Micheal stared at Madison, his voice low but full of curiosity. "Madison… how long have you been able to do that?"
She gave a small shrug. "Since I was a kid. I didn't know it was called Hope Presence back then I just knew I could heal people. I guess I was born with it."
"So you inherited it," Micheal muttered, more to himself than anyone else, his mind clearly racing.
Before anyone could say more, Shirley slid off Micheal's back and hit the ground with a bounce. He stretched dramatically, then broke into a few jumping jacks. "Ha! I feel brand new!" he grinned. "Like I just leveled up!"
Madison smirked as the others shared relieved smiles. For a brief moment, the tension melted, replaced by gentle happiness.
But ZE210 cleared his throat loudly, cutting through the moment. "Hate to break up the love fest, but… would y'all be interested in meetin' my family?"
The group turned toward him, surprised.
"Family?" Tucker echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Micheal chuckled. "He did help us get here. It's the least we can do, right?"
Madison sighed, already regretting it, while Doug just gave a noncommittal nod.
ZE210 lit up. "Don't worry! They live close—real short walk. Promise."
As he turned and began leading the way, Tucker narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking to himself. A family visit outta nowhere? Could be a trap. But we've got Micheal, Shirley, and me to fight if it goes south. Madison can heal, and Doug… well, he's there. We'll be fine… probably.
With a cautious glance at the others, Tucker followed. One by one, the group trailed behind ZE210.
THE LAND OF SNOW
Snow battered the tall, narrow windows of the castle, the wind howling like a distant beast. Inside, silence ruled. The castle, massive and hollow, felt like a mausoleum—stone halls echoing with nothing but the occasional creak of ancient wood.
CORE was alone.
He wore a white robe with a towel slung over one shoulder and red slippers on his feet, he walked slowly through the icy corridors. Steam curled faintly off his damp skin, his wet black hair falling over his sharp eyes. With a flick, he tried to toss it aside, but it dropped right back into place.
His physique was cut like stone—lean, powerful, and undeniable to any who laid eyes on him. He moved with cold grace toward his throne, walking up the steps to sit. The throne itself was a grand structure of crimson and gold, positioned at the top of a wide staircase. A long carpet stretched down its length, bordered in the same red and gold, leading to the base of the room.
The room was massive, carved of pale stone and lit dimly by the grey light bleeding through the two tall windows behind him. CORE sat motionless, staring into nothing, as though expecting something—or someone. Moments passed.
Then, in the distance, a winged figure emerged in the snowstorm. As it approached, its form became clear: Cael, the Guardian of Paradise. He hovered just outside the window, then knocked on the glass with the back of his knuckles.
CORE's pale eyes shifted, cat-like pupils narrowing as he stared down at him through the window.
A sudden gust flung the window open.
Cael glided in with precision, landing silently before the grand staircase. He lowered himself to one knee, bowing deeply. "I bring word, Father."
CORE didn't move. His face was a mask—emotionless, unreadable. His voice, when it came, was quiet but resonant, mechanical yet human. "Speak."
"I have completed all tasks within the Land of Paradise," Cael said, eyes low.
CORE blinked once. "Is that all?"
Cael hesitated. "No, Father. Near the café today, I had an encounter with a boy. About twelve. His name is Shirley."
A flicker—just barely—touched CORE's brow. His expression remained calm, but something beneath it stirred. "Did you kill him?"
"No, Father."
The silence that followed was suffocating. CORE's gaze never shifted. "You are too forgiving, Cael."
Cael lowered his head further. "He asked me to deliver a message."
CORE raised a single finger. "Go on."
Cael cleared his throat. "He said… to be patient. That you should wait for him. And when the time comes… he'll show you the true power of a genius."
For the first time, CORE smiled.
It was small. Almost unnoticeable. But it was there. For sure.
"I see."
He leaned back in his throne, eyes still locked on Cael. "Next time you see him—kill him."
Cael bowed once more. "Understood. That is all for today, Father."
Without another word, he turned, took to the air, and disappeared through the open window. Another gust of wind slammed it shut behind him.
Silence returned.
CORE leaned forward, resting his elbows on the armrests of his throne. The faintest echo of amusement traced his lips. " It's been a while since I've been hunted. Wait for you? Sure. I'll wait, Shirley. I'll wait for you to walk right into your death."
LAND OF PARADISE
The group stood before a tall, windowless structure—pure white from top to bottom. It loomed against the sky, featureless except for a single door at its base.
ZE210 bounced on his heels with excitement. "We're here!!" he announced, grinning wide. He pushed open the lone door and gestured them inside. "Come on!"
Tucker furrowed his brow, unease tightening in his chest. A plain white building, no windows, just one entrance… This kid's wild, but what if this is a trap? His hand bawled into a fist, ready for anything.
Cautiously, the group stepped inside—and were immediately struck by how empty it was.
The interior mirrored the outside: stark white walls stretching high into the air. The only thing breaking the monotony was a single platform of polished wood in the center of the room. The lights above shone brightly, reflecting off every clean surface, giving the entire place an eerie, clinical glow.
They all exchanged confused glances.
ZE210 ran ahead, hopping onto the wooden platform and waving them over. "C'mon, y'all! This part's the funnest!"
Tucker narrowed his eyes. "Okay, ZE210… what the hell are you trying to do here?"
ZE210 gave him a mischievous look. "Trust me! Just step on it!"
Madison rolled her eyes and walked forward. Micheal followed, still carrying a bit of caution in his step. Shirley, back to his full strength, was already curious, bouncing up onto the platform. Doug followed with a shrug.
Tucker hesitated. His eyes scanned the room again. No hidden doors. No visible tech. Just a kid and a mysterious platform in the middle of nowhere. With a tense breath, he stepped on.
ZE210's grin widened. "Hold on tight!"
He stomped the floor four times.
Suddenly, the platform dropped.
The group barely had time to scream before they were swallowed by the floor, plummeting downward at dizzying speed. Wind rushed past them. The white walls turned to blur. They descended so fast, they couldn't even track how deep they were going.
Then the platform stopped. Instantly.
The group staggered to regain their balance, gasping and bracing themselves.
Before them stretched something none of them had expected: a vast underground office, carved into the walls of a colossal cave. Hundreds of desks were arranged in neat rows. People bustled between them, filing papers, typing on machines, or rushing from one end of the space to the other. Giant stone columns held up the ceiling, and glowing crystals embedded in the rock illuminated the entire chamber with a soft, otherworldly light. Large screens displayed data, maps, and communication feeds.
It looked like the headquarters of a secret organization.
Doug blinked, stunned. "This is your family?"
ZE210 crossed his arms proudly. "Yup! Welcome to the Resistance."