Chapter 54: S Class Secret

“Care to explain things?” asked Prof. Dalton. I was standing in front of him with both my hands clutching my shirt. My face was a mix between being nervous and guilty. In truth, there was nothing I did wrong but I can’t deny of things happening as they are.

                “I’ve only intended to cheer him up but I never encourage him to be a HACKER!”

     “You did give him the idea though”

                “Not to be a hacker!”

                Indeed I have no idea how my encouragement had help him gave the idea of being a hacker. Heck, should a child that age know what it is to begin with? All the adults were stiffen from his announcement. I tried asking him why he would want to be hacker of all things and he answered, “Because wouldn’t it be cool illegally steal information to save people, like a dark hero?”

                I didn’t quite understand what he meant by ‘dark hero’ but I’m sure that he’s misunderstanding it's meaning. The other professors were still speechless. In the end, we were both lectured softly about the bad things on hacking, why I had to join in as well I’m still not sure. However, Prof. Dalton had kindly took me away and kindly continuing my lecture 

                “Prof. Dalton, when I talked with Dean, he mentioned something about his dad, what was he talking about?” I thought it was a pointless attempt in changing the subject elsewhere. Oddly enough, he answered without much hesitation. “Dean lived together with his mother just the two of them, her mother conceived him accidently after a one night experience”

                Hmm, am I supposed to retort? I think I should but something is off about this.

                 “Dean was only seven and he started to miss his father. Since his mom didn’t know who he was either so he tried searching for him in the net for clues. Somehow or another he did find him, and succeed on contacting him. By calling a classified number of one of the CIA branch HQ. IT is also the reason why he’s in the S Class despite not having any sort of disability.”

                Certainly what Dean had did would cause an uproar. I can imagine how one of the personnel from the HQ, doing his business when an unknown number called and asked ‘Hello, is this the CIA? I’m looking for my father since he is a part in the intelligence division, can you call out to him. Oh, if he’s busy then can I leave a message?' If it were me, I’d be speechless, no wonder he said all those things at the janitor’s room.

                “Wait, why am I telling you all this?”

                Don’t ask me, I’m just as confused as you are. Normally he would keep his mouth shut when it comes to something personal.

                “Anyway, that’s all for today, so go back to your usual classroom.”

                “Yes sir.”

#

Another few days passed and I began to know more of the kids in S Class.

                Kenny, who can stretch his body a miles away.

                Alvin, who could produce electricity.

                Morra, who can control the growth of plants.

                There were more than them that I haven’t met, but in total there are only 14 people in S Class, and most of them were quite….unique people. If I say it another way then most of them pissed me off though. Certainly they hardly have any attention on getting along with others outside of their class. Though after frequently coming to S Class, they warmed up to me a little. I think.

                I said they don’t get along well with strangers, but after spending time, I knew they aren’t bad at heart. Well, they’re kids so I guess they couldn’t be that bad. I do notice they were watch over with each other like a family. The look in their eyes and their speech would made an obvious change when dealing with one another. They would laugh and they fight like what friends normally would.

                They still haven’t accepted me much, but I thought getting to know them all wouldn’t be so bad.

                Now, I don’t know if I could think the same way as then.

                It happened when I plan to sneak into S Class without Prof. Dalton watching over me for once. They might try to kick me out, but I thought it was worth to see how they were doing. When I opened the door to their class, I was greeted by the sound of slapping that echoed the room. It took me by surprise so I flinched, then I tried to grasp what the scene in front of me was telling.

                Carol was on the floor, feeling her stinging cheeks

                A man in his 30s, one of the researchers probably, was wearing a furious face at her.

                The rest of the class looked at them indifferently as if it wasn’t something to be surprised.

                What caught my attention the most, was the silent figure of Foax sitting at the back of his sit. To others he might not look like he cared much, but when I looked at his eyes. There was a straightforward expression he made.

                Anger.

                “You little b!$3h! Is that how you talk to your elder!” he was about to grasp on her, thinking it was bad I hurry grab on his arm to stop him. “What are you doing?!”

“That should be my question, should an adult even try hitting a kid?!”

“Shut up brat, this is none of your concern.”

“It Is! Even if it’s temporary, I am part of the S Class now so I can have a say in this if I want!”

I looked at his name tag curiously, his name was Evan Lockwood. If I’m not mistaken, isn’t he supposed to be Carol’s supervisor? I wasn’t interested much on who he is so I turned and tak a look at Carol’s cheek. It was bright red, but it seemed he had held back or else she would been bleeding somewhere by now.

“You’re being a busybody”

“I like being a busybody. Come on, let’s take you to the nurse office”

“She’s not going anywhere yet until I disciplined her!”

“What sort of disciplined does one resort to violence!”

 “She had that coming when she doesn’t know the lines that shouldn’t be cross!”

I agree.

Someone had cut in the two of us, I knew that voice that resounds in my head belong to none other than Foax. Before we realized it, he had been standing at our side as we bicker. “Coming to save your little friend? Since you little monster are so chummy, you should warn each other what happens when you anger adults!”

Prof. Lockwood, I’m guessing that you don’t work here for very too long, have you?

Lockwood raised an eyebrow at the sudden out of the topic question, his emotion diminished a little and he answered him. “I’ve been transferred here 3 months ago since the last supervisor of that girl got into an accident, why?”  

After that, even though I might have mistaken. I was sure that for split second, he had chuckled. Carol made a grab at my shirt, her face was pale almost as if she was afraid but hesitant to say anything. “No…please stop J…” that was her small whisper. I looked around my surrounding and the others also had a pale regretful face. What is going on?

Ah I see, I’m guessing no one told you what really happen. I kind of pity you.

“HA! You brat also want to pick a fight with adult do you?” Lockwood emotion began to rise once more, he began to walk toward the wall to his side. “Let me remind you brats that the real reason you’re here is because you and your power don’t belong in society!” he kept on walking away from us as he expressed his disdain, there was a sudden bad feeling welling up on me as I saw him opening the class’s window. “You all might think you’re special just as this class were made for you, but don’t you forget that you don’t belong anywhere so you should be good and listen to what others tell you!”, after that last word, Lockwood began to climb up and then…..

“STOP!” I screamed at him but it was too late, he jumped out of the window and fell. It was followed by a sound of someone screaming from outside, and the sound of people gathering becoming clearer. Only this room stayed silent as it is.

It happened so suddenly, I wasn’t sure if what I saw was true. Why did he suddenly jumped out? He talks trash at us but he kept walking toward the window and jumped without even a hint of hesitation. As if he had planned this all along. It was only a hunch, but I look at Foax who was looking at the window where he jumped. He noticed me looking and so I asked what just happened.

Don’t worry, this is only the second floor, he won’t die from this height.

“That’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking what happe—what did you do?”

 I just ask him to fall that’s all.

“No…way…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 if you or anyone dare to harm us.

“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!

I looked around and saw how the kids of S Class just stayed silent. Their expression told me everything that they didn’t choose this way, yet why doesn’t anyone stop him then?

Claudia

It was the second time he called my name, but this time he called me as if he had acknowledge me for the first time and I felt a deep nostalgic feeling when he did. He look into my eyes and I look into his. Thank you, for covering Carol back then. I watched over you this past few days and I know you’re different to the other people outside this class. He let out his hand to me, and with a smile, a sincere smile that I never thought he would show to me.

Welcome to S Class.

A disturbing feeling welled up on my chest. It was like a force in my subconscious urging me to accept him. Even though I don’t agree in his method, even though I don’t want to be a part of this. My hand moved on its own and shake is outstretched hand. It was also then that I’m convinced who he was in my past life.

Just like that time, he outstretched his hand to me so I could be a part on his pack. A pack of misfit who strive to be who they are. He pulled them in, he protects them, and had never let anyone gone against him. Because everyone follows him without talking back. No one realized the mistakes he did for our sake, and everything became lost. 

Is he, like the past, going to take all the responsibilities for himself? Is he going to drag himself to a choice he can't choose. Now that I know who he was, I can’t let him repeat the past, I won’t let it happen.

If that happens Merlin, this time, in this life. I WILL save you. 

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Chapter 53: Computers Can Talk Too

Chapter 53: Computers Can Talk Too

After the shocking meeting with Carol, I insisted on meeting the next kid since her test afterward was classified. Frankly having someone observing your routine test is already a rare occurrence, it's not like anyone would willingly show their ability, even when I am an exception there are parts of your ability surely you want to keep it to yourself. 

            "What's the kid's name?" I asked the professor. 

             "His name is Dean Moose, unlike the kids, he came from out of the states and he's a shy kid so he doesn't talk much."

             Prof. Dalton stopped at one door and pushed the key code for it. The research building was a large building so I'm glad it wasn't far at back and didn't took look to get there from the entrance. However, the moment the door opened, I had wanted to go back without looking back. 

            "Ah, if it isn't Prof. Dalton....and Claudia as well, I see we meet again." 

             "And I'm surprised to see you here Dr. Ars." 

             Why is Dr. Ass here! 

             It's a good thing I'm good at holding back or I might've said that aloud. "We were just on the middle of discussing his routine test. Care to join us and share a few opinions?" 

            "Is there something wrong with our tests?"

             "Oh no, on the contrary, I thought I suggest some improvement to it so we could see more of his limit." We all turned toward where his eyes were pointing. Dean Moose was a small boy with bushy black hair and dark tanned skin, I could hardly see half his face because his hair was getting in the way. He was wearing short jeans and a green box patterned shirt. The boy was fidgeting a lot, most likely he was nervous around so many different people. 

                "His usual test usually involve drawing the internal structure of certain gadgets, giving orders to electronics goods and extracting encrypted information."

          "Then Prof. Ars, what part do you think we could improve?"

            "Firstly, we'll not only have him draw or describe the structure, we'll also have him learn how to mantle and dismantle them, moreover making him learn how to make one would be good or he could also learn to design his own software, and wouldn't it be interesting if we have him handle a robot or a transportation?" 

                Giving one advice after another, the other professor nodded intently at his words as if his words truly outweigh their own opinion.  His blue eyes turn toward the child. He came toward him which made him flinch at first but relax when he made a kind elderly smile. He was about to reach out to him with his hand, just before he did, I pulled away Dean to my side and excitedly ask him. 

             "Hey, so what kind of power do you have? They keep discussing how amazing you are but I still don't know what it is so I can't follow."

              Our face were close to each other so he jumped back with a blush face. How cute, he reminded me a little of Eric. "Ah, do you remember me from yesterday? My name is Claudia, nice to meet you Dean. So what kind of power you have, please tell me!"

             "Oi Claudia! Don't you know you're being rude!" 

             I cowered at Prof. Dalton's harsh voice, it was rare for him to raise his voice. It was true my act wasn't very appropriate. It still better than having him get close to this kid. That man is not to be trusted with anything. Still, to get him that mad, was I acting too childish? Somehow, seeing my past father getting mad got me really nostalgic but guilty at the same time. I don't feel I was in the wrong, even so, I had to apologize and back off or they'll make me instead. 

            "I can talk to computers." 

            Just when I was looking down in guilt, I looked up in surprise at Dean who was looking at me awkwardly. "I can communicate with any electronic device, connecting with them to grasp on their function."   

            I wasn't expecting for him to answer, so other than surprise, I was really happy. FINALLY, someone normal in this class. "That's so cool, you can actually talk to computers, that's amazing!" I expressed my honest feeling and it seems that made him smile a little. 

            I noticed though that he kept giving glances at my right pocket. There was nothing in it other than my phone so I was wondering why he was interested in it. 

            "A blue fox...." He muttered. 

            I'm glad I was the only one who caught what he said, I couldn't hide my bewilderment then and instinctively held my right pocket. He already had said he could talk with electronic device, but to think he could feel Zilla's presents. 

            For some reason his expression changed and made the same guilty face as I had before. Could it be....he thought he done something bad to me from that. Surely my impulsive action might have made him thought that way.  

             "I....did it again, did I?"

              He was saying something in a small voice but I couldn't quite catch it.   "Okay, I think it's time for Dean to continue his test, Claudia would you like to watch?" Dr. Ass....I meant Dr. Ars had suggested. He was smiling gently at the two of us which makes me annoyed more than I already was. "I would appreciate if I could do that, Dean do you mind if I stay?" I gave a forced smile at the doctor as I answered. Not only because I want to watch his every move, I also want to show Dean that I didn't particularly mind he peek at my phone. Besides, he might have done it accidentally. Dean eyes were wide opened to my words but nodded shyly. 

            We went to the computer lab, Dean sat at his seat. The rest of us stood as we watch over him. He turned on the computer and with a single touch, all the other computers light up as well. "Access to all computers are granted, connecting with the internet, Professor what do you want me to do now.?" 

            "Since we have a few guests today, Dr. Ars do you have something in mind?" 

            Dr. Ars closed his eyes and thought for a while, he then took out his phone and fiddle it before he made an interesting proposal.

           "How about we find a missing person?" He showed them a list of missing people wanted in the police force's  website. 

             "That's quite an idea Doctor, but don't you think having a child doing something what police still had hard time to do will be difficult? Besides we need permission from the principal if we ever need to examine their ability outside the extent of the school."

            "Technically he won't be leaving the premise of the school and with our supervision, we shouldn't be worried of having him doing something bad. Also, the police could only search through the streets surveillance or following their trails that they left bhind as clues. Why they couldn't find them is probably because they are in a place with not much electronic devices or people." 

            "Then how do you suppose he will find them?" The one man who kept questioning Dr. Ars way began to show irritated tone. Dr. Ars didn't mind, instead, he smiled as he answered his question. "Aren't we here to find that out, surely there's nothing wrong with that?" He said. 

             Dean looked a lot smaller sandwich inside a strain atmosphere. They decided since it was only to see what the kind of result it would bear, they agree to have Dean search for those people. 

            "Are you ready?" Dr. Ars asked him with his hand on his shoulder. I was really irritated seeing him that close to an innocent kid, it's like seeing a wolf massaging a sheep without its notice, since I don't have anything to go against him now I could only clenched my fist and kept an eye on him. 

            However, did I misheard him when I heard him say, "can I finally go all out?" 

            Dean took a deep breath as he was told the sites url and confirm the faces of the missing young to old people. There was a glint in his eyes that took a different look from him. All the computers in the lab started to show videos, photos, articles and various other information in the net at a high speed. 

            "Found one, a child match with the description of Corco Retizco, he is living with an old lady, she seems to have been bedridden at home on her own so he decided to stay there without telling anyone. I also found the woman named, Carly Jones, she lost her memories but working find at a diner. Found two more...no wait, three...."

               In only 5 minutes, Dean was able to find half of the people from the list when it took months for the police to find. All the people were shock but mostly at awe at Dean skillfully showcase his ability. Not Prof. Dalton though, he still had his poker face on. 

             "Next is—"

              Dean suddenly stop hid search and the room was silent from the sound of computers and their screen froze. It felt for a moment, time had stop for this room. Dean had a scared look, as if he had seen a ghost. Before his supervisor could ask what's wrong, Dean turned to him and his mouth quivering when he started to talk. 

            "Martha Xander, that woman, I think she was murdered." 

             The word 'murder' from a young boy put a dent on Prof. Dalton's stoic expression. He reacted faster than the other and turned off the computer. "That'll be enough for today, Dean don't tell anyone about what you find today, understand!" 

                Dean nod without answering a word. He watched the back of the professor who was discussing with a troubled look on their face. I watched all that had happened and wasn't sure how to react in the situation. I thought I should cheer up Dean who I'm sure is more troubled than the rest of us, but the second I turned to him, he was gone. 

             Where did he go? 

             I look back at the professor who were deep in their own discussion. I felt bad for Prof. Dalton but silently without warning them, I sneak out to search for Dean. Right now, I have a feeling I shouldn't leave him alone. 

#

It was a good thing he wasn't a fast runner. I had only begun to search for him and I found him already. I followed him until he stopped at a janitor office and went inside. 

             of all hiding place, why a janitor room?

             I open the door and there was a soft sob sound at the back of the room. He doesn't seem to have noticed me yet so I sat beside him with my back against the cold white wall. The room was small, but for us kids it felt average. The metal shelves store detergents and other cleaning tools giving the room a clean but unpleasant scent. 

              "I knew it… my ability brings nothing but trouble." 

               "Now why would you think that?"

               Dean stopped sobbing and he looked surprise to see me beside him. "It's better if you let it out, I'm not going to tell anyone." Dean kept silent at my advice, figures he wouldn't say anything to me. "I won't leave if you don't say anything." 

              At the corner of my eyes, I could see his wet eyes and his cheeks puffed from my words, he also doesn't seem he wanted to cry in front of me either. "My ability brings trouble to people, whenever I use it as I please, someone would always feel trouble because of me. Even though I just wanted to meet dad,  I didn't know I was doing wrong, they just look at me as if I was strange, I'm sick of it. I HATE THIS ABILITY!"

         "That's a waste, your ability is so amazing though."

              I showed him my phone that showed the same web page as what Dr. Ars had showed. Only this time, I showed him the detailed description written by the family. All of their words showed their concern and pleading about their loved lost ones, and hope anyone could find them. "You just gave more than half of these people's loved one a chance to be together again. You gave them hope." Dean looked at my phone for a long time as if clinging to it, his eyes were locked at the screen as he roll it down. 

            "You know, someone had told me before that we were given power for a reason, it might not give us an unwanted life. What you did back then though was something anyone should be proud of and your ability is something you should love, otherwise you couldn't love yourself." 

              "That person also said since we were given something interesting, we should enjoy it instead of sulk all the time and I agree. All you need to do now is find joy in what you do."

             I look back at Dean and saw he was staring intently at me. It might have been my imagination that his eyes were twinkling. "How do I love my ability?" He asked innocently. 

             "Why are you asking me?" 

             "Well, since you're the one who said I should love my ability, then shouldn't you have some idea?" 

              Hey, don't push the responsibilities on to me! I wanted to say that, but I can't say no to his expectant eyes directing toward me. "You…could…aim to be cyber police! Wouldn't your ability be really useful catching bad guys that do bad stuff in the internet! Or if you control things like nano bots, don't you think that would help in internal surgeries? That way, a lot of people would also be happy because of you."

            Dean then turned quiet and his brows were knit. "Okay, I've decided!" He said that and walked out in a hurry with new energy and I couldn't help but follow without knowing what's one his mind. 

            Oh well, it seems everything is solved just fine. 

#

"Yes, that's right. I've already transferred the money so I request you do the job right."

            "We've been business partners for years. Haven't we always done our job to your satisfaction. However, I'm curious… why a school? I have to admit that the school has many state of the art facility but it's all something you already have in hand. Moreover, there aren't many noteworthy esper there unlike in other cities like California and D.C."

              A smile started to creep on his face, he has no obligation to answer but the excitement couldn't held his mouth shut. "I just find a very interesting specimen, that's all."  

              "Hey wait–"

               Ars cut him off just as he arrived at the front of his hotel room. He came in, turn the lights on and opened the fridge to take a can of beer. Other than that, he also took out a jar. He took his beer and the jar to his bed and turned the TV on. There was nothing new or interesting on the TV so he turned it off and turned his attention to the jar he brought. The jar's surface made it hard for him to see the inside from being too long inside the fridge. He carefully wiped it off and smiled like a young boy seeing the wrinkles of the brain that he thought as art. 

            The brain itself was one of his prize possession of a rare 'specimen' he once acquired.  He treasured it ever since. However, that prized brain of his was then thrown against the wall, following a loud crash. His mind was occupied with the a certain girl's eyes. 

            Without a doubt that girl saw him as a threat. After their first meeting, he knew she was on her guard but what curious him more was what she saw in him for her to act like that. Lighting up his interest more and more. 

            "Let me see what you're capable of, dear Claudia."

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The last chapter was an early chapter to commemorate the 10000 page views   hits.  

This is this week chapter, enjoy!

           
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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?

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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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