Episode 2

∞ | Vengeance is sweet. Vengeance taken when the vengee isn’t sure who the venger is\, is sweeter still. - Gary D. Schmidt (The Wednesday Wars) | ∞

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∞ | Chapter 2 | ∞

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~Waters

of Aurora; December 230~

Sera found

herself dreaming again—a dream that she hadn’t had in awhile.

“Sera,

run!”

“…We’re

getting out of here, I swear it. Once we do, let’s be friends out there as

well. From one Gifted to another—”

“…They’re

coming for us, aren’t they?”

“I can’t

let you sacrifice your lives for me—”

“Can it.

You’ve done so much for us. This is the least we could do—”

“—But

whatever it is, it doesn’t matter anymore. Not any longer. One more battle.

This will be the night that Blade fights our final battle. But you’ll always be

my best friends—”

Sera jerked

awake when she felt a touch on her shoulder. Acting on pure instinct ingrained within

her for years; she reached up and grabbed the hand.

When she’d

finally opened her eyes and blinked the sleep out of it, she saw a startled

Kailey standing in front of her, half pulled over due to Sera having a firm

grip on her wrist. Sera stared at Kailey for just a moment before she released

her hold.

“…Sorry.”

Kailey

winced, rubbing at her wrist. “Remind me not to wake you in the future,” she

said weakly. “Anyway, Neil said that we’re getting close to Aurora, and that I

should wake you.”

“…Okay.”

Sera murmured, sitting up in the sofa that she’d fallen asleep on. Kailey only

gave Sera a look of concern before leaving; presumably going to find her twin

brother who is currently steering the boathouse that they’re in. Sera pinched

the bridge of her nose to ease her headache. “…Zest…” Sera murmured to herself.

*

There was a

slight drizzle even as Neil carefully steered the boathouse and pulled it in at

the docks of Aurora, with Sera throwing a rope around the anchor point at the

dock, securing it in place. Due to the rain and the time of the night, hardly

anyone is around on the streets of Aurora—a fact that all three were thankful

for.

Neil and

Kailey watched even as they stood outside the modest blue and white boathouse

even as Sera turned off the lights within and locked it securely before joining

them, already pulling up the hood of her jacket over her head—an action that both Kailey and Neil mimicked.

Kailey turned back to look at the boathouse

gently bobbing about on the waves of the sea even as she followed Sera to

wherever it is that she’s taking them to.

She still can’t believe how much her life

has changed in just the course of a month.

Neil and Kailey were both very surprised

when they’d first seen the boathouse that they’ll most likely be living in for

the next couple of months or years even when Sera had taken them to the docks

of Zephys.

For a moment, the twins have thought that it

is stolen—though Sera is quick to put that thought out of their heads by

stating that the members of Blade have helped to built it over the years. It is

likely that at some point, the members of Blade have wanted to go on some sort

of journey, and hence, had been building a boathouse for their journey—with it

having more than enough room for at least ten people; complete with supplies

and a solar panel on the roof that collects enough energy from the sun in the

daytime to have ample electricity within.

“Sera, where are we going?” Neil asked

quietly, falling in pace with Sera, with Kailey on Sera’s other side.

“We’re paying a visit to some people I know

from my Blade days.” Sera said just as quietly. All three teens were careful to

keep their voices low due to how easily voices carries in the night.

“Gifted?”

“No. They’re Normals.” Sera shook her head,

using the term that most of the Gifted use to describe those without abilities.

“But don’t worry; they’re not bad people. They helped me out during my Blade

days. You can trust them.”

Neil and Kailey exchanged looks behind Sera.

They’ve gotten a pretty good grasp on Sera’s personality over the course of a

month. She isn’t one of many words; and when she does opens her mouth,

she doesn’t really mince her words. She’ll tell them the truth, even if they

liked it or not. And from what they know of Sera, she obviously doesn’t trust

easily either; something they found surprising due to how easily Sera lets them

come with her.

Before meeting Sera, Neil and Kailey have

been getting by the skin of their teeth by stealing food from shops; and if

they could, doing odd jobs in exchange for some food or shelter. With the state

that Eldario is in right now, it isn’t too uncommon to see many people living

on the streets; with the vast majority that does that also members of street

gangs.

Sera had however taught both Neil and Kailey

what they need to know in order to survive long on the streets. She’d taught

them how to read tracks and even introduced them to a few underground

contractors that can get them jobs to earn some money. She’d even expanded on

their combat skills, telling them that there are always times when a Gifted

can’t rely on their Gifts to fight; and hence, they have to first learn how to

fight like a Normal. Sera had even taught both Kailey and Neil how to steer the

boathouse and do basic maintenance on it.

For a moment, Kailey wondered who had taught

Sera all that she knew; or if she’d picked it up on the streets. Until her

parents have died defending her and her twin from hunters when they were about

ten, they’d lived good lives. Hence why they have problems trying to survive on

the streets. Sera however gives off a similar vibe as one of those that’d lived

and grown up amongst the slums and streets—a battle hardened veteran.

And considering she’s a Gifted, and most

likely also the leader of the street gang Blade; she had to have gone through

several hardships.

They soon ventured into what must be the

commercial district of Aurora, as there are only a few shops with the lights

still turned on.

Sera lead the way to a shop that seems to be

a café of some sort—with a standing menu just standing beside the door. An

ivory plate hung above the door, with the words ‘Cross Café’ written on it in

cursive writing, with a picture of a pair of crossed knives carved into it.

As Sera pushed opened the door, a bell

tinkled somewhere in the shop, and all three entered the café, with droplets of

rainwater dripping off the ends of their hair and coats. The café owner, along

with the three occupants seated at the high counter all turned around as one

when the three teens entered, surprise written all over their faces.

Sera pulled down the hood around her head,

nodding to the occupants. “…It’s been awhile.”

“Sera!”

Neil and Kailey tensed when one of the

women—a petite woman with short black hair and eyes slipped off her stool and approached

Sera. “We heard about it from Alexis when he brought Zest to us,” she said,

scanning her eyes over Sera. “We heard what happened to Blade.”

‘Zest?’ Kailey wondered. Who is that?

“Well… A lot has happened.”

“I’m sure.” The café owner commented—a young

man probably just a couple of years older than the teens, with his dark brown

hair tied back in a pineapple style. His eyes fell onto the two behind Sera and

smiled, with it stretching the scar visible across his nose even further. “Why

don’t you three take a seat? I’ll have some coffee for you in a minute. Helps

to warm you up.”

True to his word, three cups of coffee were

soon in front of the three teens.

“So who are they?” The woman from earlier

enquired, gazing at Kailey and Neil with curiosity.

“Kailey and Neil O’Fearghail.”

Sera introduced, taking a sip from her cup at the same time. “I ran into them

nearly a month ago at Zephys.” She turned towards the twins. “I know these guys

for a few years now. They’re Normals, like I said. But you can trust them.”

“Coming

from you, Sera, that is a compliment.” The other woman commented with a grin.

In contrast to the other woman, she had dark hair that looks almost purple held

up by a headband; and her clothing is almost seductive. She turned her attention

towards the twins. “I’m Linda Henson. That is Suzy.” The woman from earlier

nodded to them politely. “Her boyfriend, Cecil Howard.” The tall, well-dressed

man waved to them on Suzy’s other side; his chocolate brown eyes kind and

gentle—and the twins can’t help but take a liking to him. “And of course,

Timo.” She gestured towards the café owner. “He owns and runs this café.”

“Timo used

to give us food whenever we’re starving and couldn’t find any when we’re

younger.” Sera told Kailey and Neil. “He used to run a café like this in

Zephys. He shut it down and moved out here a few years ago when the gang

activity in Zephys started getting out of hand.”

The twins

nodded dumbly; not knowing what to say to that.

“Karl has been searching for you, Sera.”

Cecil said quietly, careful not to attract the twins’ attention who are

currently engaging Timo in conversation. “He came by over a month ago, asking

us if we’d seen you or any of your guys. Think he heard about the attack on

Blade.”

“It’s all over the underground news.” Sera

answered. “I’ll be surprised if he hadn’t heard about it. For all that he’s

crap at taking care of himself, the one thing that that pervert had going for

him is his espionage and information gathering skills.”

Suzy and Linda exchanged looks, not knowing

what to say. “Why didn’t you let Karl know that you’re alive?” Linda asked at

last.

Sera hesitated; glancing over at Kailey and

Neil only to find that their attention is currently occupied by Timo who is

apparently demonstrating how to mix drinks together. “I can’t,” she said at

last, staring at her coffee, with her reflection within the cup staring back at

her. “The attack on Blade—it was aimed at me specifically. I couldn’t have let

anyone know that I’m still alive.”

“The survivors of your old gang does. As did

Alexis.” Cecil pointed out.

“That’s different.”

“And those two?” As one, their heads

swivelled towards the twins. “It’s a bit of a surprise to see you in the

company of others. And Gifted furthermore.”

“Well… Things happened.” Sera admitted,

picking up the spoon and stirring her coffee. “I couldn’t have left them

alone.”

Suzy had a small smile on her face as she

studied Sera. The girl had always been so standoffish and closed off to

everyone that it is hard to get a grasp on her character. But she does care about her friends.

“You sure about them?” Linda enquired with

concern. All the adults present in the café knew that Sera isn’t an ordinary

person, even when it comes to the Gifted. Unlike most in Eldario, none of the

adults have detested and hated the Gifted.

Sera stopped stirring her coffee; with how

much she had stirred, no one will be surprised to find that the coffee tastes

too sweet. “…At least they don’t mind my existence.” Sera said at last, much to

the anguish of the adults. “I’ll be laying low for awhile. As long as the ESA

can’t confirm my death or survival, I’d likely still be on their

watchlist—along with every single Gifted in the country.”

The adults exchanged looks. That is

another thing that they are concerned about.

The ESA—the Eldario Sovereign Agency;

officially the law enforcers of the nation, answering only to the High

Council—the ruling government body of Eldario. After the Gifted Enforcement Act

was passed several decades ago, the ESA had kept a watchlist on every single

Gifted in the country. The more talented and stronger ones tends to be

forcefully recruited into the ESA. The more powerful ones or those with Gifts

that even the ESA wants amongst their ranks generally tend to find themselves

on their watchlist as well without a doubt.

“Is that why you asked Alexis to bring Zest

to Suzy and Reina?” Lina asked.

“He’s still healing, Sera.” Suzy

interrupted, looking concerned. “Even I know that he’s also on the ESA’s

watchlist, for all that he isn’t a Gifted. But he’s too skilled and strong to

slip under their radar. That boy’s a fighter—just like you and the rest of

Blade. He’s going to be fine.”

“As long as I know he’s all right, it’s

enough.”

Suzy furrowed her brows. “You sure you don’t want to let him know that

you’re still alive?” she asked carefully. “During one of his lucid moments, he

always asks for you. It might help in his recovery, Sera.” Suzy pointed out. As

a doctor, she knows better than anyone else that sometimes, hope is the best

medicine for a patient.

Sera shook her head. “Their target was me,” she said. “If he knows—”

“He’s part of Blade as well, Sera.” Cecil

pointed out logically. “He’s not going to be happy once he finds out. And he’d

find you sooner or later. You know he will.”

Sera looked miserable. “I know.”

Realising that the café seemed rather quiet

all of a sudden, Sera turned towards the twins who were seated on her other

side only to find both Kailey and Neil staring at her with curiosity. “What are

you talking about?” Kailey asked.

“Nothing that you should be concerned with.”

Sera said immediately.

As one, the adults exchanged exasperated

looks over her head. Someday, Sera is going to have to learn that she can’t do

everything by herself.

Neil frowned, and was about to say something

when Timo shushed them, putting a hand up, a frown on his face.

“What?” Cecil questioned.

Sera’s eyes were trained on the door of the

café as well, a frown on her face, her head cocked to one side like she could

hear something that none of them could. “Someone’s coming,” she murmured. “I

hear footsteps. More than one person?”

Linda’s eyes widened, exchanging quick,

panicked looks with her friends. “Hide!” she hissed, immediately grabbing

Sera’s shoulder and hauling her off her stool.

“What?” Kailey was very bewildered even as

Cecil picked her up easily and forced her over the counter over to Timo’s side.

Both Sera and Neil received the same treatment.

“Quiet. Don’t make a sound!” Timo hissed, pushing

them under his side of the counter next to stockpiles of coffee powder.

“What’s going on?” Neil mouthed to Sera from

his position only to be shushed by her, his mouth covered by her hand. Kailey

received the same treatment.

“Stay quiet.” Sera mouthed back, eyes moving

from Neil to Kailey and to Timo above them. “I’ll explain later.”

There were some clattering of cups and

plates above their heads as the other occupants of the café pretended to busy

themselves with their drinks. The tension in the café is discernible, however.

And then, all three hiding teens heard the

unmistakable tinkle of the café bell, along with that of the door opening. The

three teens stared at the reflective glass of the cabinets on Timo’s side of

the counter that allows them to see the people that have just entered.

The black coats they have on were

unmistakable, including the symbol of that of a sword and shield visible on the

red armbands they have on.

‘ESA agents.’Neil summarised, immediately

understanding why they were forced under the counter and told to be quiet. ‘Probably the ‘recruiters’.’

Every single person in Eldario knew about

the ‘recruiters’ within the ESA, or even the ‘scouts’ as they were known as at

times. The ones that were wholly responsible for keeping track and watch on the

Gifted, and recruiting the more powerful ones, or even the ones that showed

some promise.

Even before their parents have passed away,

both Neil and Kailey have heard rumours of how the ESA recruited the Gifted in

their service. Not all the Gifted served them willingly. Some were forced,

blackmailed, and even coerced.

If only for the reason that the vast

majority of the Gifted in Eldario hates the ESA’s guts as they were the reason

why their lives were total hell.

Needless to say that the ESA had a really

bad reputation amongst the underground circle and the Gifted community. There

were even rumours that the ESA had a bad habit of killing a Gifted if they just

happened to catch an agent’s eye when they are in a bad mood.

“…Welcome.” Timo grunted; though with his

tone of voice, the meaning was anything but.

“Is that how you treat your customers?” One

of the ESA agents questioned.

“Paying customers, yes.” Timo emphasised

on that bit. “Not those that came by just to waste my time.”

“Bad mood today, Berger?” The other ESA

agent sneered.

Bang!

Kailey gave a start, and her yelp was

thankfully muffled by Sera covering her mouth; mismatched eyes glaring at her;

the silent message clear.

“What do you want?” Timo growled

dangerously, gripping the glass that he is currently holding onto so tightly

that his fingernails turned white.

“We heard that there are some Gifted in this

town.” The first ESA agent spoke. The three teens under the counter glared at

the reflection of the agent they could see. “We were sent to recruit them.”

“You mean coerce.” Linda sneered at the ESA

agents. “We’re quite well aware of your reputation.”

“So do you know where they are?” The ESA

agent ignored Linda, turning his attention back towards Timo. “There’s three of

them, we heard. Quite strong Gifts, as well. We feel they’re a good fit for our

organisation.”

Despite being unable to see Timo’s face, all

three teens could tell that he’s furious. “Even if I do know who those Gifted are, what makes you think I’ll tell you?”

Timo asked in a low and furious voice. Both Kailey and Neil exchanged nervous

looks over Sera’s head. He’s quite different now from the friendly café owner

who had shown them how he made the coffee that he serves. “No Gifted has been

by to visit my café recently. Please leave.”

“Really?” The other ESA agent sneered,

looking towards the seats that Sera, Kailey and Neil have been occupying

earlier. Kailey then realised that their cups were still at the counter. “You

had someone else in here apart from them?” He gestured towards Cecil, Linda and

Suzy.

“I had some customers earlier that left

before you came.” Timo lied with a straight face. “I just hadn’t cleared their

cups, that’s all.”

“At this night of night?”

“Why not? You’re here, aren’t you?”

The first ESA agent; clearly the calmer of

the two sighed, gripping his partner’s shoulder. “I can see when we’re not

welcome, so we’ll take our leave,” he said. “But Berger, you should know that

the Gifted won’t survive long on the streets by themselves; especially if

they’re children.”

“And whose fault is that?” Linda snarled.

“If you truly care about those Gifted—those

kids at all; you’ll let us know where they are.” The ESA agent continued like

he hadn’t heard Linda at all, “We’ll just be going.”

The bell tinkled again as the two ESA agents

left. For several moments, there was nothing but silence before Timo sighed. He

looked down below the counter where the three teens were hiding. “They’re

gone,” he said.

Sera, Kailey and Neil crawled out from under

the counter, returning to their original seats. “Are those ESA agents?” Kailey

enquired, looking at the door of the café warily before turning her attention

back to the adults. “What are they here for?”

“They came around here every once in

awhile.” Suzy sighed, lifting her coffee cup to her lips. “They’re part of the

squad that the ESA has to recruit the Gifted.”

“Us?” Neil guessed; but was surprised when

Timo shook his head.

“No. Not the three of you,” he said.

“There’s three other Gifted in Aurora—about your ages, I think. It’s not

something that’s widely known, however. Those of us who are aware of who they

are always kept it quiet because of the ESA and the hunters.” Timo exchanged

looks with Cecil. “They tend to come by here every few days for some food. And

now that you’ve mentioned it…” He furrowed his brows. “I hadn’t seen them for

some time now.”

“How strong are their Gifts?” Sera enquired

curiously. “Must be something if even the ESA is interested.”

“They’re Class 2 Gifted.” Suzy was the one

to answer; referring to the ranking system that ranks the abilities of the

Gifted. Class 3 Gifted were more common; whereas there aren’t many Class 2 Gifted.

Class 1 Gifted however is a rare anomaly—the most powerful of the Gifted. It is

even rumoured that one could tell a Class 1 Gifted apart from the others due to

their unusual features. “A trio of siblings. The youngest of the three, Tatius,

has complete control over earth and sand. He’s able to create and control it as

he wished. The eldest; his older sister, Claudia, could control wind.”

“The battle element.” Neil mused.

“The middle brother, Ness, could animate non-living

things.” Timo took over from Suzy. “He can make dolls come to life.” He looked

at Sera. “I met them not long after I opened my café in this town. There’s

something about them that reminds me of you. It’s probably why I tried to help them and look out for them; and even told

them to come here for food if they have to.” Timo looked guilt-ridden. “I can’t

help you and your friends, Sera. But at that time, I thought that I can at

least help them.”

Kailey and Neil looked curiously at Sera

with those words, wondering what Timo meant.

Sera said nothing before she slipped off her

stool, placing a few notes in front of her. “Thanks for the drinks,” she said. “Come

on, you two.”

The adults in the café watched even as the

three teens walked towards the door and left the café, with the bell tinkling

somewhere as they did so.

“Think Sera’s going to try to find those

three?” Cecil asked at last.

“Probably.” Timo sighed. “Aurora isn’t exactly

a safe town for the Gifted, either. And with Blade’s destruction two months

ago, the hunters are on the move once more. Eldario is a cruel world for the

Gifted.”

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