Z froze. He couldn't move and it was getting harder to breathe. Someone managed to get a surprise attack on Koji.
"Apparently when he was out a kid came out of nowhere with a No-Name and tried to kill Aza. That's when Koji dashed over and tried to deflect it with his swords but got shot with a poison bullet. Aza tried to catch up to them but it was too late, they got away. That's when Aza noticed Koji spazzing on the floor like he was having a seizure. She brought him here and all we can gather is something unabling him to move and speak, so we came to the obvious conclusion that it was the poison. Whatever that poison is, it can probably kill you if you're not a strong-willed person like Koji." Kingsley said
This left me in a complete arrange of thoughts, I couldn't believe it. He felt something sick in his stomach turn. He was just with the guy hours ago, how could something like this happen to the tired but at the same time hyper energy man? That's when I heard his name and looked back at his friend.
"Z," Kingsley said to me, making him get out of his thoughts.
"We're not safe anymore. I know this sounds stupid being an agency that is undermining The Government and The Other Side, but I truly don't feel safe. Koji is a really good fighter and can detect when something sinister is happening around him. So for him to be taken down by this poison and unable to speak or move, I feel like there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel."
This made me think for a bit then he started to talk. "I understand. I can see why you think this way, I think you're right. However, if we think there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel then haven't we already lost? This agency fights for what is right regardless of what others think, that's practically you in a nutshell, you're perfect for this stuff. With that being said, you know that this job comes with risk. Koji is a brave man who got put in a spot where he took the fall for his fellow teammate. Koji wouldn't just take a nose dive into death without a plan, I trust him. I think you need to have a little bit more faith in that. Plus I know that all of us won't rest a second until we find who did it and a way to reverse it." I said looking at his friend with a calming smile to try to warn him up.
"Thanks, Z, I guess I sort of lost myself for a second and forgot the amazing people I'm surrounded by. You're right a little faith goes a long way, sometimes you got to hold onto it. I don't know if there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but for now, I'm fine with not knowing." Kingsley said finally easing up a bit now.
"By the way, start training harder. Thanks to whoever did that we aren't going to say down and let them walk all over us. We'll avenge Koji, we're attacking them in one month. We usually attack when the time is right, with their guard down or if it's relevant to us. This time, however, not only is it relevant to us but we're attacking them with their guard up. One month is our deadline to gather as much info on the group who did this as well as who we're attacking. Once the one month is over we're going to attack, with two Top-five instead of one. To figure out the question no one could wrap their head around, why? What's the motive for all of this?" Kingsley said this time with more fire behind his eyes.
"Alright, I'm with you all the way buddy. I won't allow anyone I love anymore. Not anymore..." Z said with the same flame that Kingsley had.
"Alright well I'm off, thanks once again Z. You're a good guy, stay like that okay?"
"Well do buddy, goodnight Kingsley."
"Good night." With that Kingsley walked away and I went back to lay down. I know Kingsley putting an act up right now I can see he is crushed. But I know he is strong enough, he'll get through.
"You're a good guy, stay like that okay?"
Stay like that? Huh.
CHAPTER 7: The Light At The End Of The Tunnel - 1
He started his training on Wednesdays and Sundays, the detective team would meet up and talk about the case and get further insight into what was at play here. They learned the source is at two separate spots in Phronesis and it was run by kids around the age of 12, the same age as Z and Kingsley, and some adults.
Although their motive is unclear they seemed to be working for someone who has the true objective of all these pulling strings in the background. Lastly, the development of Koji has remained the same since the start. It's now half a month in on a Wednesday.
"Alright Z you're progressing beautifully with Elemental Zoe. So much I think you're ready for your second type of Zoe, Detection Zoe. This one you're going to hate the most to learn, although fun for me. Now stand in that ring over there." I said, pointing to a boxing ring.
"Are we just boxing? I don't see why I'll hate it that bad." Z said walking over and stepping into the ring. He then saw a pair of boxing gloves but only one pair. Apollo then walks in and puts them on, then proceeds to hit Z.
"This is how we're going to train your Detection. I'm going to punch you and you're going to dodge. We're going to start without restricting your vision but as you get better I'll restrict your vision and leave you in the dark.
"Why do I feel like you're going to love this." Z said, trying to dodge but still getting whacked.
"That's because I am, now look sharp!" Apollo said, punching Z straight in the gut.
"I told you to look sharp," I giggling a little, while Z was in pain. The training montage begins!
A WHOLE WEEK LATER
Punch after punch for a week now and Z is barely making progress.
"Maybe if I give you a more in-depth description of what detection is, could you get better at it?" Apollo said to Z which Z nodded his head in agreement for Apollo to explain.
"Well Detection Zoe, is like a circular bubble around you at all times. In this bubble once a punch enters through you should feel it. Which allows you to dodge the attack before they have the chance to hit you. What I'm trying to do is to try to make you feel fear which in turn will hopefully shock you enough to dodge which in turn might light the flame we're looking for. Practically looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. By trying to use a steam jet train instead of a normal boring train like the ones in our times." Apollo said before punching Z again. "I see, alright let's keep trying then.
After a while, he tried again, again and again. But it was clear he wasn't getting the concept and he was starting to get visually frustrated. He really hasn't shown frustration before as well. What's something I can do, to make him feel better?
"However, my grandmother was never able to do the things you guys can."
Even though I wish I could of gave her a proper goodbye, I'm glad that she never truly gone. Because she was a good person and you guys are good people. So she kind of still here...
"Hey, Z?"
"Yeah Apollo," I said tiredly because of how early in the morning it is.
"When's the last time you've been out?"
"Ever since we went to go get those essentials with you."
"Alright, road trip!"
"Road trip?"
"There's something you need to see. All you need is your shoes."
"That's it?"
"Yup, meet me in front of the elevator. If I'm not there then just wait a bit."
"Okay!" He then dashed off to grab his shoes.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
After grabbing my shoes I zoomed to the elevator as fast as my feet can go. An adventure? This early in the morning? It's either really boring or very exciting. When I came back I saw Apollo and Alfred chatting it up so I just walked up to Apollo.
"Took you long enough."
"I'm a slow grabber... I guess just figured out."
"Of course you did. Well, we'll be out Alfred."
"Alright then. It's going to be a long walk so make sure you're safe."
"Want to come? It's always safer when you're there."
"I would love too. However, I'm quite busy at the moment. You two have fun though."
"Well do. Alright Z ready?"
"Yup! Okay let's go!"
"Wait!" Alfred said before we stepped foot into the elevator. That's when he proceeded to barley lick his thumb and slid it across one of Apollo's eyebrows.
"There you're ready to go out."
"Thanks, Alfie. What would I do without you?"
"Not look good for starters."
"Ha! You wish! I look good all the time!"
"Ha! Tell that to the next women you see."
"We'll be going now!" As we stepped finally stepped into the elevator.
"Alright be safe!"
"That's your second time saying it."
"Doesn't mean it lost any value."
"Bye Alfie!"
"You didn't say we will!" Was the last thing we heard of Alfred voice as his voice began to fade away from beneath us.
From there we walked all the way to the train, the one we took to get to this side of the city. Once we got in and sat down I felt like we were going to do something that involved our training.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see." and that was our whole train ride since the train doesn't take that long to get there.
From there we started to walk, and when I say walk, we walked... A lot. Luckily it was winter times and it's been just cold but not so cold to where you're cold. Just enough to where you can be outside for a while. That was until we hit nighttime, and I was starting to lose my energy until I saw a familiar place "Rachel's Inn." but instead of going inside we walked right passed it.
It was almost midnight and now my legs were giving out on me. "Apollo, I don't think I can walk much further." That's when Apollo turned into his wolf form and squatted down.
"Hop on."
So I did and right there and then lying on Apollo's back as he carried me I felt so much more tired. Especially because of how soothing the night was, the wind was singing a nice gentle breeze while the stars smiled down on us. The moonlight was nice and careful and only shine its light of beauty and the trees danced against the gentle wind. It felt like a very long dream, a dream where Apollo and I just went for a walk.
That's when I awoke, I was in my bed. Not my agency one, however, my grandmother's bed. I walked out into the hallway and slowly and carefully made my way down the stairs. There I saw pancakes, eggs, and bacon on the table and a someone holding a newspaper as my grandmother would.
Was everything up to this point... a dream? Did my grandma really die? Are there actually wolf people in this world? Kingsley and Pete moved away and I just couldn't accept it? Was I just dreaming? Making all it up. I sat down on the chair and started eating, the food was great like a professional made it.
That's when the newspaper dropped revealing a face, it was Apollo's face. So I wasn't dreaming.
"Oh, you finished your breakfast?"
"Oh, yeah."
That's when Apollo grabbed my empty plate and washed it, and then placed a cup of juice in front of me and picked back up the paper. Now I know I'm not dreaming but, this feels more like a dream than anything else so far.
Still, I drank the juice and he put the cup away.
"Okay, breakfast out the way. Now, what do you want to do?" Apollo said sitting back down
"What do you mean?"
"For fun, what do you want to do for fun?"
"Really?"
"Really."
"Well... Wait right here." I then charged up the stairs and went to my closet and grabbed the football I had in there.
"I have this football. It's either this or soccer."
"It's fine, hey pass it over." So I tossed over the football and he was already going outside the door.
"Well, come on! Chop Chop!" Apollo said wanting me to pick up my past since I was being a little slow. So I threw on my shoes and we darted outside. After a while, we got to this wide-open field, and started to play football.
"Go long!" He said so I ran far and he through the ball, with perfect accuracy straight towards me.
"That was a cool throw, I have to admit. However, are you that good at catching!" So I threw the ball high and far not as good as Apollo but still pretty decent and he caught it.
"Looks like I am!"
"Alright, maybe you are"
"Well here's another one." Apollo through the ball and it flew in the sky and over the sun. Strangely, the sun was out and we were in winter. If I didn't know any better I would have thought it was a nice sunny day.
The flowers looked vibrant like the sun, the grass was pushing against the nice breeze that was skipping its way through the area. The people walking by briefly and sometimes saying "Hi" or a simple wave which we respond made me feel human again.
Me and Apollo through this ball back and forth for so long but each time felt like the first time, it was fun and simple. After some time we were both getting hungry and I may or may not hit Apollo in the head so we both came to the consensus of going back to the house.
Once we got back, Apollo started to evil laugh has pulled out the dough, then cheese, then sauce.
"Z."
"Yes."
"What we're about to do... There might be no turning back."
"I know, I know."
"First time?"
"Yes." That's when Apollo pulled out the pepperoni and then went to the fridge.
"I just want to confirm You're ready for this."
"I am. I rather die a hero, than die normally."
"You're nation is forever in your debt." That's when Apollo placed down a pineapple.
"Z! Let's make pizza!"
From there we tried our best to make the best pizza we can. With flour all over our bodies and Apollo almost losing his finger to a sharp knife, we made a pizza. It came out and it was... Surprisingly not bad, not Pete level but it was something.
"Apollo, am I bad for saying this might be good?"
"No. Cause if you are I might be bad too then."
"I see. Add it?"
"Add it."
That's when I added pineapple on top of the pizza and we both took a slice and a bite.
"Z."
"Apollo." and at the same time, we both went for another bite. "It's good!" we both said at the same time.
"Why does this get so much hate?"
"No clue. No clue" I responded knowing that this tasted really good.
"Well, I know I'm totally getting Alfred to try this!"
"Yes! We need more members in this secret society." With that, we dined on a great pizza. With the sun setting and finishing the pizza I thought the end of the night was near so I was fully ready to sleep. Until Apollo grabbed his coat, and looked at me with a smile. "Wanna get dessert?"
See, if he said anything else I probably would have said I was too sleepy, but he said dessert so. I quickly grabbed my shoes again and grabbed my coat and joined him as we walked to the parlor. It's weird, on our way there I thought the streets will feel so cold like they usually do, but this time it was oddly warm. It was lively, and I can't tell if it was because it was actually warm or not.
Once we walked in the owner who worked here for years recognized me as soon as we walked in. Kingsley and I use to come here all the time if Pete gave us a quick buck to spend, always enough for two small milkshakes.
"Z! My boy, what can I get for you today."
"Whatever you want kid," Apollo said
"I want... an Extra Large Milkshake."
"Are you sure, you're not going to finish it."
"Yes I am, you just don't have fait."
"Alright, whatever you say, kid."
"So one Extra Large Milkshake?"
"Yes please," Apollo said as they started to make the milkshake.
"You're not getting anything?"
"No, but I might piggyback off somebody else. Since they're not going to finish their milkshake."
"Ha! Your doubt in me is what is going to make you lose! I will finish that milkshake!"
"Alright! I'm gonna grab an extra straw for when you don't."
"Suit yourself."
"Here's your milkshake!"
"Thank you!" We both said as we walked to sit in one of the parlor seats.
The parlor was more filled than usual but not so filled to where its cramp was. It was kind of relaxing seeing people living a normal life, talking about classes or talking about going to each other houses afterward. That's something I know I will never get to really experience so, it's fun seeing people's lives be so normal and perfect.
True to popular belief, however, I can't finish this milkshake. "Apollo."
"Yes?"
"I- I can't finish this milkshake."
"Ha! I told you!"
"You're mad, aren't you?"
"No, it's an only milkshake. Let's see if we can take this back with us." That's when Apollo went up to the man at the counter if we can take the milkshake home and he said yes. So there we are walking out with the milkshake glass cup in hand leaving, going back to my grandmother's house.
When we got back to the house he stopped walking and told me to wait at the door. He then walked in and placed the milkshake at the table. He then came out again and took a deep breather. His face, his emotion it wasn't that of the fun dancing steak-loving Apollo I knew but more sad and mature.
"Follow me, there's something you need to see."
"There's something you need to see"
That is what he said the first time I wonder what I need to see. That's when we walked towards the side of the house, and walked just only a few minutes out. There was a tomb, a single tomb in the open. I think I understand what I needed to see.
Now that I think of it, the house was in a good shape and condition, with no damage, no blood, no body. Apollo then kneeled down and started to pray, so I followed in his directions. It was silent as we sent our payers, this is the quietest it's been in a while it's a change from the loud and active agency.
"Z, when your grandmother died how did you feel?"
"I felt... Heartbroken, revengeful."
"I know, it hurts doesn't it?"
"It does."
"It gets better, I know you'll hear people say that but it's true."
"Thanks."
"Z"
"Yeah"
"I'm sorry." That was the last thing Apollo said before standing up and walking back. So I did the same. The next morning we packed up everything and shared the milkshake and Apollo was in a better mood than yesterday. Then after a long way back, we're back home.
"We're back!" Apollo said as Kingsley ran up towards us.
"Welcome back! Z, Aza making custom blankets she said to grab you once you here!"
"Let's go then!" The two of us then waved goodbye to Apollo and ran off.
...
"Alfie, I'm back."
"Apollo! It's great to see you again, it's been boring without you."
"Glad to hear someone misses me."
"So, how did it go?"
"It went fine, it was really fun."
"Glad to hear that."
"Hey, Alfred?"
"Yes?"
"I think, I might know what I'm going to do when I retire."
"Like...?"
"My life goal."
"Really?"
"Really... Have you ever wondered what it's like to live a life where you eat around a family table and talk about your days?"
"I have. Why?"
"I always had that idea in my mind as a kid. However, now I want it more than ever. It's my ideal life."
===============EXTRA SCENCE==================
"Wait are we allowed to bring milkshakes home!?"
"No, not usually."
"So, you're showing favoritism!"
"No! I just... I don't even know what to say!"
"I'm bringing mine's home! Who with me!?"
"Yeah! Preach! Woo!"
"Okay! Okay! Every Friday?"
"That's fine with me! I wasn't even that mad about to begin with."
"I just got scammed."