It seemed that the teachers and the school had not yet wanted to reveal what happened to Mr. Dome. But the news had spread widely around the school. So there's no point in keeping it a secret.
There were many questions. Why was Mr. Dome arrested? And why did it happen last night? What caused Mr. Dome to be arrested? And will he be removed from his position as principal? Will anyone replace his position?
"Just ask your dad, Ed," Darren said to Eddie. Eddie's father was the police. "Mr. Crane must know something."
"My Dad doesn't like talking about work when he's at home," Eddie said.
"So did my father," Darren nodded. He might still be annoyed about last night because Bill didn't want to give any information about what his crew did in the laboratory.
"You told me that your father would return to work at the government laboratory," said Eddie. "Didn't your father work there before and left because of health problems?"
"Yeah, right. But my dad's health is better now," Darren didn't seem like his friends were belittling his dad. "He's an important person. That's why he was recalled back."
"Do you know what the scientists were doing? How did they manage to stop the brain fog?" asked Erik, one of Darren's friends in the gang.
"As I said before, my Dad doesn't talk much about work too," Darren shrugged.
"That's what grown-ups are. They like to do what they want." Eddie snorted. "But actually, I don't like Mr. Dome very much. His face is as scary as a ghost. He always watched us from his office window every morning. It's terrifying." He said.
"Yeah. I don't like him too. Maybe he was corrupt or something, that's why he was arrested," said Erik, who didn't care much.
Oxy didn't want to hear Darren and his gang discussion, but she had to listen because their seat was not far behind her. She also hoped that Eddie would know more about the news of Mr. Dome's arrest because Eddie's father was a police officer. But Eddie didn't know much, even though his father was one of those who arrest Mr. Dome last night.
Oxy was feeling restless. Did Mr. Dome's arrest have anything to do with Cerebra or Brain Fog?
Maybe she should meet Helio tonight. But she had to go through this long day.
--
Oxy immediately went upstairs after dinner was over. She was in such a hurry that she didn't hear Grace call her because of her unusual behavior.
Oxy immediately turned off the lights and fell on the bed. She had to wait a while before she could fall asleep.
--
Oxy woke up on the sofa where she usually was. The room was so quiet. She did not see Helio around. Usually, the boy was sitting in the principal's chair.
Oxy stood up.
"Helio?" She called. But there was no answer.
"Helio? Are you sleeping? It's already night!" Oxy walked towards a door of Helio's private room. She knocked. Because there was no answer, Oxy opened the door but Helio was not inside.
Oxy frowned. If Helio wasn't in here, where would Helio go?
Oxy walked over to the window. She could see the city beyond the school fence. Her eyes caught the large black creatures walking around the city.
"Oxy."
Oxy was taken aback. She turned around and Mr. Dome was already standing at the door.
"Sir!" Oxy exclaimed immediately. "What happened? I heard you were arrested by the police last night!"
Mr. Dome didn't answer immediately. He walked and then stood beside Oxy in front of the window.
"Thank God it's quiet tonight," said Mr. Dome, watching the city with his black eyes. "Brain Fog has stopped for a while. But we mustn't let our guard down. Because Brain Fog isn't over yet."
"What do you mean, sir?" Oxy asked in confusion.
"I don't have much time to explain. Helio already told me you tried to get out of Red Castle yesterday."
"Oh, about that... I just wanted to visit the hospital where I was born. I'm sorry for acting rashly."
"I wonder why you don't use your ability?" Instead of getting angry, Mr. Dome asked about that.
Oxy just remembered. Yes, she has that strange ability! Why not?
"I... forgot."
Mr. Dome laughed at the answer.
"If I were you, I would use my ability."
"But I don't like to have that ability. That was very strange," Oxy said displeased. "What if people find out about my abilities? They'll think I'm a monster!"
"I understand your doubts, Oxy. Being different is hard. But you are special."
Oxy was silent for a while. "I'm not special." She doubted.
"I see you don't understand why you have yours."
Oxy shrugged.
"But there are no people who will judge you in here. You can freely use your abilities. Just think about it. You might be able to walk around in the fog during the day without fear of getting lost if you use your ability."
Oxy was even surprised to hear Mr. Dome's suggestion.
"So... you're not mad at me?"
"Why am I mad, kid? I know you put yourself in danger, but thank goodness you're safe and Helio was there to help you." Mr. Dome replied. "I hope you can take your lessons from that incident."
Oxy nodded nervously. Mr. Dome made her realize that her actions were indeed dangerous and she also wasted her power when she could use it.
"Then where is Helio, Sir?"
"Unfortunately, Helio can't come back here." Mr. Dome replied.
"Wha-what do you mean?"
"There's a bit of a mess. Looks like Helio and I won't be able to get back to Cerebra."
"Then what about the gate? Will Brain Fog happen again?"
"Possibly, yes. And the phenomenon will probably be bigger than we imagined."
"I don't understand, sir," Oxy said but she felt more anxious. Mr. Dome was arrested by the police and now Helio could not return to Cerebra. What was happening?
"I know you're trying to understand what's going on. But now I need you."
"I don't know what to do," Oxy said in a nervous voice.
"There's a flash drive in my office. It will give you a lot of information about Cerebra and also it's connected to this dimension. Get it tonight before someone else. There are a lot of bad people out there, Oxy. And I don't have anyone else to trust besides you."
"Sir, I'm not sure..."
"I've tracked down two of the four children who survived Cerebra sixteen years ago. I've contacted them. And they'll both be seeing you soon, Oxy. So don't be afraid to be alone."
Mr. Dome put a hand on Oxy's shoulder. He bowed slightly because of his height, then spoke in a low voice as if he was worried that someone might hear their conversation.
"Learn the information inside of the flash drive. Also, start using your ability from now. Don't worry about me and Helio." Mr. Dome said. "I trust you, Oxy. You can save Cerebra. Even more than that. You will save the world."
Suddenly, Mr. Dome was gone.
"Sir?" Oxy blinked. "Sir, where are you?"
And that night was the last time she met Mr. Dome. And Helio never came back to Cerebra just Mr. Dome said.[]