January 07, 2020. Tuesday. 08:36 AM
Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(The air hung thick with the humidity of a Metro Manila morning as Sus navigated the familiar chaos of his way to work around Cubao. Walking, as he usually prefers.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm. This place is really different during work days, isn't it? (subtle unease prickling at the back of his neck.)
(Today, the energy of the streets pulsed with a frenetic intensity, a stark contrast to the languid pace of the weekend. The sounds of footsteps, engines, and chatter, all combine into a muddle of noise signalling the beginning of a normal work day.)
Suri: (floating cautiously around Sus) Indeed, Sus. Everyone seems to be chasing something. Very busy!
(Jeepneys jostled for space, their horns blaring a discordant symphony, while vendors hawked their wares, their voices rising above the din. Coins clanking here and there from barkers and beggars hustling their day early.)
Sus: (internally) The Mother… The Savior… Resonance… What could those things mean?
Suri: (patterns fluttering around it) We could've learned more if we had more time doing Explore, Sus!
Sus: (internally) Boss Maria said she's got this. I hope she shares later. Geez. More than that, I hope it helps Kevin…
(They passed a tricycle terminal, a cluster of brightly colored vehicles huddled together like resting insects. Drivers and vendors gather as they all brace for their morning rush.)
Driver 1: (spits on the ground) These kids and their "pandemic". They can't fool me. I've seen everything!
Driver 2: (takes a gulp of energy drink) Ahhh! (refreshed) But you haven't seen this! This… Verse Killer had another victim last night. Just a few blocks away. Near the church! (He gestures vaguely towards the church)
Vendor 1: (nodding her head) And you two keep complaining why you don't get money. There's a passenger waiting!
January 07, 2020. Tuesday. 08:52 AM
Metro Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(Sus arrived at the Metro offices, the sleek glass and steel structure towering over the bustling street life outside. Sounds of employees walking towards their desks and the hum of the building's ventilation converging to form a steadier mood.)
Sus: (internally) Wew... Well. (tapping his headphones) At least this gives me some time to work on work stuff. (breathes deeply) Finally! All that Sensitive shit's really not for me.
Receptionist 1: (smiling and waving) Good morning, Sir Sus! Please wear your I.D.!
(Sus nodded even though he didn't really understand what she was saying.)
Suri: (overtaking Sus) You're going to just work the whole day today?
(He passed the receptionist and went straight to the stairs instead of the elevator.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm. (checking his phone) I'll drop by and visit Kevin and Tara later too.
(He went straight to his desk, a clean and organized, ready for work table with a monitor he uses as an extension for his laptop. While it is tidy, a corner contains a small action figure with a tag: "Happy Birthday, Bro!".)
Rica: (drinking coffee) Hey, Sir Sus! You seen the 2019 expense sheets I sent you?
Sus: (faint smiles) Yeah. Thank you. I'll look into them today. They'll be a great help for our contingency plan.
(He booted up his computer and immersed himself in the financial reports, his fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease.)
Sus: (internally) (eyebrows crossed) What? What's this now? This seems incomplete. I thought I told Rica to finish this last year. (frowning)
(He looks closer to one of the many open spreadsheets. Focusing on the expenses tab, certain purchases seemed out of place.)
Suri: (looking around the desk) Everything okay, Sus?
Sus: (internally) (wondering) Probably nothing important. It's just that I didn't find any huge purchases for servers or cloud services here.
(He scans through other tabs and sheets from his screen. Doing a keyword search of the term "Cloud" as well.)
Sus: (internally) (squinting his eyes) It's supposed to be a crucial part of the Metro Aid project… And why did we lease this… warehouse? "A.L.A.P. Inc."
Suri: (hovering over Sus's shoulder) Are you worried?
Sus: (internally) (glancing around the office) I'm not sure… Boss Maria would've already planned this if the app's launching soon. (unease growing) Speaking of… Where is she? She's always an early bird.
Suri: (giggling) Unlike Rachel!
Sus: (internally) (smirking) Hey! Haha. But yeah. She's really a slacker. No wonder she's not yet here.
(The buzz of office chatter faded as Lisa, the VP of Operations, approached his desk. Her tailored pantsuit was lean, her movements efficient. Her eyes, usually sharp and focused, held a hint of admiration.)
Lisa: (smiling) Good morning, Mr. Everyone's Favorite Financial Analyst Sus Magno Sir! (teasing) Sarah wants to see you.
Sus: (scratching his head) H-hey, Lisa. Good morning. I'm kind of in the middle of something here. (inhales) (internally) Ugh. And here I was thinking I'm finally gonna have a normal day.
Lisa: (looks at Sus's action figure) I bet you miss Kevin already, don't you? He'll get better, Sus. (smiles) Sarah needs you for something… "important". (looks at Sus's eyes directly)
Sus: (looking sideways) Uhm… Okay… Sure. (internally) She really needed to send a VP just to tell me? What happened to chat apps?
(Sus found Sarah's office bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. An office sealed so tight the sounds of typing and murmuring from the desks outside appear like quiet vibrations only noticeable when you listen.)
Sarah: (smiling warmly) Hello, Magno. We haven't formally done this yet, so let me welcome you, officially, to the Sensitive community.
Sus: (surprised) Oh… Wow… Uhm. Thank you, Sarah. I… I appreciate it.
(Marcus stood beside her, his imposing figure filling the room. Some bandages, most likely from the weekend's battle, are still visible.)
Marcus: (stern) Magno.
Sus: (internally) Well. You're not dead, I guess.
Sarah: (crossing her legs and turning to Sus) Have a seat, Magno. I know Hernandez chose to manage your Sensitive affairs a bit… loose…
Sus: (internally) What's this all about now?
Sarah: (continues) …but I think it would be for the best of both you and the community if you undergo proper registration immediately.
Marcus: (grudgingly) And after what happened last weekend. The community may feel safer knowing that the late bloomer is registered.
Sus: (gulps) If I may ask, Sarah. What does being "registered" mean?
(Sarah and Marcus exchanged confirming looks to each other. Signalling importance to what they're about to say.)
Sarah: It's a bio-and-mental scan that would create your Sensitive Imprint. Essentially, your Sensitive ID. Think of it as your official welcome package. (jokingly)
Marcus: (continuing) This allows the community to continually assess your gifts and make sure you can contribute significantly to our mission. At the same time, this makes sure you are not going to use them for crimes.
Sus: (internally) (annoyed) Do they also make sure you're not a douchebag?
Sarah: (standing up behind Sus) We value you, Magno. Even as a late bloomer, your abilities are... significant. The Council is quite interested in your development.
Sus: (stammering) The… The Council?
Sarah: (nodding) Yes, they are sending some of their representatives today.
Sus: (concerned) Today? But… Did Boss Maria already okay this? And… How… How about my work?
Sarah: (dismissively) I don't think Hernandez needs to hold your hand for every decision, Magno. You are your own person. Besides, she isn't even in the office yet.
(Sus shifts uncomfortably, a mix of loyalty and unease swirling within him. He glanced at Marcus, seeking support, but the Enforcer's gaze remained inscrutable. Like the silent sculptures of various abstract shapes and sizes that surround Sarah's office)
Marcus: (abruptly) As Ms. Fei mentioned, the Council is arriving today to investigate… Kevin Chen's ordeal.
Sarah: (placing a hand on Marcus's shoulder) They wish to discuss the full details of what happened last Saturday. Your… involvement is also on their list.
Sus: (anxious) But, Sarah, Uhm... Boss Maria has the Expansion Amplifier that Jordan used on Kevin. We need it so Dr. Tuazon can better understand Kevin's situation.
Sarah: (unmoved) That is… noted, Magno. However, we need you to prioritize your registration. Mr. Lee will assist you with the process.
Sus: (hesitates) Can't I… Can't I go by myself? You can just give me directions, you know.
Marcus: (a cold smile plays on his lips) You need a pass to get inside the facility, Magno.
Sarah: (eyes fixed on Sus) (unwavering) And Lee here is from the Council, Sus. He will escort you. You can probably learn a thing or two about Sound Sensitivity from him too.
Sus: (agrees hesitantly) Okay.
(Sus's eyes darted around, snapshots of worry creasing his forehead. He was still preoccupied on where Maria and Rachel could be.)
Marcus: (abruptly) We should go. We are getting late.
(Marcus turns and starts to walk. Sarah gives Sus a curt wave as he follows Marcus.)
Suri: (catching up with Sus) Hey! Wait for me!
January 07, 2020. Tuesday. 10:48 AM
20th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(They ride Marcus's red car, this time a bit dirtier than last Saturday. An awkward silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the hum of the engine.)
Sus: (internally) So he does this full time? How come Kevin needs to work at Metro?
(Sus's eyes scanned the car's interior, eventually settling on a photograph of an old woman on the dashboard. He couldn't help but notice she was wearing what seems to be a hearing aid..)
Marcus: (without looking at Sus) So… Magno. I'm quite sure you don't know how to Extract yet. Isn't that right?
Sus: (startled) (turns to Marcus) Uhm. Actually. I do. I can also do Explore now.
(Marcus's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. A flash of insecurity crossed his face, a subtle reminder of the previous weekend's events.)
Marcus: (clears his throat) I see. Well, in my case, I've been focusing on my Expansion technique. It's called the Growling Tiger.
(Marcus demonstrates with a low growl, a rumble that seems to vibrate the very air inside the car.)
Marcus: (continues) (a hint of pride in his voice) It's quite effective. Tends to… scare anyone who hears it. A much wider range Expand compared to Chen's precision-based whistles.
(He pauses, then elaborates, his tone shifting slightly, gaining a didactic edge.)
Marcus: You see, Expand is the most difficult Sense-Shifting technique. You can't do it if you haven't mastered Extract and Explore. But even then, it requires a specific set of skills. The ability to apply the molecular memories you've extracted, and then transfer them to others… to shift their realities to your liking.
Sus: (thinking, then says) Maybe that's why last night, Boss Maria needed to bring those Hooded Figures to a darker spot.
Marcus: (nods) Exactly. That's so she could influence their vision more effectively with her Expansion Amplifier.
Sus: (realizing) Wait. Her pen…
Marcus: (smirks) Sense-Shifting requires mastery of many different skills, Magno.
Sus: (internally) Exhausting…
Marcus: (continues) That's why we Sound-Shifters are often the first choice for Enforcers. We're quite… flexible for any task that requires any of the three techniques. A very versatile gift. It's way beyond just hearing.
Sus: (internally) So Sound Sensitives are the busiest types… Just my luck.
Marcus: But make no mistake, even if Ms. Hernandez is a Sight-Shifter, her skills and expertise are still… formidable.
Sus: (nodding slowly) Of course she is.
Marcus: (with a condescending smirk) Her famous Expand technique is called the Seven Serpents. She uses that pen of hers to cast a specific kind of light on her target, forcing them to experience and see one of her seven serpents. I doubt you can even imagine what that feels like.
Sus: (internally) Wow. Even small talk with this guy's unbearable. (looking outside the window) Kevin, please come back. I'll call you bro now. Maybe.
Marcus: (nods) (eyes rolling) The few who survived it say that each serpent represents one of the seven deadly sins.
(A heavy silence fell between them. The weight of Marcus's words linger, thick and uncomfortable. Sus shifted in his seat.)
Sus: (trying to keep his tone even) About what happened last Saturday… I hope you've recovered already? The damage done to Kevin was severe.
Marcus: (dismissively) (eyes still on the road) It was nothing, Magno. I've had worse.
(Sus clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He couldn't quite place it, but something about Marcus's arrogance rubs him the wrong way. He couldn't understand how someone who was saved by him and Kevin could act like this.)
Sus: (internally) This guy…
(As if sensing the change in Sus's demeanor, Marcus's own composure seemed to waver. He darted a quick glance at Sus, his expression a mix of defensiveness and a flicker of shame.)
Marcus: (clears throat) (rambling) Anyway.
(Suddenly, a video call began to ring on Marcus's phone, the screen illuminating the car's interior with a soft glow.)
Marcus: (slightly relieved) I need to take this.
(Without waiting for Sus's response, Marcus pulled the car over to the side of the road.)
Sus: (looking above the windshield) Sure?
(The video call on Marcus's phone showed an old woman with a warm, grandmotherly face. Sus, feeling a bit awkward, turned his gaze away, not wanting to intrude on the private conversation. He stared out the window, focusing on the blur of passing vehicles.)
Sus: (internally) Oof. I thought this day was finally gonna be normal.
(A few moments passed, and Sus grew curious. He couldn't hear any voices, only the continued hum of the car engine and the faint, tinny sounds of the video call.)
Sus: (internally) (curious) Wow. That's a very silent phone call.
Suri: (wiggling behind Sus) I think they are not really… Talking?
(He glanced back at Marcus and realized that he was communicating entirely in sign language, his hands moving with fluid, expressive grace.)
Sus: (surprised) (internally) Didn't really expect him to know sign language.
(Marcus's expression softened as he signed, his face conveying a depth of emotion that transcended words. He seemed to be having a heartfelt, though somewhat worried, conversation with the woman on the screen.)
Sus: (realizing) Wait. That's the woman in the photo on his dashboard.
(At that moment, Marcus seemed different. The layers of arrogance and bravado peeled away, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability and genuine emotion. It was a side of him Sus hadn't seen before, a far cry from the cocky Enforcer.)
Suri: (whispering to Sus) Do you want us to Extract what they're talking about?
Sus: (internal) (eyes widened) We can do that? (shakes his head) No. No. We shouldn't.
Suri: (giggling) It does seem like he's trying to calm down the person on the phone.
Sus: (internal) Yeah. Like he's explaining something.
(Marcus ends the call and puts his phone down.)
Marcus: (hesitates) Uhm… Magno… I… (clears throat) Thank you.
Sus: (confused) Huh?
Marcus: Last Saturday… If you didn't help bring me to Dr. Tuazon, I wouldn't have recovered my hearing. (pausing) So… yeah. Thanks.
Sus: (surprised) Oh. Uh… You're welcome?
Marcus: (a small, sad smile) My mother was also a Sound-Shifter. An Enforcer. Like me… and Kevin.
Sus: Was? What happened?
Marcus: (looks away) She used to be one of Ms. Fei's closest allies. But then… The Council was infiltrated with spies from The Cloud.
(Marcus starts the engine again and begins to drive.)
Marcus: They wanted to disrupt our community, our way of life.
Sus: (his anxiety rising) The Cloud…?
Marcus: (nods) My mother was protecting Mistress Fei from their assassination attempt. (keeping his eyes steady on the road) She's very good at this. Growling Tiger was her original technique.
(Marcus's voice cracks slightly.)
Marcus: (continues) But she was attacked by something… similar to the one we encountered last Saturday. Unlike me, she wasn't so lucky.
Sus: (realization dawning on him) She… She lost her hearing?
Marcus: (nods) (softly) Completely.
(Sus's mind flashed back to the woman on the video call, her expressive hands, the warmth in her eyes. A lump formed in his throat.)
Sus: (quietly) I… I can only imagine what that must be like. For a Sound Sensitive…
Marcus: (exhales) She used to find so much solace listening to air as it brushes her garden. Now…
Sus: (internally) Nothing…
(The weight of Marcus's words settled heavily in the car, the hum of the engine a striking opposite to the silence of what was left unsaid.)
Marcus: (his voice slightly trembling) Ever since then… the community became even more strict. They didn't want to get deceived again by those ill-willed people, bent on taking down everything we've built. Unfortunately, my mother was a casualty of that. And now, I'm here like her. Serving the community.
Sus: (realizing) Is that why you're so—
(Marcus doesn't respond, but his grip on the steering wheel tightens, his knuckles turning white. He stares straight ahead, his jaw clenched. The silence in the car stretches, thick with unspoken emotions.)
Marcus: (murmuring) Ma never even got a medal or anything like that. Immediately she was replaced and we needed to move forward. Just another placeholder for the next one.
(Sus looked at Marcus, understanding dawning in his eyes. Marcus's shoulders slumped slightly.)
Sus: …
Marcus: (continues) I really need to get to the bottom of what happened last Saturday.
Sus: (nods) About that… I was able to Explore the school yesterday with Boss and Rachel.
Marcus: And?
Sus: (hesitates) I… I got the attacker's name, Jordan. He talked crazy stuff about this… Savior and Mother. And this… This Resonance… Do you know what that is?
Marcus: (pauses) It's not a what, Magno. It's a when. It's about moments when the world… shifts.
Sus: (confused) Shifts?
Marcus: (nodding) Think of it as a hard reset. A way for the world to…recalibrate itself. To find a new balance.
Sus: How is that relevant to Sensitives?
Marcus: (worried) This could be problematic. We need to confirm this. Let's hurry with your registration. We're almost there anyway.
(Passing a street flooded with people from all over the area, the car approaches a seemingly empty warehouse. The structure loomed before them, a hulking silhouette against the muted sky.)
Sus: (reading his phone) (internally) Still no word from Boss Maria or Rachel in our GC. Where are they really?
(The air hung heavy with the scent of dust and disuse, Making the warehouse seem even more cavernous and desolate.)
Suri: (squeezing beside Sus) This place looks so scary, you know?
(As they got closer, the only sound was the low rumble of the car engine and the distant, muffled sounds of the city. The silence felt unnatural, amplifying the sense of isolation.)
Sus: (internally) Let's just get this over with. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can help Kevin.
Marcus: We're here.
(Marcus presses a sequence on his comms. His voice echoed slightly in the confined space of the car.)
Marcus: (to comms) Enforcer 03.
(For a moment, there was only static, a crackling emptiness that seemed to hum with an ominous energy. Then, a deep, rumbling voice responded from an unseen speaker, the words distorted and metallic, as if emanating from the depths of the earth.)
Speaker: (distorted, metallic) Acknowledged. Welcome, Lee.
(With a heavy, grinding groan, the gates of the warehouse began to open. The rusted metal screeched in protest, the sound echoing and reverberating as if the building itself was groaning in displeasure. The opening revealed a dimly lit interior, a vast space swallowed by shadows.)
Marcus: (serious) Okay, Magno. There's nothing to worry about this time. I'm sorry about the… Chamber incident. Really. This… This is different.
(Marcus drives the car inside, the headlights cutting through the gloom, momentarily illuminating the sheer scale of the emptiness. As the engine dies, the silence returns, heavier now, pressing in on them from all sides.)
Sus: (looking around him) (internally) Is this the same place we went to yesterday?
(Then, Sus's phone rings, the sudden shrill tone cutting through the oppressive stillness. He glances at the screen and sees Rachel's name.)
Sus: (eyes widened) Oh… Finally! (to Marcus) Can I take this?
Marcus: Sure, go ahead.
(Sus answers his phone, holding it to his ear.)
Sus: (jokingly, trying to lighten the mood) Hey, what's up, Sleepy Face? Turns out you're la-
(Rachel's voice on the other end was tight, strained, and filled with a raw urgency that instantly silenced Sus.)
Rachel: (urgent) (distressed) Sus! Listen to me! Don't… don't go with him!
Sus: (confused) What? What are you talking about?
Rachel: (pleading) Marcus Lee! He's the enemy, Sus! Don't trust him! Please!
(Before Sus could process her words, the line went dead. A sharp, digital beep echoed in the sudden silence, followed by the low, persistent hum of the car's electronics.)
Suri: (trembling) What's happening?
(Sus stared at his phone, his mind reeling, his heart pounding in his chest. He slowly lowered the device, his gaze fixed on Marcus, who was watching him with an unreadable expression.)
Marcus: (calmly) You done, Magno?
(Sus swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. His palms were slick with sweat, and his gut filled with anxiety. He glanced at Suri, who was flickering nervously beside him, its light pulsing erratically.)
Sus: (nervously) Yeah. Sure.
Sus: (internally) We need to find a way out of here. Now.
Suri: (swirling) I don't like this, Sus!
(Sus took a deep breath, trying to project an air of nonchalance he didn't feel. He remembered what Kevin had told him about focus.)
Sus: (to Marcus) Uh… Before we start, you mind if I… you know, smoke? Nerves, you know?
Marcus: (slightly annoyed) It's bad for you, Magno. I never get why you people love that, but fine. There's a smoking area near the entrance.
(Sus nodded, his mind racing. He turned and walked quickly towards the entrance, Suri darting nervously ahead of him. As soon as they were out of Marcus's earshot, Sus spoke in a low, urgent voice.)
Sus: (walking briskly) (internally) Okay, Suri, we need to get out of here.
Suri: (flickering) Yeah, no kidding! But how?
Sus: (internally) We run. But first… I need to focus. Give me a sec.
(Sus pulled out a cigarette, his hands shaking slightly as he lit it. The first inhale was harsh, the smoke burning his throat and lungs. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of the warehouse's oppressive silence. )
Suri: (shaking) (beginning to glow) Be careful, Sus!
(But with each subsequent drag, a subtle shift began to occur.)
Sus: (internally) Rachel… Boss Maria… What's happening?
(The tension in his shoulders eased, and the erratic rhythm of his heart began to slow, replaced by a steadier, more deliberate pulse. The smoke, initially acrid, started to mellow, carrying with it a strange sense of calm.)
Sus: (internally) Hang on, Boss. I'll find you.
(His attention began to sharpen. He could hear the subtle shift of the wind outside, the almost imperceptible hum of the warehouse's ventilation system, the distant, rhythmic thud of his own heartbeat.)
Sus: (internally) Okay, Suri. I think we're ready.
(The world around him, which had moments ago seemed chaotic and threatening, started to come into a clearer, sharper focus.)
Suri: (patterns flushed with lights) Okay, let's go!
(Marcus, seemingly curious as to why Sus was taking so long, stepped out of the warehouse.)
Marcus: Magno?
(His voice was sharp, laced with suspicion. The moment Marcus's eyes landed on Sus, his expression hardened.)
Marcus: Magno! Where are you going?
(Marcus's tone shifted, the earlier pretense of civility replaced by a raw, commanding edge. Sus didn't respond verbally.)
Sus: (internally) He's here!
(He broke into a sprint, Suri surging ahead of him, a beacon of light in the dim surroundings. The chase had begun.)
Marcus: Hey! What's happening?!
(The two of them dashed out of the warehouse. Concrete buildings loomed on either side, their empty windows like vacant eyes staring down at them.)
Sus: (panting) Which way, Suri?
Suri: (darting ahead) I don't know!
(Their footsteps echoed against the pavement, a frantic rhythm that reverberated through the deserted streets. Behind them, Marcus's heavier strides gained ground, his voice reverberating.)
Marcus: Stop! Stop right now!
(Sus risked a glance over his shoulder. Marcus was fast, his movements fluid and determined.)
Suri: (dashing beside Sus) Oh no!
(Sus realized they were in an area of Cubao he didn't recognize. The streets, normally bustling with life, were eerily deserted. The buildings, a mix of towering offices and abandoned apartments, seemed to press in on them, creating a claustrophobic labyrinth.)
Sus: (internally) Shit. I don't know this place.
(Even the trees that lined the sidewalks, their branches gnarled and skeletal, seemed to conspire against them, their shadows twisting into menacing shapes.)
Sus: (internally) I can't believe how fast he is!
Suri: (urgently) He's gaining on us!
Sus: (desperate) No shit! I need to…
(Focusing his mind, Sus pulls back his headphones, attempting to extract information from his surroundings even as he runs. He focused on a large tree ahead, its ancient roots anchoring it to the earth.)
Sus: (internally) Suri, ask the trees which way. Let's Extract!
(Sus starts listening intently, hearing the humid wind of Cubao's afternoon rustle over the leaves of the trees his Sense-Core will be interacting with.)
Suri: (flickering towards the tree) Okay! (to the tree) Hey, Tree! Which way should we go?
Tree 1: (deep, groaning voice) Two paths at the end of this street.
Tree 2: (Rustling leaves) Left leads nowhere. The right path… it should lead to more people.
Suri: They said right!
Sus: (grunting) Got it!
(Sus veered sharply to the right, his muscles screaming in protest as he pushed himself to the limit. As he turned, he realized, with a jolt of surprise, that he had instinctively extracted the information from the trees while running. A skill he didn't know he possessed.)
Sus: (internally) (surprised) Wait, we did that?
Suri: (excited) You did! You Extracted while running! I almost thought we couldn't do that!
Sus: (internally) (panting) Me neither!
(The narrow street opened into a wide avenue teeming with life. The cacophony of the chase was engulfed by the vibrant sounds of a bustling marketplace.)
Sus: (internally) This is good. Marcus can't do anything here.
(People thronged the sidewalks, a kaleidoscope of colors and movement. Sari-sari stores, their shelves overflowing with a dizzying array of goods, lined the street, their colorful awnings stretching out like welcoming arms.)
Vendor 1: (greeting) Hi, sir! Banana cue?
Marcus: (shouting discreetly) Hey! Magno!
(The aroma of sizzling street food hung heavy in the air, a tantalizing mix of grilled meats, fried snacks, and sweet delicacies.)
Vendor 2: (shouting with a flat tone) Isaw! Betamax! Adidas!
Sus: (internally) Let's blend in!
(Eateries spilled out onto the sidewalks, their patrons engaged in lively conversations, their voices mingling with the clatter of cutlery and the cheerful banter of vendors.)
Customer 1: (laughing) Ate, extra rice, please!
Customer 2: (to Customer 1) Hey! Verse Killer isn't a funny story, you know!
(Food stalls, their carts overflowing with fresh produce and steaming dishes, lined the curbs, their owners calling out to passersby with enticing offers.)
Sus: (internally) (relieved) Yes! Perfect. He won't move against us here.
Suri: (turning back) Yeah. But he's still pacing with us! (panicked) We need to lose him!
Sus: (internally) Suri, ask the street sign coming up for a place to hide!
(Sus, trying to balance running and listening at the same time, concentrated on hearing the subtle vibrations of the street sign emanating from the impact of passing cars and pedestrians around it.)
Suri: (flickering towards the street sign) On it! (to the street sign) Hey, uh, Sign! Any good hiding spots around here?
Street Sign 1: (metallic voice) Lesser vibrations on the left turn ahead. Quieter.
Suri: Left turn!
Sus: (internally) (turning) Okay, left it is! Just a bit more, Kevin… Rachel… Boss…
(As he turned, he realized again, that he had instinctively Extracted the memories from the street signs while running. A second time in a row)
Sus: (internally) (surprised) Wait, we did it again!
Suri: (excited) You did it again!
(The narrow street opened into a wider road, still mostly open and quiet, but with a palpable sense of watchful stillness.)
Sus: (panting) Over there!
(Sus darted towards a narrow alleyway, the entrance partially obscured by a large, overflowing dumpster. The alley was shrouded in shadow, a foreboding nod to the fading light of the afternoon.)
Sus: (internally) In here!
(They slipped into the alley, the towering presence of the dumpster consuming them whole. The sounds of the chase - Marcus's heavy footsteps and desperate shouts - faded slightly, replaced by the muffled sounds of the city, now distant and muted.)
Sus: (leaning against the dumpster, catching his breath) Think we lost him?
(A moment of tense silence floats in the air, broken only by the sound of their ragged breathing. Sus strained his ears, trying to discern any sign of their pursuer.)
Sus: (internally) Is he still out there?
Suri: (its light dimming) I don't know.
Sus: (internally) Try Extracting again. See if we can… hear him. (knocking on the dumpster lightly)
(Suri flickered, focusing its energy, and reached out to the towering dumpster beside them.)
Suri: (to the dumpster) Hey, uh… anything on the other side? Any… people?
Dumpster: (deep, metallic rumble) Mostly… leftovers. Some… discarded paper. A broken… heart?
Sus: (internally) (exasperated) Great. Thanks for the existential update, pal.
Suri: (flickering) Nothing. Just trash.
Sus: (internally) Okay, plan B then.
Suri: (curious) There's a plan B?
Sus: (internally) (nervous) No. We just… Wait.
(They waited, the silence stretching, thick with anticipation. Just as Sus began to relax, a voice shattered the stillness.)
Marcus: (from the street) I know you're in there, Magno. I can hear your heartbeat.
(Sus's blood ran cold. He exchanged a terrified look with Suri. Their hiding place had been compromised. There was nowhere left to run.)
Marcus: (slowly walking closer) (his voice low and menacing) There's nothing to be afraid of. We just want to make sure you're safe. The community… We just want to be secure.
Sus: (internally) (frantic) What do we do? What do we do?
Suri: (shaking) I don't know! I don't know!
(Sus's mind raced, a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He had no experience in combat, no training in fighting. Marcus is an Enforcer. A trained operative of the Council. He was outmatched, outgunned, and out of options.)
Sus: (internally) I… I can't…
(But then, Rachel's words echoed in his mind.)
Rachel (voice repeating): He's the enemy, Sus! Don't trust him!
(He thought of Kevin, lying injured in the hospital, a loving father and husband now uncertain of a future. He thought of Maria, entrusting him with this mission, believing in his potential.)
Sus: (internally) I can't just stand here and do nothing.
(A surge of adrenaline coursed through him, overriding his fear with a raw, desperate resolve. He might not be a fighter, but he couldn't abandon his friends, his team, to this Enforcer.)
Sus: (internally) Okay, Suri. On my lead.
(Sus stepped out from behind the dumpster, his hands raised, his expression a mask of grim determination. He was shaking, terrified, but he refused to back down.)
Sus: (voice trembling slightly) I know your secret, Marcus.
(Marcus stopped in his tracks, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.)
Marcus: (confused) My… my what?
Sus: (finding a sliver of courage) You're the enemy.
Marcus: (taken aback) What? Magno, what are you talking about?!
Sus: (his voice gaining strength) Rachel told me. She called. She said I shouldn't trust you.
(Marcus's confusion deepened, a hint of frustration lacing his voice.)
Marcus: (pleading) Magno, calm down. Just… just listen to me.
(Marcus took a step closer, his hand outstretched in a gesture of peace. But Sus wasn't buying it.)
Sus: (internally) He's getting closer. I don't have a plan. I don't have a plan!
(In a desperate, impulsive move, Sus lunged forward, grabbing the heavy lid of the trash can and swinging it with all his might.)
Marcus: (shaking his head) Oh, Magno… What are you doing?
(Marcus's tone was dismissive, tinged with a hint of pity. He didn't even raise his hands to defend himself. Instead, he took a deep breath, his chest expanding slightly.)
Marcus: (whispering) Sense Expansion: Growling Tiger.
(The air around Marcus shimmered, and a low, guttural growl emanated from deep within his chest. It wasn't just a sound; it was a vibration, a force that seemed to warp the very air around them.)
Sus: Wha-?!
(The growl hit Sus like a physical blow. The sound crashed into him, a wave of pure, concussive energy that stole the air from his lungs and froze him in place.)
Sus: (internally) What… What is this?
(Then, inexplicably, Sus and Suri began to see things. At the corner of their eyes, fleeting shadows. Vague outlines of faceless figures lurking in the periphery, just beyond the edge of their vision.)
Sus: (whispering) What the---?
Suri: (terrified) What are they?! Sus!
(The shadows multiplied, coalescing into distinct shapes. They were humanoid but faceless and soundless, their forms shifting and contorting like figures in a nightmare.)
Sus: They're everywhere!
(They emerged from the darkness of the alleyways, from behind the towering dumpster, from the rooftops of the buildings, and even from the seemingly empty windows across the street.)
Sus: (his voice trembling) There's no sound. I can't… I can't hear them.
(The figures were utterly silent, yet their presence was palpable, a suffocating aura of dread that pressed down on Sus and Suri.)
Sus: (internally) (paralyzed with fear) I can't move!
(They moved with an unnatural, gliding motion, their limbs bending at impossible angles as they crept closer, their cracked, obsidian bodies reflecting the dim light in a disturbing, fractured way.)
Suri: (desperate) Sus… I'm scared!
(The shadow figures reached them, their touch like the cold caress of death. They enveloped Sus and Suri, their darkness seeping into every pore, every fiber of their being. The world dissolved into a swirling vortex of black, a silent, suffocating abyss.)
Sus: I'm sorry… Kevin…
(Sus feels nothing.)
Sus: Boss… Maria…
(He opens his eyes. There's only darkness.)
Sus: (confused) Where… where am I? Suri?
(Panic swelled in his chest as he flailed, his hands grasping at empty air. There was no ground beneath him, no walls around him, only an endless void.)
Sus: Hello? Is anyone there?
(His voice succumbed to the nothingness, leaving him utterly alone with his fear.)
Sus: (pleading) Suri? Please… say something!
(Then, the darkness began to shift, to dissolve. It wasn't a uniform blackness, but a swirling vortex of colors, like a broken television screen flickering to life. Hues of red, blue, and green bled into each other, creating grotesque patterns that danced before his eyes.)
Sus: Agh!
(A sudden, blinding flash of white light. Sus squeezed his eyes shut, his head throbbing with pain.)
Sus: C'mon, life. Can't things just end?
January 07, 2020. Tuesday. 06:12 PM
Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
(When he opened them again, he was lying on a soft surface, the swirling colors replaced by the muted tones of a dimly lit room.)
Sus: (internally) Huh?
(Sarah and Marcus were there, their faces etched with concern.)
Sus: (panicked) Get away from me! Where am I? What did you do to me?!
Marcus: (his voice gentle, soothing) Calm down, Magno. You're safe.
Sarah: (her expression serious but reassuring) You're alright. You're here with us.
Sus: (struggling to sit up) Where is here? Let me go!
Marcus: (taking a step closer, but still cautious) Easy, Magno. Just… take a deep breath. You're safe. We're not your enemies.
Sus: (scoffs, disbelieving) Enemies? After what I saw? After what you did?
Sarah: (her voice firm) We understand you're scared. But you need to listen to us. We're here to help you.
Marcus: (kneeling beside Sus) I'm sorry I used Expand on you, Magno. You have to believe us. We're on the same side.
Sus: (scrambling away from them) Stay away from me!
Marcus: (desperate) Then… then Explore me. Do that thing you did yesterday. See my memories. See that I'm not the enemy. You have my permission.
Sus: (gasping) (internally) Suri? Where's Suri?
Suri: (weakly) I'm here, Sus.
Sus: (internally) (relieved) Thank goodness
(Sus takes a moment to consult with Suri.)
Sus: (internally) What do you think?
Suri: (hesitantly) I… I don't know, Sus. But… I don't think we have a choice.
Sus: (internally) I don't like this.
Suri: (his lights dimming) Me neither. But… he's right. It's the only way to know for sure.
(Sus hesitates, his mind racing. He's terrified, but he knows Suri is right. He has to know the truth, and this is the only way.)
Sus: (to Marcus) Okay. I'll do it. But I need a moment.
Marcus: (nodding, understanding) Of course. Take your time.
(Sus closes his eyes, trying to focus his racing thoughts. He knows he needs to be calm, centered, to effectively use his Explore ability. But his body is still trembling, his breath coming in ragged gasps.)
Sus: (to Marcus) I need a smoke.
Marcus: (gently) Not this time, Magno. But given the circumstances… perhaps we can try a different approach?
Sus: (his eyes still closed, wary) What do you mean?
Sarah: (her voice soft) (guiding) Try focusing on your breathing. Inhale deeply, hold it for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Let go of the fear, the anger… just focus on the air filling your lungs.
(Sarah steps forward, offering Sus a steaming cup.)
Sarah: Here. Drink this. It will help.
(Sus warily takes the cup, the warmth soothing against his trembling hands. He takes a tentative sip. It was tea.)
Sarah: Go ahead. Remember, it's not like we can gain anything from you, Magno. This is entirely for your benefit.
(The taste was unfamiliar, but it was strangely calming, a subtle sweetness that spread through him like a gentle balm. As he drank, Sus tried to just focus on the moment.)
Sus: (internally) (notices the energy) Wait. I think I feel it.
Suri: (excited) Yeah! It's faint, but it's there! Not as strong as from the lollipop, but it's there!
Sus: (closes his eyes, focusing) Okay. I'll try. What do you want me to look for?
Marcus: Just… the truth. See my past, what I'm feeling. See if I'm lying to you.
(Sus nods, takes a deep breath, and takes a step closer to Marcus.)
Sus: (internally) Okay, Suri. Let's do this.
Suri: (bracing itself) Ready when you are, Sus.
(Sus reaches out, not physically, but with his senses. He focuses on Marcus, on the subtle rhythms of his breathing, the faint thrum of his heartbeat.)
Suri: (focusing) (to Marcus's Heart) Hello, Hearty heart of Marcus. You there?
Marcus's Heart: (to Suri) We are open. Tell us what you need.
Sus: (internally) Anything?
Suri: (concentrating) I think so… (to Marcus's Heart) Show us your secrets!
(Suri begins to glow, brighter and brighter, absorbing the faint molecular memories that clung to Marcus's heart.)
Sus: (internally) Here we go…
(The familiar disorientation hit Sus, the world dissolving into a kaleidoscope of fragmented images and sensations. But this time, he was more prepared, more focused. He held onto Suri's light, anchoring himself as they plunged into the depths of a person's past.)
Sus: (internally) (looking around) So this is what it's like when we Explore a person…
(Then, as suddenly as it began, the chaos subsided. The swirling colors coalesced, solidifying into a coherent scene. Sus and Suri found themselves standing in a place that was nothing like the dimly lit room they had just left.)
May 11, 1998. Monday. 03:21 PM
Unknown Location, Philippines.
Suri: We're here.
(The air was warm and fragrant, filled with the sweet scent of a thousand blooming flowers. They were in a garden, a meticulously crafted paradise of vibrant colors and textures.)
Sus: It's… It's beautiful…
(Exotic plants and flowers bloomed in carefully arranged beds, their petals unfurling in a riot of hues. The area is quiet as it can be, with only the sound of air brushing leaves heard, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.)
Woman 1: You like this garden, baby Marcus? (smiling)
(In the garden's center, a beautiful woman and a young boy were silently enjoying the afternoon.)
Sus: (curious) Hmm. So this is his most precious memory?
Suri: (circling the woman and the young boy) It seems like it?
(The young boy, Marcus, couldn't have been more than five years old. He had a mop of unruly black hair and bright, curious eyes that darted around, taking in the vibrant colors of the garden.)
Young Marcus: (curious) Ma, why do you always hang out here? Nothing ever happens here.
(He wore a slightly oversized shirt, its edges frayed, hinting at a life that was simple but full of love.)
Marcus's Mother: (gazing at the sky with a serene expression) The world can be a noisy place sometimes, Marcus. Here, it will always be peaceful. (She smiles and turns to Young Marcus.)
Young Marcus: Then why do you have to go out everyday and night with Mistress Fei?
Marcus's Mother: (laughing lightly) Protecting her means protecting you, okay? Happy birthday, my love. I will always protect you.
(His mother was a striking woman with a peaceful smile. Even in this peaceful setting, there were subtle signs of her strength and resilience.)
Young Marcus: (frowning, voice trembling) That's not fair, Mama. That was my gift to you, on your birthday last time.
Marcus's Mother: (chuckles softly) And it was the best gift, my brave boy.
Sus: (looking closer) She looks so calm but you can see that she's been through a lot.
(Faint bruises marked her arms, and a thin scar traced a line near her temple, testaments to battles fought and won. Yet, her eyes held nothing but warmth as she gazed at her son.)
Young Marcus: (determined) (eyes shining with fierce love) That's all I want to do in life. I will protect my Mama.
Sus: I… I never really pictured Marcus like this…
(The woman reached out, tickling Young Marcus gently. Their laughter, pure and bright, filled the tranquil garden, a testament to their unbreakable bond. It was a sound of innocence, a powerful echo of a love that knew no bounds.)
Sus: (looking around) Wha… What's happening now?
(The memory starts fading and flickering away as Sus runs out of Sensitive energy.)
January 07, 2020. Tuesday. 06:34 PM
Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
Suri: We're back… (flickering lights in and out)
(Sus, exhausted from Explore, is back at the room with Marcus and Sarah.)
Sus: (tired) I… I saw… I saw your memories, Marcus. It isn't proof of anything, really. But I don't think you have… bad intentions.
Marcus: I just want to protect this community. Like my mother always did.
Sus: Why would Rachel say you're the enemy?
(The room falls silent, the weight of the question hanging heavy in the air. Marcus's expression shifts, a complex mix of emotions swirling within his eyes.)
Sarah: (stepping forward) Because the Council's investigation into the incident with Chen… It revealed some disturbing evidence today.
Sus: (stepping back) What do you mean?
(She pauses)
Sarah: Evidence… that Hernandez has been plotting a coup. With Tuazon, and other unknown conspirators. They plan to take control of the Council.
Sus: (hands shaking) That's… Impossible… She… She said she wanted to…
Sarah: (emphasizing) Links between her new project and the anti-council organization, The Cloud, were found. She might be planning to use their technology to power her project.
Marcus: (to Sus) The same people who attacked Mistress Fei years ago.
Sus: (staring at the dim lamp above) The missing server expenses… (stammering) And… The warehouse… But... But how can this be?
Sarah: Maria Hernandez is now wanted for questioning and she's missing…
Sus: (shaking) Boss… Maria…