Narrator's P.O.V.:71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwzQRabRyc
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One of the many things Rondon hated was teleporting from one place to another. He never got used to the feeling as it gave him weird sensations whenever they stepped into the portal. The first time he teleported, he had just joined the Golden Elite. He remembered puking when he found himself in one of the rooms of the Golden Elite headquarters. He has never done so since then, but there was always a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach every time he teleported.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIMB6z1DBa
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The fact that he and the other Golden Elite members had to shift their workstations annoyed him. It meant setting up the tents and workstations inside all over again. However, since the movement happened so suddenly, only those working with Peter in the IT department had to set up a tent for themselves. They had a special kind of tent that didn't need much fixing. Rondon always thought every department out in the field needed it. There were only a few granted such privileges. There’s nothing Rondon could do about it. Even if he was in charge of the combat units, most of the important decisions weren’t his to make, but his superiors.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfXSDIj8Th
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Rondon looked around. They had teleported a few kilometers away from the devil’s territory around the beach. They found themselves close to the palm trees on the remote side of the beach, far away from other civilians. Lucifer owned the whole beach ahead of them, while one side of it is meant for civilians. Rondon and his team so happened to be in between Lucifer’s beach house and the main beach. Rondon still felt that they should have chosen a much better location, but Brian thought it would be better to be along the beach to prevent them from going any further.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPANw3nnPf
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Rondon looked over the sandy beach and wondered when he last came to one. He looked as the waves of the sea washed up over the shore, and the water drew back. There was something calming about the sound of waves and the salty smell of the sea filling his nostrils. It’s been such a long time since he last felt this feeling. He’s been so busy for the past five years that he never took days off. Even during his sniper days, he would take time off, go to another country, and sip a martini at a nice bar. Now, the only time off he had was him resting in the quarters of the Golden Elite’s hideout.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTWvR4knJb
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Running footsteps disturbed his thoughts, and he didn’t realize that he had had his eyes closed. He opened them to see one of the recruits come towards him. Rondon sighed. It was back to the life he chose. The life of fighting the supernatural forces of the world. He only wished he could have this silent moment a little longer.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK8lkCOdIt
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“Has everyone set base?” Rondon asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTGCV3pNH0
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“Yes, we’re just waiting for you, sir,” said the recruit.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHgI0xQ0Ml
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“Lead the way,” Rondon ordered, and the recruit quickly turned around and walked back the way he came.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGoHXXzsaU
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Rondon followed the recruit away from the beach and into the small forest of trees. There were a few combat recruits outside keeping watch, and they stood at attention as Rondon passed them. They soon reached a clearing where he found those in charge of reading any heat signatures on the map, seated in a circle. Those in charge of certain duties huddled up in circles in an orderly fashion. They might not have their desks, but their equipment was all they needed to work. Most of them didn’t need electricity to power up their laptops as they were supercomputers with long battery life. The only change was the use of the satellite, which Rondon felt the IT team had under control.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcsolsV1G7
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“Any update on Diana?” Rondon asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGzxickF7w
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“She’s in Lucifer’s house, along with Mutale, Lucius, and the other supernatural from earlier,” came an answer from the blonde female recruit. “Someone else is in there, aside from Lucifer, of course.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdUmUxFHML
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Rondon rolled his eyes. “Lucifer just had to be around,” he muttered. “Any idea who this newcomer could be?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYBCGu2qLF
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“Not sure. But by the color of his aura, he’s from hell.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS3sgZl43l
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Rondon rubbed his chin. All five powerful supernatural beings under one roof spelled trouble. Lucifer was probably the worst one of them all, and everyone here was well aware of how he loved to kill and torture Golden Elite soldiers for fun. He needed to come up with something fast.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCV8jqpJNY
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“And what of Mutale?” Rondon asked. “Is he still alive?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ70b8kcQH
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“He’s still alive, sir,” the blonde recruit answered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2husJl33o
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“Strange,” came Brian, as he approached the circle. “I thought Lucifer liked torturing Golden Elite recruits.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlwSDy4U67
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“I’m as surprised as you are,” said Rondon, turning to look at Brian. “It doesn’t make any sense. What could be going on in there?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfJj6YTaHY
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“Well, we can’t go in without a plan. There are five supernaturals, and we can’t take out all of them. I’m scared of Lucifer the most, though.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAdFkWhWbo
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“I already thought of that. Once we enter Lucifer’s territory, we’re done for sure.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt4K83njGU
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“The best thing we can do is split them, but that will be difficult to do.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aXT0rboGw
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“It’s not a bad idea. The only problem is that we know what Lucifer, Lucius, and Diana are capable of. Though Lucifer is the most dangerous of them all, we don’t know how strong the other two are.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KP9PRE0tF
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“It seems you’ve trouble on your hands, Rondon,” came the woman in a white mask and attire. Rondon and Brian turned their eyes on her. “I suggest we get more reinforcements here and devise a proper plan. Separating them will be hard, not with Lucifer around. If we try to attack at different ends to split them, I’m afraid Lucifer will sit until he feels the need to strike. Let’s not forget that he loves to have the last laugh.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNx7ipGpdZ
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“Sending reinforcements seems like a good plan right now,” said Rondon. “Will you kindly request more troops from the Golden Elite?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R8xdpRQja
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“Of course. You and Brian come up with a strategy. As far as time is concerned, we don’t have much of it.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFhCMWXwqk
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The woman turned around and started to make her way to the tent where the IT department was to set up to make a private call with Headquarters. Brian and Rondon watched her go, and they turned to look at each other.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMottcSbNiw
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“Do you still feel that all this feels pretty strange?” Brian asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pYQjzkreg
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“Starting with the shadow monster, yes,” said Rondon. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I have a bad feeling about this.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vFa4uU73E
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Rondon noticed one of the recruits around the circle looking at him. When he fixed his eyes on them, the recruit went back to reading the aura signatures on his laptop. From now on, he had to be careful with who and where he shared his thoughts. Who knows, there might be a spy right under his nose. With the way things are going, there just might be.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuC4v19Tt3
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***71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbeqTivakM
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Diana’s P.O.V.:71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaKLUhzoeF
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I looked down at the map of the beach laid out on the table of Lucifer’s study. Stella stood beside me. We thought of all possible places the Golden Elite would try to attack. With their top-notch technology, they already knew how many supernatural beings were in the house. They knew they couldn’t take us all at once. Therefore, they might try to attack from different directions to keep us separated. We could only take on a few skilled recruits, but if they plan to send in more reinforcements, it might be a problem.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0od1HaMyn
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“Do you think they would want to attack us at different points?” Stella asked as her eyes looked up from the map to me.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0GFwqfTh1
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“Yeah, I’m pretty sure,” I answered. “That’s if they have some super-duper plan to catch us off guard. It’s best to prepare for anything.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudxyFAuoF5
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The door to the study flew open, and Lucius came in with two glasses of water on a tray. He placed it on the other end of the table.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgQtStCltI
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“Have you figured out a plan yet?” he asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFCRv0XIu2
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“No. Just thinking of how and where the Golden Elite will attack from,” I answered.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIvo8pEPEE
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He handed me a glass of water. “That’s good, but we should be making a plan of our own, don’t you think?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfOQBiWHNI
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“If we do that, I don’t think Lucero and his father would want to be in on it. Those two like to do things their way. I’m not surprised that they were cut from the same cloth.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xr5jw2u26
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“You’re right. But this is serious. We might be going to war, and we’re going to need all the help we can get.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA46D7a9MEc
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“No offense, but I don’t really think relying on your father is a good idea,” said Stella. “Lucero might not be that bad, but your father is something else.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIakJdlyOIC
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“None taken,” said Lucius. “I get what you mean. I’m guessing that’s why he isn’t here to help.” He looked behind us at the empty chair where Lucifer had sat a few minutes ago.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelAIQI06Gs
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“He’ll join us when he feels like it,” I said. “Stella is right. If he wanted to, Lucifer would’ve taken out the army in a flash, depending on where they are and their plan to attack. I have a funny feeling that he wants to watch all this go down and will join in at the last minute.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U6IjF6zGH
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The door to the study flew open again, and this time, Lucero came in with Mutale wrapped in a black tentacle protruding from Lucero’s back.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4di0WeZpU
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“May you please not let me be on toilet duty?” said Lucero as his tentacle placed the injured Mutale back on the couch he had been sitting on. “Just like my father, I hate the Golden Elite. When I took him to the bathroom, I felt like I was going to strangle him.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNGgQ2bnb3
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“Well, I’m glad you didn’t,” I said, looking at Lucero. “We need him alive.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX05IY1xwlq
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“He should’ve killed me when he had the chance,” said Mutale. “That way, the Golden Elite will come charging in to avenge my death.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3VAzSJTS0
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“Please, even Marvel’s Avengers are no match for us,” said Lucero with a smirk. I look at him, telling him to shut up.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkwysT9jp9
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“If you knew how wrong you were about supernatural beings, then you would understand that we are no different from you,” said Lucius.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakV6ZLLtwj
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“There’s nothing you can do that can convince me otherwise,” said Mutale. “You must be stopped no matter what.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nWkbcAcHw
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“If you do that, you might as well ruin the balance of things altogether,” I said. “Enough of that now. Trying to convince Mutale who the good and the bad guys are is a waste of time.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u29s5brnn
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“Even after finding out that the main leader might be the one sending shadow monsters after you, I didn’t shake him,” said Lucero as he looked at Mutale. “You must be a big devotee, huh?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBUVk7vmHE
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“Devotee or not, I fight for what I believe in,” said Mutale.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOyRTFSfWd
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“Let’s get back to the topic at hand, everyone,” I said.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUz5AbWpJy
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“I heard you talking about my father not joining in the fray,” said Lucero. “You don’t trust him?”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnZ1XS6xTP
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“No. He might help in a way. And I think he has already done enough by letting me stay here.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEns0zdRfDq
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“He just loves drama. Don’t take it as an act of charity.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbNgSPnCyc
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My lips form a thin line. “Already knew that.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZBCEcODeq
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“I suggest we try to bring in more backup as well,” said Stella.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu45OInMkY
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“You think all four of us can’t take them on?” Lucius asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uR6qRS7e7
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“Don’t get me wrong,” said Stella, looking at Lucius. “We can. But they know they’re dealing with high-level supernaturals, so they are likely to get more reinforcements. And those that consist of their best fighters. They’re the dirtiest fighters you can ever think of. Just because we have supernatural powers doesn’t mean we’re powerful enough to defeat them. They are well known for their wit and grit, so it won’t be a surprise if we can’t take them all.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Y9zL62vz
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“I agree with Stella,” I said. “If they are planning to get more reinforcements, we should too. But where are we going to get more? Lucifer isn’t going to grant any of his men to me.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUSLulX3dY
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“I have a special battle unit under my wing back home,” said Lucius. “I can order them to act as our reinforcements.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRxWAdByAo
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“Don’t you mean my unit?” Lucero asked, raising an eyebrow at his brother.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe1xEBZSsq
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“Since you left, Dad ordered that they should be under my command. With my unit, it has now become larger.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTQQXlBSb4
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Stella and I looked at each other. Each brother has his battle unit. How lucky can they be?71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZaPNORJDH
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“I think it’s time we also asked those from Butterfly Island to help,” said Stella.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEaWqfppmY
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I raise an eyebrow at her. “You want to involve the Butterfly Sect?” I asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcFAPFo841
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“I’m already here, aren't I?” Stella smiled at me. “It will be good to see the rest of the High Order, don’t you think? They would be happy to see how far you’ve come. We all heard stories about your endeavors, and most of us are proud.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uxwGymKqB
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I roll my eyes. “Endeavors that happened clearly by accident. It’s not easy when you sort of have a bounty on your head.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETDJPy5T1j
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“Well, they will all be happy to see you anyway.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylC1IA7CAE
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“I agree with Stella,” said Lucius. “If the Golden Elite can step up their game, we should too.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Wq9R9d5S
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“No matter what you throw at us, we will still be victorious,” said Mutale.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8GGpzs5Vc
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“Can I put duct tape on this guy’s lips?” Lucero asked. “He’s starting to annoy me.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxNOc8fNSh
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“Once we start to strategize, you can do so,” I said.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KGDj9aYVg
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Lucero smiled sinisterly at Mutale. Mutale’s breath was haggard for a moment. Even though he tried to look unshaken, there was no hiding that he was scared of Lucero.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkcF8UZv5u
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A knock came at the door, and Lucero told whoever was there to come in. A man in a black leather jacket and black clothes walked in. By his step and the tattoo on the outside of his left palm, he was one of Lucifer’s men.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf9p6fFA49
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“I just came to inform you that the Golden Elite are here,” said the man. “They are on the west side of the territory.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikzOQDdLKG
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“Does my father know about this?” Lucius asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRsfoh7KfL
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“Yes, he’s already been informed and told me to relay the message to you.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrDTbdpLA
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“Thank you. You may go.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMs1kGrxzW
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After the man left, I turned to look at Lucius.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4ZRM2SiX3
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“I’ll go call my unit right now,” he said, as he read my eyes. He started to make his way out of the room.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlVPzNx94p
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“Well, they got here quicker than expected,” said Stella.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbBGIALEVf
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“Teleporting has never been sweeter,” I said. “They use our equipment for such things yet condemn us for being who we are.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXrMyBgwJZ
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“It’s because we plan to put a stop to you, and we will do any means necessary,” said Mutale.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPArdn9bB86
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“Gosh, can I put duct tape on him now?” Lucero asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75hEtMqbfv
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I look at Lucero, still telling him with my eyes not to. I fixed my eyes on Mutale and walked around the table, slowly approaching him. Mutale, for a moment, didn’t look intimidated. When I got close, I stopped and put my hands on my hips.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7P8muokwd
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“Maybe I should’ve gotten rid of you when you first appeared in the forest and attacked me,” I said. “But believe it or not, I’m not a fan of killing. You fail to see that you and I are alike in more ways than one. We might have supernatural powers, but you forget that you and other normal humans out there are also dangerous with your twisted minds and the greed to gain more. You factor those things into the latest technology to use at your disposal. And it’s sad to see that you don’t see it yourself.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpnLSTxfCl
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“Nothing you say is going to change my mind,” said Mutale.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwnJV45kVd
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“I know.” I turn to look at Lucero. “I don’t want him in here. You can lock him up in the dungeon downstairs.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5CFMZB2U5
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Lucero came to stand beside me, smiling. “I’ll gladly do it,” he said. “He’s better off where the hounds are, though.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFUdyp8WgJ
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“No, I still need him alive. Which is why…” I reach out my hand towards Lucero. “I need your small pocket knife.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T2VE4MMfo
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVrqHaX2HP
Stella quickly came towards me. “Wait, Diana,” she said. “I thought you needed him alive.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJGJDptBmI
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“I do. The knife is for something else,” I said, looking at Stella. I turn back to Lucero. “Knife, please.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOka7NnXeE
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Lucero smiled at me as he put his hand into his jacket. “I don’t know what you’re up to, Diana,” he said, “but you’re giving me goose bumps.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduoFSoRxzf
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I scoffed. Lucero was always one to joke around, and no doubt I knew what he meant with that dirty mind of his. He took out a small, sharp hand knife with a black handle and placed it on my open palm. I took the knife with my other hand and looked at how sharp it was. It will do. I turn to look at Mutale, who now looks terrified.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBBqdySKwF
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“What are you planning to do to me?” he asked. If he had the strength in him to lift himself up from the couch, he would. However, his broken leg wouldn’t allow him.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBqzI7SJTq
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"Let's see for ourselves, shall we?" I asked as I slowly approached him. "Hold him down, Lucero."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8ksnKxcTe
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Lucero quickly went behind Mutale’s chair, and four black tentacles sprouted from his back and took hold of Mutale. One wrapped around his chest, two more around the arms on either side of the chair, and the last one around his legs. No matter how much Mutale tried to move, he was caught in a tight grip. There was no escape.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYOjKHJ4LN
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"What do you want to do to me?" Mutale asked as he continued to struggle in his chair. "Just now, you said you don't like killing people. Why are you going back on your word?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aMYrajeQ4
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"Knives aren't only made for killing, you know," I said. I held up the sharp blade of the knife and slowly approached him. "You're about to find out what I have in mind."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlA1xNDnry
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***71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm6jJYGeuc
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Rondon and Brian were looking at the map of the beach. A few selected combatant leaders who are to lead their groups surrounded them. A few minutes later, the woman in white appeared before them, and everyone drew their attention to her.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtevODY6AvT
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"Reinforcements will be here shortly," she said. "I hope you've thought of a strategy."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wzCY3E0l5
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"We have," Rondo answered. He straightened himself as he had bent over the table. "But we should leave room for the unexpected."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbeKsMGP2U
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BfIxAgLLf
"The Elite don't want the unexpected. They want results. We have to capture Diana as soon as possible. Time is of the essence."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWZgnmYOr8
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbUzok8Xmf
"Don't worry. We'll capture Diana and rescue Mutale."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf7wzGX0SI
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Underneath her mask, the look in the woman's eyes changed, and Rondon was quick to notice. "Mutale isn't our priority at the moment. When push comes to shove, he will be considered a liability."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bpiB12TCm
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"Don't tell me we're going to let Mutale die there," said Brian, surprised at her words.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfumnjhAeK
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"Like I said, when push comes to shove. This might turn out to be a war for all we know. We all know when it comes to war, everyone becomes a liability. If we won't be able to free Mutale, you'll know what that means."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL4yDO61lc
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XPRGXcbB9
Brian briefly gave Rondon a look, and then he went back to looking at the woman in white. "Understood," he said.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi73w7WKT0E
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"Good. We should be ready to receive the others. And a heads-up, Gladiator and her crew are coming."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzsn4r06zt
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Everyone surrounding the table paused. A cold atmosphere came down upon everyone nearby who heard the news coming from the superior in white.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrJDNDMlKt
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Rondon remained stoic as he continued to look at the woman. This was bad. For the Elite to have sent Gladiator, it meant they wanted things done as soon as possible.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB44cKlh6s
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"It's a little too early to have her around, don't you think?" Rondon asked.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I4SjAWXKQ
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"The order came from the higher-ups themselves. I also thought it too early to have her around, but orders are orders."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLF7YDclrt
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"Okay, then. We'll be expecting her."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGbTLae7it
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Rondon watched the woman in white walk away, and he soon told the combatants leaders to take their leave. After hearing the news, they would tell everyone else of Gladiator's arrival with her crew.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLEr6HwkOS
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"This is not what I was expecting," said Brian as he spoke in a low tone.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpebPQ8H047
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"Neither did I," said Rondon. "Gladiator is effective, but she's only called upon when dealing with a high-ranking supernatural or when things get out of control. This mission hasn't gone wayward yet. So why call on her now?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqiDwyQJZc
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"The higher-ups must be impatient. They want this thing done quickly no matter what."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVZrXVrh2Q
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Rondon couldn't help but agree with Brian. First the shadow monster back in Zambia, now the sudden need to call Gladiator when all hope on his end wasn't lost. Were the Elite slowly starting to lose their faith in him, or was there more to what meets the eye?71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG6LCzqUnV
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"There's nothing we can do but to play along," said Rondon. "We might just be overthinking things, and maybe Gladiator will be of some use."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeca6HnQl7Q
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Brian scoffed. "You of all people know very well her outrageous behavior. She's only going to cause chaos for us if we don't tell her to behave. And she barely listens to anyone."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRJRKuQXq
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"Then what do you want me to do? I simply can't disobey the Elite’s orders."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1sax0wCfQ
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"Well, if I were you, I would tell them to put Gladiator on hold for the time being. If things go wrong, that's when she can come in."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaW0VAwI2R
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"You know I can't do that. They've already made up their minds."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bnTacfrmb
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"If that's the case, then you should be the one to stand your ground when she gets here. Make her know who’s the boss, or else she might take the reins from you and ruin this whole mission."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVUsm2xdmQ
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Brian took his leave away from Rondon. Clearly, he wasn't too happy with all of this. And so should Rondon. However, showing his emotions now could put him at a disadvantage, and that would ruin the team's morale. He didn't want to look like he wasn't in charge, or else they might get a little rebellious.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrK02Kr0L1
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Rondon decided to check if there was any progress with the team monitoring Lucifer’s house. As he approached, he could already feel the atmosphere grow tense. News really spread fast in the Golden Elite. It didn't surprise him that everyone now knew of Gladiator's arrival to the group.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKHJRscEnF
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"Any changes?" Rondon asked as he approached the small circle of the surveillance team.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1TJcITuiZ
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"Nothing," said the girl with the blonde hair. "The number of supernaturals in the building still remains the same."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ucPNHH1Dw
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"Okay. Report to me of any changes."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqzBz0XH2J
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"Rondon, sir," the brunette spoke up, looking up from her laptop. "Is it true about Gladiator? That she's coming here?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUf7XXL6BG
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Everyone in the circle remained silent, looking up at Rondon for a response. Everyone else around them also couldn't help but eavesdrop. There was a sense of wanting clarity from Rondon. There was no point in hiding what's to come. They just had to be ready for it.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKCCtVegPO
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"Yes," he answered. "She is." He turned to address everyone around him. "She was assigned here by the higher-ups, recommending her services to be vital. This mission is becoming trickier by the minute, so we would need all the help we can get. Let's not forget who and what we're dealing with here. Your cooperation is vital for all this to work. Carry on."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBaKeg4Tro
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Everyone did as they were told. But for a few seconds, when everyone was distracted, listening to Rondon speak, those under surveillance didn't notice a particular mishap on their laptops. One of the dots on the map disappeared and very quickly reappeared. When they looked back at their screens after the speech, everything was as it was before.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ecWLO425R
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***71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVdAePhXW7
Lucius and Lucifer entered the study room, and they looked at me with surprised looks on their faces. I leaned against the wooden table, wiping away the blood on Lucero’s knife with a red cloth. Stella was cleaning off the mess I made on the chair Mutale had been sitting on using a water bubble that sucked up the drops of blood as it passed on the chair. The bubble was almost acting like a vacuum cleaner.
“What happened in here?” Lucius asked as he approached me. “And where are Lucero and Mutale?”
“They are down in the dungeon,” I said. “Don’t worry about Mutale. It’s all part of the plan.”
Lucifer had a smirk smile on his face as he looked at the chair Stella was cleaning. “This is interesting,” he said. He turned to look at me. “I see you had to take some drastic measures.”
“Well, no doubt the Golden Elite are going to do the same,” I said. “How is that army of troops coming?” I turn to look at Lucius.
“They are gathering themselves and will be here in a few minutes,” Lucius answered.
“Hold them off for a second,” I said. “There’s something I want to do first. If there’s a chance we can avoid a fight, I want to take that option first.”
“I don’t think they would want to listen to a thing you say,” said Stella. “They are set on capturing you, and the number of soldiers on the other side of the island is proof of that.”
“I’m better off doing that anyway. Since no one wants to tell me anything,” I look at Lucifer briefly. “I don’t have enough time. In a few hours, it will be dark, and that shadow monster is still out there, waiting.”
“This isn’t some petty human war that you would want to negotiate first and then fire at each other later, Diana,” said Lucifer. “It’s not going to work. Besides, presenting yourself to them will make it easier for them to catch you. Moreover, don’t expect them to tell why they need you so bad. You already know the answer to that.”
“I’ve been on their most wanted list as soon as a supernatural like me appeared on the scene. Why is it that today of all days they’re sending an army after me? Something’s going on, and I want answers.”
Lucius sighed. “I know you want answers, Diana,” he said. “But your safety is of utmost importance. You can have all the answers you want. Right now, let’s ward these guys off first.”
I hated to admit that everyone was right. The Golden Elite might want their soldier back, but they knew what was at stake and wouldn’t even think of trying to negotiate. Whatever answer she wanted would have to wait. Right now, she had to take care of the Golden Elite, and find out who sent that Shadow Monster after her.
“Now that that is out of the way,” said Stella, as she finished cleaning off the blood on the chair, “I better make a call to Butterfly Island.”
“Are you seriously going to ask them for help?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at her. “I mean, we don’t need so many soldiers to fight.”
“This is your life at stake. And don’t forget, we are your patron, and we have an obligation to take care of our own.”
“Yeah, but let’s not forget what happened the last time I was there.”
Stella came towards her and put a hand on my shoulder. “Whatever happened was not your fault,” she said. “Your decision to leave was hurtful on our part, but in a way, it made you grow on your own. It’s the least we can do after all you did.”
I found myself drawing my lips in in embarrassment. The feelings of the past swelled my heart a little, and the last thing I needed was to cry. That can come later. I wish there was time to withdraw from all this and find a place to be alone, but time was of the essence.
“Okay, I’ll go and summon the High Order and tell them the situation,” said Stella.
“You’re free to teleport in and out of these premises,” said Lucifer. That was all the permission Stella needed.
“Thanks,” said Stella. “I’ll be back, Diana. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.”
“I know,” I said. “You go on ahead.”
Stella smiled at me and made her way out of the room. It was just Lucifer, Lucius, and me. I went over to one of the chairs and sat.
“I really want to know what happened to you back at Butterfly Island,” said Lucius as he looked at me.
“You’ve never heard of the story?” Lucifer asked as he went to his big chair behind his desk. “Anyway, back then, you weren’t so interested in whatever happened in the supernatural world that you wanted to focus on your human life, which didn’t last long.” Lucius threw his father a look. Lucifer surrendered. “What I’m trying to say is it was a huge talk in the supernatural world. That’s when Diana was finally known to the world. A myth that became true.”
I look at Lucifer, and he was looking right back at me. I never liked reminiscing over what had happened back then, and I thought never going back to Butterfly Island would shut out the memories. But since it became a huge talk in the supernatural community, it was hard to run away from it. And it’s one of the reasons why I never returned to Butterfly Island.
“I did promise you we’d talk about it when all of this is over,” I said. “Just know that it’s something that is pretty hard to come to terms with. But it happened.”
I was surprised that Lucius didn’t probe me any further. This is one of the reasons why I preferred being with Lucius than with Lucero. Lucius is caring, and unlike his brother and father, he was more thoughtful. For him to give me the space I need not to talk about the past spoke volumes. He might be a supernatural and a pain sometimes, but the instilled nature in him made him very much human.
The door to the study flew open, and Lucero walked in. His eyes flew to me first, and he threw me a wink. I only gave him a side-eye. His eyes wandered around the room.
“Where’s the lovely lady in blue?” he asked.
“Oh, she left to attend to some affairs on Butterfly Island,” I answered.
“I guess she’s gone to ask for help, then. While we wait, what should we do now?”
“Good question,” I said as I stood up. “Now would’ve been a good time to attack the Golden Elite, but I want to sit and let them initiate their attack first.”
“Maybe now would be a good time to call the troops in?” Lucius asked.
“I’ll hold them off for a bit if I were you,” I said. “Let them think we’re the only supernaturals here. Don’t forget, if they see a whole army of supernaturals, they might respond in kind.”
Lucero snapped his fingers. “I have an idea. The Golden Elite don’t have to know the army is here.”71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8mu39035q
I looked at Lucero and smiled. I knew exactly what he was talking about. And judging by the look on Lucifer’s face, he knew.
***
Katy barely had herself out of bed when she felt the phone vibrate right next to her. She turned on her side, trying to get her phone. Her younger cousins were fast asleep on the other side of the bed. It won’t be long until Katy woke them up to start doing chores around the house. When Katy grabbed her phone, she rubbed her sleepy eyes to check who was calling her. She was up with a start as she saw who it was.
She quickly got out of bed, and since she was in a white see-through nightdress, she took her chitenge wrapper, wrapped it around herself, and walked out of the room to take the call. It was still too early in the morning, and she didn’t want to wake her cousins up.
She walked down the dark corridor and found herself in the living room. She answered the call, clearing her throat.
“Morning, Auntie Namatama,” said Katy, trying her best to sound sleepy.
“Morning, Katy,” came Namatama’s voice on the phone. “I was trying to call Diana’s phone, but she isn’t answering. Is she awake?”
“Uh, yes, she’s still fast asleep. Diana’s phone must be on silent.”
“Tell me the truth, Katy.” This time Namatama sounded serious, as if she didn’t want to be messed around with. “I know Diana is not with you. Where is she?”
“No, I’m telling you that she’s sleeping right now,” said Katy, doing her best not to sound nervous.
“Katy, I don’t want to repeat myself. Diana is in some kind of trouble, and I know she wouldn’t want anyone to know where she went. Tell me where she is.”
Katy thought long and hard about this. How could her aunt have known that Diana wasn’t here? If she lies, Aunt Namatama will eventually call her mother, who will have no recollection of Diana staying at her house for the holidays. That would only make things worse. If she tells the truth, who was she going to explain that Diana teleported to the other side of the world with her supernatural friends and some soldier who was their enemy? Either way, she was in trouble.
Katy sighed. “She’s not here,” she said.
“And where is she?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”
“Katy, listen to me. I need to get a hold of Diana immediately. I know about her involvement with weird people that do magic and whatever. I need your help to tell her to come home right now. It’s urgent.”
Katy didn’t know how to take this. “I’ll try,” she said. “But I don’t think Diana would want to come back home with what’s going on right now.”
“Do it, I’m begging you, Katy.” Namatama now started to sound desperate. “Tell her that I know she’s a…” Namatama hesitated over the line, trying to come up with the right word. “Just tell her to come home, please.”
Katy heard the line cut, and she stared at the phone in shock. For as long as she has known about Diana’s secret, she knew that her Aunt Namatama never knew. She was told recently, Katy concluded, maybe a few hours or minutes ago? Or else, why would she call sounding so frantic over the phone? She was a mother, concerned about her child. Even I would want to talk to my child if I heard she was a supernatural being, Katy said to herself.
Without wasting any more time, Katy ran back to the bedroom. She went straight to the old, wooden wardrobe facing the door, opened it, and went for her clothes. She removed a small pendant that Stella had given her before following Diana to Miami. She had no way of communicating with Diana, so she could try and call Stella. Whatever the case, Diana just had to come back home.
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