The trio eventually came back to the Hill House with Beast transformed into a horse as he carried Pandora and Reaper on their way and it took them almost a day until they reached their destination. In their surprise, no one seemed to be around as soon as they arrived but Pandora sensed that everyone is at the Hill House' basement and it appears that the rest of them are holding a meeting of some sorts so the three of them headed there.
"In conclusion, we have a few objectives to accomplish." Calcipher said as soon as Reaper, Beast and Pandora entered the basement.
Reaper, Beast and Pandora were surprised with an unusual set up of the basement. The walls were filled with photos of their missing friends, former councilmen from their Summits and those who they believe to be the core members of the Coven. They also saw the key figures of the military forces from different Nations and an unfamiliar photo something's or someone's silhouette which was labeled as Guardian/s. They then noticed the rest of them sitting around a table. Tabitha, her students and Sprite aren't present.
"Excuse us. What is happening here?" Beast asked.
"You're finally back! Where were you, guys?" Medusa excitedly asked as she rushed to hug Pandora and the two guys.
"That was some training time you got there." Glass commented.
"How was your vacation, you three?" Surge asked.
"Set aside the pleasantries for now. We're in an important huddle." Zythandra pointed out.
"Welcome back Reaper, Beast and Pandora! Take a seat. Pandora, use your Anomaly so the three of you can catch up on our discussion." The Professor said.
"I'm on it, Professor." Pandora responded. She then proceeded to use her trusty Psyche Vista skill. "Psyche Vista." She muttered to herself to trigger the skill. It's a skill of hers that came with her Anomaly wherein she can read people's mind and go far as to view their past memories in a limited period of time.
As per Pandora's Psyche Vista skill, the Professor and their mentors are planning their next move. Currently, they're prioritizing the search and rescue of their missing comrades and the rescue of Kitty as well but keeping in mind that they'll be up against the military forces and their growing nemesis, the Coven. So they are discussing precautionary just in case they cross paths but they are pointing out that they should avoid fighting as much as possible. She passed all the information to Reaper and Beast.
"Are you guys caught up?" Calcipher asked Reaper, Beast and Pandora then the three of them nodded. "Do you have any questions, objections or violent reactions?"
"I have." Beast firmly responded. "I know it's important for us to find the rest of us and saving Kitty but I want out of it." He said which gave a huge shock to everyone in the room.
"How could you, man? I knew you don't give a damn to any of us." Surge responded.
"I knew you're cold but not that cold to the point you're willing to abandon our friends." Medusa commented in shock.
"Let's hear him out first, guys. I'm sure he has a good reason for it." Glass replied. Pandora nodded in agreement. At this point, she already knew what Beast was thinking.
"I recently learned that my sister was in the grasps of the Coven. I refuse to believe she's working with them so I want to focus on rescuing her myself. She's the only family I got left. I can't let her be corrupted." Beast explained.
"Now I understand. Wait, you have a sister?" Surge asked. "Is she a beauty like Pandora, Medusa and Zythandra or she's a more intimidating kind like you are?"
Surge's question visibly annoyed Beast that he instinctively transformed his right arm to a cobra and he immediately wrapped it to Surge's neck tightly. Surge couldn't react as it happened so fast even though sits at the other side of the table. Everyone was surprised because Beast really looked like he's really about to have his cobra arm bite Surge and if it does, he'll die in minutes. Reaper immediately used his Anomaly to things down. Beast's cobra arms went back to normal leaving Surge terrified and catching his breath.
"What in the world was that? I was just kidding." Surge shrieked.
"My bad, I didn't mean to." Beast responded.
"Enough of that, guys. Let's get back to business." Glass butted in.
"So, are you serious in prioritizing the rescue of your sister? For me, that's perfectly understandable." Zythandra said.
"That's pretty understandable for me too." Calcipher agreed.
"I'm sure. I don't care if I'll do it myself. I just have to save my sister." Beast responded firmly.
"That settles it then." The Professor said. "I won't go against your will, lad. However, I will not allow you to go alone. Take Surge with you."
"What? Why me, Professor?" Surge asked. "We don't obviously get along that much."
"Yes. Why him, Professor?" Beast asked.
"That's why. You don't get along that well so you need to work together in this mission. If you want, you can take one more of your comrades with you." The Professor said.
"Another headache? It'll be the end of me." Beast muttered to himself.
"I'll go with them!" Glass recommended cheekily. "I want to witness those two get into each other's throats first hand." He teased.
"Glass, contain yourself." Pandora commented.
"I know, I know. ¬But, I'm serious in going with them. I missed those days that the three of us are just messing around." Glass replied. "Right, guys?"
"Do what you want." Beast whispered under his breath and just shook his head in disappointment.
"I guess but I would prefer to take either Pandora or Medusa with us." Surge responded.
"No! I'll go. I know Beast prefers to not deal with additional person in your group and I know you prefer to take either Pandora or Medusa with you so I'm just saving them the burden." Glass explained.
"I hate you!" Surge whispered towards Glass and Glass just responded with a playful smile.
"Fine. Whatever." Beast reluctantly agreed. "I just hope that you two won't slow me down."
"God in the heavens, keep me from insanity in this journey." Surge said.
"No worries, boys. I got you!" Glass commented.
"Cal, why don't you help those three gather intel about Beast's sister?" Zythandra suggested.
"Great idea! I think I can spare some of my time to help the boys." Calcipher responded.
"I approve that. That way, their task will be easier and faster." The Professor commented.
"I acknowledged that and we accept." Glass said.
"Wait a minute. Since when did you become the leader in this mission?" Surge asked.
"I did." Glass responded to tease. "Beast just went with it so you should to."
"Fine. Do what you want, man." Surge gave in immediately.
"I guess that's it then. Beast, Surge and Glass will prioritize the rescue of Thana Ojibwe. The rest of us should focus on finding and rescuing the rest of our comrades." Calcipher announced.
"What a cute name. I like her already. I think she and Sprite will get along." Medusa commented. "I'm already imagine. They are the cutest!"
"Where is Sprite anyway?" Pandora asked.
"Yeah, where is she?" Reaper asked.
"Oh, she's with Madame Tabitha and the rest back at the orphanage." Medusa responded.
They're meeting continued but they mostly concluded their discussions for everyone to know and be aware of what they're goals are and what are the things they need to prioritize. The three who were assigned to rescue Beast's sister agreed to support the rescue of their comrades if they don't have any leads on their mission. The Professor and the mentors confirmed that they will be the ones who will be in charge in gathering information outside for everyone else's safety. The Professor also confirmed that Tabitha shared her intents of helping them with their cause.
"If you guys don't me asking, I remember the Professor saying that our main goal is to save those who are like us and making a place where we can live in peace. Are we still aiming for that?" Reaper asked.
"Of course we are, lad. However, we have to manage our priorities considering everything that are happening outside these walls but I assure you that it will always be our main goal." The Professor explained.
"Also, Tabitha along with.. What are their names again?" Zythandra asked.
"Rocco, Amber, Blake and Aira." Calcipher replied.
"Yes, them. They confirmed that they'll still be focusing in finding and sheltering Anomalies so let's give that to them." Zythandra explained. "In that way, we can focus on our own thing. Eventually, we can go back to that cause after we found all our comrades." She added.
"I understand." Reaper responded.
"Any other questions, people?" Calcipher asked.
Their meeting finished a few moments later and everyone went back to their businesses. Some got back to their chores and the rest went back to training. Reaper decided to drop by at the orphanage to check on Sprite and see how she's doing after all this time. It may not seem like it but he likes children so it automatically brings joy to him seeing the kids in the orphanage. It greatly reminds him of the days when he and his best buddy Raf were still young. Before he can even enter the orphanage, he saw two boys chasing each other around and seemed to have a little squabble.
"Ralph! I will tell Ms. Sullivan." The chasing boy said.
"Squealers are losers, Tony!" The other boy responded firmly.
Reaper decided to intervene. He walked into where Tony running towards so he can could bump into him putting their chase into a halt. The two boys was confused as to who and what Reaper is doing but to have them at ease somehow, he smiled at them and patted their heads. The gesture seemed to work in gaining the kids' attention. Reaper went grabbed the opportunity to have a small chat with these kids.
"I'm sorry, mister." Tony said.
"That's fine. Are you two alright?" Reaper asked.
"I'm okay. I don't know about Ralph." Tony responded.
"We should ask if he's okay too, right?" Reaper replied.
"Okay." Tony reluctantly said. "Ralph, are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm okay." Ralph responded.
"That's great!" Reaper cheered. "Anyway, why are two out here? Aren't you supposed to be playing inside?" Reaper asked.
"I'm just chasing Tony, mister. He said that he'll be heading to the Hill House and hide there forever." Ralph explained.
"Ralph! Stop it. I have to go now, mister, Ms. Sullivan will find out soon."
"Why are you running away, boy? What is she going to find out?" Reaper replied.
"Here's what happened, miste-." Ralph was cut off by Tony.
"I opened up the pets' pen, mister. Our pets are now messing the entire play room." Tony explained. "I must go now before anyone can see and realize that it's my fault." He added.
"So you are saying that no one else realized that your pets are out of the pen?" Reaper asked.
"Yes, mister." The kids replied.
"We should get back inside then. I'll help you put your pets back to the pen before anyone can even notice they got out in the first place." Reaper suggested. "In that way, Tony won't need to run away. Right, Tony?"
"Yehey!" The kids rejoiced in excitement.
"But how do we do that, mister? We have a lot of pets that got out." Tony said.
"Well, just leave it me." Reaper proudly said but he doesn't have any idea how he'll deal with it. "If only Feral is here." He muttered to himself.
"What was that, mister?" Tony asked.
"Oh, that's nothing. Let's go!" Reaper responded.
"We're going to the play room pretty soon." Ralph started singing.
"So have fun with us until it gets noon." Tony continued the song. Reaper was trying his best to hum to the tune even though he doesn't know the song.
Reaper and the kids were welcomed with seemed to be the most energetic and fun kids in the world. They were so playful and kindhearted that all of them seemed to genuinely want to play with each other. Luckily, the attendants that work in the orphanage are equally energetic so there's no problem with them getting along with those kids and guiding them. Not too long after the three of them got to the playroom but Toni and Ralph noticed that the door of the playroom is closed shut and something odd is coming out of the room.
"What's the matter, boys?" Reaper asked.
"We never close the door to the playroom." Toni pointed out.
"Look! Leaves and roots are coming out of the room." Ralph shrieked in excitement which shocked Reaper as he immediately realized something.
"Say boys, I heard Sprite was here earlier. Did you see her?" Reaper asked.
"Sprite? You mean Eden? Yeah, everyone was playing her earlier at the living area. Right, Ralph?" Toni responded.
"That's right! She's my favorite visitor." Ralph replied.
"Where's your living area again?" Reaper asked.
"It's that way!" Toni and Ralph yelled excitedly as they looked away from the playroom door while pointing at where the living area is.
Reaper took the opportunity of the kids looking away from the playroom door to test his theory. As soon as Toni and Ralph noticed the unusual greenery growing out of the room, he immediately thought of Sprite. He thought that she's the one behind these mysterious plants. He slowly but surely walked towards the nearest root, touched it and finally tried to use his Anomaly of nullification to test his theory. As he expected, the plants immediately retracted inside the room. This allowed the playroom's door to open revealing Sprite inside.
"Oh, Tobi!" Sprite shrieked in surprise as soon as she saw Reaper at the doorway.
"Eden!" Toni and Ralph screamed in excitement and ran towards her for a hug.
"This is a surprise, Sprite! What are you doing here?" Reaper asked.
"Please, call me Eden as you used to be." Sprite said.
"Ok, sure thing!" Reaper responded. "But still, what are you doing here?"
"Hey, Toni look! Our pets our now back to their pens." Ralph exclaimed.
"You're right! But, how did that happen? They're all running the room before we leave." Toni responded in confusing as well.
"Did you do these?" Reaper muttered to Sprite and she nodded leaving him speechless for a second.
"Maybe our pets decided to go back to their pens on their own." Toni said.
"That's impossible, Toni, Our pets can't lock their pens. Maybe Eden got them all back." Ralph commented.
"Did you, Eden?" Reaper asked.
"Yes, I did. It was surely a challenge boys but good thing your pets are all well-trained." Sprite cheerfully said.
"Wow!" Toni and Ralph exclaimed. "You really are the best!"
"Why don't you two boys play along with your pets?" Reaper suggested.
"Okay! Let's go, Ralph." Toni shrieked.
"Let's go!" Ralph responded excitedly.
Reaper and Sprite watched the boys enjoy playing with the dogs, cats and some of the birds. They both genuinely looked like they're enjoying their time. The two eventually invited other kids to join them in the playroom. However, Reaper's thought of Sprite using her Anomaly is troubling him so he invited him to walk with him along the orphanage's backyard. Though reluctant, Sprite agreed with the invitations.
"Tell me, Eden. Did you use your Anomaly to put those pets back to their pens and cages?" Reaper asked.
"I did." Sprite responded. "I only did it to help. Also, I made sure that no one so me. I swear!"
"Don't get me wrong, Eden. I'm glad you had the initiative to help others but we shouldn't forget the dangers that come with it. What if someone saw you used you Anomaly? Keepers and Sentries will surely come barging in the orphanage few days later." Reaper explained.
"I understand but don't worry. I made sure that no one saw me. I promise." Sprite responded proudly.
The two continued their chat as they roam around the orphanage's backyard. They didn't realize that they've been so busy dealing with their tasks for the past few months that they haven't bonded like they used to be before their Anomalies manifested. They started to reminiscing those days that were just normal teenagers. Messing around, doing school works and messing around more along with Raf.
"I wonder where Raf is now and specially mom." Sprite said becoming sentimental all of a sudden. "I miss them so much."
"One of our goals is to find them and we surely will so don't worry." Reaper responded.
"I know that my brother is in the military, Tobi. No need to keep that fact from me. He probably sees us as enemies." Sprite replied.
"You know that? Well, I- we- when di-" Reaper started stuttering because he's trying his best to keep that hidden from Sprite to avoid any more trauma.
"I did. I'm not that dense. Don't worry because I don't blame any of you if you all kept that from me. I know you just want to look after me." Sprite responded calmly.
"Thank goodness you understood! You almost gave me a heart attack there." Reaper exclaimed which made Sprite giggle a little.
"I just hope we find mom soon. Maybe Raf will listen to her and he and I can go back as good ol' siblings again." Sprite commented.
"I'm sure Calcipher and Zythandra is doing their best gathering intel about her. Also, Professor is surely using his connections to gather intel as well." Reaper explained.
"There's no doubt about that. I trust them. We'll just have to wait I guess." Sprite responded.
Reaper and Sprite continued with their bonding moment that it went on until the sun almost sets. There's this point in their conversation that Sprite pointed out the Toni and Ralph's friendship reminded her about him and her brother's bond. They even share almost the same names so that was very a fun coincidence. Even though Toni and Ralph aren't real brothers, they treat each other as such like how Tobi and Raf used to.
"I smell something nice. Can you smell that too?" Reaper asked.
"I actually do. It smells so appetizing." Sprite responded.
Aira and Amber suddenly came out from the orphanage carrying some meals in their arms. They seemed to be planning their dinner in the backyard. Aira looks as cheerful and energetic as usual that she almost stumble on the stairs and pour out her food everywhere. Luckily, Amber is quick to respond that she stopped Aira's fall with her foot while carrying hers. If it weren't for her, they have one less meal for the dinner.
"Be careful will you?" Amber said.
"Good save, Amber!" Aira shrieked then giggled.
"Get up on already. My foot is getting numb." Amber responded.
"Here you guys are!" Aira exclaimed. "We were wondering were Sprite is."
"Reaper? We didn't notice you came here as well." Amber said.
"Yeah, I got here hours ago. Are you guys having some dinner?" Reaper asked.
"Yes. Come join us! We have plenty." Amber responded.
"Rocco seemed to be unusually inspired today so he cooked a lot for us tonight." Aira pointed out.
"Is that so? Where is he anyway?" Reaper asked. "And Blake too. Where are those two?"
"They're on their way. Rocco has the main dish while Blake is carrying the desserts." Amber replied.
"Come on you two! Take your seat at that bench. We'll have some dinner under the clouds." Aira commented.
They headed to the nearby table bench at the backyard of the orphanage and continued to set their dinner. Not too long after, Rocco and Blake arrived along with Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Wazowski who were carrying meals of their own. Rocco and the rest of them welcomed Reaper and Sprite once again then started to eat their dinner. Reaper and Sprite took this opportunity to learn more about their allies.
"If you don't mind me asking Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Wazowski, how did you two know Ms. Tabitha?" Reaper asked.
Ms. Sullivan went ahead and answered the Reaper's question. She shared that she, Mr. Wazowski and Tabitha grew up together in this very orphanage they are now running. As children, they didn't get along well but eventually they realized that they're calling is to run this place so they got into each other's good sides ever since they start running the place. There may be a lot of challenges in the beginning and even up until the present but the three of them compliments each other's shortcomings so they manage to oversee the orphanage almost flawlessly.
"How did you discover that Rocco, Amber, Blake and Aira are Anomalies?" Reaper asked.
Mr. Wazowski answered the question this time. He confirmed that Rocco and the others started out as orphans so they accepted them with open arms in their orphanage. Their Anomalies started to manifest in their mid-teen years and due to what the military's efforts in capturing Anomalies all over the world, they have decided to have them live in the Hill House where they will be hidden from the public and safe from dangers of the outside world.
"So does that mean other attendants and workers here in the orphanage know that Rocco, Amber, Blake and Aira are Anomalies? I thought it's only the two of you and Ms. Tabitha knew about that." Reaper commented.
"Most of them do. Like us, they do not have any ill will towards the Anomalies. After all, they all started and grew up here as an orphan like we did and we were not taught to hate those who didn't even do anything bad towards us." Ms. Sullivan explained.
"Along with the other attendants and workers of the orphanage, we continue to teach the children to see Anomalies as normal human beings because they are humans like them it's just that they have additional gifts." Mr. Wazowski added.
"That's so nice to hear." Sprite commented.
"I'm glad that this is where we four ended up. I couldn't imagine how our lives would've turned out if we were raised some place else." Rocco said.
"No arguing with that." Amber responded.
"I wholeheartedly agree." Blake said.
"Same here!" Aira exclaimed.
Their delightful dinner continued. Reaper and Sprite was curious about the idea of Tabitha and his team spearheading the search and rescue of the Anomalies because their hands are full with them looking for their lost comrades, gathering intelligence about the Coven and even rescuing Beast's sister. Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Wazowski confirmed that their people are on to the task. They even have leads of as to who are the Anomalies they've encountered on their way to Beast's hometown.
"Really? That went fast." Reaper commented.
"Your people?" Sprite asked. "Does that mean the attendants and the other personnel are not the only ones who work for the orphanage."
"Not exactly for the orphanage but for Madame." Ms. Sullivan corrected.
"A number of our attendants who also grew up here in the orphanage work for different households across the Gallant so they serve as our network for us to gather reliable information. Since most attendants hired are women, men work as bodyguards mostly to prominent families or establishments also across the Gallant. Though their numbers are not that overwhelming, we tend to finish the job." Mr. Wazowski explained.
"That is impressive! You created something great within the walls of the orphanage and spread it as far and wide as possible which can be really useful if played right." Reaper responded.
"We may have those kinds of connections but we can't seem to find some other Anomalies like us." Amber said.
"They're doing their best, Amber. All we can do to help is by waiting." Rocco replied.
"My offer still stands. We can go out there and find Anomalies ourselves." Blake pointed out.
"That is exciting" Aira exclaimed. "Count me in on that!"
"No!" Rocco firmly said as he pounded at the table. "None of us will go out there. It's too dangerous. Aren't you watching the news? The military is utilizing their forces to capture Anomalies like us. Those who are already captured seemed to have existence vanish because no one hears anything about them. Who knows what the military is doing to them is." He pointed out.
"Calm down, Rocco. I'm just suggesting." Blake responded. "I apologize if that ticked you off."
"I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to stress you out." Aira commented.
"Though I'm aching to test out what I've been practicing, I think it's better for us to stay here and wait." Amber said.
"Rocco's right. You may all be useful in our search but it's very dangerous outside with all those Keepers and Sentries scattered around the Gallant." Ms. Sullivan responded.
"Don't worry. We and the rest of us got this. Besides, we already have leads of the identities of the Anomalies Reaper and the others encountered. We actually have our eyes set on those three even before. Reaper and his friends' interactions with them strengthened our suspicions. Now, we're just gathering additional information most likely their whereabouts and their backgrounds so we can convince them in seeking refuge with us." Mr. Wazowski explained.
Before they can even finish their dinner and as the sun is about to set, the atmosphere suddenly went cold and everyone immediately felt that shift. Everyone put their guard up just in case something bad happened. No one dared to speak or make even the tiniest sound as everyone is assessing the situation. Then, few flocks of birds flew out of the woods towards different directions. This made everyone tensed up more.
"Something is happening in the woods." Sprite worriedly said.
Numerous growls, shrieks and noises of animals were then heard in the woods coming from different directions and distances. Then, a number of trees are started to be heard being disturbed like they're being shaken aggressively and these disturbances steadily going towards the orphanage. This finally made everyone realize that something tragic is about to happen so they stood up eventually and about to act up on it.
"It's a stampede!" Sprite exclaimed as the monstrous growls of different animals are closing in from the woods.
"Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Wazowski get everyone in the orphanage to safety." Rocco commanded.
"We're a step ahead of you, Rocco." Mr. Wazowski said as he and and Ms. Sullivan are almost at the door to the orphanage.
"You take care of yourselves out here." Ms. Sullivan said then they both hurriedly went inside the orphanage.
"Amber, Blake and Aira, on me! We must defend this place at all cost." Rocco exclaimed.
"Right!" Amber, Blake and Aira responded firmly.
"Reaper, Sprite you two must go. We'll handle this ourselves." Rocco said.
"Eden, let's go! If it really is a stampede, we're no match. Let's trust that they can handle it." Reaper said.
"No. I'm staying. I'll help them." Sprite firmly said.
"Fine. I'll stay too." Reaper reluctantly replied.
"Heads up, everyone! They're coming." Rocco exclaimed and the six of them assumed their positions and prepared themselves to defend the orphanage.