Chapter 68: A Gummy Grudge

I rode the elevator and pushed for the highest floor in this building, thinking I might get some insight if I took a wide look at the school. As the elevator continued I waited impatiently, at the sound of the smoothly lifted metal box and the elevator speaker softly played an old song called the Gummy Bear.

            It was supposed to be a nerve breaking situation and knowing that I'll be risking myself, trying to get through a school swarmed with armed men and with zero information. Instead, I became more annoyed at every second I heard that cheery song that was playing was out of place from the current atmosphere. Maybe because I was the only one in the elevator, the soft song echoed inside, making it hard for me to concentrate on a plan. At the time, when the song went 'Gummy, Gummy, Gummy, Gummy' it had hit a different nerve in me and out of rage, I sent a spell at the speaker, crushing it in result. The speaker fell off and the song began to dimly play until it stopped completely. It took me a moment before I realized I had damaged school property and the guilt overwhelmed me. "......I'll just blame it on someone else."

            A soft ding was heard and I knew I had arrived at the rooftop. However, when the door parted open, I froze after spotting several men garbed in black shirts and navy pants. It took me only a glance to know there were at least ten of them here. The nearest man was a few feet away from me, so I was glad that the sound of the elevator didn't reach them and that they were focused on something else.

            A static sound then caused me to raise my guard up, I look for the source of it and my heart filled with dread by the time I did.

            *Oh I'm a yummy, tummy, funny, lucky Gummy Bear! *

             For some reason, even though the speaker was half crushed, the song played again at the worst possible timing, and with a louder volume to boot. As you'd have guessed, all eyes present were on me, and I could only smile dryly while my heart could only cry.

            Curse you GUMMY BEAR!

            Without even trying to question me, they had all set their rifles on me and had begun shooting and at the same time the door was closing. I jumped to the side and barely made it out unscathed. I randomly pressed a button and I was just glad I lived through it.

            *Gummy, Gummy, Gummy, Gummy, Gummy Be-*

            [Air Crush]

            Before it finished its last word, I made sure I crushed it permanently. Ever since then, I had an indescribable grudge against Gummy Bears. I know I'm over reacting, but this is what happens when you're stressed out. Another ding sound and I looked at the panel, to see where I had stopped, it was the second floor.  

            I had failed to scout the school from above, so I guess I should try another way to scout. Unfortunately for me, the moment the door parted open again, another set of armed men were on the other side, but from my standpoint they lined up cleanly with guns pointed and facing the elevator, I could tell they were expecting me.

            Oh crap, now that I think about it, those guys should have informed their comrades below of a girl using the elevator right? Why couldn't I think of that?

            "Come out with us little girl, and know you won't get hurt."

             Now, I've certainly put myself in jeopardy, can I still escape even if I surrender first? I can try uttering a spell now, but the slightest sense of suspicion could lay a bullet in either part of my body, I’d prefer it if I don't risk fatal injury.

             Oh who cares anymore! I'll just think of the consequences later.

             "What are you doing? Hurry it u-"

             The man that ordered me fell silent, it couldn't be helped because a hole had appeared on his face, right through his cheeks. Revealing his grotesque mouth, drenched in blood and parts of the muscle underneath was revealed.

              The others were surprised, but before they could react, the 'culprit' had shot another two and they were all too late to react when facing the betrayal of their own comrades.

             "Mate, what kind of shit are you playing here? Stop shooting at us!" One of the men said trying to fight back by disabling his former comrade with a locking move he made from behind.

            "I....can't...my body...is moving on its own!" his face was pale and it seemed he couldn't even control his expression with him, keeping a poker face. He shot his friend's leg, escaping from his grasp and turned to shoot him numerous times.

            Before long, the group of five men were annihilated. The last man standing then threw away his rifle and took out his pistol, aiming it at his head and then shot himself, leaving the floor covered in bloodshed, corpses and the scent of iron that driven me sick to my stomach as I never liked it. I could only stare dumbfounded, I tried to process what I've seen, but still question why......how the unbelievable scene happened?

            Because of the sudden carnage, it took me a moment later when I realized the presence of another. The elevator door couldn't close because of the corpse in the way. I put my guard up and try to peek at the third party, but before I could he had grabbed on to my hand and pulled me out to his side, surprising me in the process.

           "Are you okay Claudia?"

            I almost kicked whoever it was on the groin, until I heard his tone of concern for me, I took a good look at his face, realizing that a friend had come for me.

#

As the events kept unfolding at the Praetor Academy & Institution, the media and authorities had already caught wind of it and were surrounding the school as we speak.

            Worried families and friends were unable to get any closer, due to the barricade the police had put up around the school. Many cried, many shouted, and many more prayed for the well-being of their loved ones.

            Detective Robertson along with the rest of the police were present. Almost the whole police department were on deck including him, there wasn't need for him to think twice when he knew his precious niece was inside that hell hole. Thanks to him, Claudia's parents could stay by his side and stay up to date with the recent situation.

             "Steve, how are they? How are my kids? Is there any news? What do those terrorist want?" Adrianne Robertson badgered her brother-in-law with the same question every five minutes. Both he and Michael tried their best to calm her down but it began to feel useless. Not long after, the FBI finally arrived with their SWAT team at the scene. Two black SUV cars came and parked near them along with a few ARVs that followed suit. Above, he noticed two helicopters that weren't there before had come along as well.

            Steven came up to Captain Ford, Deputy Chief of his Homeland Security Division, knowing she was leading the counter terrorism plan. He found him talking with two of her subordinates, probably giving orders to calm the masses down. "Chief, the FBI's here." informed the detective. The Chief turned around and found a team of men and women in black and grey suits, one of them was a man he had read about before. He had an oblong face, a lightly trimmed brown beard, a fraction of his hair was dyed gold, hooded stormy grey eyes and he had a distinctive mole at the side of his roman nose. Captain Ford walked toward that familiar face who he knew, was leading this team. "Agent Hawk, I'm glad you finally arrived. My name is Alexandra Ford, Deputy Chief of Homeland Security."

            Agent Hawk took a glance at the black woman from her cleanly bob cut hair to her black podiatry shoes. "Nice to meet you Captain Ford, it seems you've already read my profile so let’s cut the conversation short, what's the current status?" 

            "According to what we know, the terrorist had infiltrated the school at 2 P.M. today, a witness claims to have seen, from the other side of the crossroad that there was a herd of black cars crashing through the car entrance of the school. The last car that went in stopped to shoot the two guards on duty and the gates were then closed automatically. The witnesses immediately dialled for 911 and didn't move from her spot until the police arrived. All the entrances are locked and the security system is on, leaving no gap to enter in this school." She said in a clean string of sentences. The two started to saunter toward one of the SUVs which were equipped with surveillance and hacking tools.

            "Are you sure there's absolutely no gap?" he continued asking.

            "We have recently gained the data for the school's blueprint, hopefully we find a way for someone to get in." 

            "Or how they planned to get out, because this is no simple act of terrorism Captain."

            "I'm aware, we're dealing one of the Anti-Esper factions that deals in terrorism. They've been causing problems around the state as of late, but to target a school full of children has certainly crossed more line than one. I have reminded my men to stay sharp if such a scenario like this ever happens again. So I'm sure we are prepared for whatever may come."

             "No one can ever be prepared for a disaster Captain, not even when they know it will happen. Including this case." Captain Ford slightly squinted her eyes confused, she would have asked what he meant if she wasn't cut off by another question. 

            "Has there been any contact from the terrorist or news about the employees and students currently in the school?"

             "Unfortunately no, we're pulling out all of our resources to know what's happening inside, but so far there is no luck as of yet." 

            "Then we'll have more luck using our resources, I just recently got word that both student and teachers were being held in separate buildings, and that there's a good likelihood that the principal is dead." 

             "Principal Poughvickle is...." silence came to Captain Ford, she would usually snicker whenever she heard his name mentioned but today she couldn't. She wasn't particularly close but she met him many times and he was a good listener too. "He is a social man you know, many would surely mourn his death." 

            "Let's make sure we don't have to mourn more than we have to."

             "CHIEF!" Captain Ford turned toward the one calling, Detective Robertson rushed as fast as possible to deliver news. Literally a piece of news. "Please look at this!" the Detective showed his superior his smartphone and had his superior wear his earphones, so that the loud masses around them wouldn't interfere. Agent Hawk moved closer to them and the phone played a live news report, broadcasting a video claimed to have been sent by the terrorist. 

              The video started with a man wearing a black ski mask, his voice was higher, indicating it was falsified, the background also tells that they were on the rooftop. He stated his affiliation of being part of the Anti-Esper Faction and that he will have one of the hostage to speak about their purpose. They turned the video to a girl, Detective Robertson could hear the surroundings gasp at the same time. Anyone would, when they saw the horrid expression of the child with a gun pointed at zero distance to her head. Her eyes and nose was red, and her hair disheveled, her mouth kept quivering even after she started reading the purpose of the terrorist, to fight to the last breath until the act of eradicating espers is fulfilled. The video mostly boasted of their actions so far. Once she was done, one of the terrorist held her hair and she screamed, the camera fell sideways and a few seconds later was cut. 

            "Another nut job trying to get attention for this." 

            "However, we can say be sure of one thing." said Agent Hawk as he turned to take a good look at the school and resting his hand on his waist. "Those people aren't from the Anti-Esper Faction, they aren't even terrorist"

            At the absurd revelation, both the Captain and the Detective had their jaws drop and they tried to cry in protest of his reasoning, but the FBI agent had trotted away to inform his peers. 

If anyone is curious about the Gummy Bear song, you can check out here

Or if you want to see a cute and catchy dance with that catchy song you can check out here

Don’t blame me if the song got stuck in your head though. 

Chapter 67: Anti-Esper Terrorist

--Charles Dalton--

There is something amiss here. 

            For the principal to call out not just the teachers and researcher but all other employees were told to gather as well. Because of the urgency in his voice and the sudden announcement, no one had time to question what's on the principal's mind. What could possibly happen to make all of us gather? It's not like the principal for him to make a sudden gathering in such a short moment notice.

            While my mind was preoccupied with my own worries, I kept on walking toward the main hall where the employees were to gather for briefing among their own or with all faculty. It was located in the Praetorian Dome or the Soldier's Dome, a fitting name for school with the name Praetor. You could find the dome at the back of the school, next to the public sport arena. It's also use for every new school year where every students would gather together for the opening ceremony. 

            Once we get to the dome, another odd thing was that the front doors were open wide and the lights were all on, as if expecting the wave of people. We began to walk in line, pushing toward inside. Inside the dome, we arrived at the Main Hall as the principal wants, but then we saw the doors leading to the auditorium were left open as well. The a blue seats arched around the hall that covered most of the area, similar to a stadium only on a smaller scale. The dome didn’t have much space left from the chairs. Surrounding the hundreds of chairs was a platform, a podium at the edge of it, and a giant screen at the back, large enough for every corner in this room to see.

           

            "Charles!"

            

            A woman patted my back and at my side was my college. Her brunette hair tied in a bun, revealing her pearls earrings, her glasses hanging around her neck, up close you'd notice her thick make-up, hiding the slightest wrinkles under her chocolate eyes, "Ms. Fley, is there something wrong?"

            "Isn't that my line? Do you have anything to do with this gathering, why hasn't anyone heard of it?"

            "I don't know myself, Ms. Fley, but we might get some answer if we wait for him here."

            "Again with the 'Ms. Fley' didn't I tell you before that you should call me Cat like the others?"

            "You're like a mentor to me Ms. Fley, it would be inappropriate if I call your name so familiarly."

             She rolled her eyes away, tired perhaps of the same answer I always gave her. It's true that I think of her as my mentor. 3 years ago, straight out of college, she was the one who taught me everything I needed to know when working in this school. That's why I couldn't treat her any other way than a respected mentor.

"Another reason why you're still a bachelor, Charles, I'm not even that old yet you talk to me like I'm 10 years older than you"

            "It's a particular trait I'm fond of, mind you" I sat at the closest seat I spotted and Ms. Fley naturally slid into the seat next to me. I looked around and barely half the seats had been occupied.

             "Leaving that aside, if not even you're not aware of this, do you think something happen?"

             "I don't know" I gave her a short answer, but like she said, I wonder if something did happen? Principal Peter is an old friend of my father and I've known him for a long time. After enduring through a hard past, I was sure that my life was over until he poured his time into helping me get back up and offer me a job as a teacher. Soon after that, I naturally applied here for the job Teaching in this school really helped me open up a path in my life. It may be me being conceited but the Principal would always entrust me to solve problems within the school. Well, there has been a few hardships as a teacher, there are cases in school we couldn't openly tell the public details, including that incident I got involved concerning those three. Another reason why if it's an emergency he would at least talk to me first, it's not like him to make a decision like gathering everyone and leaving the children on their own.

             Wait, not like him...

             A sick churning hit my stomach at the worst possible situation. I felt my facial expression changed into one of dread with my eyes squinting and my eyebrows knit together. I turned to Ms Fey and my concerned expression passed onto her. "Ms. Fley, I think we should go to the principal office just in case"

             "Eh, shouldn't we wait? The principal should be here any moment don't you think?"

             "In any case, I have a bad feeling so can you please accompany me?"

            Ms. Fley was hesitant. Eventually she nodded and stood up. In that moment, a sudden burst of people flowing into the hall. I couldn't quite catch the number but there should at least be 20 people, all armed with assault rifles. Panic started to sweep the hall and people were ready to run for the door when the sounds of bullets rang out. The sounds echoed throughout the dome and a man roared, followed by a row of bullets as a form of warning shots. "IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE STAY ON YOUR SEAT!"

             Crap, this is even worst that what I imagined. I gulped involuntarily and dazedly remained standing until Ms. Fley pulled me down to my seat. One of the armed men walked towards the podium while the others spread out to take watch over the people in this dome. The man on the podium tapped onto the microphone. The sound of microphone should have been normal but it jolted some of us in such tense atmosphere. The man who seemed to lead this group cleared his throat and began to speak in a civil tone.

            "Good afternoon everyone, I'll make this short and simple for all of you to understand, we are part of the Anti-Esper faction here to remind the world what a wretched human being you people along with the government for the continuous nurture of biological weapons you all called espers. It is our duty to remind the people that we..."

             They started preaching about their will and purpose, sending a message to us like they had to the public in the past. They were long and boring but it took away our notice with his heavy voice and the large gun on his hand. If it weren't some useless words about justifying their own action I might actually try listening to them. A man who sat four seats away diagonally from me, stood up and with a daring tone of voice he lashed on the terrorist.

            "DO YOU THINK YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THIS? THE AUTHORITY WILL STOP AT NOTHING ARRESTING ALL OF YOU INTO CUSTODY AND YOU BETTER PREPARE FOR IT!"

             The hall gone cold and silent hearing his bold words, He might have thought his actions were brave, but instead made me desperately praying inside that things wouldn't get any worse, but it did.

              He cleared his throat once more and continued with a calm look on his face, ignoring the abrupt interruption from our side. "Continuing what I say, right now we are in a mission to carry out our message of the truth that the espers are nothing but a blasphemy, which is why..." he flicked his finger as a cue, and a few of the gunmen began to shoot a few people. I felt myself being pushed aside and jerked sideways, I turned to find Ms. Fley dropping to the floor with a hole on her chest. The hall became mass chaotic once more but as if ignoring the scene, he continued his speech. "We want you to cooperate."

            "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

            I caught her in my arms before she could have hit the carpet floor.I took off my lab coat and pressed strongly onto her chest, but it wouldn’t stop. Blood continued to pour and escape her body. I couldn't care less that my white coat was already dyed in red and instead held on to her wound before she loss any more blood.

            "Oy you, get on your seat, now!" I heard someone calling out, I wonder if it was me. I didn't know, my ears gone deaf to my surroundings and kept on praying inside she would make it.

"Didn't you hear me, I said get on your seat!" something cold and hard pressed against my temple, but even so, I didn't move the slightest. I might have been shot by now if someone hadn't pulled my away by the shoulder. I gave him an irritated look and was on the verge of punching him for pulling me away.

            "Get it together Dalton! She's dead...Catherine Fley is dead so stop trying...there's nothing you can do for her."

            Those words somehow woke me up. I look once more at her rag body on the carpet and at my own soak lab coat over her. I stare at her blankly before my hand reach out toward hers. I pushed away her steel bracelet and felt her hand. It was beginning to feel cold and there was no longer any pulse. Just as he said...there's nothing I could do for her now. In a daze, I sat on my seat and my attention was turned toward the terrorist once more.

#

--Claudia Oriente--

Okay, so here's how it goes.

            7 armed gunmen suddenly came out of the elevators.

            20 or so espers huddled together on the ground.

            1 Witch getting caught up in all this.

            Again I asked myself why my life could never seem to be normal. I face the floor just as the gunmen had ordered us to and sensed the children were quivering in fear, some tried to hold back their tears only to cry more. Kids aren't as good at holding back as adult are anyway. 

              I'm just as flustered as them right now. As seeing my friends being held hostage and having guns pointed at you, I'm supposed to be the eldest (mentally) but I can't even get my mind straight and just repeats over and over ‘what should I do?'

              First, after taking control of my nervousness and breath calmly, I tried to inspect the situation once again. One person guarding the elevator, four people surrounding us, and the other two people missing I suspect are surveying the two rooms for other people or maybe they could be searching something here.

              I'm not too knowledgeable about this school, but I doubt about the latter since there's barely anything valuable in here and I wouldn't store anything precious here either if I was part of the school board. Normally with less people on guard I would have on the spot and attack them single handedly, (oh dear, I really am becoming a muscle brain) but I can't do anything that might harm the kids.

            "Uhm, excuse me."

            A guy from the middle school branch slowly lifted himself with his hands on the air, everyone's eye started focusing on him. What on earth is he thinking?! I was nervous what could a kid barely in his teen would possibly say in this situation, Dale might have been thinking the same thing as I heard him murmured "Shit" beside me.

             "My...my name is Ca...Ca...Carl Valera, son of Valera Cooperation’s CEO. I...I don't know what why you're here but if it's money you want, my pa...my parents could provide that. Moreover, even though we're kids, we still have about 20 espers to fight back with normal people like you. Not to mention the fact that you're causing a disturbance would alert the police immediately. So... can we settle this peacefully?"

              Another gunshot was heard giving most of us a heart attack, I unintentionally close my eyes and slightly peek at the kid. Thank goodness he was still standing, but when I thought about the bullet, I noticed the hole on the ground next to him. 

             "Get your ass on the ground and don't make me repeat myself."

             Carl, did as he told and went back crouching with a pale look on his face. Did he really believe it would work out that easily? 

              Worried about my friends, I started to look around. They all had the same look on their face, scared, helpless, and vulnerable. Three people had strangely calm faces though, Dale, Foax, and a guy from Dale's class. "Psst, Dale, you're from the Special Class right? Don't you have people in class they could help turn this situation around?"

            "There are three problems in your suggestion. One, it's much more dangerous trying to fight without being aware of each other ability, possibly creating more trouble instead. Two, it's difficult to focus our ability while being emotional. Third, they're likely have a kind of ESP interference tool or they wouldn't even dare attacking a school for esper."

            Well, if you put it that way, you make me sound like an idiot. 
            As two of his comrades were done surveying the floor, one of them seemed to have a call from his receiver. He whispered them to the others and they seem to nod in understanding. 

            I have a strong bad feeling about it, but I can't make a move without knowing the big picture. Who are they? why are they here? how are the teachers and how will the authorities move in to help? Those main questions weren’t even answer yet. I'm in a bind of choosing to abandon my hidden identity and just knock them out on the spot while their guard is loosen or wait and see first.

             "All right everyone, I want you stand up and make a line now!" 

             The kids looked at each other confused, they slowly began to stand up and made a line. "Didn’t you hear me? I said NOW!" The loud heavy voice that echoed to boot was enough to maybe make us leak ourselves; we began to move into a line desperately. The man with the loud voice took out a device from his pocket. It was the size of a small tablet but has a handle on it. Slowly he walked to every one of us with it on hand. I could come up a hundred theories of what it is but I rather think of getting out of here, maybe at least take one down with me. 

            This is why I reluctantly call out Escape Plan #12.

             When the man started walking toward me, I began to put my knee together and put my hands over my bladder. I began to shiver and when that man began to question my behavior, I look at him with teary eyes and begging look. "I need to pee"

            Escape Plan #12, the Potty Plan. 

            I know it's ridiculous, but desperate times called for desperate measures, which apparently almost all my plan was in fact, desperate measures. 

            "Deal with it!" he said coldly. 

            "I have, but I'm already on my limit, please you have to help me", I cringed inside, this is the biggest embarrassing moment I have in this life. Let no one know my face after this ends. The man kept ignoring me but when he saw the leaking drops of water under me, he finally gave in. 

             "Someone, get this girl a room!"

              One of the terrorist escorted me to the restroom, he guided me toward the operating room and swiftly pointed to the toiletry. Even though the hallways were like a maze he was able to find it fairly quickly, he must have good memories or he had been here before. Not that it matters now.

            "Don't take too long." he growled.

            He waited at the door and I entered, well isn't he a gentleman. However, not long after I enter, I made a terrified scream that alerted him. The restroom only had four stalls, he walked toward it, not knowing I was just behind the door he opened. I floated quickly over him and touch both side of his head, I flowed out my mana with one order in mind. 

            [Sleep]

            He fell to the floor in that instant. It's the first time I used a spell directly like that. Well, specifically it was more of mana manipulation rather than spell itself. A good example of mana manipulation is enforcing my child's body with the strength of adult so calling it a spell is only half correct. Moreover, usually the best way to make one sleep is using an enchanted music tool, but ever since I thought of enhancing part of the brain that suggested sleep, making things easier. I thank you biology for giving me this spell. 

            I pulled him to one of the stallsand made sure its lock too. The spell should last for hours and it’s almost impossible to break so I could forget him for now, but on the off chance he woke up somehow, flushing his clothes and leaving him half naked should make it hard for him to move around I suppose. 

            If you ask if I find my actions funny, then my answer is yes... I do. One of them should at least face humiliation of forcing me pretending to leak, it was only creating small drops of water to look like I was leaking but I won't be satisfied if one of you doesn't feel my wrath. 

             I ran back to the VR Room and was cautious not to be seen, but my worries was for naught since everyone was gone. I rushed to the elevator with the resolve to save my friends and to see this through. 

#

--Dale Fillion--

 I wonder what Claudia is up to. I have a hunch that she was planning on something, but it looks like I can't help her any other way. After the man mysteriously went over each of us with that strange device in hand, he called out about six of us forward including me. I glanced at the five of them, pulling out information I knew about them. 

             Dean Moose, a third grader in Class S. Held the ability to communicate with computers. 

              Felix Avelore, a sixth grader from Class 3. His ability is mediocre but he is one of the rare type to have 3 kind of abilities which is Photographic Memory, Visualization, and Calculus Mind. Looking at one ability, it sounds average but together, it's like having a computer as your brain.

               Allyston Drew, a second year in middle school and in the same class as me. Her ability is Amplification, amplifying any kind of output whether it's from devices or esper themselves. 

             Morra Havi, a third year student with Dysarthria, a disorder that cause her having a hard time of speaking. She has the ability to manipulate plants. 

             Finally, there's Jessica Foax. Apparently his parents had longed for a daughter judging by his name. As an old friend of Rick, we were acquaintances, we have a mutual feeling of not being fond with each other. A brat that knows nothing and deem Rick as a traitor, but I can't really insult him as I was partially in fault of that incident. 

            Gah, since when do I get so sentimental? Stay objective Dale, this is your strong point, you need to figure things out to keep the student safe. Though since I doubt the teachers, including Prof. Dalton, could help if are having a tough time, I suppose we are on our own. 

            That kind of mindset only lasted for a minute. The man with the device tuck it away and started fiddling with his ring. I figured he had pushed a button and it turned green as a response. He spread his hand on us but I feel nothing, maybe a little bit sleepy and my mind felt it was push back, but I could tell I'm wide awake. 

            "On your knee" he said to the ring. On cue to his words, each of us fell down to the ground with one knee with not slightest hesitation, including me. A part of mind was yelling What the F****, but another didn't question much and felt the urge of going to sleep.

            "Huh, this feel better than I thought" the man muttered. He turned and arched his head sideways, signalling them to do the job. Six of his comrades went up to six of the kids in front and press their ring which then glowed a hue blue color. They then touched the children's head as if they were patting them

            Something was happening, I didn't know what yet, but I'm was sure they aren't doing anything we might like. The man that took on the role leader of this small group, headed towards the elevator and demanded both men and children to follow. He looked at the small size of the elevator and regretted that idea considering the size of the elevator and ordered them directly after then, to follow up after the first batch. 

            So much putting up a cool character, I thought deeply.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAY FOR JAKARTA

On 14th January, a suicide bomber and shooting with the media claim to be the work of ISIS.

Three people died, many were injured.

They police has disabled 4 people to be as the perpetrator but who knows how many member have snuggled unnoticed in Indonesia. I hope I'm just over thinking.

            

Chapter 66: Start of the Attack

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.

            It was the echo of footsteps walking in haste. Climbing up the concrete stairs, he didn't let his breath grow irregularly. Though his feet grew heavy while climbing and handicapped with a suitcase that had considerable weight, he didn't have time to worry about that, he was more worried that being only a second late might infuse his boss' wrath. The mere thought of it hastened his pace.

            Once he had reached the fifth floor, he went straight towards his boss’s room. The entrance door was creaked slightly open, which was oddly careless for his boss.  The building had been abandoned for years so no electricity was running, making the hallway darker and creepier with cracked walls, hanging spiders and layers of thick dust enveloped the corridor.

            In contrast to the outside, the building looks nicer as if it had only been recently remodeled when in truth it was no different than a corpse, horrendous and void of life.  For the ex-military officer though, such a thing couldn't even crack through his thick shell . He barged in, fully aware of his rash action into the room and where three men were standing side by side. One of them faced the large window overlooking part of the Northeaster part of the city with the twilight sky looming over, he was shorter compared to the two large bulky men wearing the same army green shirt and gray baggy trousers with 4-6 pockets that could hide a few weapons. And instead of an ACR assault rifle in his hands he was holding up his phone while talking to someone. Other than that, the room itself was void from any furniture, it was a building originally intended to be demolished next week, a perfect place for let's say......

            A foreign criminal organization settling down to make it as a base camp.

            "Yes...yes...I understand...I may not be a genius like you but I'm not stupid...I remember the plan crystal clear, I hope you don't mind us getting some souvenirs while we're at it. Honestly I don't see any meaning in doing this, exactly how will this benefit you?"

            "Just do as I tell you Parson, as long as you do then we can keep our partnership intact." said from the other line. The line was cut and Parson could only dazedly stare at the phone as it beeped. He put his phone in his pocket followed with a tired groan, the other three in the room could only wonder the kind of conversation they had. The man named Parson then looked up to finally notice the American-African man. If it wasn't from the window that allowing the light in, he wouldn't have noticed the black male under the dark shadow of this room. He raised his eyebrows and gave off an amused smirk when he found the small suitcase in that man's hand. 

             "The delivery has arrived Sir." He said, elaborating on why he a lowly henchman would be here.

             "Finally!" Parson came up to him and snatched it off of him like an excited young boy getting his birthday gift. The silver suitcase was barely a foot long, a number key panel was in between the LCD panel and key hole. Parson took out his key from his pocket and inserted it into the lock, he pushed the key codes in and turned the key. The lid jumped open and inside a small gadget you might easily mistake for a smartphone placed fittingly in a foam base. He took out the gadget and turned it on with the switch on its side.

            After confirming that the 'partner' Parson had called sent the device of interest which they agreed upon. Parson chuckled to himself, imagining what his so called 'partner' had in store for in their next target. Reminding him what an odd fellow his 'partner' was, they were supposed to be enemies, yet now they can't work without the other.

            Though that man mostly makes them work to quench his personal curiosity. Parson would be lying if he says he wasn't looking forward a job request from him, because something interesting would always happen, but he would rather die than admitting it. He looked at the suitcase once more and took the foam base out of it, revealing another base that had rows of rings inside neatly placed.

            "Gather the men! We'll have a briefing for the next attack!" All three of his henchmen went out of the room, leaving their boss alone as he fiddled with his new 'gift' while he set his eye towards the gate of the school that had the name of it written in giant white letters next to it, it was quite far for him to read it but he was well familiar of what it’s written.

            "Praetor Academy & Institution”

            “...what a joke of a name." Parson muttered under his breath.

#

Today is another day where we have Practical Class for 3 periods, for me it only means I'm going to spend 3 hours with Class S. I have always been excited, also a little nervous, whenever I get a chance to study with them. However, there's nothing but awkwardness sitting right in front of Foax. I don't know if he is looking at the board or looking at my back or if he’s even paying attention to either at all. The fact I couldn't even tell what's on his mind while he could with his ability frustrates me even more. However, thinking it that way means Foax isn't talking in my mind even when he knows how I'm feeling means he's angry enough to not even bother talking to me. That thought made me depressed even more than before.

            While I was struggling with myself, Prof. Howard explained the routine for today’s class is entering the high-level maze created in the Virtual Reality Room, VR Room for short. It was placed in the lowest level of the school and roughly spans the same area as the school. The room uses a tremendous amount of electricity just from using it, so the school board had strictly said that we could only use it once a month. We were given the usual lecture about the rules and safety regulations when traversing the maze.

           "All right, that's all so next let's go to the VR Room shall we?" Prof. Howard had to shout over the small talk of the students at the back. He was one of the new teachers assigned to this class last week. I felt a bit guilty, the class is known for its terrible behavior and knowing they might destroy his cheerful innocence smile. We all got up to follow him when I felt a tap on my shoulder, I knew from the bright blond hair at the corner of my eyes that it was Carol.

            "Come here", she demanded me. She grabbed onto my collar and pulled me to the front of the herd, just right behind Prof. Howard. I turned my head to ask her what she wanted, my voice failed to come out when I saw her angered expression. I hate to admit she still looked cute, but the feeling of having a little girl angry at you is never a good experience for the faint-hearted. Her eyes should have lost color but her pale blue pupils strongly gaze at me with emotion. It was a bit intimidating.

           "What did you say to Foax?"

           The sudden question gave me a shock, I tried to control the beating of my heart which was going faster.  I gave off a questioning tone, feigning ignorance, "I'm not sure. Is there something wrong with him?"

            "You might not know this, but he usually likes to play pranks on the new teachers."

           "Okay...ignoring his bad taste of pranks, why are you asking me?"

           "Because the only person that could screw him over, is you."

           "Screwing is...a really strong and crude word don't you think?"

             Carol pinched my arm in response, I would've screamed if I hadn't forced my own mouth shut. Carol continued, "Please tell me you didn't say Theresa's name." 

             "I  would love to, but then I would be lying" I forced a grin on my face which didn't amuse her at all when she made a huge sigh with her palm on her face, she is probably regretting telling me that name. "Carol..."

            "Don't talk to me anymore."

            Carol hastened her pace to right behind the professor, it was easy keeping up with her since she is a slow runner, or walker if I might add, and I can't quite imagine she could run with blind eyes anyway. "Listen Carol, I know it's my fault for slipping it out, but I don't even know how much that name meant to him so you could at least cut me some slack.” Carol kept on walking, pretending not to hear a single word from me. "You would've at least told me what Rick's sister had to do with him."

              I had a hunch she would at least listen to me if I knew the fact that she was related to Rick and thankfully it worked. She slowed down her steps so that we would walk side by side, without looking straight at me she said in a matter of fact tone, "So you knew."

            "Yes, somehow I do."  

            "Then let me tell you one more thing to make this clear, that girl is the reason Rick betrayed Foax's trust, or so I think, that's why you shouldn't pry any further."

             She thinks? Does that mean even she's not sure what happened?

              "Anyway, that's all I'm going to tell you, so please try not to cause any more trouble and by the way, you heard nothing from me on this matter, I don't want to get on Foax's bad side, especially when we had promised him"

             "What promise?"

             She glared at me, indicating she won't talk anymore. Giving up on pushing her further, I obediently and quietly followed the Professor to the VR Room while mulling over so many questions in me with the name Theresa at the center of it. 

             However, unbeknownst to me, just as I was entering the elevator, I failed to notice the black aura coming from a person at the other end of the hallway. Maybe if I had entered it a second later or if my mind wasn't so preoccupied, I could have at least been on guard at the events soon to follow.  

             

#

The man with the black aura didn't show any signs of suspicious movement. Under a fake guise and name, he had gotten an appointment with the school principal with ease. After he made sure from the administration office that the principal was present in his office, he made a short thank you, followed by a charming smile that wouldn't raise suspicion. He strode toward the target's room and casually went inside without knocking. He found his target still focused on the paperwork in hand.

            "I heard you were coming sooner than the appointed time Mr. Helch, what could've changed your pl---" Principal Peter K. Poughvickle raised his head and immediately knitted his eyebrows. The Mr. Helch he knew was a skinny man in his early 40s, with thin dark blond hair that showed off his huge forehead, a long face and skin you knew from one look was as smooth as a baby from constant moisturizer, the man in front of him was completely different. 

             He had brown hair in an Ivy League haircut, thick eyebrows hanging over his dark brown eyes, short nose, a broad square shaped face, and thinly shaved beard across his jaw. He was wearing a formal black suit, nothing out of the ordinary for someone meeting a man such as the principal. 

             The principal wasn't fooled, he knew the man was dangerous the moment he met his eyes, void of emotion,  as if  looking at a dead's man eyes. He had seen those eyes before, they were the eyes of those who danced with death too many times. Even the strong build of his body and the distinctive stand of someone trained by the military had given warning inside the old man's head.

             In haste, he pulled out the first drawer on his right and took out his electric gun, an improved version of stun gun you might say, he aimed at the suspicious person before he was shot in the head with the man's own gun. Had he had more time to think, he would have wondered how he had smuggled his gun in to the school ground with such strict security.  Alas, the principal had an immediate death. He fell to the floor, his chair slid to the far end, blood soaking the carpet.

              Parson withdrew his gun, walked leisurely toward the desk, stepped over the dead body and turned on the computer, it was protected with a password but it didn't matter to him. His job was only to put in the USB hard drive into the main server and it would do the rest of the job for him. He had put on a silencer on the gun so he didn’t need to worry of anyone coming in anytime soon, even if someone did there was nothing they could do now. He sat on the revolving chair, subconsciously smiling at the comfy chair that smoothly fit him, absorbing his mind wrought with stress. He then took out his portable receiver and sent one message to all his people. 

             "Everyone standby, let's showcase our message to the world."

#

The VR Room was placed at the lowest level of the school, we took an elevator down.The school only had a one elevator going down the basement and with large classes, and everyone struggled in the small space. When the ding sound was heard and the door slid open, I'm sure I heard a continuous sigh of relief.

            It was not the first time I came to this place, but it still made me breathless seeing the large empty space that seemed to stretch out forever. There was nothing other than the white floor, wall, ceiling and the two doors next to the elevators that led to the maintenance and operating room, I never expected anyone to be there, but something unexpected greeted us below. 

            "Claudia......what are you doing here?"

            I turned toward the familiar voice, I questioned myself why Dale and others would be here when he was in a separate class from her. When both sides realized something was wrong, we turned towards our teacher. He scratched the back of his neck, and looking back and forth toward the two groups of kids.

              "Hmm, kids...looks like we have a little mix up in our schedule so Prof. Bane and I will try to sort this all out, so standby for now." said Prof. Howard. Things didn't go as planned when the speaker began to play a familiar BGM before getting to the announcement. 

            "Attention, all employees of Praetor Academy & Institution are to gather in the Main Hall, please stop what you're doing and come immediately, I apologize for the sudden announcement. I repeat..."

            The two professors looked at each other after hearing the familiar voice of the principal and decided to postpone their discussion, the other employees that worked in the maintenance office of this room also came out from the side door to follow. 

           "Hey hey Claudia, so what do you think of my present by the way?" Dale casually came up to me. My mind was then moved toward the night of my birthday, I was being giddy after receiving my necklace. I had forgotten for a day about the small mountain of presents I got from the rest of Class S and Dale. 

           I got various gifts such as brand new shirt, pencil cases, dolls, notebook, and mugs. "Yeah I wanted to ask, why did you give me an owl mask for my birthday?" It wasn't exactly an owl mask, it was more of an owl themed mask. A white mask shaped like an owl, black feathers on the side and gold color lining. The type of mask you might see in a masquerade party but made fittingly for a child.

            "It's not just a mask you know, it's the mask of one of the main characters in the famous show 'Animal Squad'."

            “Ah, I think I've heard of it, that cartoon show where five animals turned human and got superpowers so they get together to fight crimes and stuff---Beth is a huge fan of that show.” I think she would be the one happy getting that present, or did he think I enjoyed it along with my sister? Either way I should say thanks to him at the least. 

            "Did you not like masks?" He asked after looking at my expression. 

            "Not that I hate masks, I just..." my tone of voice unknowingly became softer and my face looked away while reminiscing the past, "I'm not really too fond with owls, since I read  they are ominous symbols since ancient times" 

            "Seriously? What do they symbolize?" he asked curiously.

             I made a huge silent breath trying to answer him, I could've stayed silent but the words popped out of my mouth as if the words were stored in there all along. 

             "Death."

             Another ding sound came from the elevator. "Great, is there another mix up?" I heard one of the kids sigh in anger. However, there's no way we could have expected a bunch of men coming out with guns and dangerous equipment lodged on to their uniform. I heard some of the girls scream looking at it, most of us weren't sure if this was real or someone was playing a joke on us. Then when one of them started shooting at the ceiling, giving out loud and chilling gunshots, we were stunned for sure. "Everybody get on the ground NOW!"

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I personally thank you Aria, Amin and Poppyseeds for editing this chapter together :)