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starlightnighteve · 1 year

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Chapter 12; Uneasy Feelings

A successful takedown last night brought back exciting news the next day. Coming back to work, agents find themselve hearing about the latest mission, or sharing their experiences. Word started to spread about Eve's heroic deeds, especially. But, Eve seemed oblivious to the coworkers around watching her, curiously, and, or intrigued. Everyone goes on, rushing through the busy unit.

Eve had gotten to work as usual. She sits at her desk, writing a report, as Grey left to get something for a mission. She was feeling good after last night. It was a lot better than her last few hectic encounters before that. Eve doesn't pay much mind to the office chatter. "Hi there. You're name's Maestro, right?" A voice calls out specifically to her, however. It was immediately unfamiliar, so she had to check who it was.

Eve turns, and gives a warm smile as two unfamiliar agents approach her. A male and female stand beside Eve's desk. They stood like night and day. Eve greets the contrasting pair. "Yes, that's me! Can I help you two with something?"

The male speaks up. He wore all black as his counterpart wore all white. He also has dark hair and skin. "Not exactly, but we were just wanting to meet you. I'm Sorlas, and this is Spirit. We heard about your work last night."

The female that was introduced as Agent Spirit speaks. Her silver bangs hid her ghostly pale face, but looked excitedly at Eve. "And, SAW too. Like seriously, amazing work."

Eve runs a hand through her hair, and light-heartedly chuckles. "Hehe, well I'm glad last night's mission was a success. Thanks."

Spirit gets in closer, almost like it was secretive, but she was too excited. "So, I heard from Blare you live with a tiger in your apartment. Is that true?- If so, like, how?" She said bluntly, but was curious. Most would naturally.

Blare must have passed on some tidbits around the office Eve's told her before. It's not like Eve's surprised, or seen it before. With her old life displayed online for all to see, even rebels could find out things about her. She shouldn't be surprised at this point what people know about her.

Eve giggles, waving her hands. "Oh, Sameer is actually super sweet and intelligent. He wouldn't hurt anyone, or even smaller animals. He's nice, and probably a little lonely with me not there all the time anymore. Heh, it's been a little sad not having him by my side, either."

Sorlas chuckles nervously, as he scratches his head, trying to be polite. "Aw, that's sweet. Probably for the best, though."

Eve chuckles lightheartedly. She couldn't contain her childish excitement, and her love for animals. "Hehe, of course. He looks like a tiger, but he has a heart of gold! He wouldn't do anything, just sit and watch me work." From experience, Eve knows Sameer's patience. He used to sit when she was heavily focused on a piece of music in the past.

Spirit looks curiously at Eve. Her voice goes excitedly in question. "So, are you, like, famous or something?"

Eve jolts and turns her head curiously. By the statement, she seems unsure she heard Spirit right. "Excuse me?" She asked, to make sure.

Spirit giggles, she didn't want to be wrong or bring up false information, but what she heard was too interesting to say the least to be normal gossip. "So, I keep hearing a bunch of things, and I'm wondering if they're true."

Eve looks away bashfully, but back at them, curious. "Um... Actually, what DO you hear about me." She wondered, not knowing what gets passed around, as people just talk about her, for whatever reasons.

Spirit thinks aloud, much less vaguely than before. She lists anything that sounded like it came from a few people. "That you're someone famous from overseas. You're a 'late bloomer', meaning you didn't get discovered, and learn about our existence till recently. You also have multiple powers, somehow. You also have a mysterious side with how you basically 'Indiana Jones'd' your way around the world, getting powers instead of treasures, and showing our research team, whatever that is..." The agent realized she was rambling and scratched her head, sounding more unsure at the end. However, it seemed fairly true. Just more vaguely put.

Agent Sorlas joins in by adding. "Oh! I heard you're super strong, and can basically fly." Whether from training perhaps, or the time she flew out a window, Eve can see that.

Spirit turns over to Sorlas, nudging him playfully, then turning back to Eve. "Bet she could do way more than that! You're, like, super powerful as is, Maestro."

The supposed gossip involving Eve appeared fairly accurate, given its vague parts, and creative description. "Well...." Eve draws out, thinking of what to say, or a way to explain herself. Others certainly wanted to know more about her. "Interesting way of putting it, heh. I'm not as famous as some think. I make music and post it online. If you look at my stuff, 'Starlight Night Eve', I'm just a very innocent singer and songwriter. I'm a child and young adult entertainer, mostly. I don't do much besides that in reality. Besides also going on hiatuses to explore the world and find what past ability-users were like." It was a more elaborate, summed up version of theirs.

A gruff voice cut in from behind them. One that was familiar to all the agents. "Maestro! Have you finished your report yet?" Grey's voice called out for her, as he stomped over, immediately eyeing the other agents.

The two agents go into a cold sweat as Grey walks over. Eve turns to her partner, and gives him a warm smile. "Yes, I did! Do you need to check it?" She cheerfully gleamed.

Grey walks closer and leans over Eve's shoulder to review her screen. "Yes, let me see it... What are you all doing, lazing around?" After a pause reading, Grey suddenly eyes the two agents again that were by his partner.

Eve innocently beams up at Grey. His glare was ineffective to her. "We were just talking about last night's mission. Getting to know each other better, since they recognized me." She responded, for the agents' sake.

Grey shoots daggers at the agents, who were sweating even more nervously. He then looks away, scoffing. "Hmph... You two are dismissed. Please get to work, and don't distract Maestro." He takes a seat at his own desk.

Eve giggles gleefully. "Awe, don't be grumpy. It doesn't hurt to have a nice chat with people sometimes, I was working after all." She teased her relentlessly cold partner.

The other agents take a step away from Eve and Grey, especially as Grey was intimidating them with his steely glare. Spirit nervously shoos away, waving her hand goodbye, then quickly turns and walks away with Sorlas. "W- we'll just see you later, Maestro. I'll check out your music on my break!"

Eve waves off, unperturbed. She calls out, in a friendly and slightly joking manner. "Heh, I might need subtitles, or an English cover. I know a few, if interested!" She smirks down, turning back in her seat to her desk.

Eve hums and turns back in her seat. She was about to check her files on her computer, but stopped in thought. "Hm, I really should make a song..." She was pondering aloud.

Grey turns his head to Eve scowling harder at her. "You really should be working. Don't space out now."

Eve playfully shakes her head to focus. She giggles to herself, then goes back to work. "Yes, yes. Work now, but I must make a song on my time off."

They go to work silently at their computers, but Grey shifts his eyes over and watches Eve instead. "... What would it be about?" He muttered.

Eve whips her head to Grey, not sure if she heard right. "Pardon?" He had spoken so quietly, she could had been mistaken. But, she heard right.

Grey coolly turns and asks Eve more elaborately. "What song do you want to make?" His voice was more shy and quiet than before.

Her curiosity then turns softer, as Eve looks down and sighs a chuckle. "Heh, I'd just let something speak from the heart, and see how it goes."

A curious day was planned ahead. The overall feeling was as if things were finally getting accustomed to. The idea of something greater, and the trust that's being built, was just what things needed to bloom. Cogs were turning in the agency, new plans head for the unit, of ability users alike.

______________________________

Knock is heard from inside of the director's office. He lifts his head over his computer to see Agent Grey, and Agent Maestro entering. They walk in, both had scheduled a meeting over future plans, and were right on time to meet with Oracle. Grey was gloomy and endpanned as usual, and Eve was a bubbling ray of light.

Director Oracle greets them, calm and cheerfully. "Welcome you two. I have a small rundown of our plan I want to ask Maestro about, for the trek. I have a map there. Also a list of what our team will possibly need." He takes a few papers from a clutter of documents and papers, handing it to Eve. She takes it and shyly looks it over.

The agents take a seat, and Eve observes the clutter, and a bunch of new materials on the desk. There were lists, small packs, first aid kits, a map of the world, and a big red marker. The map and marker seemed like they were together. Eve was especially fixated on the map.

Eve looks up at the director, eyes going wide. Although she was prepared for this already, she had some residual worries. She slowly draws out. "And... you need the map marked?" She raised a brow from under her bangs.

The director keeps his smile, but his eyes look a little worried as he scratches his cheek. "If you could, that would be appreciative. We just need at least some estimate of where the jet should land, what and how many supplies to bring. If you could give us something semi-accurate to go with."

Eve nods and closes her eyes. She knew this was needed, she prepared herself mentally for it. She leans out of her seat to grab the marker, and draws a line all the way from North America they were on, to the middle of the Middle East. Then she starts going over towns, and drawing the places they must visit firstly, before making their destination to the city of Uridian.

Eve starts explaining, writing a little more details as she spoke. "Yes, of course. It's a flight to the central city, then a car, then a bus... Later, we'll need to be on foot or animals for the most part. So, we can land, then spend a few days and nights on the trek."

Grey had his arms crossed, looking over at his partner. He taps his arm with a finger, with something bugging him he didn't quite understand. "I'm still curious how you just randomly stumbled onto a town that's days away from the next." He sounded plain, and in disbelief.

Eve pleaded that she was speaking with utmost reasons. Even if the reason wasn't something she, or even her mentor, understood yet. "I- I was really desperate, and just wandering at one point. I didn't have a reason, but just a feeling to go out, and then keep going. It's not like it's impossible for people to get there, they get imports, after all. But the desert can also reject people, and just never show itself to some...." She didn't know why she was accepted. Eve wasn't a merchant, or worker coming over. She was just a wanderer, without a purpose.

Director Oracle places a hand under his chin, and gives an inquisitive smile. "It's interesting to say the least. How many days will we need to pack for food, per person?"

Eve calmly answers, knowing the trek well enough to estimate with assurance. "It might be three days, unless we can make it to two. Depends how quickly the team can go, between breaks."

Grey scoffed from beside Eve in his seat. Eve turns as he's grumbling with his arms crossed. "Jeez, can we not take a less difficult route, or something?" He sounded very displeased with the idea of being out there that long traveling.

Eve shakes her head. "We can't take a jet, and we one-hundred percent shouldn't, anyways. Aircrafts can't see the town from above, it's hidden from the skies, apparently." She put it simply, since they couldn't just directly go there. They needed to go farther out to be able to pass through.

Grey looks away, still pushing for more ideas that might sound better. "Tch... Well, what about using a boat the rest of the way?"

Eve explains the best she could. She's only traveled by boat once, the time she rescued Sameer. Having a big tiger on a thin boat during the first half wasn't pleasant, especially to the oarsmen. She denies any other route than her own as the best way. "We could, but we'll have to fly farther, then it'll be just as cumbersome to maneuver to the town, and possibly dangerous. Locals are more fit and know a lot more than me for that trek. This is just the route I use."

Grey nods, and drops his head down. "I see. Sigh...." He slumped into his seat. It's not like he was lazy, but he couldn't help but feel drained already from the thought.

The director shifts a toying but innocent glare over at the cold agent. "Worried about this one, Grey?" The agent didn't seem much for being worried about a mission. He seemed more likely to complain about certain cases, than the latter.

Grey coldly glares at Oracle. He huffs, looking away again, speaking. "It's not like it'll go out of control, but the idea of being in the desert and possibly getting stranded sounds agonizing." And it was more of a complaint than fear. Eve didn't seem like the one to leave them stranded, or astray.

Eve smiles over at her partner. She's done the trek there and back from home many times. It would only be a different starting point to the central. "Hehe, you'll be fine with me. Sadly, if there's a group, that's a lot to care for if anyone has issues with the heat. I can only temporarily change the temperature of myself and another person at a time. We'll need lots of water, and electrolytes. Comfy shoes too, for lots of walking. We can only carry what we can travel with, so it might be limited." She got more serious but relaxed as she explained.

Oracle smiles, not worried in the slightest in his tone. "We'll have all the essentials and equipment you'll need to get there and back. We'll make sure there's nothing to worry about. As long as you can handle it once you've made it to the location."

Eve gives a thumbs up to the director. "Once we find my mentor, we'll be set. For however long we're there... We'll probably need thick tents, and a set of warm and cool clothes for everyone. The nights can be freezing if there's any wind. And, even when we get to the town, we can't exchange or use any currency for any inns. Only outside merchants will take dirham."

Uridian was a closed off, small, yet well off by using copper, silver, or gold coins. Also trading being highly regulated in a small town like theirs. The city is self-sufficient, with a ruler that still technically has money and power. Though little power to be renowned elsewhere.

"Also..." The director slowly drew out. "You said you'd contact your mentor before...." He said in an uncharacteristically serious tone.

Eve jolts up when she tries to remember her saying that. She must have spoken too honestly before. It could spell trouble if the director knew she was secretly talking to her mentor about the agency.

Oracle's drops back to his cheerful, but nervous voice. He smiles, but even Eve see's him practically sweating behind his kind smile. "Would you be willing to let us communicate before you leave? If you're going to have him able to get your message, I want to talk with them, as the leader here, after all. He'd probably want my word, than a message passed. Would he not?"

Eve looks down nervously processing her options. She plays with her hair, thinking things through on how it would go. If it was just a message, or she doesn't have them even meet or talk to her mentor, she thought about. But the honest route was to work together, so she'll have to hear the director out. "Err... You're right. I'll ask if he'll talk to you, when I tell him I'm coming to see him." She nervously agreed, but still not meeting any eyes, and looking away.

The director smiles radiantly. "Perfect. We'll discuss more with a team later about this. Thank you very much for your help. Is there anything else before you go for the journey?"

Eve places a finger to her cheek and thinks. Grey gets up, ready to leave, she watches, as she couldn't think of anything they might not know already. So, she gets up and just explaimes. "Hm... I take my breaks when it's the hottest. And, I assume we'll have a fire starter, and hopefully people who've started a campfire before."

Grey chuckles, crossing his arms and looking confidently with a smirk at Eve. "Heh, hopefully, we all have already." It would be concerning, or at a disadvantage, not to know a good basic skill, along with first aid and cpr.

Eve presses her fingertips together as she holds them close to her face. "If there's a bad wind, I can still keep fires from being put out..." She added. There wasn't much besides what was required in the moment, and what local supplies they got from the cities and towns before that long trek.

Both agents walk from the evaluator to their floor. Agent Grey was holding a file from the director in hand, while discussing with Eve about a current inspection around the city. Most agents at the S.O.U. were out patrolling the

They discuss over file as they make their way back to their desks. Grey asks after their brief reviewing. "Well, what do you think about this current report?" Showing Eve a list of details over the city, each district and it's possible whereabouts of past, present, and possible future rebel bases. It seems there was a surveillance recorded and notes on it for the whole city.

Eve scratches her cheek, not knowing what to come of it, but for different reasons. "Everything looks fine, I don't see any issues. Do you think we really need to cover over a fourth of the city? Is it like an inspection?" She turns her head from the report, to Grey in question.

Grey faces Eve, and holds out the report. He speaks very seriously, and gruffly. "Rebels are out there and constantly on the move. We do indeed, just as protocol. We have to find them, if they're planning something again."

Eve's eyes goes wide in curiosity, and slight concern. She still doesn't know a whole lot about rebels yet, besides the fact that they attack the their unit. But, one rebel she knows doesn't seems heavily sueded by them. "Well, there's that one shadow rebel. He might be able to spill some secrets. They could be of help to us." She figured Shadow would do anything, but in exchange, she would have to hang out with them again, or something, to do so.

Grey thinks about the idea, and scowls harshly at the thought. He didn't want his partner anywhere near the shadow rebel. He snaps his head away grumbling. "Hmph, it could, or it could become dangerous if he tells his group. You never know with rebels."

Grey leans over and glares at Eve before she speaks, or tries to disagree with him. "We still have housing facilities to look into. We should look for signs of how certain ability users decide to leave. Also where these people find their kind, since they pick them up randomly."

Grey eyes his partner, scanning her as if reading something. He speaks, plainly. "Well... You haven't identified your kind here yet, have you? People can make quick signs, like when we first met. It's a small thing one can do, if they suspect someone's an ability-user."

It's not like she hadn't known that before, but not from the agency. It was just a little surprising, seeing an old magician's trick, and how that still stuck with their kind to this day. That's how Eve's mentor knew she was special, like him. "That makes sense...." She just lazily put it, not wanting to get off topic.

Grey brings the folder to his head, reading the file. "We'll still check out the housing facilities, as part of the search. We can sign off as a mission to go. This is just on the outskirts of the city, so it'll be easily feasible. You'll even learn more about our kind, not in the agency setting...."

_________________________________

Both Eve and Grey take a work car to the housing facility, just within the outskirts of the city. He drives, as Eve watches out the window, till she sees a large, white building complex come into view. A field and large garden and farm also cause her view as they drive past them to the entrance of the facility. They park and she follows inside behind Grey.

Eve finally speaks up, curious. "This is it?" She turns to Grey.

Grey takes a step closer, standing next to Eve. He plainly bores out. "Yep, hopefully it's as normal and unalarming as it looks. Nothing bad usually happens here."

They walk into a brightly lit, and warmly colored, entry. A receptionist's desk was in the center by the door, with the rec room and living all round them. Grey casually leads Eve to the front desk. Immediately, it looked like a normal housing facility, but far from anywhere, and anyone.

Eve shyly mutters, worried about what she's hearing. "And... have there been bad times, too?" She didn't know if she wanted to know, but maybe needed to.

Grey scratches his head, a little anxious to answer. He does, however, speak truthfully. "It's happened... I can't lie that people have tried escaping. Though I don't know the reasons, but it's usually personal."

Eve walks a little slower, suddenly feeling a chilling aura about the place. She looks around, then back to Grey, questioning. "What happens if they escape?"

Grey speaks coldly, and serious of the situations. "They're captured, or on a list till they return. When you sign up to be placed in the housing facilities, a lot of freedom to interact with the outside world is taken...."

"-?!" How it was phrased sounded terrible, and didn't help the situation. But Grey, and quickly Eve, face the receptionist that greeted them with a smile.

The receptionist greets the agents with a kind smile. Her voice, cheerful and sweet. "Hello, and welcome. Agents, please fill out this authorization form, and you'll be able to check the facility."

They follow as instructed, Grey doing most of the paperwork, and both signing into the guest list. They wait for a guide to come give them a tour. Eve turns to Grey patiently propped against a wall, waiting. Eve asks, still not done talking with him about rules there at the facility. "Can people really not go outside?"

Grey had his arms crossed, and eyes closed. He opens his eyes and turns his head to Eve. "There's lots of fields before hitting any roads around here. People can walk around the large facility, or request transportation to ability-user areas, like the ones around the agency, for example. The only thing they can't do is go outside where there's normal people." He plainly spoke.

Eve looks away and down to the floor. She nervously smiles as she speaks her thoughts out loud. "That's... better than nothing... I guess." Her face looked a little more worried.

A woman comes out dressed in a clean white workers attire, smiling as she greets the agents. "Welcome to our facility. I'll show you around, and wherever you wish to go. Follow me."

Agents follow behind the guide. The guide walks though, showing areas, and their purpose. There was everything that normal housing facilities had. Agents even pass residence, Eve even waves to some. Grey turns his attention to the guild, piping up after a small silence while walking to the next area. "Has anything happened recently that you know?"

The woman turns her head to Grey. "Nothing new, besides the expansion of a smaller facility farther out. It's gotten crowded, even if we extend more wings."

Grey quickly nods, reflecting on how crowded it could be. He gives a casual reply back. "Hopefully that'll help with the oncoming crowd of users."

They continue venturing around the facility, looking at all the rooms and activities available. It was like a normal housing complex, with a gym, pool, and many different club rooms. They also had a large infirmary with doctors available for sudden physical injuries and illnesses.

They go into one of the rooms, the surveillance room, where security was. It was warm and looked like a break room. Most of the actual security were sitting around, on a computer, or talking to other staff inside.

The guild walks in, and introduces the area. Agents filing in after her as she explains. "Our security room is not often active, but prepared. Most watch over the outside if anyone comes onto private property. There's a few cameras around but due to privacy, we of course don't have any surveillance in any of the rooms, bathrooms, and the like."

As brief as it was, the areas quickly went by. They weren't eventful for being part of an inspection. Nothing raised an alarm to the agents, except Eve personally. As bright as it was, something felt off to only her.

Next was slowly making their way back to the entrance. The guild talks more about their facility, excited and cheery. "We try to have hobbies, clubs, and various activities, for the people to enjoy and feel more homely."

They make their way all the way around back to the start at the entrance, finishing the tour. There were a few rooms that residents were in that surrounded the entrance. It was spacious and not too crowded. The guild turns back after completing the tour. "This is the rec room and our final stop, the hall to the exit is just through the door on the other side. That's all for our facility." She said, ending it, and letting the agents roam freely if they wished.

Grey chimes in with a quick nod, being cool and serious. "Perfect. Everything seems to be in order. Thank you for your time." And, they part ways from the guild.

Eve slowly stops as she passes a crowd passing by. Feet pass by her and a few sets spots as well. She turns to see a set of eyes staring at her, a brightly, awe-struck, and one grimacing at her. Two men stand beside Eve now facing one another, and she speaks up first. "Uh, can I help you?"

The shorter man, whose eyes were gleaming up at Eve, gasping at the moment she acknowledged them. "You're an agent? What unit? The main one? What's your ability? Do you get into fights with a lot of peop- ?!" They go on in an excited tangent. A hand waved in front of the stop the short man from continuing, as he was going to.

The taller man looks down at what seemed like this acquaintance, and huffs tiredly, looking back to Eve. "Don't mind Kassy here. He can't help but go gaga, whenever an agent stops by."

Eve chuckles, and waves a hand. "Oh, hehe, it's no worries. I'm Agent Maestro, a new agent. Do agents come by a lot?"

The taller man looks to his friend, emphasizing. "Maybe not as 'some' would like, but they pop in whenever they need to inspect something. What are you inspecting now?"

Eve's eyes went wide more a moment, she waves a hand. She didn't want this to sound like it was for something serious or secretive. More like, for their protection. "Oh, we're just here partly because I wanted to see the facility. It's my first time here."

The short man, Kassy apparently, jumps up and excitedly blurts out. "We hope you like it!"

Eve let's put a small, low chuckle. "Well, I'm not here to judge anything, but making sure you all are doing okay here."

The taller man speaks up, giving his opinion. "It's not the worst. Better than nothing, or obviously going to prison, or something." He seems to speak honestly, I'm his own opinion.

The short man nods at them, turning to Eve, and adding on. "It's still not bad. It's just like living in a dorm again."

Eve tilts her head dramatically, anxiously wondering. "Some can request to live elsewhere under observation, can they not?"

The taller man's eyes shift down to the floor and to the side. He looked back more sternly speaking. "Hmph, well... some. But, there's also those who CAN'T control their powers enough to be convinced to leave. Or, they showed off their powers, and are stuck here till the agency's not worried about them."

That was news to Eve, and didn't know how well other were with their powers. She had aids and training, so she no longer has her abilities come through randomly. She hadn't know others to have issues, but the agency taught them how to manage them in courses. "That's... I'm sorry. I don't know a lot about the agency, up until recently." She looks down speaking, feeling bad and helpless.

The taller man replies, tired and plainly. He didn't have much hope, like Eve did. "I can tell. But, it's not like it'll change anything...."

Eve's eyes gleam a bit of hope, and a bit of sadness. "Well, changes happen. And hopefully, and agency can change for the better."

The tall man lets out a small chuckle. "You're a pretty optimistic agent, heh. Well, good luck with making a change, Agent."

Eve waves off, giving a warm smile, then heading back to her partner. "I just hope you all take care."

Eve walks faster to catch up with Grey. He turns as she's right beside him walking. As she approaches, he tilts his head and asks. "Anything?" Wondering what Eve and the others were talking about.

Eve rubs her chin in thought, then looks over to Grey. "I feel like I understand why rebels exist, the more I'm here."

Grey suddenly was taken back by her statement. "-?! I- Pardon?" As if he heard wrong, he had no idea how she thought that.

Eve's expression was so light and innocent, but the words came so seriously. "This place is like a pretty looking ward. Many can't get out, so they try to make do, or suffer in captivity."

The agency wasnt blinded by that fact, but they found it in their power that couldn't change that. However, Grey felt like he was being blamed, for some odd reason. He clarifies. "I... The agency has their reasons, but I also understand your concern. No decision the agency could make would have everyone happy. This way... at least they're not considered dangerous, experimented on, or a use for the agency." He thought it was the best, as the agency did. But, Eve would differed.

Eve stressed in her voice how serious this was now. We waved a hand in explaining her view. "You try to cap the issues, it doesn't go away. Just build up, and explode if the agency's not careful. You can't hide the truth, forever. I've learned that from you."

Grey growled a bit, not out of anger, but how he couldn't prove her wrong exactly. "We try to keep it under wraps as much as we can. That's why we can't stress enough if something big were to go wrong."

Eve tilted her head and gave a worried look. Something in her eyes poured out compassion, rather than judgment. "And, what happens if it does, or is already in the process of it?"

Grey thought silently, glaring at his partner. "I'd only hope, for the agency's sake, it won't. But, the whole world would also have hell to pay." He gruffly spoke.

Eve brings a hand to her face. She drops her expression, in a sad tone. "Secrets... really are bad. It's difficult to see any secret or lie as better. You can't mask what people are. We didn't have a choice to be born this way."

Grey speaks in a heavy tone. "No one does... Or choose to live in a society like this willingly. Maestro, please... Just keep going along with things. None of us really have a choice in the matter, once the government's involved...." He extended a hand, almost wanting to comfort her slightly.

Eve drops her shoulders and tiredly scowls at her partner. "That's not very reassuring, Grey. But, alright. I'll promise you I'll try not to." And she walks off, Grey walking right beside her out.

The trip was slightly different than anticipated, but nothing was wrong with their visit. It was only how made them feel about it, especially for Eve. Once in the parking lot, it sounded like someone quickly shouted out from the entrance.

Eve turns around, questioning. "What's that?" The small commotion from behind them started to get louder as the situation was just being processed.

Quickly with that, a person flies past them, unexpectedly. Then a security guard came running after them. "STOP!" Security shouted.

The one that looked like they were fleeing didn't stop running. They turn their head back shouting. "I can't! I can't do this!!"

More security runs past. "They're escaping!" One calls out from the group.

The escapee had tears following their trail, with security close behind. They turn back with fear and sadness in their eyes, as they cry out. "I can't stay here, when SHE'S out there, alone!" They ran, clawing through the air in a panic, as if it were to help them move faster.

It wasn't effective, and security caught up with the escapee and apprehended them. They kicked and thrashed, pleading. "Please let me go! I need her! I can't live without her!" The escapee reaches a hand out, being dragged farther than where they were trying to reach.

Eve in this whole scene was in wide-eyed shock, and her eyes started to tear up the more the escape cried out. "I can't live like this without her by my side! She's more than a normal human! She loves me, FOR ME!!" They kept shouting and crying in utter despair.

Grey looks to Eve as she's frozen, watching the commotion. The escapee was being taken back inside, so Grey calls her attention back to the car. "Maestro, let's just go. It's been enough excitement for one day. We'll report all that we saw here." He walks off slowly, watching his partner.

The escapee shrieks in the background as they grab the doorway as a last resort before being swept back inside. "LET ME GO!! PLEASE!!"

Eve's eyes flutter down and she cups her mouth with her hand. "I... I think I'm going to be sick...." She wasn't nauseous exactly, but there was a painful knot in her stomach from the devastation. Her mouth was hidden as she bit on her lip, trying not to cry in a public setting.

Grey places a hand on Eve's shoulder, gently guiding her away from the scene. "They're going to be alright. They're not in trouble by any means. We still understand people's want to leave. Once they're calm, the heads here will try to reason with them."

Eve looks at Grey a bit more collected, so she could ask. "Would they ever get a way to see that person again?" They were shouting for someone, whoever 'her' was to them, like their life depended on it. It was sad to see them separated from their love.

Grey brushes his gaze away, back to the car as they head back. "I... don't know that myself. It's whatever the situation calls for."

The get in the car and drive off, leaving the scene behind. That was that, or the agents experience, and their conversations about it earlier. Nothing happened after that, as Grey and Eve go back to the unit, while other agents stay out on a search around the city.

It was a quiet drive back. Which wasn't new for Grey, but Eve was uncharacteristically quiet. She seemed lost in thought about what happened back at the facility. Knowing Eve, she was silent from the overwhelming thoughts and feelings she was having. Too much for her to process all at once.

Grey parks at the agency, and looks back at his partner, who was still out of it. "Still startled from before? I swear people escaping don't usually come about frequently. They must have been new, just not handling the situation fully yet." He tried to reassure Eve.

They sit quiet. As once debating on escaping before, Eve knew that feeling all too well. How saddening it feels, she couldn't help but feel their pain. "I... understand that." She didn't sound convinced that things were okay, however.

Grey leans slightly closer to get a good view of Eve's face, as he asks. "Are you okay?" He honestly sounded a bit worried.

Eve tries to quickly wave off Grey's worry, physically fanning her hand as well. "Why wouldn't I be? It's fine... it just brings back old worries." Her voice got lower at the thoughts of before. She could help but drop her expression naturally.

It's not like Grey wanted to push her, and his reassurance wouldn't be much help still, but he tried to be reasonable. "We really are trying our best in our efforts in these facilities. We try to make it the best we can." He couldn't stress enough on how hard they try to keep order around here.

Eve saw through it with her own fresh eyes, getting used to a society like theirs wasn't fun but for the best. Even so, she saw better options. "No matter how pretty you make it look, it still feels like a cage. A pretty prison, with little knowledge of its existence. They're just there because the agency placed them there."

With that, Eve gets out of the car and walks off quickly, leaving Grey behind to quickly follow. Things felt like their were unfinished, but Eve was the one hesitant to discuss it, and Grey not to bother for her sake. They stayed silent once again as they reached their floor. The director had just exited his office, and looked over at them. They walked over, as it was on their way to their desks.

The director waves at them, greeting them with a bright, cheerful smile, as always. "Welcome back, Agents. How was the housing facility?" He tilts his head, still smiling.

Eve doesn't say a work or look the director in the eyes. She looked pale and anxious. Oracle looks at her curiously, then turns his head to Grey, a little confused. Grey explains, replying to the question, as Eve stays silent. "There was an escapee, but was captured. Everything else was fine, nothing new." That explained everything.

Director Oracle now understood better. "How did you feel, Maestro?" He asked, facing her.

Eve sheepishly looks up and responds. "... Bad." She tiredly let out. She was the only one not used to the gloomy parts, and may not ever get used to it. She holds herself with her arms crossed. She speaks out loud at what she saw that was bugging her. "Someone was just trying to run to the person they loved. People just live with being a whisper. Free will is less of a thing for them, than a normal person, or even us."

The director thinks deeply at how Eve must have felt. He tries to console her. "I know it might seem a bit unfair. But, we try to make as many opportunities out there for our ability users. The facility acts for those who couldn't find any others to be placed in. It's still as homely as we can make it."

Eve took a step forward, waving her hands out. "But, how could they have anywhere else to go? They couldn't! You brought them into the agency. They can't control things that they, or even you, can't fully understand! They can't train up their powers to leave, if you don't have an option for them to grow."

Grey tiredly warned. Though he wasn't upset, his voice was worried and gave off a more serious tone. "Eve, careful getting too heated right now."

The director speaks, shaking his head in his hands. "No, Eve is right, and we fail our people in this way. We can't handle every need properly, so we took different measures, you could say. We can't help those who struggle, though we should. In a way, I apologize for that mess, and how we can't help our case."

Eve's voice peaks in question, and hoping. "Can we make an effort, if I can successfully teach the scientists magic, that we implement some more traditional training and practices for our kind? Can we bring back alchemy and herbal medicines? Even teaching our past history and biology. W- we should start finding more ways for our people. More options, that just the agency's. Or even for one that decided to band a rebellion. There must be another way."

Grey breathes a sigh. He intervenes, speaking before the director would give any kind of answer. "Just don't start getting ahead of yourself, Eve."

Oracle nervously waves a hand to calm the gloom mood. He didn't want to promise anything impossible, but feasible. "Please do give us some time, and we can try to find some better solutions. We still don't understand a lot. So, if you can help us in our efforts to do so, we'll try our best. For our kind."

Eve excitedly jumps at the idea. She clasps her hands together, speaking sporadically. Please, that's all I wish! Now that there's already a heavy system placed, mistakes don't go away, but they can be fixed. We can take this as a learning experience for ability users, and grow as a people. Not have our people silently wither away from existence."

Oracle smiles, glad. Something felt hopeful for them, like they could really start fixing things. "Fair point. I'll see that the next time we meet, it'll be planning for better options, or for meeting your mentor, who will also help with this."

Eve lowers her head, pulling a hand on her heart as it felt heavy with mixed feelings. "Thank you. Have a good rest of your day, Oracle."

Oracle nods briefly, then turns as he says farewell. "Take care, agents." He grins lightly, only as a natural response. But, it was a worrisome goodbye. One that hopefully won't compromise Eve's willingness with the agency.

Hurdles in the way, thing felt heavy like they did before. Grey, and even the director, didn't want to push Eve farther, but new recognition and people coming up to her, didn't help. Her praise started to make her have second guesses of what she was doing. She helped take down a illegal auction, that's good, but not every case felt the same. Like the kid in the alley, and changing their life forever. She didn't want to find herself in another case that makes her question herself again.

____________________________________________

The workday for the partner agents went on long and quiet, ever since the events at the housing facility. It's been a while since Eve had a quiet moment. Not since after the big blowout she had, and ran off once. Eve was feeling unsure about the agency again. She was having second thoughts if she was really doing the right thing to trust them, following directions, and even showing secretive discoveries with.

Once it was time to clock out, Eve gets up and grabs her bag. She was too mentally tired to stay any longer. She turns her head to Grey. He didn't seem to be getting up, or face her, and just keeps his focus on his computer for some time.

Before Eve said anything, Grey briefly cocks his head and talks over his shoulder. "A moment, Maestro. Go on ahead, I'm going to stay for a bit longer." He typed away, staring at his screen, not making any eye contact.

Eve was curious but didn't pay much mind. It was to probably work more, so collects the rest of her stuff, then shifts her eyes to her partner. "... Don't stay too late. Have a good night, Grey." She plainly spoke and then walked away. Once she faced the other way, Agent Grey watched her with sad, tired eyes.

A few hours had passed, and it had gotten late, many employees had left, and the night crews were already clocking on. Grey had stayed in the building as it became late at night, as he used to on many occasions, just to keep working. Their floor became less crowded, and much more quiet. Oracle was still in his office working, even after hours.

A knock was heard at the director's door. Curious to see, Grey pops his head through the doorway, announcing his presence that way. Oracle greets him, speaking up over the small silence. "Hello, Grey. Heading out?"

Grey eyes the director sitting at his desk. He coolly walks in, answering hem. "I was working for a bit longer. I actually wanted to speak with you, on a more personal matter." He nubs the neck of his neck, feeling oddly and slight nervous. But, this face was fairly serious still.

Director Oracle turns from his computer to face Grey. He props his elbows on his desk, and rests his head lightly on the backs of his hands. "Oh? Been a while since we've had a casual chat. You rarely stop by my office, just to talk. Or, even grab some drinks together, like old times. It might be a good change." He beamed, calm and cheerful as always.

Grey pulls out a seat and chuckles lightly. "Heh, yet you don't need to go out of your office to drink. Or, really anything for that matter." He lounges into a seat, giving a grin with his light joke.

The director chuckles with a wide smile that closed his eyes. When he stopped, his eyes immediately fixed to his bottom desk drawer. "Ah, true. Speaking of which, scotch?" He brings a bottle from over the desk, swishing it around in his hand.

Grey didn't decline, but watched as the director quickly got up from his seat to grab glasses, and looked for if he had any ice. The director pours two glasses and hands one to Grey. He sits back down, getting adjusted again. He drinks, and Grey just holds his contemplating if he should. Whatever soon convinces him, Grey downs half of it in one gulp. He felt like he suddenly needed a strong drink to think about what's been plaguing his mind.

The director cuts the silence, getting back to business. "So, what's it you wanted to talk about?" Now that they were settled down to talk, he's all ears for Grey, as a friend, rather than a boss.

Grey keeps his eyes fixed down at his glass. "Eve. After the facility today, I'm worried she's having second thoughts, again." His voice gruffly sounded worried.

Oracle nods lightly. "That's more expected than not. It's partly good she seems to have an overly good conscience. It's not very good, if she turns on us." He takes a nervous sip. His eyes softened and his smile faded at the thought. It's was a worrisome thought to both, for different reasons.

Grey brings a hand to his face, still looking away and hiding his expression subtly. "It's more to it. She's supposed to help us, but what if she can't? What if our situation is irreversible?" His voice started to raise slightly from his normally hushed tone.

The director tilts his head and tries to give a sympathetic smile. "You're really taking this, and having a partner seriously. I'm glad to see you care about Eve."

Grey avoids Oracle's eyes when they speak. the agent didn't want to admit to anything other than serious speculation about work, even off hours. He keep averting his glare, trying to act coolly as usual, though it felt difficult somehow. "I'm... It's not like I had a choice anyways. I just found it wasn't terrible working with her. But, there's so much at stake now, and for what? This mission... sigh seems way out of reach." He let out a tired sigh then propped his head back, staring at the ceiling.

Oracle folds his hands on his desk, and nods his head thinking. However, the director was more optimistic than Grey. "Well, you're our best ally to her, as of now. She trusts you the most. Maybe she can help, we still have to give her methods a try." Oracle open-mindedly sought for the truth. Finding more about their people was crucial to their mission.

Grey darts his eyes back at the director. His grey eyes were becoming purple mist, cloaking what usually was a cold, steely expression. Now, Grey's eyes were wide and frantic, emotion pouring out like the misty glow as he spoke. "But, what if that trust is ever broken, again? What if she'll end up hating us? What do we do then?!" He blurted out, voice raising and sounding worried. He was going out of control, for someone who's always been so collected, even with their power.

The director was almost taken back for a moment. But, he sat very still and quiet, before bringing up the question. "Us... or you? You've never seemed to have cared about that before." He raises his brow.

Grey suddenly realized he was going haywire. Him, and his ability, was getting out of control. He kept his eyes glued to the director across the desk. He tightened his eyes to make everything stop. To stop himself. But then, he heard the director's voice in the back of his mind.

'You like her, don't you?'

Grey opens his eyes. He stumbles up out of his seat abruptly. Standing up, almost as if he was about to flee. He looks a the director, knowing it came from him. "What- ?! N- nonsense." Grey blurted out quickly. He was so in shock, but he didn't sound convincing to the director.

'You like her, Grey.'

The director narrows his eyes at Grey, and smirks wickedly. He didn't say anything, but Grey heard exactly what he was assuming. And, he assumed right.

Grey started to calm down a bit. He sat back down, and his eyes slowly faded back to normal. His face slightly flushed in a pink hue from embarrassment. His composure still wasn't there, but he answered. "It'll never matter, or be mentioned. She likes someone already...." Grey's voice drops in a saddened tone. He looked defeated, hunching over and averting his eyes.

Oracle plainly asks. "Are they together?"

Grey shook his head. He sighs as he briefly explains. "No... They have a complicated relationship, but they like each other." He kept his head down, knowing that his feelings were selfish, wrong, and would never come to be.

But, the director gave his own input. "Then, there's nothing that says you're evil for feeling this way. Who knows, I'd think you'd have a shot." He then smiled widely, chuckling happily.

Grey gave a short, pitiful laugh. He leans back, rubbing his head. "Heh, really... I find that so doubtful...." Grey's eyes looked as sad and lonely as he sounded.

Oracle gave a light sigh, and shook his head. "You always doubt yourself, Cain. When will you ever open up to someone, again? She's special to you, I can see it. You've definitely gotten more attached to her." His smile was still there, but what he said was more serious than his expression lead to believe.

Grey scoffed, crossing his arms, and acting aloof. "Well, it's hard to avoid my partner, or not be around her... It's just bad, because she's going through a lot right now. Even her personal life is wrapped in our mess. I can't add more worry to her list." His expression kept melting away the more he talked about Eve. It was like his act was fading. His cool was definitely far from what he was feeling.

Oracle looks away and coughs into his fist. He thought otherwise, even if he's not involved in any of this. "It might end up making things complicated between you two, so be careful with that." He gave input. He didn't think Eve could be pushed away from the agency, but it would stress working there, worst case being he believed.

Grey brings his hands to his face, sighing loudly into them. "God... I haven't liked someone in ages. Why her, of all people?" He whined in a gruff tone.

Oracle leans to one side of his chair, giving a big, toothy chuckle. "Heh, maybe because she's the only one that can break down your walls you've built up over the years." He slightly teased, but also meant it.

Grey laughed somberly. He never looks at the director, as he speaks in a gruff, but almost whimpering tone. "She's really good at letting herself in too... She may tease, but never harshly judges me. Never shied away, like some... So pleasant when she's around. I don't know how I'd feel, if she'd avoid me now." The words just came out. His heart felt heavy just at the thought.

Oracle quickly gave a response, knowing practically for certain. "She won't. Even if something happens, I don't think she'll give you the cold shoulder forever. You're the person she goes to, the only person she's gotten close to here. That's something." And he drinks a little from his glass. He could see it, everytime Eve mentions something new, Grey's heard it first. Oracle had a point.

Grey slumps in his seat. He huffs then sombers, putting his head tiredly in his hand. "And, it's because of a mere peaceful agreement we have, and how she's just so friendly. I'm just having to spend lots of time with her, more than most."

Oracle puts a hand to his face, thinking. After quick pondering, he shrugs. "Most, yes. But besides work, you don't often see each other."

If Grey agreed, it would have been a lie. He probably wanted to be honest, to really have Oracle understand that situation better. But, it was hard to admit as he nervously begged to differ. "... A- actually, we uh... hangout in her apartment sometimes, off duty. Usually have dinner, and chat together." He scratched his head, looking away. He wanted to brush off the fact.

Grey looks back, and the director had the most dumbly widest grin he could make, and eyes looking smugly at the agent. Grey huffs and crosses his arms, looking away. His face became a bit heated, but he growled in a serious and harsh tone. "Don't make that face. I don't even need to read what you're thinking." He disapprovingly looks back at the director.

Oracle laughs. He goes back to his usual, cheerful mood. He props his head on a fist, being more casual as he speaks. "You know me well, as old agents do. I may have been here for longer, but we've been friends for a long while now. Since day one you first started, even."

Grey lightly chuckled, but he slowly looked more lost in thought, and sad. "Heh, seems like a long time ago to remember... I still don't think about those times." Though, for Grey it was hard to forget.

Oracle beams regardless, and to move on from the touchy subject. "Well, there's always new memories to make, good ones. I'm sure your partner can help you with that." He then smirks.

Grey's eyes go wide and he blushes. "Cough- ?! I- I'll be going. Don't forget to clock off before you have an all-nighter, and sleep at your desk, again. I'll see you in the morning. Have a good night, Leo." He quickly gets up, and turns his head to the door.

The director waves Grey off as he leaves. "Try to take care, Cain." He smiled innocently, even as Grey left, he could hear it in his voice that he was. Both parties knew the director was going to have another long night cooped up in his office.

What could of been a normal day, layed heavy in many people's minds. Some felt guilt, some fear. Some feelings were also blooming in situations no one expected. But, no one knows how, or why, things are this way. Everything had its role, soon to come to light. Driving light to conquer the dark, finding themselves, and what freedom mean. All these things ability users strive to achieve at the agency. Eve, and the agency, were heading towards great heights, or the fall of their kind. What will happen when a new society meet the old? What will come about when a team of agency researcher meet with a hidden acting grand magician? How will things change for the agency?

#agent starlight #chapter 12 #wattpad #my story #uneasy #feelings #secret agent #special abilities

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