Chapter 7

A Place to Hide

High in the mountains, within the cold steel walls of the headquarters, the leader listened in silence.

His posture was rigid, his head slightly lowered. Both of his fists were clenched so tightly that the skin around his knuckles had turned white.

When he finally spoke, his voice was calm.

Too calm.

Leader:
“You’re telling me…”
He raised his head slowly.
“…that four children—two of them girls—defeated Gazley’s entire squad?”

The follower standing before him trembled.

Follower:
“Y-Yes, sir…”
He swallowed.
“General Gazley’s men insist the children weren’t from the Wise Village.”
“They said the kids were strangers with… magic!.”

The leader’s eyes narrowed.

Leader:
“magic?”

He rose from his seat.

Leader:
“Do you think this is a game?”

The follower shook violently.

Follower:
“N-No, sir!”

The leader stepped closer.

Leader:
“I don’t tolerate fairy tales.”
His voice dropped.
“Bring me Gazley the moment he returns.”

Follower:
“Yes, sir!”

As the leader turned away, Gunner stood nearby—silent, observant.

His eyes gleamed with interest.

So they really are the subjects…
And they activated their powers already!

A faint smile touched his lips.

Impressive.

He stepped forward.

Gunner:
“My leader… may I have a word with you?”

The leader paused.

Leader:
“Speak.”

Back in the village—

Prof.3 moved carefully through the crowded streets, weaving between villagers who laughed, argued, and carried plates of food.

“There’s no way I’ll find them like this…” he muttered.
“And without my watch…”

He stopped abruptly, rolling up his sleeve again—only to sigh in frustration.

“Right. I’m not wearing it.”

A hand suddenly tapped his shoulder.

Prof.3 jumped.

Man:
“Hey! Look who’s here—it’s Mr. White!”

Several villagers turned at once.

Villagers:
“Hey!”
“Mr. White!”
“Good evening!”

Prof.3 froze.

“…That beam actually worked,” he whispered to himself.
“But those idiots really used my real name…”

The man grabbed his arm cheerfully.

Man:
“Come on! Join the feast!”
“It’s a celebration for the heroes who saved our village.”

Mr. White:
“…Heroes?”

Man:
“You didn’t hear?”
“It’s those mutant kids.”

He pointed toward the long table—

Empty.

Man:
“Huh?”
“They were just here.”

He shrugged and tugged Mr. White forward.

Man:
“Never mind. Come eat!”

Mr. White allowed himself to be pulled along, his eyes scanning the village carefully.

So they’re nearby, he thought.
Good.

Not far away—

Our friends stood awkwardly beside the village sage, awkwardly trying to explain themselves.

Sage:
“What troubles our heroes?”

Before anyone else could speak, Shadow Light blurted out:

Shadow Light:
“We need a place to sleep. Find us somewhere suitable”

Immediately, the others smacked his head.

Everyone:
“Speak properly, idiot!”

Black Storm stepped forward.

Black Storm:
“Sorry. We don’t have anywhere to stay.”

The sage nodded thoughtfully.

Sage:
“I see… then perhaps you can stay at my—”

He was cut off.

Man:
“You can Come to the Sun Motel!”
“It’s the tallest building in the village!”

Woman:
“Come to my inn!”
“Food is free!”

Sage:
“You fools! They’re just children!”

Woman:
“That’s why it’s free!”

Man:
“No—my place!”

Another voice shouted.

Man 2:
“They can stay with my family!”

The crowd grew louder.

Uncomfortable glances were exchanged.

Black Storm (quietly):
“…Hospitality is intense here.”

Star X:
“I vote we run.”

Black Storm:
“Agreed.”

Without another word, they slipped away.

They darted through narrow alleys, as arguing echoing behind them.

At the edge of the village, Sun-Z stopped suddenly.

Atop a small hill stood a quiet house.
An elderly woman leaned against the balcony railing, gazing at the stars.

Sun-Z:
“i have an idea! Follow me.”

They rushed toward the house.

Sun-Z:
“Miss! Please—can we hide here for a moment?”

The woman studied them calmly.

Then smiled.

Mrs. Kelly:
“Of course.”
“The door’s open.”

They slipped inside just as villagers arrived nearby.

Man:
“Good evening, Mrs. Kelly. Sorry to bother you”

“Did you see four strange kids pass by?”

Mrs. Kelly shook her head gently.

Mrs. Kelly:
“No, dear.”
“Is something wrong?”

Man:
“No, no. We just wanted to host them. But i think we scared them instead”

She chuckled softly.

Mrs. Kelly:
“How kind of you.”

Man:

"well, good night, Mrs. Kelly"

The man left.

Inside, the four teens crouched near the window.

Star X:
“Are they gone?”

Mrs. Kelly:
“Yes.”
She sighed.
“They mean well… but they get carried away.”

Sun-Z bowed politely.

Sun-Z:
“We’re sorry for intruding at this hour ."

Mrs. Kelly waved it off.

Mrs. Kelly:
“You can stay here tonight.if you have nowhere else to sleep. You’re welcome”

Relief washed over them.

Shadow Light:
“Do you live alone?”

Mrs. Kelly:
“Not exactly.”
“I have Gina to keep me company. But you must have met her already.””

Everyone:
“…Gina?”

A sudden noise from behind made Star X and Shadow Light scream.

A small cat arched her back, hissing.

Star X:
“A cat!”

Shadow Light:
“I hate cats!”

Black Storm crouched calmly, picking the cat up.And stroking her soft, spotted fur to calm her.

Black Storm:
“Easy… she’s just scared.”

The cat purred.

black storm:

"hahah thats cute"

Shadow Light:
“Cute? She’s far from cute.”

Later that night, silence settled.

Elsewhere—by the lake—

Mr. White crouched beside two small craters in the dirt.

He traced their edges slowly.

His eyes widened.

“…They’re here,” he whispered.
“And they’re already stronger than I expected.”

He stood, determination hardening his expression.

"This changes everything."