Prologue

The city was abandoned years ago due to excess natural gas extraction. Experts concluded that the soil was now too soft and may cause the land to sink. Sure enough, months after the government forced the city’s residents to evacuate, the land began to sink, and the towering skyscrapers fell down like dominoes, the roads cracked, and the houses skewed. The government had planned to save the city, but years had gone by. They had forgotten to fulfill their promise. The people who lived here went on with their lives settling elsewhere, and all they had left were memories of their beloved city before it had sunk.

A stubborn few decided to make the city their home, as the government did not declare the city off-limits. The people needed homes and here, they can have it without spending a single cent. It’s not their desire to live in a dangerous place but it’s all they can get. Others live in the city to hide from the world. Responsibilities, authorities, friends and family, all these can be a reason for the new residents of the city. They do not bother each other, a simple nod is enough of an interaction, and the go on their personal business. The next city is about ten kilometers away and there the people buy their needs, with walking as the main transportation choice, while some come back in a cab. They lived peacefully save for the occasional fights, drunken violence, arrests, gunshots, random subsidence in a part of the city but otherwise peaceful. Tonight, however, the people shut themselves inside their crooked homes. A fight was going on outside.

A thin boy in his teenage years was running fast. Running away from someone. Something. He held the left side of his chest, trying to staunch the flow of blood coming from his wound. A spear had pierced his left lung. He was trying his hard to resist the pain of a collapsed lung but he was at his limit but his priority was to get away from his assailant.

That kid really knows how to ruin a night, he thought to himself. He was going to meet his old friend in the city but he was challenged by someone along the way. He had been caught by surprise by the challenger, causing the massive injury in his chest.

A sudden burst of pain came from his wound. He was at his limit. He tripped and slid on the broken concrete until he was stopped by an uprooted tree.

Well, at least I’m here, he thought. The boy had run away to where he was supposed to meet his friend because he knew his enemy was too strong for him. At least for now.

“Okay kid. I lost!” he shouted. His breaths were short, and he was losing focus. Everything around him was blurry.

His opponent, who was hot in pursuit, walked slowly towards the boy. She was a girl of small stature wearing a Gothic Lolita dress. She played with her curled blonde hair. The girl was holding a black spear, with most of the spearhead drenched in the boy’s blood.

“And I thought you were a good spear user” she said in a mocking tone. “My brother seems to have made a mistake asking you to join this entertaining battle of ours”

The boy spat blood. “I do apologize for not meeting your expectations. But me going against a high ranked kid such as you is pretty unfair, is it not?”

“Don’t call me kid” she said angrily. “We’re of the same age in your standards.”

“…..What. Then why are you so shor--”

The girl stepped on the boy’s wound causing him to scream in pain.

“You’re too weak to even have the privilege to talk to me and you still insult me? What a brazen boy” She increased the force she put on her feet, causing more blood to ooze out of the boy’s wound.

She stopped stepping on the boy when she saw that he was about to pass out. “I must commend you, though. You were able to move your body quick enough to avoid my spear from hitting your heart”

She turned around and started walking away. “You’ll survive either way. Feel free to get your revenge on me when you get stronger. Or wait for me to hunt you again. Next time, I will hit that heart of yours.”

The boy wanted to respond something witty but he was too weak to utter a single word. He lied on his back with his eyes looking at the cloudless sky. He had to close his eyes before he saw the stars.

The boy landed in the city park, which was clearly unused for years. Suddenly, someone opened the park’s gates and went inside. He was wearing peculiar clothes. A top hat, an overcoat, a monocle, black shoes, a vest, a cane, and a pocket watch. Very fashionable a few hundred years ago. He walked deeper inside the park. The trees were dead of dying. Vines entangled the pavements.

As he continued walking, he saw a man lying down on the broken pavement.

“…What the hell?” he muttered.

His leisurely pace turned into a hurried one as he approached the person lying on the ground.

“…..Oh, it’s just Enne”, he said as he sighed in relief. “I thought it was somebody else”

He started to kick Enne’s body. “Hey, wake the hell up”

Enne stirred. He blocked the guy’s successive kicks. “Long time no see, Ledah.”

“It’s amazing how you recognize me by how I kick”. Ledah said as he helped Enne up. Ledah noticed that Enne had a rip on his shirt. “What the hell happened?”

Enne grunted as he sat down on the bench. “First of all, I have eyes and I use them to see much like everybody else. And second…. it’s a long story that I need to tell you another time”

Ledah sat next to Enne. “Fine. Always with the long stories with you.”. He looked at Enne from head to toe. “I must say, you’ve changed since I last saw you.”

“That I can tell you later on.” Enne replied. “Physically? Puberty and genes helped me”.

In turn, Enne looked at Ledah from head to toe. “I see you’re cosplaying now?”

“Shut up, dude. I’m actually gonna go to Lord Reginald’s tea party after this.”

“What year?”

“1823.”

“Can I come?”

“Ye—no. I don’t think so.”

Ledah dismissed the subject. “That reminds me, how much do you still have?”

Enne showed his left arm. The number 343 was tattooed on it.

“Two years ago that was 365.” Ledah said.

Joe shrugged. “Things happen. And you?”

“I’ll have 422 left after tonight.” Ledah showed his tongue and sure enough the number 422 was tattooed on it.

Ledah looked at his pocketwatch. “Let’s get down to business. I have a tight schedule you know.”

“Gambling?”

“Hell yeah”

Enne shook his head in disapproval. "So, what's happening?"

Ledah let out a big sigh. "They're moving. Lately our enemies are more organized-they're forming ranks. It's as if someone's leading them. And we both know who they are."

enne nodded.

Ledah continued. "Lately we've been finding it hard to keep them at bay. The higher-ups decided that each of us should form a team."

Enne sighed. “Oh boy. I think I know where this is going."

Ledah smiled. “I bet you do. You’ll have to--”

“Look,” Joe said, “You know I don’t like those kind of things. After everything that happened these past years.”

Ledah patted Enne in the back. “I understand. But everything’s at stake now. If you deny, I don’t think the world will be the same in a few years.”

“Our world hasn’t been the same for years, Ledah,” Enne replied.

Ledah shook his head. “I respect your decision. Well, I think we’re done here.”

He stood up, bowed, and he started to walk.

“…..Alright. I’ll do it”

Ledah laughed. “I knew it! You always fall for the ‘walk away sadly’ plan.”

“Please go die in a sewer.”

“Here,” Ledah handed Enne some documents. “Check these out. Most of them have been visited while some will be soon enough. I put my contact details inside the fold—"

Ledah suddenly stopped talking.

Both of them looked around cautiously. As they did so, the light above them flickered. Fog started to appear.

“There are a lot of them,” Ledah said.

The wind started blowing. The atmosphere around the park became even more sinister.

“Rock Paper Scissors?” Ledah asked with a smile.

“You’re on.”

“Rock Paper Scissors!” they shouted in unison.

Both were rock.

The park was getting noisy. They were getting closer and closer.

“Rock Paper Scissors!” they shouted again.

Both of them chose rock again.

“They’re getting pretty close, man.” Enne said. “Just give up.”

Ledah laughed. “You wish! One last.”

“Rock Paper Scissors!” they shouted again.

This time Enne chose paper and Ledah chose rock

“You suck,” Enne said.

Ledah grunted.

 Suddenly, the park was full of gunshots, metal clashing, moans and shouts of pain. It was pure chaos in the dark. After a short while, the park was silent once more.

The once ruined park looked a bit more chaotic than usual. The pavements were broken. The trees were cut down. Even the bench was unusable now. Around him were bodies of hound-like creatures. As he tried to touch one, it started to disintegrate, as well as the others. The only He looked at his pocket watch.

“You could’ve helped a lot more, you know?” Ledah shouted. He had a few grazes here and there and his coat was torn here and there. He had forgotten to remove them before fighting.

Enne was standing farther away. “I just had a fight so I felt lazy to help. You can handle them good enough. Not your outfit though.”

Ledah just laughed. After a while, he oriented Enne a bit more and a few minutes later, they said farewell to one another as they went on their separate ways.

Enne looked at one of the documents as he brushed of dust from his repaired shirt, courtesy of Ledah The picture attached to it showed a boy who was about twelve or thirteen.

“Hmm. I think I’ll recruit you first, Victor Roswell.”

 

 

 

 

 

2: Chapter I

Chapter I

I wake up feeling lazy to do just about anything. I rub my eyes and get out of bed. Another frickin’ Monday morning. The only difference is that today’s the start of a new school year. I yawn just thinking about it. Well, I can’t do anything about it. After doing what has to be done every morning (fixing the bed, taking a shower, changing clothes and doing exercises like standing), I go downstairs to eat breakfast.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Hi, I’m Victor Roswell. Just an average 13-year-old orphan. Yeah, I’m kind of like Harry Potter or Batman. Just without the excitement. They say my parents left me here. Maybe they were too poor to support me. Maybe even because they just can’t handle my good looks. Well, those things are part of the past. I stay here at the Mazera Orphanage. It’s just like a hotel. Each room has its own fridge, LCD TVs and everything you can find in hotel rooms.

The orphanage is surprisingly owned by a man named Mr. Mazera. No one knows his first name. He has a son who’s currently abroad studying. The orphanage is about five miles away from the city gates. Fields of lavender surround us, just like that Windows 7 wallpaper. There’s a lonely oak tree not far away and it’s kind of a great spot to hang out.

Anyways, as I enter the dining hall, the scent of freshly cooked pancakes reaches my nose. I immediately asked for a plate and I sit at the table near the window at the backmost part of the hall. I kind of like being alone at times and I don’t have many friends so I spend much of my days in solitary bliss.

As I said, today’s gonna be the first day of school. So this year, I’m gonna be a seventh grader. Hurrah, I am bursting with joy. I just hope this year’s better than last year.

After finishing my meal, I check my watch. There’s still plenty of time before the opening ceremony. I usually take the bus but this time I’m in the mood for a long walk.

The school’s a pretty great place but everything can go wrong if you meet Mr. Dosh, our principal. If there was a “Dictator of the Year Award”, he’s sure to win. He’s always angry at someone or something. I would occasionally hear him shout “Da*n it plant! You’re blocking the frickin’ hallway!” or something like that. It makes me think that he has constipation each every day of his miserable life. Oh, and did you know? He was once a mafia lord. When he got arrested, his “trial” was quickly held. He was found guilty and he was “punished” to do community service for four years. This is the last year of his sentence. From street sweeper to school principal. How the frick did that happen?! Does the law allow that? One more year, Victor, just one more year. Oh, and in his absence, his wife became the temporary mafia lord.

I bid goodbye to Mr. Mazera who was sipping his morning coffee at the porch. And so my walk to the city has begun. As I walk by the fields, I can’t help but to take a long deep breath. Though my life is boring, the world isn’t and it never ceases to amaze me. As I walk by the bus stop, I see a guy sitting at the bench. Seriously? At this time of day? Everybody knows the first bus comes by at seven-thirty. This guy is obviously a tourist. But if he’s a tourist, why is he there? Buses from outside the city only have one-way trips. It’s possible that he walked but the nearest town is about fifty miles away. Maybe he could fly. Then I wouldn’t be surprised if he suddenly grew beautiful butterfly wings and float of with such poise and grace it would make me cry. Yeah, seems legit to me.

Though I was not really good at talking to people, I had the duty to inform him. He has black hair which was a bit messy. He had black—or are they brown eyes? I’m not sure. He was wearing a black shirt with cute little cartoon skulls on it and dark blue jeans. Just one of your average teenage guys in the neighbourhood.

The weird thing is, I feel….scared. I eventually shake the feeling off.

“Uhh”, I started. “Hey”

“Hey” he said without looking at me. That’s find since I kind of hate eye contact.

I point at the bus schedule. “the bus won’t be here until seven-thirty”

He suddenly looked at me from head to toe. “Then I’ll wait for it”

Cold much?

“So where are you going?” I asked. Gee, I think I’m becoming Dora.

“I have something to do in the city” he replied.

“Really? I’m actually gonna go to the city now. Wanna join me?”

“Uhh, I’m still waiting for someone. Thanks anyway”

“Oh, okay. I’ll get going then. Bye”

“Bye”

I’m glad that was over. I quickly walk away and continue my journey towards school. I can’t help but think I’ve seen him before a long time ago. Eh. Just my imagination.

The fields slowly change into houses. Then the houses become buildings. I finally reached the city. Though it’s full of polluting stuff, you can still smell a faint scent of lavender in the air.

I finally reach my school with a little more time to relax. I find my way to the open field. As I was about to lie down on the grass, something bothered me.it felt like I was being watched. I look around the school grounds. A bunch of people were jogging around but they weren’t looking at me.my imagination’s really active today. I totally ignored it and I went on to do random and senseless stuff.

At about eight-o’clock, all of us went inside the auditorium for the opening ceremony. As usual, I take my seat at the far end.

As the crowd settled down, our vice principal, Ms. Blinns, got up the stage.

“A good morning to everyone!” she said cheerfully. “Welcome to another exciting school year. I hope all the students study hard and aim for the best. Unfortunately, Mr. Dosh cannot be here with due due to….uh…..important matters”

Yeah, like getting a colonoscopy or something.

Ms. Blinns talked about new rules, activities for this year, first world problems and Vladivostok.

“Oh, and the seventh-graders will have a new transfer student this year” she said.

The other seventh-graders started murmuring.

“I think that’s all I have to say. Again, good morning and have a nice day ahead of you!”

We all applauded and we hurriedly got out of the auditorium to find out what class we’re assigned in this year. The room assignments are posted in bulletin boards around the school. The nearest one’s just outside the auditorium so basically, I can’t go there. Too many people will be scrambling to see their new classrooms. The only nearest bulletin board with a few people looking at it would be in front of Mr. Dosh’s office.

I carefully walk towards his office; it seems that five more had the guts to go near his office. When I reached the board, I quickly looked for my name. I saw names like Tom Cruz, Anne Hasaway, Zac Apron and a lot more. I find my name in 7-A (yes, I’m kind of like a smart guy). I made a run for it because Mr. Dosh could’ve come bursting out of his office, he wouldn’t catch me in a sleeper hold. He makes it feel like you’ll sleep forever.  

7-A, 7-A, ah, here it is. There’s no one inside. I suppose they’re still trying to get near the bulletins boards. I then take my seat at the backmost row nearest the window.

After a while, my classmates went in by groups. Bogart Johnson, Hugh Jazz and some other people I know. Some of them greeted me and asked me how my summer was. I would smile back and say it was fine. The bell finally rang and everyone took their seats. Our homeroom teacher, Mr. Adolf Heatler, if my memory is correct, came in.

“Good morning everyone” he said. “Some of you already know me but for those who do not, let me introduce myself. I am Adolf Heatler and I will be your homeroom teacher as well as your Physics teacher. Now--”

The door opened. Three huge and smug guys come in. They were Gaspar Dosh, Balthazar Epoch and of course, everyone knows who the third guy is. He’s Boy Jorge Nakamura. When they’re not around, we call them the “Three Overweight Pigs”. Oh, and Gaspar is Mr. Dosh’s son

Mr. Heatler looked at his watch. “Well, it seems you’re just a minute late. Sit down, then.”

The trio laughed as they take their seats a row before where I was. Great. Now I have to suffer their stench.

Mr. Heatler donned his glasses. Maybe to look at everyone. He continued. “Okay. So first of all, I have an announcement. Any guess?”

A few raised their hands.

“No school tomorrow?” he asked.

Oh, good Lord.

“The Sushi Galore menu is back at the cafeteria?” another said.

I just lost hope on these guys.

To end the misery, I raised my hand. “The transfer student will be in 7-A”

Mr. Heatler smiled. “Finally”

Everyone (but me) started chattering.

“OMG! I hope it’s a boy” someone said.

“Nah” Tom said. “It’s definitely a girl”

The one beside me leaned closer towards me. “Hey. Maybe I’m the transfer student. I just don’t know it yet”

Now I’m starting to doubt if I’m really in class 7-A. most of them are idiots.

“You can come in now!” Mr. Heatler shouted.

The door seemed to open slowly as we wait in anticipation. Sadly for us boys, the transfer was a guy. Da*n it.

The new guy stood beside our homeroom teacher. He looked at the floor instead of looking at us. Shy guy?

Mr. Heatler pat the guy’s shoulder.

“Everyone. This is Sherwin Ravner. He’s from…uh….. I forgot. Anyways, everyone say hello”

“Hello” we chorused.the girls were enthusiastic since the guy’s good looking.

“So, Sherwin” Mr. Heatler said. “Welcome. Take the seat at the back”

He took his bag and he did what he was told. Wait, have I seen him before?

Before I could recall, I was interrupted by Boy Jorge’s annoying voice.

“Nice! We have a new guy” he said.

“He looks rich too” Balthazar added.

“Don’t worry” Gaspar said. “I’ve got plans for him”

The three of them started to punch each other. To my delight, Balthazar was hit on his soft spot which made him sing a soprano note. This is why I like them even though they’re bullies. They’re idiots.

Mr. Heatler started talking about things too complicated for us to understand. Then suddenly, he talked about his life. Bored as I was, I looked around the classroom. Only a few of my classmates were “listening”. I looked at the new guy. Sherwin was spinning his pen around his fingers. He’s bored too. He has black hair which was a bit messy. He had black—or are they brown eyes? I’m not sure. He was wearing a black shirt with cute little cartoon skulls on it and dark blue jeans. Wait, I did meet him before. He was the guy at the bus stop!

As if on cue, Sherwin looked at me as if to say “Ugh, finally. That took you long enough to figure out”

Before I could react, the bell rang. Mr. Heatler dismissed us and everyone went out of the room. As I fix my stuff, I ponder. Why is he here? Doesn’t he look too old to be in seventh grade? Why is the distance between two strands of DNA 20Ä‚? Where did the last question come from? Why am I asking myself these questions? What’s for lunch?

I finally finish packing up. I always like my things to be in order. Before I could get out of the classroom, someone called my name.

“Victor!”

I turn around to find Sherwin. He was still there? I point to myself. “Me?”

“No, actually I was talking to the chair. The one beside him is Ramone. Of course you”

So he was sarcastic. I laughed at his little joke. Though his tone was serious I could tell he was joking.

“Hey. Oh, how do you know my name?” I asked.

He went closer. Out of fear, I take a step back. This guy isn’t the bully type but he really is scary somehow. He put his hand over my shoulder. “Let’s talk over lunch”

 

 

 

 

3: Chapter II

Chapter II

“Two cheeseburgers please,” Enne said to the cafeteria lady. He looked at me. “How about you? It’s my treat.”

“I thought the other burger was mine,” I said.

“You wish,” Enne said. He took the cheeseburgers from the counter.

“Fine. I’ll have a cheeseburger, too.” I said.

The two of us sat down at the farthest side of the cafeteria. Normally, it would just be me sitting here. As we eat our lunch, he introduced himself. His name is true enough, he said. He said he was fifteen and he transferred to our school not to study but to, well, recruit me.

“Recruit me?” I asked.

Enne started eating his second burger. “I want you to join my team.”

Before he could continue talking, the Three Overweight Pigs come to our table.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have here,” Gaspar said. “the new guy’s making friends.”

Enne didn’t look intimidated. He took one last bite from his burger. “Let’s finish talking later, Victor.”

He stood up and faced Gaspar. “What do you want?”

“Oh,” Gaspar said loudly. “Looks like we have a tough guy here”

Oh boy, I know where this is going. Every time Gaspar says something loudly when a lot of people around means that it’s punching time. Great, the first day of school and BOOM! We start it with a fight.

“Why?” Enne asked. He took a step closer to the point that his face is just three inches from Gaspar’s. “Are you….scared?”

A sudden aura of fear entered the cafeteria. People around us were taking cautious steps backward. Some looked away, or were holding back squeaks. Even Gaspar, Balthazar and Boy Jorge looked afraid. Me? Pfft. It was nothing. I only wanted to scream like a little girl.

Seeing this, Gaspar acted brave. He raised his trembling fist. “T-think you can scare me? Then get a load of this!”

I immediately close my eyes before Enne gets hit. I can already imagine how painful that punch would be. Since force is equals to mass times acceleration, and the fact that Gaspar is the heaviest in class. When we multiply that to the acceleration of his arm, it would be one nasty punch.

I wait for the evil laughter and other such things. To my surprise, I hear Gaspar say. “Huh? Where is he?”

I open my eyes. To my surprise, Enne wasn’t in front of Gaspar. He was behind him.

Everyone looked shocked. How did he do that?

“Ahem” Enne said.

Gaspar backed away out of surprise.

Enne looked at the three of them. “If you really want to fight, meet us outside. Just us. No spectators.”

Enne looked at everyone. “Is that understood?” he shouted.

Everyone nodded in silence.

“Good” he said.

Enne turned to me. “You’re coming too.”

“Why?” I retorted.

“Well, maybe you’ll join my team if you watch us.” He handed me my bag and he started walking towards the exit.

I had no choice but to follow him. Hey, my life had never been exciting as this before! Why would I miss it?

As I take a look behind us, the three of them looked…..different. I can’t explain it but they weren’t like the bullies I know before. Something is not right.

When we got outside, I tapped Enne in the shoulder.

“Hmm?” he said.

“Explain,” I said firmly.

“Explain what?” he replied.

“I know something’s not right here. You know my name, staring a fight at the first day of school, and you suddenly appearing behind Gaspar. Tell me the truth.”

He sighed. “All right. Everything I told you before was true. Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m a Zenith.”

“A what?” I asked.

He sighed. “I hate explaining this part.”

He continued. “Okay. So Zeniths are….um….damn it. To put in simple terms, we’re people who have awesome powers.”

“Right,” I said. This guy’s obviously lying. Is the word zenith even existent? I’ll check the dictionary later.

Enne opened his bag and he took out some folders. “I know everything about you because of this.”

He handed me one of the folders. It contained documents which had my name, age, birthday, school and a lot more. Basic info. The photo attached to the files was obviously a stolen one since I was in the verge of picking my nose. The contents of these papers were all about me. Look at that, I’m not even famous but I have stalkers.

“Where’d you get this?” I asked.

Before he could answer my question, the pigs came barging out of the exit.

Gaspar pointed at our direction. “Better say your prayers, wimps! You’re gonna have a bad time.”

Enne cracked his knuckles. “No need for that. All I know is that He’s not on your side and that makes thing easier.”

“What do I do?” I asked.

“Oh, just sit and wait until I tell you to do something” Enne said. He and the pigs were walking towards each other.

I sat back down on the bench. “Great plan.”

As they near each other, the doors opened again. This time, a man in a suit comes out. It was my favourite principal, Mr. Dosh. He looked like he was using steroids for horses.

“Stop” he shouted.

Mr. Dosh approached Enne and the pigs and looked at both of them. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

No one answered.

“Not telling?” he said. “I’m counting till--”

“We were about to fight” Enne said.

“Oho!” Mr. Dosh said with a triumphant voice. “Making a fuss on his first day? Gaspar! Well…you know what to do. This is your seventy-fourth time to get caught. You there by the bench! Cutting classes!”

“But it’s lunch time!” I protested.

“Shut up!” He turned towards Enne. “You. What’s your name?”

“You lot may have a lot of names for me. Though you know me as your master’s biggest threat” he calmly replied.

Mr. Dosh eyes widened. Then after a while, he grinned grotesquely. There was something inhuman about it. “Lucky us. Boys! Time to show him which side is stronger than the other. No holding back now!”

Mr. Dosh and the bullies began murmuring some words. They were quite far from me so I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Suddenly, they began to change form. They got larger and larger until their clothes began to rip. The three pigs were suddenly on all fours and their heads became snouted and their bodies covered with fur. Their teeth were sharper and their and their nails had become talons. The pigs had become three grotesque dogs. Mr. Dosh’s skin turned gray and his eyes were deep red in color. His body looked like it inflated to a point that his muscles were the as big as the size of his head. He could beat the crap out of a wall. They pretty much didn’t change at all. They were still ugly, just a lot more monstrous. Oh, and for the fact that they threatened our lives.

Mr. Dosh stepped forward. “Let’s make a deal, Mr. Enne. Come with us and nobody gets hurt. If you fight back, well, I can’t say if you’ll be alive when we take you to Him.”

Enne rolled his eyes. “What makes you think I’ll die?”

Mr. Dosh sighed. “I guess we have no choice. Boys! Attack!”

The three pig dogs howled loudly. Surely everyone heard them and in no time a lot of people would come and see where the sound was coming from….Right?

The four monsters started running towards our direction. Feeling scared, I got up and I frantically ran to Enne’s side.

“W-What do we do?!” I asked.

Enne gestured me to hold out my hand. Reluctant, I quickly held it out. Enne took something from the back pocket of his pants and he gave it to me. It was a gun.

“That gun only has one shot” he said calmly. “Use it when you necessarily need it. I’ll handle these guys. If anyone of them gets near you, you just have to shout.”

Before I got to ask him what the hell was happening, he was already running towards the four monsters. Sometimes I hate it when something isn’t clear at all with me but the current situation won’t give me one so I need to survive until this is over. I quickly found some cover behind the bench with the gun between my trembling hands. Looking over the bench, the fight was on its way. Enne was surrounded by the four but he seemed calm as usual. One of the dogs tried to jump on him but he lazily dodged it. Snarling, it tried again but to no avail. To my surprise, the dog disappeared in midair and it quickly reappeared behind Enne but he still dodged the attack though this time the laziness was gone.

“Hey! These are Shadowhounds. Be careful if one appears near you!” he shouted.

It would be best not to reply so as to not blow my cover. But Shadowhounds? What are those?! Uhh, my head is starting to ache. I really need an explanation after this is over.

The three dogs were now attacking at the same time. Disappearing and reappearing anywhere Enne had his guard down. Enne would quickly dodge them but he seemed annoyed now. I notice something sticking out of his bag. It looks like it was a handle of some kind.

Clearly annoyed now, he reached for the handle behind him and he slashed at one of the dogs. Enne took out a sword, specifically a katana. The dog who was hit whimpered and it quickly “faded” like smoke. Two of the dogs are left. They stopped attaking for a while. Maybe because of fear but the quickly recovered and both of them attacked Enne at once. Enne ducked to avoid getting bit by the two but the dogs quickly reappeared behind him. Enne quickly turned around and slashed at the dogs. He knew where they were going to appear and two more vanished like smoke.

He turned around to face Mr. Dosh who was gritting his teeth.

“I should’ve known those guys were useless” he said.

“Just like you” Enned replied.

Mr. Dosh laughed so loudly that I could feel the ground shake. “Let’s see how confident you are after I crush that body of yours into a pulp!”

Mr. Dosh took out a mace from the ground (I really do hope Enne would explain this to me clearly later on) and he charged at Enne. Mr. Dosh swinged his mace at Enne but he quickly dodged the attack. Mr. Dosh howled some more and he kept attacking Enne to no avail. He was hitting air of sometimes Enne’s sword. After a while, Mr. Dosh was gasping for air.

“Why…won’t…you….fight…back?!” he asked angrily.

Enne shrugged. “You’re a boring opponent. I’d just be wasting my time if I fought you seriously.”

This made Mr. Dosh’s grey face a bit paler. He looked around the grounds and his eyes locked on the bench I was hiding at. I quickly ducked and prayed to God he didn’t see me. I look

Mr. Dosh smiled. “Well, if you won’t be my opponent”

He suddenly disappeared. I looked around to find him. All I could see was Enne running towards me at high speed. Suddenly it came to me. I know where he is. I slowly turn around to make sure I was right. Mr. Dosh was right behind me with a smug face. He was raising his mace up high.

“I guess you’ll do as an opponent” he said to me. He swung his mace down on me. Before I could react, Enne pushed me out of the way. I watch in horror as Enne was hit by the mace. Mr. Dosh laughed hysterically as he raised his mace. To my horror, Enne was there and his body was lifeless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4: Chapter III

Chapter III

Mr. Dosh looked at Enne’s body. He looked annoyed and. He spat at Enne. “Tch. I was gonna take you alive. But no matter, I’ll still be rewarded for this. Hmm…I have to make sure he’s dead!”

He hit Enne again as I watch in horror. I would have said “Hey! Stop that” but I was in shock. He hit him for the third time as he laughed hysterically. I can’t bare to look at what was happening but it was as if my eyes wanted to see more. All of a sudden, I was filled with anger. I felt angry a bit because Mr. Dosh killed Enne but mostly I was angry at myself for not doing anything. A person whom I just met saved my life. He died for me and I did nothing to save him. Why am I so useless?! At that moment I wanted to scream loudly and punch Mr. Dosh in the face. I felt that I could do it.

Mr. Dosh suddenly stopped smashing Enne’s body. He looked at me, “Oh, did I just feel a death wish?”

He sensed my anger. I don’t know how but I don’t care. All I want is to kill the hideous monster that killed Enne. I know I can take him down.

He smiled at me and he raised his mace. “Oh? I see you’ve got that much firepower? I really have to kill you if that’s the case. Or you’ll cause a lot of problems”

“Bring it, poop biscuit”, I whispered.

As he was about to crush me with all his might, someone shouted. “What the hell is a poop biscuit?”

Both Mr. Dosh and I looked for the source of the voice. There, Enne was alive and well doing stretching exercises.

“What?! Impossible!” Mr. Dosh bellowed. “I made sure you were dead!”

The anger that built up inside of me subsided. I was shocked and happy to see him alive. “Enne? H-how--?”

“Let me explain later” he said. He looked at his left arm. There was something there but I couldn’t get a clear view. “Tch. I should’ve known he would do that. What a waste”

He suddenly took a step back. “Woah. What the hell is this stuff? Great, now my clothes got spat on. This has gotta be the greatest day in my life. Hurrah..”

Mr. Dosh roared in anger.

“Shut up, will you?” Enne said. He took the sword that was behind him. Now that I’ve got a good look, the sword he was using was a katana. You know, that type of sword a samurai would’ve used back in the day.

He put his sword on his shoulder. Then he nodded “Yeah, I guess that’ll be the best method. You ready?”

He suddenly threw the sword at Mr. Dosh who in turn dodged it with ease. He looked at where the sword had landed and as he was about to turn with a smug face on, Enne was already right in front of him waving his hand like he was saying “hi”.

Mr. Dosh quickly defended himself as Enne unleashed a barrage of punches on him. Mr. Dosh saw an opening and has he tried to hit him, Enne intercepted the mace with his left leg. Enne quickly raised his right leg and kicked Mr. Dosh square in his face. Mr. Dosh staggered as he held his nose. Apparently Enne’s kick broke it and it was bleeding madly. Before Mr. Dosh could recover, he somehow tripped on something and he fell on his back. Enne approached slowly. Mr. Dosh realized that the katana Enne threw earlier was the cause of his fall. He could do nothing now but glare at Enne.

Enne took his katana. “I should’ve done that earlier. That would’ve saved me a year.”

Mr. Dosh laughed weakly one last time as Enne drove his sword into his heart. Mr. Dosh slowly faded until he was no more.

Enne sighed heavily as he approached me. “You okay?”

I nodded and then I smiled widely. “I thought you were dead! How did you do that?” I noticed soething in his left arm. It was the number 342. I pointed at it. “What’s that?”

Enne quickly put his arm behind him. “I’ll explain later. Right now, we need to get out of here”

“Wait!” I said. “What about those four? Are they really..”

Enne shook his head. “The real ones aren’t here. Probably knocked out since part of their souls were stolen by those guys. They’ll be back to normal after a day”

I sighed in relief. I hated them but I never want them to die or something. I looked at Enne and he was a mess. His clothes were torn, cement and dust sprinkled his hair and he was full of cuts and bruises. It also looked like his ribs were broken.

“Uhh, do you need an ambulance?” I asked.

“Nah. It’ll heal in a while”

“Really? Do, uh, all zeniths have that ability?”

“As I said, questions later. Come on.” Enne said as he limped towards the street.

He suddenly stopped. “What?”

“What?” I asked.

“Not you” he said.

So who the hell is he talking to?!

“Nah, now’s not the right time, pops. Yeah, maybe back at the orphanage. Okay.”

He looked at me. “Let’s go”

“Wait! Where are we going?”

“Who are you, Dora? We’re going to the orphanage. Don’t worry about class. I got permission for us to leave already”

I reluctantly followed him outside. I take one final look at the school Woah, the backyard’s a mess. I hope the janitor can clean that up.

 

 

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore”

 

 

            We made our way through the city as I led Enne towards the orphanage. Enne was limping at first but after some time his pace was back to normal. A lot of people were looking at him but he didn’t seem to mind.

            We finally made it out of the city and at that time, Enne was back to normal (his clothes were still tattered). It was about one in the afternoon and the sun was covered with gray clouds. i hope it’ll rain today. The buildings then turned into lavender fields.

            “I sure missed this place a lot” Enne suddenly said.

            “You’ve just been gone for six hours” I replied.

He shook his head. “I lived here a long time ago”

Come to think of it. He does look familiar. I think I’ve seen him even before we met at the bus stop. I just can’t remember when and where.

We walked past the bus stop and we finally reach the orphanage. We walked up the porch to see Mr. Mazera reading a newspaper at his usual spot. Enne looked at the floor.

“Back so early?” he said without taking his eyes off the paper.

I stifled a laugh. “Yes, sir. My friend here has permission for us to go home early. He wanted to see the orphanage”

Mr. Mazera laughed. “Is he now?”

He put down the paper and stood up. “My, my you’re in tatters. What’s your name?”

Enne raised his head. “It’s been a while, sir”

Mr. Mazera’s widened. “Enne? Is that really you?”

Enne nodded. “The one and only”

Mr. Mazera suddenly hugged Enne and started to cry. “We thought you were dead! After you were adopted, we’ve lost contact with that man. We tried to find you but there was no trace at all! Please, forgive me. I was too careless”

Enne comforted Mr. Mazera. “It’s okay, sir. It’s not your fault. Come on sir, you’re getting snot all over my shirt”

Mr. Mazera wiped his nose. “Sorry. It’s just we’ve missed you a lot, Charles and I. Oh my, just look at you. You’ve grown so tall since we’ve last met! Handsome too. I bet you’ve already got a girlfriend?”

Enne looked away as he shook his head. He seemed pained but I can’t really tell. He didn’t even smile when he met Mr. Mazera. Speaking of…

“Wait, how do you know each other?” I asked.

Mr. Mazera put his hand on Enne’s shoulder. “Well Enne here was an orphan here for years ago He left after the day you were transferred here.”

Now I remember. He was one of the older boys I met four years ago. When he left, the Mazeras tried rally hold back their tears. He must’ve been close to the family.

“By the way, where’s Charles?” Enne asked.

“He’s been studying abroad” Mr. Mazera said. He picked up the newspaper. Apparently he was reading the comics section. “You seem to have splendid timing though since he’ll be here by tomorrow morning”

“”I’ll wait for him then” Enne said. “I’ll sleep in my old room if that’s okay”

Mr. Mazera nodded. “Sure. Stay as long as you like.”

“Thanks, sir. Oh, and can I have the paper?”

Mr. Mazera handed the paper over. “Sure”

Enne turned towards me. “I’ll answer all your questions at my room. Be there in five minutes”

*Five munites later*

I went to Enne’s room ready to bombard him with questions. It was kind of like an interview. Here’s how it went:

Me: Let’s begin at the very top. Hi, who and what are you?

Enne: Hello, I am Enne Ravner and I am human

Me: No! What exactly?

E: Oh, I’m a zenith.

Me: What are zeniths?

E; As I have said, we’re people with badass powers who protect people from evil which we call the Corrupt. You’ll know more later

Me: Am I a zenith?

Enne: Duh

Me: Is that guy outside a zenith?

E: Maybe….actually no. I don’t think so.

Me: How about that lamp?

E: Actually, yes. He is a zeni—what the hell man.

Me: I’m just joking! Okay…who or what are the Corrupt?

E: Beings who bring chaos to humankind.

Mr. Mazera: Hey guys! I brought you some drinks!

Me: Thanks, sir.

Me: Let me continue. You know, you could’ve said all these earlier

E: I know right.

James: So, if you were a girl and you’ll date an actor, who would it be?

Me: Shut up, James. This is not Gossip Girl. How the hell did you get in?

J: Through the door, duh.

Me: Ugh, I’ll just ignore you then. So Enne, when did you become a zenith?

E: That’s classified

J: Yeah, that’s classified.

Me: Shut up, James!

So the interview didn’t go quite well because of some disturbances but I managed to get a few things clear. After that, Enne excused himself to go to Mr. Mazera’s office to discuss some trivial matters. I had the rest of the day to myself so I played Xbox all day long. Hours passed and suddenly it was time for us to go to bed. I have to admit, today was a bit fun. Aside from the killing and the howling and the screaming and me and Enne dying, it was okay. I close my eyes expecting my life to become much more exciting than before.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mr. Mazera told me to go to his office. Inside, Enne and Mr. Mazera’s son, Charles, were talking. Apparently he had arrived a few hours earlier. Despite being tired from travel he looked like he was having fun talking with Enne.

“Oh, hey Victor. Sit down” Charles made room for me in the couch so I can sit with them.

Not that I’m a stalker, but Charles smelled really foreign. He was studying somewhere in London. He was tall and like his father, a Latin American. They have the same features except Charles had straight black hair and olive eyes. His accent was quite British now.

After a few minutes, Mr. Mazera entered the room and he sat down his chair. “All right, boys. On to business”

He looked at Enne. “I’m sure you’ve explained everything to Charles right?”

“Yes, sir” Enne replied.

“Good. Victor, are you going to join Enne?”

I nodded.

“Alright” he said. “I’ll ‘handle’ your papers then”

“Handle?” I asked.

Mr. Mazera and Charles smiled at me.

Enne rolled his eyes. “There you go again with your ‘special skills’”

Both of the Mazeras laughed. They seriously creep me out.

 “I think that settles it then” Mr. Mazera said as he clapped his hands. “Get your things ready, Victor. Meet us by the oak tree”

After checking my stuff and locking my room, I went towards the oak tree. I left my Xbox so the new orphan wouldn’t be so bored or whatnot. Enne bid goodbye to the Mazeras. Apparently, they were trying hard not to cry. After a while Charles came up to me to say goodbye.

“Look after him, will you?”

Mr. Mazera said goodbye to me to, saying that we can visit anytime.

“By the way, sir”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve known you for four years, but I still don’t know your first name? before I go, can you tell me?”

Mr. Mazera patted my back. “My boy, some things are meant to be kept as a secret”

“His name’s Evelyn” Enne suddenly said.

Charles and I burst out in laughter.

“Enne! You didn’t have to say that! And it’s not my fault my name’s for a girl. Blame mom for it!” Mr. Mazera turned red in embarrassment.

Charles stopped laughing. “Oh that never get old. Well, see you around, Enne” They did one of those complex handshakes. They even tangoed. The Mazeras then go back to the orphanage.

Sherwin turned to me. “Let’s go, then”

“Where?” I asked.

“Let me ask you. Left or right?”

“Hmmm, left”

“Then I guess we’ll go to Greenland then”

“Awesome” I exclaimed. “Where exactly?”

“Vendetta Asylum”

 

5: Chapter IV

Chapter IV- Fate

I am Fate.

I see everything in this world. I see everyone’s past, present and future. Alas, I am forbidden to tell them of what I see. Not even a propchecy. I can only tell them very little of what lies ahead.

You may be asking why I am here. The answer is that I am here to tell you what is happening beyond our heroes’ eyes. I am here to broaden your understanding of this world. Particularly his story.

A young teenage boy was standing on at the top of a building next to a school. He had hair as brown as the autumn leaves which was a bit messy.

Why does it have to be me? He thought. There he was, waiting for them to come out of the school. He’s been tracking Enne since yesterday. Suddenly, the doors opened.

“He’s moving” he said on his earpiece.

“Observe him for the time being” the person on the other side said.

“Roger that”

His name is Gaius Avery. He knew Enne and Ledah well. The last time he saw both of them was three years ago when they left their master’s custody. He sat on the ledge as he watched intently. A few minutes later, three more people showed up.

“Three more people sighted. Are these one of ours?” Gaius asked.

“There should be four of them. The other one must be nearby” he replied. “Don’t do anything. Just watch”

Gaius sighed. He was really looking forward for some action himself. He wanted to know if Enne is stronger than four years ago but orders are orders. He watched them lazily. He became interested when Enne died since he knew dying is a big mistake for zeniths like them. They treasure their lives dearly for they are different. I have seen their fate and it is not a fate one would want to have. After the fight was over, he turned on his earpiece again.

“He’s still as good as before” Gaius said with a laugh.

The person on the other side smiled. He took a sip of iced tea. “As expected. Call it a day and when tomorrow comes. Know what he’s up to”

“Roger”

He turned his earpiece off. He lied down on the floor and he stretched his arms. He realized that he was hungry so he went to the nearest McDonald’s.

“I’d like a Quarter Pounder with large fries and coke” he said.

“Here you go, sir” the employee said with a smile.

He sat down the table nearest the exit and he started to munch down his burger. He ate it all in under five minutes. He wanted more but it’s been a while since he and his teammates had a proper job so he had to spend his money wisely. If his pocket money is less than five hundred thousand when he comes back, he’ll do the dishes for a month. Zeniths like him live the good life. He looked around the restaurant to look for any suspicious people. Having seen none, he lowered his guard. He remembered the good old days when he, along with Enne and his team were enjoying meals like this after a hard mission. Alas, those days were gone. If only Enne didn’t go, we would still be a team, he thought. Four years ago, Enne, along with Ledah and some more ran away from their sponsor. They tried to talk to them to no avail. They had to use force but they were persistent on going. Ledah and Enne escape. Their companions weren’t with them when they escaped but they were never found either. He took a small mirror from his backpack and he looked at his neck with it. The number 395 was tattooed near his Adam’s apple. He shook his head and he left the store.

Gaius had much free time so he decided to go to the school. He looked at students reading or listening to their teacher. He was a bit jealous for they never experienced school life. He was suddenly distracted by a cold wind. A bad omen. Something was there. To be sure, he strolled around the campus until 5 in the afternoon. At that time most of the students and teachers were gone. He went to the place where Enne had fought the Corrupt. It is common knowledge that Corrupt tend to appear at places where other Corrupt had fallen. They seem to grow more powerful at these places. He looked around. The place seemed to be back to normal. No crack in the wall, no hole, nothing. Ledah, he thought. A chill went down his back.

Years of training served him well as he quickly blocked a Shadowhound’s attack. He grabbed it by the neck and he smashed it to the ground. He looked up to see lots of Corrupt coming out of a dark hole in the ground. The biggest one came forward.

“Move, zenith. Or my minions shall devour your soul”

Gaius opened his backpack.

“You dare?” the Corrupt said. “Pay attention to me when I speak!”

Gaius ignored the Corrupt’s threats and continued to rummage his backpack. “Got it” he said. Gaius took out a grotesque demon mask, one of many from his collection, and a scimitar.

The Corrupt leader was taken aback. “Wh-what is that. Who are you?!”

Gaius put on his mask. “I am….Pandemonium”

One of the minions suddenly attacked Gaius. Gaius did not dodge the attack and the mask got damaged. Seeing this, the other lesser Corrupt attacked Gaius. Attacked from every direction, Gaius defended the rest of his body but not his face. The mask was slowly cracking to the point that if Gaius would move his head, it would break into pieces.

The leader laughed haughtily. “And here I thought you were one of those bigshot zeniths!”

Gaius smirked. “Really now? Maybe you’ll regret saying that if I do…this?”

Gaius crushed his mask. Everything went silent. Not a single sound from the Corrupt. Not even the leaves that should be rustling because of the wind. The hounds started howling, they were making sounds only a mad dog would make. The large Corrupt leader was silently laughing. Then it became louder and louder to a point that his vocal chords would rupture. The hounds started tearing each other apart. Biting themselves in the neck, ramming hard into walls. The leader laughed hysterically as he swung his mace wildly hitting some of the Shadowhounds. In less than five minutes, the horde of Corrupt vanished into thin air, leaving the leader on his knees.

He was breathing heavily. “No…it can’t be” he tried to say but because he laughed so hard, his vocal chords had been strained. Alas, all he could make were feeble sounds.

Gaius approached the Corrupt. His face grotesque and distorted when you try to look at it. A chaotic aura emanates from him. He shook his head.

“You don’t know me, do you?” he asked. The Corrupt could only kneel and stare.

“Hmm. So you haven’t been urged by him yet, huh?” Gaius sighed. He raised his scimitar and he beheaded the Corrupt. It slowly faded until there was no more.

His faced returned to normal. Another good mask wasted, he thought to himself. He picked up his backpack and again he took out the mirror to look at his neck. The number 390 was tattooed near his Adam’s apple. And worse, five more wasted, he thought. He looked around to see how the fight damaged the any of the buildings. As he made a survey, he concluded that fixing wouldn’t be required since the damage is still mundane so he needs not to fix it. He nodded and he went back to his hotel and after a quick shower, he quickly fell asleep.

 

Chaos is art

I knew him before I had become Fate

Gaius woke up a minute before seven in the morning. Knowing Enne, he hurriedly packed up and checked out of the hotel. Enne always leaves places at about seven-thirty. He doesn’t know why. He knew that he was staying at the orphanage he was from. Enne told him about that place a long time ago. He put on his earpiece and he turned it on. “Pandemonium reporting. I’m going to Enne’s location now.”

“Good” the person on the other side said. “Once you know what he’s up to, your mission’s over”

“Got that” Gaius replied. “Wait. I won’t track him after this?”

“No need. We drew lots here yesterday. Hailey got the short stick so she’ll be the one who’s gonna fight him for fun”

And I’m here doing boring stuff, he thought. “Okay. You’re the boss”

“Better hurry. We’re having pancakes for breakfast. Adelheid’s already buying the ingredients” the one on the other side said with a smile.

“Oh, frick. Gotta go then!”

He hailed a cab and they drove out of the city and after a few minutes, he was at the bus stop near the orphanage. After he paid the driver, he entered stealth mode. Gaius has this eighth-grade syndrome”. Feeling like Corvo from Dishonored, he drew the Outsider’s mark on his hand. He imagined he could teleport to the rooftop but all he could do was climb it. From the roof, he could see an oak tree not far from where he is. He could see Enne, Victor and the Mazeras saying goodbye to each other. As the Mazera’s neared the entrance, Gaius climbed down a bit to eavesdrop.

“—seeing Enne again”

“Where was he going again?”

“I think it was Greenland. To an asylum”

“Asylum?! What a weird choice. Isn’t it quite cold there don--”

Gaius immediately turned his earpiece on to report to his superior.

“They’re going to an asylum in Greenland” he said.

“Asylum?” the one on the other side said. “But why?”

“Dunno”

“It’s Hailey’s job now. Let her be the one to investigate”

“Okay”

Gaius turned his earpiece off. He looked for Enne but he and Victor were already gone.

 

 

6: Chapter V

Chapter V

 

Enne looked at the orphanage.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Enne stared at the rooftop. He finally shook his head. “It’s nothing”

“So how do we get to Greenland?” I asked quite enthusiastically. I’ve always wanted to see tundras and the ice sheets up north.

“What do you want?” he said. “Normal human transport?”

“Well, if you have something faster I’d be glad to ride that” I said.

 “It’s not actually a ‘ride’.” He took out his phone and he started texting. I leaned closer to see what he was typing. Yeah, I’m quite a nosy person. Enne’s text went like this:

Yo, Led… we need to go to Greenland. Vicky wanted to try it out. Btw, want any souvenirs? I think we’ll be going to a forest but I’ll find what I can.

Enne sent the message. After a few seconds, he got a reply:

.k ^^

.lol anything would do.

 

Enne pocketed his phone. “Let’s go”

“Where?” I asked.

 “There behind the tree.”

Expecting something like a chariot or a Mercedes-Benz that can fly, I was surprised to find a huge dark hole in the tree’s trunk

“Woah.” I stared at the hole trying to see what was inside. “Is this it?”

“Yup” He pushed me. “After you”

I hesitated. “You first, man. I mean, you’re the one who knows how to operate this, um, thing.”

Enne sighed. “And you said you wanted to try something new. Fine. I’ll go in first.”

He walked towards the trunk. “It’s simple, all you have to do is to jump in.”

Enne disappeared as he jumped into the hole.

Well, I thought. Time for me to go in too.

After hesitating quite a lot more than I expected, I finally find the courage to jump into the hole. I fell down screaming on snowy ground. The orphanage and lavender fields were gone and were replaced by white trees.

“Where are we?.” I brushed the snow off my hair. Enne was looking at the sun hiding behind gray clouds.

 “Glacier Island. I think it’s somewhere north of the country.” he said.  “So how was the trip?”

“IT. WAS. AWESOME” I almost wanted to scream like a little girl.

I heard him say something about basil or whatnot. The wind kind of scattered whatever he was saying.

“You want basil?” I asked. “I think basil doesn’t grow here.”

“…..Aren’t you cold?” he changed the subject.

“Nah, I’m fine. The cold doesn’t bother me a bit.”

I never felt cold. When I was a kid, I would always go out on cold days wearing a shirt while the other kids shiver even though they were wearing layers of warm clothes. Some people think I’m weird while some think it’s kind of like a superpower. Hey, maybe I’ll join the X-Men someday.

Enne tilted his head. “Really?”

I was a bit freaked out. “W-why?”

He frowned. “I’m not sure….yet. Forget it. Come on, we need to get through that forest over there.”

The two of us headed for the eerie forest. The trees were as white as the snow that was lightly falling upon us.  The silence was peaceful and at the same time unsettling. Not another soul in sight. It makes me feel a bit melancholic. A perfect place for thinking and appreciating the wonders of the nature. Nothing would disturb anyone here. If I had the chance, I’d walk here under the moonlight thinking about my life, how it has been these past years and what the future has in store for me.

After what seemed to be almost half an hour, Enne stopped walking.

“What is it?” I asked.

“We’re here.”

I could see a dark and tall tower not far from where we were standing. It looked really old and it felt like it would the next time a strong wind blows. There were nearly no windows on it and the paint was fading. I can feel the misery take over my senses as we reach its fence.

“Is this--?” I asked.

He nodded. “Vendetta Asylum. This is where Greenland’s psychopaths are confined. Not long ago, they accepted foreign patients.”

He seems to know a lot about this place so I assume he’s been here before.

“Let’s go then” he said. Enne started to climb up the fence.

“Ummm…” I looked around for a gate. “Can’t we just find the front gate?”

“What are you, crazy? The guards will see us. we’re practically trespassing on government property”

 “What?!” I said in surprise.

He shushed me. “Shut up! They’ll hear us”

I covered my mouth. I reduced my tone to a whisper. “They’ll kill us! What were you thinking?!”

He was already on the other side of the fence. “The permit was denied, okay? This is our last resort. Come on, we have no time to lose.”

“All I wanted was adventure in life and they gave me this.” I said as I climbed over the fence.

I’m not really sure if I’ll trust Enne yet. I mean, I just met him yesterday and now we’re here in the north going to an asylum. Quite typical for a get-to-know activity, don’t you think? Well, he did die because of me. I don’t know how to repay him for that. Maybe trusting him would at least lessen my debt to him.

We slowly tiptoed around the building. A guard passed by but he didn’t seem to notice us. When the coast was clear, Enne tapped me in the shoulder. He suddenly stepped on my shoulder and he jumped to reach a window just on top of us. Enne offered me his right hand.

“Come on.” he said.

I rubbed my shoulder. “Next time, say ‘Hey! I’m gonna jump on your shoulder’ instead of just patting it”

“Grow up.” he said.

He forced the window to open. After a few pulls, the window slowly opened until the space was wide enough for a person to slip through. He went in first and I reluctantly followed.

The interior designer of this asylum didn’t have much taste. The lights seem to make the gray walls close in on us. There were rows of empty cells on both our sides each with a different story to tell. . Seeing nothing, we went up the stairs. After a while, I realized that it was too quiet for an asylum.

“Isn’t it a bit too quiet here?” I said.

“The patients must all be in the recreation center. Today’s Wednesday after all.” Enne said.

“How do you even know the schedule?”

Before he could answer my questions, we heard footsteps from the end of the corridor.

Enne forcefully opened an empty. “In here.”

I followed him inside we conceal ourselves in the shadows. An unpleasant smell reached my nose.

“Ugh. It stinks!”

“Shoot. I forgot that this is Bob’s cell” he whispered. “Just put up with it until the guard passes by”

After a while, a guard passed by our cell. We waited until the echoes of his footsteps were gone.

I quickly got out of the cell. “Ughh. I think my nose is on dying”

“Sorry about that.” he said. “The guy who stays here likes to, umm, play with his…..yellow submarines”

“Oh god, stop! I’m getting a mental image. Let’s just get this over with.”

We walked towards the end of the corridor in silence.

 “Where do we need to go?” I whispered.

Enne fixed his hair. “We need to get to the highest part of the building where they keep the dangerous ones. If I recall, there should be—ah, here it is”

Enne pointed at an old elevator at the end of the corridor. Apparently, the stairs only went up to this floor.

“Wait. I’ve been wondering.” I said. “Have you been here before?  You seem to know how to get around this place”

He shrugged. “Yeah. I’ve been confined here before”

My jaw dropped. “W-what? S-so you’re a psycho?!”

He covered my mouth. “Sshh. They’ll hear us!”

“Who’s there?!” a voice said. A guard quickly climbed up the stairs.

“Mother of—Great, they found us.”

“Sorry.” I squeaked but I figured an apology would be useless now.

“Identify yourselves!” he said with authority.

Enne took out an a card from his. “Hello sir. I am Baljeet ”

The guard took the card. “Hey this isn’t an ID! It’s--”

Before the guard could finish talking, Enne punched him in the jaw. “A discount card”

The guard fell on the floor sleeping. Enne picked up his discount card. “Come on.”

I poked the guard’s face just to be sure if he’s really knocked out. “What about this guy?”

“Leave him be. Once somebody else finds him, we’ll be long gone”

I quickly joined him inside the elevator. Oddly, there was only one button to press and in no time, we reached our destination. Compared to the floors below, the cells here looked more like hotel rooms.

“Talk about special treatment” I muttered.

“Sometimes the craziest ones are the calm ones” Enne said. “If they don’t get what they want, that’s the time that they break and no one wants that to happen.”

I shudder at the thought.

“It’s a good thing they’re at the recreation center. If they were here, walking down this hallway will be much much harder.” He added.

“Then maybe we should go to the center” I said. “no one’s here after all”

Enne shook his head. “This one isn’t allowed to mingle with the others and he’s fine with that. He kind of goes insane at random so they decided not to let him out. See for yourself”

He pointed at the room in front of us. It was at the farthest end of the hallway. Inside was a boy watching TV. From what I see, he was watching cartoons.

“He’s the guy?” I asked. “But he looks like he’s just as old as us!”

“You don’t know what he’s capable of” He knocked at the cell door. “so let me do the talking.”

“Who’s there?” the guy inside the cell asked.

“Visitors!” Enne replied.

The guy inside quickly got to his feet and he ran towards the door. “Really? I seldom get visitors. I don’t even know who you are.”

“We were just passing by so I thought ‘Hey, let’s visit a random guy!’ and apparently you’re the only guy here so..”

The guy tried opened the fiber glass door. “Come on in then! Oh, I forgot. It’s locked”

Enne opened his backpack and took out his katana. I still don’t know how that thing fits inside the bag.

“I’ll open it in a minute” he said. He used his katana as kind of like a makeshift glass cutter.

“Quit whining.” He muttered.

“Who’re you talking to?” I asked.

“No one” he quickly responded. Enne then carefully removed the glass that was cut from the door and he put it aside. The guy inside the cell welcomed us in.

The guy looked like he didn’t sleep much. His eyebags were really big. He had coffee brown hair that matched his brown eyes. Judging from his physical traits, I would say he’s half-Indian. I’d like to ask him outright but Enne said he’d do all the talking.

“Sit! Sit!” the guy said. “Make yourselves comfortable. Would you like some drinks? Water? Tea? Juice? Water-flavored juice?”

Enne declined. “We’re just here to pick you up.”

The guy looked confused. “Pick me up?”

Enne told the guy to sit down. “You see, I’m forming some kind of team and I want you to be in it.”

The guy thought for a while. “I don’t know. I mean, we’ve just met and you don’t know what I can do when I lose control”

“I’ll treat you to some pie later”

“Then it’s a deal” the guy stood up and shook Enne’s hand.

“Woah. That was quick” I silently said to Enne who just shrugged at me.

“Are you part of the team, too?” he asked me.

“Uhh. yeah” I said.

He held out his hand. “Nice to meet you! I’m Arjun.”

We shook hands. “I’m Viktor”

Suddenly, we heard shouts from the other end of the hallway.

“Mother of—it’s the guards.” Enne quickly stood up.

“Where do we go?!” I asked.

Enne looked at the window. “Only one way out. Come on you two!”

“What about my clothes?” Arjun asked.

“Grab a few shirts then!” Enne said. I could hear a lot of men shouting and they were getting closer.

Enne broke the window open. “No hesitations this time, Vicky! Just jump!”

And without saying anything else, he jumped of the window.

Arjun was laughing. “This is so much fun!”

Arjun sreamed happily as he jumped out of the window.

“There!” somebody shouted. I turned around to see a bunch of masculine guards angrily looking at me.

“Well, I guess jumping off tall towers without safety gear could be fun” I said as I jumped of the ledge of the window leaving behind the angry guards shouting curses at us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7: Chapter VI

Chapter VI

 

                Jumping out of the window was the stupidest thing I had done in my life. I forgot that one: I can’t fly and two: I can die. I was about to scream when I hit something hard. I was suddenly lying down on snowy ground. Am I dead? I thought. Before I could do anything, someone pulled me up.

                “Don’t just lie down!” Enne said. “Come on!”

I promptly obeyed and the three of us started heading for the woods. I could hear alarms ringing and men shouting. Somehow it made me run faster.

Arjun was laughing loudly. “I’ve never had so much fun since forever!”

“Come to think of it,” I said. “This is fun.”

The two of us laughed our hearts out while Enne kept telling us to shut up. Being rebellious as we were, we didn’t listen to him.

We made it out of the forest and we were back to where Enne and I landed on Greenland.

Enne pointed ahead of us. “Head for that tree!”

The tree was like the others but its trunk had an enigmatic hole in its trunk.

“Is that a wormhole?” Arjun seemed perplexed.

“Something like that!” Enne answered.

Arjun grinned. “Awesome! Last one in is a psychotic patient!”

Arjun jumped inside the wormhole. Suddenly, I could hear shouting from afar. The asylum’s men had caught up with us and they were getting close.

Enne and I reached the wormhole. Before I could jump in, Enne suddenly slapped me. “Frick. I forgot Ledah’s souvenir.”

“Just forget about that!” I said. “And why slap me?!”

The men from the asylum emerged from the forest shouting anything they can think of and swinging stun batons.

Enne sighed. “Fine. Let’s go.”

And this time, I jumped inside without any hesitation.

 

Though I’m still not used to the liquid darkness inside the wormhole thing, I admit that it’s pretty awesome. After what seemed like a few seconds, I fell on the ground. This time though, it wasn’t snowy. I landed on wet grass. I quickly stood up and I looked around. I couldn’t make a lot out of the surroundings because of a thick fog but it looks like we were on a clearing. It was quite dark so I think we changed time zones.

Enne approached me. “You okay?”

I nodded. “What time is it here?”

He looked at his watch. “……It’s about four in the morning”

Arjun was stretching. “It’s good to be back outside. ”

“Just how long have you been there?” I asked.

Arjun counted with his fingers. “Uhh…about three years. Or was it two? I forget.” He scratched his head.

“Let’s talk about that later” Enne suddenly said. “I’m sure you’re all hungry.”

My stomach suddenly growled. “Yeah.”

Arjun cheered. “So, where do we get some grub? Do we hunt or something?”

“Yeah” I said. “We’re in a forest, I think. Do we need to scavenge? Or did you bring the food?”

“Nope. We’re gonna eat at my house.” Enne said.

“Woah. You live here?” I asked. “In a forest located in who knows where?”

Enne stared at me. I think I offended him. “Sorry…so, where’s your house?”

Enne finally took his eyes off me. “I guess the fog’s too thick for us to see. Wait here. When I was…younger, I put some marks on stones and trees so I can find the house every time the fog gets too thick. Like today.”

Enne walked towards the fog and he was immediately engulfed by it.  After a short while, he came back.

“It’s a short walk behind us” he said. “Come on.”

Arjun and I followed Enne through the fog. Arjun wouldn’t stop talking about how the food at the asylum was awful and that he would just play with it if he didn’t feel like eating.

Before long, we were greeted by a big and lonely mansion.

My jaw dropped.

“Woah…is this….?” Arjun trailed off.

Enne nodded. “Welcome to my house. Let’s get inside”

The three of us walked past a large gate guarded by two obsidian ravens. Their eyes seem to follow us. We walked in eerie silence. The light coming from the lamp posts were only bright enough to illuminate the pathway. I could hear our footsteps on the brick pavement and occasional caws from a bird nearby. Arjun was unusually quiet. He was anxiously looking around like he was expecting something to appear from the fog. I was silently chanting ‘Nothing’s there, nothing’s there’ all the way to the front porch. Arjun and I let out a sigh of relief.

Enne turned around and he tilted his head. “What are you two so scared of?”

I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants. “Dude, do you seriously live here? It’s so creepy.”

Arjun nodded in agreement

“Pfft.” Enne knocked at the door. “Relax, I told them not to disturb anyone here.”

Arjun gulped. “Um, them?”

Enne looked at Arjun’s  pale face. “……Uhh..the, umm…the deliverymen. I told them not to disturb us at this hour.”

“What kind of deliveryman loiters around some other guy’s house?” I said.

Enne muttered to himself. He then looked at both of us. “Just forget what I said, okay?”

I reluctantly nodded.

“Good.” he said. He knocked at the door again. “Hmm. That’s odd. He’s still asleep at this hour?”

“Duh.” I said.

Before Enne could knock for a third time, the door swung open. We were greeted by a tall man wearing a loose shirt and jersey shorts.

“My apologies, sir.” he said as he rubbed his eyes. “I somehow overslept.”

Enne waved. “That’s fine. Go get dressed. The three of us will head for the living room. Bring us some breakfast.”

The tall man nodded. “As you wish.” And without another word, he was gone.

I poked Enne. “Is he your butler.”

Enne nodded.

Arjun whistled. “You’re one rich guy.”

Enne shrugged. “You can say that. Come on in. you can wash yourselves if you want. Follow me.”

Enne turned on the lights. We were in a large room enough to fit a hundred people. There was a large chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. In front of us was an elegant staircase. I moved a little closer to it. Clearly this house is Victorian in style.

“Where are you going?” Enne suddenly asked.

It took me a while to realize he was talking to me. “Oh. Uh, how old is this house?”

“I really don’t know” Enne scratched his head. “If I remember correctly....this was built in the 1840s.Do the math if you want.”

“But everything looks new.” Arjun said.

“They just clean real good” Enne replied. “I’ll give you a tour later. Come on, the living room’s here.”

He led us to the door farthest to our left. Enne immediately slumped down a sofa as Arjun and I checked the room.

“Make yourselves at home.”  He said as he reached for the TV remote. “If you’re gonna wash yourselves up, the bathroom’s just next door.”

Enne pressed the remote. Suddenly, the wall above the fireplace caved in and a flat screen TV appeared.

                “Impressive” Arjun said as he clapped. I sat down on a comfy-looking chair by the fireplace. Arjun excused himself and he went to the bathroom, saying that he hadn’t bathed for three days. I was left alone with Enne. Before I could talk, the tall man who had opened the door went in with a tray.

                “Quite early for your arrival, sir” he said cordially. “I was caught unprepared.”

                He was in his mid-thirties. He was now wearing a black coat over a gray vest and white long sleeves. His hair was combed and it was still a bit wet. He must have taken a bath before attending to us. He set the tray on the table in the middle of the room. He then took a glass and poured some juice into it. He looked at me. “Would you like some iced tea? Or shall I prepare another drink?”

                “Iced tea is fine…I guess” I said. The man promptly nodded and he gave me a glass. He offered me some cake which I gladly received. He too gave some to Enne.

                “Is that all, sir?” he asked.

                “That’s all for now. Leave one for Arjun, he’s in the bathroom.” Enne replied. He started eating his slice of cake. “Oh, introduce yourself to Vicky here.”

                He turned and smiled at me. “Good morning sir. My name is Cardel. Cardel Olive, You can call me Viper if you like.”

                I choked on my cake. “What?”

                “Call him Viper if you want.” Enne answered for Cardel. “He doesn’t mind if you call him that.”

I took a sip of iced tea. “Why the name?”

Cardel laughed. “Oh, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you some other time, sir.”

“I think I’ll call you Cardel” I said.

“If that suits you.” Cardel said.

“Are the two still asleep?” Enne asked Cardel.

“Yes sir. I need to wake them up sooner or later, though. Joel’s started going to school yesterday. He says he’d rather stay here doing chores than listen to his teacher blabber.”

Enne put his hand on his face. “Before he wanted to go to school and now he hates it? Ugh, he’ll learn to appreciate school one of these days. Oh, take him to the library. He’s been itching to read.”

                Enne handed his backpack to Cardel. “Got the latest issue of NatGeo?”

                Cardel smiled. “And Time. Even Vogue if he likes a change of pace.”

                “He’ll read anything.” Enne said.

                With a bow, Cardel left the room with Enne’s backpack.

                “Is he a butler?” I asked.

                Enne nodded. “He’s been here waaay before I was born. I think he’s as old as…dad.”

                “Why Viper?” I asked.

                “It’s a long story and it’d be best if he’s gonna be the one who’s gonna tell you.”

                I couldn’t get any more answers from him regarding Cardel so I changed the subject.

                “Back at the asylum” I started. “When we jumped of the top, we were suddenly at the ground. How’d that happen?”

                Enne suddenly covered his left hand. “As I’ve said, Zeniths are people with powers. The powers are limitless. Be it be of nature, of human emotion, even the unknown---is this the third time I’ve talked about this?”

“I think so” I said. “All the same answers.”

“I am so not good at this” Enne slumped back on the couch. “It’ll be clearer when our team is complete. For now, just relax. Feel at home. We’ll be leaving after breakfast.”

I straightened up. “Where are we going?”

“Oh shoot. My bag’s with Viper. I think it’s a subdivision?” Enne said.

I was a bit disappointed. I thought it would be somewhere exciting. Not a sleepy old urban place.

“Oh, can I ask you a favour?” Enne asked.

“What?”

Enne leaned closer. He talked while looking down. “Our next recruit is…a girl. Can you do the, uh, talking this time?”

I was surprised. “Why?”

“Well” Enne shifted. “I don’t do well with…girls. I’ve been like this since I was young. Sorry about this.”

I was holding back my laughter. “O-okay. Leave it to me. I’ve always been a girl magnet.”

“Says the orphan who got rejected on sixth-grade” he mumbled.

“What?! How’d you know? It was Mr. Mazera, wasn’t it?”

Enne nodded. “He said you cried all night long. You still were the next day but he threatened you that you won’t eat breakfast if you don’t start crying.”

My face felt hot. “Dang it! How about you? I bet you don’t even have girl friends!”

“Oh, but I have, young Vicky” he said. “As in friends. Not the ‘girlfriend’ thing.”

Before I could answer back, Arjun entered the room wearing a towel.

“Best. Bath. Since. Five days ago!” he shouted.

“Woah, dude! Put some clothes on” I said.

“I don’t have any.” Arjun said. “I’ve got nothing but straitjackets back at the asylum”

Enne reached for a bell that was on the table and he rang it. “Viper’s gonna give you some of mine.”

“Good” Arjun said. He sat down beside Enne. “Oh, Jeeves. Bring me some butterscotch at water while you’re at it!”

“Watch the couch” Enne said.

“You called, sir?” Cardel entered the room eyeing Arjun.

“Bring some clothes for him.” Enne said. “Butterscotch and water too”

Cardel raised his brow. “As you wish sir.”

He was about to leave when suddenly turned around.

“Oh, I almost forgot” Cardel handed Enne a piece of paper. “This was on the porch. You kids still at it, eh?”

“The clothes, Viper” Enne quickly said.

Cardel bowed and he left the room chuckling. Enne read the letter. Before I could ask what it was about, he stood up

“You guys stay here. I’ll be out for a while”

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“I’ll be meeting an old friend” he said.

He quickly left the room and he shouted for Cardel to hand him some chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

8: Chapter VII

Chapter VII- Fate

                Enne gently closed the front door of his house. The sun was about to rise. He checked his watch, a gift from his father. It was quarter to five. He then jogged through the garden and towards the gate. He looked back and waved. They seldom wave back. Most of the time, they just stare back at him and they disappear. The fog was still thick. He crouched and he searched for a rock. A lot of people get lost in the fog. Some find their way back. Some get lost forever. When Enne was young, he drew crosses and simple legends on certain places so he won’t get lost when the fog appears.

                He found the rock and he looked for the cross. The thickest line on the crossed always pointed north. Enne looked for a small triangle. He found it north west of the square—his house. He then continued to walk. Some of them wandered around. They stared at Enne as he passed by. Enne would usually greet them but he knew he had no time to do so.

                Enne read the letter again. It said:

Meet me at the hill at five. Don’t be late, okay? Oh, and don’t forget to give me something this time.

He folded the paper and he pocketed it. Enne looked at the chocolate he was holding. It was one of his favourite brands. He thought of eating it but he resisted the idea and started to jog. He stopped in front of two roads. In the middle was an old tree. He quickly found the cross and he took the left path. He looked at his watch. It was already five in the morning.

                Shoot, I’m late. He thought. He continued running until he reached the end of the road. Up further was a small hill. Enne looked around. There was one wandering about at the foot of the hill. Enne tried to remember his name. Nestor? He shook his head and he started to climb the hill.

                He looked at his watch for the third time. It was six minutes past five. He ran until he was at the top of the hill. I stood up and turned around to face him.

I crossed my arms. “You’re late.”

He caught his breath. “We’ve known each other for seven years and you’re still complaining about me being late. Just deal with it”

I laughed. “I’m just joking, Enne. You should try not being late some time.”

He sighed. “Yeah yeah”

I sat back down and he sat beside me. Enne and I go way back. When we were eight, I got lost in the woods and he was the one who found me. I was so scared that I was punching him all the way to his house. After that, we became friends. And here we are. Who would’ve thought that we were both zeniths?

“So” I said. “I hope you’ve got something for me.”

He handed me some chocolate. “Surprise. Chocolate.”

I pushed it away. “Ugh! You just brought that for yourself, didn’t you?”

He held up his hand. “Oh my, you really are Fate.”

I rolled my eyes. “Just hand me you’re present.”

“You know what it is?” he asked.

“Of course not” I said. “I’m not a psychic.”

“Pfft. But then you call yourself Fat. Here” he said.

It was an old Roman coin. It looked really old and it smelled of ash.

I gasped. “Is this…?”

“A coin that was used in Pompeii. Before Mount Vesuvius erupted.” Enne finished what I was going to say

“I didn’t expect this” I said. “Th-thanks.”

“No prob.” he said. “Though it was really hard to get. I was digging like hell at the site. I needed to be careful since there were a lot of people there even at night.”

I laughed. “But you managed, huh?”

Enne lied down on the grass. “So, why did you call for me?”

I stared at the horizon. The sun started to show itself.

“Ever since what happened back then—Ever since you were born, Fate knows that the paths you will take will not be easy. For fifteen years, you chose the paths that you wanted, all leading to different endings, all of which are, if I can say, disastrous. Your choices, along with guidance, led you to this path.”

“And I say that this one is the best choice, if you’ve seen the other paths I could have taken” Enne said.

I nodded in agreement. “I’ve come here to tell you that no matter what choice you’ll make, the ending will stay the same. War is coming, Enne. This path will be a long one.”

Enne was silent. I knew that he was worried of the outcome.

I broke the silence. “Tell me, is life unfair?”

He sat up. “Funny how that question comes from you. Everything in life is unfair and it should be. Life won’t be worth anything if it was fair.”

I smiled. “And where’d you get that, huh?”

“The Prince” he said.

“I’m surprised that he has a serious side in him”

“Believe me, you do not want to see that”

I laughed. “It’s nice, seeing you again in person, Enne”

He looked at me. “You too, Leia”

I sighed. “If only our lives aren’t as complicated as this…”

Enne looked away. “Yeah”

We watched the sun rise from between the mountains. It’s been a long time since the two of us sat here. After all those years, I knew that I loved him. And he loved me. I still love him. But his love faded away, along with—

“Leia” Enne patted my head.

“Hmm?” I felt something warm roll down my cheek. I was crying. Enne pats my head every time I cry.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

I shook my head. I wiped my tears as I force myself to smile. “Nothing. It’s just that I’m glad to see you.”

Enne tilted his head. “If you say so.”

We sat there in silence as we watched the sun rise until it was over the mountains. I stood up.

“I have to go”

Enne stood up. “See you.”

I turned my back on him. Tears started to fall from my eyes again. “Fate is cruel, isn’t it?”

It took him a while to answer.

“Yes” he said. “Yes it is”

 

 

 

9: Chapter VIII

 Chapter VIII

               “He was trying to break free from Eduardo and Mark; they’re some of my friends from the asylum’s staff. Anyways, he was squirming and screaming something over and over and that’s when the doctors came in and injected him some sleeping drugs. The doctors ordered the others to bring him downstairs and that only means one thing: Isolation. He never went back. I asked Eduardo about him and he said that he was transferred to America.”

                Arjun was telling stories to Cardel when I got out of the showers. Enne has been gone for half an hour now. Cardel said that it was important business and all we had to do was to wait. The sun was already up when I finished bathing.

                “What was the name of your neighbour, mister Arjun?” Cardel asked.

                Arjun took a handful of butterscotch. “I never got to ask. He was there for about four days before he got taken away. In fact, all of my neighbors always get taken away. We only got to talk once and that was when he asked me the time. I knew he was crazy since he had a watch. He was crazy, I tell you!”

                Cardel laughed. “My, how observant of you! To think that someone like that would be in an asylum”

                Arjun smiled and he ate more butterscotch. “Though something was ”

                Cardel saw me enter the room and he asked for my clothes and my towel. “Enne will return in a while, sir.”        

                “How do you know?” I asked.

                “Back when he was a child, he would usually go out like this. He’ll leave before the sun rises and he’ll arrive before the fog disappears.” Cardel said. “He’ll be back any minute now.”

                He bowed and left the room, saying that he’ll take care of our clothes. I sat down beside Arjun who was now watching some early morning cartoons. Just as the commercials started, Enne entered the room.

                “Sup”

                Enne was eating a chocolate bar. He also had a few blades of grass in his hair.

                “Where have you been?” I asked.

                He finished eating the chocolate. “Just took a walk. Well, I see both of you are ready to go.”

                I nodded.

                “Okay then.” He went out the room. “Cardel! Get him for me. And bring the book he’s reading if he insists on staying a bit longer.”

                He went back inside. “Okay, one more person to go and we’re all set.”

                “So where are we going?” Arjun asked.

                “Somewhere in America” Enne replied. “They know we’re going there so I think this won’t be much of a hassle.”

                Arjun was disappointed.

                Cardel reentered the room. He was carrying Enne’s bag. “Here you are, sir.”

“Thanks, Viper” Enne said. “Did you get the present?”

Cardel nodded. “I’m sure the kids would be delighted.”

“Off we go, then. Led’s gonna come here at lunchtime. Bring him to the library.”

Cardel nodded and he left the room. “Stay safe, sir.”

“Yeah, like that ever happens” Enne murmured. “You guys ready?”

We nodded.

“Let’s go.” He took out an earpiece from his bag and he put it on. “We’re all set, Led.”

A familiar dark hole appeared at the doorway.

“Be here in a few hours” Enne continued talking. “Lunch will be ready here. Viper’ll take care of the rest. Okay.”

He put his earpiece back inside his bag. “Oh, and Victor?”

“Huh?”

“I’m counting on you. About the thing we talked about earlier”

I tried not to laugh. “Okay, okay. Leave that to me.”

Sanity hides our lies.

                I noticed a portrait at the staircase landing. I’m assuming that this was Enne’s family. His father, who looked really authoritative while carrying young boy. Enne’s mother was smiling as she rubbed Enne’s head. She looked like she had everything she wanted in the world.

                Enne noticed me looking at the portrait. “Is something wrong with it?”

                “Oh, uh, no, nothing” I quickly said.

“Come on then”

I followed Enne out of the house. Now that the fog was gone and the sun was out, the house wasn’t as creepy as before.

“Oh” Enne turned around. “We won’t be traveling through the tree this time. Well be traveling like all the other zeniths do.”

He stopped walking. So did we. He took a deep breath.

“Eo”

Everything went black. After a few seconds, we were in front of a quaint bungalow house. I suddenly felt a pain from the back of my head. It was like someone hit it with a blunt object.

“Ow”. I rubbed the part where it hurted the most. Enne and Arjun were doing the same.

“This is a side effect. Unlike our mode of transport before, Eo gives users a slight pain in the back of the head. Think of it as the travel fare.”

The pain subsided. “So, we’re….”

“At Annous Homes. Our next team member lives here somewhere”

Arjun laughed. “Hey! Hey! Try pronouncing it like--”

I hushed him up before he could finish talking. “Shut up, Arjun. You’re gonna make a controversy.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Nevermind. So much for my save. So where do we go now?

Enne gave me a piece of paper. “That’s the address. It’s just a turn at the end of this street. Oh and we don’t have to worry about running. They’re expecting us.”

The three of us started to walk. When we were about to make a turn, someone riding a bike came out of nowhere. Well, actually it came from the street we were about to turn to but you get the point. Enne quickly dodged the speeding bike. Arjun and I quickly stepped aside to avoid collision. The rider was a girl with shoulder-length hair and she looked like she was about the same age as we were.

“S-sorry!” she shouted as she passed us.

“Watch were you’re going!” Arjun shouted. “You could’ve run over my gorgeous foot!”

Great, now  I have a mental image of an attractive foot stuck on my head.

“Let’s get going” Enne said.

After a few seconds, we saw a man running towards our direction. He was out of breath when he stopped in front of us.

He panted. “H-have you seen a girl riding a bike come by here?”

“Yeah, she almost ran us over” I said. “What’s wrong?”

He coughed. “She kind of ran away.”

Kind of?

“Was she supposed to meet some people today?” Enne asked.

“Yes. How did you—oh you’re the guys. Sorry about this, but she’s kind of stubborn sometimes. Please find her before she gets too far away.”

“Did she take anything with her?” Enne asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, money, clothes, anything?”

“Maybe she still has pocket money but I don’t think it’s that much.”

“Friends in the neighbourhood?”

“She has a few.”

 “She won’t leave yet. Can we go to your house? It’s better if you explain everything there.”

After thinking for a while, the man agreed. We sat down in the living room and he gave us drinks. We all introduced ourselves. The man we were with was Mr. Holloway.

Mr. Holloway sighed. “To be honest with you, I only told her that you guys were coming today, well today.”

“I told you a week ago.” Enne said. “Why just now?”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s because….I’m scared for her.” He said.

“Scared?” I said. “Why?”

“Oh, are these guys new too?” Mr. Holloway asked.

Enne nodded.

He leaned closer to Arjun and I. “Being a zenith is no easy task. I’m a police officer and I deal with dangerous stuff. Drug cartels, riots, gangsters, hostage taking, paperwork.”

Arjun cringed at the sheer mention of paperwork.

He continued. “What we do is nothing to what you Zeniths do. There are far more sinister beings in this world. And some have to deal with paperwork.”

“Please stop mentioning paperwork” Arjun said.

“How come you know a lot about Zeniths?” I asked.

“My wife was one” he said, looking at the floor.

Was. That could only mean one thing.

“She was killed in action when my daughter was six. They were ambushed by one of the stronger ones when they were done with their job. It was shocking since there were fifteen of them.”

“I know that incident” Enne said. “One of the worst yet.”

Mr. Holloway gently smiled.

“So” Enne broke the silence. “She ran away because she knew that this was a dangerous job?”

“I think so” Mr. Holloway said. “She was so surprised when I told her. I really think she shouldn’t join you guys. Can’t she just get that protection program you guys offer?”

“I think not. Ledah said the offer’s for non-combat Zeniths.”

Mr. Holloway laughed. “Good point”

“Who’s Ledah anyway?” I asked. I think this is my second time to hear that name.

Enne waved me off. “You’ll meet him soon. For now, I think we need to get that girl home.”

Arjun was looking out the window. “Uhhh, Enne? I think we don’t need to”

The four of us looked outside. The same girl who almost ran over us got off her bike and was slowly going for the back door.

Mr. Holloway clapped. “Guys! Back to positions! You’re gonna freak her out if you’re staring at her from the window.”

“Oh yeah.”

The four of us went back to our seats and acted as normal as possible. I had to correct Arjun who was on the sofa like he was posing for a painting.

The door opened.

“Let me talk to her first” Mr. Holloway said as he got up.

After a while, he came back.

“So?” Enne said.

“She’s fine now. Want me to call her in?”

Enne nodded.

When Mr. Holloway was out of sight, Enne nudged me.

“It’s up to you, now.”

“But what am I supposed to do?” I asked. “And why won’t you talk to her?”

Enne was starting to write on a piece of paper. “As you may have noticed, I’m not very good with people. If I talk to that girl, she may not join our group because she may think I’m ‘rude’. Don’t worry; I’ll give you notes on what to say.”

He gave the first note. What is wrong with this guy?

Mr. Holloway returned with his daughter behind him. She had long brown hair and her eyes were as brown as the earth. And it looked like she cried since it was a bit red.

“Guys, I’d like you to meet Rena. Rena, they’re the ones who want you to join them”

Enne nudged me.

“Oh yeah, um” I stood up. I took a quick peek from the note. Oh to hell with. I’ll just read the whole thing. “Hi. We are from the Zenith Organization and we’d like you to join us. We are just one of the many groups that will come here to invite you to a team. Some won’t be from our organization. Bad guys or mercenaries.”

Enne passed me another note. “Most of them, I think, are better than we are. Since they have more experience. But I suggest--”

Another note.

“Why is he passing notes?” Rena asked.

“He has issues” I said. I got kicked in the leg.

“—that you join ours. Why, you may ask? I don’t know. I’m just starting this team after all.”

I stopped. The girl was laughing. “This isn’t a convincing reason!”

                Enne shrugged.

I sighed and continued. “But yeah. Just join us and I’ll teach you how to survive in the Zenith world and you can protect not just the ones you love but even the world. So come on we have a tight schedule you know.”

I guess that was the last note. Arjun was “crying” at the corner whispering “that was beautiful” a few times. Mr. Holloway was shaking his head and chuckling to himself.

The girl thought for a while. Then she nodded. “Yeah. I guess I have no choice but to join you.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Seriously, Enne can’t talk to women? Poor guy. I wonder how he spent his childhood days playing in the--ow. Enne kicked me again.

“Thanks for accepting our request.”  Enne held out his hand (quite reluctantly to be honest). the girl nodded and shook his hand. “We’re gonna leave after you finish packing. Pack only the essentials; like clothes. A bit of food would be okay too.”

Rena nodded.

Enne signalled us to go outside. “The three of us will wait outside and oh” he turned around. “Mr. Holloway. A word before we go.”

Enne closed the door. “All right. It’s not that I don’t trust the girl but Arjun, go to the other side of the house and watch the backdoor.”

“Aye aye, sir” Arjun saluted.

“And now we wait” Enne said.

We waited for fifteen minutes before Rena went outside. She was carrying a luggage bag and a backpack.

“Good enough” Enne said. “Wait for me here. I won’t be long”

He went back inside the house. I helped Rena carry her luggage bag.

“Thanks” she said. “Umm…”

“Victor” I said and we shook hands.

“Where’s the other guy?” she asked.

“Oh, Arjun? He’s watching your backdoor.”

“Why?”

“Because you could’ve run away for all we know”

She took a step back. “Woah”

“’Woah’ what?”

“I was actually planning to run away! Dad told me not to though. He said that Enne’s too hard to outsmart.”

Before I could say anything, she talked again.

“Hey, what’s your power?”

“Power?”

“You know. The one Fate gives you. so what is it?”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Before she could say anything more, Enne shouted. “Arjun! Time to go”

Arjun came running from the back of the house.

“Alright team” Enne said. “I’d like to ask you a question first”

“What’s that?” Arjun asked.

“What would you like for lunch?”

He took out a piece of paper and a pen. He was serious.

“I’d like some pizza” Arjun said.

“It’s been a while since Viper made that.” Enne wrote it down. “No objections?”

I shook my head.

“Okay.” Enne said. “Let’s go. Eo”

 Aaaaaaaaaaaand now we’re back at Enne’s  place. Vi—Cardel was waiting for us at the receiving area. “Welcome back, sir.”

He looked at Rena. “And you must be the last member for Enne’s team”

She was too distracted at looking around the house. Cardel had to cough to get her attention.  “Oh, uh y-yes.”

Cardel laughed. “A girl, huh? That must’ve been hard for him”

Not really. I did most of the job.

Cardel led us back to the living room and asked us to wait there until lunch was ready.

 

 

 

               

                

10: Chapter IX

Chapter IX

            After eating lunch, Enne led us to the library which was on the second floor. The books were neatly placed on huge wooden bookshelves. He said that we could look around if we like. I’m not much of a reader but I have to admit that the library is kind of awesome.

“Hey” I said.

“Hm?” Enne was busy typing on his phone.

“Is Vi—Cardel your only servant here?”

“I guess” he said. He pocketed his phone. “He does everything in the house. His kids help him too”

“He cleans this house every day?”

“No. Mondays and Saturdays. Laundry on Tuesdays. I take care of the garden, though”

Wow. A helpful boy this one.

Someone knocked at the door. “Sir, a call from Mr. Hart. He wants to arrange a meeting.”

“Hmm” Enne scratched his head. “I forgot where he’s from”

“From Sunset Corporation, sir”

“Oh yeah. Give me the phone” He turned to me. “You guys stay here. I won’t be long”

“Who’s Mr. Hart?” I asked.

Enne flicked me in the forehead. “Ow!”

“Prying is bad taste, Victor Roswell” he said.

I guess it is. Anyways, I went back and explored the library. Rena was already reading a thick book. Arjun, well, he was rolling around on the floor. “The carpet feels sooo soft”

I approached Rena. “Hey”

“Hey”

“Can I ask a question?”

“Hm?”

“Why did you want to run away?”

Rena stopped reading and looked me in the eye.

Oh boy, I pried again.

“Never mind” I said. “Sorry I asked”

She shrugged. I guess I’m forgiven then.

I notice something from the far left of the library. I walked to it so I can take a better look. Apparently, it was a sword. I think it was the same one Enne was carrying around. It was placed on a chair with its tip on the seat. There was an open book on the table it was in. it was like the sword was reading.

I examined the sword. It was a katana—the one samurais use in Japan. I wanted to examine it a bit more when someone put his hand on my shoulder

“I’d rather not touch that” he said.

Surprised, I turned around to see a blond guy smiling at me.

“O-oh. Sorry” I said.

“It’s fine” he said. “As long as you didn’t touch it, you’re fine”

He stretched out his hand. “I’m Ledah by the way”

“Victor” I shook his hand. His amber eyes studied me from head to toe. “Meh. Could be worse” he said to himself.

“What?”

“Oh no it’s nothing.” he said. “Come on. Enne said that I should gather you lot”

I called Rena and Arjun and they introduced themselves to Ledah. He studied Arjun the same as he did with me. He made a small nod. He then turned to Rena and he suddenly laughed.

“I couldn’t believe Enne got you” he said.

“He made me talk to her” I said. “Passed me notes”

He put his hand on Rena’s shoulder. “Sorry if he was a bit cold. Don’t worry. He’ll warm up to you.”

“It looks like everyone’s here” Enne entered the library. “Viper! Go get us some drinks”

Enne told us to sit down on the same table where the sword was.

Vi—dang it—Cardel served us some tea. He served Enne root beer though.

“Okay” Enne nodded at Ledah. “Orient them, Led”

“So!” Ledah clapped his hands. “Welcome to the Zenith Organization. I’m Ledah Wyvern and I’ll be orienting you about Zeniths. Raise your hand if you have a question.”

“So first: ‘What are Zeniths?’. Well, Zeniths are people given the task to protect this world, mostly from beings called the Corrupt.”

I raised my hand. “What are ‘Corrupt’?”

“Corrupt are monsters born from mankind’s negative emotions. From time to time they escape from their realm and they wreak havoc here on earth. If the higher ups would intervene, you know, your respective deities, that’d take away all the fun now wouldn’t it? Our job is to kill them. Of course, for a dangerous job like this, there are rewards. He he”

Wait. Is he drooling? Ledah’s definitely drooling.

“Yo” Enne snapped his fingers in front of Ledah’s face.

It got his attention and he wiped his mouth. “Sorry. Ahem. We also deal with Zeniths who use their powers for evil and we also help humans deal with crime.”

Rena raised her hand this time. “Mr. Enne here said something about mercenaries”

“Drop the mister” Enne said.

Ledah nodded. “I agree. It doesn’t suit him one bit.”

Enne kicked Ledah in his shin.

“Anyways” Ledah rubbed his leg. “Mercenaries are Zeniths who aren’t part of the Zenith Organization. They’re not much different though. They just take all the jobs. Which means they can take jobs like assassinations, kidnapping and the like, which the Organization prohibits. Some of them follow our rules, though. They just don’t like to work with us.”

“With teams just like us?” Rena added.

“Yes. A team has a minimum of five members. One gives intel and support while the rest are in the field though he or she can choose to go with them. Some Zeniths like do to things alone” he glanced at Enne. “Like some people. But ZO changed the rules a while back since it’s been getting a bit more dangerous.”

“They say the Corrupt are appearing more often now”  Enne said. “and some even say that they’ve been roaming in groups too.”

Arjun raised his hand. Surprisingly, he looked serious and this was the first time I saw him like that.“So they’re getting more organized now? Do you think someone’s controlling them?”

Ledah tapped his finger on the table. “There’s that possibility. But we’re not sure yet. A team has been dispatched to investigate that matter.”

Enne clapped his hands. “Any more questions?”

“Oh yeah” I said. “We have powers, right?”

“Yes” Ledah said. “Every Zenith has a power. Elements, nature, even human emotion, almost anything in this world. It all depends on the contract you get from Fate. We don’t know where these powers come from, though. Heck, we don’t even know when the first Zenith was born! Only Fate knows these things. Which reminds me, has everyone talked to her?”

Enne pointed at me. “He hasn’t yet”

“Who’s her?” I asked.

“Fate” Ledah raised his cup. “A Zenith. We call ourselves by the power we have, by the way. She’s the person you meet before you get your powers. She knows everything. And when I mean everything, I mean everything. She also appears every time you make a big decision in your life to help you decide since the outcome affects not just you, but even the ones around you, and maybe even the world.”

I took a sip of the tea. It was as good as it smelled. All these things are kind of hard for me to absorb since it all sounded crazy. Arjun and Rena seemed otherwise. Maybe because they’ve met this “Fate” they were talking about.

“Any more questions?” Ledah asked again.

No one raised their hand this time.

Ledah finished drinking his cup of tea. “Very well. If a question pops out of your head, don’t hesitate to ask.” He cupped his hands. “Now..”

“Oh liebe Gott” Enne did a facepalm.

“Time for introductions!” Ledah said happily. “Formal introductions, that is.”

Enne leaned towards Ledah. “What the hell? We’ve just met them!”

Ledah sighed and slumped back to his chair. “All right. You and me, quick meeting”

Ledah snapped his fingers. And there was a sudden change. Ledah, who was leaning on his chair before, was resting his head in his left hand. Enne, who was leaning towards Ledah, was suddenly holding the sword sitting beside him. I was—no, I am sure that they didn’t move after Ledah snapped. I looked at the two beside me and both of them were as confused as I was.

Ledah forced a smile. “Introductions. You, girl, what’s your name? ”

Rena straightened herself. “Rena Holloway. I’m thirteen.”

“And you are a Zenith of…?”

“Earth”

“A pleasure to meet you, Earth” Ledah turned to Arjun.

Arjun smiled. “Arjun Cervantes. Fourteen. You can call me Sanity”

Ledah’s eyes widened. “Sanity…”

“I have my sources” Enne suddenly said.

“Pfft yeah, I bet you bribed her. I bet you gave her a coin this time” Ledah turned to me.

“V-victor Roswell. Thirteen. Uh, I haven’t talked with Fate yet.”

Enne was wiping his sword’s blade. “She’ll talk to you when she wants to.”

Ledah coughed. “I guess it’s my turn then. I’m Ledah Wyvern. Sixteen. I am--” he stood up and climbed his chair. “The Zenith of TIME!”

“Time! Time! Time! Time!” Enne acted as Ledah’s echo.

“Woah” Arjun’s face couldn’t hide the excitement. “Time”

Ledah nodded proudly. “A rare find. A Zenith like me, as well as some others, are hard to come by. It would sometimes take hundreds of years for some Zeniths to appear again and…” He went back down. “If Fate and the Keeper find you worthy, Zenith powers can be hereditary!”

“The Keeper?” Rena asked.

“Oh yeah, I haven’t mentioned him. The Keeper is the one who rules over the Corrupt. He’s the one who controls their population and he also keeps them orderly inside their realm: the Pit. He doesn’t care about them escaping though, because that’s our problem.”

I suddenly remembered the confusing “change-your-pose” event. “You used it a while back, right?”

“I did, would you like another demonstration?”

The three of us eagerly nod.

Ledah picked up his chair and he threw it away. Then he snapped his finger. The chair suddenly stopped moving.

We novices clap our hands in awe.

Ledah bowed. “Thank you, thank you. I can also…”

The chair moved again and it hit the wall. One of the legs broke. It suddenly repaired itself and the chair flew back to where it was before. It was as good as new.

The three of us clapped and “ohh”-ed in unison. Ledah bowed deeply. “I can also travel back in time, but I can just watch what happened. I can’t tamper with what had happened. I am getting a bit ahead of myself. We'll discuss our contracts at a later time. For now--”

The four of us glance at Enne.

He sighed. “Oh fine. My name is Enne Ravner. Sixteen years of age. Hmm…I’ll let you find out my Zenith power"

“Come on, Enne” Ledah said.

“Let them guess” Enne stood up. “It’s no fun if I say it here and now. But in exchange..."

Enne held out his sword. “I’ll introduce this guy”

“The sword?” I asked.

“It’s fine” he said. “They’ll think I’m crazy if I don’t tell them”

He looked at us. Then he looked at his sword. “See?”

Ledah coughed.

Enne straightened up. “This is Erhard Ravner. My great times something grandfather. He’s hundreds of years old and he was the Zenith before me.”

Awkward silence.

“He says ‘hi’” Enne added.

I put my hand on Arjun’s shoulder. “Arjun, you’re Sanity, right?”

“I sure am” he replied proudly

“Be a good man and cure that guy over there. I think he’s—ow!”

I was hit in the forehead by something blunt. The thing that hit me fell down with a clang. It was Enne’s sword.

“Hey!” I shouted.

“’Never insult a Ravner’ he says”

“What if I was hit with the blade?!”

“’I know what I’m doing, boy’ he says.”

The sword suddenly stood straight.

“Fine fine” Enne approached the sword. “He doesn’t like to move on his own when other people are around.”

“True story” Ledah said.

I rubbed my sore forehead.

“Oh, Led” Enne said. “One more thing.”

“Sure”

Ledah snapped his fingers again.

“We are going to tell you one more thing” Ledah said. I suddenly realized that he was holding a gun. “This is a little secret of ours, so don’t go telling anybody else, okay?”

Before anyone of us could ask what, Ledah raised his gun and pointed it at Enne. Then, without warning, he pulled the trigger. Enne was hit square on his forehead.

“Woah, woah, woah!” I took frantic steps backward. I was in a panic so I fell on the floor. “What the hell did you do?!”

Rena’s eyes were wide open and she was covering her mouth with her hands. Arjun was unusually silent.

Ledah turned around but he wasn’t the Ledah we just met a few minutes ago, his smiling face was replaced with a serious one and he was giving off a murderous aura.

“Now you know the secret” Ledah said. “But I should be the only one to know about this…”

I was too stunned to talk or move. He started walking towards me.

“Now what am I to do with you three?” he said.

He pointed the gun at me. Then he smiled malignantly. “Why don’t you join Enne in the other side, hm? Pffffftt, I can’t do it anymore. Hahahaha!”

Ledah dropped his gun and held his stomach. “You should’ve seen your faces! You were like ‘Oh my! Ledah hath killed Enne. Were art thou thy savior! Save thee from this predicament-eth!’ hahaha”

I stood up flustered. “What do you mean?”

I looked at Enne’s corpse. It was suddenly sitting down. “It’s been a while since I’ve been hit with a gun”

“When was the last?” Ledah asked. As if no murder had happened a few seconds ago.

“Last year.”

The bullet wound on his head was gone. So were the blood stains on the floor. It was as if nothing really happened.

Ledah beckoned. “Everyone back to their seats, and we’ll explain.”

Reluctantly, the three of us went back to the table.

“What just happened there?” Rena beat me to the question.

“I died” Enne answered. “Then I went back to life. Easy as that”

Ledah raised his right hand. On his palm was the number 422. “It’s all because of this”

“The numbers?” I asked. I saw the same one on the back of Enne’s left hand.

Enne raised his left hand. The number 340 was tattooed on it. “Victor, you’ve seen this before, right? How many was it then?”

I shook my head. “Sorry, I don’t really remember.”

“Tch. It was 342, right?”

“Oh yeah” I didn’t really remember so I just agreed.

“You don’t really remember, so you just agree. Typical.” Enne said as if reading what I was thinking.

“The point is” Ledah interjected. “These numbers represent our life span”

Arjun gasped. “So you’ll live for hundreds of years?!”

“More or less” Ledah laughed. “We don’t get sick at all. We still age physically if we want to, but we can control that. But it decreases every time we use our power or die. Even on our birthdays.”

“Not a very happy birthday” Rena said.

“Indeed. And this guy” he pointed at Enne. “Is a frickin’ cheat. Normally, when we die, the years deducted from our life span is equivalent to our current age. For example, if I die, subtract fifteen from 422, and you get 407.”

“But only two were deducted from Enne” I said.

“One, actually” Enne said. “I used my power back when we were getting Arjun. And it’s not a cheat”

“Yes it is” Ledah said.

“Is not”

“Yes”

“No”

“Yes”

“I said it’s not”

Ledah put up his hands in defeat. “But take not. You are not like us. As the young people of these generation say: YOLO. So don’t go dying, okay?”

The three of us nod nervously.

Ledah smiled. “Nice. Well, I guess we’re done here.”

“You three” Enne said. “I want you to adjust your sleep cycles. I’ll be training you, along with Ledah at night. We don’t want the neighbors seeing you waving swords or trying to kill each other.”

“Neighbors?” I asked.

“Past the woodlands. They come by from time to time. We start tonight at six-thirty, understand? Oh, sleep now if you can, if not, well, Viper’ll give you some sleeping pills after we’re done practising. Dismissed.”

Ledah tossed his gun to Enne. “Can’t you just kill yourself?”

“I tried before” Enne said. “But suicide doesn’t work. Try it.”

Ledah shuddered. “No thanks. I didn’t know you were in to suicide”

“I was curious” Enne said.

The three of us left them in the library as Cardel led us to our rooms. If only I could stay and hear what they were talking about. This world of mine just gets more interesting and interesting