Chapter 26 – PATIENCE

Chapter 6: Patience

It was a miracle. Through the wonders of science, Doctor Wasp was able to do the impossible. He had brought Alice Magna back from the dead in a cloned body. Richard rubs his eyes with his good hand, checking to see he wasn’t seeing things. But no, it was real. His daughter was actually there in the flesh, struggling to move her new body.

She still feels stiff, especially in the joints as they haven’t been used yet. Every attempt to turn her head leads to an uncomfortable creak in her bones. Adrian whispers to Richard that this is only temporary and she’ll be able to move around with ease soon enough.

Alice’s new eyes finally manage to adjust to the brightness of the room, and her vision began to clear. Her newly generated eyes focus on Richard and Adrian who were whispering to each other. She couldn’t make out quite what they were saying. He ears still needed time adjusting. For now, all she could hear was white noise.

She tries speaking to get their attention, but her jaw was still locked in place. All she can muster were barely audible murmurs. She cannot form proper words yet. Still, it was enough to get their attention. Richard kneels down beside the pod and gazes longingly into his daughter’s bright… green eyes?

Richard: Green? Her eyes were blue before… Hmm, Adrian did say that there could be side effects. As long as it's just the eyes, it’s no issue. Still, how do I explain this to my wife? … Alice, my dear… It’s me, Dad. You remember?

Again, Alice is struggling to utter even a single word, causing Richard to begin to stress out. But Adrian put his hand on his shoulder to calm him down, reminding him to give her time to adjust to being born again. Richard nods at him, takes a deep breath and turns back to Alice, waiting patiently for her first words.

Alice: D-d… -d-D… Dad?

Richard: Yes, Alice, it’s me! I’m here!

Alice: Wh-what… hap…pened? Re-Reading… Cher-

Richard: Everything’s alright, Alice. You’re safe! You’re at Magna Tech…

Richard pauses as he goes through the speech he had memorised for the clone to convince her that she is the real Alice, knowing if she ever were to discover the truth it would destroy her. He chooses his next words very carefully.

Richard: … Chase’s men found you in the ruins of Reading after the missile strike. You somehow managed to survive. You were buried under tons of rubble, but still alive… However, you suffered very serious injuries. For the last few months, we’ve been treating you here, trying to repair your body… Adrian mentioned you’d be feeling fatigue and painful bruising after the Cellular Regenerator healed you, but it’s only temporary. You’ll be back to your old self again in no time.

Alice slowly turns to Adrian who nods in confirmation to the lies Richard was telling her, maintaining the illusion that she’s the real Alice and she didn’t die that day.

Right now, she is confused about her current situation. From what she can recall from that day in Reading she was certain she was going to die but was willing to sacrifice herself if it meant ending Chernabog and ridding the monsters of their leader. Without an alpha to guide the pack, the monsters were nothing more than lambs to the slaughter.

Alice: Wh-where’s… m-m-Mom?

Richard: Your mother’s home. She’s perfectly fine and very excited to see you when she has the time.

Alice: C-can I… see her… now?

Alice muttered weakly as she attempted to climb out of the pod. Her body ached and clicked as she tried to fight through the pain to grab the sides of the pod. Adrian quickly steps in and gently pushes her back down.

Dr Wasp: You’re in no condition to be moving about yet, Alice. I still need to run some medical examinations before I consider you healthy enough to get up.

Alice: B-but I… Dad?

Richard: Sorry, love, but Adrian’s authority in the field of medicine and science exceeds my own.

An alert tone on Richard’s phone rings out, echoing around the almost empty room. Richard grunts with annoyance over being interrupted with his sweet reunion with his daughter, but his eyes widen slightly when he sees a text from Chase telling him that he’s just pulled up to Magna Tech and is heading up to his office now.

This is bad. If Chase sees Alice now it could compromise his plan to keep the fact that she’s a clone a secret. Chase would certainly be against what he’d done, disgracing her noble sacrifice for Michael and her men. Then he’d tell his wife, Felicia, who he knows won’t take the news of cloning her remains lightly. He needed to intersect with Chase and convince him to leave before he discovers what he’s actually been doing all this time.

Dr Wasp: Everything alright, sir?

Richard: Something has come to my attention. I must tend to the matter at once. We’ll catch up more soon, Alice, I promise. For now, remain here and listen to your doctor. Don’t worry, you’ll be out of here in no time.

Richard then takes his leave. Adrian immediately gets straight to the tests to see whether this clone will be stable enough to carry on living as Alice Magna.

The Aqua Virus remains still and silent inside its glass box still covered up by its titanium layer of wall. It was patiently watching the entire cloning process through the peephole, displaying signs of curiosity and interest in the Alice clone. It can feel the tiny part of itself that Doctor Wasp extracted inside her body, forming some kind of connection. It may prove useful sometime soon when it finally decides to plot its second escape attempt. In the meantime, it chooses to remain silent and watch.

When Richard makes it back to his office on the top floor of the building, he wasn’t surprised to see that Chase was already there waiting for him, standing by the big open window, looking down on their precious city.

Chase: I don’t get how you can have a window like this without fear of the glass breaking and falling through it. I’m so used to having my office underground at Aegis that I can’t help but feel a little nervous.

Richard: The glass in that window is strong enough to block a 50 BMG, I doubt it’ll break if one were to lean up against it. Didn’t think the fearless general of Aegis would be afraid of something as meagre as heights.

Chase: Whoever said I was “fearless” is over exaggerating. Everyone’s afraid of something. Even you, Richard… So, tell me, what’s got you so spooked? You sounded like your mind was elsewhere when we spoke over the phone. I figured something was wrong, so I came over personally.

Richard: I appreciate your concern, old friend. But I’m afraid your trip has been for naught. As you can see, I am perfectly fine. Just had a lot of problems to deal with, that’s all.

Chase: What kind of problems?

Richard: Just the usual corporate stuff like processing paperwork, signing cheques for more materials to build more robots after Chaos Man dismantled so many of our units. Stuff like that.

Richard walks over to his alcohol cabinet and pulls out a bottle of whisky and two clean glasses.

Richard: Since you’re already here, might I trouble you for a drink?

Chase: Hmm, sure, but just one. I still gotta drive back home.

Richard nods and pours the whisky into the glasses until they’re about a quarter full. After putting the bottle away, he picks up the two glasses and hands one of them to Chase who couldn’t help but stare at his cybernetic arm, something Richard caught in the corner of his eye.

Chase: I still remember the day that happened. Hard to forget, it was the same day I lost my wife.

Richard: Indeed. We’ve both lost something precious to us that horrible day.

Says Richard softly as he looks down at his cybernetic arm, flexing each individual finger a few times whilst holding the whisky in his stable living hand.

Richard: Adrian’s made excellent progress in developing synthetic skin tissue. Soon I’ll have a new arm that mostly resembles the one I lost. And who knows, maybe in time It’ll feel as if I never lost it at all.

Chase: I’ll drink to that and the memory of the loved ones we’ve lost in the war.

Chase and Richard clink their glasses together whilst saying “cheers” in unison before taking a sip of their whisky.

Richard: So, how are things at Aegis? Were you able to stop that Elemental and his monster?

Chase: Negative. Both are still at large somewhere out there. Captain McGregor informed me that he’d encountered Icesassin at Hyde Park. Chaos Man and Michael were there also. The Elemental unleashed his animal spirit on them, covering the park in snow… I’m scared, Richard, that we may have another Akuma No Kohai on our hands.

Richard: That’s never going to happen! It’s just one Elemental, not an army of them. Besides, the “Akuma No Kohai” as they called it, was a disaster that occurred in their homeland of Japan. The Elementals ended up destroying themselves in the end… As for that creature, I have no idea where it could’ve gone. But I will have my finest robots assist your troops in finding it, as well as anything else you may need.

Chase: I appreciate that, but I think for now the best call would be to let Chaos Man and my son focus on finding it. I’ve seen them fight that thing when it first appeared. I’m honestly impressed with how far Michael’s come, especially with that new sword of his. Never seen anything like it before. Wonder where he got it.

Richard couldn’t help but scoff at the mention of Chaos Man. He obviously didn’t think it was a good idea to let Aegis allow them the privilege of putting the lives of the citizens in the hands of that dimwitted superhuman.

A moment of silence washes over them until Chase breaks it by reminding the CEO of their discussion over the phone before he hung up on him suddenly.

Chase: I didn’t just come here to check up and catch up, Richard. You never gave me your answer to my question. About whether you’ll allow Michael and his friend to have a tour of your company.

Richard: Ah, right… Look, Chase, as flattered as I am that your son and his friend from the orphanage have taken an interest in my company and what we do, I don’t think now’s the time to provide a tour. You know how tied my hands are in paperwork. Running a company is as difficult as running a military organisation.

Chase: Trust me, I get it. But this is a really big deal for Michael’s friend. From what I’ve heard, he’s one of London Imperial College’s best and brightest graduates. It may do you some good to inspire the youth to pursue their gifts and use them for the good of mankind.

Richard raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the mention of London Imperial College. “That’s the same college I paid for Alice to go to.” He thought to himself.

Richard: Hmm, not many people in one generation can say they’ve graduated with such high grades from London Imperial. I will admit that is impressive for someone who grew up in an orphanage. What was that young man’s name again?

Chase: …Alex Laytham.

Chase sounded like he was hesitant to speak that name and Richard’s shocked expression implies that he knows why. He’s heard the name “Laytham” somewhere before.

Richard: Laytham? You- you don’t think he’s related to-

Chase: I had the same exact thought when I first saw him at the orphanage. Jackson told me very little about where he found him and there was nothing in his file that linked him to... (He gulps) to that event.

Richard: Perhaps he’s a distant relative?

Richard interrupted suddenly as if he’s trying to stop Chase from digging further down this rabbit hole. The both of them take another big sip of their whiskeys, finishing their glasses.

Richard: … Changing the subject, I have decided to think over Michael’s request. I will send you a text when I’ve reached my decision.

Chase: Really? What brought about the sudden change of heart?

Richard: You might be right about this doing some good for me. I haven’t really been myself lately since Alice died. Maybe this’ll help me take my mind off things, at least for a while… The company is hosting an internship program in a few days, maybe I will pencil Michael and Alex in for the tour then.

Chase: That’s great! I’m sure Alex will be thrilled… Well, I better head back to Aegis now. Take care of yourself, Richard.

Richard: You as well, Chase.

The two of them graciously shake hands before the general squeezes past the CEO and heads out the door. Richard waited until the door clicked shut before allowing himself to catch his breath. He was relieved Chase had no suspicions about the cloning lab or the fact that they have the Aqua Virus locked up in the building.

Richard: Good, he doesn’t suspect a thing. But now I’ve gotta deal with a tour for Michael and his friend?! How bothersome! (He lets out a deep sigh) … Still, if I turn down Chase again, he may start to get suspicious… Hmm, maybe having Michael here will provide me an opportunity to learn more about him and his alliance with Chaos Man. He might even know who he really is. Once I discover who Chaos Man is, I will eradicate him!

Richard’s gaze drops down to the family photograph of him, his wife, Felicia and Alice as a little girl at her school’s science fair, reminding him that he now has the chance to create new happy memories with her now that she’s back.

Richard: But as much as I hate Chaos Man, I will always put my family first… I should return to the lab. Alice will need me now as much as I need her.

That same morning following the events at Hyde Park last night, Violet managed to make it home safely, narrowly escaping a strict and worried telling off from her parents. She felt it best not to mention what happened and blamed her lateness on bad traffic due to the heavy rainfall. Her parents would probably never let her leave their home again if they found out she’d been at the centre of conflict between Chaos Man, Michael Mercer, Icesassin, the Aqua Virus and Magna Tech’s robots.

She struggled to get some sleep last night. She couldn’t stop thinking about the Aqua Virus. She was the only one present to see it acting vulnerable. That closeup image of its eyes staring right into her still burned into her brain. They looked sad and lonely, almost human. It was only temporary though. The moment it looked at the back of its own claw it suddenly reverted back into a primal state and lashed out in anger.

That final roar from the Aqua Virus is what caused her to wake up in the end, at an earlier time then usual. She usually wakes up somewhere between 7:30 and 8:00am. This time she woke up at six in the morning. She groans with annoyance as she checks the time on her phone, annoyed that she has to get up now since she cannot fall asleep again once woken up. She might as well get up, brush her hair, her teeth and chill in her room for a while before heading downstairs to help her dad open the pub.

Even while she was doing all that she couldn’t stop thinking about the Aqua Virus and comparing it to what Marcus said at the support group meeting. That not all monsters are mindless creatures that only know destruction. There was this tickle in the back of her head that had been nagging her to delve more into this idea and maybe, just maybe, the Aqua Virus might be more a victim than a monster. A victim Icesassin may be tormenting.

Violet: I can’t help but feel there’s a mystery behind all that’s happened recently. Magna Tech, that creature, Icesassin, Alex. There’s got to be a connection. Whatever it is though, I can’t learn anything just by sitting on my bed. Maybe if I go to the library, I might discover some clues. See if anything Marcus said is actually true.

Violet’s deep thoughts were suddenly disrupted by a light knock on her bedroom door. Her mother was on the other side, calling her name.

Helen: Violet, sweetie, Alex is downstairs in the pub waiting for you. He’s brought his friend Michael and some strangely dressed, but quite pleasant-looking older gentleman with him. They’re waiting for you!

Violet’s eyebrow rises to her last description, wondering who she could be talking about. But she will find out in a minute or two once she gets changed into her regular clothes and joins them downstairs.

When she does reach the pub area, she knew immediately what her mother meant by “strangely dressed”. It is a man with long turquoise hair and a short goatee beard of the same colour. He was dressed in brightly coloured Japanese-themed robes and wore a white hooded cloak over them. His outfit drew the attention of everyone in the pub. She could hear them mumbling to each other as she walked past, mostly teasing this middle-aged man for his attire.

She can see that Michael was looking a little embarrassed to be seen with the man while Alex didn’t treat it as a big deal. They already had drinks sitting on the table, resting on coasters. Michael was drinking from an energy drink can, Alex had a pint glass of cola and Omnius was drinking water.

As she came into view, Alex waves Violet over with a smile, asking her to sit next to him at their booth in the back left corner. Michael was sitting in the middle and Omnius was sitting opposite Alex on the other corner. His white staff was leaning against edge of the booth.

Alex: Hey, Violet.

Violet: Um, hi, Alex, Michael… And who is this man?

Omnius stands up from his seat in order to properly face and introduce himself to Violet.

Omnius: I am Omnius. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Violet Smith.

He offers his hand to Violet. Now that she has a better look at him, she quickly notices his different coloured light blue and green eyes. She had never met anyone with heterochromia before. She’s not sure why, but she can sense an intense but comforting aura coming from Omnius. Some people often give off vibes that make them appear either dangerous or alright to be around, but Omnius was the very first person she encountered that gave off vibes of complete comfort and trust, like she had nothing to fear when around him.

Violet: Oh, so you’re Omnius? Alex’s teacher? I’ve heard so much about you.

Omnius: I am far more than Alex’s teacher. I am his guardian. And I have also heard so much about you, my child. The girl who stole Chaos Man’s heart!

He whispered that last part so that the other patrons wouldn’t hear, giving her a sly smile. They were already getting enough attention from Omnius’s presence alone. Violet lightly blushes in response to his compliment.

Violet: Hehe, thanks. I’m not sure that’s true though.

Omnius: We shall see. For now, have a seat, we have much to discuss.

Alex scoots closer to Michael in the middle of the booth so that Violet can take a seat next to him. She rests her hand on his as a show of relief that he’s alright, and Alex returned it in kind. Michael can’t help looking round the pub. All the other patrons were still staring at Omnius, yet he was the only one bothered by this.

Michael: Ugh, couldn’t you have put on a different outfit? People keep staring!

Omnius briefly glances round his shoulder at the other patrons. Some of them were laughing at him but Omnius paid them no mind and turns towards Michael.

Omnius: Why does my attire bother you now?

Michael: In case you haven’t noticed, people don’t exactly dress like a Japanese noble in the west. And they certainly don’t wear colours as bright as what you’ve got going on. I mean, white robes with cherry blossom petals, sandals and socks. This isn’t Feudal Japan. They probably think you’re an immigrant or something.

Omnius: Michael, the right and freedom to wear whatever one wishes is the right of all sentient beings. They should not be tied down by varying opinions just to fit into a colourless society. Human beings often forget how much colour can brighten someone’s life and spirit as well as their day. Maybe if more people understood this, they wouldn’t be so miserable most of the time.

Alex: He’s right, Michael. I like Omnius the way he is. He shouldn’t have to change for anyone.

Michael: Easy for the guy who flies around in sparkling rainbow-coloured spandex to say…

Michael murmured under his breath.

Alex: I told you it’s NOT spandex! The material is made of chao-!

Violet quickly covers Alex’s mouth and motions him towards the crowd of customers in the pub, reminding them that they are not alone. Alex nods and calms himself down, though things don’t remain calm for long when one of the patrons, an overweight, bald middle-aged man with a scruffy white beard approaches their booth.

Bar Patron: Hey! You! The weirdo in white! Don’t you know this is an Irish pub?

Omnius: Yes, I am of aware that, sir.

Bar Patron: Then why the fuck are you drinking water? What are you? Six? And what’s with the geeky anime getup? We don’t like seeing your kind in here!

Michael: Oh? And what do you mean by “your kind”?

Michael intervened, not liking this man’s attitude.

Bar Patron: … Hipsters.

Michael had to admit he was expecting him to say something much more offensive than that given how specific he was being about Omnius’s bright colours and choice of attire. Still, he needed to tell this man to “get lost”. maybe threaten him a little with his handguns. It worked last time with those thugs.

However, Omnius decided to take a more direct approach and gives the man a comforting pat on the shoulder. He leans forward and whispers something into the man’s ear. Then to everyone’s complete and utter disbelief, the man suddenly broke down into tears and lowered his head.

Omnius: … It’s alright. What happened wasn’t your fault.

Alex: His fault? Huh?

Michael: What the fuck is happening?!

Bar Patron: I-it was! She… left me… because I was… always yelling at her! I just wanted to prove to her that I was a good father. Bu-but she was right… I didn’t deserve them.

Omnius: What is your name, son?

Todd: T-Todd, sir.

Omnius: We all face great hardships in our life, Todd. But you should not take the pain of your wife walking out on you with your daughter on others because they are happy or different. Instead, you should take that pain and use it as strength to put yourself on the path of doing better. It’s not too late.

Todd wipes his tears with his shirt sleeve and glances up at Omnius with tear-filled eyes and what the others can guess was a look of genuine hope.

Todd: Y-you really think so?

Omnius: I know so. When you leave this pub here’s what you are going to do. You are going to clean yourself up, get your act together, go out into the city and find another job. From there, continue to work hard until you feel you are ready to love yourself before learning to love another. I cannot guarantee your wife and daughter will accept you back, but they will at least see that you are a changed man.

Todd: I… thank you, sir. Thank you so much! And I’m so sorry for those things I said to you.

Omnius: Apology accepted. Enjoy the rest of your day, Todd.

Todd: I will! I WILL!

Todd makes his way back to the bar counter. Omnius watches as he finishes his drink, gives Sean a generous tip and leaves with a determined smile on his face before sitting back down.

Everyone in the pub was completely speechless, including Alex, Michael and Violet. They couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed. That man came over ready to start a fight and Omnius turned his whole life around with a few words. The other patrons also couldn’t believe it. Some of them have seen Todd come in here plenty of times, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Nobody was capable of talking sense into him, either because they were afraid to try or they simply didn’t bother. This didn’t stop them from staring, but now they appear more intrigued by his presence rather than weirded out.

Omnius looks over each of his friends' dumbfounded expressions, their jaws all practically on the floor and eyes wide open. He chuckles as he brings his glass to his lips and takes a long sip of water.

Michael: I ju- that- I don’t… What. Just. Happened?!

Alex: I have no idea.

Violet: Me neither. Did you drug that man? I’ve always seen him being rude to my dad. What did you do to him?

Omnius: I simply asked him about his family and comforted him.

Michael: I saw you! You barely said a few words to the guy, and he just went through the five stages of grief in less than a minute! No way you accomplished that by saying a few words!

Omnius: Of course, it was more than that. When I walked in, I noticed Todd sitting alone. People often sit alone and avoid eye contact with others when they are going through hardship. I then notice how he rubs his ring finger as he keeps his head low, narrowing said hardship down to marriage problems. The final clue was the pink teddybear keychain he keeps on his set of keys in his pocket. He is not the type to buy things like that for himself, so I assumed it was a gift from a daughter and came to the conclusion that his family left him behind and he lashes out at others who are happy out of jealousy. A painful reminder of all he had lost.

The three young adults all blink in unison and look at each other. He got all that from the first couple of seconds it took for him to enter the pub and walk over to their booth? “Maybe those different coloured eyes can do more than make him stand out” Violet thought.

Alex: That was amazing, Omnius! Maybe you should become a psychiatrist.

Omnius: (He chuckles) But then who would you rely on to train you, Alex? Not all threats can be dealt with by words alone… Now, getting back to our topic of discussion. Violet, the reason we’re all gathered here at your lovely establishment is because I wanted to personally hear your thoughts on this Aqua Virus I’ve been hearing so much about.

Violet: Um, okay. But why do you need my help?

Omnius: Alex and Michael have already filled me in on what’s happened last night while we were all eating Chinese food – good choice, Michael – and was told you were there. I wish to hear your side of the story so I can see the bigger picture.

Violet: Okay, but I doubt I can tell you anything you haven’t already heard.

Violet clears her throat and tells Omnius everything that had happened in the park that night before it all went down. She recalled how she saw the Aqua Virus reforming from a puddle, weak and depleted. It was harmless at first when it saw her until it suddenly went berserk again and that was when Icesassin arrived, followed by Magna Tech’s robots capturing the creature.

Omnius: Intriguing…

Alex: What is?

Omnius: The Aqua Virus displayed no signs of hostility until Icesassin arrived. If it were like any other monster, it would not have hesitated to kill her.

Michael: It doesn’t matter right now. We still need to come up with a foolproof plan to get inside Magna Tech and figure out what Richard plans to do with it.

Alex: Oh yeah, I almost forgot to ask. Did your dad get back to you on that tour?

Michael: Yeah. Richard agreed to it.

Alex: He did? Huh, I was expecting him to say “no!” Okay, when’s it happening?

Michael: He said we can come by at 12:00pm, Sunday 19th.

Violet: That’s three days from now.

Michael: He says that’s the best he can do. If you ask me, I’d say he’s definitely up to something if he’s holding off till Sunday.

Alex: Okay, so what do we do until then?

Omnius: You can focus on your training. You still have a long way before you can utilise Chaos Control and get your emerald back from that creature.

Alex sighs in response, annoyed that he has to do more training. But he knew it was necessary.

Michael: And I can use this time to draw up a believable background file for Alex, make Richard believe he’s who we say he is.

Violet: What about me?

Omnius: There is nothing you can do for us yet, Violet. For your own safety and Alex’s wellbeing, it is best you remain here with your family and lay low for a while. We cannot endanger you any further.

Violet glances over at Alex who is nodding in agreement with Omnius. As annoyed as she is that she can’t do much to help, she understands where they’re coming from and agrees to stay home.

The group continue their talk until they’ve all finished their drinks. Michael was going over some idea he had for his background check and suggesting that Alex actually puts on something professional for when they do arrive at Magna Tech on Sunday, something that screams “I am a boy genius”. But Alex didn’t own any fancy clothes. Not that it mattered as his chaos energy can form any kind of outfit he wanted with a thought.

Violet chatted with Omnius more, wanting to get to know him better. The way he speaks is like he’s always inspiring to listen to. Either referencing famous quotes or speaking in riddles. How can someone be an open book and a locked safe at the same time?

Eventually the time had come for the three men to head out and begin preparations for Sunday while Violet stays behind. She and Alex hug each other goodbye whilst Michael settles with a handshake. They were the first to head out the door. Omnius hangs back and glances back at Violet over his right shoulder for she had more to say to him.

Violet: You’re certainly everything Alex described, sir.

Omnius: Please, just call me Omnius.

Violet: Oh, okay. Well, Omnius, I just wanted to ask if there really isn’t anything I can do to help? I can do so much more than just stay at home and worry about Alex.

Omnius: I know you can, my dear. But I can see in your eyes that you have many questions of your own to answer first.

Violet: How’d you- Never mind, I can guess.

Omnius: Patience, Violet. Your time will come… If you have questions that need answers, I recommend reading. That is often where the answers lie. It just depends on the right book. Good day.

“Just what did he mean by that?” Violet wondered as she watched the strange and mysterious man exit the pub. She can see why Michael can often get annoyed around someone like him. Omnius seemed like the kind of man who give vague hints rather than a straight answer, hoping the people he teaches manage to figure out the answer themselves. But Alex seemed to like him and she can see why. He is also kind and never considers using violence to end disputes like he did with Todd. Not to mention that generous tip he saw him drop into the charity donations box on the bar counter on his way out. She didn’t think it was possible to meet a pure-hearted man in the kind of world she lives in today. People like him are far and few in between like a dying breed of animal.

Sean: That man dresses weird, but he sure knows how to brighten the place up. Hard to believe that guy is Alex’s father… On second thought, I see it, with the way Alex turned out.

Violet: Oh, Omnius isn’t really his dad. He’s just a good man who took him in and gave him a home.

Sean: You ain’t gotta be blood to be family, sweetheart. As a father myself, I know one when I see one. That Omnius bloke sees Alex as his child, even if they don’t know it yet.

Helen: When did you get so wise all of a sudden?

Helen teased as she places the empty tray back down in its usual place by the bar counter.

Sean: I read a lot of poetry.

Helen: Uh huh, sure you do.

Violet giggles at her parents’ banter. Though her dad’s mention of poetry reminded her of what Omnius just told her about reading a good book. She might find just the “right book” to get the answers she seeks at the library.

Throughout the following three days, each of the group focuses on their own personal agendas whilst preparing for the tour on Sunday, while in actuality they were plotting an undercover operation within Magna Tech to find out what they were up to and what they plan to do with the Aqua Virus.

Most of Omnius’ time was spent training Alex to unlocking Chaos Control, utilising the same training method from last time: Have Alex sit cross-legged on the round wooden pallet with the full weight of the waterfall crashing down on him. The weather was also very cold and dull with strong winds blowing in from the north, making the training even more intense than last time.

It took several hours of trial and error until Alex was able to keep himself upright. But that was only the first part. He needed to remain still in that position for as long as it took.

Alex: H-h-how long d-d-do I h-h-have to h-h-h-hold this p-p-pose?!

His whole body was shivering under the cold waterfall combined with the strong wind. He could feel his fingers and toes going numb already.

Omnius: Until you feel your aura flowing with time itself. To do that, your body must be pushed to the limit. If it cannot handle the pressure of the waterfall or the biting wind, how do you expect it to handle the pressure of time or the power of the Aqua Virus, which increases with every second it feeds off the emerald you carelessly lost?

Alex: H-hey! I d-did’t lose it! That m-m-monster s-s-stole it!

Omnius: Whatever the case, without it you must train the abilities you still have beyond the limits of peak physical condition… Stop focusing on the cold and how uncomfortable you are. Close your eyes, clear your mind, and feel the chaos energy flowing through your veins. Once you disregard all the distractions, you will feel time itself flowing around you.

Alex tries his hardest to pay attention to what Omnius was saying but he endless pouring of the waterfall onto his head and the lake beneath him made it difficult to concentrate. He was convinced that what Omnius was asking of him was impossible. But as he once said before, “the task is only impossible because you have deemed it so.” Implying that it can be done. But his impatience wasn’t helping him.

Whenever he wasn’t training, Alex used his free time to complete requests for the Chaos Chord app, helping the people. While he still gets the occasional meaningless task, more people have been taking the app more seriously and posted real dangers like an apartment building going up in flames, someone lost in the woods, he even saved a young teenager from committing suicide and brought him to a place where he can get the help he needs free of charge.

Other times he would visit Violet and spend time with her at the Rising Sun pub. And most recently, he visited Michael at his new home. It was his first time ever coming over too. Michael has had his own place for a while now. Chase helped purchase it for him. It once served as an undercover base of operations for two soldiers going undercover as a married gay couple. It was part of a mission to spy on the house across the road which was said to be the home of a drug kingpin named Doug Carter.

The neighbourhood was quiet and not full of high-tech robots patrolling the streets, security cameras, holographic product placements or tall skyscrapers. Just a nice piece of rural Britain left untouched from the war.

The inside of Michael’s house wasn’t all that impressive compared to the monastery or Chase’s big mansion, but it served its purpose just fine for the young Mercer. He was happy with it. Though he would admit to himself that it can get lonely at times with just him. Maybe he should adopt a cat or something, he thought.

Alex is in Michael’s bedroom watching him typing away on a computer screen. The computer he’s using was an older model compared to what Magna Tech is making today, but it worked like new thanks to all the upgrades he gave it. He was forging A graduation certificate from New London Imperial College to use as proof of who they claim him to be.

Alex: Are you sure this is gonna work, Michael? What if they try to identify it with scans or something?

Michael: They won’t. This PC has built-in Aegis-grade encryption technology leftover from when this house was used for a sting operation. Besides, even if they do eventually figure out this certificate is fake it’ll be too late. We’ll be out of there with the evidence before they notice. Hopefully.

Alex: Not very reassuring.

Michael: It’s the best plan we’ve got that doesn’t involve breaking in and causing chaos.

He then clicks ‘print’ and waits for the computer to print out the forged certificate. It has Alex’s face on it along with his name, age, date of birth and the subject he was certified in which was a degree in science.

Alex: I’m still not very confident in this plan of yours. I feel like I’m gonna mess it up and they’re gonna see right through my act.

Michael: That’s why we’re having Omnius come with us, posing as a science professor. Hopefully he will do all the convincing for you. Throughout the tour, all attention will be focused on the two of you, allowing me to slip away and sneak into the labs, find the Aqua Virus and kill it.

Alex: And how exactly are you going to slip Frost Fang through security without it getting confiscated? It doesn’t exactly blend in.

Michael: Let me worry about that. You focus on memorising those lines I texted you.

The sound of the printer finishing its job alerts Michael, drawing him over to it so he can pull out the piece of paper and give it a good look over. He nods in satisfaction with the results.

Michael: Okay, we’re in business. You are now officially Alex Laytham, graduate of Imperial College with a degree in science and technology!

Alex: Eh, I still don’t like the sound of that.

Michael: It’s only temporary. Just remember everything I told you and it’ll be over… Oh, and you need to dress up nicely for the internship. Dad mentioned it’s formal attire.

Alex: You mean, I gotta wear a suit?

Michael nods and brings up a photo on his phone of a particular suit he had in mind for Sunday. But as soon as Alex laid eyes on it, he was immediately against the idea.

Alex: No way! Never! That looks way too tight, especially the tie… No, you can forget it. I am NOT wearing that straitjacket you call a suit and that’s final!

Sunday 19th, 12:00pm.

The day of the tour and the undercover mission had finally arrived. It was fortunate that it is taking place on a much nicer, sunny day compared to the cold windy and cloudy days they’ve been having leading up to it. Alex, Michael and Omnius are all walking side by side towards Magna Tech headquarters. They all look up at the five gigantic towers all connected through several bridges, with the one in the centre standing as the tallest of them all, bearing the MT logo on the front.

Alex is currently pulling on his tie, trying to loosen it around his neck because it was too tight. In the end he was forced to wear the suit Michael picked out for him, which they rented from a tailor shop for today. Alex hated it. Sure, it looked nice and presentable for the people at Magna Tech, but boy did it feel uncomfortable to walk around in, even if it were in his size. It was restricting his movement, and Alex was afraid to take bigger steps out of fear he might rip the trousers and embarrass himself. It would also mean he’d have to pay for it if it were damaged.

Alex: Grr, I hate this death trap!

Michael: Keep it together, Alex.

Alex: Easy for you to say, you’re not wearing a suit, and neither is Omnius.

Alex suddenly stops as they reach the bottom of the stairs and turns to Omnius.

Alex: Now that I think about it, are you actually planning on entering a company building dressed like that or do you have a suit?

Omnius chuckles and raises a finger at him. He then leaves the two friends all of a sudden and walks behind a parked lorry far to the right, disappearing from sight as he walked around the back. When he reemerged from the front end a few minutes later, he was dressed in a fancy white suit, white shiny shoes and a turquoise tie with sakura blossoms on it. His long hair is tied back in a ponytail, and his long staff had transformed into a sleek, shiny wooden walking cane with a golden handle. As he expected, the looks on their faces were the same as the ones they displayed at Sean’s pub. One of dumbfounded astonishment.

Omnius: Shall we?

Alex and Michael continue to stand there with their shocked expressions still frozen on their faces for a couple of seconds until inevitably snapping out of it and rush up the stairs to catch up with him.

Michael: What the hell is up with this guy?! Is he magic or something?! I guess it would explain some things, but magic’s not real-

A sudden flashback to his first day at Aegis manifests in his mind at the mention of magic. He remembered Chase talking about it briefly as he gave him the tour of the base.

Past Michael: Magic? You saying it actually exists?

Chase: Not anymore it doesn’t. But there was once a time when it did.

Michael: Dad mentioned magic existing once centuries ago. The fact that it is real doesn’t mean that it’s completely gone. Omnius must be one of the very few people in the world who still know it… It also explains why he’s isolated from the rest of the world.

Alex: Hurry up, Michael!

Alex called from the top of the stairs, prompting Michael to cease his train of thought and focus on the mission.

The trio reach the entrance and wait for the camera above the revolving door to finish scanning them before they’re allowed to enter. Alex can feel his nerves screaming at him to run, fearing they’d detect his chaos energy. But surprisingly, the camera flashed a green light, giving them clearance to enter the building. Alex lets loose along relived sigh and follows Michael and Omnius inside.

None of them had ever seen the inside of Magna Tech before. They were blown away by how crisp and massive the lobby was with its shiny white marble flooring, rounded walls and exotic potted plants displayed throughout the room. In the centre of the room was a black marble statue of the founder himself holding the Earth in his hand. Symbolism for how much influence over the planet Magna Tech has.

Alex: Huh, talk about narcissism. It’s like he’s purposefully telling the world he’s better than us.

Receptionist: Hello, may I help you?

Asks the receptionist as she watched them approach the desk. Michael takes charge and speaks on their behalf.

Michael: Hello! yes, my name’s Michael Mercer. This is my friend, Alex, and his college professor, Orson Baxter.

Omnius: How do you do, ma’am?

Alex: Hello.

Michael: We’re here to see Mister Magna, for that tour he promised us.

Receptionist: Ah, you’re here for the internship.

She checks her watch. The time time shows that its now 12:13.

Receptionist: You are a bit late. The other interns left with the tour guide a few minutes ago. But they’re still in the lobby, you should find them. I just need you to sign in please.

She hands them the paperwork, a pen and three guest badges. Michael quickly signs his name then passes it over to Alex who does the same and then to Omnius. After signing his name, he gives the paper and pen back to the receptionist and they are finally free to enter the lobby and catch up with a small group of young teenagers accompanied by a few adults who they assumed were teachers also. The trio pin their badges to the right side of their upper body as they join the group.

The tour guide was in the middle of a historic lesson about how Magna Tech was founded. He points the group in the direction of a holographic video showing the current life of Richard Magna. They seemed to have missed most of the story, not that it mattered.

Tour Guide: …after the Monster War decimated so many of the companies we relied on for cars, computers, and such, it was Magna Tech that rose up and filled in the holes left behind by the monsters. Our great city of London was rebuilt bigger and stronger than ever. All of this happened because one man, who had been kicked down by life, got back up and refused to stay down. He gave up all he knew to give us what we needed. The world owes Richard Magna everything.

The group applauded the guide as the video ended with the image of Richard Magna standing with his arms spread out in front of the Magna Tech building. Alex and Michael scoff at the guide’s over exaggerated praise but clap nonetheless to keep up appearances.

Tour Guide: Before we start the tour, does anyone have any questions?

A few students raise their hands instantly. However, the raised arm of Omnius immediately got his attention over the others for one particular reason.

Tour Guide: Yes, you there. The tall handsome one in the back. What’s your name, sir?

Omnius: Professor Orson Baxter. I was curious to know if we’ll be meeting the CEO himself.

Tour Guide: I see. Unfortunately, Mister Magna is a busy man and doesn’t have the time. He is most likely in his office now as we speak… Any other questions?

This time it was Michael who raised his hand. Though he had to wait until the first two students picked got to ask their questions first before he gets his turn.

Tour Guide: Alright, we got time for one more question before we move on… lets go with you, the one in the long black coat.

Michael: Thanks. Out of curiosity, are there any special projects Magna Tech are working on that’ll affect the city in any way? Y’know like a new type of robot, stuff like that.

Tour Guide: Umm, I… don’t think it’s in my jurisdiction to answer that question. I’m just a tour guide. You’d have to ask the many scientists working in the labs on the upper levels… Right then, that’s enough questions for today, let us begin the tour. Everyone, follow me please.

The group all follow behind the tour guide down the hallway on the right, one of the bridges leading to the front east tower. Alex, Michael and Omnius stay at the back of the group, whispering to each other as they walked.

Michael: Okay, so we know that Richard’s currently in his office and they are definitely planning something they don’t want the public to know about.

Alex: Then we better find out what it is.

Michael: You two stay with the group, I’m going to head up to the upper levels, see what I can find out.

Michael points them over to the elevators in the centre of the room. Next to it was a door with a fire exit sign above and a sign on the left side that reads “Emergency Staircase”.

Alex: You’re seriously gonna climb all those stairs to the top?

Michael: They’ll most likely have cameras in the lifts with heat sensors, so my cloaking device will be useless.

Alex: Wait, you have cloaking technology?!

Michael: Yep. Dad let me keep the equipment I used at Aegis. Sadly, I had to leave Frost Fang at home. Like you said, there’s no way I could sneak a big ice sword through security.

Omnius: Do not worry, Michael. If things go south and we are in a position where we must fight, just call out to Frost Fang and she will come to your aid.

Michael: What?! You didn’t tell me Aura Blades can do that?!

Omnius: You did not ask. Now hurry, we are about to enter the hallway.

Alex: Good luck, Michael.

As they enter the hallway, listening to the tour guide, Michael casually walks off in the opposite direction, trying not to draw any suspicion from the security robots stationed in the corners of the room or the cameras surveying the building. But rather than head straight for the staircase straight away, he first goes to the public men’s bathroom.

Once inside he hides in the furthest stall, rolls up his left sleeve and activates his cloaking device. His whole body is turned invisible in an instant. He exits the stall and checks himself out in the mirror, at least he tries to. He couldn’t see himself, which made him relieved to know that it worked.

He quietly waits by the door, waiting for someone to open the door so he can slip out without drawing suspicion. One of the cameras was pointed at the bathroom doors. If they captured footage of the doors opening by themselves, it would certainly raise the alarms.

He repeats this move with the door leading to the stairs, waiting for someone to come out so he can slip inside. The moment he arrived at the bottom of the stairs he slowly tilts his head up and groaned silently at the many, many stairs he’s going to have to climb.

Michael: Oh… f u c k.

He angrily thought to himself as he began the long ascent. He didn’t start to feel the fatigue in his legs until he reached the fourth level and groans with pure frustration as he glanced at the top and bottom, comparing how much progress he’s made so far.

Michael: So many fucking stairs! I wish I had a pair of wings so I could fly straight up.

Letting out a deep, frustrated sigh, he clambers on up. The worst part of this was that he needed to check each individual floor to see what kind of projects are underway until he finds the one that sounds remotely close to what he’s looking for. He’s gonna be a very long time. Hopefully Alex and Omnius can keep up the charade long enough.

High up on the 27th floor in the special projects laboratory, Doctor Wasp has been taking his time examining the clone of Alice, who is currently sitting up straight on an examination table wearing a hospital gown. She was growing bored and frustrated with being cooped up in this lab for hours during the last three days since she woke up in the pod. Granted, not every day was dedicated to testing. She often received a visit from her father and the two of them would chat for a while, talking about the past. Richard’s intention for that wasn’t nostalgia, but to truly see if the clone really did have all of the original Alice’s memories down to the tiniest of details. And she did. She even recalled this one time when she was seven years old, she accidentally knocked a bottle of old wine off the kitchen counter and spilled it all over the floor and how furious Richard was with her, shouting about how priceless that wine was.

Right now, Adrian was examining her blood under a microscope, checking for any signs of instability in her DNA. His back is turned to Alice who still can’t get over his ugly appearance. Staring at him may just be the only true source of entertainment she had. Before when she first awakened, she couldn’t properly see Doctor Wasp’s appearance. Now that her vision is clear and focused, it was all she wanted to see.

Adrian’s antennae twitch all of a sudden, catching her off guard.

Dr Wasp: I can sense your eyes staring at me, Alice. Please have a little more patience. I’m checking your blood for infections.

Alice: Sorry, Doc, I just can’t help but stare… How did you get like this? You weren’t born this way, were you?

Dr Wasp: Of course not. (He sighs deeply) Look, I don’t have the time to talk right now. I need to concentrate on finishing these tests.

Alice: Ugh! How much longer is this gonna take?! I’ve been locked up in this lab for three days now! I want to go home and see my mum, General Mercer and Michael. They deserve to know that I’m alright. They probably think I’m dead.

Dr Wasp: Like art, you cannot rush science. Try to understand that your body was in-

Alice: Critical condition when you found me in the rubble, I know. You’ve told me that like a hundred times!

Adrian ignores her rude remark and moves over to his computer to thoroughly look through the readings on the screen, checking Alice’s vitals. He was more focused on making sure the cloning process was a complete success than the clone itself. Alice had this gut feeling that there was something more to all these tests than just her health state. There’s something Adrian’s not telling her.

But her thoughts were quickly interrupted by the sudden appearance of the AI, Matthew, manifesting to their right by the door in the holographic form of a younger Richard. (Around Alice’s age now)

Matthew: Apologies for the intrusion, Doctor, but Mister Magna demands an update from you in person regarding his daughter.

Dr Wasp: Then why doesn’t he come down here personally like usual?

Matthew: The internship tour is underway on the bottom floor. Mister Magna thought it best not to draw suspicion by spending too much time in this lab.

Alice: What would my father need to avoid suspicion about?

Dr Wasp: Very well. Inform him that I’m on my way now.

Matthew instantly disappears as soon as he received his new orders. Doctor Wasp stands up from his chair, puts his computer into rest mode and prepares to leave the lab, but not without giving Alice the same instructions he gave her every time he had to leave.

Dr Wasp: Remain in the lab until my return. I will send someone to keep an eye on you.

Alice: Sure thing, Doc.

She sarcastically muttered with her arms crossed. She waits a few minutes to make sure he’s gone in case he unexpectedly comes back. When she’s sure he wouldn’t, she gets down from the table and stands up on her bare feet. She attempts to log into the computer, trying to figure out what Adrian was doing, but to no surprise, it was password protected.

Alice: Urgh! Why are Dad and Doctor Vespa keeping things from me?! More importantly, why are they so insistent on keeping me here?! Everyone deserves to know that I survived…

Her voice stuttered as she recalled the events of the Reading mission. She remembered leading Wolf Squad into the ruins in the hope of finding and terminating Chernabog, the last remaining Alpha Class Monster. She remembers jumping out of the helicopter and forcing the winged demon down to Earth and laying helplessly under the rubble of the building.

Alice: …I did survive, right? Or did I? I-I was meters away from the point of impact. No human could survive a missile strike from that close…. I was certain that I was going to die… yet here I am.

She wanders slowly over to the Cellular Regenerator pod she climbed out of and places her open palm on the glass. Her mind was being flooded with questions regarding her revival. There is this tiny part of her that was unconvinced she survived the explosion. It felt too miraculous for her liking.

All this thinking was starting to give her a headache. She turns to the desk with the computer and locks eyes on a water bottle Adrian gave her. She immediately grabs it and practically chugs the contents within like a parched lizard in a desert.

The whole time she’d been cared for in that lab she never once realised that she was never alone. In the far-right corner of the room is the titanium and glass box containing the Aqua Virus which had chosen to remain still and quiet in its cage, observing everything from the tiny glass triangle window. It’s eyes narrow as it watches Alice drinking the entire bottle of water. It could sense her water levels rising within her body. Its patience has paid off. Now was the time to act.

The creature slams its huge claw against the plexiglass wall within the titanium shell covering, startling Alice and causing her to drop the empty water bottle and dart her head over towards the box.

Alice slowly approaches the cage, quickly grabbing a scalpel from the surgery tray and holds it up high, ready to attack whatever was in there. She for sure heard a growl inside there and her long experience fighting monsters told her that there was something not of this world inside.

As soon as she gets close enough, she leans her head towards the small window and peers inside. It was dark in there from the outside, making it difficult to see what is inside.

Then suddenly it appears right in front of her, pressing its right green reptilian-like eye against the window. Alice screams in response to the jump-scare and tries to make a dash for the exit. But her body wouldn’t move. She was forcibly fixed in place. The Aqua Virus somehow managed to take control of the water in her body, manipulating her like a puppet on strings, keeping her gaze locked on it.

The monster’s eye started to ripple as it stared deep into Alice’s eyes. She can feel the struggle against the creature’s hold on her weakening the longer she looks into its eye. She can feel her mind fading with each passing second. Her eyelids grow heavy and the feeling in her body was withering.

It was at this moment that a female scientist enters the lab. She was the one Adrian sent to supervise the clone in his absence. But she did not expect to walk in on the clone standing close to the cage with her back turned to her.

Female Scientist: Um, Alice? Is everything alright?

She asked, but there was no reply. Alice is just standing completely still. Not so much as a flinch or tremble. She was like a statue.

Female Scientist: … Alice? Please step back from there and get back on the table… Alice?

The scientist quietly uttered as she cautiously closes the gap between them. Once she was close enough, Alice finally reacts and slowly turns herself around to greet the weary scientist.

The woman froze on the spot and covers her mouth as her eyes widened with pure horror at the sight standing before her. Alice was standing in front of her, but something was very wrong with her. Her eyes are glowing bright green just like the Aqua Virus. But when she opened her mouth, water started pouring out, dripping down her hospital gown and onto the floor. It looked like there was no end to the flow of water. It just kept pouring out of her mouth. Her face is expressing a creepy wide grin, and her eyes were intensely focused on the woman, like she was staring down at her helpless prey. Her veins are becoming visible and turn blue as her skin turns pale.

The poor woman trembles with fear, dropping the clipboard she was carrying. Once the genuine shock had passed just enough, her instincts screamed at her to make a run for the door and pull the fire alarm.

Female Scientist: H-h-HELP! CALL SECURITY-

Unfortunately, she wasn’t fast enough to outrun the possessed Alice clone who lunges her arms at her shoulders, pulls her back and turns her around. Then, without warning, Alice places an open-mouth kiss on the woman’s lips. All that water she was exuding is being force-fed down the woman’s throat, contaminating her body with whatever it was that had control over her. Through the glass the Aqua Virus narrows its eyes again and let's loose a low growl, like its pleased at how things played out.

The woman’s body spasms out of control like she’s experiencing a seizure. Her body soon began undergoing the same changes as Alice. Her skin goes pale and her veins visibly appear blue for anyone to see. The woman’s eyes roll back as she drowns in Alice’s kiss of death. Her eyelids slowly close and her body goes limp. That was when Alice finally let go and let her body drop to the floor, wiping her mouth with her elbow.

It didn’t take too long for the woman to begin to stir after passing out. A low gurgling sound echoes inside the lab as the second victim of the Aqua Virus’ possession slowly rises to her feet. Water began to ooze from her mouth, and her eyes have changed from brown to bright green, just like Alice.

Alice: Release him. I am going to have a word with Daddy.

She eerily uttered, her voice sounding similar to a zombie with a gargling effect to it due to the endless water pouring out her mouth. The female scientist responds with a low gurgling growl before slowly turning to face the cage. She eyes the control panel on the wall beside it. She presses the unlock button, deactivating the containment. She then slams her whole fist into it, causing sparks to fly out everywhere. With the controls destroyed, there was no way they could re-contain the monster.

This is exactly what the Aqua Virus was hoping for. It was pleased to see that all that time it spent waiting in the dark and the silence of its cage has yielded results. It has grown powerful enough to control the water in the bodies of living creatures, manipulating them like puppets.

The titanium covering rises, exposing the entire plexiglass box to the brightness of the lab. Then the glass walls began to lower into the floor, finally freeing the beast. Now that its free, it can finally go after the energy signature it detected the first time it arrived in New London. As well as take vengeance upon those who were arrogant enough to think they could keep it contained forever.

To Be Continued