Chapter 12: Justice's Advent, Kindred Emotions
"You people…you people don't understand anything! None of you understand what kind of power Quazla boasts, what kind of influence he and the other Cyber Lords have! I will do whatever it takes if it means that I can protect my home!"
"Was it worth stealing their memories?!"
"THEY WERE AFRAID! They…He…was afraid of Quazla's power. I only took it, so they would forget. So, they could fight him without having that fear of him… You must see things my way now, don't you? We're all afraid. Director Roman is afraid. And instead of taking affirmative action, he wants to play it safe and keep what we do a secret. Meanwhile Quazla continues to use his exploits to manipulate his way into this world… I can't…I will not follow an organization that's willing to have us all wiped out when we have a clear fighting chance."
The projection was stopped. The four creatures sitting at the table took a moment to ponder the evidence.
"As I've said countless times before…the humans world is plotting against us. And if we don't act soon then everything we've built and fought for will all be for naught." The red eyes of the little blue humanoid scanned his audience. Ur Pale rubbed his chin, considering the option, while Star-Cry Dragon folded his arms, clearly against the entire thing.
A purple horned brute of a creature was the first to respond. "I'd say let them come. If they're so confident in destroying us, then I'd like to see them try."
"With all due respect, Crath Lade, we should go with Shtra's suggestion. Quazla's had first-hand experience with the humans during the Survivor Uprising incident. With this, this is clearly proof that they aren't going to wait. I vote we strike before they get the chance to prepare."
"Underhanded for a being of Light." Draconis noted. "The Light's role in our society is to protect us all from invaders. Not suggest an invasion."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures Star-Cry. After all, you are partners with one of the humans, aren't you? You of all people should understand the situation we find ourselves present with."
"And it's exactly my experience which has me conclude that an invasion is off the table. No offense Shtra, but we all know how cunning Quazla is. Last thing we need is that lunatic string us all along."
"Ahem" the small Cyber Lord cleared his throat. "It seems we have reached a sort of impasse. Diamondia, what do you suggest?"
The four creatures turned their attention to the older woman who sat in the chair clearly twice her size. Dressed in Fiona Academy's headmaster attire, she pushed her glasses up and folded her hands. "My main concern is the World Tree that's sprouted in the Human World. The son of Star-Cry's partner was able to summon the tree and for the last month it has been amplifying the abilities of those within its radius.
"In other words, the K-Waves of the Humans are growing." Shtra deduced.
"That in of itself may sound like a cause for alarm, but we have been monitoring it closely. I also have been in touch with the leaders of the Humans. They claim that the one responsible for unleashing the Survivors in the Human World, as well as Quazla's prisoner are accounted for, both of which are under strict surveillance."
"So, in other words, who's side are you on?" Crath asked.
"As of right now, my own." Principal Frediano stated. "As I said, the role of us Snow Faeries is the protection of the World Tree. I only joined this meeting as its my duty as the representative of the Nature Civilization." She rose from her chair. "Therefore, my answer is this: whatever you agree upon, I urge you to not get the Human World involved unless absolutely necessary. While its true they may be plotting, its safe to say they have a valid reason for it. Quazla, who for whatever reason sent his assistant to represent him, better watch his back before all of his manipulation bites him back."
Principal Frediano snapped her fingers, summoning a Dimension Gate before walking through. The portal sealed itself, leaving the four creatures silent.
"The American Civil War ended…when?" Dylan asked
"May 9th, 1865." Jamie responded in a bored tone.
"And Slavery?"
"1863. Although history shows that African Americans were still treated unfairly over the next hundred years."
"And that ended with?"
"The civil rights movement."
"Are you sure you need tutoring?" Dylan asked, setting his notebook down. "It sounds like you've read everything beforehand."
"Its not my choice. That hippie of a teacher didn't leave me with an option." Jamie groaned. "I think she has it out for me."
"What makes you think that?"
"She's making me take tutoring when clearly I don't need it."
"You know, we could argue that you're just a bad test taker." Jake quipped from a K-Terminal nearby.
"No one asked you." Jamie replied with a fake smile.
Jake shrugged. "Aeris evolves into Alcadeias, and…double break."
Karon retrieved the last two shields and sighed. "Just my luck to get a Terror Pit now of all times."
"It's like that sometimes. Urth Direct Attacks for game." Jake tapped his remaining creature, winning the duel against the Darkness Duelist.
"Me next." Jamie stood up.
Dylan grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Nuh-uh, deal was no dueling until you pass Frediano's next exam."
"I'm beginning to regret making that deal…" Jamie muttered.
"Speaking of Frediano, where did CJ run off to after class?"
"Dad picked him up after 6th period. Guessing it was to fill him in on where we're going from here." Jake said.
"Surprised you know that considering that you two aren't talking still."
"Just because I'm not talking to him doesn't mean our parents aren't talking to each other." Jake took a seat at the table. "After everything that's happened, it's taking time for both of us to adjust to what we learned."
"I've been thinking about that myself." Karon said. Attention was focused on him. He looked at the three and continued on. "You have yet to explain yourself."
"What's there to explain? Yeah, I kept the fact that I was on a secret mission from the DCA to expose my father for his crimes. Yeah, I'm sorry I lied to you all, but I was under direct order. Watch, once you guys more integrated in the DCA's way of doing things, it will make more sense."
Karon expected an answer like that, but for the sake of his own "investigation" he let it go for the time being.
"Seriously man, you've been grilling me ever since that night. You guys know if I could tell you what really goes on I would honestly. I will promise this, the payoff will all be worth it."
Dylan and Jamie looked at each other.
"Gonna be real, the whole survivor thing was fun and all, but are we really obligated to handle every interdimensional invasion that hits New York?" Dylan asked.
"When you realize you're literally part of the only defense between us and them, then that question becomes irrelevant."
Dylan sighed and rested his head in his arms. "By the power of the Creature Gods I hope to GOD that you're wrong about that."
"Trust me. I wish I was." Jake said.
CJ followed Nate through a pathway within Central Park until they stopped in front of the large tree that took up residence. CJ immediately felt something as they came into view, as though energy started to pulse through his veins.
"Been meaning to take you all here, but with everything happening I couldn't find the time." Nate said resting his hand on the massive trunk.
"This is where I dueled Mr. Wilson…" CJ recognized the scenery, despite it being a bright sunny afternoon.
"This is where you all saved Manhattan from a pandemic." Nate responded. "The World Tree is THE heart of the Nature Civilization and Nature Duelists. Its primary goal is to bring about life and tranquility to all those who aim to protect its blessings."
"And so why is it here in Central Park?"
"Because, for reasons beyond my understanding, you managed to summon it. And because of it, it was able to reverse the effects of the Omnistrain Virus and purify it. Now, all those duelists who possess the ability to access K-Waves have their senses heightened and strengthened."
CJ eyed the tree while listening to his father. "But…wouldn't that mean that Creatures like Omnistrain and our own would be able to enter our world more easily?"
Nate nodded. "And that's why we're standing here right now. Earth's version of the World Tree will provide untold blessings as long as no one is daring enough to tamper with it. On the other hand, Duelist who abuse their powers and sync with diabolical creatures from the other side may pick up where Robert left off. One of the most notorious ones, is a being known as Emperor Quazla."
That name…it clicked in CJ's head as soon as he mentioned it. "Mr. Wilson…he said everything that's happened, from Tsume and the other's losing their memories and being sealed in the Deck Cases, to trying to take over the DCA, all of it was because he wanted to beat Emperor Quazla no matter what."
"And if Draconis' report is anything to go by, the leaders of the Five Civilizations are in talks on how to respond to Robert's actions."
"Well it's not like we're planning on doing anything, right? I mean we stopped Mr. Wilson for them. They're safe."
Nate sighed. "Life doesn't work like that. Knowing Quazla, he'll find a way to manipulate things in his favor, any reason in the world to justify his obsession of crossing over to our world. It's been a goal of his since we ran into him all those years back during our time as rookies at the DCA."
"And what if he succeeds?"
"Well, Jonah put it this way. NYC was one of the first cities to undergo a Cybernetic Revolution. Quazla, will be responsible for the Cybernetic Apocalypse."
CJ scoffed uneasily. "Because that's not scary at all."
"You laugh now, but to tell you the truth you can't even begin to understand the kind of trouble we're in if things go south. Which is why I'm telling you to get ready."
CJ nodded. "Gotcha."
"And don't tell anyone, especially Jake about this. Not until I can understand where he stands in relation to his father. Matter of fact, until I give you the OK, this will stay between us."
"Jamie's going to know I'm lying the second I see her."
"Yeah, don't give her any hints either. She's another one we're keeping an eye on. Her K-Waves are on a constant flux ever since she was kidnapped. Best we just try to focus on one thing at a time before we end up making a first move into a massive regret."
"Makes sense."
Nate put his hand on CJ's shoulder. "I'm proud of you Son."
"Yeah, I know Dad. You have my word."
"I better have it, or you're spending the night with Junky." Nate started to walk.
"Oh no, nuh-uh not after last time." CJ followed. "You'd think for a stuffed doll he'd know how to keep quiet at night. Or you know, sleep!"
"He's a Death Puppet, they're active in Darkness."
"Remind me again how Mom because synced with the Darkness Civilization?"
Nate crossed his arms and thought to himself. "She told me once she had a goth phase in High School. Something about one of her exes that we don't talk about."
"No wonder you used a guitar to woo Mom."
"Hey, you were born, weren't you?"
CJ laughed and shoved his Dad. "At least something good came out of it." He ran off realizing his father caught wind of what he said.
"I'm gonna get you for that!" Nate exclaimed tailing him.
They went back and forth, CJ continuing to provoke his father as he took advantage of his youth to outwit him. All the while their laughter echoed throughout the surrounding area, the tree towering over them like a silent guardian.
Jamie checked her phone for the third time as she leaned up against the wall of her apartment building. CJ said he would be down in five minutes fifteen minutes prior. First and last time she decides to be nice and wait on him to head off to school.
She slid her phone back in her pocket as the teen caught her attention, stumbling through the doorway.
"You do realize I have Frediano's make-up exam this morning, right?"
"If that's the case why didn't you tell me that?" he said catching his breath.
"Because I expected you to be down. What, did you forget your deck or something?"
"Not exactly…" he straightened up. "He's about ye big and talks in third person." CJ held his hands about a foot apart.
"Junky can't be that much of a nuisance."
"I swear you and my Mother sound the same."
Jamie started walking. "Either way we need to get to class."
"Yeah, right behind you." CJ acknowledged.
"Hey, Jamie! Got your message, what's…going on?"
Jake's voice hit CJ's eardrum from a distance and suddenly his presence crept up his spine.
"Jake! So glad you could catch up with us!" Jamie exclaimed with fake enthusiasm.
CJ threw a glare at her. "What are you doing?!"
"Jamie…" Jake crossed his arms. "What gives?"
"What?" she acted surprised. "I just thought it was a good idea for the three 'besties' to bond a bit is all. That so wrong?"
"What about your make-up?" Jake reminded.
Jamie rolled her eyes. "That can wait. What's important now is that you two are here, together, which means…" she grabbed CJ by the arm and yanked him forward to Jake. "You two can do that 'thing' I've been waiting on."
"You can't be serious right now." CJ started to walk off, but Jamie swung back and grabbed his jacket collar. "Let go!"
"Don't even think about running away. And that goes for you too!" Jamie whipped back around towards Jake. "I've about had it with the both of you, it's been well over a month already! It ends today; talk it out duke it out, do something!"
"Or else what?" Jake asked. "You can't make us do anything."
"You're right. I can't. But I could remove myself from the team."
That took Jake aback. "Wha—you can't just do that!"
"And why not?"
"Because—!" Jake retracted his statement.
"My Dad wouldn't have that happen." CJ pushed. "Not after everything that went down especially."
"I won't be too far off. I'll just join my brother's team. Because let's face it, I much rather have his overbearing attitude over having to babysit a pair of morons who can't get past a stupid dispute. I mean come on! You two are best friends! Nature and Light are allies! There's no reason why either of you should be fighting."
"Jamie, I told you no matter what I'm not going to—"
"Fine then." Jake cut him off.
"Fine what?"
"Let's get this over with then." Jake reached into his pocket and retrieved his K-VYZR.
"Are you being serious right now?" CJ asked.
"Why not? If it'll make Jamie stay on the team and end this stupid issue between us, then I'll just beat you. Sound fair?"
CJ tried to find a way to interject, but gave up, arming himself with his K-VYZR. "Fine then, I accept."
The pair spread themselves out roughly several feet apart. Jamie like the two boys, clipped her K-VYZR around her ear.
"K-VYZR: On!" The trio exclaimed. A shimmering effect traced around their faces and in an instant their immediate surroundings shifted. The apartment building disappeared from behind them, and trees and grass sprouted from the concrete underneath CJ, whereas the winds picked up around Jake, covering his legs in clouds and blue skies.
The holographic tables materialized before them as well as virtual versions of their decks stored in their cases. The pair drew and five teal-shaped rectangles materialized for each of them.
"Ready…?" With the game set, Jamie glanced at both of them before waving her hand down.
"DUEL START!" CJ and Jake exclaimed.
Jake took first turn, setting Light mana. "I Summon La Ura Giga, Sky Guardian!"
The grey-colored airship flew in on Jake's side and hovered, awaiting orders from its master.
La Ura Giga, Sky Guardian
Civilization: Light
Power: 2000
"That's right. Light Civilization plays defense." CJ remembered. "Only way to get through that is to smash your way through." He drew and set Nature mana.
"That's one way of looking at it." Jake noted, drawing his card. He set mana and tapped both. "I summon Sarius, Vizier of Suppression!"
The gold gear-like creature materialized alongside Sarius and took its place with La Ura Giga.
Sarius, Vizier of Suppression
Civilization: Light
Power: 3000
CJ drew and set mana. "I summon Golden Wing Striker."
The white Hawk-like humanoid burst from the tree-top and landed behind CJ, taking note of its impending prey
Golden Wing Striker
Civilization: Nature
Power 2000+
Jake drew and set mana. "You have to have some plan, don't you?"
"Like I said, I'm just gonna have to bust through your blockers." CJ said.
"You should know me better than that. My defense is impenetrable. Miele Vizier of Lighting, I summon you."
The brown drone resembling a trio of teardrops materialized into the battle zone. It pulled its arm back and tossed one of its electrified rings towards Golden Wing Striker, paralyzing it. The card automatically tapped on CJ's table to his surprise.
Miele, Vizier of Lightning
Civilization: Light
Power:1000
"When Miele enters the Battle Zone, I get to tap one of your creatures, making it susceptible to be attacked. Sarius, take out Golden Wing Striker!"
"Whoa say what?" CJ exclaimed not seeing this coming.
Sarius: 3000
Golden Wing Striker: 2000
With no freedom of movement, Golden Wing watched as Sarius charged a ball of electricity, flinging it forward towards the creature. Golden Wing screeched briefly before dissipating in a stream of data.
"Sarius, Miele…" Jamie studied. "You upgraded your deck?
"After all that's happened, I'm surprised you all haven't. No telling what we're gonna get hit with so best be ready."
"Oh, I see, no wonder you agreed to duel then. You're using me as a test dummy!"
Jake rolled his eyes. "I'm not even going to entertain that theory of yours. It's your move."
"Either way, I'm not letting you beat me." CJ said, drawing. He set mana and tapped three. "I summon Bronze-Arm Tribe. When he enters the Battle Zone, I gain one mana from the top of my deck."
The short green hippo creature swung in, pitchfork in tow as well as a green orb of light, one of which it casted into the air, representing the extra mana.
Bronze-Arm Tribe
Civilization: Nature
Power: 1000
Jake drew and set mana. "I cast Lightning Charger."
"Lighting what?"
As soon as CJ uttered those words a bolt of lightning crashed into Bronze-Arm Tribe from overhead, leaving the teen astonished. Bronze twitched from the electricity, just before being rammed by Sarius and dissipating like his comrade a turn prior.
"You've gotta be…" CJ looked over to Jake who set Lightning Charger to mana. "What are you doing?"
"It's a Charger Spell." Jamie chimed in.
"Explain."
"In other words, Charger Spells work like normal ones, except after they're casted they go to the Mana Zone instead of the Grave."
"How is that fair?"
"That's rich coming from the one whose civilization is all about mana acceleration." Jamie quipped.
"You're supposed to be on my side!"
The shattering of a shield pulled CJ's attention back to the game as Miele floated back to Jake.
CJ
Shields: 5-4
"Ahem, it's your turn dude." Jake stated.
CJ clicked his tongue and retrieved the broken shield. Afterward he drew, set mana and tapped five. "I summon Raging Dash Horn!"
An orange-furred horned hounded dashed out of the woods and stood defensively next to CJ, growling towards Jake and his squad of Light creatures.
Raging Dash Horn
Civilization: Nature
Power 4000+
"If all the cards in my Mana Zone are Nature, then Dash Horn gains +3000 power and Double Breaker."
Dash Horn howled as the surrounding area began to glow and empower the creature.
Raging Dash Horn
Power: 4000-7000
"Like I said, I'm going to bust through your defense."
"And like I said," Jake drew his next card, "I'm going to beat you. I cast Diamond Cutter."
CJ's enthusiasm shrunk. "Are you for real right now?"
Jake smirked. "Until the end of the turn, any restrictions on my creatures that would prevent them from attacking you are now nullified."
"Yeah, I can read what's on the card!"
"The real question is are you prepared for this full-on assault?" Jake asked. "First up is Miele!"
Miele responded, sending a light ring to shatter the second shield.
CJ
Shield: 4-3
"Follow up, Sarius!"
Sarius charged another energy ball and shattered another shield.
CJ
Shield: 3-2
This shield however reacted differently. The shards turned into vines and retaliated against La Ura Giga, crushing it into green light.
"Shield Trigger: Natural Snare!" CJ revealed.
Jake crossed his arms. "Lucky, if anything."
"As if that's not an understatement." CJ said, drawing. "But do realize I'm not wasting this opportunity for a comeback."
"I'd be insulted if you did."
CJ smirked. He set mana and tapped two. "I summon Torcon!"
The tribal wolfman materialized in the Battle Zone alongside Dash Horn.
Torcon
Civilization: Nature
Power 1000
"And then…" CJ tapped two more mana. "I evolve it into Barkwhip the Smasher!"
Torcon howled into the sky, the Evolution Crystal descending over him and reforming him into the four-armed Ogre creature.
Barkwhip the Smasher
Civilization: Nature
Power 5000
"Alright guys! Let's run wild!" CJ exclaimed. Raging Dash Horn, Attack Sarius, Barkwhip, go after Miele!"
Raging Dash Horn: 7000
Sarius: 3000
Barkwhip: 5000
Miele: 1000
Barkwhip jumped on Raging Dash Horn's back and the pair ran off towards Jake. Both his creatures took to the air, but Dash Horn wouldn't let them get far. He leapt high into the air, far enough for Barkwhip to whip the pair forward. Dash Horn pierced the gear creature and Barkwhip smashed Miele back down to the earth with its hammer.
Sending the pair to his grave, Jake glanced at CJ who held on to his confident comeback, and who looked eager to keep things going. Jake drew and ended his turn.
"Someone's salty." CJ joked.
Jamie looked over to Jake, immediately realizing what he was doing.
He was biding his time.
CJ drew. "Now it's time to really get wild. Roar the Savage Hero: Fighter Dual Fang!"
Barkwhip looked up and saw the new Evolution Crystal descending. He bid his partner farewell and jumped for his new prize. From it, Dual Fang reformed into a larger, panther-like creature, keeping his four arms though they grew black fur and claws on the tips of each of the fingers. The whip was replaced with a large sword as well.
Fighter Dual Fang
Civilization: Nature
Power: 8000
"When Dual Fang enters the Battle Zone, I gain two extra mana. And I'm gonna use them to bring our a second Torcon."
Fighter Dual Fang roared to the skies, summoning Torcon by his side, now giving CJ his own trio of creatures. The tables were currently flipped, yet, Jake kept his composure.
"Raging Dash Horn: Double Break!"
Raging Dash Horn's horns began to glow as he picked up speed, drilling through two of Jake's shields.
Jake
Shields: 5-3
"Tsume, Go for it!"
Fighter Dual Fang nodded, drawing his blade. He slashed the air, a green blade of energy spewing from the blade and howling towards the shields. Two shields were cut clean in half and shattered.
Jake
Shields: 3-1
But then suddenly, one of the shields reformed into a gold orb, covered in circuitry and armed with small wings and talons, resembling a semi-hatched egg. Said creature shot a bolt of electricity for Torcon.
"Shield Trigger: Kolon the Oracle. I tap Torcon."
"Yeah, okay, not really gonna matter in the long run." CJ shrugged.
"You really think so?" Jake drew. "Ah, here we go."
"What?"
"Oh nothing, just thinking how reckless you were when breaking all my shields like that."
"I'm trying to beat you, and the opportunity was there."
"Hate to break it to you, but unless you're planning on rushing him, breaking that many shields in one go is only helping him." Jamie pointed out.
"But he did the same to me with diamond cutter." CJ pointed out.
"Yeah but I have blockers to counter whatever swarm tactic you could throw at me. What defense do you have to keep me from beating you at this point. Especially since you just refilled my hand and gave me what I needed?"
"Yeah yeah, keep talking. I can tell when you're bluffing."
Jake smirked, setting mana. "Alright then, have it your way then. La Ura Giga, Sky Guardian. And then, Siri Glory Elemental, I summon you both!"
"Siri…?" CJ repeated. A large shadow casted over him and he looked up, taken aback by the giant creature that took up space behind Jake.
It had a slim bronze body, its head being a three-tipped fork clad in red. Its arms waved back and forth like mechanical tentacles, golden in color with red arrow-tips on all ten of them. Lightning traced all over its body.
Siri, Glory Elemental
Civilization: Light
Power 7000
"What…I don't know if I should be scared or stoked to see this."
Jake grinned. "That's a first. Someone's fascinated by their impending demise."
Jake's words pulled CJ back to reality. "Jake…?"
"Kolon, attack Torcon!"
Kolon: 1000
Torcon: 1000
Kolon kicked itself into the air and rushed Torcon. Torcon, managed to regain some feeling in its arms to catch Kolon, but by the time the pair made contact, Kolon was leaking energy and the pair ended up exploding together, green and yellow data spewing from their ashes.
"Go." Jake said.
CJ felt something was off. Jake's demeanor was different all of the sudden. He had about him a newfound seriousness as if something just switched on as soon as he started his turn. It was a familiar feeling he thought almost like…
When he was facing Luke…
Regardless of whether or not he was imagining it, CJ's budding anxiety was warning him to end things here and now. He drew and tapped Dash Horn. "Break his last shield!"
La Ura Giga did little to stop Dash Horn as he leapt over the creature and barreled itself into the final shield.
Jake
Shields: 1-0
"Tsume, Direct Attack!" CJ didn't waste any time.
"CJ wait a second—!" Jamie snapped, but it was too late for CJ to retract his play. His astonishment at the tendrils piercing Dual Fang, as well as the card that Jake held in his hand.
"Shield Trigger…Protective Force. One of my Creatures gains +4000 Power and Blocker until the end of the turn.
Siri: 7000-11,000
Fighter Dual Fang: 8000
Dual Fang dropped the blade and collapsed, disappearing before CJ's eyes.
Jamie facepalmed herself. "You idiot…"
"How did you…you had to have known…"
"That I would get that lucky? I'm not you." Jake drew. "I summon Sarius and Dia Nork, Moonlight Guardian."
Sarius returned, along with the Green-tinted Guardian, that was slightly bigger than La Ura Giga.
Dia Nork, Moonlight Guardian
Civilization: Light
Power: 5000
CJ drew, his hand beginning to shake. He brought his arm down. "I end my turn…"
Jake drew. "Siri, evolve into Alcadeias, Lord of Spirits."
The name shot into CJ's ears like a bullet. The name of the creature that stood on that rooftop that night. Jake's weapon. The thing that ripped Hypermind to shreds and nearly along with it. Siri grasped its Evolution Crystal and wrapped itself in its tendrils, the tendrils turning white and feathery, before spreading themselves outward becoming wings for the gold and sapphire robot.
Alcadeias, Lord of Spirits
Civilization: Light
Power 12500
"Alcadeias, Break his last two shields."
CJ looked up and saw the massive being charged its laser. In an instant, the shields melted before him. And when they returned to his hand, a wave of relief washed over CJ. Here it was. His chance at a comeback.
"Shield Trigger: Mana Nexus!"
But nothing happened. CJ looked at the card and thrusted his arm out again. "Mana Nexus! I add one card from my…my mana to…why isn't it working?!"
"Alcadeias…" Jake pointed. "Unless Mana Nexus is a Light Spell, then you're out of luck."
CJ's went pale. His last shot of overcoming Jake was stripped away at that very instant. His arm dropped to his side and he drew the card from top of his deck.
"…I end."
Jake drew. "Alcadeias, Direct Att—!"
"OH CRAP!" Jamie cut Jake off, drawing their attention to her. She looked at them both. "The Test! Frediano's make-up starts now!"
"Are you kidding me?" Jake exclaimed. He shut his K-VYZR off and ran to her. "Jeez Jay, why did you make us go through all of this?!"
"I didn't think you were gonna stall this long!"
"How is it my fault all of the sudden?"
"Ugh whatever, when's the next train?"
"In like 3 min. If we run, we can catch it."
"Ok got it. CJ let's book it!"
CJ was lost in a trance, Alcadeias still staring him down. The intimidating stare of the creature lingered for a moment. He couldn't explain it, but it was though it was studying him. Almost…
Sizing him him…?
"CJ!"
He snapped back and turned, seeing Jake and Jamie already down the street. He looked back, but Alcadeias was gone. CJ switched the K-VYZR off and took a deep breath. He didn't know what he was feeling, but he was still shaking.
Jamie wanted him and Jake to get along again. But it looks like CJ's feelings ran deeper than just secrets alone.
There was something about him that downright terrified him. And like it or not, he had to figure out what that was…