Downgrade

A Visit to Give

Vixen stood uprightly beside Cody, bringing with her a fresh red rose and a ball she just picked along their way, in front of the rusted crimson red gate that was set high in order not to see what’s inside. It was the Care Orphanage. The smell of worn-out clothes hanging around lingered. The nuns are probably busy inside. With over two hundred kids, quite sure, they are having a hard time in handling such numbers together with the children’s different personalities and behaviors. Vixen remembered everything that had happened to her inside the Orphanage. It was a memory to recall. With a smile, she let the nun, clothed with her dirty white gown with the red shoal, her eyes are blue with dark, obscure circles around, opened the gate for them. She’s probably exhausted. Some are talking at the corner, under a mango tree. Few are playing some board games. The two went and sat on one of those wooden bleachers. Vixen’s eyes roamed around and felt enthusiastic.

“Are they coming?” Cody muttered.

They just visited the place they once called as their home. In a sudden gaze, a child went outside from the establishment together with a nun and headed in their direction. She gave them her sweetest smile and hugged the two. Cody rubbed her head gently. The nun gave them her morning greetings and decided to go back inside. Hannah sat between the two.

Vixen showed the flower and gave it to her. Her eyes glimmered and gave a curve as she saw it – her favourite. She smelt it.

“Thank you for this, Aunt Vix.”

“How are the things going with you?” Cody asked.

The smile a while ago just shifted into a weary one. It was sadness. “I felt like I’m being imprisoned here, Uncle Cody…” Hannah said in a whisper.

Vixen was looking around and was hoping to see someone. But there’s no one. There was no presence of Macky. She wondered. She looked at the child beside her and smiled. “Where is Macky, Hannah?”

The kid stared at her old rugged shoes. She was swaying them a bit. Suddenly, she let out a cry…secretly. Crying is a forbidden thing inside the Care, even the nuns are not allowed to do such a thing. To them, crying is only for those who are weak. Perhaps, the Orphanage was being built to set a foothold with the kids’ emotions and physical forms. Despite of considering it as a home, it was a forbidding hell for the most – a secret ground for training. A secret organization was established under the shadow of Care Orphanage. Officials are training those mere children, those who inherited such unyielding powers. The world is somehow changing – they’re molding a new one to call as their own, and they needed a fortress…a place where strong ones evolve – and the Orphanage is their key to success, a stead for evaluating the kids who are intelligent and possess such ardent skills.

And in the future, those children who have passed the standards will undergo such exercise. And for what reason, without a doubt, in the end, it will be to protect those who’re above. To think that the Orphanage was established in the first level, Lowies are the prime targets. And most kids who have lost their parents in such unbearable situations are being taken not often for adoption but for training – to fight for those who already have the power to manipulate the others – the Royals, specifically. It was futile and perilous.

“They…They took Macky away. They told me that he’ll be fine…And…and I don’t have to worry about him.” Hannah sniffed, gripping Cody’s shirt as she cried. Vixen stared at the child. Pain. That’s what she saw. She jolted from her seat and stared at those who’re playing. She didn’t even have the time or the chance to at least say goodbye to the boy. She clenched her fist.

“Did the organization take him?” She pondered, eyes locked.

“That’s what I was thinking too. To think the child has the power to nullify anyone’s powers. He can be an asset to them for sure…or they will get rid of him…” Cody replied and side.

“They don’t want to do that. He’s just a mere child. He has nothing to do with how things move inside the city. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But his parents are.”

Hannah shifted her gaze to Cody. Guilt struck him as soon as her eyes set upon his. He was being tactless. “I-I’m sorry, Hannah.”

“I-It’s okay, Uncle.” Hannah said. She knew that she can’t fight or do anything to save their family’s name. They are left by their parents at a very young age. Sadness crippled around her. She shed some tears. All she knew was that, they are alive and that’s what keeps her to continue. The forest is her goal…the goal she shared with her brother, and that is her drive.

“Will he be okay?”

Vixen placed her hand on Hannah’s shoulder, gently pressing it. She forced a smile enough to reassure the child. Comfort is the best thing they could do for their young friend. At least it can ease away her pain and worries at the time.

“Macky is a strong boy. He’ll be fine,” she said, “and he doesn’t want his sister to worry about him.” she added.

Vixen hoped that the boy will still have the longing in finding his parents and he won’t be drowned by the deceiving lies from the officials. They needed to get the child back, before the wicked can unleash his power and use him according to their loathsome ways.

The kids are nothing to be compared to. They are gifted. With such powers, they are hard to find. Despite of their strengths, Macky and Hannah have different behaviors. Hannah is the clumsy, sensitive and shelled person, while her brother is the bold one and adventurous. At a young age, the boy became the hero to his sister – always defending her in every situation.

It was possible that the nuns have known about their strengths and told the officials. Perhaps, it was a threat to them, but it will be a different thing to others – it will be a weapon. Hannah has the power to camouflage, while Macky has the nullification. Both the siblings still hadn’t grown that much with their powers. But in a weird turn of events, the officials have decided to take the other one rather than the two of them. Macky was more beneficial to them, of course. But who knows that a great asset can become an enemy? – That will be the thing that the officials will surely look to stop it. They want alliance over defiance.

“Are you planning something?” Cody asked as he saw how Vixen’s eyes glued over those kids. It was deranged and full to do harm at any moment.

“Nothing. I just remembered something.” She said, and patted Hannah on the back, who already had composed herself.

“Aunt Vix, the guys who took my brother are creepy. They have a wolf tattoo over their neck. Are they like those bad guys who killed mom and dad?” Innocence, it was a precious thing. Vixen didn’t want her to hurt more. “They are…not bad. They will help your brother to build his own strength.” It was both a lie and a truth. A good thing to fill the bad one.

“Then, Macky will be a great man. He said that when he becomes strong, he will help us both to escape and go to find our parents.” Hannah teetered.

“Yes. We’ll help your brother to see the real truth and freedom.” She gently places a small kiss on her forehead. A child who looks like Macky ran towards them, bringing with him two rugged dolls. “Hannah, let’s play. I’m getting bored with the others. ” He promptly said with a pout.

Hannah stood and looked at the two elderly people. Cody chuckled. “You can go. Have some fun, okay?”

The child was happy and eventually walked to her friend. Suddenly, she stopped walking, turned her gaze and treaded back, giving them a tight hug. Vixen and Cody hugged her tight in response.

“Thank you for visiting me again.” She let go and went to play.

Looking over the parallel black windows of the Orphanage, things still didn’t change. It was the same place where they are punished ones. A scoff came out from Cody’s mouth. He was blubbering things as he enjoyed the scenery of having children around.

“Do you remember the time when I accidentally lost my balance and slipped the tea to Milla’s face?”

Vixen took a laugh out. “Hell, yes! I can still remember clearly how she looked at you while her face was damped with the drink. She wanted to kill you that time, for sure.”

Cody laughed with her. “I wonder who took her out from this sickening place.”

“I heard she was also shipped out by the same date Kinzel took us.”

“Was she even shipped out? I thought…I thought she died here.” Vixen whispered. Nuns believed that it’s forsaken to talk about the dread ones. They need to respect the ones who suffered and left for good, especially those who’re innocent in the end.

“No. I’m quite sure, she’s alive. Just before Kinzel took us out of that room, I saw someone was talking to her next to our room. I saw her glared at me even for the last time.”

Vixen poked his side, giving a grin. “Your crush just dumped you.”

“She’s not my type.” He immediately pondered and nagged her off.

“You should have asked her out.”

“She’s blunt.”

“Trying is not bad.”

“I know the answer just before I could try to ask her. It will be a no. N.O.” Rolling his eyes, he said.

“Okay. But yeah. Kinzel had been acting strange these past few days. Have you noticed it? First was, she just knew the secret club’s location without even telling us, and then she even got a walkie-talkie. That’s really strange.”

Cody was out of his thoughts. “Those are fine for me. Kinzel is just acting how to be herself.”

Vixen looked at her and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you about this.”

“Then stop talking.”

“You just learned how to be blunt. Geez. I could expect that from you, seeing that you’re having some time with the Hot Head these days.”

Cody stretched his right arm and sneezed. “Q-Quinten is a good man. His ways are subtle often but I have found something in him that maybe the team still don’t see.”

“You’re dead serious about him. I just hope you won’t apply his bluntness.”

“I do hope too.” He laughed a bit.

Half their day was finished with a visit in the Orphanage. They promised Hannah that they’ll be back again but at that time, they’ll surely have her brother back with them. Hannah had a lovely day with them. In return, she promised them that she will be strong just like her and that she will wait for her brother to come back, all in new.

___

“Is everything ready?” Kinzel who is now clothed wholly with her red and black outfit, asked the team. Loshiana was filling the box with slime they got. Quinten was setting some lanterns for the latter’s event. They are heading to check the address that the messenger brought for them. A trap might welcome them, Guilbert thought. It’s better to be ready.

“I’m almost done.” Loshiana said.

Quinten knocked on the wall and examined the place. It’s still in good condition enough. They’re still in the basement, preparing. “Are the two still going to come with us?”

“The least I can expect them to set themselves here this time.” Kinzel answered as he passed by him, her hands are filled with dust. She went to the kitchen and cleaned herself. “Well, why don’t we wait then?”

“Time is ticking.” Loshiana uttered.

“Okay. Then let’s just leave them with a note that we’re going to the Old Mill.” Miguel pondered, now taking a serious face.

“Do you want to go with us or just babysit those two?” Guilbert cut him off. Everyone was a bit in a hurry. Perhaps the time is moving so fast. The message relayed the specific time, 5:30 in the afternoon. They still didn’t know what’s going on in that place, all they have in mind is that, it’s abandoned and forbidden. The committee had securely locked the mill over the past few months due to the opening that was discovered lately that will lead to the forest itself. They needed to secure the place for a while and deal with closing the gate, just before everyone will know about it.

“How about Miguel?” Losshiana asked as she took a glance at him who’s still silently sleeping. It’s been hours in that current state. Guilbert said that they don’t need to worry. Miguel just needs a right amount of rest due to exhaustion and the data he had gathered these days. Information can harm him sometimes. And it’s normal to take hours for him to rest.

Kinzel grabbed the paper and carefully put it inside her pocket. The clouds are a bit bleak, just like those pallid memories Miguel has seen. Loshiana sighed and gently caressed his hair. Miguel is her closest friend among the team – the person whom she trusts the most, her open ear. Kinzel poked her cheek and smiled. “He’ll be fine.” Loshiana was propitious and she hoped that her pal will wake up when they come back.

The Era left a note on the table for Vixen and Cody to be read. Miguel was also taking his rest in the basement. The two will eventually find out that the team had left them to deal with such a new adventure. Yet, Kinzel had placed them in a new place to check, leaving the other address over a clean sheet of paper that Miguel said over his thoughts. It’s still an important mission. Taking some deep sighs, the team lead their way to the mill which was located near the left side boundaries. They needed to find the messenger and the thing that the person wants them to see. Something is malign, giving chills down on Quinten’s back, making him uneased.

“Are you okay?” Loshiana asked, walking beside him.

“Man, I’m having chills all of a sudden.” He said, rubbing his arms.

“You should take my shoal.” She offered him.

“It’s okay. It’s not like I’m no gentleman here.” He spoke with a chuckle.

“Okay.”

“Hey, you two. Hurry up. You’re like earthworms. Do I need to splash salt?” Kinzel warned the two. Her voice called for them.

They passed by the main street and crossed over an empty one, the one where Lowies barely pass through it, where a bunch of so-called gangsters are doing some sordid actions against a young child who’s timorous and defenseless. Kinzel just doesn’t want to deal with the other people’s problems. She just wants to go to the mill, straightforward. But, Guilbert insisted to help, leaving her with no choice but to do it as well. Young men were grinning as they played with the girl. They are toying her as if she’s just a thing that can easily be dispatched. One of them forcefully grabbed the girl’s hair, making her screamed in pain. Guilbert suddenly put his arm which he kept flexing to them a while ago, over one of the men’s shoulders. He was taking his weight on it. Quinten walked towards them who have snagging faces. A smirk just appeared on his face.

He surely misses to fight. But it’s not the right time to give one, especially those who’re mere humans and don’t possess such powers as them. Seeing those guys using their own strengths to a girl who even has a power will be a laugh. Anyone who has a power and will be seeing them will absolutely take them in no serious manners. They’re just a bunch of people who just want to have fun in a wrong deed. A lesson is needed. They want to fight for sure, but Era is different. They needed to act fast.

Quinten removed his gloves and patted the men over the shoulders, except the one he recognized as their leader. Kinzel was somehow enjoying what’s happening. Loshiana set her own distance and carefully just watched Quinten and Guilbert handle the situation. Men for men.

In a blink of a naked eye, the guys floated in the air. Their shocked faces were predictable. They should be laughing at themselves. Their leader made a few steps back, but still holding the girl by her collar. He was defending himself, making the child as his shield. Such a phony. Acting such a cool guy, but will absolutely quiver when meeting a tougher one is a bit hilarious. Quinten thought for himself as he gave them a scornful laugh. Guilbert bluffed.

“You,” Quinten pondered at the man who’s holding the girl still. He’s melting inside. This guy is not a real man. “Stop harassing the kid, or you’ll be there too.” He pointed to the guy’s allies who’re hopelessly floating begging for mercy and asking for their leader to help them out. His reaction was priceless.

“If we see you again, expect that will give you a bigger lesson than this.” Guilbert said. He looks so fine being the elderly one. The man slowly loosened her grip on the girl and let her escaped from their grasp. He said sorry, together with the others. The girl was still frightened and just left for good after she thanked Quinten and Guilbert. The man was shaking as he took so much glance at his friends.

“Master….Help us out.” They said in chorus.

Kinzel took a sigh. “Aye. The show is cover. Get lose. And let’s continue our walk.”

“Man, you’re a joy killer.” Quinten said, stomping his feet. Guilbert gave a laugh and slapped him on the back and started to walk.

“We still need to get there before time.” Guilbert uttered.

The Era left the guys with such curiosity on how they’ll stop each other from floating. They cried several times to their master. He tried to reach them, but it was no use. Quinten suddenly turned his glance at them from a distance and shouted, “Don’t worry, they’ll be fine.”

The master was crying so bad that his face was unexplainable.

“Pfft…” Loshiana held her laugh.

“You should stop messing around with them.” Kinzel timidly said without looking back. “The mess is over, now stop that.” She added, making Quinten gulp. Her boss side is showing again – the thing that he hates often. Quinten sighed and snapped his fingers which lost his anti-gravity power. The men fell rapidly to the ground, hurting their precious butts. And then, the last thing they witnessed before they couldn’t see the guys was, they’re having a fight with their so-called master, taking him all the fault for leading them in a sudden misery. They just messed with the wrong people that time. And it may serve as a lesson for them.

Quinten placed her arms behind his head and whistled. “This night will surely be exciting, don’t you think?”

“You’re energetic. It’s draining me.” Kinzel said blankly.

Quinten shrugged and made faces at the back. “You’re good at that.” Guilbert complimented him.

“Thanks. It’s my forte.”

Quinten was about to look back at his way when he suddenly bumped on Vixen’s back. She was frozen. Quinten rubbed his nose and glared at her, without realizing that they just arrived in front of the old mill.

“It’s…It’s horrific...”