Chapter 24

This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule

Your Dad may still be missing, but your mum coming around is a good sign Gareth. The more people in your world that we can keep as confidants, the better!

"Exactly Olban, especially considering that our enemy's weakness seems to be loneliness. We are building something that he'll never get through his pathetic minions. Oh, sorry Wren, that doesn't apply to you!"

"It's ok, I'm not one of them anymore." Wren smiled. "So this tea stuff you're making, is it like a soda, but hot?"

Oh Wren, he is so innocent for a former enemy. I would hug him if I could.

"Sorry Eloise, maybe I'll hug him later."

"Hugs? That sounds pleasant!"

The trio within one and Wren then heard the front door open, leading to Gareth and Wren racing to the living room to see who had arrived.

"Brian! Is it really you this time?"

"This time? Honey what do you mean?" The man Gareth knew as his father said. "The last thing I remember was being knocked out and waking up in a storage closet. It took me a while to figure out where I was, but I never stopped fighting to get back to make sure you were safe. Oh Gareth, you're here too! Thank heavens you are also ok!"

Well, saves us the trouble of tracking down the old man. Looks like we have to convince him all over again though.

"I'm glad you're safe dad. Please have a seat with mum. I think I can explain why you went through the ordeal you just did."

"Don't go near Gareth's mom you fake bastard!"

"Wren? What's gotten into you?"

"He's a fake, just like the one earlier. The Nameless One tried to catch us off guard by sending another one shortly after, probably assuming all of you would overlook it. But not me."

"Wren, how do you know he's not my Dad? You couldn't tell if humans were minions before, but all of a sudden you can?"

"Yes Gareth, I can tell this time." Wren protested. "I'm not quite sure why I couldn't before, but he is definitely a fake. Maybe overcoming the darkness on the way here through that hypnosis began awakening something in me, because I can also sense that I have access to that same darkness, and can even control it. So yeah, you don't need to pop a new memory in my head, this darkness is now my weapon."

"Wren, this is really sudden! I'm not sure if this is something you should be messing with!"

"Don't worry my friend, I've got this. You guys spared me with the intention of me protecting you all. So let me do my part now, Gareth."

This is a far cry from the clueless, adorable Wren that I'm used to. What if he is going evil again guys?

I doubt it Eloise. If he was really reverting back to his old self, he would probably just let the dad minion kill us. We may still be learning about his kind, but I think he's still on our side, I'm confident in that. Let's just observe what is manifesting in Wren.

"Go stand by your mum. I'll take out this son of a bitch." Wren snarled before facing Brian. "Because that's what your boss is man, a fucking bitch!"

"Awwwww, are you petty that the boss dumped you?" Brian teased as his eyes glowed red. "I'm the latest masterpiece, nothing like the other failures like you that came before!"

"We'll see dickhead." Wren countered as his eyes turned black. Gareth, Sarah, and the living room all disappeared into the darkness that now surrounded Wren and Brian. Brian's smirk switched to an expression of fear.

"Where have you taken me? What is this place?"

"We're still at the Wilks place physically, but mentally you are within my mind. This darkness was something your boss used to keep us in check, but I have control over this space now. In here we can fight without damaging the home of my friend's parents. So come at me asshole!"

Brian stared at Wren in silence, shivering in fear.

"I thought you were the newest masterpiece, but that's not how you look from here. Do you not like the darkness pal? You know this is your master's endgame, right? All darkness, all the time!"

"Please, get us out of here man! I can't take this!"

"Awwww, is the poor little minion scared? You came here to kill us, and now you got no bite? Did your boss forget to give you a pair when he made you?"

Brian screamed and cowered as his body began decaying. Once he was nothing but dust, the darkness faded, bringing Wren back to the living room with Gareth (along with Olban and Eloise) and Sarah. Mother and son stared wide eyed at the former minion who was clearly not as meek as he appeared in his human appearance.

"Wren!" Gareth said incredulously. "You made that minion disintegrate! Both of you were just standing there talking, then he was gone!"

Wren is going through quite an evolution. We've got to get back to Master Stell and work out a way to get Wren to my world as soon as possible, so we can get his take on all this!

He really was incredible.... what a glow up he just got! It is quite frightening, but I'm relieved he's on our side!

And to think Gareth, you initially had us pretend to fight Wren to prove that magic exists to your family. Wren just gave a true demonstration of magic.

"Right? I wonder if the Nameless One built that ability Wren displayed within his minions in case one of them ever went rogue? He is probably arrogant enough to think that none of his minions could actually unlock the power and use it themselves. Anyway, we will have lots more to sort out now. But this seems like a good problem to have."

"Oh crap, your mum heard everything I said to that jerk!" Wren exclaimed while showing signs of shame. "I'm sorry Ms. Wilks, I got a bit carried away with the bad words I said. I just hate my old master and his flunkies so much! And when I realized what that phoney was trying to do.... I just got fired up!"

"It's ok Wren, I know you're a nice young man." Sarah said sweetly. "Gareth, I almost feel like I'm getting used to all of this craziness since you proved that your magic stories were real. Are you, Wren, and the rest of your friends ready to talk over that cuppa now?"

Wren smiled before taking a seat on the couch, as Gareth began prepping their drinks.

"Hey guys, there is one more thing I was able to do while I was in the dark with the Mr. Wilks that wasn't Mr. Wilks that you should all know about."

"Go on Wren." Gareth replied while pouring the tea. "What else happened?"

"I got a look inside that minion's mind. And now I know where your dad is.... the real one."