Zythandra and the rest of the team were paused by the fact that Pandora seemed to be planning something to get them out of this dire situation. If they were caught, they will most likely be surrendered the military force and get experimented on. Worst comes to worst, they will all die in the process. Pandora instructed to everyone of them to go back in the van and stay still. She then closed her eyes and started to concentrate.
"Surrender now!" One military official exclaimed as they close in to where the van is.
"P, whatever it is you're trying to do please do it now." Medusa commented as she tries to hold her nerves.
"Where are they? They went in this tunnel, right?" The military official said. As soon as they reach where the van is supposed to be, there are no sign of it anywhere but dirt and skid marks on the ground. "How in the world did they just vanished like that? We all see them coming in here! How's the tracking device going?"
"It's not being picked up. They probably realized they're being tracked. They probably destroyed it already." Raf responded. This made the military official furious.
Little did the military and the police force know, Zythandra and the rest of the team are hearing their conversation. It turned out that they're still in the van and the van didn't go anywhere else but stayed inside the tunnel. Though Raf and the rest of the military and the police who are pursuing them are just standing a few meters away from the van, it seemed that it can't be seen by them.
"What is happening? Is it just me or they actually can't see us right now?" Surge asked in confusion.
"Silence. I'm connected to their minds so I can manipulate their sight. Even though we're here, I made them think that we're not. It's better if we keep quiet because I can't guarantee if the same thing goes with their sense of hearing." Pandora explained.
"That is very useful. Nice work." Zythandra complemented Pandora with her newly acquired ability.
"I didn't know you can do that. That's awesome!" Glass commended her as well.
"It really is amazing." Kitty commented.
"Hush. I need to concentrate. I don't have a lot of stamina left so I'll probably won't last long." Pandora said as she tries her best to prolong the effect of her ability.
Their pursuers continued to search inside the tunnel for clues as to where they might be or where they've gone. The most logical explanation they're going with is that there is probably one hidden exit that they used to escape but they can't locate where that hidden exit is located either. Few more moments passed and something bizarre woke the entire area where they're at. There's a massive explosion was heard at the Academy's direction. All police force nearby was tasked to check it out so they immediately left the tunnel. The military called off the search as well shortly after.
"Are we safe? Can we go home now?" Medusa asked.
"What could that possibly be?" Zythandra asked pertaining to the explosion heard a few moments ago.
"We don't know and we shouldn't meddle with it. We should head out and go back to the mansion." Kitty suggested.
"She's right. We should do something about Reaper. He's awake but it seemed that he's still in shock." Surge commented.
"Pandora, you can rest. I don't see anyone else in the tunnel. I'll drive us back to the mansion." Glass said then he took the wheel and took off.
They finally arrived at the mansion and as usual, Swift was able to announce that they came back by running around. Pandora asked the Banshee sisters to take Reaper to the infirmary so she can check him later. Zythandra told the rest of the team to rest the she headed to the Professor's office to report to him what happened and even though sick, Calcipher wanted to join them but Zythandra didn't allow him because she thinks that he'll just spread his virus.
"Mission accomplished. We were able to gather some information about Eve. Unfortunately, those kids were drained. Reaper was even injured in the process." Zythandra explained.
"I heard that it's not too serious and Pandora will check up on him. Swift broadcasts are pretty fast and reliable. I'm just glad that none of them were caught tonight. I commend your leadership, Zythandra." The Professor said.
"I'm just doing my job, sir. It wasn't just about me. The entire team was surprisingly easy to deal with. Initially, I thought that the girls are the only ones I can talk sense into but the guys are very much of team players themselves."
Zythandra and the Professor continued on discussing the events transpired through out the night. She shared the fact that they were able to learn some information about Eve and what seemed to be the group she's in. The name The Coven was muttered by Vivian previously which raised numerous questions. Zythandra tried to recall her various assignments from her previous job to see if The Coven is some kind of an illegal congregation but the name doesn't ring a bell.
"I recon that The Coven, as they refer to it, is an underground group. That's probably the reason why this is the first time we've heard about them." The Professor commented.
"What's more alarming than them obviously working in the shadows is that they also have Anomalies in their ranks." Zythandra said. "We stumbled upon two powerful anomaly users earlier and luckily, no one was seriously injured and no one is exposed most especially."
"Going up against other Anomalies is highly dangerous. Specially if most of the kids haven't got a grasp of their own abilities. The Professor said in a worried tone.
"I agree. We might not be as lucky as last time if ever we encountered other anomaly users as stromg as them. I might not be able to defend everyone." Zythandra seconded the Professor's thoughts. "What's our next move, sir?" She asked.
During their conversation, Calcipher dropped by to also be updated of what happened. Even though that he's still feeling lightheaded due to his illness, he still wants to get the details directly from her colleague. Zythandra and the Professor finally came into the agreement that they will pull out their students from future errands that are linked to The Coven and Eve. They ought to keep them safe no matter what. However, Calcipher is reluctant in going on the same boat as them. He pointed out they should to fight for themselves and defend each other because it's a guarantee that the three of them can do that all the time.
"I hate to say this but Calcipher has a point." Zythandra commented. "Who would've thought that getting a flu can make you sound serious."
"I'm always serious, Z." Calcipher responded.
"Both of your points are valid but the way the kids are now, I say that we should remove them from dangerous tasks such the ones you did earlier. If there are other Anomalies out there equally if not much stronger than the ones you've faced, we should all be prepared. I trust the two of you to hone the skills of those kids. The Professor firmly said and the two agreed.
At that time, they heard someone knocking at the door. When the Professor instructed to open it, it revealed everyone who are with the mission earlier with Zythandra standing in the hallway. The adults were slightly surprised as they should all be taking a rest by this hour but it turned out that they're unable to calm themselves down. The Professor then told them to come in and sit down and the discussion continued.
"You can not do that. We've been involved since the beginning. Why take us out of the equation now?" Reaper asked as the adults told them that they won't be included in future tasks that has something to with their enemy.
"Calm yourself, kid. Understand the situation." Zythandra tried to tone down Reaper's emotions.
"Listen, kid. I myself think that your Anomalies are huge assets these situations but it can truly be one ìf you're all able to control them flawlessly. Tell me, Reaper. Can you control your Anomaly?" Calcipher asked but Reaper couldn't respond and just silently sit on his place.
"I too understand the power you all hold but it will be dangerous if they were put in the wrong hands. Remember that all of you are potential targets of The Coven. We don't what they do or is their ultimate goal but we know that to achieve their goal, they most likely need anomaly users such as everyone in this room except for me and Calcipher." Zythandra explained.
"I understand. In behalf of my friends, I agree to not us get involved in future entanglements with the enemy." Glass commented. He most likely thought to himself about it and making the adults handle this matter will be the best option for now.
"I appreciate your understanding, Glass. You definitely are a good leader." The Professor commented.
"What? You're going with this, Glass? We were awesome back there! We kicked some butts and now you want to be benched and miss out all the action?" Surge strongly disagreed.
"Yes. I understand we did great back there and yes, we practically saved everyone. But, how about those who can't fight like us? There's only a handful of us in this mansion with an exceptional combat power that's already including our mentors. We can't save everybody else every time. I agree with that arrangement but it won't stay like that. As soon as the Professor and our mentors are confident enough to utilize out Anomalies, we will not hesitate to back them up." Glass stated his lengthy speech.
"That's pretty noble of you but whatever. I'll just go with the flow I guess." Surge finally gave in.
"Yes. We will help each other hone your strengths until the day you use your Anomalies effectively." Calcipher commented.
"As much as I don't want anyone of you be put in danger, we won't be having any choice sooner or later. The world is getting crueler by the minute. We just need to be prepared as soon as possible." The Professor stated.
"But wha-" Reaper was about to say something but was cut off by Zythandra.
"No more, Reaper. No more. All has been settled." Zythandra said.
Everyone jolted after hearing something fell on the floor. They then hear Medusa and Kitty scream their lungs out as they rush towards Pandora who's currently on the floor unconscious. Pandora's nose started to bleed which made everyone else feel more panic. Quickly, Zythandra also rushed to Pandora and attempted stop the bleeding which eventually was successful. Everyone else cleared the way to ensure that the air will circulate and not worsen the situation.
"Ladies, go fetch the twins and tell to meet me the infirmary. Zythandra, kindly carry her there. Quickly!" The Professor instructed them.
"What's happened to her?" Calcipher asked.
"She's exhausted. It might get worse if we don't deal with it fast." The Professor said then he ran to the infirmary while Pandora is being carried by Zythandra.
"You boys should go back to your rooms and finally get some rest. Let them handle this." Calcipher said but the guys are not budging. "Hello? Are you still with me? Earth to whatever planet you are in right now."
"I just realized something." Reaper said.
"I think I know what you mean." Glass commented and Surge nodded in agreement.
"What is it? You're creeping me out." Calcipher said.
"These plaques." Reaper said as he saw them for the first time in the Professor's office.
"What about it?" Calcipher responded.
"It has the Professor's name but it's for different occupations." Reaper stated.
"Now that you mentioned it, they really are from different jobs." Glass said.
"Look here. This one's dated 180 years ago from an aviation school so it means that he's a certified pilot, right? But, 180 years ago? That's strange." Surge commented and the boys agreed.
"That's probably a prop or something. Well then, grab yourselves and go back to your rooms." Calcipher forced the guys to leave the office and made sure to lock after he leave himself. This was confusing to the guys but they just shrugged it off as it is probably a prop. There's no way the Professor lived around 180 years ago.
The Professor, Zythandra and Pandora finally reached the infirmary. Not too long after, the twins arrived as well to assist the Professor. Zythandra, Medusa and Kitty stayed in the infirmary just in case the Professor needed something else. Medusa and Kitty are visible worried for their friend but they couldn't do anything but to watch as she's being mended by trusted hands. The Banshee sisters appears to move well in the infirmary assisting the Professor. Their experience in helping tending to injured are definitely seen in these kinds of situation.
"She constantly used her Anomaly earlier hasn't she?" The Professor asked as he finishes tidying up Pandora.
"She did, sir. She's a big help through out the entire operation. I didn't know that this will happen. I apologize." Zythandra explained.
"That explains it. Now you know what will happen to her if her Anomaly is overused." The Professor said.
"Is she fine, Professor?" Medusa asked.
"For now." The Professor responded which confuses the girls.
"What do you mean by that, Professor?" Kitty asked.
The Professor seemed to be reluctant in responding to that question but he eventually did. In the girls surprise, the Professor shared a detail about Pandora that hasn't been disclosed to anyone else in the mansion. The Professor confirmed that Pandora's Anomaly serve more of a curse instead of a gift for her. The longer she uses it, she will be negatively affected may it be mentally or physically. That's why he always reminds her to use her Anomaly wisely.
"No way." Zythandra responded in disbelief. Kitty and Medusa were also saddened by that fact. "Does she sustain these negative effects on her? Is it permanent?" She asked.
"From what I've observed so far, she'll recover eventually after she had a good rest. I only witnessed these kinds of episodes of here rarely so I can't say for sure so I still encourage her to moderately use her Anomaly." The Professor explained.
"I'm so sorry I didn't know. This is all on me. I forced her to continuously use her Anomaly to help us with our mission." Zythandra said.
"No. I am the to blame with this tragedy. I gave the approval of her joining your mission even though I know that this is one of the risks." The Professor responded.
The Professor then confirmed that Pandora linked her thoughts to him during their huddle prior to their mission and convinced him to let her join. Initially, he didn't agree due to the fact that she might get the episode again but she convinced him that she can handle her Anomaly much better now so the risks of those episode have lowered down but it turned out that it didn't.
While the Professor is making sure that Pandora is out of harms way, the rest of the Anomalies gathered in the living area as they got tensed after knowing that Pandora lost consciousness and was rushed to the infirmary. It was evident that everyone is worried about what happened and wants to know if she's fine. Glass was able to calm them all down slightly with a little help from Beast.
"Guys, I know you are worried. We are too trust me but trust the Professor that she'll make Pandora better." Glass announced. "He is THE Professor! What can't he do, right? Let's just give him time." He added which did help calm everyone's nerves.
"Does anyone of you know what happened to her?" One of the Anomalies asked.
"Yeah, I didn't notice you guys this entire evening. Did you all go somewhere?" Another Anomaly asked.
"They didn't know where we went? I thought everyone knew about it!" Glass whispered to Beast and Reaper. The panic is obvious in his voice.
"I saw them in the training room with Zythandra earlier. Probably doing some training or whatever." Beast responded making a half-baked alibi.
"Oh yeah, Pandora probably got so drained after the training so she passed out." Reaper added which the others believed.
"Thank goodness they bought that." Glass murmured in relief. "Guys, we should better be going back to bed. It's pretty late now. We just wait for the Professor's good news about Pandora tomorrow." He announced and the rest agreed. Glass, Beast and Reaper were left in the leaving area.
Not too long after, Swift came in seemingly in a rush announcing that Blast just came back home which baffled the guys since it's pretty much the middle of the night and Blast went out alone and came back from somewhere like he doesn't have a care in the world. Together with Swift, the three headed to the main entrance to welcome Blast from his night out.
"Oh, hey guys!" Blast greeted the four cheerily.
"Hey yourself. What do you think you're doing? Don't you see it's the middle of the night and your just strolling out there?" Glass responded.
"What's with the scolding? Are you my mother?" Blast sarcastically said.
"Watch your words, new blood." Beast said in his iconic death stare making Blast a bit tense.
"Okay. Daddy, chill. I was not out there casually strolling in the middle of the streets. I bought meat. Some late night snacks you know. I accidentally bought a lot actually. Would you guys like to join me?" Blast invited the group.
"I would like some!" Swift said.
"Fine. A little midnight snack won't hurt but you still have some explaining to do, Blast." Glass also gave in.
"Are you serious? You're just letting it be?" Beast asked.
"Normally I won't but come on, man. We had a rough day. I need a breather." Glass responded. "Don't be such a grumpy guy, loosen up once in a while. Reaper's game. Right, Reaper?"
"Yeah, I guess." Reaper said.
"Do whatever you want. I'll go to bed. Enjoy your late night snack." Beast said and left.
Swift took the meats from Blast and ran ahead to the kitchen. Glass, Reaper and Blast walked instead as they don't want to wake up anyone. Swift was quick to set up the table for the four of them and the tools they'll use to cook the meats. Reaper was in awe as this is the first time he saw Swift in action because he normally doesn't notice him at all previously. He acknowledged that Swift's Anomaly is very useful.
"So, Blast. Aren't you going late night snacks? You're always buying meats and nothing else." Swift asked insinuating that this is not the first time Blast did this.
"Wait, are you saying that he's doing this on a regular?" Glass asked.
"I won't say in a regular. Let's put it as once a week kind of thing." Blast responded. "And no, I'm sticking with meat as my late night snack." He added.
"You know that it's dangerous, right? Yes, we can go outside but we can only do it in specific and legitimate reasons not just by buying some late night snacks." Glass said.
"I know. I'm very careful from the moment I step out of the gates to the time I get back so I'm cool. I haven't been caught even once so that's fine." Blast explained. "I'm just hoping that you won't snitch me out to our mentors and most specially to the Professor." He added.
"That depends on these snacks that you brought." Glass jokingly responded.
"What happened to the sleeves of your shirt? They look burnt." Reaper asked as he noticed something off in Blast's clothes.
"Oh, this. I was on my Anomaly Training earlier. These sleeves might burned that time. I just probably forgot to change my shirt before taking off for some snacks." Blast explained.
"Hey dudes! I knew I smell something bussing." Surge came into the kitchen as he smelled the aroma of the meat being cooked.
"Where have you been? Are you soaked?" Glass asked.
"Oh, this? After we left the Professor's office I decided to hit the gym before going to bed then I smelled meat so here I am." Surge explained. "I'll help myself. This are good for muscle development. Whoever bought this, you are awesome."
"Yeah, of course. You can have some. I bought a lot." Blast responded.
The guys continued on with their feast until Reaper remembered something that happened that night while they're almost caught by the military. He eventually asked Blast if he noticed an explosion near the academy area since he reckoned that he might be outside while the explosion happened. Though visibly taken aback, Blast did explain his experience.
"Right! I did hear an explosion near the academy since the place I bought these late night snacks is near the area. Then, the next thing I knew is that military vehicles started to rush to the area." Blast explained. "I immediately felt the danger because they might realize that I'm an Anomaly so I decided to come back here but I did take some detours just to make I'm not followed or anything." He added.
"That's pretty intense. We're glad your safe." Glass complimented Blast.
"Yeah. You got some quick thinking there." Surge added.
"Anything else you might have noticed earlier while you're out there?" Reaper asked.
"Nothing else much really." Blast responded.
"I actually watched the news about the explosion. It destroyed half of the main building of the academy. Do you think you can create that powerful explosion, Blast?" Swift asked his friend.
"Honestly, I don't think I can't. If I'm able to, that would be great because I can be more useful to the team." Blast said positively.
"I appreciate your positive attitude, Blast. Although your Anomaly is closely linked to destruction, you are willing to use it for good." Glass said.
"Thank you." Blast responded.
"Why so chummy? You're not like, Glass." Surge teases Glass jokingly.
"What do you mean? I'm always friendly to everyone. I'm the eldest so I should be a good role model." Glass responded.
"Don't you use the age card. You're just a few months older than me. But whatever, man." Surge said.
The guys continue to eat their snacks and catch up with each other a bit since they haven't able to bond with each other recently due to some unprecedented circumstances. Eventually, Swift and Blast decided to call it a night and went back to their rooms to doze off. Glass, Reaper and Surge doesn't feel like sleeping yet so they volunteered to finish up and clean their mess. Coincidentally, the Professor and Beast dropped by to the kitchen to freshen up.
"Professor, how's Pandora?" Glass asked.
"Yeah, how is she? Is she good? Does she still remember me?" Surge added.
"Don't worry boys. She's out of harms way now but she hasn't gained consciousness yet. She still needs to rest." The Professor explained. "Why are you still up?"
"We couldn't sleep due to everything that's happened tonight, Professor. Also, Blast bought some meat for some late night snack so we joined him." Reaper said.
"Blast went out alone again and in the middle of the night?" Beast said in disbelief. "That guy is really asking to be beaten up."
"Calm yourself down, Beast. I'll speak to him tomorrow about it. He'll listen." The Professor said calmly.
"Yeah. Hold your horses, dude." Glass agreed. "Besides, we already talked to him."
"That's good to hear, Glass. Anyway, aren't you boys going to sleep? It's pretty late and Pandora's safe so we can all relax now." The Professor asked.
"We'll just clean up then we'll all call a night, Professor." Glass answered cheerfully.
"Professor?" Reaper said just before the Professor went off.
"What is it, lad?" The Professor responded.
Although hesitant, Reaper couldn't help himself but to open up about the plaques he saw in the Professor's Office with different dates and different occupations. Some has his name on them but others are different but still close to his name. The Professor was visibly in shock of what he has heard from Reaper. Beats was also visibly in awe about it indicating that he might know something about it as well.
"Haven't I informed you all about those yet?" The Professor responded with a cheeky tone.
"You have, Professor. But, just to some of us." Beast said.
"How interesting. I thought I have shared told that to everyone by now." The Professor said while still remember if he actually did or not yet.
"You two. You were told about that story years ago. Don't tell me you forgot about it." Beast said as he points towards Glass and Surge.
"We do? I don't remember. Can you tell us again? I'm getting more curious now." Glass asked.
"I think I do know but I forgot as well. Please tell us again." Surge seconded.
The Professor started to tell about the story behind those plaques. As he and Beast recalls, this story was only shared to the first ones who were taken under his care namely; Pandora, Beast, Kitty, Glass and Surge. It turned out that the Professor is already over 3 centuries old. The Professor confirmed that he and his team from the war centuries ago pioneered the research of a new military weapon which eventually became what everyone know as Anomalies.
During the war, the Professor and his team developed a unique serum that's different from anything that have created at the time. One day, their research facility in Grand Britain were attacked and everything was wiped out leaving him the only one alive. While in the verge of dying, the Professor got a hold of this serum and injected it to himself. Lucky for him, his body composition is compatible to the serum so it gave him an Anomaly of his own. Anomalous Perk: Rapid Regeneration.
The Professor's Anomaly allowed him to live longer than most people on top of him being able to heal himself rapidly. As soon as he realized what he can do, he initially planned to take out every Anomaly he encounters with the help of what's left of their initial research since he realizes the negative impact it brings to everyone's lives. At first, his methods are working but eventually it appears that his hard work are for nothing.
All of the people that the Professor initially took the Anomalies from turned out to be all temporary. His methods were not obsolete. Those people's Anomalies came back. Then, reports of Anomaly related havocs started to escalate from different nations. This triggered the military forces from all 5 nations to formulate their own take on how to stop these travesties. Eventually, all military forces from all 5 nations to capture and lock up all confirmed Anomalies they encounter.
The Professor had a change of heart and started to take in the Anomalies he has encountered and settle in Noble Asia. The Professor also made connections to other people who wanted to keep the Anomalies safe from other Nations and formed some kind of an alliance which they called the Council. Though the Professor forgot to tell them the names of these associates, he was able to confirm their occupations. A Dean from Gallant Africa, a Mayor from Proud Russia, a Priest from New America and a Business Man from Grand Britain. This people alongside with the Professor agreed to have a meeting at random places every quarter which they refer to as the Summit. As far as the Professor and the others who have attended the Summit, none of them are Anomalies.
"Wow! There are so much information to unpack." Reaper exclaimed.
"Let them sink in, lad." The Professor jokingly said.
"Now I remember. Thanks for the refresher, Professor." Glass said.
"You do? I still don't but yeah, there are a lot of stuff going on there." Surge commented.
"I'm just curious about one last thing. Why isn't all these information shared to the rest of us?" Reaper asked.
"Good question but I believe it's easier for me to connect with them if they see me as a common adult and not a centuries old immortal. But, all of you know that I'm an Anomaly so that's one more thing to relate to." The Professor explained.
The Professor went ahead and explain his plaques with different occupations. He explained that within the years that he's been dealing with his Anomaly-related errand, he has decided to widen his knowledge as he sees it to be a big leverage and a great time killer as well. So, he went to different schools using his name or other names to study aeronautics, medicine, law, politics etc. This made his scope widen and not just him being a researcher/scientist.
"That is so dope!" Surge exclaimed. "So you're probably the smartest person in the planet now, right Professor?"
"Oh, no. Don't flatter me so much, lad." The Professor responded.
After that encounter, everyone decided to call it a day and agreed to continue to discuss the events that happened the following morning to assess what went well and could've been done better. Though the Professor is strongly promoting them not being included in future tasks, he is still contemplating due to the fact that their can be useful given the right circumstance.
"Are we all good now? If we are, I'll go get some rest now." Beast announced.
"Such a buzzkill." Glass responded. "But, I agree. The sleep spirit is catching up on me now."
"I'll just finish cleaning here then I'll go as well." Reaper said.
"I'll go do some few more reps to activate my muscles before going to bed." Surge commented.