Chapter 52: Ants are Fearsome

I decided rather than magician, I think sorcerer has a nicer ring to it, so from now on, I will use sorcerer instead of magician.

enjoy
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"Catch her, the Flare Witch is here!" 

           "She's badly injured, don't let her get away!" 

            "She ran toward the west, hurry up and follow her!" 

            The soldiers while keeping tabs on their surrounding, quickly ran between the trees, maneuvering themselves across the forest, following the one witch they swore to pass judgement. Just when their shadows finally disappeared, I came out from behind the trees. I let out a huge gasp, taking in as much as air as I could after running endlessly from them. My clothes and body were tattered with blood, cuts and bruises. Blood was also flowing out from my side while and I barely could contain it with my mana as first aid. 

            "Damn it all!" I cursed with my sore voice. I was about to run back toward the city, despite being injured and barely having any energy, I pushed myself without care. I then noticed the odd light coming from my wrist. It came from the lead bracelet carved with a magic circle given before the mission. 

            "Why? This isn't part of the plan!" 

            The light enveloped my whole body and clouding my sight. The next instant, my surrounding change from the forest's greenery to an old wooden storage. The old storage had just been clean, but already dust flew everywhere. Other than the two small oil lamps, the moonlight gave light through the single small window, giving complete view of the room. Barrels containing alcohol placed at the corner, the empty shelve now used as nest, the worried look of two women dressed as maids at the edge of a magic circle carved on the floor. 

            The two women came up to me in a hurry, trying to look at my wounds and possibly tend to it. I felt bad but I wasn't in a good mood that time. I pushed one of them aside crudely, and pulled on the other's collar. Even without looking at myself, I knew I had a horrifying look that I could understand them from flinching and shudder from me. 

            "Where is Merlin? He told you to teleport me did he?!" 

             The woman could only nod at me without answering anything else. I pushed her aside and went straight out the storage cabin. The night felt like day when I went out, just like any other night I spent here. Bulbs of light floating at every corner, noisy crowds huddled at their own base, I looked for sign crows and one passed by me as I did. The crow rest itself at a dead tree, looking toward me with eyes filled with intelligence. I paused as well to look at it and it then flew away toward the highest part of the cliff where you can climb. 

            This place may at first look isolated, at the back, a dark forest where you couldn't get any light by the day, ahead was a cliff with many caves used by some of us to live by or do business in. 

            What I mean by 'us' I meant sorcerers. 

            I chanted a spell so I could fly and followed the trail the crow went. At the top of the cliff, there were familiar people, dressed in uniform as if to show they were different from those below. That they were better, and that they have power. 

            "MERLIN!" 

            Without a second thought, I stormed passed them at full speed. None could react quickly to catch me. I stop at the feet of a man who sat on a stone chair. I ready my stance and made a straight kick aiming at his throat. An unknown force hit my feet, messing my aim and send it sideways next to my target's neck. 

             Reflected in my green eyes, was a man clad with blue robe. He has a straight dark blond up to his shoulder, while he sat he showed off his long legs normal people won't have. What gave impact to his appearance was the mask of an owl he wore up to his nose and at his right side of his mouth, anyone could see the faint burn scar imprinted.  He stood up from his chair and slowly came up to me with a gentle smile. 

             "Dear Claudia, don't you realize you're injured? You should go and be treated, after that we could talk as much as you want."

             "Why did you teleport me back? I was supposed to use it myself when the mission is over!"

             "The mission IS over Claudia, you're the only one who doesn't feel that way." 

            "I have unfinished business!"

            The fake soothing smile he had began to fade, and his tone became a lot more serious. "Of what Claudia? The mission succeeded, it may not have gone as smooth as we planned but there should be no reason for you to go back."

            "You should know why, Astrid is there!" 

            Merlin took my answer in silent and then gave of a sigh as if he was tired of my reaction toward humans. "Flare, our main mission tonight was to bring distrust between the capital and the church, and to free our sorcerer comrades during the confusion" 

            "And that mission would have been a failure if it hadn't been for Astrid!"

             "No, it ended up as half a failure, the church now has stronger bond with the capital after knowing we were behind all of it." 

           "And she is now captured because of letting us escape, and are you saying we should leave her just like that?"

           "Yes"

            "Don't joke with me Mer–"

             I'M NOT JOKING!" He said it while putting in his mana, creating a shock wave that gave silence to me. "We barely made it out alive after that incident, are you saying you want us to go back and risk our lives to help a single human?"

               "Yes."

              "Don't be so arroga-"

              "AND I'M NOT!" I said it without losing to his voice, "Astrid.....the one you kept labeling as a human, is also my friend and we have a bond as strong as a family. I wouldn't suggested this if she hadn't risk her life for us, but listen well! What good does this group does if we only do the same thing as what they did to us, we're different from that and I know we're better than that! That's why you should know this, If I lose her then you will lose me, your choice to make Boss!" 

             I turn my back on his and started walking away. His subordinates block my way but none dared enough to attack. I was about to fly away when someone took my hand and held me in his arm. I knew it was Merlin. He held me close without giving me a chance to push myself back while whispering to my ears. 

             "I can never seem to win an argument with you, or is it because I am to weak if I loose you? Your friend would not be put down immediately so you should take the night off, you're tired, and you need rest. " 

              I looked at his covered face and saw his eyes changing colors, I knew he was looking at me with deep caring eyes, eyes he claimed he wouldn't give to anyone but me. 

              "I should remind you, even if you're doing this for me, my feelings would not change just like that." I thought he would get discouraged if I said that, but instead he smiled with full confidence. "I never imagine it would be easy with you."

#

The second day in S Class, I had personally ask whether I could observe the other kids. Since my purpose isn't just practicing sign language, I want to see it with my own eyes the special abilities the S Class has. Following my personal request,  Prof. Dalton led me to where a girl named Carol was out at the soccer field. It was not in use at the moment so she and the few adults were the only one at this empty field. They give consent to our presence in her regular test, Carol was older than me and yet she was a lot shorter. She was so small that it took a second before I accepted she was older. She has curly blond hair up to her waist, fair white skin, pale lips, and her eyes were colorless. She was wearing and frilly white one piece, she suddenly turned her head toward me and looked surprise somehow before she hurriedly look away. 

            "What kind of power does she have? From what I could tell, she seems to have the ability to control animals."

            "Incorrect, but you're close. You should watch her first."  

           The small girl crouched while looking without direction. We were all silent as we wait for her respond, I on the hand didn't even know what we were waiting for. 

            "Yesterday, the boys from Class 5 and Class 3 from the middle school section played soccer for PE, two from Class 5 cheated by using their power, they got caught and got detention for a week it seems. The one responsible was a kid name Andy, he has a piercing in his left ear and wore a pair of glasses, his friend is...."

            Carol talked a lot about the events happened yesterday in great detail as if she saw it all with her own eyes. "Psychometric? No, that wouldn't explain how she could control animals." 

            "It not of the sort, her ability is actually to be able to understand and converse with any languages. Whether it is only her first time hearing, she could understand France, Japanese, Greek, including animals." What with that?! That's so cool! It's one thing to understand animals, but to talk with any language including animals sounds really awesome. "Right now, she's conversing with the nearest insects or other small animals to grasp the situation of yesterday."

             After he said that, Carol stood up and said she was done. The researchers looked satisfied and said she could take a break. Carol noticed me looking at her with amazement and smile at me. Certainly her sweet demeanor and her soft smile gave off a doll like vibe from her. 

             "don't think you'll get special treatment from me just cause you're powerless B!$&h, so don't get conceited."

              Hmm, that's weird, did I just misheard her somehow?

             "You didn't misheard her by the way, as I said, Carol knows how to use lots of language." He said, responding to my sudden silence. Certainly she knows many languages that I wouldn't have imagine, but didn't anyone teach her how to use them?

            "Carol, today the result is brilliant, keep it up and you might reach a new height." 

            "Shut up fathead, your praise are getting more annoying"

              "Carol, you're a girl, shouldn't you talk a little more.....softly?"

             "How I talk is none of your business!" 

              "Carol....do you want a–"

              "Don't talk to me, virgin!"

               All the adults got shot down by her one after another and none could talk back at her. "Why aren't the adults angry. It's not like she has anything to threaten with."

             I saw then how Prof. Dalton look away for a second before he answered. "Let's just say the last person that made her angry had his laptop infested with ants and short-circuited it, he lost all data in it including his life's worki, resulting him quitting his job."

           She can not only talk but request animals to do her dirty work. I have to admit, short-circuiting a laptop with ants is just pure genius. After getting tired watching from the sidelines, Prof. Dalton came up to the fray. Carol must have heard his footsteps because she turn toward where he was walking toward to. 

            "Carol, it's me."

            "This voice....Prof. Dalton!" She came up to him fast and slam on his knee. "I'm so happy you're here" she said with a lot more loving smile. Talk about a 180 degree change. "What's up with her?" 

              "She is very obedient over certain adult, once she's like that, it'll be easier to get for her to listen." Said Carol's supervisor. 

              "What kind of certain adult does she listens to?"

              "Apparently, young and handsome man to her taste."

             My jaw drop after listening to him and went back looking at the blind girl. "How does she knew which one is her taste?" 

            The supervisor sigh and stroke his temple, "That we'd like to know as well" 

             Looks like the kids in S Class are special in more way than one. It was for a moment that I felt another presence watching us. I looked behind where the reserve bench was placed and found Foax was there standing next to it. It wasn't long after that he went back toward the school building and left the field. 

             What's up with him?

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Thank You Readers!

Just as the title says; thank you very much to all my loyal readers.

Because you know what?

This novel has hit more than 10000 views!!!!

It's been a hard (okay, not that hard) and fun months working on this story and it brings me great joy that more and more people get to enjoy my work. I would never imagine coming this far so thank you everyone and hope you'll enjoy more of my work, because I intend to make it better every time. It may be just a hobby to me, but knowing you guys are cheering for me really gives me motivation :)

Again, a ten thousand thanks!
 

Sincerely,


Author

Chapter 51: Déjà vu

Have you ever heard of Déjà vu? It's the feeling of having seen something when you've only seen it for the first time. 

             That's the feeling I get looking at J. Foax. Certainly I would remember someone with his characteristic, especially his white hair would definitely ingrained in my memory. Yet why can't I remember? This really frustrates me. 

            I thought the most plausible explanation would be he was a person I met from the past life. Usually, I could recognize anyone instantly with just one look at their eyes. With Foax, I didn't have the same feeling as the others. 

             Do you have a hobby of looking at people or are you just a pervert?

            I was looking at him beside the professor, being in my line of sight what makes you think I was looking at you idiot. Instead of retorting, I ended up ignoring him and look away with distasteful look. Seeing me ignoring him, Foax pretended he never say anything to me and focused what's in front of him. 

            The kids in S Class were having their practical class. Normally, you would share the facilities with other class depending on the individual's ability and the professor would adjust the research accordingly. The S Class us said to have special privilege, but never would I have thought they would get their own building facility, including their own field. 

            Foax was put inside an empty room, the wall and floor were made of thick metals, putting off any sound or light from the outside. A complete isolated room. It was a place that Foax would be testing his ability. It's one of the standard test for most esper when dealing in a small isolated place to see how well their abilities fare. Frankly, I was a bit disappointed that the test was way too standard. Since he's  in the S Class, I would expect the test would be more.....unique. 

            "Foax, are you ready?" 

             Foax nodded and went inside before the door automatically close shut. I had only seen a glimpse inside, but was I seeing things that something attached to the walls were speaker? But what wouldn't make much sense. "What is he going to do there?" 

           "Inside the room, there is a dummy bomb, he'll need to disarm the bomb while being given instruction outside the room. " Prof Dalton explained. Just outside the room other than me an Prof. Dalton, there were Foax supervisor and few of other researchers aiding the test. 

            "That's not too hard for his level" I respond.       

            "Yes you're right, if that's all there is." Prof. Dalton pulled out a remote switch which he pushed. Although the room was made especially to block off any sound in or out, I barely caught the faint sound from the strong vibration coming from inside. One of the researchers put on a headphone and examined the blueprint of the dummy bomb. 

            "The point of this exercise, is for him disarming a bomb in a loud or disturbing closed environment while following instruction, all in a time span of 10 minutes"

             "10 minutes! Isn't that a lot shorter than the normal test?" Even if I can do it, the time would have put a lot of pressure 

             "That's the thing, he's not normal." It hasn't been 8 minutes but the door opened with blaring sound that gave unpleasantness to the ear. Prof. Dalton turn the switch off and Foax came out with unpleasant face. Are we done? He asked with his telepathy. There wasn't a hint of arrogant or pissed tone, just a casual question he asked to his supervisor. Weird thing was I was annoyed by that and I don't even know why. 

           Could I have felt he was hiding his true self, or did I plainly think of him of a bad person. As much as I want to know why, the feeling of hate just hinders me on getting to know him. 

            "Prof. Dalton, why did you bring me here to meet him first? He doesn't look like the kind that enjoys strangers around." 

            "Why–you say? Didn't you ask me to introduce someone who you could practice sign language with?" 

          I widen my eyes from his words, and I look toward Foax. "He's deaf? Then what's the speaker for?" 

            "There are many device that could disturb the wave frequency of the brain, this one is one of them that we embedded inside the speaker."

            "For a regular  test, that's pretty hard core. Also, I like to point out that he could just put his thoughts inside my head so what's the point of learning with him?"

            "Well, for one reason, he's the only kid who knows sign language, the other reason is....." Prof. Dalton made a great long pause as he sinks into his own thoughts. I had to pull on the end of his lab coat before he comes to his senses and turn down to look at me. "What's the second reason?" 

            "No, it's nothing–"

            It didn't sound nothing, but since the reason wasn't that important,  I didn't think of it much. I looked toward Foax again while considering learning sign language from him. He was being surrounded by the researchers, looking happy as they praise his progress. Foax respond with an obvious fake smile used to please the adults while looking down at them. 

            Wait, how do I know he'a faking his smile? I've never even seen him smile before. 

            Another strong Déjà vu hit me, as I'm wondering who he was. Why can't I remember him? It got me a lot more frustrated when I was on the verge remembering who he was, and yet it slip through my mind the closer I get to it. I wonder, do I have a memory I didn't want to remember? Or was I forced not to remember? Either way, as long as he doesn't cause trouble for anyone, there'll be no need for me to cause trouble for him. 

               "It's only to learn sign language, there's no need to feel inclined to someone you've only met." I encourage myself and let go of Prof. Dalton's coat and walked towards him. Just like him, I had a fake smile plastered on my face. "I have to admit, that was amazing! It's not easy to be so concentrated in such a difficult test." 

           Foax, looked at me with judging look. The frowned on his mouth was replaced with a smile and in my mind he said this to me. 

            Don't get close to me, your smile disgust me. 

            It was then I remembered his ability could easily let him read people's heart so approaching him while hiding my intention might not be a good way to start things. 

            H-O-W-E-V-E-R! Telling me I'm disgusting out of nowhere, just because no one can listen to you, do you think you could get away with anything you say, don't mock me! 

            Don't worry, I'm not smiling for you. Like a certain someone, I know how to save face in front of people. Your thought doesn't seem could have handle it as well as your ghost face. 

            You got some nerve talking to your senior  like that, has anyone teach you manners? 

             Senior?! The only seniority thing about you is your hair! Other than that, all I see is a brat. 

            A brat calling others brat, now that's new. You should try growing some more height before you call me that, brat. 

            Under all those the insults growing intense , on both our face, we never slip out from  our façade smile. I could hear the people around us asking among themselves what kind of pleasant conversation we have or how friendly we've become. 

            How blissful to not knowing anything. 

             Moreover, what's up with him?! I though he was just not interested in meeting people, but clearly he has unbiased grudge against me, otherwise he wouldn't have make such workout on my insults. Clearly that's one thing he knows we have in common. 

            Prof. Dalton came over and broke us up from our thoughts. He pulled me away as my time for today was over. Looks I won't get a partner in the end. Is this where my dreams end?

            No, it is not the end, it's just delayed. I'll have my way one way or the other. Besides, I'll just use this chance to get to know what people if S Class is like. 

#

Those were my thoughts yesterday, but I don't think I can think the same way now. 

            "You're joking right, isn't this going too far?!"  

            Say what you like, but this isn't my decision, it's ours. Since your a part of it, your fate should be clear by now. 

            "Don't talk lightly about fate!  No matter how you look at it, your just forcing your own judgement on him! How could anyone....any of you agree to this!" 

            The moment he looked down on me from his chair and saw the cold gaze he look at me with. I finally remembered who he was. A memory of when I started to stain my hands with blood. The memory of the man who brings awe and fear to his enemy and allies. The man who failed to save his brethren. The man who hid his scar with a mask. 

             The man who gave me his heart and I had refused. 

             The man who killed for my sake and died for mine. 

            The one man I was too ashamed to see in this life. Because of the things I did, and the things I failed to do.


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Chapter 50: S Class

There were barely any times the Mark reacted. There were numerous times where the black cloud had follow or wrapped around a person, but almost everyone has it and lingers like flies around a person. It's not an everyday occurrence to find someone being possessed by darkness. This is the first times I found anyone's darkness makes me want to puke. 

            However, it lasted only for 2 seconds.

            When that man asked my name, the sickening darkness around  him dissipates in an instant.  I was in a trance that Prof. Dalton had to shook me so I could introduce myself.

             The man that had a full white hair, floss teeth, a hawk like nose, wrinkles on his face and a vigor body unmatched to his age introduced himself as Dr. Demen Ars,"what's your name little lady?"

            My words had choke on me before I could speak and had to clear my throat before I could give him an answer. "Claudia, Claudia Robertson"

            "Claudia.....beautiful name, sorry if I sound prying after hearing your conversation, I just felt it was remarkable that a girl your age would be interested in communicating with someone unable to talk normally."

            Cold sweat was breaking down my back, yet I kept putting up my smile as long even with him getting close to my face. I look away and step back fidgety. "You think of me too highly, I just want to learn what I want to learn, it's for nobody's sake but my own." 

            Dr. Ars didn't weaken his smile, but the next word took me and Prof. Dalton by surprise, "coincidentally, I'm part of the research team that tries to examine the truth of the disorder esper's  capability that is said to reach an extraordinary limit. How about you accompany me on my research, I think it would be good thing for them to have friends outside of their class that I think might also improve my research as well. Will you do it Claudia?"

             "No thank you!" 

             This time, I caught Prof. Dalton and Dr. Ars by surprise and I continued regardless, "I don't want to be rude, but I think a researcher such as yourself wouldn't want the trouble looking after me."

            "You don't need to think too much of it, besides, unless someone is there to supervise while you're there, it will not be possible for you to meet anyone from S Class."

            "I already have Prof. Dalton planning to accompany me, that's why please do not bother yourself or I'd feel bad." I could feel the accusing look of Prof. Dalton after I drag him to this conversation. "Is that true Prof. Dalton?" 

            "I—"

            The words he planned to say was cut off the moment I tug his sleeve. I didn't gave him a look of meaning, but my expression should be obvious enough that I do not want to be near with that man. I pulled his sleeve harder that my hand trembled, hoping that my feelings came across him. 

            "It was my intention from the start to watch over her, though I'll need the principal permission for that, I'm sure he could make her an exception." 

            "I see, if you're willing then it's fine," Dr. Ars gave one last glance at me before his smile could hid his eyes again. "I hope we'll get a chance to meet again soon Claudia." 

            Well I'm hoping we'll never cross path again! Then again, he'll be in school for a while so that'll be unlikely. He went to another teacher, seemingly asking him for something before he tried to led his way somewhere. I was ready to be off my way when Prof. Dalton called out my name with a hint of unpleasant tone. 

            "Care to explain what that was?"

           "What about I wonder...."

            The usual poker face Prof. Dalton knit his eyebrows and made a sharp angry glare at me. Of course he would be angry if I respond that way, where are my manners?

            "I'm sorry, I just don't want to go there with too many people I'm not familiar with, and mostly with that doctor."

          "Why, what's wrong with him?"

          He's a murderer ........is what I like to say but it's not like he'll believe me anyway. "I just don't like him."

           "Why? You only just met."

           "No reason, I just don't like that person, that's all" 

            It took a minute of silence before he heaved a sigh and rub his fingers between his eyes. Sorry professor, you had to deal a troublesome kid like me. 

            "If that's all you have to say then fine, but now that I say I'll supervise your action in the S Class, I want you to follow every word I said!"

            I pumped my fist secretly at my side, with this I might get a clue on using magic with sign language. What better way to learn sign language than to talk with it. I figured that as a language, it wouldn't be enough just to know the words when you don't know how to use them. Just like when I first studied latin, it isn't enough to know the words when you want to use it. And so finally I went back to class, anticipating my visiting days at S Class. 

#

             In my past life, I've seen countless chaos. It was a time of war so chaos was an everyday occurrence. Including the massive witch hunt, where more innocent people than the witches itself were burn to death, the nobles oppressing the people and caused many riots, the war itself was devastating that I had even got mixed up in once. 

            Actually, it was more than once. 

            However, what I'm witnessing now is a whole other chaos. 

            For kids who are disorder, you would think they would calm, polite, shy, some that you might call rascals, and some that might be afraid to strangers. I should have known they won't be normal

            "Somebody, catch that boy, hey you, stop flying of everywhere and get down!" 

            "Carol, stop sending in animals in the class, this place is not your personal zoo!" 

            "Kenny, this is your last warning, untie your hand around me, stretching your arm this much won't be good for you." 

            "Hey, has anyone seen Prof. Malcom, oh never mind, he's gone and caught hallucination again outside." 

            I wasn't sure how to describe the place. For a class with the least amount of kids, you would think it'd be small but it actually had seats at most for 60 people, enough room for kids to run wild I suppose. The seats and tables were individual rather than pairs, and the floor ascend at every row. The walls were white and felt hollowed with no flashcard of certain subjects, at a corner there two bookshelves but only half of one of it had our textbook and children books, the rest I could tell from the title they were complicated books I'd dare say that college student would read/  I then switched my attention and look carefully the kids and were vary in age. 

           "Most of the kids here have problems unrelated to having a disorder and got a late start at school, and as you can see, their behaviour is also the problem we couldn't put them with the other kids, so in this entire elementary institution, there's only one S Class." 

            Certainly, even if we have problems, no one in school would blatantly use their power as they want. This kind of behaviour is not a line you can cross that easily. "Aren't the bracelet also equipped with a stun mode to make them unconscious?" 

            "How did you know that? It's not information you know that easil—Dale is it? That kid knows a little too much sometimes. Besides, the law states the stun mode is only for last resort and definitely not to be use on children, their heart wouldn't be able to take the shock and might cause fatal wound so don't suggest dangerous things."

            Hearing his harsh tone, I regret a bit for irresponsibly suggest while being oblivious with consequence that I hang my head in shame,  "I understa—woah!"

            Flocks of birds flew past as us as we dodge, the girl who I suspect is Carol. The moment I looked into her eyes, I knew right away she was blind. Her eyes had barely any color and looked hollow. However, there was no doubt she was looking at us, "Prof. Dalton is here!" the moment she said it, the rowdy class was silent. They all turned to look at the two of us and the gazes had made my heart skip a beat. 

           "Professor!"

            The kids were all running toward him and huddled up like ants would toward sugar. From the start Prof.Dalton was taller than average man so seeing such height difference, I was able visibly see the definition of the word midget. Or midgets in this case. 

            Not all were huddled up around Professor. There were some kids who either stood in their place or sat on their desk without caring much. All  I noticed were older than the rest, probably around Beth's age. 

            "Oh thank God you're finally here Professor, these kids won't listen to anything we say! How do you get to control them?" Said one of the professor with eyes wet

           "I wouldn't say control, but If I have to, I would say the key is patient I guess." So he said cooly.

           I can't really say we have the same experience, I do have my share involving with kids and let me tell you that you need a LOT of patient dealing with just one, let alone dozens. 

            "Kids there is someone I'd like you all to meet," Prof. Dalton pushes me by his side and let all the kids took a good look at me. The various gaze toward me made me super nervous and wasn't sure what to say. "for various reasons, she'll be studying with you all during her practical class for a few weeks, I want you all to get along, do you understand?"

            """""YES!!!"""""

            The professor pushed me forward, signalling to introduce myself. "Nice to meet you, my name is—"

            The Powerless Girl, Claudia Robertson

            My words were cut off and was replaced by the words of someone by the back of the class. He was a boy that looks like he was in his sixth grade. Most likely he is the oldest in this class which usually makes him a class leader. I was a little taken back seeing him as it was the first time I saw an albino kid. His skin was pale white with freckles around his cheeks, he had thin lips, thick eyelashes for a boy, blue bright eyes, and the most distinguished would be his white hair, literally white hair. 

            The kids  were silent from the sudden call of my name and turned rowdy once again, I didn't have to eavesdrop to know they were talking about me. Whether I'm a child or not, this really makes me embarrassed. I turned to the boy once more and glare at him and he glared at me back. 

            What are you looking at?

           "A rude person it seems" 

            The glare of his became more intense, but coming from a child it didn't make me a bit cower. What I had realized was that even though I hear his voice loud and clear, his mouth wasn't moving at all. "Please excuse him Claudia, that child's name is J. Foax, you've probably noticed but he has Telepathy. " 

            "I noticed." 

            I cleared my throat and moved toward the middle of the class, and stood introducing myself again with resolve in it, "Claudia Robertson, I certainly have no ability but ability alone doesn't define what I am so  I hope you'll get to know me better in the next few weeks and get along until then, so please take care of me."

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Finally gotten chapter 50, it's a long one so enjoy



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Chapter 49: Conversation Above the Tree

"Seriously, if you keep skipping class, I'm really afraid you might not make it at the end of the year."

            It wasn't long after Claudia went off to meet Prof. Dalton. The words Dale said was the same as any other word people said to him. Rick kept himself lie on the branch of the big tree at the back of the elementary school. It was the biggest tree in school that you would probably could see from any side of the institution. Rick covered himself with the hood of his jacket, pretending to sleep. He then heard the unnatural rustle of the leaves and when he peek, he found Dale sitting beside him. 

            "You climb up fast"

            "Three things I'm physically good at is running, climbing, and hiding" 

            "Sounds like you're good at being a coward"

            "I like it better if you say I'm good at evasive maneuver." 

            Dale made a smug look at Rick which made him snickered. They were both silent then, each lost of their own thoughts. "Rick, as I thought, your powers didn't work on her as well?"

            "It's not like I will know what her power is even if I used it on her, but I do know if it had work on her." 

            "I see....." Dale looked as if he was in a trance, eyes that lost focus as his mind swam deep in his own thoughts. 

             Rick raised an eyebrow looking at his friend, noticing his unusual act. "It's rare to see you hold back, usually your mouth would run off as you like without regarding who you're talking." Rick said, pointing out his unusual silence. 

            "I do know restraint sometimes, it's just.....it's also rare for you to be eager at this task. Usually you would complain at every chance you got."

            His tone didn't had the know-it-all tone he always used on people, but rather a suspicion tone was mixed in it. Dale who had a cheery expression began to drop his usual smile and turned to a serious expression he rarely made. "As lazy and lay back as you are, you never go against Prof. Dalton, we owe him a lot or we wouldn't be able to lay back like this."

            "What are you trying to say Dale?"

           "Rick, I've been thinking that she's not normal. Whenever I look into her eyes, how she sees people as if they were different from her, and the way she talks is not how a child would talk."

            "Get to the point Dale!" Rick began to raise his voice in irritation, knowing where this is going. 

            "I don't have anything against her, but if, and only if she has an ability, an ability different from ours and if she brings nothing good with it around her, my ability wouldn't be able to do anything to her and you know what we....no, you'll get order next."

           "Aren't you reading too much of the situation?"

          "I wouldn't be if what happen to your sister never happened!"

             Suddenly in all around them, the leaves all had unattached themselves from the branches as if an invisible force blow them out and was shredded to pieces. "Don't bring up my sister to this!" Another force came out from him like a wind that pushes anything to its surrounding and it was getting violent. 

            Dale who was about to fall from the tree held out his hand toward his head and the mysterious force stops. Rick looked at him angrily and Dale looked just as angry. "Don't forget I could take away your power anytime I want."

            "Tch, as usual you have a high guard on you" 

            "Don't forget this power is the reason I was task to watch over you." 

           "I could never forget even if I try, with that creepy ability of yours."

            "If my ability is creepy, then your ability is a cheat." 

            "Aren't we perfect for each other?" After a moment of tension, the two boys then laugh at each other as if nothing ever happen. They took a breath from laughing, Dale made a grim look before he asked him, "Rick, I'm just worried in my own way whenever I see you act closer toward her since I'm the type that likes to foresee the worst possible outcomes."

            "I know, that's why you don't have any real friends other than me with that mindset of yours."

            "Ugh, you struck where it hurts." 

            "Well, it was also why you could save my life so you don't need to change much. Just that.....I think you should consider your view on her."

            "Do you trust her that much?"

            "Rather than trust, I just understood her personality."

            "That is......?"

            Rick thought for a moment before cough when holding back his laughter, remembering the days he had observe her. "An arrogant brat who has a good head on her shoulder." he answered with  smile, "that's why she'll be fine."

         

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