As Alpha continued to make his mental journal of Mac's adventures as the days go by, he couldn't help but wonder how long The Order was going to take until they find out about him or Mac.
Alpha keeps going back to the video that JR had shown him and Mac of the night he woke up and how the entire world has now seen the pillar of light, but ponders on the fact as to why The Order hasn't found them yet.
"Hmm….I know that anyone close to the pillar would've had their memories wiped so that could've slowed them down.", said Alpha as he comes up with different possibilities as to why The Order is taking their time.
"I know that my creator gave me many abilities but even I don't know them all yet, and won't know until Mac is able to achieve greater potential.", said Alpha since he couldn't decide to be worried or confused.
"The good thing is that Mac is back to training so hopefully he'll gain some sort of new ability soon.", said Alpha, then he finishes his entry for now as he returns to Mac's eyesight once again.
Friday has arrived yet again as the trio is seen walking into their school, heading for the first class of the day with Mac showing a really big grin across his face as JR looks at him wondering what the hell is going on.
"Uh, Mac….you okay bro?", asked JR with some worried tone to his voice, Mac looks at him and stops smiling.
"Oh yeah, just glad to be done with all of that schoolwork from the two weeks that I missed.", said Mac which surprises both Lucky and JR to hear that he got two weeks' worth of schoolwork done in just one week.
Of course, Mac isn't going to mention that he had help thanks to Alpha as he quickly found out after his training with Luis on Monday, once he actually started working on it….he noticed that another one of his latent abilities woke up which happened to be increased intelligence.
So in actuality, he was done way sooner but he didn't want to boast about it….even though he really can't, but JR on the other hand did think to himself that Mac must've gotten help from Alpha is some way.
As the trio walks into the classroom, Mac notices that Mr. Parker was already inside and waiting to begin class so he took this moment to turn in his assignments….
"Morning Mr. Parker, here's the work from the two weeks that I missed.", said Mac as he hands over all of the paperwork that pertained to Mr. Parker's class, which he took from Mac and gave it a quick check just to be sure it was all done.
"Nicely done, and in one week nonetheless….I'll grade these over the weekend and let you know on Monday.", said Mr. Parker, then Mac went to his seat and sat down just as the school bell rang for the day to start.
"Good morning class, please take your seats as I will begin calling for attendance now.", said Mr. Parker, but while this was happening JR turned around to quickly talk to Mac.
"Alpha helped you out, didn't he?", asked JR as he had to whisper so that no one could hear him except for Mac, but he wasn't about to give him the answer now as it's not the best time for that.
So Mac just taps on JR's shoulder as a way of telling him to turn back around and wait for later, which JR wasn't happy but knew that he had to wait….unfortunately.
Since it's been a month already that the school year had started, Mr. Parker flew by the roll call sheet and knew who was here and who wasn't which eventually lead to him starting the lesson of the day.
The first half of the day goes by smoothly for Mac and crew, each of his teachers from the morning classes were all impressed with how quick he managed to get all of the schoolwork done in just a short amount of time, then again….they had no idea.
On another happier note, Mac has been excited all week that he didn't have to deal with a single stampede of horny girls chasing after him, thanks to Stephanie of course which for some reason doesn't seem to bother him.
Lunch time had arrived so the trio yet again went to go have lunch in the café as they have been doing all week, even though there were still some students gossiping with each other about what occurred on Monday….
After they had all picked up their lunches, they went to sit at the same booth that they've been sitting at all week but something was a bit off….
"JR….what are you doing?", questioned Mac as he looked over at JR wondering why instead of sitting next to him, he decided to sit next to Lucky.
"What?! I can't keep letting Lucky sit on her own, so I thought I'd give her some company.", said JR, then he looks over at Lucky and notices the look on her face as she was slightly creeped out but still found it funny that JR thought she felt lonely even though they were all sitting at the same booth.
"Boy if you don't bring your ass back over here….", Mac began to say but before he could even finish his sentence, he was caught off guard as a familiar face slid into the booth on the side Mac was sitting on.
They were all surprised to see that Stephanie Connors had just decided to sit with them, acting like they were all best friends….but they all gave her some unwelcoming stares.
"I hope you don't mind if I sit here, couldn't find anywhere else to sit.", said Stephanie which then the trio called on her bullshit as they comically all looked around the café at the same time from where they sat and managed to find so many empty seats that she could of used.
Soon after, they all calmed down except of Lucky who was becoming slightly irritated by Stephanie's presence but tried her best not to show it, then Mac looked at Stephanie….
"Why are you here?", asked Mac.
"Well I wanted to come by and say hello…."Stephanie began to say but was quickly interrupted by Mac.
"Well hello and goodbye, now please leave.", demanded Mac as he started noticing how the students around him began to gossip.
"Hang on now, no need to be so rude….I also wanted to check up on how you were doing with your schoolwork.", said Stephanie as she notices how Mac is becoming irritated and wonders why he keeps looking around.
"Uh, are you okay Mac?", asked Stephanie, which surprises both JR and Lucky that she knows his nickname.
After Mac hears his nickname being mentioned by Stephanie, he quickly turns to look at JR and Lucky only to notice that they were slightly irritated by the fact that Stephanie knew his nickname but wasn't too bothered to deal with it as his mind was focused on a different matter entirely.
"No Connors, I'm not okay but seeing as you can't understand why I'm going to politely ask you to leave.", said Mac as his patience was wearing thin, then he notices how Lucky was becoming more and more irritated by the second.
"Damn, Lucky is not happy with Stephanie being here and I think I know why." , said Mac to himself which of course Alpha heard as well.
"Walk away and maybe Lucky will follow you.", suggested Alpha, although it seems that his suggestion didn't really help in this matter.
"Sorry but I'm not leaving, I need to make sure that our most popular student is caught up so I'll stick around until you give me an answer.", said Stephanie, then she began eating her lunch like a natural friend of the group.
Mac couldn't believe the stunt that she was pulling, while he started to calm down he mistakenly looked around the café again and saw how the students around him continued to gossip as he wondered what they were saying about him.
Mac tried to ignore it but the attention was becoming too much to handle so instead of making a scene that could've made it worse for him, he took a deep breath and got up from the booth and just walked out of the café without saying a word.
It took a moment for Stephanie to realize that Mac had left and after making this realization, she looked over at Lucky and JR….
"Where did Mac go?", questioned Stephanie, but she didn't get an instant response from either JR or Lucky, but then JR gave a heavy sigh and looked at Lucky….
"Hey Lucky, can you go please check up on Mac….I'm just worried about him.", said JR which Lucky agreed to do just to get away from Stephanie since she still doesn't understand Mac's emotions.
It didn't take long for Lucky to leave and head in the same direction that Mac went, but before she left the café she looked back at JR only for him to give her a thumbs up and then she left.
JR on the other hand, stayed behind because he wanted to clear some things with Stephanie that he didn't want Lucky to hear which is why he sent her away.
"Listen Stephanie, we are going to discuss some things now that I didn't want Lucky to hear….and these things are going to stay between us, okay.", stated JR as he became serious with Stephanie which caught her off guard for a moment as she never would've thought that JR is that kind of person.
"Ok….so what's up?", asked a slightly nervous Stephanie.
"First, I'm only going to tell you this once so pay attention because if your feelings for Mac are serious, then you need to understand a few things about him.", stated JR, but Stephanie tried to play dumb and act confused about what JR just said.
"Pfft, what do you mean "feelings", I have no feelings for Mac.", said Stephanie sarcastically as she looked away comically which JR didn't buy at all.
"Right, so you stalking him all summer long was just a mere coincidence?", asked JR with a slight bit of sarcasm in his voice.
"What?! How did you….I mean, I have no idea what you're talking about.", said Stephanie as she tried her best to hide the fact that JR was right.
"Stop being so coy, Mac and I already know about your stalking and you acting like that only helps prove my point even further.", said JR although he did like the fact that talking about this is making Stephanie show her true colors.
"Alright fine, I was stalking him so what….are you happy now.", said Stephanie who had become very annoyed at JR.
"See, that wasn't so hard now was it?", said JR sarcastically, then he chuckled for a bit which only irritated Stephanie even more.
"Anyways, back to what I was going to say….if you want Mac's attention, then you have got to stop pulling these stunts of yours.", said JR which only confused Stephanie as to what he meant by "stunts".
"What "stunts" are you talking about?", asked Stephanie.
"Stunts like the one you just did today, but let me explain it to you….", JR began to say so Stephanie made sure to listen.
"….Mac is the most popular male student in this school because it's named after his parents company that he's bound to one day take over….", JR continued to say.
"….so a lot of the girls here want to date him because of who he is and his wealth, but Mac hates that attention and avoids it like the plague.", said JR which Stephanie slowly began to understand.
"Then there's you, Stephanie Connors….the student council president and most popular female student in this school, which a lot of guys would like to date you even though you have your eyes set on Mac.", said JR which Stephanie agreed but was still slightly confused.
"So what do you get when you put the most popular male student and the most popular female student together?", asked JR.
"Uh….the most popular couple in the entire school?", questioned Stephanie.
"Exactly….and what comes with all that popularity combined?", asked JR as Stephanie was able to put two and two together.
"A lot of gossip and attention, I guess.", said Stephanie, then JR snapped his fingers and gave the motion that she was correct.
"Correct….the two things that Mac hates the most.", said JR.
"But….why? I thought all rich kids liked attention?", asked a very confused Stephanie.
"Not Mac, he hates it because of his parents fame and wants to avoid any and all kinds of attention.", said JR which then Stephanie began to clearly understand Mac's attitude towards her not just from today, but from Monday as well when she ordered him to the student council room.
"While Mac may be part of the wealthy society because of his parents, he hates being put in the spotlight….just like what you did today.", said JR, then Stephanie understood and realized the mistake that she made.
Then the school bell rang so JR got up and gathered his things to head towards his next class, but before he left….
"Take some time to think it over and give Mac some space for now, I'll tell him to talk to you when he's ready.", said JR, then he goes to throw away his trash but returns with one more thing in mind….
"Another thing, don't mention any of this to either Mac or Lucky….I'm trusting you with this info but I will deny everything if word gets out.", said JR with a strict tone which Stephanie understood and agreed, then JR left the café as she stayed a bit longer thinking about everything that she just learned.
"Did I screw up?", Stephanie questioned herself.
In a turn of events, time is reversed back to just after Mac had left the café to calm his nerves and Lucky goes to follow him and check up on him….
Mac heads outside into the schools courtyard and takes a seat on one of the many benches as he begins to clear his mind, then he notices Lucky walking up to him….
"Did JR ask you to come and check on me?", asked Mac.
"Yeah but I was worried too, can't believe that Connors….the audacity to put you in a situation like that is unbelievable.", said Lucky as her emotions were getting the better of her.
"Calm down Lucky or you'll pop a blood vessel.", said Mac while trying to calm Lucky down seeing as she was very irritable at the moment.
"Don't tell me to calm down, I need to go put her in her place.", said Lucky very angrily but Mac held her back from going anywhere, then he started to laugh which Lucky happens to notice.
"What's so funny?", asked Lucky.
"The fact that you want to put Stephanie in her place, now that's something I'd pay to go see.", said Mac as he continued to laugh but Lucky didn't find it funny at all and punched him the arm.
"Ow that hurt, I was only joking.", said Mac as he teased Lucky.
"But in all seriousness, you can't really blame her for what she did.", said Mac but Lucky wasn't happy with his comment.
"Of course I can, I'll blame her for everything that she's put you through since you've been back.", said Lucky with slight frustration in her voice, but that only seemed to amuse Mac even more.
"Ah Lucky, you always seem to cheer me up one way or another….glad that you came to check up on me.", said Mac even though Lucky wasn't amused by what he said, she was glad to see him happy and smiling again.
"Once it's all said and done, I might give her a chance but I'm gonna play the long game and keep her guessing.", said Mac but Lucky was confused and wondered why he would give Stephanie a chance and to what?
"What do you mean?", asked Lucky which Mac didn't want to tell her that Stephanie has a crush on him because of Lucky's feelings as well, so instead he wisely took another direction.
"I meant becoming friends with her between all of us and going from there, so I'm going to ask you to play nice with her.", said Mac as Lucky looked away with disappointment even though she decided to do what Mac asked her to do.
"Alright fine, I'll do my best but no promises.", said Lucky which was enough to satisfy Mac, then something else came to mind but he didn't want Lucky to know.
"I have a feeling that JR is confronting Stephanie right now and probably telling her things about me, which doesn't surprise me since he knows about her crush on me." , Mac thought to himself but then notices that Lucky has been trying to gain his attention.
"Hmm, oh sorry….was lost in thought.", said Mac but before Lucky could say anything, the school bell rang and they headed to their next class which JR catches up to them just before they started walking.
The rest of the school day goes by without any more drama as Mac finally hands in all of his remaining schoolwork to his teachers and is glad that this weekend he'll be able to relax and hang out with Lucky and JR.
As the final school bell rang, the trio meets up in the hallway as they begin to head out of the school but just before they could leave….
"Damn, hang on guys gotta use the restroom before we leave.", said Lucky as she hands her bag to Mac and rushes to the nearest restroom, so JR and Mac wait for her.
"Hey Mac, we need to talk.", said JR which didn't surprise Mac since he had a feeling it was about what happened at lunch today.
"Don't take too long, I don't want Lucky hearing any of this….but what did you tell Stephanie.", said Mac which made JR jump a bit as he didn't think that Mac would figure out about him confronting Stephanie, then in a stroke of coincidence Mac spots Stephanie walking by them.
Stephanie makes quick eye contact with Mac for just a moment but doesn't stop as she continues walking towards the schools' exit, which now slightly concerns Mac as to what JR and Stephanie talked about.
"Okay, now I want to really know what you told her.", said Mac with some irritation in his voice and an annoyed look on his face, but before JR could say anything Lucky had walked out of the restroom.
"Ready to go now?", asked JR which Mac then realized that Lucky was already out so he changed his focus entirely.
"Yep, let's go.", said Lucky as she started walking ahead of the boys, which gave JR a small window of opportunity….
"We'll talk about her later, okay.", whispered JR which Mac understood then they started walking as well so they could catch up to Lucky.
The trio decided to all head to Mac's apartment and hang out for a bit since it has been quite some time that they hung out due to Mac being in a coma and all, plus Mac was otherwise occupied with his schoolwork this past week as well.
Once they all arrived at Mac's apartment, they gathered in the living room and turned on the TV just to see what was on but mostly in the end, all they did was talk amongst themselves as Mac wanted to catch up with Lucky and JR about what went on during the two weeks that he was gone.
For Mac, it didn't seem like he missed much since all Lucky and JR did was go to school and mostly worry about Mac while he was sick with the flu….at least in Lucky's case but JR and Mac know what really happened.
Then in a stroke of bad luck, Lucky decided to talk about something that both JR and Mac hoped would've never been brought up, especially by Lucky.
"Hey did y'all see that video online about the strange light pillar?", asked Lucky which completely caught JR and Mac off guard but tried to play it cool.
"Uh, no….what's this video you're talking about?", asked Mac who was slightly nervous about discussing this topic with her as he didn't want her to find out about the truth just yet.
"Hang on, let me pull it up on my phone.", said Lucky which she quickly did and then showed it to the boys, who of course have already seen it but were there to experience it.
"Wow, that's crazy….any idea what could've caused it?", asked JR as he continued to play dumb along with Mac.
"No, the police are still looking into it but the weird thing is that this happened really close to here.", said Lucky as it didn't help the boys at all which they already knew what Lucky's next question was going to be.
"Did y'all see it at all by chance?", asked Lucky.
"Well when did this happen?", asked Mac as he tried to make it sound like this was the first time he heard about it.
"Uh….a little over three weeks ago, just before you got sick actually.", said Lucky which then something clicked in her mind but decided to shrug it off as mere coincidence.
"Can't say that I did cause before I came down with the flu, JR and I were hanging out here playing some games so we might of just missed it.", said Mac as he looked over at JR making sure that he was catching on to the story that Mac was making up on the fly.
"Yeah, we must've been really into the game cause we didn't see or hear anything….but for it to be that close is kind of weird.", said JR hoping that Lucky won't become suspicious about them.
"I swear, the two of you never pay attention to anything when playing video games….not unless I'm around.", said Lucky which only relieved Mac and JR as their stupendous story actually worked, then Mac looked over at the clock and noticed the time.
"Oh damn, time to head over to Mr. Lou's….y'all wanna come?", asked Mac as he walked over to his room to gather his training clothes.
JR and Lucky looked at each other for a moment, but then JR remembers that Lucky is still not aware of Alpha so he thought that Mac completely forgot about training with Alpha.
"Uh Mac, need to talk to you real quick….alone.", said JR as he drags Mac into his room and closes the door, but then opens it to tell Lucky something.
"Just hang tight Lucky, gotta discuss private matters between men.", said JR then he closes the door again, which leaves Lucky slightly shocked and confused.
"Dude, did you forget that you have to train with Alpha?", asked JR but notices that Mac wasn't reacting the way he thought he would.
"No I didn't, I just thought that bringing the two of you along to see some normal training would be fun….plus, we don't want Lucky becoming anymore suspicious now do we.", said Mac which JR kind of understood his logic but was worried that Luis might object to them coming along.
"Are you sure Mr. Lou will be okay with this?", asked JR which Mac slightly chuckled at.
"This was his idea in the first place, plus I think he wanted to talk to you about something as well.", said Mac although it surprised JR for a moment, then he wondered what Luis wanted to talk to him about.
Mac then exits his room with JR following behind him as they see Lucky just waiting by the front door.
"Sorry about that Lucky, so do you want to tag along?", asked Mac which Lucky just nodded her head in agreement then they all left the apartment and began to head towards Luis' studio.
Elsewhere, Kassandra is seen in her office looking over reports about the investigation that is ongoing concerning the pillar of light, wondering how she can find more info about the pillar when someone knocks on her door.
"Yes, come in!", shouted Kassandra, then Lorenzo walks in and bows to greet her.
"Lady Kassandra, I have some news….Isabelica and Jullian have arrived for the meeting, now we only wait on Magdelena.", said Lorenzo just after finishing his bow.
"Good, how much longer until Magdelena is here?", asked Kassandra.
"Not long, she is arriving at the airport as we speak and will be here shortly.", said Lorenzo.
"Very well then….", Kassandra began to say, but then she looks at Lorenzo and wonders about something.
"….tell me something Lorenzo, do you miss being out in the field?", asked Kassandra knowing well about Lorenzo's past along with his skills, he would be better suited for working out in the field.
"My apologies Lady Kassandra but I do not understand….do you not wish for me to be your bodyguard anymore?", asked Lorenzo who seemed slightly confused.
"That is not what I'm asking….it's a simple question really, do you miss the thrill of the hunt?", asked Kassandra, then she notices the look in Lorenzo's eyes as she is familiar with that look.
"Everyday Lady Kassandra….every day.", said Lorenzo as his hands tremble for the day when his blade will kill again.
"I see….soon Lorenzo, everyone will once again know and fear your name….The Ashen Reaper, Death.", said Kassandra as Lorenzo calms his hands and once again bows to Kassandra, then he leaves her office.
With Kassandra alone again, she looks out her window while thinking about ways she'll conquer this world for herself and The Order….
"Brother, you may have delayed the inevitable but know that I will find this source of power that you created and bring chaos and destruction to this world!", exclaimed Kassandra.
But one thing that she wasn't aware of is a secret known only to one man, a man she has yet to discover and is oblivious of his existence.
To Be Continued....