Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Colin fidgeted with the paper in his shaking hands, trying to calm himself. Hold yourself together, Collie. You can do this, you can do this, you can do this-

"Anthony Davenport. Please explain the distant past of this world."

The boy in question stood up, clearing his throat before speaking. "Long ago, in the year 1955, a comet struck the Earth. Millions of lives were lost in the catastrophe, and many who remained turned on each other. But just when all seemed lost, the Federation gathered a group of survivors hoping to restore society to its former glory. They lead us to this day, ensuring our safety and prosperity."

The other students clapped, with the exception of Colin. It's okay. You just have to read from a paper in front of all your classmates that hate your guts. And the teacher might give you an F for poor presentation. And you might make your sisters look stupid and let down your parents-

"Colin Campbell. Please enlighten us on the topic of Aberrations."

Colin's feet shook as he rose from his seat, his hands still trembling. "Shortly after the comet struck…erm, a mysterious substance it had b-brought t-to the p-planet began affecting humans from the ages of 13 to 18. These m-mutated humans were capable of f-feats only possible in fiction. They became known as Aberrations, and several ravaged the land, spreading chaos and destruction wherever they went."

As he began to look around, he noticed many of his classmates rolling their eyes. Some were even whispering to each other and snickering. Colin pressed a hand to his chest, taking a deep breath and continuing.

"Due to the danger these beings posed to themselves and others, it was decided that they needed to be locked away before they could pose a threat to society. To accomplish this goal, the Federation ordered that all Aberrations be taken by the government when discovered. They also harshly punished anyone sympathetic to Aberrations."

Almost done…

"Despite initial protests, this practices lives on, ensuring that these mutants cannot endanger the p-p-public…" Colin trailed off, trying to hide the tears forming in his eyes.

"Mr. Campbell. Please continue," said the teacher.

"Many see the treatment of Aberrations as inhumane, especially since they are usually very young when their powers manifest. C-Countless p-people have also d-died trying to protect their transformed loved ones in spite of the law."

At this point, the other students were looking at Colin with suspicion. Even the teacher seemed to be wary of him. Shit! I shouldn't have mentioned that in my notes…

"However, we must keep in mind that Aberrations b-become prone t-to violence after a certain period. By t-taking them into c-custody, we c-can ensure that they won't be as deadly as they were in the p-past," Colin abruptly finished.

"Thank you for the presentation, Mr. Campbell. You may sit down."

Colin slunk back into his seat, trying to ignore the disparaging eyes on him and the twisting feeling in his gut.

This is gonna be a horrible day.

"Next!"

Colin patiently stood behind a freshman, waiting for the lunch lady to give him his bowl of soup before sending him on his way. Even if the broth was watery and thin and there were hardly any vegetables or chunks of meat, it was preferable to dying of starvation.

Once it was his turn, the lunch lady placed the bowl on his tray, handed him a metal spoon and shooed him away. "Next!"

"Hey, Collie! Over here!" The voice belonged to Hazel, one of his two sisters.

Colin smiled and made his way to his sisters. "Hi, guys. How was your day?"

"Same old, same old. Say, d'you think they're gonna be able to add more to this soup?" Tracey asked.

"Highly doubt it. It's damn near impossible to grow anything since the comet," Hazel sighed.

"But hey, at least it's something. We could be starving to death," Colin added.

"I know, but you gotta wonder how the big shots in the Federation live. They could be feasting like kings as we speak," Tracey blurted out, catching the attention of several other students.

Colin put a finger to his lips and shushed his sister. "Don't say things like that out here!"

"Y'know, you've got a lotta nerve to be sayin' that about the people who bust their asses to keep us alive," a voice snapped. It was a boy with dark brown hair and green eyes, and he was glaring at Tracey.

"And you've got a lot of nerve to be insulting my sister," Colin growled, narrowing his eyes at the boy.

"Well, not everyone is lucky enough to get an education and a bowl of soup every day! Some of us have to live on the streets!" The brunet shouted, hands balling into fists.

"She wasn't trying to insult the Federation or act ungrateful! And honestly, she's right! Why should they get the best food while we need to live off of scraps?" Colin retorted. By this point, the entire cafeteria was staring at the two boys, and some students were chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The brunet gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath, "Of course Zafeiriou's lapdog would disrespect the Federation."

Without thinking, Colin lunged at the boy and gripped his neck, slamming him against the floor. "Keep Leo's name out of your fucking mouth!" The cafeteria cheered, and the chanting grew louder.

But before the fight could truly start, the lunch lady pried Colin off of the brunet and began dragging both of them by the arms. "Come with me! Let's see what the principal has to say about your behavior!"

The last thing Colin heard was groans of disappointment from the students, who quickly sat back down to finish their food.

Now I've done it! Mom and Dad are gonna lose their minds!

"Thanks a lot, jackass! Now I'm grounded for a week because you couldn't keep your hands to yourself!" The brunet spat, still glaring at Colin.

"You're the one who insulted my best friend and sister!" Colin retorted.

Before the other boy could clap back, the lunch lady snarled, "Be quiet! Both of you!"

When they made it to the principal's office, the lunch lady knocked on the door, and a middle-aged man opened it. "Good afternoon, Miss Jones."

"These two got into a fight at lunch. Colin Campbell grabbed Warren Eagleton by the neck and slammed him to the ground. Started when Eagleton got mad at Campbell's sister."

"Actually, it's because he insulted my-"

"Can it, Campbell," Warren snapped.

"In that case, have a seat. You can leave, Miss Jones."

"Look, sir. I can explain! My sister was just talking about the food, and then she mentioned the higher-ups at the Federation. Then Warren decided to yell at her, and I defended her. The fight started when he mentioned my best friend," Colin explained, praying that the principal would at least reprimand Warren.

"I see. And who does your best friend happen to be?"

"Leonidas Zafeiriou. Y'know, the guy who was always rambling about how Aberrations deserve better and turned into one himself?" Warren interrupted. Colin felt his nails digging into his palms as he narrowed his eyes at the brunet.

"Yes, I am familiar with Leo. And I understand that you may have wanted to defend our leaders. However, there was no need to bring Leo up, and you shouldn't have accosted Colin's sister. I'm afraid you'll have to stay in detention after school. Furthermore, you will be suspended until Monday. Please apologize to Colin," said the principal.

Warren sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Campbell." Then he stormed off.

"Now, Colin. I understand that you wanted to stand up for your sister. That being said, physical violence will not be tolerated on school grounds. You are suspended until Monday."

Before he could protest, Colin was led out of school by the vice principal and escorted to a car.

Colin pulled out his homework, pencil and eraser and began to work. If I'm gonna be suspended, I might as well get my homework out of the way.

"We're here!"

Placing his homework and supplies back in his bag, Colin nervously walked up to the door of the apartment and said, "C-Colin C-Campbell. Room 205."

The security guard raised an eyebrow and asked, "Say, kid. What're you doin' back from school so early?"

Colin rushed into the elevator and pressed 2. Mom and Dad should be at work right now. Thank God I have the keys.

201, 202, 203, 204. He stopped in front of the door labeled 205 and opened it.

The central room of the apartment had a kitchen, dinner table, sofa and television. There was a hallway with three doors: a bathroom, the parents' bedroom and the triplets' bedroom.

Colin sat at his desk, gazing wistfully at the picture of him, Leo and their friends. Pulling out his homework, pencil and eraser, he took his time with his assignments.

Before he knew it, he was done with his homework. If no one's coming home, might as well watch TV.

Colin slumped onto the couch and turned on the TV. Static and crackling sounds emitted from the TV before Rose Roberts appeared on screen. Instead of her usual grin, she was frowning and gazing at the paper in her hands.

"Last night, chaos erupted in Northpass as parents resisted the Federation Guard's efforts to seize their Aberration children. Four people died and several more were arrested. Federation News Network would like to remind the public that Aberrations must be taken into custody for your safety, and that trying to defend them may result in death. Now, onto the weather forecast…"

Colin quickly changed the channel, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "Up next on Salvation Channel: Against All Odds: The True Story of a Federation Soldier Fighting Against Savage Aberrations. But first, a word from our sponsors!"

A blonde, brown-eyed woman stood next to a surgical table, grinning ear to ear. "Visually impaired or hard of hearing? Not a problem! With just a simple operation, we can fix you up and your issues will vanish overnight! Expecting a baby? Get genetic testing to see if your child may have any issues before it's born!"

Leo gritted his teeth and glared at the screen. "Leo? You alright?" Colin asked.

"Lemme tell you something, Collie. You take those tests and your kid has something they see as a problem, they'll abort it whether you like it or not, " Leo spat.

"H-How do you know that?" Colin gasped.

"Remember how my mom was gonna have a kid a few years ago?" Leo whispered. When Colin nodded, he murmured, "She said it was a miscarriage, but I found the papers confirming the baby had Down syndrome. She didn't want to abort it, but she had no choice."

By this point, Leo's hands were shaking and tears were streaming down his face. "If she wanted to get rid of it, that should have been her choice. She didn't have a choice…"

Colin wrapped his arms around Leo, who returned the hug and buried his face in Colin's shoulder. "It's okay, Leo. I'm here for you."

Leo took a deep breath and wiped a tear from his eye. "One day, we could change this country for the better. Let people love who they want and be who they want. Give everyone a say in their own body. We could even help Aberrations."

Colin grabbed Leo by the shoulders and put a finger to his lips. "Don't say things like that! There could be cameras out here!"

"All the cameras here are broken. We should be safe for now," Leo assured him.

Colin let out a sigh. "I just don't want you to get in trouble. You know how the Federation feels about people who don't agree with them."

Leo cupped Colin's face in his hands. "Then I want you to promise me one thing. If anything happens to me, do not forget about the Federation's crimes. The arrests and executions of gay and trans people. The forced abortions. What they do to Aberrations and their loved ones if they resist."

Colin nodded. "I promise."

"Colin? Colin!"

Tracey was standing over her brother, who was slumped on the couch. What happened? Did I fall asleep?

"What time is it, Tracey?"

"5:30. I just came back from detention."

"Wait. Why did you get detention? You didn't do anything wrong!"

"They thought I was insulting the Federation's higher-ups at lunch. I had to sit through an hour-long lecture about how wonderful and noble the Federation is, and how we should be grateful for everything they do for us," Tracey sighed.

Of course they'd do that. If there's one thing they can't stand, it's the slightest criticism.

"It could be worse. I could have gotten suspended for a week. Kinda like what happened to Leo all the time," Tracey added with a shrug. Yeah. Before he became an Aberration.

"Are Mom and Dad home yet?" Colin whispered.

"I think they're coming in ten minutes. Brace yourself. They're gonna lose it when they find out what happened at school," Tracey warned him.

"I bet they already know," Colin muttered.

Sure enough, the door swung open and the triplets' parents stormed inside. Their father shouted, "Theresa Lillian Campbell and Colin Peter Campbell! You are in so much trouble!"

Tracey and Colin steeled themselves for their parents' furious diatribe. "Honestly, Theresa! I can't believe you would let yourself get detention over a bowl of soup!" Their mother hollered, causing Tracey to wince.

"She didn't say anything that bad! If you want to blame someone, blame the teachers for being so goddamn sensitive!" Colin snapped.

Their father turned his head to glare at Colin. "Do not interrupt your mother!"

Their mother continued to shout at Tracey. "You are going to apologize to the lunch lady tomorrow! Do you understand?" Tracey nodded and rushed to her room.

"And don't think we've forgotten about the stunt you pulled at lunch, Colin! You are grounded for a week!" Their father snapped.

"Why did you have to yell at Tracey? She did nothing wrong!" Colin retorted.

"She got herself sent to detention! And you got yourself suspended! Go to your room now!" Their mother clapped back.

Colin gritted his teeth and stomped down the hallway. Hazel was comforting Tracey, who had tears streaming down her face.

"It's okay, sis. You didn't deserve that," Colin assured his sister, who embraced him tightly.

"I'm sure they'll calm down tomorrow. We should probably go to sleep," Hazel said, crawling into bed.

"Okay. Goodnight," Tracey yawned, closing her eyes.

"Honestly, Maya. Letting Colin anywhere near Leonidas Zafeiriou was a mistake. Our boy used to be so respectful, and now look at him!"

"Don't worry, Peter. He will come around eventually. It hasn't been a year since Leo became an Aberration. Give him some time, and he should be back to his old self. Your promotion should be the start of better things for us."

Wait a second. Dad was promoted?

"Even so, I can't shake the feeling that something awful is going to happen. You heard about how crops all over the country have been dying, right?"

"Well, it's a good thing Mr. Albrecht left you a 50-dollar bill. It's best we stock up before shit hits the fan."

"If anything happens to me, do not forget about the Federation's crimes."

Colin sat up, clenching his fist. I haven't forgotten, Leo. I'll make sure everyone sees them for who they are. Even if it kills me.

Chapter Text

The shrill ringing of the alarm clock stirred Colin from his sleep. Putting on his glasses, he found two sheets of paper on his desk.

Since your sisters are at school and your father and I have to go to work, we figured that you could help us run some errands. I made a list of stuff you'll need to buy at Gardenia Groceries and gave you some money.

P.S.: Your father and I are sorry about yesterday. We just want the best for you and your sisters.

Placing his mother's note back on the desk, Colin let out a sigh. Well, I guess I can't be mad at them forever.

He quickly read the list of groceries, which consisted of a family-sized pack of produce, some meat and noodles, a few loaves of bread, a pack of water bottles and some canned foods. The groceries should cost around 40 dollars, and the sales tax should be 5 dollars and 40 cents. Thank God Mom left a fifty-dollar bill for me.

Stuffing the fifty-dollar bill and his allowance in his worn-down leather wallet, he grabbed the key and made his way to the elevator.

"Okay, so I'll spend 45 dollars and 40 cents on groceries, which should leave me with 4 dollars and 60 cents in change. Add that to my 20 dollars and 40 cents in allowance, and I'll have enough to buy a DVD set containing the entirety of Stealing Solidarity."

At the mention of Stealing Solidarity, Colin's face lit up. Leo used to talk about that show all the time. Tracey always talked about her favorite catgirl being Nanami because of her cyberwarfare skills.

Personally, I like Momoko the best. Her cheerful demeanor and appreciation for good food always made her the most enjoyable to watch.

It's a shame they don't broadcast Stealing Solidarity on TV anymore. Maybe it's because the Black Rabbit Company fights against groups like the Federation. Honestly, it's a miracle that there are even DVDs of the show at all. They usually try to erase media with messages like that.

Stepping into the cool morning air, Colin whistled on his way to the town square. Just then, a short girl in a light pink dress waved at him. "Hey, Colin!"

"Stella? Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Well, we have a day off! Something to do with the teachers. Anyway, what are you doing out here?" Stella asked, sitting on a bench. Sitting next to her was her best friend, Peri Barrell.

"Um, we have a day off too. Not sure where Hazel and Tracey are at, but I'm here to buy groceries and a DVD set of Stealing Solidarity!" Colin chirped.

"About that…you might want to hurry if you want a copy. There's only a few sets left," Peri whispered. Then she added, "And they might never be restocked. People think it's because of the show's messages."

"Oh…do you guys have enough money to buy a set?" Colin asked.

"Maybe. Lemme check," Stella said before rummaging through her backpack. Peri whispered, "I only have 2 dollars. Also, they'll probably start confiscating anything to do with Stealing Solidarity, so we should hurry if we want a copy." And enjoy watching it for the last time to our fullest.

"Well, I need to buy groceries. Hopefully the change and my allowance should be enough to buy a set," Colin assured her.

"Dangit! I only have two bucks and 25 cents!" Stella groaned.

"Don't worry! I'll try to grab one of the last copies, and then we can enjoy it together!" Colin chirped, waving as he walked into the grocery store.

Colin went through each item on the list, ignoring the looks and questions from the parents in the store. Once he'd gotten everything he needed, he stood between a woman carrying two crying babies in her arms and a man smoking a cigarette.

"Next!"

Colin handed the cashier his 50 dollar bill before she started scanning the items. Once everything was in plastic bags, she handed him some money. "Here's your change. Have a nice day!"

Colin slung the bags over his shoulder and whistled on his way out. He was about to enter the DVD shop when he heard a glass bottle break.

A young boy in threadbare clothing ran from a shouting woman, who was holding up a broken bottle and chasing him away from the grocery store. The boy barreled into Colin, who gripped his bags as he fell.

When he got up, Colin glanced around him, picking up the fallen items. Fuck! I lost one of the bags!

The boy in threadbare clothing sprinted down the sidewalk, clutching a stolen bag. "Hey! Get back here!" That little shit!

Colin bolted after the boy, bumping into several pedestrians and nearly dropping his bags. "Oi! Watch it!"

He continued to run until his feet were sore. Stopping to catch his breath, he saw the thief opening the door to a small hut. Colin took a deep breath, picked up his bags and stumbled inside.

"Hey, you! Give that back!" Colin shouted.

The thief turned to glare at Colin. "Piss off, will ya? Unlike you, we actually need this food!"

"Manners, Robin," said a woman in a patchwork dress.

"Manners my ass! I'm sick and fucking tired of being nice to privileged shitstains like him!" Robin snarled, his hands balling into fists.

Colin glanced around the tent, his heart sinking when he saw a young boy in faded denim overalls. The boy's ribcage was showing through his almost-translucent skin, and he was clinging to an older boy with dark skin and dreadlocks.

The boy in the overalls asked, "Excuse me, mister. What's your name?"

"Colin. What's yours?"

"David. And this is Harry," said David, pointing to the dark-skinned boy.

"We're sorry about what Robin did. We haven't had much to eat lately. We'll give your stuff back if you want," Harry sighed.

"No, it's fine. You can keep the bag," Colin blurted out.

"But what about your family?" David asked.

"We'll survive without a few cans of soup. You clearly need it more than us," Colin assured him. Then he added, "Do you wanna come to my apartment? I'm planning to watch a show with my friends."

"I'm afraid we won't have time to watch anything with you. We need permission to leave, or we'll get arrested," Robin groaned.

"Wait. I've been out on my own, and the cops didn't care," Colin mentioned.

"That's because your grandfather didn't try to rebel," Robin snapped.

Before Colin could respond, Harry added solemnly, "It's a secret law of the Federation's. You do something particularly bad, your entire family suffers for three generations. The three of us had rebel grandpas, so we can't go to regular school or even leave this place without permission."

Robin gritted his teeth and muttered, "And before you say it's unfair, try tellin' that to the leaders of this country. Guess what, you and your grandkids will end up like us. You shouldn't even be helping us if you don't want to be arrested."

"But it is unfair! You don't deserve to suffer because of your ancestors' crimes!" Colin cried out.

Harry grabbed him by the shoulders and held a finger to his lips. "Be quiet! Someone outside could hear you!"

"Sorry. But my point still stands! You've never tried to overthrow the Federation or anything like that! So why should you be punished for what your grandfathers did?"

"Oh, believe me, I'd love to see the Federation fall," Robin muttered under his breath, a spiteful grin plastered on his face.

"I think we all feel the same. But the reality is, you can't help us anymore without putting yourself and your descendants at risk. We appreciate the kindness, but we don't want your family to go through this as well," Harry sighed.

David suddenly said, "Wait. What about the other families in the huts?"

"Hold on. Why didn't you tell me there were more people here? And how many others are there?" Colin demanded to know.

"Well, there's 4 other huts. Each one has 4 people, last time I counted. So there's 20 of us in total. You probably have a family to feed, though. I'd say take the rest of your bags back home and forget about us," Harry said, placing a hand on Colin's shoulder.

"Okay. It was nice meeting you. I'll visit when I can," Colin sighed, waving on the way out.

What am I gonna do?! How am I supposed to get enough food to feed 20 people I shouldn't be seeing?!

Colin's mind raced as he walked into his apartment and flopped on the sofa. Well, I definitely shouldn't buy any copies of Stealing Solidarity. I need to start spending everything on food for these people. 25 dollars could buy enough food to feed 8 people for a week.

I think Stella's sister is dating Tony Davenport. Buying a DVD set shouldn't be a problem for him. I mean, his family's practically made of money!

Speaking of Tony, maybe I should get to know him better. He's one of the only kids who doesn't hate my guts, and he probably already knows Stella. Not to mention, I'll need someone as rich as him if I want to keep these people alive.

That being said, I'm not sure if he'd be willing to help. I mean, if there's one thing the Federation is good at, it's brainwashing people. Then again, maybe telling him about those people in the huts should convince him.

I should also become friends with Lazarus Osborne. His experience with charity might come in handy. Not to mention, he's one of the nicest people I've ever met. Unfortunately, his friendship with Warren might put the plan at risk…

"Colin? Are you okay?" Hazel asked, snapping Colin out of his internal monologue.

"H-Hazel? Shouldn't you and Tracey be at school?"

"We had a half day. Don't worry, there wasn't any homework," Tracey chuckled.

"Oh. Anyways, Mom told me to get some groceries. I think one of the bags got stolen. Probably by a thug or something," Colin lied.

"What exactly did they steal?" Hazel asked as she pulled out a pencil and notepad.

"3 cans of soup. One was chicken and rice, the second was Italian wedding and the last one was minestrone. They also stole 3 cans of produce: peaches, olives and beans. Finally, they stole 2 cans of chicken. That should be around 10 dollars and 50 cents," Colin replied.

"Got it. I'll go buy those at the grocery store," Hazel said.

"Wait! Do you have enough money for a four-person meal kit? Or two? Or three?" Colin blurted out, stopping Hazel dead in her tracks.

"I dunno. Those cost 90 bucks each, and I only have 15 dollars," Hazel sighed. Then she was gone.

"Why'd you mention the meal kits?" Tracey asked.

"I'll explain, but only if you promise to not tell anyone else. This information could put our descendants in danger," Colin whispered.

"I'm all ears."

Colin took a deep breath, and began. "I wasn't lying about the cans being stolen. But I didn't tell Hazel that the thief was a starving boy around our age. I chased him all the way to this hut, and I met two other boys and a woman. The thief's name was Robin, and the other two boys are Harry and David. The reason they're living like that? It's because of what their ancestors did. Their grandfathers were rebels, so they can't go to regular school or even leave their homes without permission."

Tracey's eyes widened in horror, but she didn't say a word. Colin continued, "I should also mention that this generational punishment is a secret law. If anyone finds out what we know, our family and descendants will suffer the same fate. Anyway, I let the boys keep the cans. There's 16 other people like them, and they all need help. I'm thinking we could sneak them food, water and other supplies. We'll need to convince some other kids to help, like Tony Davenport and Lazarus Osborne."

"Wait. Why do you need those two specifically?" Tracey murmured.

"Tony's family is rich and Lazarus has done charity work in the past. We could use Lazarus to set up something where people donate clothes and things like that. So, I need you to do me a favor. Invite them to our home, then I'll take them to those 20 people. The sight of starving kids should be more than enough to convince them."

"Okay. I'll talk to them at school," Tracey said.

"I'm back! And I have great news! Gilbert wants to see a movie with us!" Hazel chirped, carrying a large plastic bag.

Tracey and Colin exchanged worried looks as Hazel prattled on about the movie Gilbert wanted to see. Tracey leaned in and whispered, "Should we tell her about the plan? I mean, we are triplets. It doesn't feel right leaving her out…"

"Alright. Let's tell her the truth."

Colin tapped Hazel on the shoulder. "There's something we wanna tell you. But you cannot tell anyone else."

"Okay. Spill the beans."

Colin filled Hazel in on everything, from Robin and the other people in the huts to the plan he'd formed with Tracey. By the time he was done, Hazel's eyes were filled with tears. "That's horrible! Punishing kids for their ancestors' crimes…it's not right!"

"Exactly. And that's why I want to help them. After all, it's what Leo would have wanted."

"I'll make sure to tell Paige. She never liked how Aberrations were treated, so she'd happy to help. Not sure about Gil, though."

"His twin brother became an Aberration. I'm sure he'd be willing to help."

"Alrighty, then. So far, we have Paige, Tony, Lazarus and Gilbert. Once we tell 'em everything, we'll have a solid team," Tracey declared with a smile on her face.

"Maybe we could even watch Stealing Solidarity at Tony's place once we've helped them out! I mean, they will be trying to erase it from existence soon, so we should enjoy it for the last time!" Hazel added, grinning ear to ear.

Colin went to bed that night with a smile on his face. Don't worry, Leo. We will change this country for the better, one step at a time.

Chapter Text

"Colin? You okay?" Hazel asked. Her pale blonde hair was tied back with a white ribbon and she was wearing her signature sky blue vest, white dress shirt and green skirt.

"I'm going into town again. Maybe I'll try to visit Harry, Robin and David today," Colin replied. And try to find the cheapest meal kits.

"Roger that. We're gonna talk to Paige, Tony, Lazarus and Gil. See you later, Collie!" Tracey chirped, waving to Colin as she and Hazel left.

Truth be told, Colin had no idea where the cheapest meal kits were. Hazel's words about their price continued to replay in his mind.

"I dunno. Those cost 90 bucks each, and I only have 15 dollars."

Should I just wait for Hazel and Tracey to come home? No, no, no. I can't think like that. The lives of these people are on the line.

Colin's thoughts were interrupted by the crisp autumn air piercing his skin. "See ya later, son!" The security guard called.

As usual, the town square was filled with people and cameras at nearly every corner. Colin stopped outside of Gardenia Groceries, trying to remember his path to Harry, Robin and David.

Right, left, then straight ahead, then another left, then another right-

"Oi! Watch it, Campbell!"

Shuffling to his feet, Colin was met with the face of Warren Eagleton, who was dusting off his short brown trenchcoat and adjusting his gray newsboy cap. Oh, lovely! Just who I needed to see today!

"Honestly, Campbell! A two-year-old would know to pay attention when walking! We could've been hit by a car!"

"Well, my apologies for not seeing you come out of nowhere!" Colin snapped.

A rusty metal door suddenly swung open and an old man in shorts stormed outside. "Shut yer traps, both of ye! Shouldn't you little shits be in school?"

"Sorry, sir! We'll go somewhere else," Warren called, dragging Colin by the hand.

"Okay. I'm sorry for bumping into you and what happened on Monday-"

"Just drop it. I'm here for Grandpa's pills. Ellen and Tom are freaking out about the crops failing everywhere, so I'll grab some meal kits while I'm at it."

"You must have a lot of money. Those cost 90 bucks each," Colin pointed out.

"Only at Gardenia. We don't have much, so we go to Floris instead. God only knows what the factories put in those kits."

"Sure, we're free after school. Where do you wanna meet?" Paige asked, looking up from her sketchbook.

"Colin's gonna show us the way. Just tell your families you're at the park or something," Hazel explained.

"What exactly are we doing there? If this is something illegal-" Tony started, before Tracey assured him, "Of course not! It's just, erm, a new club? A club for charity!"

"Your family has money, right? We need that for what we're trying to do," Hazel added.

Tony shrugged and replied, "I doubt Dad would let me spend money on a club with strangers, but I'll see what I can do. Catch you later."

The ear-piercing shriek of the school bell echoed through the hallways, forcing the sisters to pause their mission and rush to class.

"Good afternoon! Open your textbooks to page 102. This will be on the exam, so I better not see anyone slacking off!"

As Mr. Fairweather droned on and on about finches on islands, Tracey glanced at the olive-skinned boy sitting next to her and whispered, "Hey, Lazarus! Wanna chat after class?"

"Ahem! Miss Campbell, please do not talk while I am talking!" Mr. Fairweather snapped, before turning to the whiteboard.

Lazarus moved a lock of his black hair away from his sky blue eyes, before murmuring, "I can chat after class. Do you want me to help with tonight's homework?"

Tracey quickly nodded, before poring over every detail of the pages being read aloud. Colin wasn't lying about him being the sweetest kid he's ever met.

"And that's it for today! Your homework is a worksheet. Don't forget to study for the exam on Friday!" Mr. Fairweather finished.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Lazarus asked.

"We're trying to help out some people. Don't tell anyone about this," Tracey explained.

"I'm always happy to help others, but why can't I tell anyone? Sounds a bit fishy to me." Shit! What am I supposed to say?!

"We'll explain when we meet up. Just trust me!" Tracey blurted out.

"If you insist. See you later," Lazarus said with a shrug before walking away.

As the wooden door creaked open and the doorbell made a soft "ding", Warren picked up a basket with a rusty handle and deadpanned, "Welcome to Floris. Most of the stuff here's probably packed with chemicals, but it's cheaper than places like Gardenia."

"Actually, my family used to come here all the time. Yesterday was my first time at Gardenia," Colin mentioned, before adding, "So, where exactly are the meal kits?"

"You can find 'em at aisle 9," Warren called as he strolled towards a counter with a nurse behind it. The faded sign above it read PRESCRIPTIONS.

Colin rushed to aisle 9, before dodging a purse flying past his head. A mob of around 20 people had gathered, throwing bottles and cans at each other and snatching meal kits from the baskets and carts around them. A young woman in a uniform tried to place kits on the barren shelves, only for them to fly out of her hands.

Another employee held up a megaphone and shouted, "Attention! There can only be 4 kits per person!"

A woman threw a bottle of water at the employee and snarled, "4 kits?! You expect me to feed 15 mouths with just 4 kits?" As the employee stumbled to the ground, the woman wrestled 3 kits out of a man's basket, who responded by punching her square in the jaw.

"Excuse me, sir. Are you okay?" Colin whispered, helping the employee to his feet.

"Yeah. Every market in Clayhill's had to deal with this. Bob's Bounty, Floris…hell, not even Gardenia's safe! The cops had to drag 12 maniacs out of there last night! Maybe the Federation really is goin' to shit," sighed the employee, who then added, "Thanks for helpin' me out back there. At least some people are still sane."

As the employee walked away, Warren returned with a basket full of bottles. "Are there any meal kits left?"

"Nope, and I don't suggest you try grabbing any," Colin sighed, gesturing to the mob.

"Well, looks like Ellen and Tom aren't getting their meal kits. We should go before the cops get here," Warren groaned.

As soon as the boys stepped outside, their ears were assaulted by the blaring of police sirens. A dozen officers stormed into Floris while another one tapped Colin on the shoulder. "Excuse me, you two. Where are your parents or guardians?"

"They're not here. We got suspended from school, so I'm grabbing some stuff my family needs. Not sure why Colin came out here," Warren assured the officer.

"In that case, I'll have to drive you home. Boys like you shouldn't be out by themselves while Clayhill's being consumed by madness," remarked the officer, who dragged them into his car.

Colin watched as one by one, the mob from earlier was marched out in cuffs. "I can't go to jail! I have 14 people at home who need me!" shrieked the woman who had assaulted the employee earlier.

"Serves them right," Warren scoffed as the woman was forced into the back of a police car.

"Anyways, where do you boys live?" asked the officer. Warren paused and stared at his feet, before forcing out a response.

"I live on the west side of Clayhill," Warren finally confessed, fighting back tears of shame.

Colin thought of the criminal activity and tiny, dilapidated houses in the west side, and Warren's rant in the cafeteria resurfaced in his mind.

"Well, not everyone is lucky enough to get an education and a bowl of soup every day! Some of us have to live on the streets!"

"I'll need you to be more specific, kiddo. What's your exact address?" clarified the officer.

"52 Apple Street," Warren stated, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

Warren's eyes widened as Colin gently wiped the tear away from his face, before leaning in and wrapping his arms around the brunet. Isn't this the same boy who grabbed me by the throat and slammed me to the ground on Monday?

"Do you want me to stay with you for a bit?" Colin whispered, patting Warren's back.

"Why would you? I insulted your best friend. Not to mention, my place is a mess," Warren pointed out.

"That's in the past. Besides, you clearly need a shoulder to cry on." Hazel and Tracey are coming home soon. How bad could it be?

"I can walk home myself. Just take us to Warren's address," Colin told the officer.

"So, your brother is the leader of this club?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I guess you could say that. He came up with this club yesterday," Hazel chuckled.

Tony leaned into Paige's ear and whispered, "Are you sure we should trust Colin Campbell? If Zafeiriou really was his friend-"

"Then I would trust him with my life," Paige finished.

"Trust him with your life? You barely know him! Thinking like Zafeiriou could endanger your entire family!" Tony pointed out.

Maybe we shouldn't have approached Tony about this, Hazel thought as the group entered the elevator.

"What if Colin isn't home?" Lazarus wondered, fidgeting with the butterfly pin on his vest.

"Then I guess we can watch some DVDs 'till he gets back!" Tracey chirped. DING!

"Colin! We're back! Colin?" Hazel called.

No response.

"So, what movies do you guys have?" Lazarus asked, crossing his legs on the floor.

"I'll have to double-check. Let's see…Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Home Alone…" Hazel rambled.

The Campbells have a nice place. Even if Dad's gonna kill me when I get home, I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay for a bit. And have a look around while I'm at it…

"Can I look around your place?" Tony blurted out.

"Uh, sure. Why not?" Hazel responded.

As Tony snuck into the triplets' bedroom, he was met with a framed picture of five teenaged boys. And among them were Colin and Leonidas Zafeiriou.

I shouldn't have come here. If Dad found out I was hanging out with Zafeiriou's best friend-

"Tony? You okay?" Gilbert suddenly asked, jolting Tony out of his panic.

"This was a mistake. Colin's planning something dangerous, and I want no part in it," Tony announced, rushing towards the door.

"Wait! Where are you going? Colin isn't home yet!" Tracey objected, grabbing Tony's arm.

"Don't you realize what you're doing?! Whatever your brother is planning could put us all in danger! Need I remind you that he slammed someone to the ground to defend Zafeiriou's honor?" Tony snapped.

"If I'm being honest, Leo had the right idea about this country! Think about what they do to Aberrations, not to mention anyone who isn't cisgender and heterosexual!" Paige retorted.

"And all of that is terrible! But if we try and oppose them, we risk losing everything we love!" Tony countered.

"Everyone, please calm down!" Lazarus begged, stepping between the couple.

As Paige and Tony sat on the couch, Tracey turned to her sister and murmured, "What are we gonna do about Tony? He could snitch on us if we let him go!"

Glancing at their four classmates, Hazel sighed, "I'm afraid our only choice is to tell them what Colin saw."

"Everyone, listen to us! We have something important to tell you," Tracey announced.

"We'd like to apologize for not being fully transparent with you. The reason Colin set up this little club is because of what he discovered yesterday. While running an errand for our parents, a boy our age stole one of his bags. He chased the boy and found him living in terrible conditions with three other people," Hazel explained.

"The reason they were living like this? Their grandfathers had rebelled, and they were made to pay the price. There's twenty people living like this, and they all need help," Tracey added. Paige's hands had balled into fists, Lazarus and Gilbert were fighting back tears and Tony's eyes widened in shock.

"I see…but why did you need Paige, Lazarus and Gilbert? I could probably pay for everything you need to help those people," Tony noted.

"Collie mentioned something about Lazarus and his charity work. I guess Paige and Gil are just here to help. We'll have to ask him when he gets back," Tracey replied.

"Well, after hearing this, there's no way I'm backing out. Just when I thought the Federation hit rock bottom, they somehow found a new low to sink to," Paige spat.

"Same here. Besides, it's what Greg would have wanted," Gilbert added.

"I'll do everything I can to help. Nobody, regardless of their ancestors' actions, deserves to be subjected to this," Lazarus declared.

The room fell silent as five pairs of eyes focused on Tony.

If Dad found out what I was doing, he'd put my head on a pike. But if I stand by and go on with my life, those people will continue to suffer for their ancestors' sins.

"I will join you. I can't turn a blind eye while innocent people are subjected to such inhumanity," Tony vowed.

CREEEAAAK!

"Grandpa! I'm home!" Warren called, before turning to Colin and gesturing to an empty mug on the table.

Colin carefully picked up the mug and squeezed the rusty handles of the sink until his palms and fingers burned. A thin sliver of water splashed into the mug, before stopping when it was halfway full.

Clutching the mug like it was a precious gem, Colin made his way into the living room, where a pale, wrinkled man sat on a worn-out armchair. "Huh? Warren? Did you bring a new friend home?"

"We don't really know each other. He's my classmate. Here, I got your medicine," assured Warren, placing two small red capsules in his grandfather's trembling hands.

"If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" Colin asked, handing the mug to Warren's grandfather.

"Cornelius. I will say, you're a lovely young man, mister…" Cornelius croaked as he took a sip of water.

"Colin. Nice to meet you, sir."

"That's a very nice name," Cornelius yawned, before slowly getting to his feet and hobbling up the stairs.

"Guess it's time for Grandpa's nap. Do you wanna see my room?" Warren suggested. Colin simply nodded in response.

Warren led Colin into a small room with nothing but a desk, chair and bed. The bed had a thin blanket and a small pillow on it, and the desk had cracks in its wood. Warren flopped onto the bed while Colin sat beside him.

"I gotta say, you'd have no problem getting a girl, Campbell."

"Oh. Um, thanks. I could say the same about you."

"I want a girlfriend, but I can't see myself snogging any of the girls at school. I guess I'll just have to find one at another school," Warren chuckled.

"Maybe you're not attracted to girls?" Colin suggested, and Warren's face turned red.

"W-Well, I certainly wouldn't date a guy! That's not how it works!"

Hazel and Tracey are probably home by now. I should get going…

"Sorry about that. Ellen and Tom are coming back in 15 minutes. I'm not exactly supposed to have friends over right now, but since we aren't friends, I guess it doesn't count."

"If you don't mind me asking, why do you support the Federation so much?" Colin blurted out.

"Isn't it obvious? We'd be done for without them. The Federation feeds and protects us, and all we have to do is follow their rules! It's not perfect, but if they vanished, humanity would go extinct!" Warren asserted.

"Anyways, I should be heading home. See you on Friday," Colin remarked, sprinting out the door.

"What's taking Colin so long?" Gilbert sighed.

"I'm back! Sorry I'm late. I was with-" Colin started, before noticing his classmates.

"About time! So, what's your plan, boss?" Paige chirped.

"Please, just call me Colin. Anyways, we're obviously gonna need Tony's money. Lazarus could probably set up some kind of charity, but then we could be caught. For now, we should focus on getting supplies for those people."

"Speaking of getting caught, wouldn't there be cameras recording those people? Not to mention, the cops would certainly be watching over them!" Tony pointed out.

"Then we should work out the times when the cameras are off and the guards are gone," Hazel suggested.

"And what about the trash they'd produce?" Tony added.

"We could collect it when we visit them," Lazarus proposed.

"If we're gonna keep bringing up those 20 people, we'll need a name for them. How about the Troubled Twenty? Or is that insensitive?" Gilbert chimed in.

"I guess that could work. Any club name ideas?" Colin asked.

"I know! We could call ourselves the Seven Samaritans!" Paige suggested.

"Great idea! That concludes the first meeting of the Seven Samaritans. We'll make sure to keep you up to date!" Colin declared.

As Paige, Tony, Lazarus and Gilbert rushed out the door, Colin flopped onto the couch and sighed. "I really didn't think this through…"

"It's fine. As long as you have us, we can help those people," Hazel assured her brother.

"We're back! How was school?" called the triplets' mother.

"It was good! We invited some friends over," Tracey chirped.

As Colin lay awake in bed, he gazed wistfully at the picture of his friends.

Leo…I can't believe it's been nine months since they took you. You'd have a better plan to help those people. You're everything I've always wanted to be.

If you're still alive, I hope we see each other again soon. Then we could change this country for the better. Goodnight for now, Leo. I love you more than life itself.

Chapter Text

"Oh! Welcome home, Tony. Where have you been? Do you want a snack?" Reginald chirped, gently patting Tony's head.

"I was, um, with Paige and her friends-"

"Anthony Bernard Clarence Davenport! To my office! Now!" A voice shouted. Tony and Reginald swiveled their heads to see Arnold Davenport standing with his arms crossed.

Please say you'll come with me, Tony thought as he stared into Reginald's eyes.

"Excuse me, Master. Is it okay if I accompany Tony to your office?" Reginald hesitated, placing a gentle hand on Tony's shoulder.

"I'm afraid not. I'll need to handle this matter with my son in private. You are dismissed, Reginald," Arnold snapped, grabbing Tony's hand and dragging him down the hallway.

Tony glanced at the statues and paintings that decorated the hallways as servants whispered to each other. Once father and son reached a door labeled Office, Arnold dragged himself and Tony inside and slammed the door behind them.

"Father, I can explain! There wasn't enough time for me to read the questions carefully, and-"

"Enough of your excuses! How would our rivals react to a Davenport failing such an important test?" Arnold shouted, failing to notice his son recoiling in his chair.

"I'm sorry, Father! I'll do better next time! I promise!" Tony begged.

"I'll hold you to that! If you fail again, I'm pulling you out of Clayhill High!" Arnold threatened.

As Tony tiptoed towards the door, Arnold let out a heavy sigh. "Forgive me for my outburst, Anthony. I only want the best for you."

"It's okay, Father. I understand," Tony replied.

"I have some things to take care of. You are dismissed," Arnold sighed, carrying a box to his safe.

As he stepped out of the room, Tony slowly turned his head to see his father opening the safe. 3, 6, 2, 4. 3, 6, 2, 4.

What could be in that box? Could it help the Troubled Twenty?

"Hello, Tony. Are you alright? Are you hungry?" Reginald asked.

"D-Don't worry. I'm good. Father and I just talked about my grades," Tony assured his butler, before adding, "Goodnight, Reggie. I'll see you in the morning."

Once Tony was in his bedroom, he stole a glance at the clock above his bed. It's half past eight…everyone should be asleep by eleven thirty.

What are the others doing right now?

"Welcome home, son! How was your day?" Malcolm beamed as he spun Lazarus around.

"It was great, Pa! I made some new friends!" And we're about to become criminals.

"You're just in time! Your Ma heated up some leftover chicken for dinner tonight!" Malcolm chuckled.

We're just seven teenagers trying to feed twenty people for as long as possible. The cops will catch us eventually…

What's gonna happen to our families when we're in prison? Will they become just like those twenty people?

"Lazzy! Today was the best day ever! We made paper flower chains and animals in art class! Look! I made a purple frog for you!" Jerry called, holding up a purple paper frog.

"I love it, Jerry. Thank you," Lazarus chirped, patting his brother's head.

"Why'd you come back so late, Laz?" Zach asked, gently stroking his stuffed dog.

"Um, I was…studying with my new friends! What did you make in art class?"

"I made a brown doggie. Debby and Kitty made a flower chain together," Zach responded with a smile.

Just pretend everything's normal. They're better off in the dark anyway.

"Lazarus? Is everything alright?" Abigail asked, trying to meet her son's gaze. Everything is fine. Everything is fine.

"Yeah, M-Mom! Why'd you ask?"

"You've clearly got something on your mind. It's written all over your face," Abigail sighed.

"W-Well, I have a science exam coming up. That's what I was studying for with my friends, actually! The better I am in school, the more jobs I can get!" Lazarus lied.

"I'm sure you'll do wonderfully, Lazarus. It's time for bed. I'll see you in the morning," Abigail assured him, kissing his forehead.

As Lazarus opened the door, a pillow flew past his head. Raphael and Ephraim were squeezing their eyes shut as Jerry, Zach, Debby and Kitty swung their pillows at each other. "Christ on a bike! It's ten o'clock!" Raphael hissed.

"Ay, Laz. Can you read those four a bedtime story or somethin'?" Ephraim yawned, covering his eyes with his cotton blanket.

"Hey, you four! Do you want to hear a bedtime story?" Lazarus called.

"Can we hear the story of Michael?" Debby chirped.

"Sure! Once upon a time…" Lazarus began. Everything is fine. You're not about to break the law. Your siblings have nothing to fear. Everything is fine.

By the time Lazarus was done reading, all six of his siblings had fallen asleep. Go to sleep, Laz. Go to sleep, and don't think about your plans. Everything is fine.

The pale glow of the moon illuminated corridors lined with gold-framed paintings and marble statues. Normally, these hallways would be abuzz with activity. Servants would be rushing around the mansion, fulfilling their daily duties. Businessmen and politicians would be walking alongside Arnold Davenport as they prepared for top-secret meetings.

But now, Arnold and the servants were fast asleep. The normally crowded hallways were devoid of people.

Or they would be, if Anthony Davenport wasn't tiptoeing through them, jumping at the slightest of sounds and holding a small flashlight in one hand and a small cloth tote bag in the other.

3, 6, 2, 4. 3, 6, 2, 4.

How much longer until I reach Dad's room?

Five long minutes later, Tony was standing over his father. The normally stern man's face had relaxed, his snores the only sound in his bedroom.

With a shaky hand, Tony slowly reached for the keys on his father's nightstand. "Gladys! Behind you! Gladys! GLADYS!" Arnold shouted in his sleep, flailing his arms and kicking his legs.

What would things be like for us if Mom didn't get shot? Would Dad smile again, like he did when I was a child?

"Gladys…don't leave us…I love you…" Arnold wept, a tear sliding down his cheek.

As Tony hesitantly stuffed the keys in his pocket, he gently wiped the tears from Arnold's face. I'm sorry, Dad.

CREEEAAAK! CREEEAAAK!

Tony slowly tiptoed out of his father's bedroom, carefully closing the door as he stepped out. Calm down, Tony. This is for the greater good.

As Tony opened the door to Arnold's office, the distant echo of the Clayhill Clock reverberated through the room. Creeping towards the safe, he punched in the code and the safe's door swung open.

Documents, jewelry…aha!

Tony slowly lifted the box, its weight causing his muscles to cramp. "Let's see…'Cam-Controller Model 600. NOTE: Only to be used by trusted Federation officials.'"

Once he stuffed seven Cam-Controllers into his tote bag, Tony shoved the box back into the safe and slammed its door shut. Locking the office door as he left, Tony dashed down the hallways towards his father's bedroom.

This is for the greater good, Tony reminded himself as he placed the keys back on Arnold's nightstand and headed to his own room.

I'll have to test out these Cam-Controllers before I show them to the others. Hopefully they'll be of use to our mission, Tony thought as he slumped in his bed.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

"Nnngh…morning, Pete," Maya yawned, kissing Peter's cheek as she shuffled out of bed.

"Good morning, love," Peter crooned while heading to the triplets' bedroom.

Watching his children sleep, Peter kissed each of them on the forehead. "You three have grown up so fast. Mama and I will see you at six. Stay safe. We love you."

As the couple walked towards the train station, Peter turned to his wife and whispered, "We should be watching Colin more closely. From what the principal told us, he and Leo were practically inseparable. Leo might be gone, but his wicked words could still put our boy in danger."

"Don't worry, sweetie. He has his teachers and sisters. Hell, he even invited some classmates over! Colin will move on from Leo before you know it," Maya assured him, placing a gentle hand on her husband's shoulder.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air. Members of the Federation Guard marched down the streets, dragging two battered and bruised men by the arms.

One of the men had blonde hair streaked with blood. As a Guard forced him to his feet, he stepped on her iron boots. "Fuck you and your rules! I love Luke, laws be damned!"

By this point, a crowd had gathered, and they were hurling abuse at the men and throwing rotten food at their heads. The Guards forced the men onto a raised platform and bound their wrists and ankles with rope.

The other man glanced at his lover, tears streaming down his face and soaking his dark brown hair. "I'm sorry, Chris! I love you-"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Luke and Chris slumped to the ground, blood spilling all over the road. The crowd erupted into applause, continuing to hurl abuse at the corpses.

As Peter boarded the train with his wife, Chris and Luke's screams reverberated in his mind.

Zelly, Tracey, Collie…please, stay safe.

"Rise and shine, Collie!" Tracey chirped as Colin slowly opened his emerald green eyes.

"Morning, sis," Colin yawned.

"See you later, Colin. We'll let you know if the others found anything that can help us," Hazel assured her brother, taking two slices of toast with her. Then she and Tracey were gone.

"Doesn't this fresh air just feel divine!" Tracey sighed.

As the sisters strolled down the sidewalk, a metallic odor filled the air, causing them to retch. "On that note, maybe I'm not in the mood for toast," Tracey gagged.

"You must not have heard. Two filthy fags got shot this morning. Serves 'em right," sneered a passerby. Then he continued on his way, spitting on the ground.

"Tracey? Are you okay?" Hazel asked her sister. Tracey's normally cheerful expression was replaced with a blank stare. Tears filled Tracey's silver eyes as the man's mocking words replayed in her mind.

"I know, sis. It isn't right," Hazel whispered, wrapping her arms around her sister.

"Good to see you," Paige greeted, before the stench of blood made her wince.

"There was an execution this morning," Tracey whispered, staring at her feet.

Paige's fist clenched in her pocket, before she placed a hand on Tracey's shoulder. We'll make things right. I promise.

While the three girls made their way to school, Tony was in his bedroom, stuffing the seven Cam-Controllers he'd stolen the night before in his backpack. "Anthony Davenport! You woke up thirty minutes late!" Mrs. Thomas shouted outside his door.

"Coming!"

"What on Earth were you doin' last night, Anthony? You knew full well it was a school night!" Mrs. Thomas scolded as the pair got in the car.

Sneaking around Dad's office. "Studying," Tony blurted out. Then he added, "Is it okay if I walk myself to school? I promise I'll be quick!"

"You can walk yourself home. We have no time to waste!" Mrs. Thomas retorted as she started up the car.

Well, maybe I can test them out at school.

"T-Tim? Who are these b-boys?" Peri stammered, peeking from behind her brother.

"I figured it was time I introduced you to my friends! Peri, meet Leo, Colin, Cesario and Greg!" Tim chirped.

"So you're the little sister Tim never shuts up about! Nice to meet ya, Peri!" Greg laughed, ruffling the girl's hair.

"Um, hello?" Peri sputtered, slowly reaching out to shake Greg's hand.

"Easy there, Greg. She seems a little…high-strung," Cesario pointed out.

"Trust me, she's great once you get to know her! How about a night on the town?" Tim suggested.

As the six children strolled through the town square, Peri clung to her older brother, nervously glancing around while the group walked. Please don't let Sharon be here…

"Peri? Is something wrong?" Colin asked, his emerald eyes filled with concern.

"N-Nothing's wrong-"

Suddenly, mocking laughter filled the air. A girl in a red dress cackled, "Look at pathetic Peri, hiding like a wittle baby!"

Oh, no…

"What d-do you want, Sharon?" Peri stuttered, her grip on Tim's hand tightening.

"Oh? Think you're tough shit because big brother's here to protect you?" Sharon laughed.

"Look, kid. I dunno who you are or what your deal is, but you better leave my sister alone," Tim snarled.

There was a second of silence, then Sharon sauntered off. "You okay, Peri?" Colin asked.

"Y-Yeah. It's not a big deal. She does this all the time," Peri whispered, desperately fighting back tears.

"Don't worry. As long as we're here, you'll be safe. I promise," Colin assured the girl.

And as Peri lost herself in Colin's emerald eyes, all her worries melted away, replaced by a single thought.

I've met the boy I want to marry.

"Peregrine Barrell! You slept through the entire lecture!" Miss McCarthy shouted. As Peri's terrified eyes met her teacher's furious gaze, the classroom filled with snickering.

"I'm s-s-sorry, Miss McCarthy! It won't happen again! I p-p-pinky promise!" Peri stammered, trying to drown out the mocking laughter of her classmates.

"'It won't happen again! I p-p-pinky promise!'" Sharon mocked as the school bell rang.

Timmy…why did they have to take you?

"Peri? Is everything okay?" Stella asked, noticing the tears in her friend's eyes.

"I fell asleep," Peri whispered as Stella wiped away her tears.

"How about I take you to get ice cream after school? Maybe we'll see Colin on the way!"

At the mention of Colin, Peri's frown was replaced with a wide grin. "I'd love that!"

As the two best friends walked to the cafeteria hand in hand, Sharon watched them with venom in her eyes.

So, you really think you can steal Colin from me? Think again, Peri. Colin Campbell is mine.

Chapter Text

Another day, another battle.

That had been Lesley's mantra for the past four decades. Every day, she and her fellow Castaways had to hide in their tents, awaiting their captors' orders. And every day, she found herself holding David's hand, promising him a better life that would never come.

"Mama? Harry? Robin? My belly hurts…"

Seeing her son's pleading eyes and rail-thin figure never got any easier, even after nine years. Lesley forced down what little food was in her stomach and pulled David close, gently stroking his hair.

"I know, Davey. We'll find you something to eat. One day, we'll have a better life."

"Can I ask you something, Mama?" David whimpered, clinging to Lesley's patchwork dress.

"You can ask me anything, dear."

"Why do they hate people like us? There was a nice boy that gave us soup, and he didn't look like us. Is it because of what Harry and Robin said? That our grandpas tried to rebel?"

Silence. Lesley fought back tears as she continued stroking her son's hair. "I promise, we'll have a better life," lied the woman.

Davey…how could I tell you the truth? That you'll spend your days starving, always fearing the wrath of the guards outside your tent?

I'm sorry, Davey. You deserve better than this. All of you do.

As Lesley comforted her son, she failed to notice that Harry and Robin were missing. The latter had slipped out of the encampment, Harry hot on his heels.

"Keep this up, and you're gonna get shot," Harry warned his friend.

"So what? We're dying anyway living like this!" Robin hissed.

Harry pulled Robin into an alleyway, covering his mouth. "Can you at least keep it down?! You're lucky we're alone!"

"I know, Harry! But don't you want something better than this? A life without the Federation?"

"Not everyone out there is like Colin! One wrong move, and we could all be dead by tomorrow!" Harry snapped.

At the mention of death, Robin briefly stopped thrashing about. Harry loosened his grip on his friend and let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Rob. I know you mean well. But constantly leaving without permission, stealing food from people who could rat you out…I don't want to see you with a bullet in your brain."

"Harry? Robin? Where are you?" Lesley called. Her face fell as she watched Harry drag Robin back into the tent, the latter gazing at the ground.

"He was trying to steal food again. I'll keep a closer eye on him."

"I'm sorry, Lesley. I just…I hate living like this," Robin said in a shaky voice, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

"I know, Robbie. This isn't right," Lesley whispered, giving the boy a gentle hug.

David, Harry, Robin…why did life choose you to be so cruel to?

Peri gazed up at the clock, counting down the seconds until the final bell rang. "Maybe we could finally get Stealing Solidarity and watch it with Colin!" Stella chirped.

"Ahem! No talking while I'm talking!" Mr. Armstrong reminded the girl.

As Mr. Armstrong continued to lecture the class, Sharon was glaring daggers at Peri. You don't deserve such a gorgeous man. Colin Campbell is perfect. His hair, his eyes, his voice…he was made for me!

Briefly glancing at the water gun she'd snuck into school, a devilish grin appeared on Sharon's face. I'll make sure he never wants you.

"Class dismissed!" Mr. Armstrong announced, collapsing into his chair.

Stella and Peri bolted out the door, laughing as they ran. "I'm gonna wear my prettiest dress for Colin!" Peri giggled.

"Perfect! I'll go get him!" Stella replied.

The next ten minutes were a blur for Stella as she dashed to the Campbell residence. She excitedly banged on the door labeled 205, fidgeting while she waited.

"Hello?"

"COLLIE!" Stella squealed, tackling Colin to the ground.

"Woah! Good to see you, Stella. Why'd you come here?" Colin asked as he readjusted his glasses.

"Peri and I wanted to get ice cream with you! Oh, and Stealing Solidarity is on sale!" Stella beamed.

"I'd love to go with you!" Colin chirped. It's not like I have anything else to do.

Before Colin knew it, he was getting dragged towards an ice cream shop, Stella excitedly chattering about Stealing Solidarity. "When is Peri gonna come?" Colin asked.

"Soon! She's gonna look super pretty for you!"

"C-Collie? Stella? How do I look?"

Peri stood before them, wearing a pastel green sundress. She also wore a green ribbon in her hair. "You look great, Peri!" Colin complimented.

I…look great?

"Peri? Do you have a fever? Your face is completely red," Colin pointed out, reaching out to touch the girl's forehead.

Suddenly, Peri was knocked to the ground by a stream of dirty water. Blood and dirt soaked into the pastel green fabric of the sundress as Peri whimpered in pain.

"PERI! Are you okay?!" Stella cried out, rushing to her friend's side.

While Stella helped Peri to her feet, Colin heard a shrill cackle. Sharon.

"HA HA HA! Look at you, covered in muck! How does it feel to be an ugly sack of shit, Barrell?" Sharon cackled.

Colin watched as Peri's deep brown eyes welled up with tears. The girl slowly got to her feet, turning her back to Colin and Stella. "I'm s-s-sorry, Colin. I shouldn't have come here—"

"Peri! Wait!" Stella called, dashing after her best friend.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Sharon?!" Colin snarled, glaring at the girl in question.

"C'mon, Collie. Why would a guy like you date her when you have me?" Sharon cooed, fluttering her icy blue eyes at Colin.

"The fuck are you on about?! I'll swallow broken glass before I go out with you!" Colin shouted.

A pause. Then, Sharon bolted off. Good.

"Peri? Are you okay? Sharon's gone now," Colin said.

Stella was standing next to Peri, whose sundress was stained with dirt and blood. Even though she was staring at the ground, Colin could see the tears streaming down the girl's face.

"You think I'm ugly now, right? Just like Sharon and her friends always say. I'll never be good enough for you—"

"Those girls are full of shit. You're worth all of them put together, and then some," Colin assured Peri, wrapping his arms around her. The girl stood motionless for a minute, before throwing her arms around Colin and burying her face in his shoulder.

Once Colin and Peri had let go of each other, Stella asked, "So, what flavors do you guys like?"

Tony glanced around the faded hallways of Clayhill High, his amber eyes desperately scanning for security cameras.

"Tony? You alright?"

"Y-Yeah. Don't worry about me, Paige," Tony lied.

"You know you can tell me anything, sweetie."

"I'll tell you when we're alone," Tony promised his girlfriend, who nodded and walked off.

Cameras, cameras, cameras…bingo!

After slowly tiptoeing into a corner, Tony quietly unzipped his backpack and gently picked up a Cam-Controller. "Let's see…buttons, buttons…"

In a split second, the screen on the small device flickered to life. Tony watched as a group of students gossiped in the halls, before a teacher began shouting at them. Below the live recording, there was a small menu.

On/Off, Pause/Play, Rewind.

With a shaky finger, Tony tapped the On/Off button. The video vanished, leaving only a list of nearby cameras on the screen.

Well, looks like I didn't waste my lunch period after all, Tony mused as the bell rang.

"Anthony? Is something wrong? You seem…jumpier than normal," remarked Mr. Beaufort as Tony scurried towards his seat.

"Just in a good mood! Don't worry," Tony chirped, ignoring the pang of guilt in his chest.

"If you insist. Remember, I'll always be here if you need anything," Mr. Beaufort assured Tony. Good thing we're the only ones here.

Even in his favorite class, Tony's eyes were glued to the clock on the wall as he prayed for the final bell.

"I gotta say, this class ain't the same without Campbell. At least that loser gave us something to laugh at," sneered a ginger boy with gray eyes.

"I know, right? Beaufort's so bo-ring! Campbell might be a weirdo, but he sure could put on a show!" added a blonde boy with brown eyes.

"Julian and Devon. No distracting the class," Mr. Beaufort snapped.

"You know, I never understood why you guys hated Colin so much," Tony muttered under his breath.

Julian's gray eyes were now laser-focused on Tony as he hissed, "Have you never left your house? That kid's a complete freak! Always lookin' at his boring books, staring at anyone who goes near him! Ugh, gives me the creeps just thinking about it!"

Before Tony could respond, Devon added, "You wanna feel bad for him? Don't. Did you know he used to hang out with criminals? Honestly, he's lucky to not be in a cell—"

"Julian and Devon! That's enough! To the principal's office, now!" Mr. Beaufort shouted.

Silence. Then, Julian and Devon bolted out of the room. "By the way, I've seen how all of you treat Mr. Campbell. But no matter how much I tell your parents or the principal, it never stops! All of you are to apologize to Colin on Monday! Is that clear?"

As Mr. Beaufort finished his rant, the bell rang. Tony watched as his classmates sauntered out of the classroom, some of whom groaned and rolled their eyes as they left.

"Tony? Mind staying with me a bit longer?" Mr. Beaufort asked once the others were gone.

"How come?"

Mr. Beaufort let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his glasses with his shirt. "I'd just like to thank you for not being like your classmates. The way Colin is treated…it's not right. Not a single parent I've spoken to is willing to punish their kids, and our principal doesn't give a damn about bullies until things get physical! If it weren't for students like you, I would have quit by now…"

"It's not your fault. You're trying your best. I'm sure Colin would be happy to have you in his corner," Tony assured his teacher.

"Thank you, Tony," Mr. Beaufort beamed, giving Tony a late pass.

As the hours dragged on, Tony was lost in his thoughts. Perhaps I should spend more time with Colin. And let him know what Mr. Beaufort said…

Tony was snapped out of his inner monologue by the final bell. "Hey, Tony! Wanna go to our place?" Tracey chirped.

"Sure! And make sure to get Gilbert and Lazarus. There's something I have to show everyone," Tony replied.

"I can't wait to see the BRC blowing up the moon!" Stella squealed as she clung to Colin's arm.

"Peri? Do you want to get changed?" Colin asked.

"S-Sure. I'll be there in twenty," Peri whispered. Then she was gone.

The journey to the Campbell residence was filled with Stella's chattering. "And then Wizard's gonna beat Red through the power of friendship! It's gonna be so much FUN!"

Just a few minutes until Hazel and Tracey get back…

"Stella? What are you doing here?" Paige gasped. Hazel, Tracey, Tony, Lazarus and Gilbert stood behind her.

"I'm gonna watch Stealing Solidarity with Peri and Colin! Do you wanna join us?" Stella chirped.

"The six of us need to talk to Colin. Privately," Tony stated bluntly.

"Why don't you wait outside for Peri?" Lazarus suggested. Stella groaned and trudged out the door.

"Sorry about that. I didn't think you'd be here so soon—" Colin started, before Tony cut him off.

"That's not important. I found some devices that can help us. They're called Cam-Controllers. I'll show you guys what they can do in town. Follow me."

As the seven teenagers rushed into the elevator, Stella called, "Hey! I wanna see what you're doing too!"

Just as Stella was about to board the elevator, its doors slid shut. "Honestly, I feel bad leaving Stella out," Lazarus remarked.

"She's too young for this! We can't risk her telling anyone!" Paige insisted.

"To be frank, we aren't much older than her," Gilbert pointed out.

Tony silently led his peers to a secluded alleyway with a single camera, which was pointing away from the group. He gently pulled out a Cam-Controller and tapped on the screen. The camera stopped whirring and slumped down, its tiny red light fading away.

"That's awesome, Tony! Show us how it works!" Tracey whispered excitedly.

The next ten minutes were filled with Tony's dry lectures and excited chatter amongst the group. While the seven friends celebrated Tony's discovery, Stella had wandered out of the apartment building.

Where could they have gone?

"Stella? Why aren't you with Colin?" Peri asked.

"He and his friends left. Paige always leaves me out of everything!" Stella groaned. Then she added, "I'm gonna go look for them. We can always watch Stealing Solidarity another time!"

Peri watched as Stella bolted off, before letting out a sigh. In that case, I better make sure she doesn't get herself killed.

Chapter Text

"Thank you so much, Tony! These Cam-Controllers are gonna be perfect for helping the Troubled Twenty!" Gilbert beamed, picking Tony up by the waist and spinning him around.

"Careful, Gil. You might get puke all over your clothes," Hazel quipped.

"So, I guess we don't have to worry about getting caught on camera. We just need to figure out when the guards are gone, then we can sneak in the supplies!" Colin said, his emerald eyes lighting up. Maybe I'll finally be like you, Leo.

"PAIGE! Where are you?" Stella called, before she noticed her sister. Peri trudged behind Stella, sheepishly gazing at the ground.

"Stella?! What are you doing here?" Paige snapped.

"You just left me behind for no reason! It's not fair!" Stella whined.

"Um, Tracey? What's that?" Peri whispered, pointing at the Cam-Controller in Tracey's hand.

As soon as Peri spoke, the alleyway went silent. Colin and Tracey exchanged nervous glances while Stella said, "You're doing something super secret, right?"

"Yes. And you are far too young to be involved!" Paige scolded.

"I'm only two years younger than you! You always leave me out of everything! I'm not a little kid, you know!" Stella retorted.

"Enough, you two!" Colin snapped, and the alleyway was briefly silent once more.

"C-Can you tell us what you're d-doing? We might be able to help," Peri murmured.

"We're trying to help twenty people being mistreated by the Federation. Your job is to not tell anyone what we're doing," Colin explained.

"B-But—" Stella began, before Gilbert cut her off. "Your sister is right. You and Peri are too young to be directly involved in this. All you need to do for now is keep your mouths shut."

Peri placed a gentle hand on Stella's shoulder as the girl in question let out a sigh. "Fine." Then the girls were gone.

"Sorry about what Stella did, Colin," Paige groaned.

"It's fine. Just make sure she doesn't rat us out."

As the Campbell triplets made their way back home, a single thought entered Colin's mind.

This is not gonna end well.

This wasn't how it should have ended.

Colin was too good for that ugly, worthless girl! Why couldn't he see that Sharon was superior to Peri in every way?! At least, that's what Sharon told herself as she stormed back to her house.

"Good afternoon, Sharon! How was your day at school—" Miss Bagley asked, before Sharon flung her backpack at the woman.

"Can it, will ya? I'm not in the mood."

"I apologize, dear. Did something happen?" Miss Bagley sighed, trying to place a hand on Sharon's shoulder.

"I said I'm not in the mood! Just leave me alone!" Sharon snarled, storming to her bedroom and slamming the door behind her.

What could she have that I don't? I'm everything she'll never be! I'm rich and gorgeous, while she's ugly with an Aberration brother!

As the hours dragged on, Colin's words continued to replay in Sharon's mind.

"The fuck are you on about?! I'll swallow broken glass before I go out with you!"

Why…Why didn't you choose me? You really cared about me passing those tests…I thought we had something! And now you're picking her over me?!

A gruff voice snapped Sharon out of her thoughts. "I'm back, sweetpea!"

Slowly opening her bedroom door, Sharon dragged herself down the staircase as her father ruffled her hair. "How's everythin' going, sweetpea? You know you can tell your daddy anything."

"D-Do you remember the boy who helped me pass seventh grade?" Sharon whimpered.

"A teeny bit. What was his name again? Chase…Connor…"

"Colin. I…I thought we had a connection. But now he's picked some other girl over me! He…he even said he'd swallow broken glass before he dated me! Why, Daddy? Why does he hate me so much?!"

Chief Garnier's eyes darkened, before he said, "Trust me, sweetpea. That little shit will get what's comin' to him. In the meantime, just keep bein' your sweet self. In time, you'll find a boy that truly deserves you."

As her father continued to hug her, Sharon clenched her fists and grinned from ear to ear.

Colin…I really did love you. But if you're gonna pick her, fine by me. You'll see what happens when you fuck with Sharon Garnier.

"Honestly, what's gotten into her? She was fine when I was her tutor, but now she's a complete bitch!" Colin spat as he lay on his bed.

"Beats me," Tracey sighed.

"And after she treated Peri like shit, she expected me to fall at her feet!" Colin added, still clenching his fists.

"I'm proud of you, Collie. Rejecting the police chief's daughter takes guts," Hazel remarked, patting her brother's head.

Once his sisters were gone, Colin found himself staring longingly at the picture of his friends. As the minutes dragged on, he could feel his eyelids getting heavier.

"You're gonna get yourselves killed!"

"So what? Aberrations shouldn't spend their lives in a cage!" Leo insisted.

"And who knows? If we die trying to free 'em, it could start a revolution!" Cesario added, cracking his knuckles.

"Hundreds have died trying to free Aberrations! The guards won't spare you just because you're kids!" Colin pointed out.

"Y'know, Collie…we thought you also wanted freedom at all costs. Guess we were wrong," Leo muttered under his breath. Before Colin could respond, his friends and boyfriend had left.

"Wait! Guys, I didn't mean to upset you! Please, just hear me out!" Colin begged, only to be met with silence.

Where could they have gone?!

Colin rushed through the empty streets of the town square, desperate to catch a glimpse of his friends. "Leo? Tim? Greg? Cesario? Where are you?! I'm sorry!"

Ten minutes passed. Then thirty. Then an hour.

"Campbell? What are you doin' out here? It's half past ten!"

"Chief Garnier? Look, I can explain! I'm just trying to find my friends—"

"That's no excuse! I'm taking you home!"

"WAIT! Just listen to me! They have to be out here somewhere! I need to find them!"

But no matter how hard Colin pleaded, Chief Garnier didn't budge. Soon, the boy found himself in the back seat of a police car, still trying in vain to convince the chief.

"Please, Chief Garnier! They could be in danger—"

"Shut yer trap, will ya? I'm takin' you home, whether ya like it or not!"

As the chief continued to drive Colin home, the boy was forced to hold back a sob. I'm sorry, guys…please, just stay safe.

"Colin Campbell! Where on God's green Earth were you?! It's two hours past your bedtime!" Maya shouted.

"Ya better keep an eye on this lad. Last thing I need is some kid blubbering his eyes out in the back seat of my car," Chief Garnier snapped, storming back into the elevator.

That night, Colin was forced to lie in his bed for hours, sobbing quietly throughout the night.

I'm sorry…I'm so, so sorry…

"Colin? Colin!"

Hazel stood over Colin, her sky blue eyes filled with concern.

"Hazel? H-How long was I sleeping?"

"About an hour, I think. What were you dreaming about? You kept mentioning Leo and your old friends in your sleep…"

"D-Don't worry about it. Are Mom and Dad back yet?"

"They should be back soon," Hazel replied. As if on cue, Peter and Maya suddenly barged into the apartment.

The rest of the night was a blur for Colin as his dream replayed in his mind again and again. I'm not Leo. I could never be Leo. God I'm so stupid why am I doing this I'm just gonna fuck everything up and get us all killed—

"Son? Is everything okay? You aren't thinking about Leo, are you?" Peter asked as he stood over his son's bed.

"I'm just nervous about school. I must have missed a lot of work," Colin blurted out.

"I'm sure you'll catch up in no time. You've got a bright future ahead of you, Collie," Peter assured his son, kissing him on the forehead. Then he was gone.

A bright future in a prison cell, you mean.

God, Leo…I wish you were here.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, Collie. Leo always finds a way out," Tracey said, squeezing her brother's hand.

"Step back, everyone! Aberrations coming through!" ABERRATIONS?!

"OW! You little shit!"

Dozens of people were packed like sardines, their weight suffocating as Colin tried to see the Aberrations. They're strangers. They're strangers. They're strangers.

"HNGGH!" That voice…no, no, no. It can't be—

By this point, Colin could finally see who the guards were dragging through the streets. And even with their unnaturally colored hair, eyes and skin, Colin knew exactly who they were.

"LEO! TIM! GREG! CESARIO! I'M SORRY ABOUT WEDNESDAY!" Colin screamed, desperately trying to wrench himself out of an officer's grasp.

Upon hearing Colin's voice, Leo continued to kick and thrash harder against the guards holding him, to no avail.

Just as the four boys were shoved into the train car, Leo was able to shake the duct tape off his mouth. "Colin! Please, stay safe! I lo-" BANG!

NO NO NO NO NO NO—

"You should take your son home. He's not of sound mind."

"THEY TOOK MY FRIENDS! THEY TOOK LEO! THEY TOOK LEO—"

"We'll keep an eye on him, officer. Don't worry," Maya promised, reaching out to comfort her son.

The next two weeks were a never-ending barrage of checkups and questions from psychologists. Colin spent most of those days confined to his bed, unable to stop the tears that streamed down his face.

I'm sorry, guys…I love you…

Chapter Text

"The first step to building a drone…"

During engineering class, Tracey was usually slumped in her chair, just barely keeping her eyes open. Today was not one of those days.

Who knew signing up for such a boring class would help me commit a crime?

Tracey and Paige exchanged knowing glances, the latter already doodling in her sketchbook.

While Tracey was furiously jotting down notes, Colin had opened his eyes, finding himself alone in his family's apartment. How long was I asleep?

Well, if I'm gonna be alone for the whole day…

After a minute of digging through old, dusty boxes, a book caught Colin's eye. The cover was bright red, with large white text reading Drones For Dummies and a picture of a drone below the text.

Dusting off the cover and opening the book, Colin began to read it aloud. "'So, you want to build a drone, but don't know where to start? Well, you've come to the right place!'"

Maybe telling Tracey to join that engineering class wasn't such a bad idea…

"Excuse me, Mr. Miller. What kinds of materials would be best for building drones?" Tracey piped up.

"Glad you asked, Miss Campbell. Aluminum and carbon fiber are usually recommended…"

"'Now that you've figured out what your drone should look like, how do you build it? I suggest cheap materials like aluminum to start. If you can get it, carbon fiber should help too!'" Colin read aloud.

Well, at least we've found a way to figure out the guards' schedules.

How are the Troubled Twenty doing?

"Where did these come from?! Answer me, now!" Chief Garnier snarled, holding Lesley up by the collar with one hand and clutching an empty can in the other.

"I told you, I don't know!" Lesley insisted.

"Don't lie to me, bitch! Have you got friends from outside?!" Chief Garnier roared, tightening his grip on Lesley's collar.

"The wind must have brought them here! We would never disobey your orders!" Lesley pleaded.

"Fine! I'll believe you this time! Next time I see somethin' like this in yer tent, all twenty of you are getting shot!" Chief Garnier warned. Then he stormed off.

Lesley slumped to the ground, rubbing her neck and gasping for air. "Mama! Are you okay? Your neck is red!" David cried, bolting to his mother's side.

"I'll be fine, Davey. I promise," Lesley assured her son, gently stroking his matted chocolate brown hair.

"Once we're free, that pig is first on my list," Robin muttered under his breath.

"When is the blonde boy coming back?" David asked Harry.

"I don't know. Maybe he's forgotten about us," Harry sighed. Colin…please, don't come back. We aren't worth risking everything you know.

While the Castaways were stuck in their tents, Chief Garnier had stomped into the police station, fists still clenched. An officer walked up to her boss and asked, "Chief? You alright?"

"Never better," Chief Garnier huffed as he made his way to his office.

Slumping in his seat, Chief Garnier furiously dialed the mayor's number.

"What is it this time, Henry?! I'll have you know I was about to attend a meeting—" The mayor snapped, before Chief Garnier cut him off.

"And I'll have ya know that those filthy Castaways got food from outside!"

At the mention of the Castaways, the room went silent. "How did they do it?"

"One of 'em must've made a friend on the outside!"

Another pause from the mayor. Then, he finally spoke, his words shaky despite his collected tone. "I'll have to speak with my superiors about this. In the meantime, keep an eye on the Castaways. I have to go now. Best of luck, Henry."

"We can use one of my dad's drones instead. It could take weeks to make our own," Tony whispered.

"Be careful, Tony. Your dad's gonna catch on to what you're doing eventually," Hazel warned, glancing around to make sure nobody heard them.

"He won't notice if one little drone is gone," Tony chuckled. He barely notices me as it is.

The group's meeting was cut short by the bell. "See you guys at our place!" Tracey chirped.

Four more hours…

Colin flopped onto his bed, surrounded by every book in the apartment. I wonder how Warren's doing.

Before Colin knew it, he was strolling through the town square, the wind in his pale blonde hair.

"OW! COLIN?!"

"ROBIN?!"

"Shhh!"

Robin grabbed Colin's arm and dragged him into an alleyway, eyes scanning for cameras. "I'm sorry I haven't visited you guys. I've told my classmates and sisters about you, and we're gonna help you—"

"Don't. You're gonna get yourselves killed."

"We're making sure we don't get caught. One of my classmates even stole expensive tech to help you guys."

"That won't mean shit when the guards see what you sent us in our tents," Robin retorted.

Colin tried to respond, but the words died in his throat. "Ya wanna know what Garnier did this morning? That pig damn near killed Lesley after he found those cans you gave us! You think they won't find you and your friends? You'll be lucky if you become Castaways by the time they're done with you!"

By the time Robin was done ranting, Colin had to force bile down his throat. "Holy shit…I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't know—"

"Look. I know you wanna help us. And as much as I hate to sound like Harry, he's right about one thing. We aren't worth risking it all. We've lived our whole lives like this," Robin sighed.

"I'm not gonna be a coward again. I lost my friends and boyfriend because I was a coward. They'd do anything to help you guys, consequences be damned," Colin declared. Then he added, "Besides, you're breaking the rules just by being out here, right?"

"You tell Harry I snuck out to steal again, and I'll break your teeth," Robin hissed.

"I won't say a word. My friends and I are coming back soon. Just hang in there," Colin promised.

"Well, I gotta go. The other three think I'm taking a nap with them, and they should be waking up soon. It was nice seeing you again," Robin said, slipping out of the alleyway and bolting off.

"Warren, dear? When is that sweet blonde boy coming back? What was his name…Connor?"

"I…I don't think Colin's coming back. We aren't really friends," Warren replied.

"H-Hey. My name's Warren. I'm new here."

"Fresh meat, eh? Word to the wise, you see a blonde kid with glasses and green eyes, run."

"Wait. What's wrong with green-eyed blondes with glasses?"

"Ah, shit! Well, there's this kid named Colin Campbell. Did ya know that fag used to hang with criminals? He's usually readin', so he shouldn't be hard to spot. The name's Julian, by the way."

Maybe I should stay away from him…

"You're new here, are you? My name's Lazarus! I'll show you around!"

"Warren! Did you hear me?" Tom asked, rapidly patting his adoptive son's shoulder.

"Uh—what?"

"I said you can bring your friends over on Monday."

"Oh! S-Sorry, Tom. Just thinking about, um, the work I missed!" Warren chuckled, strolling up the stairs.

One minute, he was choking me on the cafeteria floor. The next, he was wiping my tears. This kid's a lot of things, but boring sure isn't one of them.

Maybe if I hang out with him more, I could get him to see sense. I could even help him forget about Zafeiriou.

While Warren was staring at the ceiling, Colin was in the west side of Clayhill. "Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know the way to 52 Apple Street?"

"Straight, then left, then right."

Why am I visiting the guy who insulted my boyfriend?

"Who are you? Warren's not supposed to have friends over—"

"We're…not exactly friends. I just wanted to see how he's doing. My name's Colin. What about you?"

"Tom. My son's in his room. Warren! One of your classmates came to visit you!"

No response.

"Warren? How have you been?"

"Fine, I guess. Why'd you come?"

"I just wanted to see you," Colin chuckled, sitting next to Warren on the bed.

"Why me, of all people?"

"You're friends with Lazarus, right?"

At the mention of Lazarus, Warren's eyes lit up. "He's the best! Did you know he also lives on the west side? You should hang out with us sometime!"

Suddenly, a woman called, "Warren! It's dinnertime!"

"Well, it was nice catching up with you. Your sisters are probably home by now," Warren said, hobbling down the stairs.

"Okay. See you on Monday, Warren."

"Why is he always home late?" Gilbert sighed.

"Sorry, guys! Any updates?" Colin gasped as he bolted into the apartment.

"Tony's gonna use one of his dad's drones to help us!" Tracey chirped.

"That's good. There's one last thing we need to figure out before we visit the Castaways. How are we going to dispose of the garbage they'll produce?"

"Hold on. I thought we were calling them the Troubled Twenty," Lazarus piped up.

"Apparently they're called Castaways, so that's what we're calling them now," Colin sighed.

"We could find a dumpster nearby," Paige suggested. Then she added, "Can you talk through your dad's drones, Tony?"

"I think so—"

"Great! Then you can tell them when to throw out the trash!" Hazel chirped.

"And you could attach a Cam-Controller to the drone!" Gilbert added.

"S-Sure, I think I can do that. I should be heading home. See you guys tomorrow!" Tony chuckled nervously as he sprinted out the door.

"Do you think we're expecting too much of Tony?" Lazarus asked.

"Maybe a different person can control the drone every day," Paige proposed.

Before the triplets knew it, the rest of the Seven Samaritans had left. "Collie? How do you feel about this?" Hazel whispered.

"I won't be a coward again. I know Leo would do the same in my shoes." And he'd do it better.

"Why'd you bring up the garbage the Castaways would produce? You saw them again, didn't you?"

Silence. Then, Colin finally confessed, "Chief Garnier found the cans I gave to those four. Robin said he almost killed Lesley. I can't let that happen again."

"I see. You're not responsible for what Chief Garnier did. You tried to help people in need, and that's what matters," Hazel assured him.

But as Colin tried to sleep, a single thought kept him awake.

This plan of mine is doomed.

"The fuck do you mean, the footage from Tuesday doesn't exist?!" Chief Garnier roared. The security guard he was shouted at ducked behind his chair, hands and legs trembling. "I'm sorry, sir! The cameras started malfunctioning on Monday!"

"And I'm President Vanderbilt! I know you're tryin' to bullshit me, Smith!"

"I swear, I'm telling the truth! We had to repair them on Thursday! I have the paperwork to prove it!" Smith insisted, shoving a folder in the chief's face.

Chief Garnier snatched the folder from Smith's hand and started skimming through it. "Hmmm…fine. I'll let you off the hook this time. Don't disappoint me, Smith."

As the chief stormed back to his office, he heard the telephone ring. "Chief Henry Garnier speaking."

The mayor's normally calm voice was filled with terror as he spoke. "Henry! I got a warning from my superiors! The Cometfall Holding Facility has been compromised!"

At the mention of the Cometfall Holding Facility, Chief Garnier's grip on the phone began to falter. "Something got mixed up in their office, right? No one who enters that place leaves alive!"

"Do you take me for a liar, Henry?! Multiple Aberrations are on the loose! They could be headed to Clayhill as we speak!"

By this point, Chief Garnier was rubbing his temples and trying to slow his breathing. "What do you suggest we do?"

"Lock everything down! Get as many members of the Guard as you can! We can't take any chances!" Then the mayor hung up.

Chief Garnier slumped in his seat, before grabbing a pen and paper and writing: ATTENTION! EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! STAY IN YOUR HOMES UNLESS GETTING ESSENTIALS!

Chapter Text

Five months, four weeks and three days.

It had been less than six months since Leo had become an Aberration. Less than six months since he'd been taken from his hometown and tossed into a concrete cage.

Less than six months since his life became a living hell.

Maybe he should have seen this coming. Maybe he should have anticipated being deemed a flight risk and tied to a metal table (he refused to consider it a bed). Maybe he should have known the Federation would treat him and his fellow prisoners like lab rats.

But that didn't mean he'd stop defying them. Not after everything he'd seen and been subjected to. He had to get out. He had to live in spite of the Federation, no matter what they did.

Right now, he was in a padded room, a thick wall of glass separating Leo from the man sitting before him. Leo was sitting on a metal chair, his hands bound behind his back and his legs bolted to the chair.

"H-Hello. My name is Benedict Delaney, and you're—"

"Leo. That's all you're getting."

Benedict shifted in his chair, his dark brown eyes giving away his fear. "G-Got it. I'm h-here to make your experience here better. J-Just tell me what you need—"

"Eat shit."

A pause. Then, Benedict composed himself and replied, "I know this is a difficult time for you, but threatening and swearing at us won't solve anything."

"Did I fucking stutter?! The last thing I need is some bootlicking shithead telling me what to do! You wanna help me? You can take that clipboard of yours and shove it up your ass—"

Leo's rant was cut short by an ear-piercing screech. The heavy collar around Leo's neck sent an agonizing wave of electricity coursing through his body. After a few seconds, Leo was slumped in his chair, his unconscious body still twitching.

"I'd like to apologize for that, Benedict. We should have warned you ahead of time. Subject 6190 is rather…difficult to work with. We'll assign you a different subject," sighed Dr. Turnbull.

"Actually, I think I'd like to keep working with Leo."

"You're one of our newer staff members. Subject 6190 would be too much for a newcomer to bear. We've tried everything to get him under control! Electric shocks, sleep deprivation, solitary confinement…and yet, he hasn't changed one bit since he arrived!"

"He's only 14 years old. Just give him some time," Benedict assured his superior.

Benedict stood in the observation window, watching as Leo kicked and thrashed against his restraints. "FUCK YOU AND YOUR FEDERATION! I'M GONNA BASH ALL OF YOUR FUCKING SKULLS IN—"

"Are you sure you don't want to be reassigned?" Dr. Turnbull deadpanned, gesturing to the shouting teenager. One of the guards hesitantly removed the collar around Leo's neck, before all of the guards dashed out of the room.

Leo gently rubbed the exposed blue skin on his neck, then glared at the observation window. "The fuck do you want from me this time?!"

"Use your abilities," Dr. Turnbull ordered.

Leo took a deep breath, before clenching his fists and closing his eyes. In an instant, the sterile gray room he was in became a small forest. The trees had massive blue apples and dozens of colorful flowers surrounded Leo's feet.

"Is that it?" Benedict asked, still gazing at Leo. In response, Dr. Turnbull pressed a button. A dart came flying out of the wall and pierced Leo's skin.

Leo collapsed on the ground, writhing in pain as the room changed again. The trees and flowers morphed into claws that grasped at the boy's neck and limbs.

"Stop! He's clearly in pain—" Benedict began, only for Dr. Turnbull to cut him off.

"We're trying to see how hallucinogens will affect his powers. Press that button."

Benedict's finger shook as it hovered over the button. "Benedict. Press it." By this point, Leo was a hyperventilating mess on the floor. The walls were a blood red, and Leo was clawing at his limbs and neck, leaving visible scratches in his deep blue skin.

With a huff, Dr. Turnbull pushed Benedict to the side and slammed his fist on the button. Another dart hit Leo in the neck, and the room shifted once more. Apparitions of massive spiders descended from the ceiling and crawled towards Leo, who shrieked and beelined towards the door, bruising his fists as he banged on the door.

"Stop the test! You're taking this too far!" Benedict pleaded, tugging on Dr. Turnbull's sleeve.

"ARGH! Let me go!" Dr. Turnbull shouted. As he tried to force Benedict off of him, Dr. Turnbull accidentally pressed yet another button. A final dart hit Leo's shoulder, and the room was back to normal. Leo collapsed on the ground, his body completely still.

"Congratulations, Ben! Now we need to start all over again tomorrow! " Dr. Turnbull snapped, storming out of the room.

As Leo was taken back to his cell, Benedict started chasing the guards, only to be grabbed by the wrist and dragged into a different room. After being forced into a chair, Benedict was face to face with an irate Dr. Geisler.

"Look, sir! I can explain! Leo was clearly in distress, and—"

"Whether the subject was distressed or not, your conduct was unacceptable! You attacked your coworker and forced us to end the test early!"

"I…I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again," Benedict sighed, gazing at his lap.

"I'll hold you to that! Next time this happens, you're getting reassigned!" Dr. Geisler snarled, before leaving Benedict alone with his thoughts.

I've always been told the Federation was a force for good. That's why I started working here.

Was everything they told me a lie?

"The fuck do you want?" Leo growled.

"I promise, I'm not here to hurt you. I just wanted to see how you were doing," Benedict assured Leo, who rolled his eyes in response.

Taking a closer look at Leo, Benedict could see the bruising where the darts pierced his skin. Leo's limbs were shaking ever so slightly, and there were dark bags under his crimson eyes.

"They're gonna start all over again, aren't they?"

"That's what Turnbull said—"

"Great! Just fucking great!" Leo snapped.

"Delaney? You're needed somewhere else," called the guard standing outside.

"I'll be back, Leo. Just hang in there." No response.

"Well? What do they want from me?" Benedict sighed.

"You need to speak with Subject 6191. Don't worry, he's nothing like 6190."

Soon, Benedict was sitting across the room from a teenager with blue skin and mint green hair with forest green streaks. "Sup."

"H-Hello. My name is Benedict Delaney. What about you?"

"Greg Gallagher. I do gotta say, you're not like the others."

"Thanks, I suppose. Um, how are you today?" Benedict asked, pausing to glance at the notes on his clipboard.

"As good as you can be in a cage."

"I see. Is there anything that's bothering you?"

"How's Leo doing? I haven't seen him since we came here."

"He's not doing great. I'll leave it at that," Benedict replied, his grip on the clipboard faltering.

"Keep an eye on him for me, 'kay? Tim and Cesario are great, but nothin' feels the same without Leo."

"I will. Don't worry."

Suddenly, Benedict's chaperone called, "It's lunchtime! Move it before the soup gets cold!"

As Benedict sat at a table, Dr. Turnbull stared him down. "Don't forget why we're doing this, Delaney. These Aberrations would kill us all if they ever got out."

"I know. But locking them in cells, experimenting on them…it feels wrong."

"It's for the good of the Federation. Think of your friends and family on the outside."

The hours dragged on, but Benedict's thoughts stayed the same. Is Leo okay?

"Delaney?! What are you doing here? 6190 is extremely aggressive right now—"

Ignoring the guards' warnings, Benedict walked into Leo's cell, his stomach dropping at the sight that greeted him. Leo was tied to his bed, shrieking as he thrashed against his restraints. "FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU—"

"C'mon, Delaney. You should get some sleep," sighed one of the guards.

But as Benedict lay in his bed, Leo's screams continued to replay in his mind.

No, no, no. Aberrations need to be locked up. Their powers could kill thousands.

So why does seeing them being experimented on and caged up like animals make me sick?

"Y'know, we really have to stop meeting like this," Leo deadpanned.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing. Are you in pain anywhere?"

"You're the first member of staff to ask me that," Leo chuckled, before adding, "My neck hurts. A lot."

"I can get you a pillow or something—"

"Don't. They'll think you're getting attached."

A pause. Then, Benedict spoke up. "What was your life like before you became an Aberration? I know your friends are here too, but did you have anyone else you were close with? A girlfriend, maybe?"

"We're being recorded, aren't we?"

"I think so—"

"It was average. That's all you're getting."

"I can turn off the cameras if you'd like," Benedict whispered, praying the cameras would catch what he said.

"You're gonna risk getting fired or locked up for me? You really are something else, Ben."

"Oi, Delaney! You gotta talk to 6192!"

"I'll be back, Leo. Just wait for me."

As Leo watched Benedict leave, all he could do was lie on his bed and think.

Why did this man keep coming back? Why had he asked how Leo was doing? Was this another one of the Federation's traps? Or was Benedict Delaney really the only adult here with a soul?

I guess for now, I should be nice to him. I can't risk ending up with someone worse.

Maybe I'll see the others again if he likes me enough.

"Leo? I'm back."

"Hey. How was Cesario?"

"Has he always been so quiet?" Benedict asked.

"I wouldn't have him any other way," Leo chirped.

"I see…I talked to Geisler and Turnbull. They said you can leave your cell if you behave for two weeks."

"N-No way. They're lying, right?"

"I don't think so. Just hang in there, okay?" Then he was gone again.

Maybe this guy isn't as bad as the others…

Or maybe I really am going insane in here.

"Something's not adding up here. There haven't been any outbreaks or criminals on the loose, so why are they locking everything down?" Hazel wondered out loud.

"More importantly, how are we supposed to help the Castaways?" Tracey whispered nervously.

Could it be…no. Leo and the others are probably dead, Colin thought.

"How long are we gonna be stuck at home?" Tracey asked her sister.

"Hopefully this should be over in a few weeks," Hazel replied.

Chapter Text

"I gotta say, Benedict. I sometimes forget you were hired a month ago," Amelia quipped.

"R-Really? How come?"

"6190 and his ilk made our lives hell since they got here! 6193 broke my nose when I tried to sedate him! And good God, the screeching! You must be doing something right if those four aren't trying to kill you!" Amelia chortled, then added, "Oh, and happy 29th birthday!" Then she was gone.

Amelia's words continued to play on a loop in Benedict's mind as he made his way to Leo's cell. Is this just routine for my colleagues? Talking about kids like they're science experiments?

Will I become like them in a year? Two years? Ten?

Concealing the Cam-Controller he'd stolen from Dr. Turnbull's office, he glanced around for a bit, then slowly opened the door.

"Leo? I don't see anyone around—" Benedict murmured, before Leo cut him off. "There's always people watching in here. Tell them you need to use the bathroom."

Another banal conversation. A few steps down a hallway and into a bathroom nobody used. Then a pair of guards dragging Leo inside before slamming the door.

"And here I thought you'd be a bootlicker like the rest of 'em. You really are something," Leo whispered, a smirk plastered on his face.

"Hold on. Just let me use this real quick."

Pressing the icons on the screen, Benedict waited for a list of nearby recording devices to appear. A list that never came.

"Huh. Looks like you didn't need to steal from Turnbull after all," Leo chuckled.

"I guess even the Federation's got standards. Anyways, what did you want to talk about?"

"There's only so much you can say when you're bein' watched, Ben. Remember when you asked if I had a girlfriend?"

Wait. Could he be implying—

"Well, I was seeing someone. Thing is, that someone was a guy," Leo whispered.

The minute Leo finished speaking, Benedict's hands started to twitch. "Ben? Are you okay? "

"I'm fine. What was he like?"

"Sweet and shy. Oh, and he loved reading! That's how we met, actually. He'd finished everything in the library, so I showed him my private— "

"Shhh! The guards might still be outside!" Benedict hissed.

"Oh, right. Anyways, I got my hands on some banned books. Colin went through all of 'em in 3 days!"

"Seems you really like this kid, huh?"

"He's the best. It's a damn shame our classmates couldn't see that," Leo sighed. Then he chirped, "What about you? Do you have any family? A partner?"

Wasn't this same kid threatening me a month ago?

"W-Well, I do have a twin named Brendon. He's older than me by a few minutes, but you wouldn't know that from how he acts. He's working on a novel, but he doesn't seem too happy about it…"

"I reckon it's thanks to his bosses. What about your partner? Or your crush? Be honest with me."

"I…I have a friend. I think he and Colin would like each other. We practically grew up together! B-But we're just friends! Sure, we hold hands or snuggle sometimes, but that's just something best friends do, right? And it's not like I used to wish he was a girl so I could date him when we were kids!" Benedict insisted.

"Yep, sounds like a crush to me," Leo chuckled.

The silence that followed seemed to drag on for a lifetime. All Benedict could do was stand there, gazing into Leo's bright red eyes.

How could someone he only knew for a month read him like a book? Why was he standing here, sharing his darkest secrets with a boy who probably still despised him? What did Leo have to gain from this?

Was this friendship going to cost him everything?

"Look, Ben. I was like you a year ago. Trying to tell myself Collie and I were just friends, reminding myself it was 'unnatural'. But now I know that was horseshit! The Federation has lied to us our whole lives! They can say they're tryin' to protect us, but all they want is control!" Leo hissed.

"Why are you telling me all of this? We've only known each other for a month…"

"You're the only adult here with a soul. You asked me how I was when I treated you like shit. You stepped in when Turnbull was torturing me. And you might be the key to our escape."

"Wait, what?! Escape?! They have cameras in every corner! Guards at every door! Trying to escape will only get you shot!" Benedict gasped.

"There's gotta be a weakness in the system! And even if they shoot me, I'd rather die than live the rest of my life in a cage!" Leo insisted.

"And what about the other Aberrations? Your friends? Things will get worse for them if you fail!" Benedict pointed out.

"Which is why we need to get as many of them on our side as possible! You've spoken to a bunch of them, right? This could be our chance to be free!"

"Not all of them think like you and your friends! What if one of them rats us out?"

"Then find out which ones support the Federation! This could be it, Ben! This could be it!" Leo whispered, his scarlet eyes lighting up.

Another long pause. This plan of his…it's fucking crazy.

Crazy enough that I'm in.

"Let's do it. I thought I'd be keeping people safe here, but meeting you proved otherwise."

"I was hoping you'd say yes. So, where do we start?"

"Ben? You've been awfully quiet," Leo suddenly called.

"S-Sorry! Just thinking about the past…"

"I gotta ask you somethin', Ben. Why'd you agree to help us escape so quickly? You seemed to put a lotta trust in a kid you only knew for a month."

"Well…it's like I said on that day. Everyone's been told how dangerous Aberrations are. How they need to be locked up to keep the public safe. I started working at that place to protect the public, but instead I saw kids being tortured and dehumanized. Meeting you, hearing your words…it opened my eyes. You might be half my age, but you're the bravest person I know!"

"Oh…thanks, Ben. It means a lot."

"Oi, Leo! The Guard's gonna show up soon!" Tim hollered.

As the Aberrations prepared to start moving again, a single thought entered Benedict's mind.

How are Brendon and Phineas doing?

"Anthony! You've been in there since you woke up!"

"I'm studying, Mrs. Thomas!" Tony lied, not looking up from his controller.

On the screen, Tony could see guards standing outside the Castaways' encampment. He continued to painstakingly jot down everything he saw, even as the sun began to set.

"So, the guards leave at around nine in the morning and four in the afternoon…so we need to bring them food at four."

"Anthony Davenport! Your father has been calling you for the past ten minutes!" Mrs. Thomas hollered, rapidly banging her fist on the door.

"Coming!"

As Tony sat across the table from his father, all he could do was gaze down at his spaghetti, the Castaways still on his mind.

"Anthony? What's the matter? You haven't left your room all day," Arnold remarked.

"I was studying. Besides, there's not much to do with this lockdown in place."

"Right."

For the next hour, father and son remained silent. Tony tried to avoid his father's amber eyes as he reluctantly ate his dinner.

It's for the greater good. He won't notice if a few of his things are gone, right?

"I have a meeting with the mayor tomorrow. Behave yourself," Arnold said, getting up and leaving the room.

"Leo! Wake up!" Tim hissed, rapidly shaking his friend.

"T-Tim? What's going on?" Leo whispered.

"We're out of food, water and medicine! What do we do?!" Cesario murmured anxiously. The other Aberrations were huddled together and gazing at Leo. Then Beatrice raised their hand and suggested, "M-Maybe I can m-make fruits and vegetables or something? I haven't used my powers much, but they should help!"

"You're gonna burn yourself out doing that, Bea. We might have to start stealing to get supplies," Leo announced.

"B-But what if we g-get caught?!" Tabitha stammered.

"I'll make sure that won't happen," Leo promised the group.

"So, where are we goin' first, boss?" Cassandra chirped.

A pause. Then Leo said, "We'll find a supermarket. At midnight, we're breaking in. Don't forget."

"It's okay, Collie. Mom and Dad fell asleep an hour ago," Hazel murmured.

"You can't sleep either?"

"Yeah. I got a question. Do you think Leo and the others could still be alive?" Hazel asked her brother.

"Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath," Colin sighed.

"I think they're alive. Hell, they might have escaped a prison of some kind! What if that's why there's a lockdown?"

"And let's say you're right. The Federation will find them in days! They'll be lucky if they get shot! Of course they wouldn't reveal something like that! There would be riots in the streets!" Colin pointed out.

"You of all people should know Leo's not stupid. If he was able to escape, he'll know how to stay out of the Federation's reach," Hazel muttered excitedly, adding, "Think about it, Collie! You and your boyfriend could both be out there, fighting to make this country a better place! And who knows? Maybe if I'm right, you can see each other again!"

"Zelly…I'm nothing like Leo. He was the bravest kid in Clayhill. I'm just a coward that's gonna get himself, his sisters and his peers killed! I couldn't even help my friends when they actually tried to make a difference! You…you think too highly of me," Colin blurted out, unable to fight back the tears streaming down his face.

"A coward would see the Castaways and choose to do nothing. You're trying to improve their lives! And even if they punish us, so what? At least we tried to make things better!"

Six minutes of silence followed. I'm not Leo. I'll never be Leo. But maybe I can be what the Castaways need.

"Thank you, sis. That meant a lot to me."

"Anytime, Collie. Anytime."

The silvery glow of the crescent moon covered the streets of Northpass. Guards were pacing up and down the sidewalks, carefully scanning for anyone breaking their curfew.

And huddled in a dark alleyway, several figures were lying in wait.

"Are they gone yet, boss?" Cassandra murmured, hanging on to Tabitha for dear life.

"They should be. C'mon! It's now or never!" Leo hissed, transforming Tabitha and Cassandra into security guards.

The twins sauntered up to a supermarket door. A deep, masculine voice intoned: "9-5-7-0."

"H-Hold on! I thought the g-guards were gone!" Wallace stammered.

"Just stay put. The twins should be taking care of the cameras. I think. Where did they go?" Leo wondered out loud. My mind isn't tricking me, right?

Three agonizing minutes later, a disguised Tabitha led the group out of the alleyway and into the supermarket. As soon as they stepped through the doors, Cassandra was leaning on a shelf, a smirk plastered on her face. "Y'know…I didn't think you'd actually fall for it!"

"What? We didn't fall for it! Trust me!" Wallace lied.

"Woah…your powers are something else," Rochelle chuckled.

Suddenly, Cesario dropped from the ceiling and onto the floor. "The guards should be out cold."

"Great job, guys! Now grab as much as you can!"

And with that, the group darted around the store, snatching cans, water bottles and first aid kits left, right and center. An hour later, Benedict was greeted to several exhausted teenagers carrying bags of supplies with them to the runaways' encampment.

"I can help with that!" Jasmine chirped, opening a bag and stuffing everything inside. Even with the dozens of bottles, cans and first aid kits inside, the bag didn't burst.

"How can it fit all that?!" Wallace breathed, his mouth a perfect circle.

"Magic!" Jasmine replied as she closed the bag.

"You sure that isn't gonna be too heavy?" Benedict asked the girl.

"Nope! Feels like I'm carryin' air!"

She's awfully upbeat for somebody on the run from the government, Benedict mused.

"We should get some sleep. It's been a long night. See you guys in the morning," Leo yawned. One by one, the runaways drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Two years and seven months.

It had been almost three years since Jasmine became an Aberration. Almost three years since she went to sleep in her bed, then woke up a monster in a concrete cell.

Almost three years since she finally realized how little her parents loved her.

Jasmine Salisbury's life should have been perfect. Her father was the President's right-hand. Her mother came from old money.

So why did her bones break at the slightest impact? Why did she spend thirteen years in a gilded cage, pitied and sneered at by servants? Why did her own baby brother not know she existed?

Perhaps she really was a waste of food and money, just as her parents told her. Perhaps they'd been hoping she would turn into an Aberration so they could dispose of her at last. Perhaps this new existence surrounded by scientists who exploited her newfound gifts was better than those thirteen years in that house.

And yet, even though she was a frail girl with no stake in society, Leonidas Zafeiriou's words kept drawing her in.

"How would we do it? Should we wait until everyone's asleep?" Jasmine murmured.

"Ben's going to steal a couple of keys. Once they're all in their beds, that's when he'll free us. Then we'll make a run for it! We could live without the Federation watching our every move! We could be who we want, love who we want! Hell, we could even expose their lies!" Leo chirped, his crimson eyes shining with hope.

"Leonidas? B-Before we escape, there's something you should know about me."

"Go on, spill the beans. I won't judge."

"My bones break super easily. I hope this won't cause problems for you—"

"It won't. You aren't a burden, Jasmine! You've never been a burden, and fuck anyone who says you are!"

"Jazz? You're still up?" Leo suddenly asked.

"The cops in Northpass probably know we raided that store by now…" Jasmine pointed out, staring at her bag.

"We're never going back to that shithole. I promise," Leo assured the girl, gently stroking her fingers.

"I know Gardenia's pretty high-class and all. But why does it still feel wrong stealing from them? I mean, there's probably people who need that food…"

"They'll restock it in no time. Besides, we're not staying in Northpass for long. Get some sleep, Jazz. We'll be walking for a while in the morning."

Charles Winthrop liked to consider himself a calm, collected man. From clandestine criminal groups to chaos at grocery stores, the man had seen it all.

But in his 20 years as the mayor of Clayhill, he never could have imagined this. Not only had the most secure building in the Federation been compromised, multiple Aberrations were on the loose.

"Mayor Winthrop? Is everything alright? Ordering a lockdown out of the blue isn't the Charles I know," Arnold remarked, adjusting his silver and blue tie.

"Think of what could happen if the escapees reached Clayhill! The Federation Guard wouldn't stand a chance! There would be riots in the streets!" Mayor Winthrop sputtered, his neatly combed hair streaked with sweat.

"I'll have ya know that 30 protestors nearly destroyed the station last night! I reckon there's more of 'em out on the streets as we speak!" Chief Garnier snapped.

"So, what do you suggest we do? Let people go about their lives while eleven Aberrations are free?!" Mayor Winthrop retorted.

"Gentlemen! We might be in a dire situation, but bickering like children won't solve anything!" Arnold reminded the men.

Just as Chief Garnier opened his mouth to respond, the ear-piercing sound of a telephone ringing filled the room. Mayor Winthrop rubbed his temples for a bit, then walked up to the phone and picked it up. "Charles Winthrop speaking."

"The Aberrations raided one of our stores! They could be on their way to another town as we speak!" Mayor Haverkamp hollered, her voice filled with panic.

"H-Have there been any protests in Northpass?" Mayor Winthrop gasped, his hands trembling.

"The prisoners are packed like sardines! What are we supposed to do, Charlie?! The Federation could be on the brink of collapse!"

"I…I don't know, Monica. On one hand, eleven Aberrations are free. On the other, our towns are descending into madness…"

Mayor Haverkamp's response was drowned out by shrieking and glass shattering outside. Arnold and Chief Garnier rushed to the window, their eyes widening as a group of protestors began throwing glass and food at the building.

"I apologize, Monica. I didn't catch what you said."

"We need to contact Rutherford as soon as possible! I'm calling him now!"

"What's going on, Robin?" David asked, pointing to the streets filled with protestors.

"Some kinda lockdown," Robin groaned. Maybe Colin and his friends will finally forget about us. It's not like they can send us food during a lockdown…

"Hold up. When did we have a dumpster?" Noah piped up. Sure enough, there was a large black dumpster standing outside the Castaways' encampment.

"And when did the cops start using drones to watch us?" Michael muttered, gazing at a small black drone floating above the encampment.

You are persistent, Colin. I'll give you that.

A guard suddenly bellowed, "Oi! What are you little shits doing outside?!" In a split second, the children bolted back into their tents, and the drone followed suit.

"That was close!" Tony gasped, slowly moving the joystick and parking the drone on an apartment building.

How long is this lockdown gonna last? The Castaways can only wait so long…

"Tony? The mayor says schools are reopening tomorrow," Reginald called.

"So, the lockdown's over?"

"Not quite…the Guard's still going to be roaming the streets. Furthermore, everyone has to be home by seven in the evening." How are we gonna sneak past the Guard?!

"…Got it, Reggie."

While Tony was locked in his room, Lazarus sat in his bedroom, Zach stretched out on his lap. "Well, it was nice while it lasted. I swear, if Miss McCarthy gives us more work—"

"She won't. By the way, you should talk to Peri Barrell if you see her in the halls. She's a sweet girl."

"Kids! I made spaghetti!" Abigail called.

I wonder how the others are doing…

"UGH! When is Daddy coming home?! Everything here's so boring without him!" Sharon groaned. As if on cue, Chief Garnier burst through the front door and spun his daughter around.

"Great news, sweetpea! You'll get to see your friends again!" Chief Garnier chirped.

"By the way, Daddy…who else did you see today?" Sharon asked.

"Arnie was there. Why'd you ask, dear?" Perfect.

"Is his kid dating anyone?"

"I don't think even he knows. I'll tell him to ask Tony tomorrow for ya, sweetpea," Chief Garnier promised his daughter.

As father and daughter ate, Sharon's mind was getting to work. Let's see how Arnold Davenport feels about his son dating a peasant.

"Look, sir! I can explain! 6190 convinced one of our new employees to betray us! None of us could have seen this coming—"

"Enough of your excuses, Rutherford! Eleven Aberrations are free because of your incompetence! President Vanderbilt gave you the honor of protecting this nation, and this is how you repay him?!" Emmett Salisbury roared. As he stormed up to Dr. William Rutherford, the esteemed doctor's entourage cowered in their chairs.

"W-We're looking into how this happened, sir! This will n-never happen again! I promise!" Dr. Rutherford stammered, locking eyes with the President's right-hand man.

"I'll hold you to that! If they're not captured by the end of the month, all of your families are becoming Castaways!" Salisbury snarled. And just like that, he was gone.

"What do you suggest we do, sir?" Dr. Turnbull asked, rushing to his superior's side.

"We need more cameras and more guards. Oh, and regular checkups on newcomers. The last thing we need is another Benedict Delaney," Dr. Rutherford replied as he staggered to his feet.

"Speaking of Delaney…he's got a brother and a friend. I say we lock them up in front of the country. He'll come crawling back to us in no time," Amelia Turnbull suggested, grinning ear to ear.

"…You might be on to something, Amelia. Most of the Aberrations also have families," Dr. Rutherford remarked, his nervous expression replaced with a smile.

While the doctors schemed, Brendon Delaney was at his desk, surrounded by drafts and notes. Phineas Carver lay on the couch, watching his best friend's twin write.

"No, no. That wouldn't be allowed. It's too political—"

"I can make pancakes if you want," Phineas piped up.

"Please do. Fuck me, why did they have to make it due next week?!"

Phineas rose from the couch, making his way to the kitchen. Brendon grabbed fistfuls of his chocolate brown hair, forcing back a scream.

"Where the hell is Ben? He hasn't called in days!" Brendon groaned, furiously scribbling on his notes.

Suddenly, a loud banging filled the small apartment. Brendon stifled another scream and marched to the door. "What is it—"

In a split second, Brendon was staring down the barrel of a gun. "Hands where we can see them, both of you! Now!"

"I sincerely apologize, but you have the wrong people! We've done nothing—" Phineas began, before being tackled to the ground and cuffed.

"Shut yer traps! You've got a lot to answer for at the station," snarled a female cop as the duo were dragged outside.

Brendon forced back the insults and curses that popped up in his mind, instead trying to catch a glimpse of Phineas. The normally calm expression he wore was replaced with barely concealed terror, terror which only became clearer as they were marched down the streets and into the back of a gray van.

Is this because of that draft I showed Miller? They can't take authors' work that seriously, right?

As Brendon and Phineas sat in the van, all they could do was gaze at each other, not daring to say a word.

Please, let my friend go. I can explain what I wrote if you let Phineas go! He hasn't done anything wrong!

Those were the words Brendon desperately wanted to blurt out as the van took them further and further from everything they knew. But 29 years in this country had taught him better. One wrong word, and they could both be dead by next week.

Ben…you didn't do anything stupid, right?

If there was anything Cassandra Hanbury hated more than the Federation, it was standing still.

Right now, he was standing next to his sibling and Benedict, all three of them in disguises. Someone please say the code, for the love of Christ…

"What exactly are we waiting for?" Tabitha breathed out, staring up at Benedict.

"Leo wants us to break into a news station. He says the people should know why there's lockdowns and curfews everywhere," Benedict replied softly, eyes glued to the station's door.

Suddenly, the screens on the buildings flickered to life, stopping every pedestrian dead in their tracks. Rose Roberts was holding up papers, her usual smile plastered on her face. "This afternoon, two men in Frostdale were arrested after being suspected of treason! Their names are Brendon Delaney and Phineas Carver. As you can see from the footage on screen, the men were arrested in Delaney's apartment and taken into custody without resistance. Now, onto the weather forecast—"

"Ben? Ben! Talk to us!" Tabitha hissed.

Benedict staggered behind a dumpster, his lunch threatening to make a reappearance. FUCK FUCK FUCK BRENDON AND FIN ARE GOING TO JAIL BECAUSE OF ME WHAT THE FUCK DO I DO—

"I think we should get out of here before Ben vomits," Tabitha murmured, looking at their sibling.

"…Does this mean they're gonna arrest our families too?!" Cassandra realized, her eyes wide with horror.

"Ben? We're gonna talk to Leo. If you have to puke, do it now," Tabitha said as he made his way to the man.

Once the pedestrians had vanished, the Hanbury twins slowly walked Benedict back to the encampment. By the time they reached their comrades, Benedict could no longer hold back his tears.

"Ben! What's going on—" Leo started. Benedict finally collapsed to his knees, tears soaking the dirt beneath him.

"THEY TOOK MY BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND! BRENDON AND FIN ARE GONNA DIE BECAUSE OF ME!" Benedict sobbed, throwing his arms around Leo. As the man's tears soaked Leo's shirt, the other Aberrations stood and watched, exchanging looks of horror.

Greg looked and Tim and said, "Okay…this is bad. Like, really, REALLY fucking bad. If they're already arresting Ben's loved ones—"

"—then they're coming for our families too," Tim finished.

"Leo? What are we gonna do now?" Cesario asked. Leo simply looked down and said, "I don't know. I'm sorry."

Chapter Text

"The fuck do you mean, you don't know?! Our families could be dead by next week!" Rochelle snapped.

"I…please, just let me think," Leo sighed.

Before Rochelle could respond, Beatrice placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "He'll figure something out. Just give him time."

Jasmine watched as the group's leader disappeared into the forest. Drowning out the arguing between her comrades, the silver-skinned girl slowly made her way through the forest, her eyes scanning for a sign of Leo.

"Leo? Where are you?"

"Over here."

Gently tiptoeing over fallen trees and vines, Jasmine soon caught sight of a tan boy with curly black hair staring at a lake. "L-Leo? Is that really you?" Jasmine asked as she sat on a log.

"…I'm never going back to that shithole. Not after I've made it this far. But what if the others don't feel the same way? What if one of them goes to the cops to save their family?"

"All of us would die for you, Leo! You're the reason we got out of there!" Jasmine insisted.

"Do you think they'll stop at Ben's loved ones? All my friends are gonna lose everyone they care about because of me! Who do you think they'll choose: their families and friends or the kid who put them in danger?!" Leo blurted out, his voice shaking and tears filling his sky blue eyes.

"You couldn't have known this would happen! You're just a kid! We all are!"

"I'm supposed to be the leader, the one that always knows what to do! If I can't do that for my friends…what am I?" Leo sobbed.

Jasmine wrapped her arms around her leader, gently patting his back. "It's okay to cry, Leo. Let it out. I'm not going anywhere…"

The next five minutes were silent, save for Leo's quiet sobs and the chirping of birds. I'm not like the rest of them. There's no one in the outside world who loves me…

"Thanks, Jazz. I really needed that. I hope I didn't ruin your shirt," Leo sniffled.

"Anytime, Leo," Jasmine replied, before whispering, "I like this disguise of yours…"

"I used to look like this before I became an Aberration, y'know. I'd stay like this if it didn't risk upsetting the others…"

I want you to stay like this, Jasmine thought as they made their way back to the encampment.

"B-Boss? We're not goin' anywhere. Whatever comes next, we're facin' it together!" Greg declared.

"Is that what you looked like before you transformed?" Cassandra added.

"Y-Yeah. I was considering keeping this look, but I don't wanna upset you guys—"

"Whatever makes ya happy, Boss!" Blaire assured him.

"In that case, does anyone else want their old appearance back?"

"So, you've figured everything out?" Colin murmured.

"I think so. We can use the drones to deliver supplies. There's also a dumpster near the Castaways' tents," Tony replied.

"Thanks for the help, Tony. None of this would be possible without you! But remember, you're not alone in this. What if a different person controls the drones every day after school?" Tracey suggested.

"I don't think I can do that…" Lazarus admitted, before adding, "I've always got someone else in my room. I'm sorry! I wanna do something to help, but—"

"Don't sweat it. We'll find something for you to do," Colin promised him.

As the four teenagers left, Colin let out a long sigh. This won't end well…

Sharon Garnier leaned against a tree, waiting to catch a glimpse of Tony Davenport. Aha! Gotcha!

Slipping a camera out of her purse, Sharon smirked as she snapped a photo of Tony holding Paige's hand. Her smile grew wider as she followed the group, hoping her tiny microphone would catch their conversation.

"We'll figure something out, Laz. It's not your fault you've got a big family," Gilbert reassured his friend.

"I'll make it work. Maybe I could go to your place?" Lazarus whispered.

So they are plotting something! Oh, this is gonna be good!

"Guys? I think we're being watched!" Tony hissed. Sharon dashed into an alleyway as the group glanced behind them.

"Nevermind. See you tomorrow!" Gilbert chirped. Then the four friends parted ways.

Sharon strolled home, a shit-eating grin plastered on her face. Just you wait, Colin. You and your buddies are never getting out of jail.

And as for you, Tony? Let's see how your precious Daddy reacts when he sees who you're dating.

"Welcome back, Tony! How was your day?" Reginald chirped.

"It was fine. Good to see you, Reggie."

But even as he retreated to the safety of his bedroom, Tony still felt a pair of unwanted eyes on him, as if he was still stuck on that street with his partners in crime.

"No, no, no. I'm just overreacting! We aren't that important! Hold on. What if it was—no. Chief Garnier and Dad are best friends! Sure, his daughter's a brat, but she's gotten over what happened at the science fair! Right? I mean, it was two years ago!" Tony thought aloud. I really am going insane, aren't I?

"Anthony? It's dinnertime!" Mrs. Thomas announced.

"And the winner is…Anthony Davenport!"

As Tony walked up to the stage, a shrill voice shouted, "What?! I won fair and square! He cheated! HE CHEATED!"

Chief Garnier rose from his seat and marched towards the announcer, tapping the man's shoulder and whispering, "'Scuse me, sir. I believe there's been a miscalculation—"

"Anthony got 51 votes. Sharon got 45. There's been no miscalculation," snapped the announcer.

"Excuse me?! Everyone loved my project! That boy must have cheated!" Sharon hollered, storming up to the stage and snatching the announcer's paper from his hands.

"Sweetpea…please, Daddy will fix this. Just be patient," Chief Garnier sighed.

Before Tony could open his mouth, Sharon stepped on his shoe before slamming her fist into his project. Gears and plastic parts scattered all over the stage as the audience gasped.

"How could you?! Apologize to him, now!" snarled the announcer, who quickly moved between Sharon and Tony.

Chief Garnier stifled a scream, before muttering, "I'll speak with my daughter at home. Just…fuck it. Give him the prize." Then he stormed off, taking a screeching Sharon with him.

"Anthony? Is something the matter? You haven't said a word," interrupted Arnold.

"Chief Garnier's your friend, right?"

"Y-Yes. Is this about his daughter? I assure you, she's changed since the science fair," Arnold said, before adding, "By the way, have you been seeing anyone? I can take you to one of the President's parties. I'm sure there's lots of wonderful, rich young ladies there—"

"I'll find someone rich to marry. D-Don't worry!" Tony lied.

"You've only got 3 years left to choose, Anthony. Vanderbilt's newest party is only a month away—"

"I'll figure it out! Trust me!" Tony chirped as he beelined to his bedroom.

Since when did Dad care if I was dating?

Whatever. I just gotta deliver the food to the Castaways, then get rid of the trash. Easy enough!

Right?

"I will say, this new look suits you better," Jasmine quipped.

"Glad you think so," Leo replied, staring into space.

"What's takin' Blaire and the twins so long? It's been hours!" Tim groaned.

"The code's 6-2-9-7, Boss," Blaire announced, stepping out of Tabitha's shadow.

"Right, then. Everyone, get ready. We've got a long night ahead of us," Leo declared.

As her comrades scrambled to prepare for the mission, Jasmine whispered in Leo's ear, "What if I break a bone? I don't wanna slow everyone down…"

"Stick with me. I'll keep you safe," Leo promised his friend.

"So, what plan d'you have in mind, Boss?" Cesario deadpanned.

Leo took a deep breath before saying, "You and Tim are dealing with the security team. You've practiced with your smoke, right?" Cesario nodded and cracked his knuckles in response.

"Good. The twins, Ben and Jasmine are staying with me. The rest of you are using your powers against the guards. Is that clear?" The escapees cheered in response, returning to their preparations.

"You're pretty good at this for a kid," murmured Benedict. Despite the tear stains on his cheeks, he still had a small smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, Ben. We're gonna save Brendon and Fin, I promise."

"I know we will. There's nothing you can't do!" Benedict said, his smile growing wider.

Of all the things Robin expected to wake up to, a drone carrying food wasn't one of them.

"Look, Robbie! Colin brought us food!" David chirped.

"Hold on…did the cameras just turn off?" Noah added. The Castaways watched as the cameras drooped down, their red lights slowly fading.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!" Michael exclaimed.

While the Castaways snatched the food from the box, the other Samaritans stood around Tony, watching the Castaways celebrate.

"Mission accomplished! So, when's the next delivery?" Paige grinned, clinging to Tony's arm.

"Everything in the box should last them two weeks," Colin replied. Maybe we should see them in person…

As the Samaritans celebrated their first mission, Arnold Davenport was sitting in front of Chief Garnier. "What did you want to discuss, Henry?"

"Have you been keepin' an eye on your kid, Arnie?"

"…Henry, you know I'm a busy man. Anthony's been doing just fine without me breathing down his neck—"

"Doin' just fine, you say? Then tell me why my daughter caught him not only dating a commoner, but plottin' something criminal with his little girlfriend and two other peasants! Furthermore, I'll have ya know that one of 'em comes from the west side of town!" Chief Garnier snarled, shoving the picture Sharon had taken in front of Arnold's face.

"This must be a misunderstanding, Henry—" Arnold began, before Chief Garnier slammed his thumb on a button.

"We'll figure something out, Laz. It's not your fault you've got a big family."

"I'll make it work. Maybe I could go to your place?"

"So, let me get this straight. Not only has my son been seeing someone behind my back, but his girlfriend has roped him into a criminal plot?!" Arnold hissed, digging his nails into the mahogany desk.

"Doncha worry, Arnie. I've got a plan of my own to stop 'em. Your kid will thank you later," Chief Garnier chuckled, grinning ear to ear.

Cesario Valenciano always liked to consider himself the calmest of his friends. His expression was usually stone-cold, with a deadpan tone of voice to match.

And yet, even with that same stone-cold expression on his face and one of his best friends at his side, Cesario could still feel his heart pounding in his ears.

"Rio? You alright?" Tim whispered, gently squeezing his friend's hand.

"Never better," Cesario lied.

This place seems pretty peaceful. Too peaceful.

As the duo continued on their journey, Cesario took some time to glance at their surroundings. Jet black computers rested on polished wooden desks, and every surface in sight was spotless. "Don't let your guard down, Tim. This could be a trap…"

Suddenly, a loud bang pierced the air. "GET DOWN! NOW!"

Cesario and Tim collapsed to the floor, then rushed behind the nearest desk. Bullets pierced the computers and desks as the boys ran for their lives, Tim trying to keep his focus on the guards.

Taking a deep breath, Cesario watched as the flesh on his left hand was set ablaze, a sweet scent filling the room. Tim quickly covered his nose with his shirt as the guards slumped to the ground. "Thanks, Rio…"

"Anytime. Now, how do we turn these cameras off?"

"We've got that covered," chuckled a voice behind the duo.

Cesario and Tim swiveled their heads, only to see Blaire and Rochelle standing behind them. "Be careful, you two. We almost got shot by some guards," Cesario whispered, pointing to the unconscious men in question.

"Where's everyone else at?" Tim added, tightening his grip on Cesario's left hand, which had already healed.

"They should be fighting the rest of the guards. None of us are leaving until Leo sends his message," Blaire replied, before slipping into the shadows.

While the other Aberrations made their way through the station, Leo was furiously scribbling on a notepad as Benedict opened every drawer in sight. Leo sat in front of a massive monitor, which had a box on screen reading Passcode. "God fuckin' dammit…the password's gotta be somewhere!"

"What exactly are you gonna tell everyone?" Tabitha whispered, clinging to her twin for dear life.

"That the Federation's a bunch of lying shitheads. Did you find anything, Ben?"

"I found this. Not sure if it's the password…" Ben said, holding out a note that read 1955F3D3R4T10N.

Leo quickly entered the contents of the note into the box on screen, and the monitor flickered to life. Clicking on an app with a microphone, Leo took a few deep breaths before he began to record. "To anyone who's listening, pay close attention to my message…"

"What's taking Mom and Dad so long?" Colin sighed, kicking his legs in the air as he slumped on the couch.

"Probably something to do with their boss. I wonder if they've got something good on TV," Hazel said with a shrug, switching the channel to Federation News. But instead of a reporter sitting at their desk with papers in hand, the triplets were met with a static screen.

"Huh. Maybe they don't broadcast at midnight?" Tracey quipped, before a distorted male voice began to speak.

"To anyone who's listening, pay close attention to my message. Our rulers cannot be trusted. They've kept the people of this country in a state of constant fear, slaughtering anyone they see fit. How many people have lost their rights or even their lives because of the Federation's twisted rules? How many more lives will be lost if this continues?"

LEO?!

"Colin? You okay?" Hazel asked.

"That voice…it's Leo! It has to be!" Colin gasped.

"To everyone who's already fed up with our rulers' crimes, I urge you to stand united against these tyrants! If we stick together, we can make this country better, one step at a time! Goodbye for now, and Godspeed…"

As Leo's distorted voice cut out, Colin sat motionless in front of the TV. "You…you were right, Hazel. He really did escape…"

If Leo could escape the Federation and broadcast this message…

Maybe I can help the Castaways after all.

Chapter Text

"T-Tony? I thought your dad was taking you to a party—"

"Everyone there's a fucking asswipe! And Dad expects me to marry one of those shitstains?!" Tony spat, before slumping on the couch. "Sorry about that, Paige. I just…I couldn't stay there. Those nobles and their kids are all the fucking same…"

"I can imagine. Your dad's not gonna yell at you for leaving early, right?" Paige chuckled, brushing a lock of hair away from her best friend's eyes.

"I don't give a shit if he does. I'm not marrying one of those bitches, family image be damned!"

For a brief moment, Paige and Tony sat beside each other on the couch. "Is it okay if I hold your hand for a bit?" Paige suddenly asked.

"S-Sure. Have you been drawing anything lately?"

"Not really. We can't really waste paper…"

Honestly, I'd marry you if you were a noble.

"I have to go. See you tomorrow, Paige."

"You too, Tony."

"I gotta say, Tony. I thought you hated people like me when we first met," Paige whispered.

"The whole 'east side-west side' thing is bullshit. You're the best artist I've ever seen! You're worth a hundred rich brats put together, Paige! Never forget that!" Tony assured his girlfriend.

I'm only able to make better art because of you, though…

"By the way, Tony…do you happen to know Sharon Garnier?" Colin suddenly asked.

"Y-Yeah. We're not exactly friends," Tony replied.

"That's a relief. Anyways, I've been thinking we should all visit the Castaways sometime. When is everyone free?" Colin chirped.

"I think I'll be free on Saturday!" Lazarus beamed, Gilbert nodding as he spoke.

"Same here. What about you, Tony?" Paige asked her boyfriend.

"I don't think Dad has anything planned for me until Tuesday…I think Saturday should work fine."

"Saturday it is, then!" Colin declared as Paige, Lazarus and Gilbert left.

"Tony? Why are you still here—"

"Remember when we spoke in that alleyway on Saturday?" Tony whispered.

"Y-Yeah. Took a while to convince Mom and Dad to let me go outside…"

"What if…what if somebody heard what we were saying?!"

"I didn't see anyone around. I'm sure it'll be fine, Tony," Colin chuckled. Sharon wouldn't waste her time stalking us! Right?

"If you insist. See you tomorrow."

As Tony stepped out of the building, Sharon watched him with a grin on her face. Her grin only grew wider as she followed him to the west side of Clayhill. Daddy's gonna LOVE this!

"Are you sure this operation isn't stressing you out?" Colin murmured.

"Why'd you ask?"

"This plan of ours would fall apart without you. You've paid for everything, from the equipment to the food."

"Isn't that the reason you sought me out?" Tony noted.

"I…I suppose so—"

"I'll be more than happy to keep funding this plan. Dad's got hundreds of drones and Cam-Controllers! He won't notice if some of them are gone. Anyways, when do you think this lockdown will end?" Tony assured his friend.

Caught up in their conversation, the duo failed to notice Sharon Garnier walking past them. So…you managed to become friends with Davenport, huh?

Looks like taking you down's gonna be easier than I expected, Colin.

"See? Your kid's in love with a peasant!" Sharon declared before her father and Arnold Davenport.

"And that is…concerning. But what about the criminal plot she's roped my son into? Have you uncovered any information on that?" Arnold asked, eyeing the girl up and down.

"They're always talking about their plans in Colin's home! What am I supposed to do about it?!" Sharon whined.

"I say we put a little somethin' in their house, then. We could always use one of yer drones, Arnie," Chief Garnier suggested.

"I suppose that would work. Keep an eye on Anthony's girlfriend for me, Sharon. I'll be damned if I let that witch lead my son astray."

"Y'know, Arnie…I'd be more concerned about that girl bein' from the west side," Chief Garnier piped up.

"And I am concerned about that! But what kind of father would I be if I wasn't worried about my son's girlfriend dragging him into illegal activities?!" Arnold snapped.

"Whatever. I can teach ya how to use a drone, sweetpea," Chief Garnier chirped. Then the Garniers left, both of them smirking as the Davenport mansion grew smaller in the distance.

"Honestly, the nerve of these plebs! I gave Colin a job to pay his family's bills, and he has the fuckin' hutzpah to treat you like shit?! And here I thought he was one of the decent ones!" Chief Garnier snarled.

"Don't worry, Daddy. Now we can make him pay," Sharon said, clenching her fists and grinning ear to ear.

"This has to be a misunderstanding! We haven't spoken to Benedict in over a month—" Phineas began, only for an officer to glare at him.

"You expect us to believe that as his best friend, you had no contact with him for a month?!" Detective Burwick snarled.

"Please, just listen to me! I know nothing of Benedict's whereabouts!" Phineas pleaded.

"We know you're lying, Carver! Where is he?!"

I'm sorry, Fin. I shouldn't listened to you about that draft…

"Look, Detective. I can explain! I just thought a setting with a tyrannical government would be more engaging! I didn't mean to imply anything about our leaders—"

"If you think you can distract me by talking about your writing, you are sorely mistaken. Your brother has committed treason of the highest order! You'll tell us where he is, or we'll gladly put a bullet in your brain!" Detective Garrison roared.

TREASON?!

"Wait, wait, wait. You've got the wrong man, right? My brother would never—AGH!"

Brendon's words died in his throat as an officer slammed the barrel of a gun into the back of his head. "You dare to question an officer?!"

"I…ngh…I'm sorry, Detective. What did he do? I don't know where he is…b-but I can help you find him!" Hold on. Did I just—

"Give me one reason I should believe you, Delaney. For all we know, you could be a lying snake like him," Detective Garrison growled, locking eyes with the terrified man before him.

"Fin and I know Ben better than anyone else! I could also…write things that could help find him!"

"Marcus? What's going on here?"

Detective Garrison and Brendon swiveled their heads to see a woman standing in the doorway. Her jet black hair was tied in a neat bun, and her nametag read Lt. Tivoli.

"Ma'am, listen! I can help you guys find my brother! I'll even write things for you!" Brendon blurted out, trying to conceal his shaking hands.

"Hmm…Detective Garrison, you are dismissed. I'll take it from here," ordered Lieutenant Tivoli. Detective Garrison quickly left, rubbing his temples as he did.

"Now, where were we? Oh, yes. You offered to help us find your brother."

"Nobody knows Ben like Fin and I. If you just tell me what he did, I'll be more than happy to help you guys find him."

"I'm afraid we haven't been told what crime your brother committed. We are but a mere police department," Lieutenant Tivoli sighed.

"B-But if I prove you guys can trust me…could I talk to someone of h-higher rank? Someone who could tell me everything?"

"I'll see what my superiors say. It appears this little chat is over. Guards, escort him back to his cell."

As Brendon was frogmarched back into the dark, cramped cell he shared with Phineas, a million questions raced through his mind.

Ben's always been the model citizen! He even got some kind of job working with the Federation elite! How the hell did he commit treason? Why would he do something so stupid?!

Did…did I just sentence my brother to death?

"Brendon? H-How did it go?" Phineas gasped, a trail of blood slowly leaving his mouth.

"I…I made a deal with them. We help the Federation catch Ben, and we live to see another day."

"What if the officers were lying?! They've already beaten us black and blue when they know we've done nothing!" Phineas hissed in his friend's ear.

"They have a reason to keep us alive now! We might even convince them to let Ben live!"

"…I see. G-Good night, Brendon," Phineas sighed, curling up on the tiny mattress he was sitting on and closing his eyes.

No, no, no. Whatever Ben did, he's gonna get killed if he keeps it up. I'm his big brother. I have to protect him!

Even if it means working with people that could kill Fin and I if we breathed the wrong way…

"I sincerely apologize, Mister. I'm not supposed to go into the residents' homes! The boss would fire me if she found out—"

"To hell with your boss! This is a criminal investigation, and I'll gladly charge ya if you try slowin' it down!" Chief Garnier barked.

The security guard adjusted his uniform, before stammering, "I s-s-see…b-but why am I getting involved?"

"My daughter was playin' around with a drone last night. Then she heard the Campbell brats plannin' crimes! Unfortunately, she had to move her drone away before they spotted her, so we need someone to help us bug their home," Chief Garnier murmured, glancing around him as he spoke.

"I suppose I can do that…but you can't tell the boss!"

"Doncha worry. No one will ever know 'bout this. Just follow my lead," Chief Garnier chuckled, grinning at the guard's terror.

As the guard led Chief Garnier down the hallway, the larger man pulled a Cam-Controller from his pocket. With a few taps on the screen, the cameras in the hallway turned off. Once the duo reached the second floor, the guard unlocked the door labeled 205 and Chief Garnier sauntered in.

Perfect.

Chief Garnier reached into his bag and grabbed some tiny microphones, smirking as he placed them all over the apartment. "Is that all you wanted from me, Chief Garnier?"

"I'll be stayin' here till they slip up. I need yer help deletin' some footage, then we wait till they get here," Chief Garnier drawled.

While Chief Garnier was deleting the footage, the Seven Samaritans were on their way home. "So, what are the Castaways like?" Lazarus asked Colin.

"I only spoke with four of them. Aside from the whole 'being forced into poverty by the Federation' thing, they're not much different from us."

I hope they're doing okay…

"Oh! G-Good afternoon, Colin! I see you've made some friends!"

"Good to see you too, Mr. Brioschi," Colin chirped, failing to notice the guard's twitching fingers.

As the Samaritans got in the elevator, Mr. Brioschi glanced behind him and nodded. Chief Garnier smirked and shut the door, grinning as he prepared his equipment.

"I have to say, Mr. Brioschi's acting weird," Hazel whispered.

"He's probably had a long day. Don't worry about it," Tracey assured her sister.

"Anyways, regarding our future plans…how long can we keep this operation up? I mean, Tony's dad will notice that his stuff is gone eventually," Gilbert pointed out.

"Plus, wouldn't they notice the Castaways getting healthier?" Lazarus added.

"Look, what matters is that we're helping twenty victims of the Federation! Twenty people who've been condemned to a life of misery for their ancestors' crimes!" Paige countered.

"Whatever…do you guys wanna watch one of these old movies? I mean, we haven't got any homework or tests coming up," Colin suggested, shuffling through his mother's collection of romance movies.

While the seven friends prepared for a movie night, Chief Garnier was already on the phone, his feet propped up on the desk. "A criminal plot's been discovered at 75 Chestnut Avenue, room 205! I need at least three cars here in five!"

"So good…so yummy!" Michael said, a grin on his face as he popped grape after grape into his mouth.

"I feel so…full…" Noah yawned, ambling back into his tent.

"You've got friends on the outside, right?" Michael asked Robin, placing an orange in his friend's hand.

"Y-Yeah."

"What're they like? How many of 'em are there? When are they comin'?"

"I've only met one of them in person. His name's Connor, and he's the sweetest kid in Clayhill. I doubt he'll come see us again with all the guards around us…"

Suddenly, Michael dropped his grapes as a gun was pointed in his face. "All of you are under arrest! Hands where we can see 'em, or we'll shoot!"

Hold on. The cameras were off! How did they—

An officer lifted Robin off the ground and barked, "You! Hands in the air!"

In a matter of minutes, the Castaways were standing side by side, holding their trembling hands in the air. Officers descended on the group, forcing their hands into every pocket they could. Then the leader of the officers roared, "In the van! Now!"

As the Castaways were herded into the back of a white van, Robin had to force his dinner down his throat. Fuck fuck fuck they're gonna get Colin and his friends what the fuck do we do—

"Mama? Where are we going? Why were those people so mean?" David whispered, tears filling his eyes as he clung to his mother.

We're not headed for a better life, that's for damn sure.

While the Castaways were being hauled to the police station, the Seven Samaritans were slumped on the sofa, the soft glow of the TV lighting up the living room. For five minutes, they weren't criminals trying to help those in need. They were just seven kids watching a movie in each other's company, oblivious to the police sirens below them.

And then a loud banging shattered the fragile peace in the apartment.

"H-Hold on!" Hazel called, slowly opening the door to an officer holding a rifle.

"All of you, hands in the air! Now!"

"Wait a minute! You've got the wrong people—" Lazarus began, before he was slammed to the ground and handcuffed.

"We have evidence of your crimes! Now shut your traps until we're at the station!"

NO NO NO NO NO NO—

Colin's surroundings became a blur as he and his sisters were shoved into the back of a police car and driven away from everything they knew.

Please, don't hurt them! I'm the one you want! Do whatever you want to me, but please just let my sisters and friends go!

Those were the words Colin was desperate to yell during the drive to the station. But the sinking feeling in his stomach and the tears streaming down his face kept him silent.

I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. This is all my fault…

Chapter Text

The first thing Paige felt as she opened her eyes was a dull, throbbing ache on the side of her head. Before the girl could wince in pain, she was forced to squeeze her eyes shut as a bright light was shone in her face.

"What role did you play in this? Tell us, now!"

"Go fuck yourselves! You shitstains tortured twenty people for their ancestors' crimes—"

Paige's rant was cut off as a guard slammed his rifle in the back of her head. Tony watched as his girlfriend's unconscious body slumped in her seat, trying to force the bile down his throat.

"Please, Chief Garnier! I know she's a criminal, but—"

"Can it, boy! Haven't I told ya all those west side folk are the same? Now look what's happened! That little bitch nearly cost your family everything!" Chief Garnier barked. Before Tony could respond, the police chief lifted him off the ground and snarled, "Listen here, kid. I can't have Arnie findin' out about the Castaways. Go back to your daddy and live yer life. You tell anyone what you've seen, you die. Is that clear?"

As the man's words fully sunk in, the pit in Tony's stomach became a black hole. How could he abandon his friends? How could he leave the girl he loved behind?

"Is. That. Clear?!" Chief Garnier roared, pulling a handgun from his pocket and pointing it at the boy's temple.

"I…I understand, sir! I won't get myself in trouble ever again! I promise!" Tony gasped, unable to hear himself over his racing heartbeat. Chief Garnier huffed and released Tony, then picked up the phone on his desk and began to dial Arnold Davenport's number.

"We got the criminals, Arnie. Take your kid home, and make sure he stays there."

Tony spent the next thirty minutes backed into a corner, his eyes never leaving Chief Garnier's handgun. As Arnold Davenport walked into the room, Tony slowly stumbled towards his father, trying to avoid the man's furious glare.

I'm sorry, everyone…

While Tony was being driven home, Paige's eyes slowly opened. Her head throbbed with pain as she tried to take in her surroundings. Dark gray walls trapped the girl in a tiny, suffocating space, with only a few bars on the window and a bare mattress in the cell.

"T-Tony? Where…where are you?" Paige whimpered as she slowly sat up.

"Oi, Martin! Get the other west side brat! What was his name…Lincoln?"

Paige desperately wanted to call out to Lazarus, to curse out the guards dragging him to an interview from hell. But despite those desires, she kept her mouth shut. Letting the guards know she'd woken up would only take away what little peace she had in this moment, even if it was in a cramped prison cell.

Laz…I'm begging you, keep your mouth shut. Not just for Colin's sake, but for everyone's.

"Anthony Bernard Clarence Davenport! Explain yourself! Now!" Arnold shouted, slamming the door to his office behind him.

"I met P-Paige at school, and I guess I developed a crush on her! That's all there is to it—"

"Then tell me why you allowed her to drag you into a criminal plot! You almost destroyed everything my great-grandfather built!"

"Listen here, kid. I can't have Arnie findin' out about the Castaways. Go back to your daddy and live yer life. You tell anyone what you've seen, you die. Is that clear?"

"I…I didn't want to upset her. She was my first friend, and I wanted her to be happy. I'm sorry, Father."

And I couldn't sit back and do nothing as the Castaways starved.

"Listen here, Anthony. That girl nearly destroyed your future and this family, and I can't let that happen again. I'm afraid I'll have to pull you out of Clayhill High. You are also forbidden from leaving this house unaccompanied. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Father," Tony whimpered, forcing back the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

As Tony ran back to his room, he drowned out Mrs. Thomas and Reginald's questions. Tears were freely flowing down his face by the time he flopped onto his bed.

How could he have been so naive, so stupid? Paige and the others were probably going through hell on Earth while he'd gotten off scot-free.

Paige…I'm sorry. I should have fought harder back at the station. I should have just let Garnier bash my skull in. He wouldn't have killed me anyways. I'm too valuable to the nobles…

I'm a pathetic, spineless fucking coward. I should be the one rotting in a cell…

While Tony spiraled in his room, Warren was sitting at his desk, Mr. Beaufort's lecture fading into background noise as he waited for Lazarus to walk through the door.

"Warren? Is everything okay?" Mr. Beaufort asked, kneeling next to Warren's desk.

"Has anyone seen Lazarus all day? He's never late to school! Did…did something happen to him?!" Warren's eyes darted around the room in a panic. Not even sickness could keep Lazarus from school…

Something must've happened.

Lazarus was harshly sat down on a hard metal chair. He struggled as they held his head back.  The guard shone the light in his face, causing him to wince. "What role did you play in this?"

"Huh?"

"Don't play dumb!" The other guard hit him in the side of the head with the butt of his rifle. "Tell us what you did and who your accomplices are!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Lazarus' only option was to play dumb until they either got tired or inevitably locked him away. This wasn't about him; it was about Colin, about Paige, about all of the Castaways. He thought about Warren and how worried he must've been because he didn't show up at school today. 

I'm sorry, Warren.

"For the last time, what role did you play?"

"I already told you, I don't know what you're talking-" Lazarus was cut off by his interrogator hitting him with a baton. Small splatters of blood painted the floor. His head was forcefully turned back forward.

"So be it," the guard hummed. The boy's head was dropped like a sack of potatoes on the table as the staff left the room. His injuries finally caught up with him, and Lazarus slowly closed his eyes, unable to hear what his tormentors were plotting outside.

"How do we deal with this west side brat? The little shit clearly knows more than he's letting on!" Officer Accardi spat.

"Hmmm…perhaps we need another approach. Surely he and the girl Davenport's kid was dating have families," Lieutenant Lithgow suggested.

"The boy's apparently got six siblings and the girl has a little sister…ah, I see where you're goin' with this!" Officer Stendahl cackled, slapping the lieutenant on the back.

Lazarus opened his eyes just as his tormentors came back into the room. His body was still in a lot of pain but something told him they weren't going to torture him again. Not physically at least.

"I apologize for our earlier approach." Lithgow falsely smiled. "Clearly we didn't account for you to be a tough nut to crack."

Lazarus said nothing, only glaring at the man with contempt. 

"You got nothing? I suppose you're tired. But don't worry, this'll all be over soon." Lithgow eyed him with sinister intent. "For now, why don't you tell me about your family?"

A new type of anger awoke inside Lazarus, making him jolt up despite the pain coursing through his body. "Leave them out of this, you fucker! I'm the one you want, right?"

"Then cooperate with us!" Accardi spat, holding the rifle and pointing it at the boy's head.

"I believe your parents are, let's see…Matthew and Adeline? Correct me if I'm wrong, son. Keepin' track of you west side folk ain't easy," Stendahl chuckled, slowly flipping through a notebook.

Lazarus was about to correct the officer, before closing his mouth just as quickly. Maybe they don't know my family? Or maybe I'm losing my mind already…

"Oh, and you've got six little siblings! Raphael, Ephraim, Jericho, Zachary, Deborah and Keturah! Did I get the names right this time?" Stendahl chirped, his grin widening as Lazarus' hands began to shake. So they do know my family.

"C-Cut the crap! You clearly know who I am! Why are you dragging my family into this?! They haven't done anything wrong!" Lazarus snapped.

"Even with your unenviable financial situation, your family is happy, no? It would be such a shame if that happy family ended up as Castaways…" Lithgow replied, smirking as the words sunk in.

As Lazarus sat in his chair, he could feel tears threatening to spill from his eyes. Lithgow continued, his smirk widening into a grin. "How about this: you tell us everything you know, we'll let you go home. Hell, we'll even give your family some money! Keep on defending the kid who caused this…well, I'm sure you already know what will happen."

Only two options, and both of them were bad. If he did one, the people he cared about would suffer from the other. He didn't want to rat out his friends but he also didn't want his family to get hurt. He wished Warren was here. He'd know what to do. 

"Tick, tock, boy."

Forgive me, Colin. "Colin…"

"Colin?"

"Colin's the brains behind the whole thing," Lazarus confessed. Tears streamed down his face the more he talked. Colin had been so kind to him and how did he repay him? With betrayal. 

Lithgow patted him on the back, a condescending grin on his face. "You did good, kid. I'm sure your family will be very happy to have you back in one piece." 

Lazarus wanted to spit, he wanted to cry. He couldn't believe what he just did. His siblings could rest easy at night, but what about his friends? What would happen to Colin? Would he be able to look him in the eyes after all of this?

Would Colin even survive prison?

"C'mon, kid. Let's get ya home," Lithgow crooned, gently guiding the battered and shaking boy to his car.

"How many times do I have to tell you?! I don't know anything! I was just there to watch a movie with my friends—" Gilbert insisted, before his interrogator backhanded him so hard he fell.

"Then tell us why you were spotted entering the crime scene with your accomplices! Don't think you can lie your way out of this, Gallagher! Your brother influenced you, didn't he?"

"Keep my brother's name out of your fucking mouth!" Gilbert snarled, standing up and clenching his fists. A kick to the shin forced Gilbert back into his seat, but he refused to give up. His friends worked so hard to get to where they were. Gilbert would die before he served them on a silver platter to the Federation.

"We got another one, I see." The guard held a baton in his hands, clearly itching to use it. He then sighed. "Guess we'll have to take it up with your parents then."

"My parents…? No! Hell no! Don't you motherfuckers go near them!" Gilbert yelled, struggling against the guards as he shot back up from his seat. "You have me, don't you? What do you need my parents for?"

"Then make a choice, Gallagher. Either give up your little friends or we'll have to pay a visit to your parents."

I got something better for you dickheads. "Neither."

The guard raised an eyebrow. "Neither, huh?"

"Yeah," Gilbert replied. "Like I said before, you got me. Ain't that enough? I can do the time." He knew he was playing with fire but as long as the others and his parents were safe, then his sacrifice wouldn't entirely be in vain. Taking a deep breath, he continued. "I'll do the time. Just leave Mom and Dad out of this." 

The guard smugly chuckled. "Alright then. Lock him up next to that girl."

Leo sat up in his sleeping bag, then carefully crept over to the exit of the tent. The moment he stepped outside, a gentle breeze washed over Leo. Nevertheless, he continued walking.

As he walked in the open fields, Leo's eyes were firmly glued to the starry sky above. Clayhill never had night skies like this; the glare of street lights and windows always drowned out the stars. But here in this empty field, endless glimmering lights danced above him, forming patterns he'd only been able to see in books.

What would Colin say if he was standing by Leo's side right now? Would he be pointing out every constellation they'd read about together?

"Colin…I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being such an asswipe the night before I transformed with the others…" Leo whispered, trying his best to hold back tears. "I sent a message to everyone, y'know. Rio says you probably weren't up to see it, but I think you did. I hope you could tell it was me, even with the voice changers I used…I'm coming for you, Collie. We're gonna change this country together, one step at a time."

"Leo? What are you doing out here?" Benedict suddenly called, snapping Leo out of his monologue.

"I just…I wanted to see the stars. Colin would have loved them…"

"I'm sure he would have. But now, you should sleep. We've got lots to do in the morning."

Chapter Text

"So, you gonna talk or what?" Officer Stendahl growled. In response, Paige glared at the man and raised both middle fingers in his face.

Stendahl was about to slam his rifle into Paige's skull when Lieutenant Lithgow placed a hand on his shoulder. "Seems like the girl needs more time to think. Gentlemen, follow me."

As a female officer handcuffed Paige to her chair, images of how her tormentors would suffer flashed through Paige's mind. She wanted to scratch, punch and spit. Her mind then flashed to her friends. They were definitely suffering, if how unabashedly cruel these guards were to her was anything to go by. But she had faith in them, in Tony.

"Seems we got yet another spitfire on our hands," Officer Accardi sighed, burying his face in his hands.

"And it's the other west side brat! What a shock!" Stendahl scoffed.

"Guess we gotta ask about her little sister. Let's see if that makes her crack," Lithgow chirped, a malicious grin on his face.

Paige struggled against her bindings, waiting for the interview to start all over again. As soon as she saw Lithgow, Accardi and Stendahl entering the room, Paige's hands balled into fists.

Go on. Beat me to a pulp. You're not getting what you want.

"We'd like to apologize for our previous approach. You might be a criminal, but you are a high schooler," Lithgow crooned, his tone sickly sweet. Before Paige could clap back, Stendahl pointed his rifle at her head and glared at her.

"Anyways, down to brass tacks! We believe your little sister goes to school with the chief's daughter. What was her name…Stella?"

"D-Don't drag my sister into this! She doesn't know anything!" Paige barked, her wrists aching as she lunged forward.

"From what the chief's daughter has said, Stella's a lovely young lady. Even with her background, she could do great things for this country! It would be such a shame if her potential was squandered thanks to the actions of her sister…" Lithgow sighed, waiting for the words to sink in.

Paige wanted to protest, but ultimately knew he was right. Stella had so much going for her and she couldn't be any prouder. If something happened to her…

"Well?" Lithgow tapped on the table. 

Paige's eyebrows furrowed.

"Fuck it. Let's just grab her family. She's not worth the trouble," Accardi groaned.

"Wait! Did…did any of the others say anything?" Paige asked.

"Hmm…well, the other west side kid told us Colin Campbell was the brains behind this plan of yours," Lithgow chuckled.

"He…he's right! Please, leave my family alone! They have no idea what I've done!" Paige blurted out, only to freeze as she realized what she'd done. No…did I just—

"Very well, then. As long as you keep your mouth shut, your family will be safe. Perhaps we can even give you some money! It would certainly improve your financial situation," Lithgow beamed as Paige was released from her bindings.

NO NO NO WHAT HAVE I DONE—

Paige wanted to curse at her interrogators, to take back her confession and buy Colin time. But as she was shoved into the back of a police car, she knew that nothing she said now would change a thing.

Colin…I'm sorry…

Hazel's entire body trembled as she sat alone, handcuffed and shackled to her chair. She was alone—completely alone with only herself and her thoughts. Her heart thumped with worry. What was she supposed to do when the interview began?!

These guards have guns. They're going to beat and torture me. They'll kill me, Tracey, Colin or all three of us if I say anything wrong, and they'll do all of it with shit-eating grins on their faces—

"Oi! I said, what's your name?" Lithgow barked.

"H-Hazel Maya Campbell—"

"The ringleader's sister, no doubt. Don't play dumb! Your little friends from the west side have already told us what your brother did!"

As soon as Lithgow finished ranting, Hazel could feel bile rising in her throat. It's already over. There's no way they're letting Colin go after this.

"How about we make a deal, girlie? You go back to living your life, and we'll deal with your brother here—"

"Not happening."

"Excuse me?"

"Not. Happening." Hazel furrowed her eyebrows. She, unfortunately, knew deep in her heart that this tactic worked on some of her friends and didn't blame them at all. The Federation was more than happy to kill civilians without hesitation or remorse. "You want my brother, you have to go through me."

"What can you even do?" Lithgow sneered. "As far as I know, you're in no position to protect him."

Maybe not, but I'm giving him up to you scumbags. "It doesn't matter. I'm not giving you my brother."

"Fine then," Lithgow said. "Take her back to her cell."

Hazel glared at him as the guards roughly forced her out of the interrogation room and down a long hallway. As Hazel was shoved back into her cell, the last thing she heard was "Get the ringleader's other sister!"

Tracey…please, stay safe.

While Hazel tended to her bruises, Tracey was already being marched at gunpoint to the interrogation room. Even though she could feel her heart pounding in her ears, Tracey's face was stone cold. And it remained that way even as she was handcuffed and shackled to the seat her sister was sitting in just a few minutes before.

"State your full name," Lithgow ordered.

"Theresa Lillian Campbell."

"Got it. Now, tell us about your brother—"

"No."

A pause. Then Lithgow leaned in closer, glaring at the teenage girl before him. "Listen here. I could shoot you in your seat right here, right now. So tell us about your brother, or I'll gladly paint these walls with your blood—"

"Did I stutter?! I'm not letting you hurt my baby brother for doing the right thing!"

"Then it seems this interview was a waste of time! Guards, take this brat back to her cell!"

From the moment Colin stepped into the police station, he knew he wasn't leaving alive. The hours he'd spent waiting for the guards to drag him to an interrogation from hell only solidified that.

And yet, that knowledge did nothing to lessen the terror coursing through his veins as the guards kicked open the door to his cell and pointed their guns at him. All he could do now was hope that the others had given up on him and returned to their normal lives.

I'm the one who dragged you into this mess. I have to face the music alone…

"State your full name and date of birth," Lithgow snapped.

"Colin Peter Campbell. I was born on March 31st, 2040."

"I'm sure you already know why this is happening, Mr. Campbell." Because I tried to help twenty starving people.

"Yes. B-Because I've committed a v-very serious crime."

"Tell us, how did you initially come across the Castaways?" Lithgow asked, retching upon the mention of the Castaways.

"I…I was on a walk and wandered into their encampment by mistake," Colin blurted out, praying he'd be believed. Those prayers were dashed upon hearing a child's agonized scream.

David.

"Don't lie to us, Campbell! We know you were at Gardenia Groceries on the day you met them!" So Harry must have spilled the beans…

Colin's apologies were caught in his throat as he watched David writing in agony. The small, frail boy was strapped to a chair, a shock collar around his neck. Harry and Robin were chained to poles, bruises and cuts all over their skin. "You're going to tell us everything, Campbell. Keep on lying, and we'll gladly make corpses out of the Castaways you love oh so much."

"Fine! I'll tell you everything! Just please leave them alone! They shouldn't suffer because of what I did!" Colin begged, tears forming in his eyes. As Lithgow continued to stare him down, Colin took a deep breath and began.

"I was buying groceries for my family when one of the Castaways bumped into me. When I recovered from the shock, I realized one of the bags was missing and chased the thief, who led me to their encampment. I…I naively thought that with the help of my sisters and peers, I c-could defy the Federation and g-give them supplies."

"Is this true?" Lithgow asked Harry and Robin, who slowly nodded. As soon as they locked eyes with Colin, both boys quickly looked at the ground.

"I'm sorry. My naivety and foolishness made me think it was acceptable to defy our rulers, and I ended up endangering my friends and family. Punish me however you see fit, but please don't harm the Castaways!" Colin abruptly finished, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

"In that case, it seems these interrogations are over. Lock him up with the others."

Hold on. The others are getting locked up too?!

"Wait! Are my sisters and friends going to be freed?"

"One of your little buddies chose to stick by you, and so did your sisters. That's all you're getting," Lithgow snapped as Colin was dragged out of the room.

I can't let them suffer because of what I did. I need to tell them they're making a mistake. I'm not worth their futures—

"What's up, Colin?" Gilbert chirped, smiling despite the bruises on his body.

"You guys need to renounce what I did in front of them. Unlike me, you have futures! I'm the one that got you in this mess, and I need to face the music alone—"

"You're our brother, Collie. Those pigs can say whatever they want. We're not leaving you behind!" Tracey declared.

"And besides, all you did was try to help starving people! So what if that makes you a criminal?" Hazel added.

"We're always gonna be here for you. Besides, that's what Greg and his buddies would have wanted, right?" Gilbert finished, pulling Colin into a hug as he did so. Hazel and Tracey quickly followed suit, the four prisoners embracing each other despite the uncertain future ahead of them.

And even though he knew this was the end of the life he knew, Colin still felt a sense of relief washing over him.

"I wonder how Gil's doin' these days," Greg blurted out, swinging an empty basket as he walked alongside Leo.

"Knowing him, he's probably doing just fine. He might even be seeing someone by now," Leo mused.

"What about Colin? Do you think he's got new friends? A new partner?" Greg murmured.

"…Honestly, I hope so. It's a good thing he didn't join us that night."

But knowing him, he's probably trying to follow in my footsteps. And I don't know how to feel about that…

"Leo? What do you think's going on back at the Cometfall Holding Facility? Are the rest of the prisoners okay? God, I hope they're okay…" Wally called out, freezing Leo in his tracks.

"I hope so to. We…we could come back for them someday. If everything goes smoothly from here on out, that is."

"But what if they attack us? What if…what if we're not ourselves anymore by then? Aberrations like us eventually become murderous…" Blaire pointed out.

"That's another one of the Federation's lies! Let's just…rest here for a bit, then we'll talk about our future plans!" Leo announced.

It has to be another lie. It just has to be.

Right?

Chapter Text

"I have good news and bad news, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. The good news is that you appear to be expecting triplets—"

"Really?! That's amazing, Dr. Wolften! We'll have three little miracles coming into our lives! What could possibly be bad about that?" Peter chirped.

"Ahem. I didn't finish. The bad news is that your wife's body might not be able to handle carrying three children at the same time. An abortion will need to be authorized if this pregnancy threatens her life. Furthermore, caring for three children could destroy your finances—"

"Come hell or high water, we're having these children! Peter and I have been trying for years just to have one child, and now we can have three!" Maya countered.

"Where could they have gone?! Colin and Tracey seemed to be doing so well, and Hazel's never disobeyed us!" Maya shrieked. The woman's pale blonde hair was in a messy bun and dark bags were visible beneath her bright green eyes.

"C-Calm down, sweetie. M-Maybe we can ask the c-cops," Peter stammered, trying to conceal the terror he was feeling.

Colin once tutored the chief's daughter. Surely he'll help us out!

As the couple made their way to the police station, Peter placed a hand over his racing heart. Panicking won't help you find your children, Peter. It'll all work out in the end! You'll find them and everything will go back to normal!

"Oi! What're you doin' here?" Officer Accardi snapped.

"All three of our kids are gone! Please, you need to help us find them!" Maya begged, grabbing onto the officer's sleeve and rapidly shaking his arm.

"Let go, lady! Or I'll get the boss to kick you out!"

"S-Sorry about that, Officer. My name is Peter Campbell, and she's Maya Campbell—"

"Campbell, huh? The boss mentioned that some kid named Campbell tutored his daughter. I'll get him for ya," Accardi chuckled nervously, turning around and dashing down the hallway.

As soon as Accardi was out of sight, Maya buried her face in Peter's shirt, her tears soaking the pale blue fabric. With shaking hands and tears filling his eyes, Peter gently stroked his wife's hair and patted her back. "We'll find them soon. I promise, sweetie."

"Laz! I was looking everywhere for you! What happened—"

"Don't worry about it, Warren. Zach got sick and I was looking after him. Mom's taking care of him now," Lazarus assured his friend.

"Oh…well, at least you didn't get arrested or anything!" Upon hearing the word arrested, Lazarus' hand briefly twitched. Then he shook his head and replied, "Y-Yeah! That would have been REALLY bad!"

It's all gonna be okay. Laz is back now! Everything's gonna go back to normal!

Soon enough, the final bell rang. Warren sprinted outside and waited for Lazarus to join him. Instead, he was met with a girl holding a sketchbook sitting in his best friend's spot.

"Do…we know each other?" I could have sworn I've seen her around the west side.

"No," snapped the girl, whose eyes were still glued to her sketchbook.

Ah, fuck it. There's no way a west side kid could afford a sketchbook.

As Lazarus joined his best friend, his muscles tensed upon seeing the girl. "We need to get out of here, now." Yep, she's definitely not one of us.

"East side brats, amirite?" Warren chuckled, gently patting his friend's shoulder. "Lazarus?"

Does he…know that girl? No, no, no. The Laz I know would never be friends with someone like that.

While Warren and Lazarus made their way home, Paige sat on the bench, drowning out the voices around her with her art. She didn't deserve to be here. She should have spat in the officers' faces and stayed in that cell. How could she face Stella knowing she'd betrayed one of their friends? A boy who'd been nothing but kind to both of them, and who was now paying the price for that kindness?

How was Tony doing? There was no way his father would let this slide. Would he move on in a month? Be engaged to a nobleman's daughter?

All of these questions continued swirling in Paige's mind as she packed her art supplies and began walking home, praying she wouldn't run into Lazarus again on the way.

"Happy birthday, Paige! I got you something!" Tony chirped.

"R-Really? What is it—"

"Close your eyes, and only open them when I say you can."

Tony grabbed Paige's hands and slowly led her down a dark hallway, stopping once they reached a small room. "Open your eyes!"

Paige's olive green eyes widened at the sight of a pastel rainbow sketchbook with a set of art supplies on top of it. "Do you like it—"

"Like it? Like it?! I LOVE IT!" Paige shrieked, tackling her boyfriend and rapidly kissing his cheeks.

"Paige? When is Colin coming back—" Stella began, freezing when her sister responded, "He isn't."

As she watched her sister storm into her room, Stella sat on the couch, the truth slowly dawning on her.

His plan failed, and now he's in prison…

What am I gonna tell Peri? Did Sharon have something to do with this?!

Sharon…when I fucking catch you…

Chief Henry Garnier liked to think he was a calm, rational man. How else could he have stayed in this position for 25 years? There was nothing the man hadn't seen, and terrified parents screeching at him was no exception.

Even so, he would be lying if he said that screeching didn't get on his nerves.

"Colin tutored your daughter, Chief Garnier!" Maya Campbell hollered, her hair coming out of its messy bun.

"I'm well aware of that, Maya. I assure you, we'll do everything we can to find your children," Chief Garnier lied.

"What could have possibly happened? Did they get kidnapped?!" Maya cried out.

"That…is a possibility. But rest assured, we'll get them back—" Chief Garnier promised, before dodging the woman's fist.

"Security! Please, take this woman someplace else! She's not of sound mind—"

"SOUND MIND?! MY CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED! KIDNAPPED!"

As Maya was dragged off the chief and out of the room, Peter let out a sigh and said, "I apologize for that, sir. If there's any updates to this case, please let us know."

"Roger that. I do believe your wife needs you, Peter. I'll keep you updated!" Chief Garnier blurted out. As soon as Peter left the room, another couple came barreling in. The Gallaghers, no doubt.

Sure enough, a woman with light brown hair and blue eyes quickly explained, "F-Forgive us, Chief Garnier! We know you're busy, but this is an emergency! Our son has gone missing!" The man next to her tried to speak, but only sobs came out.

"What's your son's name? We'll do everything we can to find him," Chief Garnier assured the couple.

"G-Gilbert Gallagher. Again, we're sorry for taking time out of your schedule. It's just…our other son Gregory became an Aberration nine months ago, and—"

Before Mrs. Gallagher could finish, her husband let out an ear-piercing wail and started thrashing about. "WHY?! WHY DID OUR BOYS HAVE TO GO?!"

"Security…we've got another breakdown here," Chief Garnier groaned.

Once Mr. Gallagher had been taken out of the room, Chief Garnier turned back to the woman in front of him and said, "Go support your husband, madam. You'll be the first to know if there's any updates to the case."

"I understand, sir."

As he watched Mrs. Gallagher leave his office, Chief Garnier let out a sigh and relaxed in his chair, gazing up at the ceiling. His break was interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing.

Grumbling to himself and clenching his fists, the man snatched his phone and snapped, "Chief Henry Garnier speaking."

"Monica just called me! An unauthorized broadcast from a few nights ago is causing havoc in Northpass! Some of our citizens might have seen it!" Mayor Winthrop urged.

The police chief placed the phone on his desk and let out a shriek of frustration, before he spat, "I'll be there in twenty."

Brendon shifted in his seat, trying to ignore the officers glaring at him. He couldn't chicken out now. This was his chance. His chance to prove himself, to get closer to the truth.

"I'm sure you all know why you're here. Two days ago, a group of rebels broke into a news station in Axminster and broadcasted a message encouraging citizens to defy our rulers. Protestors who watched the broadcast are swarming the streets, slandering the Federation and attacking those trying to maintain order. Sadly, it seems that some of Frostdale's residents also watched the broadcast. As a matter of fact, there was a protest today. We were able to arrest most of the protestors at the scene, but several masked individuals managed to escape," Lieutenant Tivoli explained. She then pressed a button, and the screen flickered to life, showing ten images of people in masks.

"Now, we have a general idea of what these individuals look like. The problem is, we also need the public's help in catching these criminals. That's where Mr. Delaney comes in."

As Brendon rose from his seat, he kept his focus on Lieutenant Tivoli. "You're a writer, are you not?"

"Y-Yes—"

"We need you to write a message to the people. It has to be short and snappy, while also being convincing enough to get the public on our side."

"I…I understand, madam."

"Good. You may sit back down, Mr. Delaney."

The rest of the meeting was a blur as Brendon processed the order he'd been given. Words could be a powerful weapon—as an author, he knew that all too well. And now, he was about to use his words as a weapon against citizens whose only crime was protesting tyranny. He was about to damn these brave souls to a life rotting behind bars, all for the crime of going against the Federation.

"Mr. Delaney? The meeting is over," Lieutenant Tivoli said, snapping Brendon out of his thoughts.

"Oh. I see."

"We've set up a room where you can focus. The message is due by midnight. Don't disappoint us," Lieutenant Tivoli ordered.

"I won't. I promise," Brendon assured the woman as the guards took him away.

I gotta focus. This is for Ben. This is for Ben. This is for Ben.

The room that had been set up for him was small, with a desk in the middle and propaganda posters all over the walls. On the desk was a sheet of paper and a pen.

Taking a deep breath and sitting in front of the desk, Brendon picked up the pen and began to write.

"The individuals pictured above are wanted for disturbing the peace of this city and attempting to incite rebellion. If you have any information on these people, please contact the Frostdale Police Department immediately."

Chapter Text

"Mr. Salisbury, you must understand that we are trying our best. It's just that—"

"Can it, Rutherford! Need I remind you that the escapees have now broadcasted a message encouraging the public to rebel?! Not to mention, the crisis with our crops is still ongoing! This nation could be collapsing right before our very eyes!" Salisbury barked.

"I…I understand, sir. But with everything that's happened, it's clear the fugitives are far more intelligent than we thought. We need more time to find them," Dr. Rutherford sighed.

"What we need is more manpower! I want everything locked down now! Surveillance on every corner until we find these escapees! Is that understood?" Salisbury barked again.

Dr. Rutherford let out a shaky sigh of defeat. "Y-Yes, sir."

As Salisbury left, Dr. Rutherford sat back in his chair, fuming in anger. The Aberrations escaping was already bad enough. Now, they'd been able to enter a news station and had encouraged the Federation's citizens to rebel. I knew I should've gotten rid of those little shits when I had the chance.

"Salisbury has ordered a 24 hour lockdown of the entire area until the fugitives are captured," Dr. Rutherford explained to the officers. "No one is to get in or out. If you see anyone out during curfew, bring them in for questioning. If you see any suspicious activity, shut it down."

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Anything you'd like to say, my friends?" Dr. Rutherford asked, turning back to his entourage. Amelia Turnbull raised her hand and said, "Has anyone here been keeping an eye on Clayhill? Chief Garnier called me and said seven kids from there discovered the Castaways. Four of them are in prison, and one of 'em happens to be the brother of an escapee."

Once Amelia finished speaking, the room filled with chatter. Dr. Rutherford had to sit down again to process what he'd heard. Not only had eleven Aberrations escaped, but seven people had found out about the Castaways.

"I say we should keep all the Castaways in one place, far away from the public eye," Dr. Geisler suggested.

"I concur! The last thing we need is the public rioting over the grandchildren of traitors!" Dr. Turnbull agreed.

"I'll call Salisbury and tell him about this. For now, we should all get some rest," Dr. Rutherford sighed.

Stella always loved and admired her older sister Paige—like any normal younger sister. She didn't take too kindly to anyone, and she meant anyone, messing with her lest they want to be on the receiving end of her anger. 

And Sharon Garnier was about to learn that lesson the hard way.

"Are you okay, Stella?" Peri tilted her head. She hadn't spoken a word since coming to school and it was starting to worry her. "Did something happen? Did someone hurt Paige?"

"It's nothing, I'm just...really tired today." She faked a smile. In her heart of hearts, she knew one day, Sharon would try something like this. They never liked each other, moreso on Sharon's part. Stella just found her a nuisance and a bully. Now that Sharon managed to get Paige caught in her web, Stella's dislike turned into full blown hatred. She crossed too many lines at that point.

"That's good."

Stella's somber expression returned as Peri looked away. Don't let me catch you, Sharon.

As the two best friends made their way to science class, Sharon was checking her nails, a malicious grin on her face.

Who did Colin Campbell think he was? The Garniers had kept his family off the streets, and he'd chosen an ugly, poor girl over her?! And now, he'd gotten what he deserved. Hope he enjoys prison for the rest of his life. I doubt he'll survive.

Someone bumping her shoulder pulled her out of her thoughts. "Ugh! Watch where you're-!"

"My apologies." It was her nemesis Stella, and her voice was colder than usual. She glared at Sharon with every form of hatred conceivable. Though Sharon knew her best as Paige's younger sister.

"Ugh, it's you."

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"I'm surprised you have the guts to show your face at school considering who your sister is."

Everyone stopped and stared at the two, a crowd steadily forming. The two girls continued exchanging insults, Peri trying her best to get between them, drowned out by students chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight!" and instigating. Sharon drew first blood by shoving Stella, only to be met with a brutal slap to the face.

"That's for my sister and Colin, you fucking bitch!"

It didn't take long for a group of security guards to arrive. Stella was promptly dragged off of Sharon, who now had tears in her icy blue eyes.

As Stella was marched to the principal's office, the red mist began to fade, regret and horror taking its place. I just slapped Chief Garnier's daughter. He's gonna lose his shit.

"Stella Edwards! How dare you assault another student!"

"She attacked me first—"

"Nonsense! You don't have a single scratch on you! Miss Garnier has a massive bruise on her face! You are suspended for two weeks!"

Stella was about to protest when the guards forced her out of the chair and dragged her to a car. As the car sped off, the driver asked, "What's your address, kid?"

"36 Cedar Street. It's…on the west side."

An uneasy silence filled the car, Stella's hands trembling as she stared at her feet. What if Chief Garnier tries to go after Paige again? Is Peri gonna be alright?

The car stopped in front of a tiny wooden house. After stepping out of the car, Stella slowly opened the door to find nobody inside.

Peri…hang in there. I won't let anything happen to you.

In the 29 years he'd spent on Earth, Benedict Delaney never imagined he'd be wanted by the government. And yet, here he was, wearing a completely different face and on a secret mission with a teenager he'd known for a few weeks.

But even as he and Leo walked through the streets, his brother and best friend wouldn't leave his mind.

How are Brendon and Fin? Are they even alive?

Suddenly, the sounds of glass breaking and people shouting filled the air. A crowd of people had formed, some holding signs and others throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. "Power to the people! Down with tyranny!"

Benedict and Leo froze as they watched the crowd, Leo's eyes lighting up and Benedict giving him a concerned look. Leo pulled Benedict into an alleyway, then excitedly whispered, "People are finally waking up! This could be the start of a better country!"

I don't know about that…

"Now's our chance to find the police station! C'mon, Ben!"

As soon as the duo stepped out of the alleyway, a cloud of white gas filled the air. Despite the stinging in his eyes, Benedict could hear screaming and shouting from the crowd before them.

"Ben? I'm gonna find some water for you!"

Leo began to slowly guide his friend to an empty café, then took him to the bathroom and turned on the sink. "Here. Wash out your eyes. We can find some new clothes for you later."

"Thanks, Leo. Are you alright?"

"Yeah. We should get back to the others…"

Leo and Benedict hesitantly stepped outside of the café, only to be greeted with a scene of chaos. Dozens of protestors were being tackled to the ground, small puddles of blood forming beneath their heads.

"Leo? Try not to look at that," Benedict whispered, grabbing the teenager's trembling hand and trying to pull him away from the scene.

The walk back to the encampment was silent, Leo's eyes wide as he gripped Benedict's hand.

"So, did you find the station?" Tim asked upon seeing the duo.

"There was a protest. I…I didn't think that many people got my message," Leo whispered.

"But that's a good thing, right? I mean, we're trying to open as many eyes as possible! You even said that yourself!" Greg pointed out.

"We saw a bunch of people getting tackled so hard they bled. I didn't want people getting hurt because of my words!" Leo confessed, gazing at his feet in shame.

"You're not the one making the rules! Even if the shitheads in power don't want people questioning them, that only means we have to come back stronger! I bet all those protestors would say the same if they were standing here right now!" Cesario insisted, placing a hand on Leo's shoulder.

"You should rest for a bit, Leo. God knows you need it," Benedict said, guiding his friend to the tent.

I'm sorry, Ben. First they went after your loved ones, and now hundreds of people could be in danger because of my words…

No. I can't think like that. We've already come this far. We can't give up now!

"Mama? Everything hurts," David whimpered, gripping his mother's arm tightly.

Lesley fought back the tears in her eyes, then sighed, "It'll be okay, Davey. I promise—"

"Okay? Okay?! Colin and his friends got arrested for helping us! They could be dead right now!" Robin blurted out. Then he murmured, "God, I'm so fucking stupid. I should've kept my mouth shut…"

"Is Robin telling the truth? Did they kill Colin and his friends for being nice to us?" David asked, his voice trembling.

Before Lesley could respond, a guard burst through the door and shouted, "Listen up! You're all getting moved to a new place for scum like you tonight!"

As soon as the guard was gone, Harry placed a hand on Robin's shoulder and said, "This isn't your fault, Robin. They would have killed David if you didn't follow their orders."

Robin nodded as he tried to wipe his ongoing tears. "So…does this mean we're gonna trapped with people like us? Other Castaways?"

"Seems like it."

The hours dragged on as the Castaways waited to be shipped off to a new home. Just as Harry, Robin and David were about to drift off to sleep, multiple armed guards stormed in and dragged all twenty Castaways into the back of a van.

Maybe I can become friends with some other Castaways, and we can band together and fight back against the Federation. But for now, I need to stay alive for everyone's sake, Robin thought to himself as he huddled next to Harry.

While the Castaways were being taken away, Colin was lying on the cold floor, his sisters and Gilbert asleep next to him. His eyelids grew heavy, then began to slide shut. Leo…I hope you're okay.

"Have you seen that kid with the glasses? God, he gives me the creeps!"

"I know, right? He's always reading something boring! And when you try to talk to him, he just stares at you!"

Colin had gotten used to the mocking laughter from his classmates. After all, this was what he'd been hearing since kindergarten. He'd always been the weird kid, the one nobody wanted to be seen with. Eighth grade wasn't going to be any different from the past few years of his life.

As Colin closed his book, a tan boy with black hair and sky blue eyes walked up to his desk and chirped, "Hey! What's your name? I'm Leo!"

"…Colin."

"You know, I've got a collection of books in this little shack outside of town. You should come check them out," Leo whispered.

If he's keeping these books somewhere outside of town…does that mean they were banned?

"And what exactly are they about?"

"You'll see when we get there," Leo replied, a smirk on his face. He looks cute when he's smiling…hold on, what am I thinking?! He's a guy! We could never be together!

The rest of the day was a blur as Colin waited for school to end. As soon as the final bell rang, Colin and Leo were walking to the outskirts of Clayhill, glancing around them for any guards or police officers.

"I've never seen you around before, Leo. Did your family move to Clayhill or something?"

"Nah, I've been here my whole life! I just transferred from Hawthorne to Everglade. Fuckers threw me out for saying deformed babies deserve to live. I mean, do they hear the shit that comes out of their mouths? Why should people die just because they can't 'serve the greater good' or whatever?! As far as I'm concerned, this whole damn country's rotten to the core—"

"You shouldn't be saying things like that! There could be cameras out here!" Colin hissed, gripping Leo's hand tightly.

"Sorry. I'm just so fucking done with the Federation. Matter of fact, that's why I've been collecting banned books! I'm sure you'd enjoy them, Collie!"

As Leo continued to prattle on about his thoughts and the books he'd collected, Colin found himself smiling as a single realization dawned on him.

I've made a new friend.

Chapter Text

Colin knew something was wrong the minute he opened his eyes. Upon glancing at his companions, he could feel a pit forming in his stomach.

Instead of their fair skin and pale blonde hair, Hazel and Tracey both had light grey skin. Hazel's sky blue hair faded into white, while Tracey's hair was split into red, yellow and blue sections. Gilbert wasn't doing much better, with blue skin and green hair with white highlights.

"Guys?! Wake up!" Colin hissed, grabbing each of his companions and lightly shaking them.

"Ngh…Colin? What happened to your hair?!" Gilbert shouted.

Grabbing a few strands of his hair, the pit in Colin's stomach grew as he realized his skin had become stark white, with his hair now being pale silver.

No…did we turn into—

"Oi! We've been calling you little shits for the past ten minutes!"

"Dammit…Hazel and Tracey are still sleeping!" Colin hissed.

Before Gilbert could respond, a guard stormed in, only to drop his rifle upon seeing the four teenagers. "FOUR PRISONERS HAVE BECOME ABERRATIONS! I REPEAT, FOUR PRISONERS HAVE BECOME ABERRATIONS!"

In the blink of an eye, the cell was being stormed by armed guards. While a collar was placed on his neck, Colin was forced to watch as his sisters and friend were collared and marched out of the room. By this point, Hazel and Tracey had finally woken up, their eyes wide with terror.

This is all my fault. If I'd just been more careful on that day, if I'd never defied the Federation, none of this would be happening.

As the four teenagers were dragged out into the streets and tossed into the back of a train car, Colin heard a guard saying, "More Aberrations have been discovered!" Please let them be strangers. Please.

"Is everyone okay? What's going on? How did we become Aberrations?!" Hazel shouted over the chaos outside.

"I might have broken a few ribs back there," Tracey grunted, gently stroking her back.

"I'm sorry! This is all my fault! If I'd just stayed in line and never discovered the Castaways—" Colin began, before Hazel cut him off.

"You only wanted to do the right thing! If you wanna blame anyone for this, blame the Federation!"

"Are the Castaways alright? Did any of our friends become Aberrations too? God, why does everything have to be so complicated?!" Colin ranted, clutching fistfuls of his silver hair.

"I…I don't know, Collie. Just please, please don't blame yourself for any of this. We'll always stick by you, no matter what happens," Hazel assured her brother, pulling him into a gentle hug.

Of all the things Paige expected to wake up to, becoming an Aberration was at the bottom of her list. But worse yet, her baby sister was going through the same thing.

"Well, I think rainbow hair looks good on you! And p-pink's always been my favorite color! I could get used to being pink all over!" Stella chuckled, a shaky smile on her face.

"We need to get out of here. Mom and Dad should be waking up in ten minutes."

The moment Paige and Stella stepped out of their house, a scream pierced the air. "ABERRATIONS!"

"…I don't think we're gonna escape in time," Stella said.

Sure enough, a fleet of police cars arrived in three minutes. The sisters were collared and handcuffed, then shoved into the back of a car. Paige's stomach dropped as she watched two other teenagers being forced into a different car. Don't let them be who I think they are. Please…

As the sisters were being driven to the train, Stella turned to Paige and whispered, "What now? Are they gonna kill us?"

"I hope not…"

Before the sisters knew it, they were forced into a train car. "Paige? Stella?! What are you doing here?!"

"Colin! You're alive!" Stella gasped, before embracing the older boy tightly.

He doesn't hate you for stabbing him in the back, Paige. He's too sweet for that, right?

The awkward silence was interrupted by shrieks as four more teenagers were shoved into the train car. "That should be all of 'em!"

The pit in Colin's stomach became a black hole as he glanced at his fellow prisoners. Even with their mutated appearances, their identities were unmistakable. "Is everyone okay?" Colin asked the group.

"Okay? Okay?! We've all become mutated abominations! We're getting taken away from everything we know! How the fuck are any of us supposed to be okay?!" Warren snapped.

"Hey! Colin was only trying to be nice!" Stella retorted.

"T-Tony? What are you doing here? I thought rich kids would be treated better if they turned into Aberrations!" Lazarus pointed out.

"Apparently not. I'm sorry I gave up on you guys so quickly! Chief Garnier's crazier than I could have imagined—"

"No. We should be the ones apologizing. We left the Campbells and Gilbert to rot—" Paige replied, before Warren shouted, "Hold on. What the hell is everyone on about?! Was there some criminal plot you guys got dragged into or something?"

The train car was silent for a moment as the other Aberrations contemplated what to say. "Look, Warren. I know you think the Federation's trying to protect us. But you couldn't be more wrong," Lazarus sighed.

"None of us would be here without them! What's gotten into you? Are you a clone of the real Lazarus?!" Warren sputtered.

"He's telling the truth, Warren. You see, the Federation has a secret law that punishes your family for three generations if you do something particularly bad. The people subjected to these laws are known as Castaways, and Colin discovered that twenty of them were living in Clayhill. He set up an operation to help them, and everyone but you got involved in it. Of course, we were caught and arrested—" Tony explained, only for Warren to cut him off.

"So, let me get this straight. Campbell here discovered a bunch of people being subjected to some secret law, so he set up a criminal operation and dragged my best friend into it?!"

"That 'criminal operation' was set up to help twenty suffering people! Who, by the way, were being starved and tortured by your precious Federation!" Paige barked.

Silence. All Warren could do was sit alone and stare at his feet. No…I can't let them get to me. The Federation is trying to keep us safe. That has to be the truth, right? It has to be!

Because if our rulers really are as evil as everyone here says…was everything I believed in a lie?

"Look, Warren. All of us were in your shoes at one point. We all thought the Federation knew best, even with their more questionable methods. But everything we've learned about them has proven otherwise. A government that punishes children for the actions of their ancestors, a government that slaughters and imprisons anyone they see fit, a government that keeps its citizens in a state of constant fear…is that a government you want to support?" Colin said, reaching for Warren's hand.

I've been following monsters all this time…monsters that kept me and my family alive.

God, why does everything have to be so complicated?!

"…I need time to think. Just leave me alone," Warren sighed, moving away from the rest of the group and burying his face in his knees.

"So, you and Ben haven't found out anything?" Tim asked. Leo simply nodded and replied, "It seems they predicted that we'd try to find Brendon and Phineas. Ben thinks they could still be in Frostdale, but I doubt that."

Suddenly, a loud whistle pierced the air. More kids have become Aberrations.

"L-Leo? What are we gonna do?" Greg murmured. The other Aberrations were already rushing to hide in their tents, the panic amongst them rising as the whistling grew closer.

"We're rescuing the kids on board."

"With all due respect, Boss, how the hell are we supposed to board a MOVING TRAIN that most certainly has armed guards on board?!" Rochelle objected. As soon as she finished ranting, the whistle was heard by the group again.

"You can summon fabric from thin air, right?"

"Yeah, but—"

"There's no time for buts! We are saving those kids! Rochelle, you and Bea are getting us onto that train! Once everyone's on there, follow my lead!"

Rochelle and Beatrice glanced nervously at each other, before standing next to Leo. The group scrambled to pack what little they had, shoving most of it in Jasmine's bag. As soon as the train arrived, ribbons and vines appeared in everyone's hands. "Hold on tight!"

The next few minutes were filled with terrified screaming as the group landed on the train one by one. After catching Jasmine, Leo shouted, "Tabitha and Cassandra are gonna open the doors! Cover your ears until they're done!"

There was thirty seconds of suspense, then Tabitha called, "The doors are open!" In a split second, everyone was inside the train.

"FREEZE!"

"Don't worry, guys. We'll handle this. Just cover your noses for a bit," Tim chirped, holding Cesario's hand as all three of his eyes turned red. It took fifteen seconds for the guards to freeze in their tracks, unable to stop Cesario from burning his left finger and knocking them out with the smoke produced by the wound.

"That should be all of 'em," Cesario deadpanned.

It didn't take long for the group to find the last train car. As soon as they stepped inside, Leo's stomach dropped. "C-Colin?!"

"LEO?!" Colin gasped, his eyes widening at the sight of his boyfriend.

The other nine prisoners were still for a bit, before the floodgates opened. Peri bolted to Tim, tackling her brother to the ground and embracing him tightly. Greg gently wiped the tears from Gilbert's face and whispered, "It's really me, Gil. And I ain't goin' anywhere."

"Holy shit…am I dreaming, or did THE Leonidas Zafeiriou really escape the Federation?" Paige breathed out, gazing up at Leo with awe. Stella was clinging to Paige and grinning as she looked at Leo, while Tony and Lazarus froze in place.

"Please, just call me Leo. Anyways, we need to get off this train."

Before Warren could protest, he was already being picked up by Cesario and carried onto the top of the train. "Now!" Leo hollered. Ribbons and vines manifested in everyone's hands and wrapped around several trees. In a split second, the group was flung into the air as they tried to land safely on the ground.

Once everyone was on the ground, Leo asked, "Is everyone alright?"

"…H-How are you even alive? You g-got taken away!" Warren stuttered, backing away from Leo.

"The Federation's lied about a lot of things, Warren. You'll come to understand eventually."

"Try to go easy on him, Leo. He's just learned his entire belief system was a lie," Colin told his boyfriend.

I don't know what comes after this…everything I've known has crumbled before my eyes, all in a few hours.

But as long as Lazarus is by my side, maybe this future won't be so scary.

"…If Laz is joining you, so am I."

"Very well, then. We should all get some rest. It's been a long day," Leo replied, gently stroking Warren's hand.

Of all the things Dr. William Rutherford was expecting to happen during the hunt for the twelve fugitives driving him up the wall, said fugitives snatching up ten newly transformed Aberrations was at the bottom of his list.

And yet, here he was, holed up in a tower with his colleagues as they received some of the worst news they could have imagined.

"None of us could have seen this coming! It all happened so suddenly, and—"

"I've heard enough excuses for one day! How would Salisbury feel if he found out about this? How would the president feel?!"

Amelia and Steven Turnbull glanced at each other, before Amelia whispered to her husband, "Billy's gonna snap any day now…"

"What are we going to do about this, sir?" Dr. Geisler asked.

"We need as many guards on the streets as possible! These godforsaken fugitives could put an end to this country as we know it! Their relatives are to be imprisoned as well!" Dr. Rutherford ordered, banging his fist on the table.

6190 should have been shot the minute he was taken to the facility. But thanks to our incompetence, his poison infected the other Aberrations and one of our employees.

Don't worry, President. I will remedy this mistake.