THE 8 WONDERKIDS

Chapter 17: A spark

The next day, It's 7 AM, Sarah and Zet were awake, and as usual, Kipo was still asleep.

Zet was doing his morning routine, and Sarah was getting ready 9 AM, Arya and Zet were training near the lake.

Zet: faster faster !

Arya was jumping around on the trees as fast as she could.

Zet: come on move Arya.

She jumped in the water and got out.

Zet: 40 seconds.

Arya: *panting* oh come on...this is slower than my last one.

Zet: that's right...your previous was 36 seconds.

Arya: this is harder than it looks you know.

Zet: I know...this is why I can now finish it in 20 seconds.

Arya:*panting* but...you...can fly.

Zet: I did the same thing as you...I won't always be able to fly...no matter how much power you have never count on it...your physical ability as a human must be always sharp.

Sarah then came to see them.

Sarah: look at that...you used to hate sports.

Arya was heavily breathing.

Zet: take a break...you got 15 minutes.

Arya:*deep breath* so much for a break.

Zet: I was thinking of making 5 minutes at first...don't make me change my mind.

Arya: alright alright...I will go grab an apple.

Arya left.

Sarah: don't you think you're pushing her more than she can take ?

Zet: this is what I'm trying to do...If her emotions allow her to discover her potential...then I have to push them out of her.

Sarah: anger ?

Zet: no...feeling hopeless.

It has been 20 minutes, Arya just came back, Zet was looking upset at her, and Sarah left to survey the mutant's territories.

Zet: you're late.

Arya: it was only five minutes...relax.

Zet: do it again and I will Zap you while you're asleep...now back to where we were...you got 36 seconds as your record...do 30 seconds and you will pass for now.

Arya: sure.

She took a position to start.

Zet: and...go !

She jumped from one tree to another, she is supposed to run and climb then jump on 7 trees that surround the lake, then take a huge distanced jump from the last tree and land in the water.

She finished and landed in the water.

Arya: this has to be faster.

Zet: that's right...It's your new record.

Arya: yeah !...all I needed was just recharge from that ap...

Zet: It's 35 seconds.

Arya then stopped smiling and sighed.

Zet: again...you're not going anywhere until you finish this in 30 seconds.

Arya didn't reply and prepared to go again.

Zet: set...go.

She went again, Zet noticed the angry look on in her face, she was really getting tired from this training.

Arya has finished.

Zet: 37...again.

Arya then didn't even stop to catch her breath, she prepared herself to go again.

Zet: go.

Arya she took off again, this time she was sweating a lot, Zet can see how tired she is.

Arya finished again.

Zet: 32...making progress...good.

Arya was heavily breathing, she couldn't talk.

Zet: you have 20 seconds to start again.

Arya took her time to rest for a bit, she then took her stand again.

Zet: go.

She ran fast at the tree, she bumped into it before starting to climb up, Zet noticed.

She finished again.

Zet: 36 seconds...again.

Arya: *panting* that's it...I want to see you do it in less than 30 seconds.

He smiled.

Zet: are you sure ?...because If I do it...you will have to break 28 instead of 30.

Arya: fine...you get 3 tries.

Zet: I only need one...just count when you're ready.

Arya: ready...set...go.

Zet then started to run, when he reached the trees, he did not climb them, he walked on them, he was fast enough that gravity did not catch up with him, after he reached the last tree he bounced off of it and aimed to land in the water, before he touched the water, he flew above it, and landed right in front of Arya.

She was shocked, her mouth and eyes were wide open.

Zet: I can tell by your look that I did less than 30 seconds.

Arya: you finished in 22 seconds...how ?!

Zet: multiple reasons...one...I did this training for 2 years...I used to make it in like a full minute...and two because hyper speed is one of the lightning wonderkid's abilities...I'm the fastest wonderkid among all of us.

Arya: this is very unfair for me.

Zet: this is why I told you to hit 30 seconds instead of 25.

Arya: but you didn't tell me.

Zet: a lesson you mustn't forget Arya...your teacher is your own potential...but only If you are willing to listen to them...now are you ready for more ?

Arya then sighed and took her stand again.

Zet: set...go.

Arya then ran fast, she tried to follow Zet's technique, Zet noticed what she was trying to do.

She finished.

Zet: good job making good use of your observation...you got 30 seconds.

Arya: does this mean I'm done ?

Zet: no...you put yourself into making it to 28 seconds.

Arya then started to get angry.

Zet: but...you showed that you are capable to make fast progress...you earned yourself a break...take 45 minutes this time.

Arya: that's a lot of time...thanks.

She let herself fall on the ground and closed her eyes.

Zet: I'll be back...don't sleep.

Zet then left while Sarah just came to see them again.

Sarah: so what happened...did you pass ?

Arya: I made a dumb mistake...I challenged him to make it faster than what he asked me to hit.

Sarah: you challenged Zet in a pace training ?...that is pretty stupid of you.

Arya: I did hit 30 seconds...now I have to make it to 28...he rewarded me with a 45 minutes rest.

Sarah: you know he's being this way for you right ?

Arya: what do you mean ?

Sarah: being very harsh on you...he wants you to be good enough to be a hero others can count on.

Arya: making me breathe that heavy I was going to pass out ?...yeah right.

Sarah: no one knows Zet as much as I do...believe me when I say he really cares about you.

Arya: how do you know ?

Sarah: he hugged you Arya...Zet...never...hugs...my jaw dropped when he did that...he never cared about something or someone that much...you are way too important for him.

Arya: so you are saying I'm the first one he ever hugs ?

Sarah: he never hugged...kissed...or even cared about anyone...but you.

Arya then looked up at the sky.

Sarah: my break is over...I need to leave...later.

Arya: bye.

Arya (mind): what happened in his life that he never told anyone...what is this guy's past ?

After a while, Zet came back, he found Arya sleeping on the ground, he was thinking about grabbing her leg and zapping her for not listening to his orders, but then he decided to leave her sleep, he climbed on one of the trees and started looking out for Arya while she is sleeping, he decided to listen to music and wait for her to wake up.

An hour has passed, Arya just woke up, she remembered that Zet told her to not sleep, she immediately got up and looked around her and didn't find anyone then sighed with relief.

Zet then saw her, he threw an apple on her.

The apple hit her directly in the head.

Arya: ow !

Zet: up here.

She saw him.

Arya (mind): oh no.

She climbed the tree and sat on its branch next to him.

Zet: you slept...I told you to not.

Arya: how long have you been here ?

Zet: I have nothing else to do but to protect you when you are asleep in the middle of the woods looking like a dead body...I didn't want you to sleep because you are in the woods.

Arya: it's not because I won't wake up early tomorrow ?

Zet: you're a wolf Arya...our day is your night...our night is your day.

Arya: can I ask you a question ?

Zet: hm ?

Arya: have you ever kissed...hugged or cared about someone ?

Zet: no...I don't do emotions.

Arya: but...why ?

Zet: nothing I would like to answer...what is the point of these irrelevant questions ?

Arya: but you hugged me.

Zet: I only did because you deserved it...and I guess because I was in the moment.

Arya: but that's what's so good about being loved or loving someone...you get to live in the moment the whole time.

Zet: ok...what is the reason for all of this ?

Arya: I want to know why you hugged me.

Zet: I already told you...you saved me I was grateful end of the story.

She got closer and closer to Zet.

Arya: are you sure you're not lying ?

Zet: what are you doing ?...

She then got too close for Zet's comfort.

Arya: I think I know the truth.

Zet was starting to lose his nerve.

Arya then put her hand on his, he got nervous.

Zet: ok stop !...you want the truth ?...fine...you are the first living being to ever do me things with nothing in return...you are the only person who cared about me...you trusted me when you didn't even know me yet...what I'm trying to say is...I like you and I would do a lot for you...happy now ?

Arya then leaned on Zet and put her lips on his, Zet's eyes widened, he was not expecting this, but he felt like he couldn't fight it, he let it happen.

Arya: well...I like you too.

Zet then didn't speak a word, he jumped off the tree and ran away as fast as he could.

Arya was left confused, after moments of processing what happened she decided to go back to the tent and see Sarah.

Sarah was in the tent drawing multiple different maps.

Sarah: oh hey Arya...I'm busy...I can't talk right now.

Arya did not say anything and went to sleep in her sleeping bag.

Sarah (mind): ok ?...whatever.

Arya was afraid of what she did.

It's 10 PM, Arya woke up and looked around her, she saw Sarah sleeping, but no sign of Zet, she decided to get up and continue her training alone.

She headed back to the lake and started running at the trees and jumping around, she never stopped thinking about Zet, she was not sure if he will ever come back, she was scared.

Zet came back and saw Arya, he decided to look at her from the trees, where she can't see him, he looked at her doing her training again and again, he saw the passion and the determination in her eyes, he was counting the seconds for her, waiting for her to finish.

half an hour has passed, Arya then sat on the ground and started sobbing, tears were falling, Zet was looking at her, she was desperate.

He running in a circle through the trees and shot multiple zaps at her.

Arya got hit.

Arya: *sniffle* what the hell was that !...who is here ?

Zet didn't say a word and kept shooting.

Arya: stop !...whoever you are...stop !

Zet: dodge.

She heard that voice, her eyes widened.

Arya: Zet ?

He kept shooting, Arya understood what she has to do, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and started moving around, she started to dodge the shots left and right, Zet didn't stop, he made it harder for her and increased his pace, but she was still dodging.

2 minutes have passed, Zet stopped, he knew that she is capable of dodging using only her senses.

Zet then came out of the shadows, Arya rushed to him and hugged him, he didn't hug her back, he just was standing still waiting for her to finish.

Zet: you discovered a new ability.

Arya: huh ?

Zet: you can now sense things without seeing hearing or smelling them...this is your predator sense.

She didn't say anything for moments.

Arya: I'm glad you're back...I thought you left for good.

Zet: tomorrow we will go somewhere...I want to show you something.

Arya: um...ok ?

Zet: you finished it in 29 by the way.

He then gave her a blindfold.

Zet: try it now.

Arya then took the blindfold and put it on her eyes and did it again, she finished it in 25 seconds, she realized that she did.

Arya: oh my god !...I finished it in 25 !!

She took off the blindfold and looked around her, she didn't find Zet, he was already gone.

Arya ran to look for him in the tent, he was not there, she was confused again, but at least now she knows that he will never leave her and Sarah and run away without coming back, she was relieved. to go for the observatory, It was time for them to continue their journey to save Kipo's people, Sarah had her plan, but she was not sure that it would work or not.

It's 8 AM, Zet has returned to the treehouse, it was time for him to wake Kipo up.

Zet : come on Kipo.....we need to move.

Kipo surprisingly woke up immediately, she did not stall any time.

Kipo : I'm up.

Zet : wow you actually woke up from the first time.....good.

Sarah : get ready Kipo....we will move soon.

Kipo nodded and left the treehouse to the lake.

Zet : so.....did you figure out which mutants we have in that observatory ?

Sarah : not yet....we will have to see them in person.....seems like they're night mutants since we can't see them in the day.

Kipo returned.

Kipo : alright....so what's the plan ?

Sarah : it's a bit long.....but it should work...just before we do it.....I want you to know that this might be so dangerous for you two....more than it will be for me....you won't like it.

Kipo then looked at Zet.

Zet : um.....sure ?

Sarah : ok....so I know which side of the building is the observatory....I need you two to act clueless for whoever is in there....act like you're a couple or whatever.....the point is....distract as much as you can....while I sneak into the observatory and look for what we need.

Kipo : um...quick question....what are we looking for ?

Zet : wide buildings next to each other....seen them before....this is where most of the mutes go....and where their leader is.....the prisoners should be there too.

Kipo : so you want us to be the bait just because we are the wonderkids here ?

Sarah : we are dealing with night mutants....I can't see as much as you and these mutants can in the night.....so the answer is yes....it's because you are the wonderkids.

Zet : relax....if we can't run away, we can fight....we will be fine.

Kipo : sure.

Sarah : ok now that we settled everything....I think it's time to go.

Zet : are we all ready.

Kipo and Sarah : yes.

Zet : then let's go.

They exited the treehouse, Zet stopped for one more moment, looking at his treehouse for what might be his last time.

Sarah : you ok ?

Zet : give me your knife.

Sarah then got a knife out of her pocket and gave it to Zet.

Zet : you go....I'll be right there.

Sarah and Kipo then went ahead.

Zet sighed, this is the moment where he will leave memories behind, in order to make new ones, he used his powers to heat the knife and started to carve words on the tree.

"May the ones who see this as their home.....take care of this place....it will take care of you."

Zet then left to follow his group.

He reached his group and gave the knife back to Sarah.

Sarah : we'll head this way.

Kipo looked at Zet, she noticed that he looked sad, and she knows why, she now understands what does it mean to be a wonderkid, to be a hero, sacrificing many things that you love, to save what others love, she used to think that Zet was only living for himself, but now she understands, Zet is a hero that doesn't shout it out loud, a hero that is willing to sacrifice for others, and get nothing in return.

It's 5 PM, they have finally arrived.

Sarah : we're here.

Kipo : oh my god....finally !....we've been walking for so long!

Zet : there are trees around here.....we will wait for them.

Sarah nodded.

Zet : give me the bags.....Sarah...help Kipo.

Zet then flew up with all the bags on him and put them on top of the tree, while Sarah helped Kipo to climb up.

Sarah : there should be someone coming out soon.

It's 6 PM, someone came out, they heard a sound of a door opening, Sarah took the binoculars and looked down, she was not fine with what she saw, her eyes widened, Zet noticed.

Zet : Sarah....who is it ?

Sarah did not say a word, she gave the binoculars to Zet so he can see for himself.

Zet saw who it was.

Zet : great....

Kipo : who is it ?

Zet : it's the wolves.

Kipo : oh no.

Zet : this is going to be harder than I thought.

Kipo : what now.....do we stick to the same plan ?

Sarah : Zet....when you fought them....did any of them run away ?

Zet : no....we should be fine.

Sarah : then yes.....we stick to the same plan.

Zet : we will wait a bit more....they might go for a hunt today.

They waited a bit more for someone else to go out, but no one did.

Sarah : alright....it's time now....act as mutant guests.....I'll survey the area near me....distract as much you can....good luck.

Sarah then left to take her position, while Kipo and Zet were dressing up with their capes.

Zet : ok....so let me do the talking until someone talks to you....we need to know our roles here.....you are my girlfriend.....we are two new mutants in las vistas....and we need directions.....got it ?

Kipo : yeah.

Zet : oh yeah....and remember....do whatever it takes to stay in the role...if they find out...we probably won't survive.

Kipo : ok.

Zet and Kipo then climbed down the tree and headed to the door and knocked on it.

A wolf wearing a lab coat opened the door.

Wolf : ah....new faces !....welcome !.....what brings you here ?

Zet : hi....we're new here....and we are just asking if you can help us with directions.

Wolf : well....we do know the place around here....but before you leave....would you care to stay for dinner today ?

Zet : of course....we are not really in a hurry....and I won't turn down such a generous offer.

Wolf : how nice of you.....my name is Liam....very glad to meet you.

Zet : I'm Lars....and this is my girlfriend....Kate.

Kipo : Hi....nice to meet you.

Liam : well come in.....we have a special dinner today.

Zet and Kipo then got in the observatory safely, they were kindly welcomed by the wolves, they then looked around the place, which was full of books and scientific tools.

Liam : wolves....gather around....we have new visitors.

Wolves then jumped down and appeared from the shadows then stood behind Liam.

Liam : welcome to our humble home.....we are the wolves....and as you may have already guessed....we are scientists....we love science.....It's an endless amount of knowledge.

Zet : my girlfriend shares the same love for science too....she's an astronomy scientist.

Liam : Is that so Kate ?

Kipo : of course.....as any kind of science....astronomy and space is full of things to explore....I adore it.

Liam : indeed....It's the beauty of science.....so... where did you come from ?

Zet : we come from England.....we had to leave that area....It's full of humans.....it's madness there.

Liam : well you have come to the right place here....mutants are the superior ones here....no humans shall rule these grounds as long as we live on it.

Zet : could not have agreed more.

Liam : you said you came here for directions.....where do you wish to go ?

Zet : we heard that your leaders welcome new faces here....we can't wait to see them.

Liam : indeed they do.....they are very kind...and they are the reason why we are alive at this moment.....anyway.....they are straight east from here.....you will be able to find them....I'm sure Kate will understand the stars.

Zet : If you don't mind me asking....what's the dinner?

Liam : I'd rather keep it a surprise....you will love it.

Zet : I guess I will have to trust you on this one.

Liam and Zet then laughed.

Kipo : If you excuse me....I haven't read books for so long....I would love to read another book of yours.

Liam : of course....astronomy books are after this hallway to the left....near the telescope.

Kipo then left.

Zet : I see you have every science tool known to scientists.

Liam : indeed....we prepare ourselves as much as we can....we are knowledgeable with everything that has been discovered so far.....I do believe that there is nothing we don't know about science.

Zet : very impressive of you....I'm sure It took a lot of time to know it all.

Liam : correct....we were just some wild night hunters.....but now we understand that life has much more meaning than just surviving for your own life all the time.....we are so glad to find such knowledge.

Kipo was looking for Sarah, she could not see her, she knew that Sarah can not get in right now, there are wolves roaming around the same area, she had to make a distraction.

Kipo : hey guys....care to play a game ?

Wolf : sure !

The wolves that were in the same room as she gathered around her.

Kipo : ok....so...this game is called the stars game.

Wolf : the stars game ?

Kipo : it's simple....guess as many stars in the sky as you can.....the one who guesses the most wins....it's a simple game.....but are you smart enough to win it ?

Wolf : wait.....what's the prize ?

Kipo : isn't it obvious ?.....the one who wins is the smartest one of you all !

Wolf : I'm in !

Wolf : me too !

The wolves love to brag about being the smartest and knowing everything, which is why they're easy to trick.

Sarah heard all of this, she knew that this was her queue, she snuck in and started scanning the area around her, just to make sure.

Kipo saw her.

Kipo : alright....I will be the judge of your game...I will randomly pick two to fight and pick a random star....the one who answers faster wins...and will be the smartest....now we need to go outside.

The wolves and Kipo headed outside, Liam noticed them leaving the observatory.

Liam : going somewhere ?

Wolf : Kate taught us a new game.....it sounds so much fun !

Liam : interesting.....mind if Lars and I join ?

Kipo : of course !.....we all can play this game....come on honey....you'll love it.

Zet : I'm coming....but I don't think I will be able to keep up with you all....I'm not as smart as you all....I'll just be a spectator....and cheer for you.

Kipo : aww....honey that's so sweet of you !

Liam : oh well....let's see what we have here.

They all headed outside while Zet just came up with an idea.

Zet : you go....I just need to go to the bathroom quickly.

everyone is outside and ready to play.

Kipo : wolves...would you like to explain to Liam what is this game ?

Wolf : it's called the stars game.

Wolf : answer faster than your opponent.

Wolf : the winner is the smarter....and Kate is the judge.

Liam : interesting.....but I have a small change....how about I be the judge....and Kate plays.....of course since I'm the smartest one here....and let's make it a bit more interesting....it will be a knockout match.....only one of you all will be titled as the smartest.

Kate : sure !

Zet was inside looking for Sarah, he knew Kipo's plan, he had to check on Sarah, he looked around the telescope, he saw her on the window near it.

Zet : all clear...you can do it....go.

Sarah nodded.

Zet then left the place and joined the wolves outside before they suspect him.

Kipo saw Zet coming through the door.

Kipo : Lars....you're here !

Zet : did I miss something ?

Liam : not at all....we were just about to start.

Kipo and the wolves started to play the game while Zet was watching for Sarah.

The game has started, Liam was picking the stars and picking opponents, Kipo was winning in every match, she played very well, she was obviously the smartest one among all of these wolves.

Zet was watching from the back.

Zet in his mind : wow....she really is an astronomy scientist.....huh....I'm impressed.

Kipo has reached the final, one of the wolves was her opponent, everyone knew that she will win.

After a while of playing in this final match, Kipo has won.

Liam : very impressive of you kate...but now....how about a real challenge.....me.

Kipo : of course....let's see who is really the smartest here.

Liam : oh you will regret these words young lady.

The game has started, Kipo and Liam started answering one by one, they were very close to each other, none of them was winning.

Wolf : alright we have reached the tiebreaker.....whoever answers this first wins....in 3....2....1...this star !

Liam : it's Markab....the heart of the Pegasus.

Wolf : correct...Liam wins !

Liam : well....you have reached far enough.....but you are not the smartest here....fair play Kate....or should I say Kipo.

Kipo : excuse me ?

Liam : It's been a long time....I see you have grown.

Zet's eyes widened.

Kipo : have we met before ?

Liam : in-person.....I have met your dad when you were just a small baby.....and by the way....I know who you are too shadow kid.

Zet then lifted the cape off.

Kipo : but how did you know ?

Liam : simple....you're the only one who knows that much about astronomy....your father told me.

Kipo : he never told me about it.

Liam : and I believe I know why.

Kipo : huh ?

Liam : it's because of what we did to him....you can say we simply took a bite out of him....we ate his leg....but he was able to escape from us.

Kipo : you what ?!

Liam : you heard me.....we are hunters....and you are filthy humans....and well....I guess you know the rest of the story here.

Liam then looked at Zet.

Liam : you have fought bravely against 5 of us....I will give you that.....now how about 20 of us....let's see what you can do....so I will suggest you run now.

Zet did not say anything.

Liam : wolves....It's dinner time !

The wolves started to howl.

Kipo : RUN !!

Zet then picked up a rock and threw it at the telescope, hinting for Sarah to get out of there as soon as she can, before he started running for his life.

The chase has begun, Kipo and Zet were running for their lives from the wolves, they could see in the dark of the night, but so are the wolves, running away from these hunters won't work, Zet had to come up with a plan quickly.

Sarah heard the rock hitting the metal of the telescope, she saw Kipo and Zet running away from the wolves, she needed to leave the area now.

Zet now got an Idea.

Zet : Kipo.....grab me....but don't touch my body....hold on to my clothes.....this might hurt you a little.

Kipo then grabbed on his cape.

Zet then used a huge amount of his power and lifted himself up while Kipo was hanging on to him, he was able to fly away into the trees and landed in sea near them, Kipo got hurt, but wasn't as much as Zet did, he was being shocked with a big amount of electricity, but it was enough to get them to safety, Zet lost conscious due to the big amount of damage he took, he summoned enough energy that can easily kill him.

They landed in the water, the wolves lost their track, but now they are safe, Zet was unconscious, Kipo had to get him to the surface before he drowns.

Kipo then dragged Zet to the surface.

Kipo : no no no.....please don't die on me now.

She put her head on his chest to hear his heartbeat, she didn't hear anything, her eyes widened, she started to push on his chest to clear the water from his lungs, nothing came out yet, she was not pushing hard enough.

Kipo started crying.

Kipo : no no please do die now.....I need you right now please don't die.

And then, Kipo felt stronger, her breath freezing, her eyes started glowing, she tried again, she pushed on his chest, water came out, she listened to his heartbeat, It wasn't beating yet.

Kipo was about to lose hope, until she decided to blow her cold breath into his lungs, she listened to his heartbeat one more time, It was beating, she saved him.

Kipo then cried from happiness, he was still alive.

Zet was still unconscious, but alive, Kipo was able to carry him all the way back to their small camp on the tree.

After she carried him back, she saw Sarah waiting at the bottom of the tree, very worried about them.

Sarah : Kipo....thank god you survived.....what happened ?

Kipo : no time to explain....he needs help.

Sarah : on it.

Kipo then handed Sarah Zet so she can carry him herself.

Sarah : gather our stuff....we need to leave this area.

Kipo : ok.

Kipo then Climbed up surprisingly fast, grabbed all their stuff and climbed down.

Kipo : let's go.

Sarah and Kipo then left the area and went somewhere else, as far as they could from this observatory.