Chapter 12: Minus One Gemini Twin

 

On Wednesday, Lori met up with her newfound friends. Their shared interest in being vigilantes creates a strong bond between them. As Lori, Hammer and Lady Lightning chatted, a mysterious woman dressed in a sleek black bodysuit, black flat heeled boots and a mask, walked in. Her blonde hair is tied back into a ponytail. Lady Lightning waved her over. 

“Lori this is Celindra, aka Lady Panther,” Geraldine introduced them. Lori shook her hand and Celindra sat next to her. After some small talk, Lori asked, “I hope you don’t mind me asking but,” she paused, choosing her words carefully, “Do you know who attacked you?”

Celindra hesitated before responding. “Yes.”

“How did it happen,” Lori’s curiosity piqued. 

“I was 22 and I went with friends to a party in Garden Grove. I had no idea that I would meet a man who changed my life forever.” She took a sip from her drink. 

“What I tell you all now must remain secret,” she insisted. 

“While at the party, everyone was drinking, my friends and some classmates from college were there. I hesitated but caved in and started drinking too. Like all parties, it started to get a little wild, I was drunk, and I couldn’t drive. I know that taking a lift from strangers is wrong, but he was a friend of one of my classmates, but he wasn’t enrolled at the college.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what year did it happen?” Lori wasn’t sure if she should ask that question, but she wanted to know if she was the first one Tim assaulted. Celindra nodded, took a sip from her drink and said, “It was November 1971.”

Lori softly gasped, “I was raped in January 1972.” 

“If you have any information as to his whereabouts, let us know,” Hammer said. He was irritated that a vile disgusting man has not been apprehended yet. “Maybe but I’ve tailed him and lost him but found him again. He dyed his hair a frost blonde, and let it grow a bit and that girl who seems to be hanging out with him, she’s blonde.”

Lori gasped and said, “That would be Kris.” 

“So, what do you think?” Geraldine (Lady Lightning) asked Lori. 

“At the moment, I will take all the information into consideration.”

“Girl, don’t worry, you’ll catch him,” Manuel (Hammer) said with confidence. They finished their meal and left. After Lori got home, she spoke with her uncle. 

“Is there a way we can track Tim?” She asked him as she sipped on her hot coco. 

“Well, I have been working on something I call the Electra Tracker. It’s a quarter size device that can attach itself like a magnet on anything metal. But the range detection is still limited. I would like to test it, so maybe tomorrow I will place it somewhere on your car and we’ll see.” 

After they called it a night, Lori lay awake for a while wondering where Tim and Kris are.  

Meanwhile, Tim invited his sister to go with him to a Soul Food Diner in Los Angeles. Soul food is their favorite. “Come on Kris, it’ll be fun.”

Kris grimaced and smiled, “Okay.” They got dressed and headed out. Kris sported her denim bell-bottom jeans, a snug Dittos blouse with colorful stripes, and wooden Clog shoes. 

Tim rocked his flared denim jeans and a brown, multicolored hippie-style shirt, which he left partly unbuttoned and untucked, on his feet are brown leather Wallabee shoes. His hair has grown a bit, gently resting at the nape of his neck. Kris is sporting a gold 16-inch necklace that she picked up with the cash from the heist they pulled off a few weeks back. They left the car in a parking garage located two blocks from the diner. Tim had bought a pre-owned vehicle just a few days prior, paying in cash exclusively at a used car dealer. The mustang, that belonged to his mother, which he often drove before, is currently stored away and out of sight. He can't take it out now, due to the risk of being tracked down by the authorities. They walked into the Diner and a black woman approached them. 

“Tim, my boy, how have you been?” Her almond shaped coffee-colored eyes smiled warmly. Her hair styled in a short Bob haircut with bangs, framed her face delicately and at the age of 45, she clearly looks ten years younger, she’s a beautiful woman who owns the Diner along with her husband, Fred. Her beautiful purple and white floral printed dress drapes perfectly on her slender graceful figure. Mary Mae embraced Tim and Kris. Kris is meeting her for the first time. Tim enthusiastically announced, "Hey Mary Mae, we’re here for some authentic soul food," while introducing his sister. Mary Mae had a long-standing friendship with their mom, but after her marriage to a man who harbored racist views, their connection had to be kept secret. Despite the husband's disapproval, Tim’s mom would sneak away to visit Mary Mae and even buy takeout from her, never revealing the source of the food to her husband. Tim often accompanied his mom on these visits when he was a child, while Kris was just two years old and was with a babysitter. After enjoying a delicious meal and catching up with Mary Mae, Tim took Kris to a nightclub that featured soul music, eager to share the vibrant culture with her. They had a good time before returning to their temporary hotel room, which featured two twin beds and was quite boring and basic. Although they preferred to buy a house, the risk of being discovered kept them from doing so. "Tim, I’m really tired of bouncing from one hotel to another. We should consider leaving California and starting fresh somewhere else," she said. Tim sighed, his expression pained, "I get it, kid, but for now, this is how it has to be." 

A couple of days later, Celindra reached out to Lori with some news. "I know where the Gemini Twins are staying." Relieved, Lori agreed to meet her. After work, she made her way to the Night Diner, a popular spot for vigilantes. As Celindra waved her over, Lori walked to the booth, and Celindra initiated the small talk. "How was work?”

"Same old, same old," Lori replied, then asked, "Do you have a job?" 

"I’m a waitress at a Norms restaurant. But at night, I take on the role of a vigilante," she said with a grin, and Lori nodded in acknowledgment. 

"Yeah, I do something similar, but my day job is at a magazine." 

"A magazine? Is it focused on fashion?" 

"Not really, it covers a bit of everything," Lori answered.

"Are you positive that the Gemini Twins are Tim and his sister?" Lori asked.

"I have my hunches, but I can't say for sure."

"Well, I've got some details about Tim though," Celindra mentioned. Lori was eager to hear what Celindra would reveal.

"When I'm not out there fighting crime, I've been keeping tabs on Tim. The last time he was spotted, he was at a little Diner in Los Angeles with his sister. It was one of those soul food restaurants."

"Can you explain how you know this? What methods are you using to track him?" Lori's interest was definitely sparked.

"I have an inside guy," Celindra said, pausing before adding, "Well, it’s my sidekick." Her cheeks turned a little red. 

"You have a sidekick?" 

Celindra nodded, "Yeah, but he’s more like a part-time sidekick." 

"Oh really? How does that work?" 

"It’s a long story, but we’ve been friends since high school. He was there at the party when I left with Tim." 

"I still can’t wrap my head around why you went with him?" Lori asked.

"Honestly, I wasn’t really paying attention, and I was drunk, so you know what they say, foolish is as foolish does." 

Lori shook her head and replied, "No, you weren't foolish, Tim has an issue and we're going to sort it out." She then asked with curiosity, "What’s your sidekick’s name?"

"Don’t laugh but," she hesitated and then said, "It’s Raven."

Lori laughed, "I never considered getting a sidekick, but it has crossed my mind." Lori would love to get a sidekick, but she doesn’t want to put him or her in danger. 

"Well, you should, you never know when you might need some help."

Later in the evening, Lori thought it would be a good idea to head out and check out the crime scene in the big city. She hopped into the Electra car and cruised around the streets, steering clear of the cops. The night felt a bit off, like something was about to go down. After catching a couple of thieves, she made sure to drop them off close to the police station.

Her uncle set up a device that would link potential robberies happening. It operates by detecting a signal when a silent alarm goes off. While she was on her way home, a red light blinked on the dashboard.

 "Whoa, it seems like a robbery is happening. Somewhere in LA." Someone activated the silent alarm in their office to notify the authorities. Lori used the car phone to call Frank.

"Uncle Frank, can you track down where the signal is coming from?"

"Yes." He sent her the location, and she sped off to the shop. She drove to the spot, which was in downtown LA, home to pricey stores. She parked the Electra Car in an alley and activated the alarm system.

"If anyone attempts to steal the car, they'll get an electric shock that will knock them out," she mused. Before she headed out, she fastened her utility belt that had the experimental Electra Net. The alley was filled with trash cans and worn-out wooden crates. On the sides of the buildings were doors that led to various businesses.

As she headed towards the sidewalk, a pair of teens perched on metal boxes noticed her passing by. One of them said, "Hey man, check it out, it’s one of those vigilantes. She’s hot."

"Aren't you boys supposed to be at home? Should I give your parents a call?" She paused for a moment, then looked at them directly. "Did any of you see something strange?"

The blonde boy replied, "Yeah, a guy and a girl dressed completely in black broke into the side entrance of the jewelry store."

"Where?"

"Over there," he said, pointing to a door that was slightly ajar.

"Hey boys, don’t even think about touching my car," she said firmly. The three boys walked away, feeling the tension in the air. Lori carefully opened the door and saw that the lock was broken. 

"I wonder who could have done this," she pondered. Her uncle attempted to reach her via the Electra-com, but she chose to ignore it. 

As Lori made her way inside, she heard muffled cries. She lifted her arm, ready to press the button to unleash the Electra beam. She did not want to use it, for fear she’d kill the person who would attack her, but she had to be ready for anything. She spotted a man tied up to a chair in his office. 

“Oh my god, what happened,” she whispered as she cut the rope that tied him to the chair. His mouth had masking tape on it, a reminder of when Tim tapped her mouth while he assaulted her. She removed it.  “They’re in there,” he whispered, shifting his eyes toward the door that leads to the front of the main room of the shop. Lori gave him a nod.  “Listen, run out and go to the nearest phone booth, call the authorities,” she urged as she untied him. He nodded and left. She approached the thieves vigilantly as they busted the glass that concealed the expensive jewelry. 

“What do you think sis, you like this necklace?”  Lori’s mouth dropped and she let out a soft gasp, “It sounds like Tim. It can’t be them.”

As she navigates towards them, she readies the Electra Net. She probably won’t be able to net both but if her aim is right, she’ll get Tim. 

“Come on, let’s go,” he said.

“I should check and see if that man is still tied up,” the woman said. Lori quickly made her way to the back office. She waited for her to show up.  Kris entered and her jaw dropped. 

"Tim," she shouted, but Lori swiftly deployed the Electra Net, wrapping Kris in its grasp. She fought to escape, but the harder she struggled, the tighter the net became. "Stop it, it will only get tighter," Lori advised her.

"Oh, so I see you’re here as Electra Woman," she paused. "I warned you to stay away from us. What on earth are you doing in LA anyway? I thought you preferred to stay in your hometown."

Lori felt completely let down by Kris and didn't reply. She contacted her uncle through the Electra Com, she said that she caught one of the thieves, and it was Kris.

"Tim!" Kris yelled. Lori positioned herself as Tim rushed in.

"What are you doing here, Electra Woman!" he exclaimed, anger shadowed his face.

"Forget about what she's doing here, just help me get out of this thing," Kris shouted at him.

Tim’s eyes narrowed, then he lunged at Lori. They fought, both equally matched. However, Tim held a slight edge over Lori and landed several swift blows that caught her off guard. She considered using the Electra Beam, but it was still in the experimental phase, similar to the Electra Net. Kris continued to fight against the net, but with each struggle, it only grew tighter. 

"Please, Kris, stay still; every movement will make it worse," Lori urged, observing the frustration etched on Kris's face and her desperate breaths. "You're going to suffocate her! Let my sister go right now!" Tim yelled as they blocked each other’s fists. Tim threw a few high kicks, Lori blocked them.

Going through was unsure how to loosen it, so she pleaded with Kris to stay still, and Kris ceased his struggles. "Run, Tim, forget about me, just run," she urged. In the background, sirens wailed. 

"Damn it," Tim shot a furious look at Lori. 

"This isn’t over, bitch," a chilling expression crossed his face as he cast a glance at Lori.

He dashed out through the back door. Lori glanced down at Kris. 

"I’m sorry," she said, giving her a disappointed look. 

Lori contacted her uncle via the Electra Com. 

"Is there any way I can ease the net a little?" 

"You actually used it?" 

"Yes, but I'm concerned it might keep tightening."

"It likely has already molded to her body by now," he said. Lori examined the net.

"You make a good point, but how will the police manage to extract her when they get here?"

"Inside your pouch, there is a unique finger blade that will slice through it effortlessly. Keep it out of her reach and place it where they can find it but make sure to leave a note for them.”  Lori discovered a notepad on the desk and informed the authorities about the finger blade and its usage.

"Signed, Electra Woman," she whispered.

"You can't treat me like this, damn it!" Kris yelled as Lori cast one final look back at her before leaving the building. She felt bad that she had to apprehend Kris, but it had to be done. She jumped into her car, which sped off in an instant before the police could show up. Tim was headed to Lori's house. He is aware that it would be her next destination. Tears flowed down his face as memories of his sister flooded his mind. A wave of intense anger rose up inside him. He brushed away his tears and braced himself for the upcoming confrontation with Electra Woman.

Chapter 13: Retribution

Chapter 14: Dyna Girl

Website

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

Website

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

WEBSITE

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.

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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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