Chimwemwe's Pov
"And there you go all done." Suwi stepped back, dusted my lapels, and then fused with my collar. "Look at that. I did an amazing job, don't you think?"
I turned towards one of the many tall mirrors in the hall. I was wearing a black suit courtesy of Mrs. Dutch which had the pillar symbol neatly embedded in the tie and jacket.
Suwi was wearing a fancy purple dress with a diamond symbol below them and purple heels to match, she had on some earnings, and had ribbon on her hair though she had to do redo her hair fast because earlier some eel guy electrocuted them and messed it up when he tried to steel Lusungu's drone.
(Like I said not good with fashion so you guys can imagine better outfits)
"Yeah thanks Suwi."
"Anytime Chicky." She smiled." But you of all people really don't know how to tie your own tie? It's part of our school uniform."
I shrugged my shoulders. "Meh, waste of time."
That mischievous sparkle flared in her eyes. "Ah I get it. Too cool and busy to learn how to properly make a tie but still make time to know how to tie your pretty peekaboo hair." She flickered on one of my bangs. "Speaking of your hair color. Is it like a family thing?"
"I think so. Aunt Minerva actually has blonde hair with black spots in it. She just dyes it brown for some reason." It really wasn't a big deal with all the unique appearances all over this world.
Suwi jaws dropped. "Seriously!? Why would she hide that? I bet she would look a lot more gorgeous if she went natural."
"Ahem- are the both of you finished?" Apex Owl called out from across the room.
We nodded and went into the empty lounge room where the others were also waiting.
Vincent and Lusungsu were wearing similar suits to me except Vincent had a tree symbol on his tie and Lusungu's had a gear.
And Daniella was wearing a soft ocean blue dress with silver ripples, silver shoes.
"Alright." Apex owl said, scanning us. "Before we go, does anyone need the bathroom? Last minute adjustments? No? Good Lets move."
We exited the room.
Danellia let out a long sigh. "So…we're going to walk into a room full of elites. Even some from overseas. Anybody else getting a bit nervous here?"
Suwi raised an eyebrow at the older girl."Hmm nervous? Dani, you literally breezed through the debut party and had no problem purifying those rivers on camera."
"Yeah but that was different." Danielle muttered. "Those were a bit more controlled you know so they felt more safe. But tonight? These people basically own the country."
Mrs. Dutch turned to her. "Relax dear. if you properly studied the etiquette pamphlet I gave you then you'll do perfectly fine."
I noticed Lusugu was a bit more quiet and fatigued a little. "Problem Lus?" I asked him.
"Mr. Rafiq said he wants to show some investors my prototypes. S-So I'm a little nervous too." He explained showing me a ball.
I looked at the sphere a bit "Oh that adaptive sphere you've been working on huh? I'm sure they will like it"
"The two of them are right to be nervous and honestly so should the rest of you." Apex owl spoke. "The people you're going to meet are highly influential and if you handle this well, you gain a good head start in your hero careers. SO remember to be professional and respectful especially you Caçar"
"Hm?" My ears perked up.
Mrs. Dutch quickly cut in."It's not that Apex Owl is trying to personally attack you Chimzey. You just… don't have no media training than the others so it's just best for you to be more mindful"
"Alright I hear you." I nodded and I saw Vincent holding back a laugh but it really wasn't serious so I let it go.
Suwi tapped my shoulder to get my attention. "It's okay Chicky, I don't think that Apex Owl likes me much either. So we're suffering together." She whispered.
Apex Owl looked at his watch. "Times up. Alright I'll see you all after lunch."
"Wait, you're not going with us?" asked Lusungu.
He shook his head. "I didn't get a special pass to go like you all did. I'll be a Grey hippo with some patrols today."
"Wait, you know Grey Hippo!" Daniella brightened instantly.
"Yes I do. We've worked together for a bit."
Her cheeks fleshed "Can you please get an autograph for me and my siblings too. Please."
He simply nodded and walked off in the other direction to his business.
"Alright children, let's go." Mrs. Dutch directed us to the ballroom.
We got to the front door and Mrs. Dutch showed them a paper letting us in the room. The others minus Suwi let out awe sounds in the room. While they were busy with that I nose twitched and my ears rose as the aroma of the food entered my nostrils.
"This place is nice but the colors and designs clash a little bit. They could use less gold and more white. It would give it a bit more personality." Suwi said unimpressed.
"Oh since when did you become a decor expert?" asked Danielle.
"What can I say? This stuff is in my lane." But her eyes softened a bit. "This place has legit security right?"
As we walked in, my nose twitched as it caught the scent of all the delicious food in the area. From meat, fish, prone, crabs and fish. With everyone admiring the room I couldn't help myself and slipped away without them noticing.
End of Pov
The four moved towards Mr. Rafiq as some eyes landed towards them watching them like they were prey of sorts which made the kids minus Suwi feel really nervous.
"Welcome Mrs. Dutch and my pillars…" He greeted them warmly but frowned when he noticed that one of them was missing. "A shame I see Chimwemwe decided not to attend"
"What!" Mrs. Dutch's eyes widened and she began to frantically look around. "He was just… When did he!?"
Danella tapped on her fin ears "I thought he came to us. Did you see where he went Lus?"
Lusungu shook his head.
"Apex Owl just warned him not to do this shit! Maybe you should put a chain on like people do their dogs sometimes" Vincent scoffed and rolled eyes.
This comment got a nasty glare from Suwi. "Hey don't ever say that about him again, do you hear me you over ground weed." She said a bit heated making Vincent raise an eyebrow, Mrs. Dutch, Danielle and Lusungu worry a fight will break out and Mr. Rafiq just observe the conversation.
Her mood quickly shifted as she waved her hand nonchalantly. "And Chimzey did come in with us. He probably saw something cool or smelled some good food. He'll come back."
"Mr. Rafiq I'm sorry about this. Mrs.Dutch sighed in frustration. I'll go find him-."
"No need." Mr. Rafiq raised a calm hand. "As Suwi said, he's still inside. He'll return when finished."
"Are you sure sir?" She was a bit surprised by his relaxed reaction.
"Yes." He said simply. "The boy is perceptive enough not to cause trouble."
This response made Dainelle, Suwi and Lusungu sighed in relief that at least Chimzey won't be in trouble, however Vincent was a bit of a different story as he had a deep but confused frown.
He wondered why Mr. Rafiq seemed to have a soft spot for Chimwemwe. Even when he missed training, when he wasn't at events or generally not showing that much interest in everything concerning the project. If anything he should have been kicked out a while ago. He used to think that it was because of his powerful quirk but now I thought something else was going on. Sure it still pissed him off that he was getting away with something he shouldn't have but he was just more confused now.
'Is Chimwemwe's aunt making some secret deals with Mr. Rafiq?' He scratched his brunch horn.
They walked slowly towards their designated table but every few meters someone stopped Rafiq ranging from natives of Nyasaland to some foreigners coming literally different shapes and sizes from business giants, some really rich heroes, but some very few politicians . All with various reaction to them
"Ah these must be the Pillars!"
"Such young talents!"
"You all have some impressive quirks"
"So this is the future of the hero industry!"
Some people did develop personal interest in them from their quirks and Lusungu did get the attention of some with his prototype invention.
When they were near their table Prophet Moyo glided towards them with measured grace, the white robe shimmering under the ballroom lights. The veiled nun followed silently, rosary swaying. The armored guardian walked behind like a living mountain.
Mr. Rafiq. It seems you surrounded yourself with blessed young souls." Prophet Moyo's voice was warm and gentle.
"Prophet Moyo. It's always an honor." The two men respectfully shock hands. "Allow me to introduce you to the future of Nyasaland's hero industry."
Mrs. Dutch and each one of the pillars greeted him.
Prophet Moyo's gaze moved across the pillars silently each one and flashed a bright smile. "It's a great honor to meet the future top heroes of Nyasaland. The lord has truly blessed you all with amazing quirks. I can tell you all have blessed futures ahead and I look forward to seeing your journey."
This caused all the kids to smile as they felt warm at the man's praise. And even though Vincent never heard of the Prophet till today he was very appreciative of his praise.
Prophet Moyo's eye landed on Danielle making her straighten her.
"You are Danielle." He said, voice rich and soothing. "The Mami Wata of Nyasaland. The child who breathes life back into rivers."
Daniella stiffened. "Y..yes, Prophet."
"I have watched the videos," he continued, eyes warm. "I have seen the lakes you cleansed. The purity you restore. The compassion in your hands. Your quirk is a heavenly gift young one. Meant for someone whose heart flows with Kindness"
Danielle's cheeks glowed. "I-I'ts nothing really. I just want to purify the waters of Nyasaland."
"And you are." Moyo stepped back. "If you ever wish to expan your reach… to heal deaper waters… our church will welcome you. With guidance, support, and prayer. Together, we could bring clean water to ever forgotten child in this nation." He turned to armored man who nodded took out a small box from it revealing a small silver necklace with a glass droplet containing purified water, blessed by the church. "This is a special gift from the church to think you for your sevices."
Danielle was being overwhelmed a bit but composed herself a bit and took the necklace. "T-Thnak you very much. I-I would be honored to one day work besides the church."
"Of course." Moyo with a serene smile. "The Lord never forces a door- He simply opens it. You need only walk when you're ready."
He bowed his head in farewell and drifted past with his entourage.
At the table
"Congradulations Danielle. I told you have nothing to worry to about." Mrs. Dutch grinned happily at the 14 year old mermaid. "What do you think sir?"
Mr. Rafiq stroked his beard a bit. "Well she could have conducted herself with more confidence but overall. You should feel proud of yourself Danielle because the pillar project will now be working with the Chapel. You should be proud of yourself"
"Yeah congrats Dani!" said Lusungu.
"Nice job Dani." Vincent smiled and nodded
Suwi hugged her from the side." Those videos really did boost your credit. Congrats Dani."
"Thanks everyone."Danielle said while her face was still a little red and looked at her necklace.
With Chimwemwe
Finding a long table with samples of food pieces ranging from beef, chicken, fish, fruit pieces etc. I asked the waiters if I could get some pieces and they said no problem handing me a plate letting me select which samples I wanted.
Though I noticed my microwaves picked up, the waitress's body temperature was a bit colder than others around, but it must have been her quirk. Though I did notice she eyed me just a tad bit but I didn't really care unless she had a problem with me, so I left to find the others.
"So we met again, mphaka boy?" I heard a familiar voice and I turned to see Malaika a few feet away from me wearing a white-black dress. Her wings weren't present on her back so either they were retractable or they manifested.
"Oh sup bird girl." I have a simple piece sign.
She placed a hand on her hip, feathers twitching ever so slightly. "You really just called me that?"
"Hm guess if the feathers fit." I shrugged and took a bite of the final piece of beef. "So you stalking me now?"
She narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion. "Don't dare us that line against me Magnet boy. Though I never thought I'd run into someone like you at a place like this."
"What can I say? It's a small word."
"So tell me Mphaka what are you doing here really? Have come to form alliances and if so I would have thought the members of your tribe would be smart enough to send just a single person."
I raised an eyebrow at her statement."What the hell are you talking about alliances? You think you're living in some sort of a political drama or something? I'm just here for a trip, it's not that serious."
"Wel…"
"There you are hatchling. I was wondering where you flew off to." A calm rich female voice cut through the air behind us.
A woman standing at the height of 5 '10 walked towards us. She had silver eyes and deep ebony skin like Malaika, graying black coiled hair, feather markings along her temples- crests like a crown, behind her a pair of silver-gray wings, and talon arms and long talon legs. She wore a flowing deep -blue gown trimmed with silver threads and feather shoulders.
(She's has features of a secretary bird if you are wondering)
"I'm sorry grandma… I was just talking to someone." Malaika apologized, making some bird noises.
Grandma huh. They sort of remind me of that filthy old crow I fought some years ago. Wait oh shit I hope they're not related.
"It's alright hatchling just make sure not to fly off like we have an important meeting we have to attend today." She spoke sternly, making Malaika nodded. "Now aren't you going to introduce me to your young friend."
" 'Ahem' Grandmother this is Chimwemwe Caçar but he prefers the name Chimzey and I just met him today." Don't know why she emphasized that last part.
"Hello ma'am it's nice to meet you." I politely waved at her.
She took a good look at me "I see. What a handsome young man you are. You must be a direct member of Amadala's blood. By my guess you must be your grandson, am I correct?"
I raised my eyebrow"Wait you know my grandma"
"Well young lion you can say your grandmother and I have a past together. And as I could tell you were her direct kin I could never mistake those eyes and faces" She smiled mysteriously. "Though I would love to chat more and tell you stories of your grandmother in her wild youthful days, unfortunately we have urgent business to attend to. Come hatchling."
"Yes, grandma. See you soon Chimzey and I'm curious to find out how powerful you are if what my grandma says about Caçar kin is true and you're more of a challenge than the other one." Malaika and her grandma left.
That last part really comes out of knowing where she didn't strike as the type but m but I didn't think about it much though what she meant by the other one.
'Well that was interesting.' I threw the paper plate into the bin a little far away.
"Wow, nice shot kid." A tall, lean man with a smooth dark complexion,, he had eight red eyes (two normal and six smaller ones), and six arms. He wore a perfectly tailored brown suit with which accompanied his six arms, golden tiepins and cufflinks and some brown timbs. "Hey there." He smirked and winked with one of his eyes.
"A-Anasi." My voice cracked a bit as this was the head of Nyasaland's biggest entertainment media company in the country.
He laughed and made a mock bow. " Ha! Yes, that's me the one and only. But you can relax a little Caçar you don't have to be so tense around me."
'Wait hold up he was that guy in the large coat earlier today?' I closely observed. "Oh man let me guess you know me through the tribe?" My question caused him to laugh.
"Oh no but you could say your father and I were great friends back in the day. So just for that you can call me uncle Anasi. Though I can see Simon's genes didn't put much of a fight. But at least you still have his electricity." He smirked at my suprised face. "I know you got questions and I could answer them now but that won't be any fun. It's always fun leaving the audience in suspense." He walked off.
"Woah hold on you can't just drop that bomb and walk away!" I tried to run after him but he disappeared in the crowd. "Fuck." I cursed.
Oh fuck this all this people knowing me is causing me to had a little mind whiplash. I just want to sit down, listen to some music and eat some food.
It didn't take me long to find the others, so I just sat on the empty seat beside Suwi and Lusungu ignoring the looks they were giving me.
"Y…"
"Shut up." I immediately shut down not being in the mood for Vincent's hating ass comments.
"You okay Chicky." Suwi asked worriedly.
"Yeah just getting over a little whiplash."
"What?"
Mr. Rafiq decided to speak in a neutral tone. "It's good you finally decided to join us, Chimwemwe. I hope you have a proper reason for separating from the group earlier."
"Yeah I'm really sorry that. I was called by woman surname of Mbingu and wanted to talk about something." I lied. Now I have o idea if Malaika's family is influential or not but it was the best excuse I had, and judging by Mr. Rafiq's experssion I can say it worked at least.
"Mbingu you say?" He asked and I nodded. "I completely understand. I hope you are productive in your talk with her. The Mbingu's are a very influential family in the country."
"Wow, first Danielle and now Chicky's gotten the attention of some higher ups. I need to step up my networking game!" declared Suwi
"Wait did I miss?" I asked them.
They explained their encounter with the Prophet Moyo and how he was interested in Danielle specially and offered her a chance to work with them sometime and even gave her a necklace. Which made me wonder, did he carry that around with him or did he specifically plan to meet Danielle.
It could be nothing but I heard enough about who a lot of mega-church be acting behind the scenes.
"Oh that explains why her cheeks are flaring up. It suits you though." I hummed looking at the necklace.
"Hey come on don't say that!" Danielle shyly covered her cheeks in embarrassment causing the others to chuckle and here I thought she was the more cool one.
After ordering my food than took out my phone connecting it to my hearing aid and began to listen to some music, and just lazily laid on the table tuning out the world around me and just let the music take me away. It at-least let me not mind at all these people may or not having family ties to me.
With nothing better to do, I turned on my radar for a bit of practice just for the hell of it.I've been working on my precision and detail with my radar so I can create a proper 3d spatial image in my head. So far I've only done this back at home in my room or in the training base, but the two has been the max amount I could make a proper mental image of with my radar.
I exhaled and stretchered my field out more across the entire hall.
The pulses came automatically sort of like breathing. Tiny pushes of EM, bouncing off chairs, metal rails, severs moving trays. After catching the reflections and tried stitching them together to make a proper 3d mental image on my head. It wasn't the cleanest image as to start of the people appeared as blobs, warm, fuzzy outlines of moving current, though I could still tell were everyone was standing, sitting or moving. Though I did pick up unique individual signatures, and one of them on the far right was uncle J.
Next the mental image of the structure was a bit trippy with some angles being off, but the chandlers came back crystal clear, all the tables were accounted for, exit doors: two were open, one half- blocked. It could say it was a close enough map or blueprint which I could use to properly walk around even with my eyes closed.
Hmm maybe that could be a new awareness training method.