♪ ♪
Previously on "The Nine Lives of Chloe King"...
That feeling I got when I first saw him in the church,
it was like I was experiencing exactly what he was feeling.
This is the longest we've spent together since mom died.
What's that supposed to mean?
Dad, most fathers would be thrilled that their son actually wanted to spend time with them.
I like you a lot and I like being around you.
If you need time, I'm in no hurry.
Something tells me we're going to be very good friends.
Alek!
Your mom, she's the leader of the Mai?
I'm sorry, Chloe, but your life is no longer your own.
Hey! Wait up.
You're doing great.
Though I don't think an assassin would let you take
a time out to catch your breath,
at least none of the assassins I know.
And that's why we're training.
But you can't keep stopping to look for obstacles.
Assume they're going to be there and improvise.
Assume invisible obstacles. Got it.
The Order won't tell you where the knives are gonna land.
That's why you're such a good teacher...
Always bringing it back to a practical application.
Think she's ready?
- Ready for what? - I don't know.
I'm gonna say yes, but there's only one way to find out.
Wait!
How come my opinion doesn't count for anything?
- And I'm thinking not. - Chloe, you can do this.
I promise. Back up and try again.
Stop acting like a little scaredy human.
But what if I am a little scaredy human?
No, you're Mai. So stop thinking and start using your instinct.
I am, and my instincts are telling me that you people are crazy.
If Alek can do it, then I'm pretty sure you can.
Hey.
Fine.
It generally hurts less if you actually jump all the way across.
You didn't trust yourself. Next time you might not be so lucky.
Not gonna be a next time.
Come on, we got a lot more work to do.
♪ Another night to come alive ♪
♪ When worlds collide ♪
♪ I come alive ♪
Morning.
Made your favorite... Cereal and bowl.
Some assembly required.
Oh excellent.
I was actually craving...
Unfrosted corn byproducts?
I thought I was supposed to enjoy my youth.
What happened to that box of sugary deliciousness?
Down your mother's gullet at 11:00 last night.
You're not the only one with cravings.
I think I'm gonna be late tonight.
It's okay. It's Wednesday.
Ah, dinner with the dos amigos, yeah.
You going to Amy's this week?
I think burgers is the plan.
Already jealous.
Oh and, Chloe, what exactly were you doing last night?
I found your jeans on the bathroom floor
with a huge hole in 'em.
Uh, you know me. Wild child...
Slinking down alleys, running across rooftops.
I tripped over the recycling bin coming in the side.
How many times have I told you that area of the...
The "are you okay?" Is implied
as is the "I love you."
- Always is. And I'm fine. - Have a good day.
Ugh.
- For sure! - You have to promise.
You can't tell anyone.
Devon's parents were out of town last night, and we totally...
- Really? - Sure did.
Yes, it's infected. Yes, it hurt.
And yes, my mom's gonna kill me if she ever sees it.
Coach says a 4.9 won't even get college scouts interested.
Turn around.
- Having fun? - I swear I'm gonna tie a bell around your neck.
Stop sneaking up on me.
Maybe you would have heard if you weren't preoccupied.
I wasn't doing anything. I was just going to class.
And tuning into all the gossip?
So where do you think that tattoo actually is?
At least I think it's a tattoo she's talking about.
Ew! And I wouldn't know.
It's just noise. I can't really control it.
We'll have to work on that.
The hearing is there to alert you to danger.
- Meaning you? - Meaning killers, executioners,
the assorted non-human predator.
You're not safe just because you stopped one man.
You have to learn to control your gifts.
It might mean the difference between life and...
Well, for you, losing another.
Is this your long-winded, slightly frightening way
of saying that I have training again tonight?
- Jasmine will pick you up after work. - Can't wait.
Has anyone ever told you that you're a close talker?
- Just you. - It's not a compliment.
I'll see you later.
Oh and, Chloe,
be careful.
One of these days you're gonna hear something you won't like.
That's the third night in a row she's blown me off.
I seriously think I might be in the market for a new best friend.
- Hey, you. - Hey.
You look industrious.
And before you think I'm getting all stalkery,
this sidewalk happens to be directly on the path between school and work...
You know, if I take the long way around the park
and cut across divisadero.
Oh yeah, no, you didn't have to do that.
- Are you okay? - Yeah. Sorry.
Just in the middle of working on some stuff, getting myself organized.
Organized is good.
Um, I texted you last night about that movie.
Blood, guts, flying limbs... I'm in.
I think I'm gonna have to take a rain check.
My dad...
Let's just say he's being my dad...
And that's complex.
Rain checks happily accepted.
Well, I'd better go or I'm gonna be late.
And as of two minutes ago, I actually am late.
- See ya. - See ya.
Mr. Rezza, a moment of your time.
- My employer is very upset. - I'm sorry to hear that.
The Order does not exist to serve your personal vendettas.
Perhaps if you had listened when I tried to warn you...
The Mai now know of the girl's existence.
Plans were in place,
but now she's guarded and protected.
Your involvement is no longer required.
We will dispose of the girl.
Expecting a call?
More like hoping for one.
I told Brian that we could only be friends.
And I thought he was okay with it, but...
You were being sarcastic.
Glad you caught that.
Hey, my friend Jasmine's coming by a little before 6:00 and I was wondering...
If you could stay to the end of your shift for a change?
It's like you're a mind reader.
Vintage. Lana.
Look, hold on one second.
- Paul. - Hey.
You're coming tonight, right? It's my turn to pick.
Of course. I would never miss dinner with my two best friends.
So is everything okay,
you know, between you and me?
Paul?
Okay, to be honest, I have been a little hurt.
While I understand there's an unfortunate recurring
borderline racist narrative in the American comic book pantheon
of asians being portrayed as subservient geeks
or simply one-dimensional kung-fu-kicking bad-asses,
- I am none of those things. - What are you talking about?
Why haven't you asked me to be your sidekick?
- My what? - Your sidekick.
Your sidekick, your loyal and trusted confidant.
You, my friend, are already all of those things.
- Really? - Really.
Unless I ever see you in tights. Then the deal's off.
This conversation's over.
Chloe!
Whoops.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
For a second I just...
I felt completely terrified.
- She's not that scary. - No.
It's like I was feeling what she was feeling.
She's the one who's terrified.
I know, I know...
Uh, whatever that weird sense thing is you got going on...
...You might wanna get it adjusted.
But I don't even know what it is.
So you're saying you can read people's minds?
No, I can't tell what they're thinking.
I literally feel what they're feeling on an emotional level.
But I can't control it. It just happens.
See, this is the part where you say, "oh yeah, I get that all the time.
It's a Mai thing. It's so not a big deal."
Sorry, I've never heard of anything like it.
Great, so my powers came with an extra scoop of freak.
That Chloe, always an overachiever.
Chloe, I really don't think it's anything to worry about.
But if it'll make you feel better, we can talk to my mom.
Hey, either of you "Lana Jacobs"?
No, sorry. She left about a half an hour ago.
I guess that's why the instructions say to be here by 4:00.
Do you need me to sign for something?
I wish you could, but they're cupcakes,
and these things go stale pretty quick.
And there is a god.
They included her home address.
411 arden.
She moved, like, two weeks ago.
I'll write it down for you.
Thanks, I really appreciate that.
I think she could use a little cheering up.
Here you go.
All right. Have a good one.
- What the hell? - Chloe!
What's the matter with you?
I have no idea.
It's like I was possessed.
The second he touched me, I just felt this huge, giant wave of rage.
I just... I don't know how else to describe it.
- That must have been so frightening. - For me and him.
I mean, he just kind of took off.
I wanted to go after him, but Jasmine...
Was right to bring you to me.
At this moment he's the least of your problems.
Something's wrong with me, Valentina.
Really wrong.
I think if Jasmine hadn't been there,
I... I might have tried to kill him.
And perhaps you would have.
So it's imperative that you learn to control this.
How am I supposed to control this when I don't even know what this is?
- Valentina? - Do you know what the word "empathy" means?
Yeah, it's like if your friend feels bad, then you feel bad for them.
Close.
Empathy is directly experiencing the emotions
of another person.
You, my child, are an empath.
Like being Mai and the Uniter wasn't enough?
Or more likely you have this gift because you are the Uniter.
Some of the very old legends claim that all Mai were once capable of this.
It's what bonded us to humans.
It's not surprising that you possess this quality.
You are the embodiment of all that is Mai.
So if I tried with you right now...
No, it was something that passed only between Mai and humans.
But it doesn't even work right.
I thought Lana was terrified and she was laughing.
And the delivery guy was maybe kind of annoyed,
but he certainly wasn't out to kill anybody.
I know that you don't want to hear this,
but perhaps you should limit your contact with humans.
What am I gonna do? Ignore my family and friends?
I'm not saying forever. Just until we have a better understanding.
Ugh, my friends! Do you know what time it is?
- Chloe. - I've gotta go.
Enough bad things have happened today without adding one more to the list.
Go.
Oh! Supersized sorry.
Mm-hmm.
So I guess cats can't read clocks.
Amy, you're not gonna believe what happened.
Did Jasmine tell you what's going on with the mind melding?
You already ate?
Yeah, that's usually what we do when we go out to dinner.
- Please don't be this way. - And which way is that?
Is it possible to get back
- to the crazy superpower portion of our evening? - No.
Look, I know I've been a little flaky lately,
but you didn't really mean it
when you said you might be in the market
for a new best friend, did you?
Who told you that?
I can't believe you told her that.
No, it wasn't Paul. I just heard it. I'm sorry.
This hearing thing isn't quite under control yet.
What else have you been listening to?
Have you ever heard of invasion of privacy?
Amy, you're missing the point.
No, I get it. And a: Obviously I didn't really mean it.
Now I think I just might.
The Chloe I know would never do something like that
or treat her friends this way. I gotta go.
I told the dads I wouldn't be late.
Some sidekick.
She's my ride.
Hey, kiddo. Sorry I'm late.
Crazy day. How was dinner?
- I didn't actually make it. - Really?
I thought wednesdays were practically sacred.
Are you gonna get on my case now too?
No, I am too tired to get on anyone's case.
Sorry.
I just feel like...
Do you ever have one of those days
where you feel a little out of control?
Frequently.
- Wanna talk? - Amy's pissed.
- Angry. - Amy's mad at me for reasons only known to Amy.
Well, she's not used to waiting in line.
You've been spending all that time with your new friends.
And now you sound like her.
But it's not like she and Paul haven't been surgically joined at the hip.
Maybe you're just going through a little adjustment period.
I mean, as people grow up, sometimes...
Do not finish that sentence.
She's my best friend.
Then I'm not quite sure what we're talking about.
You don't understand.
No, it doesn't seem like I do.
- Anything else bothering you? - No. Why?
It's just a sense.
But since you don't seem to be in the mood
for spilling secrets or seeking motherly wisdom,
I'm gonna close up shop and go to bed.
But if you change your mind,
I will be open again in the morning.
- 'Night. - 'Night.
Look, I know I asked for help,
but this is like 600 radio stations playing at once.
I'll never be able to do it.
- Pick something. - I can't.
- Just do what I tell you. - Highly suspicious.
Don't be. Now close your eyes.
It's so loud.
Hello?
Ignore it. Listen to your breathing...
The air going in and out of your body.
Take your time.
The rest of the world doesn't matter.
There's only you and me.
Can you hear the clock? Top of the tower.
- Alek. - You can do this.
I can hear it.
There's a woman in the market haggling with a vendor.
All right, how about we do two for $50?
Now make it all go away.
You are in charge of the world around you.
- I don't know. - Listen to my heartbeat.
Just that...
And nothing else.
Did it work?
Yeah, it um... it worked.
Thanks.
- Hey. Is Chloe around? - Not yet.
Thought she was always here in the afternoon.
You and me both.
Well, could you just tell her that...
Poised and ready.
Never mind.
I'll just give her a call. Thank you.
Sorry. I had to stay late for this class thing.
Your guy just left two seconds ago.
- Brian? - Chloe.
You and I need to talk.
What happened here yesterday?
- You heard about that? - I heard about it
and somehow he thinks I'm the one who put you up to it.
The delivery guy?
- Why would he think that? - What delivery guy?
How many guys did you knock over in here?
- I'm talking about Jesse. - You know him?
Wish I didn't, but yeah.
He's my ex.
I'm sorry. He never said he knew you,
and he had your wrong address, so I...
Wait. You're the one who gave him my new address?
I was trying to help.
- He's the reason I moved out in the first place. - I'm sorry.
- I didn't know. - Chloe, this is so screwed up.
He's never gonna leave me alone now.
He's the reason you're so scared, isn't it?
- What are you talking about? This is none of your business. - But I'm right, aren't I?
Seriously, I'm warning you. Let it go.
Lana, you have to do something. I can help.
You know what would help? If you just grabbed your stuff and you got out.
- I'm being serious. - So am I.
Chloe, you're fired.
It didn't actually make sense until that moment.
You seem almost excited you got fired.
No, don't you get it? It means I was right.
What I felt about Lana was right.
It's still very weird, but it's not completely wrong.
Has to make you feel better.
Bo staff...
Nunchucks, iodine... I think we're good to go.
- Shouldn't I have something to fight with? - No.
Avoidance.
Sometimes the best way to take a blow is to not be there when it lands.
Okay, crazy teenage ninja girl,
don't you ever get tired of hitting me with things?
All the time, but my mom tasked me with training you.
Hmm, what if I work "avoidance" into a sentence
and act like I took a bamboo pole to the head the next time I see her?
Then can we skip?
And what do you wanna do instead?
Spoons are in the top drawer.
So Jesse must have called Lana that afternoon when I got that feeling off her.
That's why she was so upset.
And if he's going around town pretending to be a delivery guy
- to get her address... total nutjob, right? - Mm-hmm.
- Mm. - Mm, so good.
Hey, you said that the Mai are always watching me,
you know, to make sure I'm safe.
Could I get a couple of them to watch Lana instead?
Chloe, Lana can take care of herself.
I'm more worried...
What?
I don't think my mom's been completely honest with you.
It wasn't just that one scarface creep.
The Order's back.
They're here in San Francisco. They're here for you.
I just get worried.
And I appreciate it.
I know this isn't the life you were expecting.
It's not all bad.
Is it bad if I have a little bit of each?
Not at all. And I had to guess at what you might like.
You so didn't have to do this.
I know, but I wanted to apologize for being kind of rude the other day.
You weren't rude.
My head was just kind of somewhere else.
- Believe me, it's okay. - No no, it's not.
We had that whole conversation about being friends,
and which I'm fine with.
The truth is I actually don't have any friends here,
which means that I don't really have anyone to talk to.
You can talk to me.
I know.
This is...
This is the reason I came home.
What's it to?
I think a safety deposit box,
but I haven't been able to figure out where yet.
My mom supposedly was killed...
In a mugging that went bad,
but parts of it just never made sense to me.
I felt like my dad was never telling me the whole story.
But where'd you get the key?
It showed up at school
about a month ago with a note on it...
"Do you really know what happened to your mother?"
At first I thought it was some sick joke,
but then I realized I'm not really sure.
So now I'm here
and I'm gonna stay until I figure it out.
I'm glad you told me.
Me too. Feels good talking about it.
It's been bothering me for years.
I guess I kind of felt like I just had to do something about it.
I know the feeling.
Lana!
Lana, are you okay?
- What are you doing here? - Did you tell them about Jesse?
- Why would I do that? - Lana, come on, he had to have done this.
I really just want him to go away.
- You have to tell the police. - Tell them what?
That I think some guy who can't quite grasp the concept
of "I never wanna see you again" broke in here?
Why, to teach me a lesson?
He may be a major-league jerk with some serious control issues,
- but he's not violent. - What do you call this?
I don't know. My boss is gonna kill me.
I was just hoping if I ignore him...
This is already embarrassing enough.
Please, let me deal with this on my own.
- Lana. - I'm a big girl, Chloe.
I can handle myself.
What's going on? Is everything okay?
No, everything is not okay.
- Lana... - Her ex-boyfriend's terrorizing her.
I'm almost sure he's the one who broke into the store.
So you were totally right.
Was there ever any question?
I just have to figure out what to do.
Maybe you should call Alek and Jasmine.
I'm sure they can help you make it all better.
Amy, look, I'm sorry if...
No, I'm not gonna say it,
'cause I'm pretty much done apologizing.
You said that the Chloe you know would never do this or act this way.
Well, newsflash: I'm not the same old Chloe.
We can pretend that I am, but we all know it's not true.
You've always been my best friend.
And if it's up to me, you always will be.
But you have to accept me as I am now,
faults, claws and all.
If you can't, I get it.
Not happy, but I get it.
And the next time you get jealous
of the time I spend with Alek and Jasmine,
try and remember that I'm only doing it
so I don't have to die again.
Hello again.
You know the police are, like, 2' away.
Call them. I'd love to tell them how you assaulted me the other night
- for absolutely no reason. - Stay away from her.
What happens between me and Lana is none of your business.
But if you don't back off,
I'll make sure that you're my business.
Don't be an idiot.
If he ever comes within 10' of you again, I will personally rip out his lungs.
How about you just keep him away from Lana?
Chloe, I know you've already been warned.
This isn't your fight.
- You've gotta get your priorities straight. - I can't just walk away.
There's nothing else you can do.
Now please just go home.
- But Lana... - You heard her.
She can take care of herself.
Stop watching me.
You know I can't do that.
Oh my god.
Chloe, why didn't you tell me all of this was going on?
I don't think I was completely sure until now.
Well, now that you know, you are gonna stay
far far away from this whole situation.
- But, mom... - No, I don't think you understand
how dangerous a guy like this can be.
If Lana doesn't call the police, I will.
But what if that makes it worse?
Doing nothing seldom makes problems go away.
- This is what's been bothering you, isn't it? - What?
I knew something was up with you.
I just... I didn't know what it was.
How did you know?
Face it, kid, we're bonded.
You feel bad or sad, I feel bad or sad,
even if I don't know the reason.
I can't even help it.
I think that means you're empathic.
No, that means I'm your mother.
You know, you don't have to go through all this stuff alone.
We, you and me, are a team.
Thanks.
Go, team us.
Do you think Lana's gonna be okay?
I honestly don't know.
I hope so.
And I know you wanna help,
but right now it's up to Lana.
You've let her know you're there.
But it's her life. She has to take control of it.
I don't know if it's always that easy.
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Nothing. Just hanging out,
hoping to catch a glimpse of the old man.
I noticed mom's picture isn't out anymore.
Well, sometimes it's best not to live in the past.
It was hard seeing her smiling face
staring up at me every day like nothing bad had ever happened.
I keep the one of the three of us...
That summer on the boat. I keep that next to my bed.
It was a good trip.
Maybe we can do it again.
Finally catch that marlin.
It'd be good to get away together one of these days.
I'm glad you're home.
Thanks.
Me too.
Hey, Lana, me again.
The fifth message, but I'm worried.
So just call me, please?
Amy?
Before you say anything, you were right and I was wrong.
I was the one being a bad friend. I was afraid of losing you.
- Amy... - I was completely self-involved.
I wasn't even trying to see things from your point of view.
- Amy! - What?
I need you. Can you come over?
I'm outside in my car waiting for you to forgive me, dummy.
You're the one who said you wanted to go fast
to make sure we're not being followed.
I'm pretty sure we lost them.
Look, Amy, I know it's not the best time, but I am deeply...
And we can deeply make up and forgive each other after you make sure Lana's okay.
I just wanna check on her. If you see him coming...
You're number one on my speed dial. Now go.
I didn't tell you you could come here.
You don't have to tell me anything.
I can do what I want, and I want to talk to you.
I'm done talking about this. Let's go.
I'm not going anywhere.
Lana!
I told you to stay out of this.
I told you to stay away from her.
I can see why Lana broke up with you.
Not only are you a sarcastic jerk,
but you're kind of slow.
- Rawr! - Uh!
Aw, see, normally I'd apologize,
but I decided to stop doing that today.
It's time somebody taught you some manners.
Well, you sure as hell are not the one to do it.
- Are you okay? - Yeah. You?
So much better. Thank you.
I suppose this means I have to give you your job back.
That's supposed to be my job.
I should have been there, not her.
- No offense. - None taken.
Well, there's only one problem.
- What's that? - You don't have a car.
- Hey. - We've been looking everywhere for you.
Just been here waiting for you.
Don't we have some training to do?
And make sure you don't leave out any of the important stuff.
Chloe has to know how to protect herself.
- That's what we've been trying... - He doesn't have a car.
Let's go. I'll call you later.
Who the hell are you?
How did you get in here?
He's very handsome. Looks a lot like you.
You shouldn't leave guns lying around the house. Very dangerous.
I just wanted you to know
that if the girl is so much as touched...
That I know where to find you
and your son.
Get out of my house.
Remember, whether we see each other again
is entirely up to you.
♪ I have to keep reminding myself ♪
♪ I'm not like anyone else ♪
♪ That's my face on my I.D ♪
♪ That makes me V.I.P ♪
♪ No one exactly like this ♪
♪ No one with my fingerprints ♪
♪ No one can touch you like me ♪
♪ No, I can't fake what you see ♪
♪ Oh yeah... ♪
- You're a fast learner. - Good teachers.
Though some are better than others.
Oh, not even. Taunting is my domain.
I'm good.
What do you think?
Chloe, no. It's too far.
We'll see.
- Chloe! - Don't do it.
- ♪ Oh yeah ♪ - ♪ Oh yeah ♪
♪ But you don't know who you are... ♪
- Yes! - ♪ The sky is the limit and I just wanna float ♪
♪ Free as a spirit on a journey of hope ♪
♪ Cut the strings and let me go ♪
♪ I'm weightless ♪
I hear you've been taking some unnecessary risks.
I knew I could make that jump.
I meant this afternoon with your friend.
That could have ended very differently.
- It was important to me. - I understand.
Your human friends are important to you.
And I'd do it again.
You keep telling me to follow my instincts.
That's what I did.
I might not always understand them,
but I have to learn to trust them.
I know I might not be the kind of Uniter you were hoping for,
but this is the one you've got.
You're exactly the kind that we were hoping for.
Maybe it's time Mai and humans stopped living
in different worlds.
It's not gonna be easy, Chloe.
So much hope and so much fear all in one girl.
Like it or not, the whole world is coming for you.
Then let it come.