Two days had passed since the intense battle with Alex. Kylan opened his eyes slowly, his vision blurred and mind foggy. The line between dream and reality was still indistinguishable for him. In his dreams, he was still locked in combat with Alex. As he woke, he saw Aayam sitting beside his bed, sipping coffee. He closed his eyes again, thinking it was another dream.
"Not again," he murmured, placing a hand on his forehead.
Aayam chuckled softly. "You're not dreaming, Kylan."
Kylan's eyes widened as he fully awakened. He glanced around the room, realizing he was in a recovery ward. Zede entered the room, and Kylan immediately turned to him. "What happened to Alex?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Zede recounted the events that transpired. "We managed to trap Alex in a containment sphere and brought him back to SSHQ. He's secure now. The damage to Deca Deca town was substantial, but we managed to limit the casualties."
Kylan sighed in relief. "So this is how it ended. Because of him, I was able to use my power at its highest potential." He then turned to Aayam, extending his arms. "I should be captured. I indulged in an experiment that caused this much disaster."
Aayam stood up, placing a reassuring hand on Kylan's shoulder. "The experiment was indeed dangerous, Kylan. But because of you and Zede, we were able to strategize and contain the situation. The cadets Alex killed were not human; they were advanced robots. There were hardly any casualties, though a few people who were already suffering from long-term illnesses didn't make it. But still, you and Zede did breach our protocols."
Kylan's face fell, guilt washing over him. "So, what happens now?"
Aayam's expression softened. "You two are technically criminals by our laws, but I want to give you a chance to wash off those stains. Redemption is possible."
Zede, who had been listening intently, stepped forward. "What do we need to do?"
Aayam leaned forward, his expression grave. "Are you ready to listen?" Zede and Kylan agreed on chorus. Aayam said "There's a planet named Ditivas in a neighboring parallel reality. An important figure there is in danger. He is the reality seed of that reality."
Zede and Kylan exchanged puzzled looks. Zede leaned in, checking Aayam's coffee cup suspiciously. "It's really coffee, not alcohol," he said to Kylan.
Aayam's eyes flashed with irritation. "I am in my senses," he snapped.
"So, is it real? Parallel universes actually exist?" Zede chuckled and asked, still skeptical.
"Yes, there are tons of them," Aayam replied. "If you agree to come with me, there will be no criminal charges against you. You'll get the chance to save lives, and it will also help you understand fighting different species."
He looked at their faces, seeing their confusion and curiosity. "Think it over. I have some work to do. Let me know your answers." With that, Aayam started moving toward the door.
"But Aayam, our friend Harris Harley is waiting for us. His brother Oliver altered their father's will, claimed all the wealth, and kicked Harris out," Zede said urgently.
Kylan nodded in agreement. "We promised to help him challenge Oliver in court."
Aayam halted and moved his torso towards them, considering their words. "Okay, the best attorneys at SSHQ will assist you with Harris's case, but only if you agree to come with me to Ditivas. This mission won't take long, I promise."
Zede and Kylan looked at each other and then back at Aayam, their decision made. "We agree," they said in unison.
"Good," Aayam said with a satisfied nod. "Prepare yourselves. We leave two days later."
As Aayam left the room, Zede and Kylan felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. They were about to step into an entirely different reality, with unknown dangers and challenges.
"Parallel universes, Zede. Can you believe it?" Kylan said, still in awe.
"It's hard to wrap my head around," Zede replied, "but if Aayam says it's real, then we have to trust him."
They began to prepare for their journey, their minds racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The mission to Ditivas was their chance to prove themselves, to show that they could be more than just warriors. They could be protectors, saviors, and heroes in the truest sense of the word.
As they packed their gear and reviewed the mission details, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn't just about redemption. It was about understanding their place in the multiple realities and the responsibilities that came with it.
Two days later, they met Aayam in the teleportation chamber. Kaal was also there. "Is Kaal coming with us?" Zede and Diego asked. Aayam ignored them and said to Kaal that he made Maxine the in charge S'Quad. And want him to look after SSHQ with more concern. Kaal nodded in agreement.
"No boys, he is not coming with us" Aayam replied.
"Ready?" he asked.
Kylan and Zede nodded, their determination evident. Aayam activated the portal, and a swirling vortex of light and energy appeared before them.
"Remember," Aayam said, "this is not just about redemption. It's about understanding our place in these realities and the responsibilities that come with it."
With a deep breath, the three of them stepped into the portal, leaving the familiar confines of SSHQ behind. The journey through the vortex was a disorienting blur of colors and shapes, but it was over in a matter of seconds.
When they emerged on the other side, they found themselves standing on the surface of Ditivas, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.