Tempest (#1)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Tempest

"Petite?"

As I wore the costume Des had so carefully designed for me, I couldn't help but look out my window. It was getting darker, but sunset was still at least an hour away. Something about the peace out there had me concerned. I know that I should count my blessings that Miasma isn't out there making a mess of things for me, but... why isn't he? I've been out of commission for three days, and nothing? I mean, yeah, gift horse, mouth, whatever, but this... it was just unnerving.

It doesn't make sense. But then again, at this point, what does?

"Penn, is everything alright?" Des's voice conveyed her concern, but still I only looked outside.

"I guess." I paused, my eyes following a group of CSU kids pass my building.

"You guess?" her tone was questionable. She sounded half confused and half pissed off.

"You don't find it strange that absolutely no problems have arisen since I fell asleep?"

"I do, Petite, but that doesn't mean—"

A loud knock drew my attention away from my window as I glanced towards the hallway.

Quickly, I glanced over at Des and watched as her eyebrows pulled together just as her blue eyes squinted in the same direction.

"Are you expecting anyone?"

"Non." She glared harder. "Stay here, Penn. I'll check it out." She looked at me before giving me a concerned smile. "Maybe you should change. You know, just in case."

I nodded as I realized I was still Felicia and in full Tempest gear. Without a second thought, I returned back to normal, took off my mask, belt, and mini jacket, and threw on a loose top, and a pair of jeggings to cover the rest of my costume—thank god for slip-on pants. Before I stepped out into the hall, I put my glasses on and made my way to our door.

I got there just as Des was opening it.

To my surprise, it was Kyle.

"Kyle?" I called from behind Des. "What are you doing here?"

"Nah." He shook his head furiously at me as he took a step into my apartment.

"By all means, Kyle, come right in." I told him, giving Des a quick shrug at her questioning gaze.

"Coworker," I mouthed to Des as she gave me what might have been the funniest oh-face I have ever seen on her.

Kyle looked a little flushed, and for a moment, I was scared that my thoughts of peace were premature. "The real question is what are you doing here?"

His eyes were bugging out of his face as he scowled at me.

"Dude, relax." I put up my hands at his stare. "Where's the fire?"

"Oh, no fire. More like a bug, man." Kyle began to pace between me and Des.

Des and I exchanged a look of concern before I redirected my attention back to our guest. "What are you talking about, Kyle? What bug?"

"Oh my god..." Kyle stopped his pacing and came right up to my face and touched my forehead. "Are you dying? You're dying, aren't you?"

"Dying? What the hell? Kyle, get off me." I lightly slapped his hand off my forehead.

"Penn, I can't believe you forgot... the world is ending for sure." He looked down for a second, and might I say, he was acting like quite the drama king.