The Individuality Gene Read online

  A lot has changed since I gave up my mother’s ring. Jonn was demoted and now trains the very team that replaced us. Given the circumstances, he’s taking it well. I expected him to fly into a bitter rage, but he merely spends his free time complaining. At first, it was kind of funny, but now it has become annoying. The fact that he started calling me “Won’t” again doesn’t help. But what can I say? That’s just the type of relationship Jonn and I have.

  Speaking of relationships, Kara and I are now a couple. I professed my love shortly after the team was disbanded. While she never actually uttered the words “I love you,” she makes her feelings for me known each and every time she kisses me. And let me just say she’s far more affectionate than I ever would have imagined.

  I never thought I would say this, but my life is as close to perfect as it has ever been. I still have no clue who my parents are or if I’ll ever meet them. The hourglass symbol on my wrist also remains a complete mystery. As for Avalon, she’s still on the loose. But none of that matters as long as Kara and I are together.

  Thinking of my life helps dispel the anxiety caused by my nightmare. Before long, I’m wide awake and ready to begin the day. Sliding out of bed, I down the glass of water, glance at my mother’s letter, and get dressed.

  Today is a big day. It’s been three months since Kara and I became a couple. To celebrate, we’re going out to Atlantis’s swankiest restaurant, the Atlantis Supreme. It’s almost impossible to get a reservation, but Kidd knows the chef, so we’re getting the most romantic, most private booth to ourselves for the entire afternoon.

  I exit my room and catch sight of Jonn slipping out the front door. That means it’s still early. I consider waking Kara, but I’ve always been a loner, and the prospect of spending a little time alone excites me.

  I go for a walk. My mind drifts as I wander the sleeping city, and I ponder things I haven’t thought of in weeks. One of them is Avalon. While I’m glad taking her down is no longer my responsibility, part of me feels guilty. My older self claimed I’m the only one who can stop her. Was he trying to motivate me, or did he mean I’m literally the only person capable of ending her tyranny? Not that it matters. The team was disbanded, and I was forced to give up my mother’s time travel ring. Kidd is still trying to figure out why I’m trapped in the past, but I’ve made my peace with the fact that I will never return to my time.

  Kara is awake by the time I return. After a light breakfast, we head out for a romantic stroll. We pause to watch the aquatic wildlife beneath our feet. We sit on park benches and watch the people go about their day. We find isolated spots and share a few tender kisses. It’s a magical morning that comes to an end when Kara and I reach the Atlantis Supreme.

  We’re early, but the maître d’hôtel guides us to our booth as soon as we arrive. Unlike the other restaurants I’ve frequented, the Atlantis Supreme is an underwater establishment. The kitchen and main reception area are above ground, but the booths are sunken, allowing diners to observe the vastness of the ocean as they enjoy their meal. Within minutes of arriving, a school of rainbow-coloured fish surround our booth. No sooner have they retreated than a pod of dolphins swims by. Kara waves at them, but the grey mammals drift by, oblivious. I suspect many more aquatic creatures venture past our booth, but I’m too busy staring deep into Kara’s eyes to notice.

  “I love you,” I whisper.

  She smiles and kisses me. I welcome her lips, but can’t help noticing the fact that she failed to reciprocate my loving statement. It’s not that I doubt her level of commitment, but I would give anything to hear her speak the words “I love you.” I consider mentioning it but now doesn’t feel like the right time. This is the most romantic moment of our entire relationship, and I refuse to let anything ruin it. Of course, no sooner have I decided this than the sound of a commotion reaches our booth.

  “What’s happening?” asks Kara. She pulls away, but I snatch her hand before she can investigate.

  “It’s none of our business.”

  “You’re right.”

  We share another languorous kiss, but the commotion intensifies, and ignoring it becomes impossible. I can now make out distinct voices. One of them belongs to the maître d’hôtel. The other is—

  “Oh no,” I groan.

  “What’s wrong?” asks Kara.

  I sigh. The last thing I want is to share my discovery, but it’s only a matter of time before she figures it out for herself.

  “It’s your father.”

  Kara stands and looks around. One glance at her weary expression confirms my worst fears.

  Jonn has come to ruin our romantic outing.

  “Dad!” calls Kara.

  The commotion ends, but only for a moment.

  “Let me through,” barks Jonn. I can’t see him, but I have no trouble picturing his red face and bulging veins.

  “I’m sorry, sir,” says the maître d’hôtel, “but you can’t go beyond this point without a reservation.”

  “I don’t want to eat,” argues Jonn. “I just want to talk to my daughter and her boyfriend.”

  It’s the first time Jonn has referred to me as such. I should be happy, but Jonn’s presence means my romantic outing has officially come to an end.

  I stand and draw the maître d’hôtel’s eye with a wave of my hand.

  “Let him through,” I say. “He won’t give up until he gets what he wants.”

  The man hesitates, but finally nods and steps aside. Jonn strides past him and drops into our booth, squeezing between Kara and me. It was cozy before. Now, it’s painfully restrictive.

  “Who built this thing?” complains Jonn. “It’s tiny.”

  I consider pointing out the booth was designed to sit two normal humans, not two teenagers and an oversized soldier, but I know that will only make him crankier.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask.

  He doesn’t insult me, which means he’s in a hurry. That’s good. There’s still a chance the date can be salvaged. Or so I think until Jonn starts speaking.

  “I have great news. Kidd found Avalon.”

  I glance at Kara. She shrugs.

  “So?” I say. “She’s no longer our responsibility. Remember?”

  Jonn chuckles.

  “That’s where you’re wrong.”

  “What do you mean?” asks Kara. “What did you do?”

  Jonn beams.

  “I convinced the Atlantean Council to reinstate us. Isn’t that great?”

  Memory 3

  R einstated?” I ask. “You got us reinstated?”

  Jonn nods.

  I can’t believe it. One moment I’m enjoying a romantic outing with my girlfriend; the next I’m faced with the harsh reality that life as I know it is over.

  “How did you convince the Atlantean Council to give us another chance?” asks Kara.

  Jonn beams.

  “I blackmailed them.”

  Kara nearly chokes.

  “You black…” she begins, but her voice trails off. “How?”

  Jonn’s smile fades.

  “I had help.”

  “Who?”

  “Kidd.”

  There’s a moment of silence.

  “I thought you hated Kidd,” I say. In the three months I’ve been in Atlantis, I witnessed two interactions between Jonn and Kidd. Both ended in a yelling match.

  “I don’t hate him. I just think he’s a know-it-all. But that doesn’t mean he’s useless.”

  “I don’t understand. What did he do?”

  “He’s been trying to track Avalon ever since the team was disbanded. It took him forever, but he finally located her.”

  “What does that—” begins Kara, but Jonn cuts her off.

  “Kidd was supposed to report to the Atlantean Council as soon as he found Avalon, but he came to me instead.”

  “Why?” I ask.

  “Kidd and I may disagree on many things, but we both know there’s no one better suited to take down Avalon tha
n us.”

  “Is that why you blackmailed the council?” asks Kara. “So you could get your revenge?”

  Jonn raises an eyebrow.

  “Avalon killed your mother, or have you forgotten?”

  Kara’s eyes narrow. I can tell Jonn regrets his harsh words, but he crosses his arms to indicate he’s unwilling to retract them. It won’t take much for the situation to degenerate into an argument.

  “What happened after Kidd gave you Avalon’s location?” I ask.

  “I already told you. I blackmailed the council, and they agreed to reinstate us.”

  I sense there’s something he’s not telling us.

  “Is that it?” I ask. “They just agreed to let us chase Avalon?”

  Jonn hesitates. “Well, they may have had a few conditions.”

  “What kind of conditions?” asks Kara.

  Jonn sighs.

  “This is our last chance. If we return without Avalon, the team will be permanently disbanded.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad,” I say.

  “I’m not finished. If we fail, you will be permanently stripped of your ring…”

  Permanently stripped? That doesn’t sound good. How am I supposed to get home without my mother’s ring?

  “…I will be fired…”

  Jonn’s entire identity revolves around his involvement with the Atlantean army. He would be lost without his title.

  “…and Kara will be decommissioned.”

  What does that mean? How do you decommission a person?

  “What are you talking about?” asks Kara.

  “It’s nothing,” says Jonn. “Don’t worry about it.”

  Kara throws me a questioning look. I shrug, indicating I have no idea what Jonn meant by “decommissioned.” Honestly, I’m more worried about losing access to my mother’s ring. Without it, I will be stranded. Sure, I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with the girl I love, but the thought of never reuniting with my mother scares me. Then again, the future isn’t set in stone. If we defeat Avalon, everything will go back to the way it was.

  I glance at Kara. Her furrowed brow tells me she’s reticent to accept her father’s proposal.

  “What happens if we refuse?” I ask.

  Jonn nearly chokes.

  “Excuse me?”

  “We never asked for this,” I say, glancing at Kara. “We just want to live our lives, to build a life together.”

  The grey-haired soldier remains silent for a while.

  “Is that true?” he asks, staring at his daughter.

  She nods.

  “I’m with Will. I will stand by his side, no matter what.”

  I appreciate Kara’s loyalty, but I don’t like being put on the spot. Unfortunately, there’s no way I can worm my way out of this one. All I can do is speak my truth and hope for the best.

  I take a moment to gather my thoughts. Part of me wants to see Avalon pay for what she’s done, but the last few months have taught me that life in Atlantis is good. Not to mention the fact that Kara and I are finally happy. I can’t bear the thought of putting our budding relationship at risk.

  “I’m sorry—” I begin, but that’s far as I get.

  “I always knew you were a coward,” snaps Jonn. He climbs out of the sunken booth and stomps off. His retreat ends with the soft hiss of a door closing, followed by the faint squealing of tires as a vehicle screeches to a sudden halt. Moments later, silence fills the restaurant.

  I stare at Kara. She seems conflicted. I can tell she’s embarrassed by her father’s brutish behaviour, but I also detect a fleeting sense of guilt. It seems as though she isn’t as willing to give up on avenging her mother’s death as she claims.

  What have I done?

  I put my own selfish desires above those of my girlfriend. In doing so, I not only denied her vengeance, but I forced her to take sides against her father. And now Jonn is going to try to stop Avalon on his own.

  I sigh, well aware there’s but one way out of this mess.

  “What now?” asks Kara.

  “Now,” I say. “We do what’s right. We take down Avalon once and for all.”

  Memory 4

  I sit on my bed, staring at my mother’s letter. I told Jonn and Kara I needed to pack, but the truth is I just need time to process things. But the more I think about recent events, the more overwhelmed I feel.

  What have I done? I gave up a lifetime of happiness and ease with the girl of my dreams to pursue a mad woman obsessed with altering the past. It may sound like a noble quest, but the truth is her obsession will lead to her downfall. Ironically, the same could be said about my desire to see her brought to justice.

  I wish I had never agreed to accompany Jonn, but it’s too late to turn back. So here I am, hiding in my room while my friends prepare for what I hope will be our final adventure.

  I stare at my mother’s letter, and a great sadness overwhelms me. Will I ever get to meet her? And what of my father? Will—

  There’s a knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  The smart particles that make up the wall retreat, forming an opening through which Kidd enters.

  “Are you ready? Jonn is growing impatient.”

  Of course, he is.

  “I’m ready.” I glance at my mother’s letter one last time and place it on my nightstand.

  “I haven’t given up,” says Kidd. “I’m still trying to understand why you can’t return to your time.”

  I give him a grateful smile, but my heart isn’t in it. It’s been months since Kidd first started working on the project, and he has nothing to show for it. I don’t blame him, but I’m still a little disappointed.

  “Thanks,” I say.

  A heavy silence descends upon us and persists until Jonn’s voice shatters it.

  “What the drowned are you two doing? Hurry up.”

  I roll my eyes, but deep down I’m glad to see Jonn is back to his old self. Now that the team is back together, he’s as boisterous—and annoying—as ever.

  “What took so long?” he asks when Kidd and I enter the living room. He has shed his military uniform and now wears plain cargo pants, a t-shirt that’s way too tight for him, and standard issue military boots. His trusty hunting knife is strapped to his leg.

  “Leave them alone,” says Kara. She wears a pair of shorts and a simple top. Although plain, the garments hug her delicate frame in all the right places.

  “I was just asking a question,” says Jonn.

  “No, you weren’t. You were trying to make them feel bad.”

  “Maybe I was. So what?”

  “So what? SO WHAT?”

  Kidd steps forward.

  “If you two don’t mind, I would like to show you the upgrade I have installed on Will’s ring.”

  “Upgrade?” says Jonn, forgetting about the budding squabble. “No one said anything about an upgrade.”

  “I guess that’s the price you pay for blackmailing your superiors.”

  Kara and I chuckle.

  “Locating Avalon was merely the first step,” explains Kidd as he produces my mother’s ring and hands it to me. I inspect it and find a small protrusion on the outer edge.

  “What does it do?” I ask.

  “Press it.”

  I do. A soft beep is produced, but that’s the extent of it.

  “What was that?” I ask.

  “That,” says Kidd, “was the signal confirming your ring has locked on to Avalon’s signal. The next portal you open will lead to whatever time she last travelled to.”

  “Really?” asks Jonn.

  Kidd ignores the question.

  “If you accidentally activate the lock-on mechanism or wish to travel to a specific time, simply press the button again and the ring will return to normal.”

  I push the button, and another sound fills the air. It’s lower in tone than the first and lasts twice as long.

  Jonn doesn’t seem impressed.

  “Is that it?” h
e asks.

  Kidd shakes his head.

  “The upgrade does more than lock on to Avalon’s signal. It allows you to track her once you have reached the time she’s in. I call this feature the holo tracker.”

  “Why?” asks Jonn.

  “Press and hold the button for a few seconds,” instructs Kidd, ignoring the grey-haired soldier.

  I do as told and a series of lasers erupt from the ring and combine to form a glowing red arrow. I look closer and realize a dozen tiny holes have appeared around the ring’s perimeter. Kidd wasn’t kidding when he said he upgraded it.

  “Does that answer your question?” Kidd asks Jonn.

  He says nothing.

  “How does it work?” wonders Kara.

  “The holo tracker locks on to Avalon’s signal. Just follow the arrow, and it will lead you right to her.”

  “What if she isn’t there?”

  “Then the arrow remains red,” explains Kidd. “It turns green only once it detects her signal. It also shows you how far she is.”

  “That’s incredible,” says Kara.

  Jonn doesn’t seem impressed. “Why did you wait so long to create it?”

  “Do you have any idea how much work went into this project?” asks Kidd. “It took me two months just to locate Avalon, and another to figure out how to lock on to her signal. Only then was I able to apply the upgrades to Will’s ring.”

  “How does it work?” I ask, ignoring Jonn’s annoyed expression. “How can you lock on to a person?”

  “You can’t,” admits Kidd. “The holo tracker tracks Avalon’s ring. Since it’s the only other one in existence, it should lead you right to her.”

  It makes sense.

  “The holo tracker is also equipped with a proximity alarm,” explains Kidd. “If Avalon gets within one hundred steps”—Atlanteans measure distances in steps, each one measuring just under a metre—“an alarm will sound.”

  That could come in handy.

  “It will also notify you whenever another time travel ring appears in the time you’re in.”

  I don’t see the point of such a feature, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.