January 06, 2020. Monday. 08:27 AM
Metro Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
A New Normal Day.
(The Rizal Conference Room is brightly lit, a long, polished table dominating the space. Maria stands at the head of the table, composed. Around her sit Sus, Rachel, Emma, Lisa, Sarah, and four other managers. Only the quiet hum of the room's high quality air conditioner fills it. The air is almost too still.)
Maria: Good morning, everyone.
(Maria pauses, stands with an effortless poise. Holding a personalized red laser pen between her fingers. The crisp feel of her tailored dress accentuates her curves, a blend of professional sharpness and feminine allure.)
Sus: …
(Her dark hair is styled impeccably, framing a face that's both strong and beautiful.)
Maria: I know we all had a... challenging weekend.
(A murmur ripples through the room. Everyone looks concerned.)
Maria: First, I want to address Kevin's situation. Our VP of Sales will be on indefinite leave due to his accident last Saturday.
Manager 1: (whispers) What happened to Sir Kevin?
(She pauses again, scanning the room.)
Maria: (making a faint smile) It's unfortunate. Kevin is a valued member of the Metro family, and we will visit him later at the Medical Center.
Manager 2: (gasps) Is Sir Kevin okay, Ms. Maria?
Maria: (looks at the manager from head to toe) He is being taken care of, Thank you for asking.
(Sus watches Maria, a flicker of unease in his eyes.)
Sus: (internally) How can she be so calm? (touching the smooth exterior of the table) Kev's in the hospital... after that. (a knot of worry tightening in his chest)
(A quick flash of Kevin's grin as they celebrated a successful deal flickered in Sus's memory.)
Maria: In the meantime, I will be taking over Kevin's responsibilities.
(She straightens up, her gaze becoming more focused. Her perfume lingers around the room as if her territory is being marked.)
Sus: (internally) (looking at Maria) Maybe she's just really focused. I know she cares for Kevin. Boss Maria cares for all of us.
Maria: But like the heroes who inspired the names of these rooms, we must keep moving forward. We have a priority project to discuss: The Metro Aid.
(She gestures towards the screen at the end of the room, which flickers to life, pointing her laser pen to it, displaying the Metro logo and the words "Metro Aid.")
Maria: Metro Aid is our new chat assistant. We're offering it to all our customers.
(She pauses for emphasis.)
Maria: It's powered by artificial intelligence.
(She smiles, her tone enthusiastic.)
Maria: It's designed to help our customers with their day-to-day tasks. Finding the right products, planning trips... anything they need. This will be another breakthrough for Metro.
(She looks around the table, gauging the reactions.)
Sarah: (frowning) With all due respect, Hernandez, I have some concerns.
(Sarah is a striking figure. Her hair is shiny and straight, framing her slim, confident face. Her posture is impeccable, radiating an air of formal elegance.)
Sus: (internally) Wew. You wouldn't really expect Sarah to be a product development person.
(Her heritage is evident in her refined features and the subtle grace of her movements. She exudes a quiet power, a contrast to Maria's more dynamic presence.)
Sarah: Running AI is incredibly expensive. The cloud infrastructure alone... not to mention the development costs. How many active users are we expecting? How exactly is Metro going to profit from this?
(Rachel leans forward, a confident smirk playing on her lips.)
Rachel: (moves closer) The profit is in the data, Sarah. Think of the amount of information we'll collect. We can use that to push highly targeted financial products to our customers. Loans, credit cards... the possibilities are endless.
(Sarah remains unconvinced, shaking her head slightly. Emma and Lisa exchange uneasy glances.)
Sarah: (to Rachel) I'm still not seeing it, Tuazon. And I was talking to Hernandez. It feels like a huge gamble. We should consult the board.
Rachel: (deflates in shame) I'm sorry…
Lisa: (cutting the awkward pause) Speaking of profits. Where is David? Shouldn't our CFO be here?
Sus: (raises his hand) Uh… Sir David's gonna be abroad for two months, Lisa.
Emma: (smiling) Thank you, Sus. You always know what's up, don't you?
(Attendees sitting around the table exchange worried glances. It's clear that Sarah's team is skeptical of Maria's vision.)
Sus: (internally) This is awkward. David's my boss, but Boss Maria's everyone's boss. I hope I don't get caught in the crossfire.
Suri: (anxious) Calm down, Sus! We've got this!
Maria: (firmly) We are still pushing through with the planned launch. This has been in the works for months, and as CEO, I have full authority to execute, Sarah.
(She looks pointedly at each executive.)
Lisa: (smiling) But Maria, wouldn't the absence of Kevin affect the rollout? He was also very excited about this.
Maria: (nodding) That's why I'm here, Lisa.
Sus: (internally) Damn. Boss Maria really can't be bothered.
Maria: I need everyone to do their part. Rachel, start the marketing campaign. (taps her laser pen three times to the table)
(Rachel nods, a determined glint in her eyes. The vibe in the room intensifies.)
Maria: That's all for today. Let's keep moving forward. (clicks her laser pen three times)
Sus: (internally) Finally. I'll visit Kevin in a bit.
(The four managers quickly gather their things and leave, eager to escape the charged atmosphere. Sarah, however, remains seated, her eyes steady.)
Sarah: (her voice calm but firm) If you could all stay for a moment?
(She addresses the executives: Lisa, Emma, Rachel, and Maria. Sus begins to rise, but Sarah's voice stops him.)
Sarah: Magno, please stay as well.
(Sus hesitates, glancing nervously at Sarah and Maria before settling back into his chair.)
Sus: (internally) Oh shit. What now?
(Sus hesitantly sits back down at the polished table. An awkward silence hangs in the air, broken only by the soft click of the door closing behind the departing managers. Maria and Sarah hold each other's leer, a silent battle of wills passing between them.)
Sus: (internally) Oh boy. I hope I'm not in trouble. Can't we just focus on Kevin?
(The silence stretches, thick and heavy. Sarah finally closes her eyes for a moment, takes a deep breath, and then breaks the quiet.)
Sarah: (not making eye contact) Hernandez, this needs to be addressed. I believe it was an irresponsible decision to have Magno assist Enforcers like Chen and Lee in patrolling without proper training.
(Maria's expression remains impassive, but there's a flicker of defiance in her eyes.)
Sarah: (continuing) Now, we have one of our top Enforcers, a Sound Sensitive no less... injured and incapable. Our security is compromised, and we're forced to seek backup from the Council.
(Emma nods in agreement, having a sharp demeanor.)
Emma: And why wasn't Sus processed for registration first? It's bad enough that he's a late bloomer. He should have at least undergone some orientation.
Sus: (internally) Registration? What are they talking about?
Lisa: (slightly laughing) (comments) I can't believe you're one of us Sus. All this time we all wondered how can you be so smart.
Sus: (shaking) (uncertain how to respond) Uh… Thank you…?
(Maria finally speaks, her voice low and slow but firm.)
Maria: Mistress Fei approved the decision in person. The results of Sus's test were very unique. Not that I need to explain myself to anyone but we believed it would be better for him to witness Sensitivity in action early.
(A hush falls over the room. The mention of Mistress Fei seems to carry significant weight.)
Sus: (internally) Mistress Fei? Who's that? And what's up with my test, really? Why do I feel like I missed a lot of things?
(The strain between Maria and Sarah intensifies, the mood crackles with unspoken accusations.)
Sarah: (her voice tight) That doesn't absolve us of responsibility, Hernandez.
Maria: (her tone unwavering) I am aware of my responsibilities, Sarah Fei. (clicks her laser pen)
(She pauses, surveying the room with her eyes, taking in the worried faces.)
Maria: Since as you said, we're facing a shortage of Sound Sensitives in our district, we will need to expedite Sus's training.
Sus: (internally) (confused) Boss Maria's training me now?
(She looks directly at Sus, her expression softening slightly.)
Maria: And I will hold my own investigation into what happened to Kevin.
Sarah: (to Maria) I have already contacted the Council. Representatives will be here tomorrow.
Maria: (looking at Sarah) Sus, Rachel, and I will have identified the cause by then.
January 06, 2020. Monday. 11:23 AM
J.P. Rizal, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(The hospital hallway stretched ahead, brightly lit but heavy with the sterile scent of disinfectant. The rhythmic beeping of medical equipment pulsed through the air, a constant reminder of fragile lives.)
Maria: … (clicks her laser pen three times)
(Maria led the way, her pace brisk, the sharp click of her heels echoing on the polished floor. Rachel followed close behind, her expression tight. Sus trailed slightly, a worried frown creasing his forehead, the weight of the previous events pressing down on him.)
Sus: (internally) Please let Kevin be okay. Saturday... it keeps replaying in my head. It was supposed to be a good day.
Suri: (floating close to Sus's shoulder) Good thing Rachel and her father got there when they did.
Sus: (internally) (breathing deeply) Yeah, Suri. If they hadn't... I don't even want to think about it.
(Maria stops, turning to face them. Her expression is earnest, her eyes intense, reflecting the gravity of her words.)
Maria: (her voice thoughtful, almost pleading) You know, I truly believe Sensitives are meant for more.
(She gestures, a wide, sweeping movement that encompasses the clean white surroundings.)
Maria: These gifts we possess, My Boy... they're incredible. But we seem to hoard them, keeping them locked away. We're not contributing enough.
Rachel: (nodding, her brow furrowed in agreement) Boss Maria's right. It's like we're holding back from something.
Maria: (resuming her walk, her voice gaining momentum) Metro Aid... It's a chance to change that. To bridge the gap, to make our abilities accessible, truly helpful to everyone.
Sus: (internally) Boss Maria… When she sets a goal, she really keeps moving forward to it, huh? (slightly smiling) I always feel lucky to be a part of her team.
(A piercing shriek suddenly shatters the clinical calm. Sus spins around, his senses on high alert, his heart hammering against his ribs. The raw, animalistic cry sends a shiver down his spine. Maria and Rachel barely pause.)
Sus: (internally) (heart pounding) What the hell was that?!
Random Patient 1: It smells! It's all so rotten! Get it away!
(The echo of the scream lingers, a chill crawling across Sus's body. He glances back toward the room, a compound of dread mixing in his gut. The air is thick with a cloying, sickly-sweet odor, the scent of decay mingling with the antiseptic.)
Maria: (her voice sharp, regaining its professional tone) Just a patient. We need to focus.
(She continues walking, her heels clicking sharply on the tile floor. Sus, however, is fixated on the lingering distress. He can still hear the patient's ragged breathing, each gasp a testament to their suffering. The stench of rot hangs heavy in the air, a physical manifestation of their unseen torment.)
Maria: (her voice softening, persuasive) Imagine, My Boy, the potential. Finding lost children with a single touch, predicting traffic flow to save lives, offering comfort to those in despair...
(They round a corner, passing a woman huddled on a bench. She's clutching herself, rocking back and forth, her face contorted in agony. Her skin glistens with sweat, and her eyes dart around wildly, unfocused and terrified. Maria and Rachel press on, but Sus freezes, his eyes wide with alarm.)
Sus: (internally) (voice trembling) What's happening to her? Geez. Hospitals are really…
Random Patient 2: I can feel everything! It's burning, it's crawling... Get them off me! Please!
(The woman's cries are frantic, desperate. Her voice is raw and hoarse, each word laced with unimaginable pain. Sus's breath hitches. He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms, he tries to focus on Maria's words, but the woman's suffering is a palpable presence, a suffocating wave of agony.)
Maria: (firmly, pulling Rachel forward) Come on, Sus. We need to keep moving. Kevin's waiting.
(Maria tugs gently on Rachel's arm, her two eyes resolute. Sus hesitates, torn between his concern and his desire to follow. The woman's sobs echo in his ears as they walk on, leaving him with a growing sense of foreboding and a gnawing unease about the nature of their abilities.)
Sus: (internally) We're almost there…
(The group approached Kevin's room, the sanitized scent hanging heavy in the air. As they neared, a figure emerged from the doorway, a slight, short, semi-balding man with a neatly trimmed mustache. It was Dr. Tito Tuazon, Rachel's father. He carried himself with a stern, almost intimidating demeanor, sharp and assessing.)
Maria: Dr. Tuazon (stepped forward, extending her hand).
Dr. Tuazon: Maria (shook her hand firmly).
Rachel: Dad (moved to her father and did the traditional Filipino gesture of "bless," touching her forehead to his hand).
Dr. Tuazon: Anak (replied, his expression softening slightly as he acknowledged his daughter).
Sus: Good morning, Dr. Tuazon (offered a polite greeting).
Dr. Tuazon: Mr. Magno, isn't it? While we appreciate your... involvement, I must insist that you officially register first with the Sensitive Council before engaging in these matters (his eyes narrowing slightly).
Maria: He will be, Dr. Tito. We're working on that (interjected smoothly).
Rachel: Dad is one of the leading experts in Sensory Trauma. His research on cochlear nerve hydrops and the effects of high-intensity focused sound is groundbreaking. I mean, I don't really understand any of that. I just wrote the press release. (scratches head)
Dr. Tuazon: (interjects) We've managed to stabilize the internal bleeding in Kevin's ear drums. The incident caused barotrauma, rupturing the delicate capillaries within his inner ears.
Maria: Barotrauma? (clicking her laser pen)
Dr. Tuazon: Essentially, the specific sound he heard caused a rapid change in the force, damaging the sensitive structures.
Sus: (internally) To be honest, I still don't get it. All I'm hearing is that Kevin's not yet okay and it's all that White Shirt Guy's fault.
Dr. Tuazon: The damage, however, is quite peculiar. The presence of ossicular chain subluxation and the pattern of basilar membrane disruption...
Rachel: In layman's terms, please, Dad?
Dr. Tuazon: (to Rachel) Apologies. I keep forgetting you're not a doctor, anak. (to all) These indicate exposure to a highly specific and amplified frequency.
Sus: Amplified frequency? Kevin mentioned something called an Expansion Amplifier.
Dr. Tuazon: He would have lost his hearing, the device that caused the injury may be the key to his full recovery. He was fortunate to be brought in quickly; otherwise, he would have suffered irreversible hearing loss, devastating blow for our star Enforcer (turned his attention back to Maria, his tone clinical)
Rachel: (wistfully) Yeah. He's the best.
(Rachel's expression shifted slightly, a touch of self-deprecation entering her voice.)
Rachel: Wish I could say the same for myself. I just sell dreams for a living.
Sus: (internally) Not the best place for that, Rach. Really.
(As Dr. Tuazon finished speaking, a figure rushed down the hall, her face etched with worry.)
Tara: Sus! (exclaimed, her voice filled with relief as she reached them. She threw her arms around Sus, hugging him tightly).
Sus: (hugged Tara back, a subtle hint of awkwardness in the embrace) Are you and the kids okay? (slightly blushing)
Tara: I was so worried, Sus. When Kevin suddenly went silent… (her voice trembled slightly).
Sus: He's safe now, that's what matters (calming her, his voice gentle).
Maria: We're working to find out who's responsible for this attack, Tara. And Dr. Tito is making sure Kevin recovers (interjected, her tone firm, yet reassuring). We'll handle this. We always do. We're family.
Tara: I'll keep praying for him (said softly).
Sus: (internally) I wonder if Sensitives think their gods are Sensitives too? (shaking his head) What the hell are you thinking about, Jesus? Focus!
Dr. Tuazon: For now, it's best we don't disturb him. He needs complete rest for any chance for his ears to recover.
Maria: (nodded) Agreed. Which is why we need to move quickly.
(Maria's tone shifted, becoming more commanding, her focus sharpening. A renewed sense of purpose radiated from her.)
Maria: Our priority is to find out who ordered this attack and why (a flicker of concern crossing her face) before the Council representatives arrive tomorrow. (still holding her chin up with confidence).
Rachel: I've already packed my Sensitive Energy. I'm ready to use my Explore techniques (her eyes glowing with a faint, inner light).
Dr. Tuazon: (his voice grave) We don't have much time. Any delay could mean permanent hearing loss for our top Enforcer.
Tara: (holding Sus's hand) Sus… Please…
January 06, 2020. Monday. 12:34 PM
General Romulo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(The team takes a quick lunch at an al fresco eatery in Cubao Expo. Maria gestures around at the vibrant surroundings. The restaurant, with a sketch of a pepper as a logo, bustles with the chatter of people and the sizzle of food.)
Suri: (swirling and giggling around Sus) Wow. This is a very energetic place.
(The aroma of grilled meats and spicy sauces fills the air, a vibrant mix that's both appetizing and invigorating. Strings of colorful lights crisscross above, lending a festive air to the eclectic collection of shops and restaurants.)
Sus: (internally) Meals were more fun with Kevin, really.
(On their table is a plate of sizzling oysters sisig, the cast iron platter still bubbling, and a steaming bowl of pasta, its rich scent mingling with the other aromas.)
Maria: It's always fascinating when you remember that this place exists in between all these rising structures in the area.
Sus: (looks around, a nostalgic smile on his face) It's been a while since we were here.
Rachel: (grins slightly) I know, right? I miss our Fun Fridays with Kevin.
(She picks at the sisig with her fork, her expression softening with a fond memory.)
Rachel: We should do this again soon when Kev's okay.
(Their eyes meet briefly, a shared sense of loss and camaraderie passing between them. A comfortable silence settles, thick with unspoken memories of laughter and shared meals.)
Sus: Yeah. We should… (flatly)
(Sus remembers the carefree evenings spent exploring the restaurants, collectible shops, and open-air bars, always with Kevin at the center of their laughter, his booming voice and infectious energy a constant presence.)
Sus: (internally) I can't believe life isn't like that anymore. Can I just erase my memory?
(As Maria speaks, Sus notices a familiar object in her hand - a red cassette tape, the same one he'd seen in her office a few days prior.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm. Never really thought Boss Maria was into vintage stuff.
Maria: (watches them, a soft expression on her face) I'm glad you two are okay.
(She reaches across the table, her hand briefly covering theirs. Her touch is warm and reassuring, a silent promise of support. Her look lingers on Sus, sensing the weight of his concern for Kevin.)
Maria: I know this is hard. Especially for you, Sus.
Sus: (shrugs) We'll manage, Boss Maria.
(Her tone shifts, becoming more focused and businesslike)
Maria: Good that I can always count on you. Because we have a lot of work ahead of us.
(She leans forward, the unfinished plates of food momentarily forgotten. The lively atmosphere of Cubao Expo fades into the background, replaced by a sense of urgency.)
Maria: We need to know everything about that attack. Who ordered it, and why Kevin was the target.
Rachel: So, we're going to hit up White Shirt Guy?
Maria: Exactly. We're going to Extract and Explore.
Sus: (frowning slightly) I remember doing the Extract thing last Saturday... with Kevin. But what happens when we Explore?
Rachel: (her expression turns serious, her stare intense) Extract gives you Molecular Memories, right? When you talk to your environment, it's like getting different pieces of a puzzle. Sometimes with just a few, it makes sense…
Maria: (nods in agreement) And sometimes, it just doesn't. That's where Explore comes in. This is where you combine the pieces together along with some that you may already have. To see a fuller picture.
(A flicker of apprehension crosses her face, quickly masked by her professional demeanor.)
Sus: So… Explore is combining all the collected memories with my own to… know more?
Rachel: Using the collected Molecular Memories, our Sense-Cores help us better understand what we sensed. Imagine instead of just hearing the memories, you can actually experience them. Like you're actually in that moment in time.
Maria: If Extract is difficult, Explore is even harder because as you experience the memories, it gets more difficult to concentrate, like you're unconscious because your mind is elsewhere.
(A shadow of concern crosses Maria's face.)
Rachel: Highly skilled Sense-Shifters like Kevin can sift through memories quickly and stay focused. That's what makes him so good at this.
Sus: (internally) So, Kevin, during those battles… He was doing Extract, Explore, and Expand rapidly? Wow. (astonished)
January 06, 2020. Monday. 1:17 PM
P. Tuazon Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(The facility is a discreet, heavily secured location; its imposing walls and reinforced gates hint at the sensitive nature of its operations.)
Sus: (internally) Oof. I wonder if the Sensitive people of Metro really work during office hours. I guess emergencies like this know no schedule.
Suri: (floating behind Sus) It seems like you people are leaders of the company anyways, Sus?
Sus: (internally) (breathes) Well, at least we can focus on Kevin today.
(As they approach, armed guards recognize Maria, their posture stiffening with respect. They're quickly ushered inside, the heavy doors sealing shut behind them with a solid thud. The atmosphere shifts, growing even tenser and serious. The air smells faintly of ozone and something metallic, a bit unsettling.)
Guard 1: Ms. Hernandez, the items you requested are in the locker.
(They are led to a stark room where the White Shirt Unknown is being held. He sits on a metal chair, restrained but defiant, a smirk playing on his lips. The room is cold and clear, the only sound is the hum of the ventilation system.)
Maria: (her voice sharp and commanding) Give us your name.
(The White Shirt Unknown simply stares back, his smirk widening. He exudes an unsettling still, a fanatic gleam in his eyes. His scent is acrid, a mix of sweat and something akin to burnt sugar, Sus notes with a grimace.)
White Shirt Unknown: (his voice low and chilling) Heh. You won't need it, madam. The Savior will come and cleanse you anyway. Haha!
(He spits the last words out like venom, his eyes sweeping over them with contempt. The air crackles with his fervor, and Sus can almost taste the fanaticism in his words.)
Rachel: (her voice rising in anger, her nostrils flaring) Cleansed? You almost killed Kevin!
Sus: (internally) (shivering) The hell is wrong with this guy? Suri, what kind of power does he have?
Suri: (whispering) I don't know, but it's creepy.
Maria: (her voice firm, cutting through the rising tension) Enough, Rachel. We're not here for theatrics. Explore him. Now.
(Rachel nods, her expression hardening. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and reaches out with her senses. Sus watches as she inhales deeply, her delicate nose twitching slightly as she focuses her Scent Sensitive abilities.)
Sus: (internally) So this is Explore, huh. Wow.
(A visible strain contorts her face as she attempts the Explore technique. Beads of sweat trickle down her temple, and her body trembles with the effort. The scent in the room shifts, becoming thick and cloying, a miasma of conflicting odors that speaks of the chaotic jumble of the prisoner's mind.)
Sus: (internally) (concerned) How long can she keep this up?
(Minutes stretch into an eternity. The only sound is Rachel's pained grunts and the White Shirt Unknown's soft, mocking chuckle. Sus glances at the clock on the wall - 1:47 PM.)
Suri: (whispering) This is intense. I can feel her energy fluctuating wildly.
Rachel: (gasping) (her eyes snapping open) I... I can't. It's like hitting a brick wall. The memories I got from him. Most are… Useless…
White Shirt Unknown: (his voice smug) You can't touch what you cannot perceive. Smell Sniffer. There is nothing for you here. (He laughs.)
(Rachel stumbles back, utterly exhausted, her face pale and drawn. The White Shirt Unknown's laughter intensifies, echoing in the confined space.)
Sus: You okay, Rach?
Bang!
(Maria's patience finally snaps. With a swift, decisive movement, she grabbed the White Shirt Unknown by the head and slammed it against the metal table. The sound was sickeningly loud, a wet thud that silenced his laughter instantly. Everyone stunned into hush, their eyes wide with shock at the sudden, brutal display of strength.)
Maria: (turns to Sus, her eyes intensely looking at him.) Sus. The locker room. His things. Now.
(Sus, still reeling from what he just witnessed, stares blankly at Maria.)
Maria: (her voice louder, more forceful) Sus! The locker room. His things. Now!
Sus: (stuttering and shocked) Agh! Yes! Yes, Boss Maria! (internally) Oh boy, she's really a boss isn't she?
(They regroup outside the room, the intensity of the interrogation still hanging heavy in the air. The walk across the dim hallways is silent, broken only by the soft, tired sound of their footsteps.)
(Rachel is visibly exhausted, her shoulders slumped with fatigue, while Sus is a bundle of nervous energy, his mind racing with a mix of fear and admiration for Maria's actions.)
Maria: (her voice quiet, thoughtful) We're not getting anything useful from him. And there are barely any witnesses to the incident.
(She pauses, her stare distant as she considers their options.)
Maria: The best chance we have of understanding what happened is to Explore the crime scene itself. We're heading back to the school.
January 06, 2020. Monday. 4:43 PM
18th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(The school grounds, which were eerily empty and silent last Saturday, are now teeming with life. Students in colorful uniforms chatter and laugh, parents mill about, chatting with teachers, and the air buzzes with youthful energy.)
Sus: (internally) This is a complete turnaround from the weekend.
(The contrast to Sus's memory of the place is striking - the oppressive silence, the lingering tension, the chilling aftermath of the attack.)
Suri: (swirling around Sus) Indeed it is, Sus.
(He trails slightly behind Maria and Rachel, still somewhat shaken by the events at the facility.)
Sus: (to Rachel) So, about earlier… When you were Exploring the White Shirt Guy…
Rachel: (shrugs, rubbing her temples wearily) I was trying to get a read on him through his scent. You know, pick up details about where he's been, what he's been doing.
Sus: (to Rachel) Ahuh. How did you do that?
Rachel: (sighs) It's… Hmm… Extracting for me is like smelling something and identifying the general stuff. Like, okay, he smells like he was at a fire recently.
Maria: (to Sus) Rachel's family are good Scent Sensitives, My Boy.
Rachel: (continues) Explore is like... identifying the exact tree that burned, what kind of smoke it produced, the specific temperature of the fire, the emotions of the people around it... It's overwhelming sometimes.
(Rachel pauses for emphasis)
Rachel: White Shirt Guy was too careful. His clothes, his skin… everything was clean. Like he was very careful about leaving any trace. That drained my Sensitive Energy. I'll need to recharge.
Maria: (her voice firm, looks sweeping over the crowded schoolyard) Which leaves us with the scene itself. You're up, My Boy.
(Sus's eyes widen, his nervousness palpable. He's never attempted to Explore before, and the weight of their investigation now rests on his shoulders.)
Sus: (stammering slightly) Me? But I… I've never actually done this before.
(Maria turns to him, her expression softening. She steps closer, her voice dropping to a low, intimate tone that seems to exclude the noise and chaos around them.)
Maria: You also have more memories of this place than Rachel since you've been here during the attack. You'll do great, My Boy. I know you will. Just… focus. Breathe. I'll be here beside you.
Sus: (swallowing nervously) Okay, but… how do I…
Maria: First, you Extract the residual memories from this area. The echoes of what happened. Check the ground, the trees, the walls… anything that might have absorbed the sounds and vibrations of the attack.
Rachel: And since Kevin isn't here to calibrate your headphones, you'll have to take them off.
Sus: What?
(She places a hand on his arm, her touch fleeting but firm.)
Rachel: Have your Sense-Core help you, Sus.
Maria: Once you think you've extracted enough, you need to concentrate. Absorb those memories. Let them wash over you.
Sus: And then?
Maria: Then you'll start to experience them. You'll be there, at that moment. In all the moments.
Sus: (his voice trembling slightly) Like… like I'm really there?
Maria: The farther back you go, the more energy you'll use, and the longer you'll be… gone.
(She exchanges a worried glance with Rachel.)
Maria: That's why we'll be here. Watching over you. Making sure you don't lose yourself.
Sus: (Eyes widened) I need a smoke.
Suri: (Nods slowly, their voice tight with concern) Sus…
Maria: (stops him) Not here, Sus.
Rachel: (nods in agreement) There are no smoking areas here, and there are still students around.
Sus: (frustrated) But I can't focus without it! That's how I did it last Sat—
(Maria steps closer, her gaze intense but gentle. Sus feels a wave of awkwardness, his heart pounding in his chest. She smells like vanilla and something sweet, like cotton candy, he notes.)
Sus: … (eyes looking sideways)
(Up close, her beauty is even more striking, her eyes sparkling with a mix of concern and determination. He feels himself getting lost in them.)
Maria: (her voice a low whisper, her lips inches from his ear) Use this, My Boy.
(She presses something small and round into his hand. Sus looks down to see a soda-flavored lollipop.)
Sus: (internally) Boss… Maria…
(Rachel's eyes widen slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.)
Maria: If you are hearing everything. Focus your efforts on listening. Listen, Sus.
(She steps back, staring at him for a moment before turning towards the school building.)
Sus: (takes a deep breath) Thank you, (the sweet scent of soda filling his senses.) Boss Maria.
(He unwraps the lollipop and pops it into his mouth, the sugary flavor instantly coating his tongue)
Maria: (whispers again, her breath warm against Sus's skin) Focus.
(As the taste hits him, Suri suddenly flares with light. Their patterns begin to swirl and intensify, glowing with vibrant energy. Suri inflates slightly, bouncing gently as if pumped full of power.)
Suri: (its voice energized and excited) Woah! I feel… amazing! I'm ready to Extract!
(Sus stares at Suri, utterly amazed by the effect Maria has on him and his Sense-Core. He feels a surge of energy and focus, a clarity he hadn't experienced before.)
Sus: (takes a deep breath, a rumble of trouble in his stomach) (internally) Okay… Here goes nothing. Suri, sync with me. Stabilize. We won't take long, okay?
Suri: On it, Sus! Ready when you are. But just a heads up, it takes a lot of energy to hear the vibrations of things that aren't happening right now.
Sus: (internally) Clear.
Suri: It's easier to Extract the present memories of objects when we listen to the current footsteps or chatter around them.
Sus: (internally) I will try my best to focus, Suri. You concentrate on interacting with the environment.
(With a deliberate movement, Sus reaches up towards his headphones, his fingers trembling slightly. He hesitates for a moment, the weight of what he's about to do settling heavily on him.)
Sus: …
(The sounds of the environment seem to start amplifying, the chatter of students and the distant traffic a chaotic symphony that threatens to overwhelm him.)
Sus: (internally) We can do this. We'll save Kevin.
(He closes his eyes, focusing on the image of Maria's face, on her whispered words. Focus, My Boy. He can't panic. He can't let the noise win.)
Suri: I'm here, Sus.
(Sus pulls off his headphones. The cacophony of the sounds crashes into him – the shrill laughter of children, the thud of basketballs, the distant drone of traffic. It's a tidal wave of sound, threatening to drown him.)
Suri: (its voice a tranquil island in the storm) Easy, Sus. I'm filtering out the chatter.
(The overwhelming noise recedes slightly, becoming a manageable hum. It's still intense, a vibrant tapestry of sound, but Suri's presence is a steadying force.)
Suri: Let's focus on what we need. Stop hearing. Start listening.
(Sus grits his teeth, his brow furrowed in concentration. He struggles to discern any specific direction, his senses overwhelmed.)
Sus: (strained) It's… it's still a lot. Where do I even begin?
(He takes a tentative step, then another, drawn by an almost imperceptible vibration in the air. He reaches out, his fingers trailing along the cool, rough surface of the wall.)
Sus: (whispering) There's something here…
(Suri's form shimmers beside him, their head cocked inquisitively towards the wall.)
Suri: (its voice, curious) Hello, wall. Fancy a chat?
(A faint, almost imperceptible murmur seems to rise from the wall, a vibration that tickles Sus's fingertips. It's a low rumble, like the echo of distant voices.)
Wall: (grumbling) …conversations… playground… lunch…
(The wall is speaking, its voice a chorus of fragmented sounds, each one a snapshot of a moment in time. Sus's eyes widen in disbelief as he listens, the wall's words painting a vivid picture of the school's daily life.)
Suri: (its tone impatient) Yes, yes, we hear all that. But we're not interested in today's gossip, are we? We need to know what you remember from a few days ago. Saturday, to be precise.
(The wall seems to hesitate, its vibrations shifting, as if sifting through countless echoes. Sus feels a bead of sweat trickle down his temple, his entire being focused on the subtle whispers emanating from the wall.)
Sus: (internally) We need to know what happened before we arrived.
(The effort is immense, a mental tug-of-war against the residual noise and the sheer volume of information.)
Sus: (through gritted teeth) Listen… Just… Listen…
(A flicker of realization crosses Sus's face. He straightens up, his eyes scanning the area. The wall, though a conduit, was too far removed from the epicenter of the confrontation.
Sus: (internally) The walls can't have felt the fight.
(Its echoes were diluted, secondary impressions. He takes a deep breath, and lowers himself to his knees, placing his ear against the cool, uneven surface of the ground.)
Sus: (internally) The ground… The trees… The roots… Maybe they know more!
(Suri shifts, their form flowing downwards like smoke, its voice now resonating from the very earth beneath it.)
Suri: (its voice a low hum) Hello, ground. Hello, trees. We need help. I wonder if your roots still remember what trembled here last Saturday.
(The ground responds with a chorus of its own, a complex symphony of vibrations. The rumble of cars passing by on the nearby street, the rhythmic thud of students' footsteps, the distant echo of a bouncing ball – all of it blends into a chaotic hum. It's a jumble of present-day activity, obscuring the past.)
Tree 1: (talking through its roots from the ground) …traffic… footsteps…
Tree 2: (whispering) …children… playing…
(Sus winces, his hands pressed against his temples. The sheer volume of information is overwhelming, a torrent threatening to sweep him away. He struggles to filter out the noise, to find a thread of coherence in the chaos.)
Sus: (strained) Too much… I can't…
(Suri's voice hardens, their presence intensifying, a focused pressure against the ground.)
Suri: (its voice insistent) We don't care about the present. We need the past!
(Sus's focus wavers, the barrage of the schoolyard memories threatening to overwhelm him. He clenches his fists, his body trembling with the effort to concentrate. But then, an image flickers in his mind – Maria.)
Sus: (internally) Boss…
(Her poise, her strength, her quiet confidence. Her beauty radiates in his memory. And her power, not just the power of her position, but the power of her presence, the way she commands a room, inspires him.)
Sus: (internally) She… She believes in me. We can do this… For Kevin.
(The renewed energy seems to flow through Sus and into Suri, their form intensifying, their presence pressing more firmly against the ground. It's as if they're drawing the very essence of the earth into themselves.)
Sus: (internally) The memories… I can… I can feel them. Clearer now.
(The ground's resistance weakens, its memories surfacing like bubbles rising from the depths. Tiny particles of light, shimmering with fragments of sound and image, are drawn towards Suri, swirling around them like motes of dust in a sunbeam.)
Suri: (its voice gaining strength) Yes… that's it… I'm getting it now… Trees! Ground! Talk to us!
(The particles coalesce, forming a vibrant tapestry of moments, a mosaic of the past. Suri absorbs it all, their form glowing with the collected memories.)
Suri: (its voice clear and strong) Alright, Sus. I think we're ready to Explore.
Sus: (his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of trepidation) So, what happens now? How do we Explore?
Suri: (its form shimmering, their voice resonating with newfound knowledge) You feel the past, Sus. We dive into the memories I've gathered. Feel them, let them wash over you.
Sus: (hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath) Okay. I trust you.
(He closes his eyes, surrendering to the flow of the memories.)
(A strange sensation envelops him. The sounds of the schoolyard – the children's laughter, the distant traffic – begin to distort, stretching and warping. The images of Maria, Rachel, the parents, the cars, everything around him starts to blur, then accelerate backward, as if caught in a rapid rewind. It's disorienting, a dizzying rush of sensory input pulling him in reverse.)
Sus: (grunting) (internally) What's happening? It feels… draining… Like I'm running…
Suri: (its voice a steady anchor in the chaos) Keep going, Sus. Don't fight it. Let it take us back.
(Sus pushes through the discomfort. The rewind intensifies, the world dissolving into streaks of light and sound. He feels a strange detachment, as if he's being pulled away from the present, deeper and deeper into the past.)
Sus: (internally) It's like we're travelling back in time.
(Then, gradually, the sensation slows. The chaotic rush resolves into a semblance of order. The reversed images solidify, becoming clearer, sharper.)
January 04, 2020. Saturday. 03:23 PM
18th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
Suri: (its voice serene and clear) We're here, Sus. Saturday.
(Sus blinks, his mind adjusting to the clarity of the past. It's not a recording, not a detached observation. It's as if he's truly there, present in the moment.)
Sus: (internally) This is… incredible. It's like we're actually here.
(The schoolyard stretches before them, almost empty and silent. The air is still, devoid of the vibrant energy of the present.)
Sus: (internally) This is when Rachel and Dr. Tuazon arrived.
(A white car, a blur against the muted tones of the city, screeched to a halt. Rachel burst out, her face etched with worry. Behind her, Dr. Tuazon followed, his expression grim.)
Rachel: (rushed towards Kevin's crumpled form) Kev! What happened? (trembling)
(Sus, his own heart pounding in his chest, could only watch as Dr. Tuazon knelt beside Kevin, his hands moving with a practiced efficiency.)
Dr. Tuazon: He's stable for now (voice firm) But we need to get him to the hospital immediately.
(As they carefully lifted Kevin into the car, Rachel clung to his hand, her eyes never leaving his face.)
Rachel: (to Kevin) We'll get you through this, Kev. Don't worry.
(Sus looks at his past self, it stood frozen, the events of the past few minutes replaying in his mind. The battle, the sickening crack, and Kevin collapsing. Though this is just a memory, it was still too much.)
Dr. Tuazon: (to Sus's past self) Snap out of it, Magno! We don't have time for you to stand around looking useless. We need to figure out what happened here.
Sus: (shaking his head hard) Agh! That felt so real. It's like everything was happening again. But we already know this, Suri. We need to get back further.
Suri: (nodding) I agree. I think we still have some memories left. Let's keep pushing!
(Suri starts glowing again, but this time it seems like it's taking more effort. As the patterns around them start swirling, everything around them, Dr. Tuazon, Rachel, the memory of Sus, starts rapidly moving backwards.)
Sus: (sweating) Keep it up, Suri. (inhales) We can do this.
(Movements again become faster and faster until everything becomes an unrecognizable blur of colors. Each spin seemingly depletes the lights that surround Suri.)
Suri: We can do this, Sus!
(A shroud of darkness engulfs the blur of colors. Rapidly shifting between pitch black and a spectrum of blinding lights. Decelerating.)
Suri: (deflating slightly) This is it, Sus.
January 04, 2020. Saturday. 09:13 AM
18th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(A lone figure stands near the center of the yard – the Sense-Stealer girl they apprehended just days ago. She fidgets nervously, her eyes darting around as if expecting someone.)
Suri: (slightly whimpering and flickering) That's the girl. It's like we're standing next to each other.
(Then, a figure emerges from the shadows – the White Shirt Unknown. He moves with an unsettling calmness, his presence radiating an aura of quiet menace. The girl shrinks back, her fear palpable even in this echo of the past.)
White Shirt Unknown: (his voice low and commanding) Remember your instructions, hija. This is crucial.
(Sus listens intently, his senses straining to capture every word, every nuance.)
White Shirt Unknown: We need to weaken the Council. And taking down their strongest Enforcer, Kevin, is the first step. The Resonance is already here. A buffet for us.
(The girl trembles, her voice barely a whisper.)
Sense-Stealer Girl: I understand… but I'm scared, Kuya Jordan…
Sus: (internally) So that's his name. Jordan…
Jordan: (his voice threatening) This is for your Savior. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Your Savior is coming soon, and the Mother is guiding you.
Sus: (internally) Savior?
Jordan: (stroking it) With this, I can fine tune noise signals to paralyze or injure Sound Sensitives. I just need to find the target's current frequency and adjust it.
Sense-Stealer Girl: (breathing deeply) Hail The Mother. She is full of grace.
Suri: Mother?
Sus: (internally) Could this be connected to the Verse Killer?
(Sus's mind races, trying to piece together the fragments of information.)
Sus: (alert) This is it. This may help us find a way to heal Kevin! (steps closer to the image of Jordan)
(As Jordan was about to talk, the world around Sus and Suri began to distort.)
Suri: (slightly whimpering and flickering) What's happening?
(The edges of his vision blurred, and the sounds of the past warped into a discordant hum. It was as if the very fabric of the memory was unraveling.)
Sus: (straining) I don't know! Our focus… it's fading.
(The schoolyard, the figures of Jordan and the girl, all began to dissolve into streaks of light and shadow. The ground beneath them seemed to crumble away, and a sense of vertigo overwhelmed Sus. The vibrant clarity of the past was being replaced by a swirling vortex of nothingness.)
Sus: (gasping) I can't hold on…
(The darkness closed in, swallowing everything.)
Faint Voice: Sus! Sus!
(Silence.)
January 06, 2020. Saturday. 05:53 PM
18th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
Rachel: (her voice concerned) Sus? Sus, wake up!
(Sus blinks, disoriented. The last thing he remembered was the memory dissolving, the darkness closing in. Now, he's back in the schoolyard, kneeling on the ground, his head throbbing.)
Sus: Rach? Where's Boss Mari…?
(Rachel is beside him, her hand on his shoulder, her expression a mix of concern and alarm.)
Rachel: Sus, you're back.
(Sus scans and looks around him, and his eyes widen in shock. The schoolyard is no longer empty. Four figures stand in a loose circle around them, their faces obscured by dark hoods.)
Sus: (internally) What the fuck… We're in trouble again?!
(They are not the young Sense-Stealers from before. These are men, their build and posture suggesting they are around Sus's age.)
Maria: (steadily) Don't come any closer.
(Maria stands protectively in front of Sus, her stance firm, her eyes narrowed as she surveys the hooded figures. Her hand rests near her sidearm.)
Rachel: (her voice low) It looks like Kevin wasn't the only target.
(Sus's mind races. He and Rachel are still weakened from the Explore, their energy reserves depleted. They can barely stand, let alone fight.)
Sus: (internally) (panicked) This is bad. This is really bad. When will things ever really end?
(He remembers Kevin's attack, how even a skilled Enforcer was overwhelmed by a single Sense-Stealer.)
Suri: How can Maria, even with her strength and skill, possibly survive against four of them?
(Rachel stumbles, her face pale, clinging to Sus for support. Suri flickers weakly beside them, their form unstable, their light dimming.)
Rachel: (her voice faint and strained) Energy… almost gone…
(Just like during Kevin's battle, the air fluctuates with tension, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of the hooded figures' movements.)
Sus: (internally) (his heart pounding) Boss Maria… Please be careful.
(Maria stands defiant, a lone figure against a growing threat. The setting sun casts long, ominous shadows, painting the scene in a dramatic tableau of impending conflict.)
Maria: (confidently) Please remember that I warned you.
(The four hooded figures emit a guttural growl, a sound that sends a shiver down Sus's spine. They surge forward, their movements surprisingly swift and coordinated.)
Hooded Man 1: RAAAAAA!
Hooded Man 2: For the Savior!
(Maria reacts instantly. She removes her glasses with a fluid motion, her eyes sharpening as she takes in her surroundings. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she produces a sleek laser pen.)
Sus: Whoa. Boss, Maria.
(But this is no ordinary pen. It emits a thin beam of red light and begins to glow.)
Maria: (nods) Men.
(The fight unfolds with surprising speed and intensity. Maria moves with an almost supernatural grace, her martial arts skills a whirlwind of elegant yet calculated strikes.)
Hooded Man 3: Stay still, lady!
(She evades the hooded figures' attacks with ease, her movements precise and efficient. Each strike lands with impact, forcing the attackers back.)
Hooded Man 4: Argh! You can't do this all night, you know.
(Sus watches in astonishment. He'd always seen Maria as composed and professional, but he'd never imagined she possessed such formidable combat abilities.)
Maria: (sternly) Watch me.
(Even in her sophisticated attire, she moves flawlessly, a force to be reckoned with.)
Sus: (to Rachel) She is truly The Boss.
(Despite Maria's skill, the odds still seem overwhelming. Four against one is a dangerous game, and Sus's worry intensifies with each passing moment.)
Sus: (internally) (anxious) Be careful, Boss…
(Then, Rachel smiles, a serene expression on her face. She glances at Sus, her eyes filled with an almost knowing look.)
Rachel: (calmly) Don't worry, Sus. You're about to see the Mother in action.
(The hooded figures press their attack, their movements becoming more aggressive, their growls turning into snarls. Maria meets their ferocity with a peaceful intensity, her movements flowing like water, deflecting blows, and countering with precise strikes.)
Suri: Your boss is really something, Sus!
(A hooded figure lunges, throwing a wild punch, but Maria sidesteps effortlessly, her laser pen flashing as she strikes a pressure point on his arm. He cries out in pain, his arm going limp.)
Sus: (internally) She seems to be using that laser pointer as a sort of targeting tool?
(Another attacker tries to grab her from behind, but Maria spins, her foot connecting with his chest in a powerful kick. He stumbles back, gasping for air.)
Hooded Man 3: ARGH!
(The battle is a whirlwind of motion, a clash of skill and determination. Maria's laser pen becomes an extension of her hand, a precise instrument of defense. She anticipates their moves, her reflexes lightning-fast, her strikes calculated to disable rather than kill.)
Sus: (internally) Wow. I'm not even sure if she's already using Sense-Shifting techniques.
(Sus watches, his breath caught in his throat. The intensity of the fight is mesmerizing, yet terrifying. He can see the strain on Maria's face, the beads of sweat forming on her brow. The odds are still against her.)
Sus: (murmuring) I need to help her. We need to help her, Rachel!
Rachel: (to Sus) We'll only get in her way, man. You know this is why I love her so much.
(But then, Sus notices something subtle. Maria seems to be guiding the fight, her movements drawing the hooded figures gradually towards the edge of the schoolyard, towards a cluster of trees where the shadows are deeper, the darkness more profound.)
Rachel: (to Sus) She always knows what to do…
(The hooded figures, focused on their attack, don't seem to notice. They are driven by their aggression, their determination to overwhelm Maria. But she is playing a different game, her strategy unfolding with each precise strike, each calculated evasion.)
Sus: (internally) (watching closely) What is she trying to do?
(The battle continues, each exchange more fraught than the last, until it becomes clear: this is not just a fight for survival, but a calculated maneuver. Maria is leading them somewhere.)
Rachel: (staring at Maria) In darkness, comes light.
(The fight continues, a blur of motion and sound. Maria, however, begins to subtly shift her tactics. She still attacks with precision and power, but now, after each strike, she points her laser pen directly at the eyes of her opponents.)
Rachel: A light for everyone in the dark.
(With a swift flick of her wrist, she seems to adjust the pen, changing its brightness and perhaps even its color. It's a rapid sequence of adjustments, almost too fast to perceive.)
Sus: (internally) That pen… could it be a…
(Sus watches, his confusion growing. The hooded figures are still standing, their stances aggressive, their intent clear. They seem unfazed by the brief flashes of light.)
Sus: But they're all still standing. Boss is still in danger. Rachel, we need to do something.
(The environment is dense with anticipation. The hooded figures seem poised to attack, and the fate of the encounter hangs in the balance.)
Maria: This is over.
(The hooded figures, for all their aggression, begin to falter. They stumble, their movements becoming erratic. It's as if they are fighting an unseen force, their eyes wide with terror.)
Sus: (internally) The men… They… (shocked)
(One spins in a circle, arms flailing, as if trying to ward off an invisible attacker. He screams about being choked, about something coiling around him.)
Hooded Man 1: (panicked) Get off me! I can't breathe! It's wrapping around me!
(Another clutches his head, his face contorted in agony.)
Hooded Man 2: (screaming) The serpent! It's biting me! Its fangs…
(The other two are similarly afflicted, their bravado replaced by fear and desperation. They are no longer a threat, but victims of something Sus cannot perceive.)
Suri: It seems like this is your Boss Maria's Expand technique.
(Maria watches them, her composure returning. She tucks her laser pen away and puts her glasses back on, her expression serene yet resolute.)
Maria: (softly, a whisper of authority) Repent your sins.
(The hooded figures' screams intensify, their words filled with religious fervor and terror. They speak of a serpent, of divine retribution, of a reckoning they cannot escape.)
Rachel: (to Sus) Toldya, buddy. The Boss is THE Boss.
(Then, Rachel steps forward. She moves with a quiet purpose, approaching each of the writhing figures in turn. From a small vial, she sprays a fine mist, a scent that hangs in the air for only a moment before dissipating.)
Maria: (to Rachel) Thank you, Rachel. Unfortunately, with Marcus and Kevin still out. We'll have to leave them here for now.
(Almost instantly, the hooded figures fall silent. Their struggles cease, and they collapse onto the ground, unconscious.)
Sus: …
(Sus is left speechless, his mind reeling from the display of Maria's power and the sheer strangeness of what he just witnessed.)
Sus: (internally) (awestruck) What… What was that?
(Maria turns to Sus, her expression composed, as if the intense battle had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience.)
Maria: (soothingly) Are you alright, My Boy? Did you manage to learn anything from your… Explore?
(Sus blinks, trying to shake off his astonishment and focus on Maria's question.)
Sus: (hesitantly) The Savior and The Mother…
(Puts his headphones back)