CHAPTER FIVE 

              

HENRY

We just finished a mission where we lost an incel, Ian Satur whom was of great use to Synod we never really knew what happened underground and we could only hope to get promoted to know what it was. 

This time seemed different though, our supervisor had ordered a call for my team and I and it was odd, we never got two jobs in one night. I stood at attention, flanked by my team of Synod Agents, as our superior, Commander Pierce, briefed us on our next mission.

"Agents, we've received a report of a 21-year-old female exhibiting NX-5 characteristics," Commander Pierce announced, her eyes scanning the room.

I felt a thrill of adrenaline, ready to take on the challenge.

"That's impossible," I thought to myself. "NX-5s manifest before 18."

Commander Pierce continued, "Eyesphere surveillance captured her anomalies. Your mission is to apprehend and contain."

She handed me a tablet with the target's file as the captain of my team. 

My heart sank as I saw the image.

Max.

My sister.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

"It can't be," I whispered, trying to process.

Commander Pierce's gaze narrowed. "Agent Henry, is there a problem?"

I tried to compose myself. "No, ma'am. But...she doesn't have powers. I know her."

The room fell silent.

Agent Duncan spoke up, his voice cold. "Duty above all, Henry. You know the protocol."

Commander Pierce's expression turned stern. "Agent Henry, you will execute this mission with impartiality. No exceptions."

I knew the drill. No attachments. No family ties.

But this was Max.

My sister.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Commander Pierce cut me off.

"Remember your oath, Agent Henry. Synod's protection is paramount. Bring her in."

I nodded, my mind reeling.

How could Max be an NX-5?

And what would happen to her now?

***

MAXINE 

I sprinted through the front door, slamming it shut behind me. My parents, nestled in the living room, looked up from their book and TV show, concerned.

"Max, what's wrong?" Mom asked, rising from the couch.

I collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. "Something happened...at the party...I don't know what's happening to me!"

Dad rushed to my side, wrapping his arms around me. "What happened, sweetie? Tell us."

I gulped air, trying to compose myself. "I was having fun...and then...I don't know...things started happening. Lights flickered, time stopped, and people were scared. They ran away from me!"

Mom's eyes widened. "What do you mean 'things started happening'?"

I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out. "I felt this power inside me...like I could control everything. And then Rachel...she flew across the room. I didn't mean to hurt her!"

Mom's expression filled with perplexity "This is impossible" she said in nearly a whisper 

Dad's expression turned grave. "We'll figure this out, Max. We'll get help."

But before we could continue, a faint humming began inside me. My body started to tremble, it was painful trying to stop it, trying to control it.

"No, no, no..." I whispered, feeling the powers rising again.

Mom's eyes locked onto mine. "Max, what's happening?" as dad slowly stepped away from me 

I placed my hands on the floor, and it dug deep into the ground, I never intended to use any amount of strength and yet I pushed through the floors.

"This is bad" I heard mom say as suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted us.

"Max, it's Henry," my brother's voice called out. "Open up. We need to talk."

"No! Synod Agents are here" I heard mom say after taking a peak through the surveillance system.

Dad's expression turned stern. "What's going on, Henry?" Dad tried to slow him down 

"Max is a threat to national security," Henry replied, his voice firm. "I have agents with me. We need to take her in."

Mom's grip on my arm tightened. "You can't have her," she whispered to me. "Come with me."

She pulled me through the back door, into the night.

"Run, Max," she urged. "Don't stop."

I stumbled forward, hearing Dad's voice behind me.

"Henry, stop this. Your sister needs help, not handcuffs."

"I took an oath, Dad," Henry replied, his voice cold. "My duty is clear. I'll find Max myself. You and Mom, stay out of this."

The door slammed shut, and I heard Henry's angry footsteps fading into the distance.

I ran, my heart pounding, my powers raging within me. I had nowhere to go, except Shane, he had been Henry's best friend, an agent as well but I was sure he would help

I dug through my contacts, my fingers shaking as I scrolled to Shane's name. My longtime crush. I hesitated, wondering if I could trust him.

But I had no other choice.

I dialed his number, my heart racing.

"Shane?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Max? What's going on?" His tone shifted from casual to concerned.

"Henry's after me," I blurted. "Synod Agents. They think I'm a threat."

Shane's pause wasn't as silent as it sounded, I smelled his thoughts, his hesitation. "Where are you?"

I glanced around, disoriented. "I...I don't know. I ran from home, Synod Agents are everywhere looking for me."

"Stay put," Shane instructed. "I'll find you. Leave your net monitor on your watch on"

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

Twenty minutes felt like an eternity. Then, headlights illuminated the dark alley.

Shane's NSV car pulled up beside me. He jumped out, his eyes scanning the area before focusing on me.

"Get in," he urged, opening the passenger door.

I hesitated, unsure if I should trust him.

But Shane's expression softened. "Max, I've got your back."

I slid into his NSV, feeling a temporary sense of safety.

"What's going on, Shane?" I asked as he drove away from the alley.

"Henry's been tasked with capturing you," Shane explained. "But I know he's not thinking clearly. He's too close to this."

I studied Shane's profile. "Why are you helping me?"

Shane's gaze met mine for a fleeting moment.

"Because I believe in you, Max. And Henry's not the only one who cares about you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

"Where are we going?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Someplace safe," Shane replied. 

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

As we drove through the night, I realized I wasn't alone.

Shane was risking everything to help me.

And for the first time, I wondered if his feelings for me went beyond friendship.

***

ARLO

I stood at my office window, gazing out into the darkness. The city sprawled before me, a tapestry of lights and shadows. My domain. My assistant, Juliet, entered silently, her presence a faint rustle of papers.

"Sir," she said, her voice hushed. "We've received an anomaly report."

I turned, my eyes locking onto hers. "Speak."

"An NX-5, sir. A 21-year-old female exhibiting advanced powers."

Intrigue sparked within me.

"Impossible," I murmured. "NX-5s manifest at 18."

Elara nodded. "Yes, sir. But this one...her QTS exam at 10 showed no anomalies."

My interest piqued.

"Capture her," I ordered, my voice low and even. "At all costs."

Juliet's expression remained neutral, but a hint of unease flickered in her eyes.

"Sir, Synod's already on it. Agent Henry's team—"

I cut her off.

"I want her brought directly to me. No Synod facility. No experiments. Just...me."

Juliet nodded, her retreat swift.

I returned to the window, my gaze piercing the night.

This NX-5 could be the key to unlocking the secrets of the human psyche.

To bending reality to my will.

A slow smile spread across my face.

The darkness outside seemed to pulse, responding to my malevolent energy.

I would stop at nothing.

To claim this power 

It's too good to pass up