurried out of the car, making a beeline for her. Wrapping his arms around his sister, he quickly shifted to a reprimand. 

“Not now, Tim. We need to get home. I have something important to tell you.” she replied, her voice weary and her body marked with bruises. Once they were inside, Kris recounted the events that had unfolded. A thick silence enveloped the room until Tim broke it, asking, “Are you absolutely sure you killed that man?” 

She shrugged, “I can’t say for sure, but I wasn’t going to investigate.” He nodded thoughtfully and asked if she recalled where they had taken her. She replied that it seemed like an old office building. Suddenly, she gasped, “I noticed one of the vigilantes see me drive off. She was wearing a deep orange and yellow costume,” she paused. “I think it might’ve been Electra Woman.” 

A thick silence enveloped the room. Tim took a deep breath and chose that moment to reveal the truth about Electra Woman to Kris. She furrowed her brow in confusion. 

“Wow,” Kris exclaimed, her emotions swirling. She stood up and began to pace, her frustration palpable. Finally, she halted in front of him, arms crossed, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Would it have made it easier to learn about her?” he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Kris shook her head, lost in thought. 

After a moment, she took a deep breath and settled back down beside him.  

“So, you’re thinking of moving because you think she might come after you?” He nodded.

They both reflected deeply. He grasped her hand firmly and said, "Blood is thicker than water." She understood his meaning and resolved that relocating was the best choice. She'd be right there with him, ready to take on anyone, even the vigilantes, including Electra Woman. 

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Chapter 7: Birds of Feather

 

(Disclaimers: In this chapter, the character Manuel, also known as Hammer, identifies as gay, although it is noted that he previously dated Dick Grayson on a few occasions. Bruce Wayne, known for his charm with women, remains oblivious to the personal life of his sidekick. It is important to clarify that the portrayal of Batman and Robin in this narrative reflects the 1960s interpretation. Additionally, Batman's character exhibits tendencies that could be perceived as homophobic, which I feel is important to acknowledge for readers who may be sensitive to this subject.)

After finishing her shift, Lori made her way to a place called the Night Diner. As she entered, her eyes were drawn to individuals in vibrant costumes, casually chatting in the booths.  Lori's eyebrows shot up, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Lady Lightning waved Lori over, sitting next to a guy in a costume

“This is Lori, aka Electra Woman,” she introduced. The man, dressed in a blue and black bodysuit with knee-high leather boots, extended his hand for a shake. Lori settled into the booth. “You might know me as Lady Lightning, but I used to be Lightning Gen. My real name’s Geraldine Nyers.”

“I’m Manuel Gabby, but you can call me Hammer,” he said with a charming smile, his light brown hair with blonde highlights and captivating brown eyes making quite the impression. His fitted bodysuit was a flashy mix of gold, blue, and black.

“Looks like he works out,” Lori thought.

 “Seems like someone’s got her eye on me,” he teased, winking at her.

“Um,” Lori stammered, feeling her cheeks heat up.

 “No worries, I’m into guys,” he said with a grin.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but…”

 “No need to apologize. Even she,” he said, nodding at Geraldine, “was interested in me,” he laughed, and Geraldine playfully nudged him. Lori smiled, feeling welcomed and at ease with them.

“This is one of the rare underground diners or cafes where we can gather and connect with others like us," Lady Lightning shared. Lori glanced around and took in the diner’s nostalgic 50s atmosphere. The floor was adorned with black and white checkered tiles, the walls were splashed with vibrant red and white, and there was a bar offering a variety of drinks, though none contained alcohol. 

"So, how long have you been a superhero?" Hammer asked Lori.

"I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to wear a costume and fight crime," she said, pausing to tap her finger on her coffee mug. "I went through something really traumatic." 

 "You don’t have to go into details," Geraldine quickly added, sensing Lori's discomfort about sharing her past and as to why she decided to become Electra Woman.

"My twin sister was killed by a robber at the bank where she worked," Hammer shared.

"I’m really sorry to hear that," Lori replied, offering her condolences.

 “I’ve come to terms with losing her, and now I fight to make sure no one else loses their sister or brother,” he said with a solemn sigh. Lori looked at Geraldine.

 "Since we're sharing our pasts, I've got a story too," she began. "I was married with two kids, and my husband, a police officer, was killed while on duty. The police tried to catch his murderer, but they had no luck. It was tough to deal with, and while his life insurance and savings helped with the bills, I couldn't just let his killer roam free. One day, I was walking along the beach during a storm..."

"Wait until you hear this, you won't believe it," Manuel cut in. Geraldine shot him a glance but carried on with her tale. 

“My kids were home with my mother who decided to live with us to help me out. I grieved for my husband, my soulmate, my everything. As I stood there, watching the storm roll in, I noticed unusual bolts of multicolored lightning illuminating the water.

 My heart raced with fear as I spun around to dash back to my car, but the winds were wild and relentless, making it hard to move. I could hear the ominous crackle of lightning getting closer, and then out of nowhere, a blue light surrounded me—intensely hot yet oddly comforting, lifting me off the ground. As Geraldine shared her tale, her eyes sparkled with the memory, and static electricity danced at her fingertips. Lori leaned back in surprise, while Manuel gently placed a hand on Geraldine to soothe her.

She inhaled deeply and continued, “After I got hit, everything went dark, and the next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. A few months later, I got back to my usual life, but something had changed. I discovered I could generate lightning from my hands. That’s when I decided to embrace a part-time vigilante life, it's my calling.” 

"You mean superhero lifestyle," Manuel said, grinning. Geraldine playfully rolled her eyes. "I do use my powers for good, but it took a while to get a handle on them. When I first became Lightning Gen, my focus was solely on finding my husband’s killer, and I did. I should have handed him over to the police, but my emotions got the best of me. All that pent-up energy just exploded, and I ended up frying him alive. I killed him." Lori fell silent. 

“She’s the only one in this group that has superpowers,” Manuel said and asked Lori, “Do you possess superpowers?” He took a sip from his milkshake. 

“No, my uncle creates high tech devices that I can use against the criminals, and I took up a martial arts class so I can fight better.” Geraldine nodded, “I understand. You had to cope with what happened to you and that was your motivation to become who you are now. But in your pursuit to find him, please be careful. Justice is golden but murder will haunt you forever,” she said.

Lori nodded, “Yes I understand.” She understands that Geraldine is offering her good advice, yet when she faces Tim again, she feels uncertain about the outcome.  Manuel’s gaze drifted to the window for a moment before he swiftly turned his attention back to the bar. Lori raised an eyebrow and looked out. A man and a college age student were walking toward the Diner. They emerged from a sleek black vehicle that instantly reminded her of the Batmobile. A realization struck her, and she whispered, “No way, it’s Batman and Robin.” Geraldine observed as they entered, while Lori noticed Manuel’s disapproving expression and eye roll.  "I can't help but wonder what brings them here," he remarked with a hint of sarcasm, "I mean, heroes like them probably find our city too dull—no villains to pursue." He laughed lightly. Lori noticed Robin and mused, "Robin seems to be around Manuel’s age."

"Why do you say that?” she asked Manuel. Geraldine shifted her attention to Manuel, and together they turned to see Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, approaching their booth with Robin, both still in their superhero attire, as Bruce’s gaze locked onto Lori.

“So, this Diner is open to civilians too?" he said, softly grasping Lori's hand and pressing a kiss on it. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, roamed over her with a playful glint. Lori felt a rush of warmth, her cheeks flushing as she offered a shy smile.

Geraldine introduced her, saying, “Bruce, this is Lori, who goes by the name of Electra Woman.”

“Electra Woman?” Bruce raised an eyebrow, then flashed a charming grin, “Electra Wow.”  Lori's cheeks turned red again. Bruce glanced over at Manuel and scoffed, “Looks like this table is reserved for the ladies.” He chuckled, and Dick Grayson aka Robin joined in with a laugh. Manuel's expression hardened. “Dick and I were just passing through town and...” 

Manuel cut in gently, “Perhaps it’s best if you just move along.”  Bruce narrowed his gaze at him. Dick made a face at Manuel and rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Bruce, we should probably get going; it’s going to be a long drive. Let’s pick up some food to take with us.” Bruce agreed, chuckling as he replied, “You’re right, boy wonder,” he paused.  “It was great to see you, ladies,” he said, then turned to Manuel, “And I’m talking about the real ladies, not the fairies.”

Bruce's cutting comment carried a subtle homophobic edge directed at Manuel. As both men made their way to the bar, they placed an order to take with them. Every now and then, Dick would steal a glance at Manuel, but Manuel remained completely unfazed. Once Bruce and Dick received their order, they departed, leaving Manuel to exhale a breath of relief.

Lori remarked, “I could feel a bit of tension simmering between you and the dynamic duo.” Geraldine turned her gaze toward Manuel.

“Yeah, that’s true,” he replied. Lori, eager for more insight, fixed her eyes on him.

“A while ago, when Mr. Bruce Wayne was on the hunt for a sidekick, he distributed flyers everywhere, hoping to discover his boy wonder.” Manuel finger quoted, boy wonder. 

“I had been busy tackling crime when I made the decision to apply. That’s when I met Dick at Wayne Manor, where the interviews were happening.”

Lori remarked on the long journey to Gotham, “It’s quite a drive for an interview.”

Manuel responded, noting that landing the job would secure a bright future. After a brief pause, he added, “Most of the applicants were young men ages 18 to 25. Bruce selected two candidates: Dick and me. But Dick is like me, gay, well somewhat. He is bi-sexual.”

“Hold on a sec,” Lori interrupted. “So, Dick is bisexual?” Manuel nodded in response, “Absolutely, he is, but there's no way he'd ever admit that to his boss, not even if the world depended on it. Dick and I may not have been a couple, but we did go out a few times. I thought we had a mutual understanding. When it came time for the final decision, Dick completely betrayed me.”

Lori stared at him, puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"

He informed Bruce that I had made inappropriate advances towards him and disclosed that I am gay. Lori's eyes widened in surprise. "So, Bruce Wayne is homophobic? That's shocking," she remarked. Geraldine agreed, "He’s all about women, not men."

Lori suggested, "What if you just told Bruce that Dick is a bisexual?"

"I refuse to lower myself to his standards. Dick chose to live in a mansion, he is supported by an older man," he hesitated. "A man completely unaware of his private life. But I won't say a word; I'm above that." Lori reached out, taking Manuel's hand in hers.

“You’re an amazing person, and we love you just the way you are,” she remarked. Geraldine put her hand on theirs, gave Manuel a knowing nod.  “Thanks,” he said with a smile. Contrary to the way the media often depicts gay men, not everyone conforms to that stereotype; in fact, one would never guess that Manuel, known as the Hammer, was gay. The trio chatted for a bit longer before exchanging their farewells. Upon returning home, Lori was unaware that it was already past 3 am, so she stealthily ascended the stairs to her bedroom, she tipped-toed as not to wake up her uncle.

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Chapter 6: No Secrets

 

A coworker drove Kris home, and as she entered her apartment, she realized she was alone. “I wonder where he disappeared to?” she thought. After locking the door, she draped her jacket over the coat rack and walked towards her bedroom. She walked past her brother's room; she couldn't help but peek inside. A sigh escaped her lips, and her gaze then fell to a curious shoe box that was slightly visible from beneath the bed. Intrigued, she stepped in, pulled it out, and settled onto his bed. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to open it.

 Her gaze fell upon an unexpected sight. Her eyes grew wide, and her jaw dropped in disbelief. “No,” she murmured softly. Nestled within the shoebox was an assortment of small treasures, all belonging to women. A set of pink lace panties lay there, adorned with an embroidered name. "Lisa," Kris muttered. Scattered around were numerous articles detailing the rapes that had taken place over the last eighteen months. She was shocked and mortified. 

She hurriedly packed everything away and slid the shoebox back into its spot. After that, she hopped in the shower and then flopped down on the sofa. The television was silent when Tim walked in as Kris remained seated, gazing at him intently.

“Hey Kris, I figured you’d be fast asleep by now.”

She shook her head and asked, “Tim, where have you been?”  

He looked at her, confused, “Uh, I just stepped out for a bit,” he replied tersely. Kris's gaze fell on his sweatpants, where a small tear was visible on his leg. Her eyes narrowed, filled with suspicion. He caught her scrutinizing look.  

He smiled and said, “I think it’s time for us to get some rest.” He added with a chuckle, “By the way, I appreciate your concern for me and that you decided to stay awake.” Despite his lighthearted tone, Kris’s eyes remained steady. She gradually rose to her feet and made her way to bed. Tim had just gotten comfortable in his room when he realized the shoebox was slightly moved from its usual spot. His heart raced as he stood up and headed towards his sister’s room.

"Kris, are you up?” He pushed the door open, and she shot up in bed. 

"What do you want?" she replied, her voice laced with lingering hurt and anger. He studied her with a wary gaze.

"Did you look in that shoebox under my bed?" he asked, his brow furrowing. She let out an exasperated sigh and got to her feet, folding her arms tightly as she shot him a disapproving glare. The air was thick with tension until Kris broke the silence, asking, “What’s with all those things in that shoebox.”

She wasn’t intimidated by her brother; she held her position firmly. He swallowed hard and exhaled, “Kris, I just have a passion for collecting things and…”  

“And you’re the serial rapist, aren’t you?” Her voice escalated in volume. A heavy silence hung in the air until he finally spoke up. 

“Kris, this isn’t your concern. I need you to stay out of my room from now on,” he warned, making his way toward his bedroom. She let out an exasperated sigh and trailed behind him, positioning herself in the doorway of his room. 

“So, you never answered my question,” she said tightly with a tinge of sarcasm. His face turned red with fury. He would never harm his sister, yet he felt an overwhelming urge to shove her out of his room right there and then.

“Tim, you didn’t! If you get caught, I’ll lose you, and I’ll be left all alone,” she insisted fiercely, her eyes welling up with tears. Tim realized he had upset her, and she was anxious about the possibility of being abandoned if he faced the consequences of his actions.

He gave a nod and replied, “I’ll talk to you when I’m ready, okay but for now go to your room,” With that, he closed the door, leaving Kris feeling bewildered. She huffed and made her way back to her room, but sleep eluded her once more. With a final, weary sigh, she shut her eyes.

Tim lay on his bed, gazing at the ceiling above. The clash he had with Lori, known as Electra Woman, was thrilling, though she landed a few solid hits on him. A dull ache throbbed near his right rib. He exhaled in frustration and let his eyelids fall shut. The holiday season passed, and January was well on its way. For the past two weeks, Lori had been absent from class, which made Kris a bit anxious. She decided to reach out, and Lori picked up the phone.  

“Hey Lori, I noticed you haven’t been in class. How have you been?” 

Frank entered the room with a steaming cup of hot cocoa for Lori, setting it down on a coaster on the coffee table. 

“I’m okay, I just got caught up with some personal matters,” Lori said, taking a sip from her mug. She placed the drink on the table, carefully setting it on the coaster while grimacing slightly. The remnants of her recent fight with Tim were still evident, with bruises marring her skin. Although she had returned to work, the makeup she applied skillfully concealed the marks, and her choice of long sleeves helped keep her injuries hidden from prying eyes.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing you next week! Tim has been teaching me some cool new moves, and I can’t wait to share them with you,” Kris exclaimed. Lori lets out a sigh and looks over at Frank, who responds with a subtle nod before heading off to the kitchen. “I’ll be in class next week,” she replied to Kris. Kris beamed before they ended the call. Lori sensed that Kris might not have a lot of friends and could benefit from a positive female presence in her life. She couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like for Kris living with her brother.

 "Was that her?" Frank asked as he entered the room. Lori gave a nod in response. "That poor girl has no idea about him," he commented and added, “being trapped in ignorance means being limited by the boundaries of one’s own basic understanding and...”

"And she will learn the truth eventually," Lori replied, letting out a sigh and added, "I might have to quit the martial arts class soon; the time is approaching and when it happens, Tim will go to jail.” Frank looked at her intently and asked, "Do you have any thoughts on who attacked you a few weeks back in our front yard?"

 Lori sighed and responded, "I have my suspicions, but I can't be sure." Frank knew exactly who she was thinking about. Later that day, she dialed the number written on the back of the business card that Lady Lightning had given her.  

Lori introduced herself, "Hi, I’m Lori. Can I talk to..."  

Before she could complete her sentence, a man interjected, "Just a moment," and shouted, "Lady Lightning, you have a caller!" 

 The phone was handed over to Lady Lightning. "Lori, is that you?"  

"Yes, it’s me. I’d love to get together and talk," Lori responded.  

"Of course! I’ll give you the address, and we can meet at 8 PM."  

"Great, I’ll make a note of it," Lori replied, writing down the information on a notepad. Lori eagerly anticipates the moment she will meet the woman who came to her aid during the altercation with Tim. 

"Lady Lightning, I can't help but wonder what your true name is," she pondered as she looked at the business card. 

(Images used in this blog are for the reader's entertainment. Enjoy)

Chapter 5 

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