MEANWHILE
After leaving the table and trying to find where the group was, I found myself going in circles because I kept getting lost in the big establishment. "Kingsley? Pete? Koji? Aza? Aza? Aza!?" I screamed their names going through the aisles of machines and kids there trying to find them but to my avail I found nothing. I looked everywhere in a circle from where I was standing trying to find something but even that didn't work, I was slowly running out of options.
"Whatcha Doing?" I heard from over my shoulder and scared the life out of me, only to find Apollo.
"Apollo, what on earth are you doing there!?"
"Well, Dion said he will watch over the table while we find the team. Any hints?"
"Zilch"
"Dang, well let's go look for them, they have to be somewhere."
"True."
"I know I'm always right Z, don't forget that."
"Yeah, yeah. Speaking of you always being right, can you teach me more about Zoe? While we're just searching and all."
"Alright, anything for my favorite student. Today, I'll teach you about..." Apollo started and thought about it for a while before his face brightened up and he snapped his fingers.
CHAPTER 22: Apollo Speaks...
"Today you'll learn about Specialty Zoe but first I want to quiz you on the two previous forms. What is Detection Zoe?"
"It's a Circular Bubble that goes around you at all times, if anything enters the nerves in my body and the energy inside of the circle alarms my brain and my muscles to move."
"Wow, here you are doing extra research. I can see all that training we did that month wasn't useless."
"Now, what's Elemental Zoe?"
"It's moving the Element you have by using Zoe."
"Yes and no. You're correct however there's a bit more going on there, when using elemental, you can manipulate the world around you by outputting your Zoe into the element you're given."
"I see error!"
"What's the error!?"
"If that's true, why can't you move multiple elements instead of moving just one?"
"Smart error. Well, It's because of luck and genes."
"Really?"
"Really! Zoe is an energy in your body and outputting that energy towards doing something else, by this logic it would seem you can move all elements because if you're able to output energy into one you should be able to do all elements. Unfortunately, the Zoe required to use Elemental is different from the Zoe required to do everything else; it's part of the reason you rarely see someone use Elemental Zoe."
"Different?"
"Yes, Different. Elemental Zoe is a given and can be improved if you say textures that describe what your element is can boost the amount of Elemental you can use to its limits." Apollo said, making a sharp turn as we kept looking.
"Why does saying the textures and describing it make it stronger?"
"Well by explaining the textures of an element you remember certain aspects about an element you tend to forget to what I call Second-Hand Memory; basically, the memory that inside your brain but you need to see something or hear about what the memory is to temporarily move it to First-Hand Memory. Think of it as doing a job, if I gave you the job of cleaning, your room and gave you a day you would remember to clean the room. However, if I gave you a month to do so you would forget unless I reminded you unless you remember everything all the time which is more of a defect than a buff in this scenario.
"So, saying the textures is just a good way to fully understand and use the element technique?"
"Correct! That's why you said it to unleash your Zoe the first time."
"Fire provides light, heat, and ashes."
"That makes sense. However, why does saying what element you own makes it stronger?"
"Nice question! This goes for all forms of Zoe so listen up! When you say your element out loud you've come to terms with your power and your limits. When this occurs if you're in danger of any sort of your power will increase because of adrenaline provides a boost to your strength of the ability. This is referred to as Charging Your Mind Of Peace. The expression stems from another term called your State Of Mind, which means the status of your mind and how well you can output your desired input, for us the input is Zoe, and the output is the ability, but it might be for several reasons. It can be for simple things like wanting to choose what to eat to a harder decision like what college you want attend."
"I see, having a good state of mind is going to boost your Zoe to a higher level."
"Yup!"
"Saying your ability out loud is going to give it away if you're fighting someone, why would you give away your ability?"
"It's simple! Saying it to your opponent is like a cocky gesture, you're fundamentally saying no matter what happens you knowing my power isn't changing anything. That usually doesn't sit right with people who have big egos. It can also act as a trigger for a desperate situation, telling them can be a way of telling yourself you need to unleash power you haven't had before."
"So, explaining your technique makes them angry which ruins their state of mind, which in return is ruining their Peace Of Mind. Making it so their Zoe is weaker which in return would make yours stronger!"
"Yes! I knew you were smart!
"But why say it out loud when you can say it to yourself."
"Reason is your brain is too smart but does too much at the same time. Since the brain process and reads and reacts to so many things your brain will sometimes gloss over a detail even if it is important. Have you ever read something and in your head it makes perfect sense but when you read it again but out loud it's missing a word, or it just doesn't make sense anymore?"
"Yeah! Sometimes I'll read something in my head, and I swear the word the is there but when somebody points it out, I feel crazy!"
"That's your brain filling in the gaps, it's thinking way too smart so it's not accepting things at face value. Remember Zoe is mental and physical you can't accept your strength and pass your limits if you're already overestimating, you're self or getting a detail wrong about your own ability."
"So, it's like a safety measure, to make sure you're not crazy."
"Right on! You can also be able to read the amount of Zoe you have on your body but that's a lesson for another day. Like when you understand Zoe more than now."
"When's that?"
"You'll know when."
"So then, how do genes fit into elemental?"
"Great question, Young Pupil! If your parents train their Zoe to a high enough standard, you have a higher chance of getting high amounts of Elemental Zoe, remember I said chance and not guarantee sometimes the kid can have zero amount of Elemental. Still, that's why the government and other agencies and whatnot will force marriage so they can have a higher chance of a strong offspring. Crazy right?"
"Yeah, that is crazy!"
"Just shows the people in this world will go to any lengths. Anyways I want to touch on Detection because there is something I mentioned but haven't addressed. Zoe isn't just one force but instead three. Elemental, Detection and Specialty, and Superior. Elemental is given to you meaning you can't train it for it to go higher, Superior is also given to you by chance, but you can train you're Superior. The Zoe used for Detection and Specialty is different and can be trained."
"So, it's like two categories, there's given and trainable?"
"Correct. With that being said I want you to learn more about those different categories so you can at least better your detection. Has it stands you still can't use it."
"I know... I feel like I understand its fundamentals but don't know what to do with those."
"Mmm. Ah! Think of it as blowing a balloon! Your balloon doesn't start inflated but the more air you blow into it the more the balloon gets bigger. Now, remember when you rubbed a balloon on your shirt, and it stuck right onto your body?"
"Yeah! That was really fun to do!"
"Wasn't it! Anyways, the reason the balloon can stick to your shirt was because of the negative charges you created from rubbing it so fast on your shirt."
"So how does this feed into Zoe again."
"Well, the Balloon is your Detection Zoe Bubble. The air you blow into the balloon is Zoe, the more Zoe you feed into the bubble the more it grows. The negative charge is the energy around you that is linked to your brain and muscles, and the person rubbing the balloon on your stomach this time is this person punching you. Don't let the balloon touch you and create those negative charges, your energy should be the only thing that touches you. Got that?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Do you think or know?"
"I... definitely know!"
"Atta boy!" Apollo said while smiling and rubbing my head.
"Now that I'm really looking at you, you really have white hair now. It suits you very well."
"I didn't get so used to it myself at first however, I kind of like it."
"Alright, when we get Alfred back, we'll also ask about the hair too! I don't think that's normal, to have a sword change the color of your hair."
"That is true, hopefully, it isn't something serious!"
"Hopefully! Now that I said his name, you look like Alfred when he was younger."
"Well, you know what they say, smart people look the same."
"I guess that saying isn't that accurate then."
"Hey! What do you mean by that!?
"Well, we should definitely start heading back because our food is going to be done and Dion doesn't like late people to the table no matter where he is."
"The difference and Similarities between you two are so bizarre it's crazy."
"Right? But no matter what, I still love him... Even if he makes me want to strangle him sometimes."
"That sounds like somebody I know; his name starts with an A and ends with an o but I can't put my finger on it. Oh well." I said getting him back for his previous comment.
"While you little b- was all I heard Apollo start before I cut him off by running.
"Sorry, Sorry I can't hear you."
"Hey! Come back here!"
We finally made it back to the table to see a sleeping Dion awake as soon as we sat down.
"You're back. On-time. I knew you two could be gentlemen... Sometimes. Now I have some business to attend to too so, you two... I don't know, don't screw up while I'm gone..." Dion said while leaving for the restroom.
"Now that we're at the table I can teach you more zo-'' Apollo started but was cut off by a man who walked towards our table and started to speak.
"Hello, gentlemen! Sorry to interrupt however, I can't help to notice you two walked around with zero coins to play any of the games."
"That is indeed correct. My brother and my son are here we're hoping we can eat and play some games afterward. We came from out of state and heard this was the best place in the city, so we came over to see all the commotion!" Apollo said in a well-mannered voice.
"Is that so? That's perfect! I have 25 free coins for you to use, young man, does that sound cool to you?" The man said looking at me with a smile that was joyish like he enjoyed the job he was doing.
"That does sound cool!" I said accepting the coins to not be a total jackass, knowing we won't have time for games."
"That's great to hear! Well, I should be on my way to let you folks enjoy your meals!" The man said, starting to walk away before Apollo started to speak again.
"Sorry sir, I believe I didn't catch your name. I'm John and this is my son Benjamin, what's yours? If you don't mind me asking?" Apollo says to get the man's attention in the final second.
"Where are my manners? My name is Vincent Myskot, and it has been a pleasure meeting you and Benjamin. Hope to see you around, Benjamin." Venicent said before walking away.
"Why did you lie about me being your son? He seemed like a nice man!"
"Because I don't trust him, his act was too fake."
"Apollo, please. Just because we're on a mission doesn't mean we have to be scared of normal civilians." I said, whispering the mission part.
"Z, my detection Zoe has never lied to me before let alone my wolf senses."
"Well, maybe they're just off today?"
"Z. Get real for a second. Don't be fooled so easily, my pupil should not get swayed so easily," Apollo said, hitting his head.
"Well, what can I say, he's a nice gentleman."
"No, he's not a gentleman! I know a gentleman when I see one, I lived next to one practically my whole life!"
"That is true. Welp, whatever it is he can't be strong if we can't sense his Zoe now, can he? If he has Zoe that is."
"Fair point. Yeah, you're right, what am I on about?"
"Woah, I didn't say to drop your suspicion. If you think he's suspicious then I believe you, I'm saying to not press the manners but don't drop your guard."
"I know that very well my pupil, but thanks for the advice nevertheless," Apollo said starting a long quietness of looking around before Apollo spoke again.
"It feels dumb, but I feel like I know him." Another quietness took over before Apollo spoke again.
"Wanna learn more about Zoe?"
"Yes! Please!"
"Alright, my Young Pupil! I will teach you more about Zoe! This time about Specialty Zoe!
"Alright!"
"So, Specialty Zoe is... annoying to explain."
"Why did your mood drop from the thought of explaining it!?"
"Well, remember when I said that Elemental Zoe works with its own Zoe determined before you're even born?"
"Yeah. What's so bad about that?"
"Nothing, it's just Specialty Zoe works the same. Specialty Zoe is what I call the other half of Zoe in your body. Unlike Elemental, however, you're able to train and advance your specialty, Zoe. What are you the training you may be thinking, well you're training your special. My wolf form is an example of Specialty Zoe, as Koji Number-Pack Style, Kingsley Colored Flames, and Aza Lightning. A professional term for this form is your special, however, I'm too lazy so I call them abilities or powers."
"So, it's like a form or special that only you can use?"
"Not quite. The way to unlock your power is when your brain and body deem you ready, from there your brain puts the way to use your power into your hippocampus. Which is your memory, so I'll refer to it as such because again I'm way too lazy."
"Understandably."
"Right? Now, this is going to get either confusing or you'll perfectly understand so get ready for it."
"Oh dear..."
"Here we go! So, with Specialty Zoe, there are three forms you get with it, Transformation, Power, and Zone. Transformation is something that affects your body and changes things like your bone structure or your appearance, things like my wolf form and Koji Number-Pack style would fall into that category."
"So, why do you need moonlight? I've thought this ever since the agency, it seems like you should be able to activate it just fine."
"That's the way I always got it to activate. I couldn't do it without moonlight, so I stuck with it. My hypothesis is it's a subgenre of Transformation, something that uses a trigger. I still have no clue however since I haven't seen anyone use it."
"Oh, okay."
"Now for the second form, power. Power is most of the specials you'll see. Things like Kingsley Flames and Aza lighting fall under this category. There are sub-genres to Powers things like Elemental Specialty and Substance Specialty which are another can of worms, so I'll skip it for now to explain the rest."
"Why?"
Well, it's not that important to know right now... Just remember anything that doesn't change their bodies except for resistance or doesn't change where you are is most likely a Power form. Does this all make sense?"
"Except for a few doses of Information overload, I think I do," I said finishing my last bite of food, with Apollo already finished.
"Well, I'll explain the final form of Specialty and more Zoe information that is good to know, however, we should start looking again. Also, where is Dion!? He should be back by now... Imma go check on h-" Apollo started with but was cut off again by someone else.
"Hey there again, I've seen you finished all your food kid, ready to play some games?" The man from earlier asked, still smiling.
"Yeah! Once my uncle gets back from the bathroom then I should be able to." I said to him with a smile.
"Well how about this, you and I play some games why your dad finds your uncle so you can keep playing, how does that sound?"
"Well, it doesn't matter what my son wants, I'm going to have to decline your offer. Thanks, however."
"Don't be scared, I'm the owner of this fine establishment! If you're still suspicious I can bring you into the kitchen or to any staff and prove my identity."
"I'm not scared of you not being who you say you are, I'm scared because of your interest in my son. Why my son? I've been keeping my eye out and you're not looking at anyone else families so why mine?"
"Well, I think your son is interesting! White hair at the age he at, that almost unheard of! If you want me to leave I can but, what's wrong with a little fun right?"
"Fun... Don't take this the wrong way but... you seem familiar but in a bad way."
"Everyone says that about me. They also say that I'm too kind. Like what type of reason is that!?"
"Yeah... Fine, Benjamin. You can go with the man."
"Really!? I mean... Really?"
"Yes, go with him. Come to me if you have any issues. Any issues." Apollo said, looking at me with the most serious gaze I've ever seen Apollo give.
"Alright, I will."
"Okay, if you need me, I'll be at this table If I can't find you. Be safe."
"Alright, later Dad."
I see, he's telling me without saying it. If I need anything or am in any danger. He trusts me to either fight back or to go to him. I'm also a detective. He trusts my detective skills to find our friends and gain information on the Owner to see if he is good or not. All in the time of him going to check on Dion. I think I can do it. No, I got to stop thinking I think and more of I can.
"Ready, Kid?"
"Yup!"
Think, what can you pick up on the man without knowing anything about him? Well first he is rich, owning an establishment like this would gain you tons of money. Maybe he's a con man? Maybe he's a mafia leader? Idiot, stop coming to the Idiot conclusion. You need to think more than you're Mystiko brain and think. Mystiko, why does that sound so familiar...
"Alright Kid, this game is popular among everyone! It's called Copy Pango. The objective of the game is to copy Pango, the game will try to trick you or confuse you but the fastest and smartest always win in the end. The game has 24 levels and winners get tickets so they can get custom prizes, sound cool right!?" Venicent said next to me, and I just nodded and started to play
"You got this kid!" He said to reassure me, is there any way he's a bad man?
I started to play, and it started simple Pango moved a box I moved the box. He clicked on red, white, and blue so I did red, white, and blue. Although I was new to this game and the machines and their keys It wasn't anything I couldn't grasp.
However, the more the game went on the harder and harder it got, not just harder but faster. At the end of the game, I found myself sweating and my eyes feeling drained from looking at the screen. It was like my brain was being used to the absolute limits even though I know the concepts were simple, it was draining.
"What was that?" I asked to get an answer.
"Fun. Pretty cool right?"
"Yeah, it was ultra-fun!"
I lied. This was different from fun, I felt numb. When he brought me to the next game it was called Tario Kart Racing. This game was all about racing against other robot people they called CPUs and trying to win. Just like the last game, I felt the strange, weird feeling again. I played two more games named Pac-Boy and King-Kong and again after I was done, I found myself sweating and my mind feeling exhausted after playing just one round of every game.
"You're good at this kid! You won every single game so far or got a pretty high score! Are your parent's geniuses?"
"You could say that."
"Well, I think you have the potential to be my pupil!! I Venicent Myskot Can make you a star! What do you say, kid?" He said just like Apollo but this time I can feel it, bad intent. It is thick, even though it's small. This is what it feels like to feel bad intent, huh? It's getting hard to breathe.
"Woah. I was just seeing if you wanted to better your life, you can think about it."
"I will, thank you, sir!"
"Well as we play you can sit on it. Where did you say you're from again."
"From Mystiko then we moved to Venzard."
"What a surprise! I started in the skirts of Venzard!"
"Yeah, what a surprise!"
"I don't remember any white-haired folks in my area when I was growing up. Who's your mother?"
"She's a great woman who does have white hair. She told me it's a rare hair color and almost impossible to have. So, I guess I'm special in my own way" I told him since I got my white from a sword, but I can't exactly tell him that now, can I?
"Well, I had fun with you kid but I unfortunately have to go. Come here again if you wanna take my deal, I'll make you a great businessman to help your family."
"I'll think about it..."
He wants me to work under him like Apollo and not like a total creep, but then why did I get bad intentions from him? Think Z what sent you off before... Venicent Myskot Why do I feel like I heard them before? I just met this man; I shouldn't know his name."
...
"He's dead... Been dead for a while now. If he didn't change so much, he would have known that.
"Cut with the bullshit! My boss did everything correctly! You're the assholes that think you're cool!"
"You don't have to defend me against him."
"Boss."
"It's great to see you again brother."
"Don't call me that. You're a scum... You know that?"
"Don't speak to me like that or I'll slap you to sleep. Talk to me like a younger brother should."
"Never. You weren't even there for my son then why do you want to see him now?"
"He's done some very disobedient things while he was living his useless life."
"Don't call him useless. You're nothing but a sad excuse of a ma-"
"I told you to talk to me nicely! Now you got slapped, you idiot!"