Funesto Read online

  RJ Sorrento

  Funesto

  Captain Stellar 2

  First published by R.J. Sorrento 2020

  Copyright © 2020 by RJ Sorrento

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

  RJ Sorrento has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

  Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

  Warning: These warnings contain spoilers. This book has depictions of torture, kidnapping, action violence, death of a minor character, and grief. This book also contains sexual content and is intended for adult readers.

  First edition

  Editing by Charlie Knight

  Cover art by C.J. Tanuan

  This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

  Find out more at reedsy.com

  For those seeking light in the darkness.

  Contents

  Acknowledgement

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  About the Author

  Also by RJ Sorrento

  Acknowledgement

  Ah, the joy and terror of writing a second book. Revising Funesto was an emotional and, at times, draining experience. I wouldn’t have made it to the end without encouragement from some very special people in my life. It was a worthwhile experience, and I’m stronger for it.

  To my husband, C, thanks for putting up with me while I struggled to write and revise this book. I always appreciate that you take the time to listen.

  To my sister, J, thanks for cheering me on and for being a sounding board whenever I talk out ideas.

  To my friend and critique partner, Becca, thank you for pushing me to keep going. Your enthusiasm for my characters, especially Fernando, is greatly appreciated.

  To my beta readers, Danielle and Taz, I am so thankful for your feedback and helpful comments, and I’m so glad we’ve met in the Twitterverse.

  To my editor, Charlie, thank you for your supportive feedback and acknowledging how difficult a second book can be. Your encouragement and expertise made all the difference.

  To my cover artist, C.J., I am in awe of your talent. Thanks for bringing my characters to life.

  To the Twitter writing community, especially the LGBTQ+ writers/readers, thank you for the love and support. This book would not exist without you.

  To my parents, thanks for always believing in me.

  Chapter 1

  September 6, 2019

  “No one’s coming.” Margo stopped pacing. Her words shattered the silence of the spacious Tech Room at Almighty Labs.

  Cal shifted in his seat, surrounded by rows of long tables loaded with tablets, laptops, and various gadgets he didn’t recognize. He wanted to stand tall and be ready for Princess Freeze or any of Dr. Almighty’s remaining loyal followers, but he had drained his powers after the battle and the grueling flight home. He succumbed to the chair that Fernando had offered him several times, his dark eyes fixed on the tile floor.

  “I’m hungry.” Margo glanced at Cal and then at her brother.

  “We’ll eat later,” Fernando grunted. He stomped a few rows closer to Cal, the clang of his boots echoed in the Tech Room, bouncing off the vaulted ceiling and walls, which were empty except for the multimedia screens. Cal stared at Fernando, wishing he would meet his gaze. Fernando sat two chairs over on Cal’s left, his eyes still focused on the tiled floor.

  “But we could wait here for days.” Margo turned to glare at Fernando.

  “Siéntate y cállate.”

  Yikes. Cal knew enough Spanish to understand that Fernando told Margo to sit and shut up.

  Margo stuck out her tongue at Fernando and ran off to the furthest table. Her footsteps grew quieter and quieter until Cal could barely hear them. This room was ridiculously large. And cold. He’d been on such a high of adrenaline that he hadn’t noticed. But even from here, he saw goosebumps on Fernando’s arms. Maybe he was colder than usual since he wasn’t wearing his gloves. A chill nipped at Cal’s nose and ears. He would ignore the drop in temperature, just as he’d been pretending not to notice the hunger pangs despite the persistent sense of emptiness in his stomach.

  “Fernando?” Cal moved over one seat to sit beside him. The empty chair was freezing, but his curiosity took precedence over comfort.

  Fernando cleared his throat.

  “Are you, um, avoiding me?” Cal craned his neck to make eye contact.

  Fernando locked eyes with him, and it was a rush of energy that warmed Cal’s chest and spread to his fingers and toes. His gaze struck Cal. Fernando felt like home in a way that no one else had before. But Cal detected an emptiness in his dark brown eyes, ever since Fernando had confessed to killing Dr. Almighty.

  “No, not avoiding…” Fernando folded his arms across his chest, tucking in his hands. His eyes clouded, and Cal could only guess what Fernando was feeling. Cal suspected remorse. Fernando had been sidestepping to avoid Dr. Almighty’s remains while he and Margo paced. His dark stare focused on the dust and bits of bone that cloaked the wide gray tiles until he left the room, returning with a vase to collect what remained of his captor.

  “Then what?” Cal refused to let him off that easy. Maybe Fernando thought Cal hated him for killing Ted? But he’d never know half of what was running through Fernando’s head if he stayed silent.

  “I have a lot on my mind. It helps for me to be quiet. To think.” Fernando shifted side to side. “About what I’ve done. All of it.”

  “Now isn’t the best time to dwell.” Cal placed a hand on Fernando’s knee.

  Fernando rolled his eyes. “Don’t let me off the hook so easily. I’ve done terrible things in the past ten years. Things I hope you never find out.”

  Cal swallowed hard. The past was done. Ten years ago, he was an angsty adolescent living at home with his mom and dad. No superpowers, no divorced parents. But he couldn’t go back. All he had was this moment, sitting beside a mysterious and troubled but kind and caring man who Cal would do anything for. No matter how checkered Fernando’s past was.

  “We can’t change your past. Even something that happened hours ago.”

  “When I killed my mentor, for instance?” Fernando’s words were soaked in anger, but his eyes were red-rimmed and watery.

  “I’m not trying to downplay that.” Cal looked to Margo lost at sea, but she avoided his hopeful stare. “All I’m saying is we can’t change what happened, so we have to forgive and move on and—”

  “So you forgive me?” Fernando’s voice was quiet.

  “It might sound kinda strange, but I’m thankful for what you did. I’ve had time to let the initial shock of you killing someone with your bare hands wear off. I’ve been thinking hard about things.”

  “Sounds dangerous,” Fernando teased.

  Cal shook his head. “I’m serious. Dr. Almighty put you in a terrible position, and he forced you to make a choice. You saved me.” He squeezed Fernando’s knee. “You rescued my family and many others by doing the hardest thing in the world.”

  “It wasn’t that hard.” Fernando arched an eyebrow. He unfolded his arms and rubbed his bare hands together. “I forget how freeing it is not to wear gloves. It’s been nice to take a break from them, even for a few hours.”

  Cal moved his hand to squeeze Fernando’s shoulder. Something bittersweet tightened his chest. It wasn’t fair that Fernando had to be restricted by his gloves, forever stuck with destructive power. Dr. Almighty was gone, but his legacy lingered.

  “So, we’re good?” Fernando’s gaze met Cal’s. His eyes seemed clearer and brighter.

  A thundering boom in the distance jolted Cal in his seat. It hadn’t looked like rain earlier.

  “Did you hear something?” Cal’s eyes darted toward the Tech Room’s entrance. He widened his stance and took in a breath. The hallway leading to the room was the perfect instrument to carry the echo of approaching
thuds. Margo perked up, too. She got up from the back row and flew to Cal and Fernando’s central location.

  “Footsteps.” Fernando stood and pounded a bare fist into his hand with a growl.

  “But who? It can’t be Rita.” Margo narrowed her eyes. “Surely the police have arrested her.”

  “Unless she had help. I didn’t get to fight the invisible girl you warned me about. Then again, I couldn’t really see her—”

  Fernando shot up a hand to hush Cal and Margo. “I hear two, no, three or four people running down the corridor. But we can take them. Vamos.”

  Cal stepped in front of Fernando and Margo to shield them. So much for triumphant celebrations. He longed to hang on to the waves of relief that had washed over him after defeating Dr. Almighty. Although he was low on physical energy after the rescue mission at the Ferris Wheel and the flight back to Almighty Labs two hours ago, he wouldn’t let that stop him from fighting. If Princess Freeze and the recruits wouldn’t back down, he wouldn’t either.

  Cal turned to check the security camera footage on the screens. Even in grainy black and white, there was no mistaking Freeze and her band of misfits. Her eyes were fiery and focused, and Cal took in a deep breath to remind himself that he had powers, much better than hers, even if he wasn’t at his strongest right now. He would need to be enough to defeat her this time.

  “Captain Stellar, long time no see.” Princess Freeze stormed the entrance and shot icy blades with a wave of her hand. Cal dodged them, but then a sudden sting in his jaw stopped him in his tracks. He clutched his face and saw blood on his fingers when he dropped his hand. Rita’s blade must have grazed him. The pain jolted him into action, and he scanned the entrance for the others behind her. Rob, the short, wiry teen who could take on a steel form, was on Rita’s left. A petite woman with brown hair that cascaded in messy waves down her back pushed her way to the front to stand beside Rita. Her gray eyes narrowed, and she smiled at him with thin pale lips.

  “Who’s your friend?” Cal pointed.

  “Nosy.” Rita smirked. “I’m the one who should be asking questions.”

  “Who says we’ll answer?” Fernando spat.

  “How did you get away from the cops, Rob?” Cal had watched him get handcuffed only a few hours ago, his feet trapped in a block of ice.

  “The name’s Nora.” The gray-eyed woman winked before Rob could answer Cal’s question. “Let’s just say the police went head over heels for me.”

  “Are you one of Dr. Almighty’s?” Cal asked. “What’s your power?”

  Nora nodded, ignoring his second question.

  “She left Almighty Labs years ago. One of the few who didn’t want to stick around.” Fernando must have recognized her. “Can’t say that I blame her, but I don’t know her power.”

  “What on earth possessed you to team up with Rita?” Margo demanded.

  “What can I say? I love helping others.” Nora’s shoulder brushed against Rita’s. “I never agreed with Dr. Almighty’s methods, but Princess Freeze needs someone on her side. Adding my powers makes this a fair fight.”

  “Speaking of Dr. Almighty…where is he? I was instructed to return to the Tech Room once the mission was complete.” Rita’s eyes seemed to search for her mentor as if willing him to appear.

  Cal gulped. “Uh…”

  “We answered your questions. Too many if you ask me. Where is Dr. Almighty?” Rita held an icy blade in her hand as she stepped toward Cal.

  “Your fight’s with me, Princess.” Fernando stood between them. “I killed Ted.”

  Rita froze. “You what?” Cal watched as her icy, bold facade cracked. She stood in silence, her chin dropped to her chest. “You killed him?! But it’s not possible!”

  Fernando retreated to grab the vase from a long white table. He took several cautious steps forward and tipped it toward Rita, revealing the ashes inside.

  “No…he can’t be gone,” she whispered. With tears spilling down her cheeks, she locked her fiery eyes on Fernando. Cal’s heart raced as Rita transformed her grief into something ferocious. He shoved his arm in front of Fernando’s chest to push him away from her.

  Rita lunged at Fernando, but Rob grabbed her from behind to pull her back. “His gloves are off, Princess.”

  “He would have killed all of you with that bomb. It was a price he was willing to pay. I had to stop him.” Fernando’s dark eyes were lost and distant, lacking their mischievous spark. Cal almost didn’t recognize his voice in such monotone.

  “And I would have died for him,” Rita sputtered, her voice cracking. “Happily!” She pushed Rob out of the way and stepped forward, throwing ice across Fernando’s mouth. Cal’s stomach dropped, not expecting her sudden shift in attack. Before Cal reached Rita, she captured Fernando’s hands, joining his dangerous weapons in a jagged block of ice. Cal’s heart was in his throat. Rita had thrown ice blocks before, but her boldness to attack Fernando’s bare hands shook him. He wanted to kick himself. What kind of superhero was he? Rita’s action shouldn’t surprise him anymore. “Rob, take the murderer. Funesto is coming with us.”

  “You’re not getting past me.” Cal blocked Fernando.

  “Or me.” Margo flew and hovered to kick Rita. She dodged Margo’s kick, ducking her head while shifting to her left. With a cackle, Rita ran off, Margo giving chase through the aisles of white tables. Margo groaned and flew after her, catching up quickly. Cal watched, not wanting to leave Fernando’s side while Rob transformed into steel. The teen rushed toward Fernando, gripping him by the arm. Fernando struggled to free himself, and Cal held tight to Fernando’s side. He couldn’t waste what little energy he had on punching steel, but he could break the ice on Fernando’s hands. With the side of his fist, he hit the ice block, holding back so he wouldn’t injure Fernando’s hands with the ice. A small crack formed in the block and hope flickered in Fernando’s eyes. One more hit, and his hands would be free.

  Cal pulled back his fist to hit the ice but paused when he saw Rita had slowed, hunching over to catch her breath. Margo swooped like an eagle finding a weakness in her prey. Cal tasted relief; Rita was almost in Margo’s clutches. But Rita sprang up with a block of ice in her hands. She swung it at Margo’s head.

  The thud of Margo hitting the floor reverberated through Cal’s chest. Fernando looked as helpless as Cal felt, their eyes on Margo’s unconscious body on the floor.

  “Rob, take him! Let’s go!” Rita shot ice blades at Cal, but he didn’t dodge them; they’d bounce off his uniform. Instead, he pushed Fernando behind his back, shielding Fernando’s body with his own. He wouldn’t let them take him. Cal wanted to keep him safe, to embrace him, but he needed his hands to fight. Helplessness tore through him, blood pounding in his ears while his mind raced. He had to figure out how to protect Fernando and fight them off. Could he do both at the same time? His stomach somersaulted as the thought of losing Fernando planted a seed of fear in his mind. It seemed impossible to win even with his abilities, but there had to be a way.

  Rita stopped shooting ice, and Cal took advantage of the brief reprieve. He inhaled, gathering his strength. If only he could stay one step ahead of her. No more shocks and surprises to catch him off guard. Think. He could punch the ice block around Fernando’s hands again, crack it wide open. Then Fernando could help him fight.

  A sudden kick to Cal’s side nearly knocked him off his feet. He turned toward his attacker, but no one was there. Unless…

  The invisible one.

  “You have the element of surprise, I’ll give you that.” Cal puffed out his chest. “But you kick for shit.”

  That comment had earned him two more kicks on his left side, both weak but jarring since Cal wasn’t ready for them. Fernando head-butted the air. Before Cal could question Fernando’s strange move, a girl collapsed to the ground. She was on the floor, no longer invisible, covering her flushed face as if to hide herself.

  “Ainsley, you’re weak,” Rita growled.

  “Got anything better than that?” Cal folded his arms, more than pleased with himself, and even more impressed by Fernando if that was possible. Even with his hands out of commission, Fernando was formidable, and a rush of admiration coursed through Cal’s body.

  Rob hardened his body to steel and pushed past Cal to grab Fernando. “Not so fast, little guy.” Cal punched Rob’s arm, which stung like hell, especially with his healing energy still recharging.